โI canโt let other people see me, especially those who know meโฆ Iโll only put them in danger! I will drag them into this mess, and I cannot bear that in my conscience.โ She said, barely whisper.Louelitaโs voice wavered, her emotions cracking through every syllable. Her fists clenched tightly on her lap, nails pressing into her skin as she trembled. Her vision blurred with tears, but she didnโt care. A bitter sob escaped her throat as she shook her head, her mind spiraling into the depths of despair.โYou shouldnโt have saved meโฆ Those who want me dead will look for my body. They will make sure Iโm dead.โThe words tumbled from her lips before she could stop them. It didnโt matterโno one cared about her well-being anyway. Only Sister Faith was concerned about her well-being. That was the only person she worried about, the only person whose life she could not afford to ruin.Her shoulders shuddered as she buried her face into her hands, muffling her cries. The overwhelming tide of help
Ezraโs patience was wearing thin. He was pissed at everyone.For the past few days, Louelita had been deliberately avoiding him, and he knew exactly why. Omar. His right-hand man had a way of saying things that made the woman uncomfortable. She was keeping her distanceโnot out of resentment, but because she wanted him to focus on his work.But how could he concentrate when she was constantly in his thoughts?โF*ck,โ he muttered under his breath, leaning back in his chair, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose.The maids had been talking. He overheard them whispering about how Louelita had accidentally listened in on his conversation with Omar the day before.And now, she probably thought she was a burden to him.Ezra clenched his jaw. Thatโs not true. If anything, she was the reason he worked harder. The thought of herโher quiet presence, her careful way of speaking, her scent that lingered in his bedroom even when she wasn't thereโmotivated him to finish his work quickly and return
Louelita bit the inside of her lower lip, her discomfort evident as the maids and guards continued to stand before her, waiting for her order. Their expectant gazes made her shift uneasily in her chair. Why were they treating her like she was made of delicate glass, something that could shatter with the slightest mishandling?She just wanted a safe place to rest, heal, and regain her strength. But Ezra had given her so much more. He was treating her as if she were royalty. The maids fluttered around her, their eyes lowered in deference. Even the armed men who guarded the estate seemed ready to bend over backward for her, waiting for the slightest hint of a command to fulfill. It was overwhelming.With a sigh, Louelita finally waved a hand, dismissing them wordlessly. She didnโt need anything. She just wanted to be left alone, but they hesitated, still lingering nearby as if afraid to turn their backs on her.Ezra must have given them strict orders.It had been Ezra himself who had car
Before Ezra even stepped off the helicopter, he could already see the commotion unfolding below. His men were swarming around someone like a colony of frantic ants. His brows furrowed deeply.โWhat the f*ck is going on?โ he demanded, his voice laced with irritation, and his jaw tightening.โIโll handle it right away, boss,โ the pilot quickly assured him, glancing at his boss, who was intently watching the chaos below. A lump formed in the pilotโs throat as he noted the sheer fury in Ezraโs expression.Outside, his men were running back and forth, their hurried movements visible from the helicopter as it descended toward the estateโs private helipad.โMake it happen now! Those fuckers are doing shit behind my back!โ Ezra barked his order, his voice sharp and commanding.Before the helicopter had even fully landed, Ezra jumped out, his long strides carrying him straight into his mansion. His heartbeat pounded against his ribs as he pushed forward, the urgent tension tightening his chest
Louelita woke up to a strange, heavy sensation on her chest. Her lashes fluttered slightly before her eyes fully opened, adjusting to the dim, warm glow of the grand chandelier hanging above her. The opulence of the room was still something she wasnโt used toโluxury was a foreign concept to her. Even though she had spent some time here, the sheer elegance surrounding her still made her feel out of place.For a moment, she lay still, her body stiff, trying to gather her thoughts. But when she attempted to move, she realized she couldnโt. A warm weight was pressing against her chest, restricting her movements. Confused, she turned her head slightly, and that was when she saw him.Ezra.Her breath hitched in her throat, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs. He was right beside herโclose enough that she could feel the gentle rise and fall of his breathing.Why is he here?She wanted to say somethingโto call his name, to wake him upโbut her voice refused to cooperate. Her lips part
Ezra Slainโs patience was already dwindling when he heard the familiar, almost playful voice of one of his men.โBoss, we called you about ten times after our plane landed. Iโm guessing you were a little... preoccupied with the Lady, which is why you didnโt answer our calls.โIt was Primo who spoke, his voice carrying a teasing lilt.Louelita, seated quietly beside Ezra, turned to look at the four men standing in front of them. This was the first time sheโd truly paid attention to their faces, and now that she did, she couldnโt help but notice how eerily similar they looked. Their features, their expressionsโeverything about them screamed familiarity.Theyโre brothers, she thought. They have to be.Before she could dwell on it any further, Ezraโs sharp voice cut through the air like a blade.โI didnโt hear my phone ring. Donโt make me look like a foolโIโm not an idiot like you,โ he snapped, leveling a cold glare at the four men, who merely shook their heads in feigned disbelief.Lolit
โAre you absolutely sure itโs safe for me to be out in public?โ Louelita asked again, her voice laced with uncertainty as she fidgeted in her seat.Ezra, who had already reassured her several times, let out a soft chuckle. He understood her anxiety and had no intention of making her feel guilty about it. His grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel as he turned to glance at her.โYour disguise is flawless, Vita Mia. No one will recognize you, I promise,โ he said with unwavering confidence.Louelita lowered her gaze to her lap, lightly tracing the fabric of the simple yet elegant dress she wore. Unlike her usual attire, today she had been completely transformedโher hair was tucked beneath a short wig, her natural eye color concealed by contact lenses, and a touch of professional makeup added just enough to alter her usual features. The effort Ezra had put into this was extensive. He had even hired a professional stylist and a makeup artist, both of whom were members of his Mafia.
Louelita took a step back, her brows knitting together as she turned to look at Ezra with wide, incredulous eyes. โWaitโฆ I thought we were going to the mall?โ she asked, her voice laced with confusion.Ezra smirked, the corner of his lips curving into a teasing grin. โYes, Vita Mia, we are going to a mall,โ he said smoothly. โBut I never said it would be in the Philippines.โLouelitaโs jaw nearly dropped as she stared at him in shock. โWhat?!โEzra had orchestrated everything down to the finest detailโnot for himself, but for her. He wanted this moment to be perfect, something unforgettable. He knew that Louelita had never traveled internationally like this before. It wasnโt just about the shopping trip; there was also a minor business transaction waiting for him at their destination. Still, the real reason was hers.โButโฆ I donโt even have a passport! And I never planned on getting one,โ Louelita protested, her voice rising in frustration as she walked beside him.Ezra suddenly stopp
โAre you sure about this, Ez?โ Louelita asked nervously, pacing back and forth in the grand suite. Her hands kept adjusting the intricate folds of the gown she was wearing, a nervous habit she couldn't suppress.The woman was draped in a stunning modern Filipiniana-style black ball gown, its fabric cascading elegantly to the floor, adorned with exquisite gold beading that shimmered under the soft lighting. Every stitch of the dress had been carefully designed to complement the regal presence she was about to command. Around her neck and ears gleamed a set of diamond jewellery, gifts from Ezra. He had provided her with everything she could ever need, and though she still struggled to accept the extravagance, she couldnโt deny the beauty of it all.Their outfits had been meticulously coordinatedโher gown perfectly complementing Ezraโs sharp black tuxedo, making them look like royalty about making a grand entrance.The entire setup was complete. Tonight was the night their plans would un
The harassment from her parents has happened multiple times now. Again and again, they kept showing up, beseeching, pleading, and trying to manipulate her into giving in. Louelita was exhausted. She was so tired of facing them, tired of hearing their desperate excuses, especially now that they were practically on their knees, groveling to avoid prison.Ezra stood in front of her, as usual, his imposing figure shielding her from the two wretched people who had the audacity to call themselves her parents. His sharp, icy stare bore into them, utterly unimpressed by their theatrics. It was a Sunday morning, a time when most couples would be enjoying a peaceful moment together. But not them. Not when these people refused to let her be.โWe donโt want anything to do with you two.โ Ezraโs voice was calm, but the venom in his tone was unmistakable. โFor people like you, jail is the best option. You only have yourselves to blame for selling and using drugs.โHe rolled his eyes in disgust. He m
Louelita felt like she was floating on air as they arrived at Ezraโs house. She couldnโt stop smiling, even in the presence of other people. It was as if nothing else mattered in that moment, as if the world had faded into the background.Ezra had confessed his feelings for her.She sat in the garden, basking in the afterglow of that revelation, waiting for him to return. He had temporarily retired to his office, but he had assured her that he would return by three in the afternoon. She had been enveloped in a dreamy haze since they had arrived in the Philippines at precisely noon, and she had been giggling to herself like a fool as she consumed her lunch.โOur Queen Lou is in a fantastic mood,โ Vito teased, grinning at her knowingly.Louelita responded with nothing but a dreamy smile, her mind still stuck on Ezraโs words.โIt seems like we donโt exist in her world right now, brother,โ Primo added, shaking his head in amusement.Despite the bruises and split lips they had suffered fro
Since they arrived at his fatherโs house, Louelita had been hugging Ezra. This house was in the middle of nowhere, and it was guarded by a large number of guards. Ezra decided to spend the entire night here because it was too arduous for his wife.After introducing Louelita to the old man, the old man and Louelita spoke with each other. Even though the old man looked stern, his heart was soft, especially to those like Louelita.โCazzo! You shouldn't just shoot them in the back of the head. They nearly auctioned off my daughter-in-law! Tell me you didnโt just leave that building without destroying it?!โ The old man was also very supportive of his son and was not impoverished.Louelita only listened and only answered when the old man spoke to her. She trusted only Ezra, so the manโs father understood why Louelita was like this.Ezra had also explained and told his father about the woman on the phone. Ezraโs father was also the one who enlightened the man about his feelings for Louelita.
Ezra and his men arrived at the exact location where Louelita was being held. His movements were swift and determined as he stepped off his plane, which he had independently piloted, barely touching the ground. His entire aura was dark, radiating an ominous presence that sent shivers down the spines of his men. Rage consumed him, his entire body trembling from the sheer force of his fury.When Ezra was this enraged, rational thought was beyond him. His men knew better than to meet his gaze, moving swiftly to execute his orders without hesitation. They took their positions, each prepared for the bloodbath that was about to unfold. Omar and the Alessio siblings were present as well. Though wounded from previous battles, the Alessio brothers had insisted on coming. They needed to atone for their past failure to protect Ezra and Louelita.โI want every single person involved in running this auction dead,โ Ezra ordered coldly. His voice was void of emotion, but the weight of his words made
Ezra was in a blind rage.โFuck! This is bullshit! A bunch of idiots!โ he roared, his voice echoing through the lavishly furnished room. His men stood before him, heads bowed in silent submission. They knew better than to speak when their boss was in this state. Each of them bore injuries, wounds inflicted not only by the enemy but by Ezra himself.Bandages covered their heads, bruises marked their faces, and some had limbs in casts. Vito and Elio had their shoulders wrapped in slings, while Primo leaned on crutches, a bullet wound in his leg slowing him down. Inizio clutched his side, where a gunshot had barely missed a vital organ. Their bodies were battered, and their egos even more so.But none of that mattered.What mattered was that they had failed their boss.Worse, they had lost her.They hadnโt expected the enemyโs ambush. Hired assassins and rival factions had come for them simultaneously, swarming the vehicles carrying Louelita. They had been outnumbered, underarmed, and un
Inside the orphanage, Louelitaโs guards remained vigilant. They were under strict orders from Ezraโprotect Louelita at all costs. The atmosphere inside was lively, with children laughing and running around as they received toys and food from her. Their eyes sparkled with joy, their small hands clutching onto the gifts like precious treasures. Seeing their excitement warmed Louelitaโs heart.She was disguised as always. Today, she wore striking blue contact lenses, a large mole strategically placed on the right side of her nose, and a wig that framed her delicate face. Despite the disguise, she carried herself with elegance, effortlessly interacting with the orphans as if she belonged there.Yet, inside, Louelita was struggling to keep her emotions in check. She had to bite the inside of her cheek to suppress the overwhelming urge to cry. She had never expected to see these familiar faces again. Walking into this place had been a gamble, and her heart pounded with anxiety at the though
Louelita stretched her limbs, her body feeling light and free. A soft smile formed on her lips as she stared at the ceiling, lost in her thoughts.She was grateful.Grateful that Ezra had saved her.Her life now was significantly better than before, when she had been all aloneโdrifting without direction, surviving rather than living. Now, she had a place where she felt safe, where she wasnโt constantly looking over her shoulder.Yesterday, they had just returned from Spain.Before coming home, they had traveled around, visiting different places. Their last stop had been La Concha, a breathtaking beach with golden sand stretching as far as the eye could see. They had dined at a restaurant overlooking the vast ocean, the waves shimmering under the afternoon sun.Louelita had been captivated by the view, her heart swelling with awe. She hadnโt been able to put into words how beautiful it was, so instead, she had done the next best thingโshe had taken countless photos.She didnโt own a ph
Ezra carefully adjusted Louelita in the car seat, his firm hands steadying her as she bit her lower lip, her entire face burning with embarrassment. She turned away, hiding herself from his gaze.Who wouldnโt be mortified? The events of the previous night were still fresh in her mind, no matter how much she had tried to push them away. Even in her intoxicated state, she had been fully aware of what had transpired between them. And now, the worst partโshe could barely walk. Every inch of her body ached, a constant reminder of her reckless surrender.Ezra, noticing her discomfort, let out a deep chuckle, his lips curling into an amused smirk. He gently guided her down into the seat, but as soon as she was settled, she immediately buried her face in his chest, as though she could hide from the world.โDonโt laugh at me! Such behavior is humiliating!โ she mumbled, her voice muffled against his firm torso.Ezraโs laughter only deepened as he ran his fingers through her silky hair, enjoying