[MATURE SCENE AHEAD] Veronica made a coffee exactly how Aries liked it after his morning workout and glanced over to see him sitting shirtless on the couch, flipping through the pages of a magazine. “Coffee!” She handed him the warm mug, taking a seat next to him on the plush, long couch. Her gaze temporarily shifted to the article he was perusing, and it was about Isla. “Congratulations!” she said, and Aries looked up at her. “When is the wedding?” She quizzically inquired as she took a sip of her coffee. The underlying fury in her tone didn’t go unnoticed by Aries. “As soon as my grandmother is back!” He smiled warmly and Veronica gave a subtle nod. “So you’ll let me go after the wedding?” she asked. “Where would you go just in case I let you be?” Aries cut her off. “Anywhere! Far away from you and Glazier family and all the bad memories of the past!” she exhaled a deep breath. “You all have given me deep wounds, and it’s enough to spend this life.” Aries drew a deep breath. “
“Woah! So was it all your plan?” A smile stretched on Simon’s face. “Fuck! Why didn’t you tell me? You almost took my breath away with the wedding news last night!” Aries gestured for him to stay quiet as he picked up the call from his grandma. “Aries, I’m so happy! I can’t believe you’ve finally decided to marry!” “Yes, I can’t wait to marry Isla, Grandma! When are you coming back?” Aries sounded excited. “I don’t want to delay this anymore! I think…. I’m in love with Isla!” Simon almost burst out laughing, and Aries glared at him. “Oh, my god! I’ll try to wrap up things soon here and come back. Aries, I’m so happy for you!” His grandmother said. “This is going to be the wedding of the year!” “Come soon, grandma!” Aries said, and they hung up. “So, what’s the next plan in action?” Simon asked, only to earn a smirk from Aries as he poured some whiskey into his glass and took a sip. *** Veronica chose some baggy T-shirts and sweatshirts. “What did he think I’ll wear those skimpy
Maria was looking into an old photo book with a glass of wine and she occasionally took a sip, flipping the pages. A surreal smile spread on her face staring at the picture where Ace, her father, and her sister were laughing over some silly joke of Ace. The next few pages held the memories of her sister’s wedding with Shane and then the baby pictures of Veronica. Meeting Ace after all those years brought all the memories back. Her mother’s death during childbirth, her father’s death because of leukemia, and her sister’s death in an accident. She watched her family members buried in front of her eyes. Shane was there for her always, but Veronica was her only companion. She saved her soul for eighteen years and her life revolved around her. Maria looked around the empty house, and the utter silence was eating her up again. She took a deep breath, throwing her head back in the recliner when she heard the doorbell. “Coming!” she finished her wine and walked to the door. The door slowly
Aries wore a black matte suit and glanced at Veronica next to him in the backseat, and suppressed his smile. She was looking ravishing in a long champagne dress. Her long blonde hair was in a high beautiful bun with curled strands on either side of her face and her lips were covered in dark red. “Your last name is not Silenc-io! Why are you so quiet?” he chuckled, nudging her arm and a frown appeared on Veronica’s face as her smoky eyes turned to him. “Hahaha… very funny!” she laughed and then the next second, her face turned serious. “Because you won’t be able to handle the wrath of Glazier!” Aries gave a ridiculous look. “Woah… wrath is such a big word! Where did you learn?” he asked, and the driver stifled out a chuckle. Veronica gritted her teeth as Aries continued leaning forward. “Anyway, did I mention you’re looking goddess tonight?” he winked and Veronica pushed him back, looking away, and suppressing a smile slowly making its way to her lips. The car slid into the driveway
[MATURE SCENE AHEAD] “Ronan Gera! I told you Wasqa Burani’s accident has nothing to do with me. He rejected my proposal, but his partner, Christian Knight was interested in it… and that was it. I got one of the richest men in London for investment. Wasqa Burani is nothing compared to him.” Sebastian said. “Now complete your part of the deal! Where is Janet?” he asked. “Not so easy way out. I will consider releasing Janet and your baby when you testify against Bosnans. You said you believed Bosnans are behind it!” “You want me to testify against another mafia family? I sure know what game you are trying to play!” Sebastian’s eyes turned dark. “You want Bosnans and Genovese to fight against each other and one of them gets wiped out?” “That’s what you’ve got to do if you want Janet and your baby!” the chief said and ended the call. Sebastian looked at the blank screen of his phone with clenched jaws and threw it away, holding his face in his hand. *** Keith was standing in his pla
Alfred and Cynthia followed the tip given by one of his informers, and they reached the Bahamas to catch Isla and Zenith. They reached the resort they were staying in but the receptionist refused to give them any information. Cynthia bragged about herself and threatened it’d cost her dear life if she didn’t give them the information when Alfred received a call from an informer he hired to keep eyes on Maria ever since Veronica managed to disappear two years back right under their nose. “Yes!” He took the call. “Any news about Cara?” Cynthia turned to him in panic, but Alfred walked away. “No, but Mr. Grayson is here! I saw them walking into Maria’s house.” “Aries?” Alfred knitted his eyebrows. “Ace Grayson!” he corrected. “What?” Alfred shrieked, losing his calm. “What are they doing together? How are they related?” “I have no idea!” the informer said. “Maria is a boring lady. She just spends her weekdays in school and comes back home, cooks, eats, and sleeps. This is her patter
“This is where we’re staying from now onwards!” Aries announced as they walked into the luxurious apartment and turned to Veronica, who looked as if she had seen a ghost. “What’s wrong?” Aries lifted an eyebrow and her eyes traveled to him. “Where’s the washroom?” she asked. “You want to start the tour from the bathroom?” he asked, and Veronica groaned. “Just tell me, where is it?” she stomped her foot like a small girl and Aries pointed to the room in his left direction. “That’s your room!” he said, and she rushed to the room and relaxed on the white leather couch, checking something on his phone when Veronica appeared a few minutes later. “I got my period!” She sighed and Aries glanced up at her. “Wow, this calls for a celebration! You ain’t pregnant.” He chuckled. “Last night you did it so much that it has induced my periods! You’re the reason I’m in fucking pain right night!” she put her hand over her stomach. “That’s great! You told the doctor about your irregular menstrua
The last three days went exceptionally well. Aries put his every plan at a halt and took care of Veronica, as her health was at an alarming stage. They went to the doctor for the regular check-up again and he was glad to know that she was getting better. But Veronica’s mind was a battlefield. She was now confused if Aries was a devil or an angel. His care and affection made her experience the other shade of him, but his cold and cocky behavior and the way he gives amusing expressions when she opens her mouth were still infuriating and insulting to her. Veronica’s doctor explained how an unhealthy body leads to an unhealthy mind. She was internally weak, and that was one of the reasons why she was incapable of making any decision and coming out strongly. Of course, Aries was sure that the horrors she suffered through in the last six years had shaped her personality as a coward, though he was also certain her father pampered her to no end and kept her away from the reach of all the pr
“Let me go!” I cried out in terror as they threw me onto the freezing floor of the dungeon, and I observed the silhouettes of five towering figures looming over me in the dim, wavering light. One of them made a call to my father, Connor Blair. The closest ally and confidant of Anton Genovese, the most feared Mafia King of New York City. “If you’re willing to see Janet again, just do as I say!” The sound of their menacing voices on the phone call sent a shiver down my spine. “Let’s see who you choose between your precious daughter and loyalty to Anton Genovese.” He finished the call and glared at me with murderous eyes. Despite the threat of harm, my father remained loyal to the Genovese family and made the decision that left me to face the consequences of their anger alone. Realizing that I was now worthless to them, they resolved to present me as a gift to the Russian mafia to enhance their alliance in their struggle against Genovese. They handed me over to a group of Russian arme
One year later, ~Veronica~ Today, for reasons I cannot fathom, my mind wandered back to the words Jasper spoke to me years ago. ‘Cara, the savior in a difficult situation, isn’t always the hero. The world we live in is not always kind, and not everyone you trust is virtuous. How come you are so gullible?’ As I reminisced about the past, I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, realizing how naïve I was back then. Or perhaps now I am wise enough to decipher the true meaning behind his words. As I take a stroll down memory lane, I am reminded of the angels that entered my life at just the right moment to rescue me. I would have died that night if it weren’t for Megan Morgan taking me in. Sandra consistently had my back and ensured I never went to bed hungry. Keith, who made me feel special even for a brief amount of time, and left behind all the differences between us in the past, I respect him for that. He made me experience love for a small amount of time and I am thankful for all th
Gianna’s white halter dress fluttered in the wind as she paced outside her apartment, her heart racing with anticipation. Glancing at her wristwatch, she groaned, realizing that Keith was already twenty minutes late and her stomach grumbled with hunger. “I better go back inside and grab a bite,” she thought to herself and turned to head back into the apartment complex, letting out a sigh. However, a black range rover pulled up next to her, causing her to roll her eyes. She crossed her arms over her chest and fixated her gaze on the car door. Keith stepped out in a neatly tucked white shirt and black pants, spiking his hair to perfection. But it wasn’t him who caught her attention. Elijah made quite the entrance as he stepped out of the car, looking dapper in his black suit and carrying a bouquet of red roses that were almost as tall as he was. “Dad, help me!” Elijah struggled to hold them, and Keith sighed, bending down to take them from him. Elijah breathed a sigh of relief and fl
Gianna glanced at her watch when she heard Elijah sitting next to her in the car. “You shouldn’t have disturbed Dad. He is always busy with work. He doesn’t like anyone interrupting him.” Keith’s attitude agitated Gianna. “If he refuses to support his son, how will my therapies be successful? I’m a doctor, not a magician!” As soon as the ten minutes were up, she gritted her teeth in frustration. “It would be wise for me to withdraw from this case.” She contemplated as Keith got into the car. “Hi!” he smiled and then his eyes moved to Elijah. “Why did you go to see the doctor alone? Why didn't you call me?” “I didn’t want to disturb you,” Elijah lowered his head. As Keith opened his mouth again, he caught Gianna's eye, and she gestured for him to take a deep breath and speak calmly. Keith followed her and put his hand on Elijah’s head. “Eli, are you upset with me?” “No,” he didn’t meet his eyes. Keith's internal conflict had been brewing, and he finally decided to confront the iss
Aries pushed the plate of cookies forward. “Here,” “What do you mean?” Veronica lifted an eyebrow. A puzzled expression crossed Aries’s face. “Do you think I am cheating on you?” A look of hurt crossed her face and Aries could see tears swimming in her eyes. “Aries, I go to Keith’s place to spend some time with Elijah. Since you weren’t here, it’s hard for you to comprehend the special bond that Elijah and I share. I don’t want him to hold any grudges against Chase because I am too busy to give him the attention. It has nothing to do with Keith. I find him occupied with work in his office whenever I’m at his place. It’s just that today…...” Aries grabbed a cookie and stuffed it into her mouth. “Hold your horses, sweetheart!” He placed his hands on either side of her and locked his gaze with hers. “When did I say you’re cheating on me?” He lifted an eyebrow. “You’re still so stupid!” He playfully smacked her forehead and let out a chuckle. She takes the cookie out of her mouth. “I
Elijah stood beside Veronica outside the principal’s office, absentmindedly tracing circles around her wedding ring with his thumb. “I’m sorry Veronica. I’ll never do this again.” She heard him say and looked down at him. “Sweetie, you are always so calm and patient. What went wrong?” Veronica ran her fingers through his hair. “He said bad words about Mom.” Elijah lowered his head, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Everyone in school thinks you’re my mom because I told them you’re marrying my dad!” He answered “They saw your wedding pictures on the internet and mocked me. They said I deserved to be motherless and I’ll always be miserable. Am I miserable, Veronica?” His sad eyes met hers as he looked up. “Of course not! Did you know your mom loved you the most?” She caressed his face. “And I love you. So much!” She planted kisses on his cheeks. “We all love you, baby!” The sound of heels clicking in the empty hallway caught their attention, and their eyes shifted to the woman in
“Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Baby Shark…” Chase stole a glimpse at his father, who let out a frustrated groan after listening to the same song repeatedly. Chase’s face lit up with a wide smile while munching on another fruit snack, and he redirected his focus to the screen. “Mommy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Mommy Shark…” “Fuck, I can’t take this anymore!” Agitated, he got out of bed and began pacing the room. “Stop playing this song or I’ll turn into a shark!” His glare made Chase twitch his mouth. “Go to sleep!” “No,” Chase shook his head. “Daddy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Daddy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Daddy Shark…” “Daddy Shark!” With a loud exclamation, Chase raised both hands into the air and began swaying his body to the tune. Veronica couldn’t help but stifle a laugh as she watched the father-son duo. “You’re really enjoying yourself, aren’t you?” Aries gazed at Veronica with eyes full of accusation. The baby shark song looped again in the back
[MATURE SCENE AHEAD] ~Veronica~ As I rolled down the window, I couldn’t help but gaze out at the roads, trees, cars, and buildings speeding past me, just like the faint memories of my past life that seemed to fade away with each passing moment. It was all on a loop again. Cynthia and Alfred beating me up and kicked me out in the dead of the night. Encountering Keith and finding a short-lived sense of comfort. Meeting the captivating grey eyes right amidst shattering glasses. Aries saved me from the crossfire, risking his life. Keith’s rejection. Losing my baby. The club Flames of Sizzling Desires and the night Aries claimed me. “I have a question!” Keith’s voice seized my attention, causing me to face him next to me. “The news of your wedding left Elijah feeling very melancholic. He thinks you’ll stop visiting him.” He chuckled. “And he awakened some questions in me that I’d like to know from your stance!” His eyes settled on my face and I wondered what was in his mind. “Look, d
“Why isn’t she picking up the damn calls?” Aries let out a frustrated sigh. “Are you sure she went to meet Cynthia?” His gaze shifted towards Isla. “I don’t think she would dare go to her. But it’s habitual for her to switch off her phone whenever she’s doing something that’s prohibited.” She pursed her lips in contemplation. “No, she won’t go to her ever! I should go and check.” She turned on her heels. “You’re not going anywhere!” They heard Liam’s firm voice. “The last time you visited her, you experienced a severe bout of depression.” Aries’s eyes moved to Isla. “But I’ve recovered! I don’t have any such issue. In fact, I don’t need medicines ever since Chase stepped into our life.” Her eyes briefly shifted to Chase in Aries’s grasp before settling on Liam. “I must check. It’s my mother who made Veronica’s life hell.” “The answer is still a firm no! I don’t want you anywhere near that evil woman. All she does is ruin people’s lives.” He finished his drink and made his way out