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CHAPTER 39: LUCIA
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2024-04-01 02:20:04Related chapters
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,
Last Updated : 2024-04-02Betrothed 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
Last Updated : 2024-04-03Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 1: LUCIA
I stare at the back of the head of the man sitting four rows ahead of me. He's yelling at someone over the phone. Probably his personal assistant, Pietro. Poor guy. He must sense that he's being watched because he turns and looks straight at me. I don't break eye contact, though. I stare at him head-on like he taught me to. He doesn't say another word to Pietro, except to stare at me intently… like he's looking into my soul through my eyeballs. I break out into a sweat from nervousness because I am no longer comfortable. We've been staring at each other for a minute now. I'm about to give up when he smiles and breaks eye contact. I'm jumping internally but I don't smile back at him. He doesn't deserve my smile. "What did he do to you this time?" Antonio, my older brother, sits beside me. He knows damn well why my mood is sour. It's always like this whenever I'm in the same room with our father. Well… not a room per say. We're sitting at the airport waiting for the go ahead from our
Last Updated : 2024-01-17Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 2: LUCIA
Four hours later, we arrive the capital of Russia, Moscow. It's a big and gorgeous city. If it were under normal circumstances, I would have definitely loved to tour this place. It has always been a dream to visit St. Basil's Cathedral, The Kremlin, amongst other historical sites. But I'm only here for… business. Fuck my life. Antonio tries for the umpteenth time to start a conversation with me in the car but I ignore the coward. I should feel bad for insulting him in my head but I don't. He deserves more than an insult. So much for being my bodyguard. "Where are we going? I direct my question at no one in particular but Antonio picks the opportunity to talk to me. "A restaurant…" I know what he's probably about to say next but I interrupt him. Aside from not being in the mood to hear it, I'm confused on why we're going to a restaurant instead of the home of my potential husband. "We'll be picked up from there, il mio bambino" My dad says, as if reading my mind. The car goes qui
Last Updated : 2024-01-17Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 3: LUCIA
"Girl, he what?!" One of my best friends, Andrea exclaims. So far she's been the only one actually saying any words. Sophie and Kim are still dumbfounded just like I was last week. I called the girls out for lunch mostly because it was high time we had our monthly meetup. We're seated on the roof top of an exquisite restaurant having lunch and catching up on life like we usually do monthly. It has been six months since we all graduated from college, and because everyone has real life things going on in our lives, meeting up has been a little bit difficult. It's either I and Andrea are present in New York when Sophie and Kim aren't or it's vice versa. On occasions like that, whoever isn't physically present, joins us virtually. Currently Kim isn't present so she's on a video call having lunch on the other end. "Please tell me you have a picture." Sophie looks at me. "And risk my phone being contaminated? No, thank you." I reply seriously. "His name then?" Kim asks from over the phon
Last Updated : 2024-01-17Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 4: IVAN
A knock on my office door pulls me out of my fumbled thoughts. I mutter a "come in" and Nikolai, my personal guard and trusted man walks in with Pavel, another of my most trusted men, and my younger brother, Lev, right behind him. “Did he talk yet?” I inquire from Nikolai and Pavel as Lev walks to the window with a blunt between his lips, indicating how stressed he must be. We're both alike in more ways than we'd like to admit. "Not yet, boss. Whoever he works for sure pays him well." "Doesn't look like he can hold on much longer, though." Pavel chips in. "See if you can push harder, if not just finish him off and dump him where you left the other two last week." They both nod and exit my office while I think about the next line of action to take. Just over a month ago, four consignments of valuable goods were stolen from the port upon arrival. Those goods cost millions to purchase and ship from South Africa. When I heard that my goods went missing I drove down there to confirm it
Last Updated : 2024-01-17Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 5: LUCIA
This morning Antonio told me we'll be having dinner with the Dmitry's later today. I don't know what he and dad has with keeping me up to speed on instances like this. Already done with my makeup, I begin raiding my closet looking for what to wear. I was going to wear this really cute sundress I got from shein but when I saw the restaurant that was picked out, I changed my mind. I eventually settle for a moss green coloured, zip front corset dress that has a halter neck. I pair it with my gold heels, a matching purse, jewelries and style my jet black hair in a low bun. I'm aiming for a simple yet classy look and looking at myself in the mirror, I can't help but to feel like I've done a great job. Especially as the dress hugs my curves so well, it accentuates how thin my waist is. The sound of my phone's notification goes off and I go to see if it's my driver. Instead I see a text from Antonio. Antonio: John won't be driving you today. Expect Ivan in a few minutes. O My God! I don
Last Updated : 2024-01-17Betrothed To The Don CHAPTER 6: IVAN
I would be lying if I said I didn't expect Lucia to head out without me, especially since Antonio gave me a heads up that it can be really difficult for her to take instructions. I imagine being a spoilt brat, she thinks she's above taking orders, but in a world like ours where nothing is as it seems, a single mistake can send you to your early grave. It won't be long before the news about my marriage spreads like wildfire, which a lot of people won't be happy about because my hold on the city and Russia will only become stronger after the wedding. Eventually, more trouble will come, and if i lose my guard for one second, I could lose a lot. Including my wife to be.Which was why I told Antonio to inform her that I would be picking her up for dinner today. I intended to use the opportunity to make up for my rude behaviour the other day, but her disobedience only reinforced why I shouldn't have considered acting nice to her at all.I had Pavel keep an eye out in front of her apartment
Last Updated : 2024-03-06
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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
