Penelope Lorenzo’s POV
“Please help me!” My voice cracked as I dropped to my knees, clutching at the hem of a nurse’s scrubs. “Please, I’m begging you! My father… he’s dying! Do something!” The nurse took a hesitant step back, her face full of pity but devoid of action to render any sort of help. “Miss, I—I’m so sorry. There’s nothing—” “There’s Nothing?” I screamed at the top of my voice, my voice echoing down the cold hospital hallway. I just didn’t care! “He’s having a stroke! A heart attack! Do you understand? My father, He’s in pain! You have to save him! He is all I’ve got, please!” I yelled more on seeing no one was ready to help me out. “We’re doing all we can,” another nurse murmured, but her words felt hollow. Her gaze darted away from mine, as if she couldn’t bear to look at me. Was I looking so terrible that everyone kept avoiding my gaze? Why wouldn’t they just help me save my father? That’s all I’m pleading for! “No, you’re not doing anything!” I yelled and burst into more tears. The tears streamed down my face like raindrops. “Please! Someone help him! You’ve got to help him!” I turned to the room full of medical staff, their white coats and scrubs blurring together. “Why are you all just standing there? Just do something! Anything at all, is fine!” “Miss, please calm down,” a young male doctor said, stepping forward cautiously. “Crying this much isn’t going to help matters. Rather, you’re hurting yourself! We understand your distress, but the specialists are in surgery, and—” “I don’t fucking care about your surgery!” I cut him off, slamming my fists on the cold tile floor. “My father is in a life and death situation! He is dying right now! Please, I’ll do anything! Just save him!” My cries turned into deep, heaving sobs as I pressed my forehead to the ground. My body shook violently, the weight of helplessness crushing me. “He is all I have,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Please, don’t let him die…” The hallway grew silent, save for my broken sobs. For a moment, I thought no one would come forward. Then, a deep, calm voice broke through the tension. “Hey, Miss.” I looked up to see an elderly doctor stepping out of one of the rooms. His silver hair glinted under the fluorescent lights, and his eyes bore into mine. He adjusted the glasses on his nose as he crouched down to my level. “I’m Dr. Harry,” he said softly. “I’ll do everything in my power to save your father.” A gasp escaped my lips. “Y-you will?” I clutched his hand tightly, desperation laced in my grip. He nodded. “Yes. But there’s one condition.” “Anything,” I blurted out, my voice hoarse. “I’ll do anything!” “You’ll need to pay the deposit first,” he said, his tone gentle but stern. The word ‘deposit’ hit me like a punch to the stomach. My chest tightened as I stared at him, wide-eyed. “How much is the deposit?” “Five thousand dollars,” the nurse beside him interjected, her voice barely above a whisper. “Five thousand… what!” I repeated, my voice trailing off. My fingers slackened off his hand as my mind raced. “I don’t—I don’t have that kind of money!” Dr. Harry placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry, but it’s hospital policy. Without the deposit, I can’t proceed. Go find the money. I’ll do my best to stabilize him while you’re gone.” My lips trembled as fresh tears spilled down my cheeks. “Thank you,” I choked out, bowing my head. “Thank you so much! I promise, I’ll get it.” I staggered to my feet, wiping my tears with trembling hands. My legs felt like they were made of lead as I ran down the hospital corridor. The sound of my labored breaths echoed around me. “Where do I find five thousand dollars?” I whispered to myself, my voice shaking. “Who do I even contact?” As I rounded a corner, the strap of my right slipper snapped. “No, no, no!” I cried out, stumbling forward. My knee hit the ground with a sickening thud. Blood pooled beneath me, but I didn’t care. “Get up,” I muttered, forcing myself to stand. “Keep moving.” “Miss, are you okay?” a nurse called out, rushing toward me. “I’m fine!” I snapped, dragging my injured leg as I pushed forward. “Miss, wait! You’re bleeding!” “I don’t care!” I screamed over my shoulder, my voice cracking. Pain shot through my leg with every step, but I refused to stop. As I ran, I bumped into a hospital bed parked at a side in the hallway. The sharp metal edge jabbed into my ribs, knocking the air out of me. “Arghh!” I cried out, clutching my side. Warm blood trickled down my arm from where the bed had scraped my skin. “Miss, stop! You’re hurt!” “Leave me alone!” I yelled, tears blinding my vision. The hospital exit loomed ahead. I stumbled toward it, my heart hammering in my chest. The cool evening air hit my face as I burst outside. The world around me was chaotic—cars honking, people shouting—but it all felt distant. My only focus was getting across the road to find help. “Hey, stop right there!” someone shouted behind me, but I didn’t look back. Why should I spare them a glance? Were they going to help me sort out my father’s hospital bill? I stepped off the curb, my swollen eyes fixed on the opposite side of the street. The screech of tires filled my ears, but it was already too late. The car slammed into me with a force that sent my body flying through the air. Time seemed to freeze as I twisted and tumbled, my arms flailing helplessly. Pain exploded in every part of my body when I hit the ground. The sound of car doors slamming and people shouting faded into the background. My vision blurred, the edges darkening. And then, everything went black.The hum of the engine was steady as we glided down the dimly lit streets of Los Angeles. The city looked deceptively peaceful, a thin layer of fog clinging to the edges of the road like a ghostly veil.I sat in the backseat of my sleek black car, my gloved hands resting loosely on my knees. My mask—a staple of my identity—covered the lower half of my face. It wasn’t for protection; it was a symbol. A warning. Brayden Giovanni wasn’t a man to be crossed.“Luca,” I said, my voice low but commanding.“Yes, boss?” Luca, my driver and personal assistant, kept his eyes on the road ahead. He was an older man, maybe in his late fifties, with graying hair and sharp instincts. He’d been with me for over a decade, loyal and efficient.“How do you think the deal went?”“The deal?” he echoed, glancing briefly at me in the rearview mirror. “Smoothly, as expected. Those Colombians didn’t dare argue once they saw we came prepared.”I let out a small grunt of approval. “Good. They needed to understa
Brayden Giovanni’s POV“Be careful with her,” I barked as the nurses rushed forward, carrying the unconscious woman into the hospital. My tone left no room for argument.Blood was smeared across her face and arms, her clothing torn in places, revealing deep gashes and bruises. Her head lolled to the side as they laid her on the stretcher. I didn’t miss the faint rise and fall of her chest. She was alive, barely.“Yes, sir,” one of the nurses stammered, visibly shaken by my presence.“Move faster,” I growled, following close behind as they wheeled her toward the emergency ward.The hospital’s fluorescent lights flickered above us, casting a harsh glow on the chaos around me. The moment we entered, the staff seemed to freeze, their eyes darting toward me before scurrying to action. My reputation preceded me, even here.“Get the best doctors available,” I ordered sharply. “I want her stabilized immediately.”“Yes, Mr. Giovanni,” a nurse said, her voice trembling as she rushed to comply.
Penelope’s POVThe silence in the room was deafening. I sat on the hospital bed, staring blankly at the wall in front of me that suddenly looked so interesting to me.My body felt heavy, like a weight was pressing me down, but nothing could compare to the crushing void inside my chest. I felt so empty— Like something had left me the moment I discovered my father couldn’t make it out of this cruel hospital alive!I didn’t cry. I couldn’t cry. There were no more tears left.“Miss Lorenzo,” the deep voice broke into my thoughts and the silence of the room, pulling me out of my trance.I turned my head slightly, barely registering the man standing by the door. Brayden Giovanni. The stranger who brought me here, who claimed to have hit me with his car. I didn’t care who he was. Nothing mattered anymore.“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low and calm.I let out a bitter laugh, hollow and lifeless. “Am I okay?” I repeated, shaking my head. “What kind of question is that?”He stepped close
Brayden’s POVThe morning light spilled over the hospital driveway as Luca and I waited for Penelope Lorenzo to finish her discharge process. I had instructed Luca to handle the hospital fees first thing this morning. It wasn’t a question of cost; it was about resolving the mess I’d inadvertently caused.Penelope finally appeared, her steps slow and hesitant. She was clutching her bag tightly, her wary eyes darting from me to Luca and then back to the car.“Miss Lorenzo,” I said, gesturing toward the black sedan parked by the curb. “This way.”She hesitated, her fingers tightening around the bag’s strap. Then, with a barely audible sigh, she stepped forward and slid into the back seat. I followed, sitting beside her. Luca, as always, took the driver’s seat without a word.As the car pulled away, I felt her shift uncomfortably in her seat. Her silence was heavy, but I didn’t mind waiting.Finally, she cleared her throat, her voice uncertain. “Um…”I glanced at her. “Yes?”“What kind of
Chapter 6 Brayden’s sleek black car screeched to a halt in front of Giovanni Industries, and he wasted no time stepping out. His towering figure, clad in a sharp black Tuxedo suit cut an imposing silhouette.Without a word, he stormed toward the towering building, his long strides purposeful, while Luca hurried behind him, his weathered face tense.“Luca,” Brayden barked as they entered the elevator.“Go straight to the surveillance room. I want the footage from my office pulled immediately and sent to my computer. No delays.”“Yes, sir,” Luca said with a curt nod, though his voice held a hint of unease knowing it was all his fault.The elevator doors slid open with a ding, and Brayden strode out.Employees scattered to clear his path, their heads bowed.He pushed open the door to his expansive office, the tension rolling off him like waves.The usual pristine order of the space now felt suffocating, every detail reminding him of the audacity of someone daring to infiltrate his
Penelope walked up the grand staircase of the Giovanni mansion, her mind replaying the tense encounter with Anya’s bodyguard. She could still feel the disdain in the woman’s glare, sharp and unwelcome. Trying to shake off the discomfort, she focused on her footsteps. But as she neared the upper floor, voices floated through the air.“I told you, Anya, you need to wash your hands first,” an older voice said, gentle but firm.It was Inez, standing near a slightly ajar door. She was speaking to the little girl, who was still clutching her backpack. The bodyguard stood nearby, arms crossed and face set in a stony expression. With the look on her face and the way she has spoken to Penelope earlier, Penelope hesitated.She was unsure whether to interrupt them, but Inez caught sight of her and beckoned her forward.“Miss Lorenzo,” Inez called. “Come here for a moment please.”Penelope sighed, knowing she'd be caught and there’s no running back. She gently descended the final step cautio
In Anya’s room, Penelope knelt by the little girl, helping her out of her school uniform. “There we go, all done,” Penelope said with a warm smile as she folded the small blouse and skirt neatly. “Now, let’s find something comfy for you to wear. What do you think?”Anya tugged at the hem of her undershirt, eyeing Penelope curiously. “Are you always this neat?” she asked, tilting her head.Penelope chuckled, smoothing a crease in the folded uniform. “I guess I like things tidy. My mom always said a clean space keeps your mind clear.”Anya giggled as she pulled on a pair of soft cotton pants and a matching top. “Do you clean your room every day?”“I try to,” Penelope replied, brushing Anya’s hair lightly with her fingers. “But what about you, Miss Anya? What do you like to do? Any hobbies?”Anya shrugged, sitting cross-legged on the edge of her bed.“I like reading. And drawing. But…” She hesitated, then looked at Penelope with wide eyes. “Do you know how to make cake?”“Cake?” Penelop
Back in Anya’s room, Penelope wiped the crumbs from Anya’s mouth as the little girl yawned sleepily. “That was the best cake ever,” Anya mumbled, her words slurring slightly from exhaustion.“I’m really glad you liked it, Anya,” Penelope said softly, placing the empty plate on the bedside table. “Now, it’s time for bed, young lady.”“But I’m not sleepy,” Anya protested, rubbing her eyes and betraying her words.Penelope chuckled. “Not sleepy, huh? Then why are your eyes barely open?” She asked with a sly grin on her face.Anya shrugged without uttering a word. Penelope took that as her clue and gently guided Anya to lie down on her bed, tucking the blanket around her snugly.“Will you sing me a lullaby?” Anya asked, looking up at her with wide, innocent eyes.“Of course I can. Do you have a favorite or I could pick one?” Penelope asked with a warm smile. “No I don’t. You should pick one. I know it’s going to sound good coming from you since you have an angelic voice.” Anya said, ma
Penelope stirred awake in the middle of the night, feeling warmth on both sides of her body. As her eyes fluttered open, she realized she was still in Anya’s room, wrapped in the soft comforter with the little girl nestled against her chest.She turned her head slightly and saw Brayden lying on the other side of Anya, his arm draped protectively over his daughter. His breathing was deep and even, his usually sharp features softened in sleep.A strange warmth settled in Penelope’s chest. She had never seen him like this before—so unguarded, so human.For a moment, she just lay there, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest.But then reality settled in.She shouldn’t be here.Carefully, she peeled Anya’s tiny arms from around her waist and slipped out of bed. She stood slowly, making sure not to wake them, and tiptoed toward the door.The hallway was dimly lit, the estate unusually quiet at this hour. As she walked toward her room, she caught
Brayden Giovanni was a man who thrived on control. He built an empire by keeping his emotions in check, by ensuring that nothing—no one—distracted him from his goals.And yet, Penelope had become a distraction.Ever since he had rescued her, ever since he had carried her into his villa and kissed her when she was asleep, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind.That was a problem.A problem he intended to fix.So, he did what he always did—he buried himself in work.The moment he arrived at Giovanni Enterprises, Luca was already waiting for him outside his office.“Sir,” Luca greeted, falling into step beside him. “The board has called an urgent meeting. They want your input on the new marketing strategies before the campaign goes live.”Brayden adjusted his cufflinks, barely reacting. “What’s the issue?”Luca handed him a folder. “Some concerns about the branding approach. The marketing team is waiting in the conference room.”Brayden
Penelope stirred, a soft groan escaping her lips as she shifted under the unfamiliar sheets. Her body ached, and a dull throbbing pounded at the back of her head.Her eyelashes fluttered open, and for a long moment, she just lay there, her mind foggy and disoriented.Where was she?The last thing she remembered was going to the bathroom at the gala. She had felt strange, her body unusually warm, her vision blurring. Then—A hand.A cloth covering her mouth.And then, nothing.Panic flared in her chest as she pushed herself up, her breathing uneven. The room spun around her, and she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to regain her balance.When she finally managed to open them again, she took in her surroundings.It was a bedroom, but not hers.The walls were a soft cream color, and the only window was placed high up, letting in thin streaks of daylight. There was a simple bed in the corner, a thick blanket draped over it. A small wooden nightstand
Victoria Monroe stormed out of Brayden’s estate, her heels clicking against the marble floors as she made her way to her waiting car. The confrontation with him had left a sour taste in her mouth, but she had expected his resistance.He thought he was untouchable.He thought he had control.But he had no idea what she was capable of.Slipping into the backseat, she pulled out her phone and dialed a secure number.“Drive,” she ordered the chauffeur without looking up.The line clicked, and a gruff male voice answered. “Yes, Ms. Monroe?”Victoria’s lips curled into a cold smirk. “I’m on my way. Get everything ready.”She ended the call and leaned back against the leather seat.Tonight, she would teach Penelope a lesson.—The abandoned warehouse sat on the outskirts of the city, a decrepit building surrounded by nothing but darkness and silence. It was the perfect place for punishment.Victoria stepped out of the car, the cold night air
Brayden sat in his study, his fingers drumming rhythmically against the wooden surface of his desk. His gray eyes were cold, calculating, as he replayed the earlier confrontation with Victoria Monroe in his mind.She had been smug—too smug. The way she had carried herself, the confidence in her voice, the way she smirked as if she had already won.But she had made one fatal mistake.She had underestimated him.Brayden picked up his phone and dialed a secure number. The call barely rang twice before it was answered.“Boss?” came Luca’s voice, quiet but alert.“Follow her,” Brayden ordered, his tone clipped. “I want to know exactly where she goes. Keep your distance. Do not engage until I say so.”“Yes, sir,” Luca confirmed. “She won’t see us coming.”Brayden ended the call and leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly.If his instincts were right—and they always were—Victoria wasn’t going home to sulk. She was going straight to where she had hidden
Brayden was seated in his office, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand, when his phone buzzed on the desk. He glanced at the screen, his eyes narrowing at the blocked number.Without hesitation, he picked it up and swiped to open the message.“Tick tock, darling. Every second wasted is a second closer to your precious Penelope’s last breath. Make the right choice. Let’s not make this messy.”Victoria.His jaw clenched so tightly that a sharp ache spread through his temples.She was playing with fire.Brayden took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. Anger clouded judgment, and he needed his mind sharp.He quickly forwarded the message to Luca, adding a simple yet deadly instruction.“Find Penelope within 24 hours or your head will roll like a dice on the floor.”Luca’s response was instant.“Already on it, boss. I won’t fail.”Brayden exhaled sharply, setting his whiskey aside. He didn’t have time to sit here drinking. There w
Brayden had barely stepped away from the chaos of the gala when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out, his sharp gray eyes narrowing as he saw the name flashing across the screen.Victoria Monroe.His jaw tightened as he accepted the call, bringing the phone to his ear.“What do you want, Victoria?” His voice was flat, laced with irritation.A soft chuckle echoed through the line, her tone dripping with amusement. “Oh, Brayden, is that any way to greet your future wife?”His fingers curled into a fist at his side. “You’re delusional.”“Am I?” she mused. “Because I think you’ll find yourself very much engaged to me in the next few hours.”Brayden’s brows furrowed. “What the hell are you talking about?”Victoria hummed lightly. “Check your messages, darling. I sent you something interesting.”Brayden pulled the phone away from his ear and tapped into his inbox. A new message awaited him, and as soon as he clicked on it, his breath still
Brayden stood near the back of the grand ballroom, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd as he mentally prepared himself for what was about to unfold. The night had been running smoothly so far, but the real event was just about to begin.The host of the gala, an older gentleman with graying hair and a distinguished presence, stepped onto the elevated stage at the far end of the room. He tapped the microphone twice, gathering the attention of the guests as the classical music in the background faded into silence.“Ladies and gentlemen,” the host began, his voice carrying across the room, “tonight, we celebrate not just wealth and power, but partnerships that shape the future of our industries. And to begin this prestigious evening, I would like to invite the man of the hour, our gracious host, and one of the most influential businessmen of our time—Mr. Brayden Giovanni.”A round of applause echoed through the room as all eyes turned toward him. Brayden adjusted his
Victoria Monroe stepped out of the steaming shower, the soft glow of candlelight flickering against the marbled bathroom walls. The scent of lavender and vanilla filled the air as she wrapped herself in a plush robe, letting her damp blonde curls cascade over her shoulders.As she stepped into her bedroom, her gaze landed on a small white envelope resting neatly on the glass table near her bedside.Her brows lifted slightly. She hadn’t heard anyone come in.Intrigued, she walked over, plucking the envelope between her manicured fingers.The wax seal was embossed with the emblem of Giovanni Industries.A slow smirk curled at her lips.So, they had pulled through after all.Victoria slid her finger beneath the seal, tearing it open with practiced ease. Inside was an elegantly designed invitation, the golden lettering spelling out the details of tonight’s grand gala.Her blue eyes flickered with satisfaction.Of course, she was already attending