LOGINShare
CHAPTER 16: IVAN
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 17: LUCIA
It's way past breakfast time now, and I'm in my bed fighting for my life. It really sucks. Breakfast is mostly the only time I get to see Ivan throughout the entire day because he gets back really late at night when I'm asleep. Last night was the first time he ever got back that early. I decided to use the pool when everywhere got quiet; the gardeners had retired for the day, and the few guards outside had moved to the other side of the house. It was something that I'd wanted to do for a while, and yesterday just seemed like the perfect time for it. I didn't get into the pool since I and water aren't exactly friends. But I did have a good time soaking in and enjoying the fresh air of the night.Until I felt that familiar - not so discomforting - prickle that happens when Ivan looks at me. I turned to see him looking at me, those eyes boring into my soul. He was dressed so casually in black and white like he was ready to retire for the night. I looked away as quickly as I could so
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 18: IVAN
I've never experienced firsthand the pain women go through during their time of the month. I never had a sister, so I didn't exactly know what to do when I saw Lucia in that condition.One thing I was definitely sure of is that they take pleasure in consuming sweet things like chocolate, so that's exactly what I did to help out. I learnt that from my dad when Lev and I were much younger. We would sometimes accompany him to get these things himself from a nearby supermarket with a whole entourage of guards driving behind us. I thought it was crazy but after that night last week, it's safe to say I no longer think it's crazy trying to take care of your woman.The day after the episode, she was a lot better. Unfortunately, from that day until now, because of work, we fell back into our previous schedule of not being able to see each other except during breakfast. Sometimes, I even left for work before seven in the morning, so we wouldn't even see each other for the whole day.That fuck
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 19: LUCIA
It's like I'm enveloped in the scent of Ivan's aftershave and masculine perfume. I can't stop smiling, so I snuggle deeply into the covers. All of a sudden, my eyes flutter open as the events of last night start flooding into my memories. Dancing on Ivan.Humping against Ivan.Kissing Ivan.I abruptly sit up and immediately wish I hadn't done that as my head feels like it was hit against a wall. I rest my head on my hand for a second before looking around me. I'm lying on Ivan's bed. He isn't here, though, and that's the only reason why I haven't wished for the ground to just open up and swallow me. Fuck, I drank a little more than I'd usually drink last night when I was out with my friends. My thoughts aren't clear so I don't even remember me leaving the club last night.How did I end up in that situation with him? God, I hope he doesn't hate me. Throwing myself at him like a whore.But then again, I'm his wife and not a whore.I look at the bedside table to see a pill and a bott
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 20: IVAN
I'm home earlier than usual today because of my mum. She usually comes to visit whenever she has business to tend to in New York. "Moy rebenok." She calls me her baby when I step into the foyer, which is perfectly fine with me as long as we're not out in public."Da, mama." Yes, Mama."Why don't you freshen up and come have dinner." I kiss her on her cheek and head for the stairs. "Your wife is out having dinner with her friends incase you are wondering." "Uh, okay." I reply before climbing up. I didn't miss how much she emphasized the word 'your wife'. Pavel texted me before he and James drove Lucia out, so I'm very much aware of her whereabouts. She's practically been on my mind since I left her in my bed this morning, looking all sexy in my shirt as she slept like a baby.When I get to my room, I walk into the closet to take off my suit. Something seems off, but I can't point my finger to what it is. It's not until I'm done showering, and I walk back in to wear casual home wear t
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 21: LUCIA
When I'm finally home, Ivan's the last person I expect to see. I really hoped I would be in my room by the time he got back from work just so I could avoid him because believe you me, I'm still outrightly embarrassed over the events of last night. He must be home early because of his mum.But then again, I guess it's a good thing I'm seeing him now. I'll just use the opportunity to apologize for last night. Hopefully, he's not too angry because it's really hard to figure him out as he walks to me."Hey, how was dinner?" No doubt Pavel told him I was going out with my friends."Dinner was great. I didn't think you'd be home this early." We're now walking together towards the stairs."My mom." I can feel the thick tension rolling out of the two of us in perfect synchronization with how awkward our conversation is, and I don't like it one bit. It's all my fault."Look," I stop abruptly halfway up the stairs with a hand over his to stop him as well. "I'm sorry about my behaviour last nig
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 22: IVAN
I'm usually already awake by 5 a.m. to go about my day. It's like a default setting my body and mind has grown accustomed to. But when I awoke and saw that Lucia had gotten past the pillow she used as a barricade last night and her body was practically tangled with mine, I knew I couldn't push her away so I remained in bed for another hour. Plus, it's been a while since I was this close to a woman, and it felt so good to have her sprawled on my chest like that and in my arms. There's no way I'm letting her leave after today. When the time reaches 6 a.m., I know I must get up before I impulsively decide to take the day off. I inhale her vanilla scent before getting up and going to the ensuite to start my morning routines. When that is done, I dress in a three piece beige suit and style my hair. I have to be at work early today to begin my search for Lucia's ex, Alfred Curtis. There's a possibility that it might not be him, but at this point, I don't care. I'm not willing to gamble a
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 23: LUCIA
I'm very much awake when Ivan comes into the room. Infact, my laptop is still turned on next to me on the bed. I don't think I'm ready to start explaining why I'm still in his room even after his mum left today. I don't know how or what happened, but my room looks like something exploded in there. When I went in with my laptop and a few of my dresses on a hanger, I ran back out in shock when I saw that the ceiling of my room was practically littered all over the floor.Aliya was equally as shocked as me when she came to see what freaked me out. I'm just grateful all my belongings - down to my luggages - weren't there. Otherwise, it would've been a hassle trying to get them all out. When Ivan's back is facing me, I open my eyes properly as he enters the ensuite with a tequila bottle and gently shuts the door behind him. I doubt he even noticed that I wasn't actually sleeping.I pick up my laptop, shut it down, and quietly place it on the bedside table before covering myself up again.
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 24: LUCIA
After two weeks, Ivan's gun wound has healed enough that he can now go about without the bandage. Despite the pain, he's been going to work wearing his usual suit attire except he wears it without the jacket so there can be enough room. Sometimes, he switches it up, wearing jeans and a polo instead. Now that the bandage is off, he's back to wearing his suits which I honestly can't complain about. This morning, he dropped me off at a cafe since I didn't want to be at home. I've come to realize that the change of scenery helps a lot when I have a writers block.I've been here for five hours now and so far I've written a very impressive number of words. Since I couldn't get past writing the sex scene for my romance novel, I dumped the incomplete manuscript and started a new thriller novel today. I look at my wrist watch to check the time which says quarter to one, and look behind me to where Pavel and James are seated on high alert, throwing death stares to anyone who looks in my dire
Latest chapter
Betrothed To The Don EPILOGUE: LUCIA
The next few weeks pass by in a blur of events. First, Ivan never told me what exactly he did to Alfred but i heard rumors amongst his men, Naya, Aliyah and even Lev that Alfred's death was brutal and one that would not easily be forgotten. I know he killed Alfred and I should be relieved that there would be no more trouble from him anymore, but be it a facade or not, I really held Alfred to high esteem when we were together. Seeing what became of him still makes me wonder what the hell happened to him and why he changed courses. Was he always that crazy but I was just too blind to notice? I guess I'll never know. I'm just super glad that peace reigns again. “What's on your mind?” Ivan's smooth voice speaks into my ear. His arms enclose me on either side as he stands behind me on the balcony overlooking the beach of the private island he apparently owns in Maldives.“Everything that's happened since we got married. It's been a hell of a ride.”“It's all over now, my love.” He kisses
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 40: IVAN
There are days where I get in my feelings and just go for a drive or bury myself in work till my anger subsides. I mean, since I can't just go about hitting people or firing them, that's the safest option anyway.But today? Today is definitely one of those days, and boy, am I glad I have a punching bag this time around. Alfred has been locked up for the past week in the torture room at Dmitry Enterprise.“No food?” I say to one of my men standing guard at the back entrance when I walk into the building the next day. I had planned to over stretch Alfred's torture. I wanted to take a piece of him every day until he took his last breath. Maybe then, in his next life, he wouldn't be such a nuisance to society. But no matter how satisfying it would have made me, I just want to get it over and done with so I and Lucia can successfully move on from this stage. The quicker the better.“As instructed, Pakhan.” He gives a curt nod and steps aside to let me in. Walking deeper into the basement,
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 39: LUCIA
The persistent beeping grabs my attention first, akin to a pesky mosquito hovering around, waiting for its next unfortunate victim. Next, I become overly aware of the soreness and dryness in my throat.I gently flex my fingers, noticing one hand tightly clenched. With effort, I open one eye, then the other. Despite the dimness of the room, the unmistakable scent of a hospital fills my nostrils. Gradually, I turn my head to the left and find my sweet Ivan clutching my hand in his as he sleeps.My eyelids drop heavily as sleep threatens to swallow me whole again. Knowing that Ivan is with me, I hold on to his hand as well and let sleep take me for the second time.When I wake up again, the day is bright, and I don't see Ivan by my side anymore. My hand unconsciously goes to my belly as I rub it, but something immediately feels off. like it's empty and void of a living being. Just as I begin to panic, the door slides open, and Ivan walks in, holding a cup of coffee in one hand as he sli
Betrothed To The Don CHAOTER 38: IVAN
Thirty minutes after driving like a maniac, looking for the closest hospital to home, my wife is finally pulled into the emergency ward. But they won't let me get past the door they just wheeled her through.“You're going to have to wait here, Mr. Dmitry. Please.” A female nurse in scrubs blocks my path, and I swear to God, it takes a lot of self-control to not push her out of my way and go after my wife. “Let us do our thing. Your wife is in the best of hands.” Her voice has grown calmer when she sees the despair in my eyes.“She's pregnant. Do all you can to save them both, please.” I never thought I would say please to a stranger. That's what Lucia does to me.Understanding dawns in her eyes. “We'll come get you as soon as we can.” She says to me before walking through the door and shutting it after her.Having no other choice but to wait, I settle down on the chair in the waiting room while the doctors see that my wife makes it out alive. My heart threatens to explode when I reme
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 37: LUCIA
I feel the trickle of a liquid running down my face before it seeps into my mouth. Blood.That's what the liquid tastes like. On my third attempt to open my eyes, they finally pity me and flutter open. I can't make out any figure in the room because it's so dark, and for a second, I'm confused as to how I got here. But everything comes flooding into my head.As soon as Ivan drove off, I was worried. I couldn't stop pacing our bedroom. Then I went to sit at the window overlooking the compound gate, hoping he would drive back in immediately, saying everything had been settled. But I knew I was only being delusional.Or was I? Because tell me why five minutes after Ivan had driven out, I got a text from a number saying ‘Lucia honey, It's Ivan. come outside for me. Hurry’No one had driven into the compound yet, so I assumed he was on his way and a few seconds out. I sprinted downstairs as soon as I saw the text, thinking everything was finally over.I didn't even check to see the sende
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 36: IVAN
The months go by in a blur of happiness and peace. There's too much of it that I begin to worry and get suspicious, especially with the whirlwind of negative emotions Lucia had to go through because of Anna. All I had to do to get rid of Anna was threaten her with her finances. We both knew there was more I could have done, like actually banning her from my city or killing her. But I have always been a stickler against hurting women and children. Since I couldn't harm her physically, I automatically transferred the blow to Rodrick, who was stupidly her informer. I always wondered how she knew of my whereabouts sometimes and was surprised when she gave him out. So much for loyalty these days.But despite the worry, Lucia reminds me to enjoy the serenity. Of course, I appease her by not looking or acting worried in her presence but behind doors, with the help of Gertrude, we've been looking into the reason for my worrying; Alfred's absence.It's been three months since the entire Alfr
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 35: LUCIA
It has been such a confusing morning for me since I woke up, all puffy eyed from crying last night. Even as I try to get food into my stomach, it's impossible not to think about the events that played out last night and how it ended. I woke up this morning feeling embarrassed, and the feeling followed me to the bathroom to shower and straight to the dining area where I'm now having breakfast.I really did believe that Ivan played me after hearing everything Anna said to me last night. I was so hurt. But hearing all the explanation he gave is what's been confusing me all morning.Some part of me believes him wholeheartedly. It really does. I mean, with the photo evidence he sent to me showing the debris in an open yard, an underground entrance, cages containing frightened women and some more pictures of even more women entering the back of vans. They were really believable, and that's enough proof to know that he wasn't lying at all.Then there's the part where he showed me the one wa
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 34: IVAN
The night started off so well. Infact, the whole day beginning from last night. Well, that is until now.I knew something was up immediately I saw Lucia's expression when she came out of the restroom. There was just something different about it from when she went in at first. But hearing the words coming out of her mouth tonight has my thoughts spiralling. I have no doubt that Anna… crazy crazy Anna ambushed my wife in there and put thoughts in her head.And I can't blame Lucia for her reaction. Just looking at her breaks something in me. There's nothing but hurt on her face, and it kills me to think that I'm the cause of it.She thinks I went to be with Anna after that beautiful first night we had together only because I didn't go into details about the events of the four days I was away. And Anna, who somehow got information on my absence, decided to use it to her advantage. She'll learn soon enough why that was a bad idea but first things first. I take Lucia's hand in mine as I l
Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 33: LUCIA
Ivan and I stride into the grand hall, joining the other formally dressed guests who are here for the fundraising gala. Ivan said it's a charity auction, which has me excited. I haven't been to one before.Just like the last time we were out like this in public, every heads turn in our direction immediately we step into the room. And once again, I can feel every pair of eyes sizing me up. Especially the ladies. I'm wearing a strapless silver sequin dress that's floor length and has a high slit that runs across my legs. My hair is finely done in loose curls, and I put on just the right amount of makeup.Ivan had this gorgeous dress specially made for me and because there wasn't enough time to go shopping for new heels and a purse that would match my outfit, I paired it with one from my wardrobe much to Ivan's surprise. He said he didn't know I owned that many items since I am usually almost always at home. His statement made me laugh, and I told him a woman can never have ‘too many’ c
