[ Valeria ]We chose to drive than option for a train ride to the beautiful place called Atrani. We also hailed a ferry to reach at the off shore island where most of the old buildings erected on a cliff. Our destination was still three kilometers away.An exhausted Alexander slept on the chair.The far stretched blue sea, bright sun and mild breeze, added romance in the air. Ashton was standing near the railing. So, I went to stand beside him."I feel like I'm living a dream." I whispered observing the beauty of the place as far as my eyes could show me."There's a plenty to explore but today, we'll settle down in the house that rented for next two days." Ashton said."You came here before?" I tilted to glance at the Greek God in living flesh.His tanned skin gave him a more handsome touch."Yes, twice or thrice in a year. This place is my escape to attain some peace." He answered but I thought there was more, his blue eyes tried to veil something beneath them."Wow! That's a life I
[ Valeria ]Exhausted from a full day's travel under a scorching sun and humid ocean wind, I worn out, climbing a set of uncountable steps is another excruciating addition. The villa is a heaven if I have to describe it in short. I feel like I'm living in a fantasy world.I and Alexander couldn't hold our excitement and we ended up going for swim as soon as our luggage waw settled in our rooms. We spent two hours on the shore while his father watched over us with a scowl.We returned not a while ago. Alexander bathed and currently sleeping whereas I waited for Ashton to return who has been busy over a phone call for last ten minutes. He keeps his business a personal affair from me. His behavior is dubious. I have a strong feeling that he is hiding something from me.The giant room gives a panoramic view of the ocean and clusters of small island, this place is totally cut off from the modernity of our world. Classic Italian culture can be lived here."Beautiful."I heard Ashton's husk
[ Ashton ]I've laid awake in the bed, staring at the ceiling which had a beautiful pietra dura work. I heard the loud crashing of waves on the rocks and faint yelling of marine guards on the drunken youngsters.No matter how much I tossed and turned, sleep was far away from my eyes whereas Valeria was snoring peacefully and I didn't want to disturb her sleep. It had been a very long and tiring day for her and Alexander.The pillow felt really uncomfortable under my head. I let out a frustrated sigh and silently, I slipped out of the bed. It'd be a really long night, I guess.I picked my cigarette pack and lighter before heading to the balcony. I needed some time to clear my head off. Valeria is exposed to the threats of my world.I lit the cigarette and took a deep whiff. I closed my eyes and thought about my life before Valeria came and flipped my world upside down.Suddenly, my phone vibrated showing Victor's number. My frown deepened. It was twelve in the midnight. He never calls a
[ Ashton ]“Johny, my favourite Johny. It’s really nice to see you after a long time.”I looked directly in those eyes, pure fear of death was all I could see in their depth. Human nature is strange, it can change in a blink of moment. If I set him free and hand him a gun, he’d not wait for another second to shoot me in the skull.“So, Johny tell me. Why did you betray me? How did this idea come in this pretty mind of yours?” I tapped my gun on his forehead and he yelped.“Sir…Si...Sir…please..let me..go.” He begged me and his heart wrenching pleads were like music to my ears.“I am sorry, Johnny. I can’t let you go because it’d mean I have to break the rules of my business. I set these rules. How can I breach them myself?” I added drama and before he could grasp my words, I punched him on the face.His screams filled the emptiness of the room.“Johny, you’re going to die, it’s unavoidable but you can still save your family if you tell me what is my brother planning to do with my ship
[ Valeria ]Quiet shuffling around me, woke me from my deep slumber and I blinked my drowsy eyes a few times to take in the illumination of a bright room. It’s morning, I slept like a panda for hours but now I feel recharged. I tried stretching my arms when I realised that I was caged under a strong and heavy arm. I craned my neck and met with the most beautiful pair of icy eyes like azure blue water.“Do not stare at me like I am a piece of meat, Valeria. You’re creeping me.” His sleepy yet deep morning voice killed the comfortable silence and I was pulled back into the present.What’s wrong with me? I was drooling on him who practically ridiculed me.I abruptly sprang up and slipped out of the bed. It was quite embarrassing because his intense eyes were darted on me without a blink. He could see through my souls. He also rose from the bed and walked towards me in a panther like grace, his eyes never faltering which made my knees buckle.“You didn’t wish me good morning, Valeria. Whe
[ Valeria ]Was it wrong to feel those unsatiated emotions that a man crushed under the weight of his pride and ambitions?I looked at the empty spot beside me, a while ago Alexander was sitting here, showing me the sea shells he collected but his father was busy over the phone, the cold and distant man was back on the surface.What was I truly expecting?I simply asked him to watch the sunset with me but he refused flatly saying he isn’t my Romeo or even worse Liam who’d do such childish things and went away to take his call. A part of me felt that I am born to be alone.An unbelievable amount of hurt pierced through my already wounded heart as I looked at his silhouette in the almost gone sunlight.“Do not expect me to play an ideal husband for you.”His distant words echoed in my mind like a record on repeat mode. I felt terrible as I always succumb to his charms and let him have his way with me but he want us to not cross the line he drew between pleasure and something real.Being
[ Valeria ]“You didn’t tell me, Val.” Ashton broke the silence with his raised brows and curious eyes darted on me whereas I was eating small portion of my food.What’s with my nickname?“Told you what?” I placed my fork down and gave him a confused look.“Your food preference. You didn’t tell me specifically when I asked you about your likes and dislikes in general.” He said.“I am not a picky eater so you don’t worry about my food preferences.” I told him in the briefest sentence because talking to him felt awkward.“That’s a good answer. Julia doesn’t like whiny eaters. She called me in the evening to know about your food habits so she can schedule our weekly meals.” He said and resumed eating.“Who is Julia?” I frowned.“Head cook in our house, she manages the kitchen.” He answered.I said nothing further because my mind was no less than a ball of yarn, tangled with many layers. This man is a mystery, he gives air to my curiosity but I have signed a legal agreement with him. I ha
[ Valeria ]“Okay, I got it. You won’t tell me anything but can we at least do some preparations before we visit Mr. Rodriguez, your father?” I broke the silence of long hours between us.He threw a side glance in my direction and again focused them on the computer screen. This man works tirelessly. Sometimes, I wonder if he’s a robot like a science fiction movie because he hardly sleeps for five to six hours.“We won’t be staying there for long so don’t over stress yourself and prepare for your interview. You’ll be working in my company as an intern for next six months so the company seniors will evaluate your skills and your growth. You’ll start from Monday.’ He said without looking up and I spit the juice I was slurping.“What?” I blinked my eyes widely at him but he hardly showed any expression.“I don’t think you have some hearing problems, Val. You heard me correctly so you should rather focus on your own life than the unnecessary events. You have nothing to concern about becaus
[ Valeria ] “Watch out! You’ll miss the shot, Alex.” I shouted and the boy kicked the ball and hit a goal against his father.I clapped for him and the duo walked back to me, both sweating and huffing under the sun.“I beat him, Val. I am getting better in my soccer game.” Alex exclaimed with pride.“I am sure one day you’ll become a great star in future.” I ruffled his hairs and handed them water as they sat down under the shady tree.“How are you feeling, love?” Ashton, my loving husband asked me with concern.“Boring, I want these exams to be over as soon as possible because I want three of us to go for a trip.” I pouted and closed the book I was reading for my final exams.“You’ll do great, Val. We have full trust in you.” he smiled and pulled me close.“I want to attend your graduation ceremony, Val.” Alex said. The boy looks more like his father as he is growing.“Yes, you are coming there. I want all my loved ones to be a part of my most important day.” I smiled.“I can’t beli
[ Valeria ]“Val, I am again saying this, please, try to understand. It’s not as easy as you think. I will make double enemies that allies I have in present if I quit this mafia life and it will eventually put everyone’s life at risk.” Ashton again started with the same subject and I kissed his lips again to shut him.“You’re Ashton Rodriguez and I know you can do anything if you decide. So, stop thinking too much and make it clear to your father that you are ready to quit your job as his puppet. Jason can have everything he wants and it will also end the feud between you and your stepbrother.” I suggested him.He shook his head, “It’s not easy, Val. My father is the devil’s incarnation in human skin. He doesn’t like disobedience and you have seen his reaction. His fury can burn down everything.” He said and suddenly something strikes my mind.“What if the root of your fears will be removed forever? Who will be there to threat you after his death?” I raised my brow and his pupils dila
[ Valeria ]I was lost in my thoughts that I didn’t realise where I was walking and bumped into someone. Before I could fall and hurt myself on the grassy ground, two strong arms held me protectively.“Are you okay?” His soft voice forced me to look at him, his beautiful eyes showed concern and somewhere emptiness.It has been a week since he revealed his real identity to me and I avoided him as much as I could because I wanted to clear my mind before taking my next decision. I started my college and it gave me an excuse to not stay much at home and the rest of the time I spend with Alexander.“Yeah, I am good.” I slowly stood on my feet and looked away.The awkwardness could be felt between us. None of us dared to say anything. He gave me space for all this time, it was very unusual of him.“Can we walk? The weather is pleasant today.” He said after a moment of silence.“Okay.” I said quietly and in the next moment, he entwined our fingers. I was surprised at first but relaxed since
[ Valeria ]“What?”I blinked my eyes few times to confirm whether I heard him saying that he is into mafia but his grave facial expressions didn’t give any hint of a dream.“Yes, I am a mafia man, in simple words. This is the truth my family had been hiding for years and now you’re the wife of the American mafia.” He said without any filter to make it sound less shocking for me.“Look, Ashton, if you don’t want to tell me the truth, I get it. You don’t need to make a lame excuse.” I rolled my eyes and lashed at him bitterly.“I do not joke around, Valeria. You demanded the truth and I gave it to you. It’s up to you if you want to believe me or not. I run the illegal business under the nose of the government. This is a risky life I have been living since I met my father and he introduced me to his shady world. Perhaps, it was the biggest mistake of my life. You and Alexander are also a part of my life but I want to keep you both away from this shit.” He said and this time I had to bel
[ Valeria ]Many questions were running in my mind and I didn’t know how should I voice them to the man who was linked to my dilemma. After meeting his father, I learnt something which compelled me to judge my previous decisions. What kind of business they do? I know it wasn’t a simple talk. When I asked Ashton, he brushed it off by his silence and during the dinner, we ate without saying a word to each other and this invisible wall was getting into my nerves.My breath got hitched when two familiar hands wrapped around my belly from behind and Ashton’s expensive scent filled my senses. I immediately relaxed under his touch. His hot breath fell on my bare neck as he buried his face in the crook of my neck. His hands slowly made patterns on my tummy which left jitters inside me.“What are you doing here at this hour, Valeria?” He whispered in my ear.“I wasn’t feeling sleepy so I came here to spend some time alone.” I answered honestly.He slowly turned me around and his hazy eyes met
[ Ashton ]“Father, you know this is not possible, keep my son out of this.” I said in a low voice while trying to keep my anger at bay. This old man was testing my patience and sanity but he seemed to enjoy seeing me running out of options.“Why? One day or other, he must bear the name Rodriguez which comes with its responsibilities. You know everything since you agreed to be known by my name than your mother’s.” He reminded me of my ugly reality.I felt others smirking since the old man said something for their satisfaction.“Alright, I have a preposition. There’s always a solution even for the hardest situation.” I sighed and matched my father’s predatory gaze. He disliked being challenged but I also don’t give up since his bloods runs in my veins.“You’re saying you found a middle ground to reach on a compromise, interesante?” He raised his brow.“Jason can control twenty-five percent of the west coast trade. I’d not meddle in his dealings but he must not try to contact my custome
[ Ashton ]“Do not respond to any unnecessary questions if you feel uncomfortable to answer. Do you hear me?” I asked Valeria who was sweating beside me as we walked our way inside my father’s house.She meekly nodded her head, “I won’t but Doris and her daughters dislike me. they never wanted Liam to marry me, yet I am still a part of Rodriguez family and it’s my first meeting with them after the wedding.” She replied.“They won’t dare to raise a question or throw a taunt at you in my presence but you have to protect yourself from such sly people. No one can save you until you give them a leverage over you.” I advised her.Before she could answer, we were escorted to the living room where my father was expecting everyone and I guess we were the last one to arrive, or should I say, I deliberately took time to reach at the lion’s den.Very few people know that he is the one who pushed me into this complex world from where I can never escape but live a dual life.I won’t let Valeria and
[ Valeria ]“Okay, I got it. You won’t tell me anything but can we at least do some preparations before we visit Mr. Rodriguez, your father?” I broke the silence of long hours between us.He threw a side glance in my direction and again focused them on the computer screen. This man works tirelessly. Sometimes, I wonder if he’s a robot like a science fiction movie because he hardly sleeps for five to six hours.“We won’t be staying there for long so don’t over stress yourself and prepare for your interview. You’ll be working in my company as an intern for next six months so the company seniors will evaluate your skills and your growth. You’ll start from Monday.’ He said without looking up and I spit the juice I was slurping.“What?” I blinked my eyes widely at him but he hardly showed any expression.“I don’t think you have some hearing problems, Val. You heard me correctly so you should rather focus on your own life than the unnecessary events. You have nothing to concern about becaus
[ Valeria ]“You didn’t tell me, Val.” Ashton broke the silence with his raised brows and curious eyes darted on me whereas I was eating small portion of my food.What’s with my nickname?“Told you what?” I placed my fork down and gave him a confused look.“Your food preference. You didn’t tell me specifically when I asked you about your likes and dislikes in general.” He said.“I am not a picky eater so you don’t worry about my food preferences.” I told him in the briefest sentence because talking to him felt awkward.“That’s a good answer. Julia doesn’t like whiny eaters. She called me in the evening to know about your food habits so she can schedule our weekly meals.” He said and resumed eating.“Who is Julia?” I frowned.“Head cook in our house, she manages the kitchen.” He answered.I said nothing further because my mind was no less than a ball of yarn, tangled with many layers. This man is a mystery, he gives air to my curiosity but I have signed a legal agreement with him. I ha