Janet was flipping through a magazine in the garden to distract herself from the surrounding chaos. Sebastian’s mom’s meanness was making it impossible for her to breathe in the same air as them, and she had no idea how long she’d put up with it. She thought Sebastian would come to her defense, but now maybe he was taking pleasure in his mum insulting her. Janet picked up a glass of juice when her eyes landed on Larisa and her personal maid, Mel. She pretended to mind her business but kept her eyes on them under her black sunglasses. “Larisa always seems anxious when Mel is around,” she concluded. Larisa gulped and lowered her head while her maid appeared to instruct her. Janet was making a record of her every move, and her eyes came to a rest on her fidgeting fingers. The maid moved off in the opposite direction and Larisa breathed a sigh of relief before entering the mansion. Janet removed her sunglasses and set her magazine aside, then followed the maid out to the backyard. She c
Larisa took a small sip of the rich red wine, stealing shy glances at Sebastian. The server appeared at their table, setting down their food with a clatter. She flashed a polite smile of gratitude as the server served them their food. “Thank you,” “I need to make a few phone calls. I’ll be right back.” He rose from his seat, the music from the restaurant drifting around him as he left, while Larisa carefully examined her appearance in her phone’s camera and tapped out a message to her father. “We’re getting along well. Don’t worry about me!” She slipped her phone back into her golden clutch, and peered out of the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Sebastian. Kyle’s little hands made a thudding sound as he banged on the bathroom door. “Mama!” he called her in his babyish voice. “Come out!” She sat against the door, her skin cold against the wood as she sniffled and tried to wipe away her tears. “Coming!” She rubbed her face and reached into the washbasin to splash some water on he
As she reached the door, the ringing of Sebastian’s phone was a welcomed distraction, and she opened the door with anticipation. “Sebastian! What are you doing he….”Before she could finish her sentence, Sebastian stormed into the room, capturing her lips and closing the door with a swift kick of his foot.Janet tried to push him away as he maneuvered her towards the wall. His lips felt like velvet against hers, and he didn’t once break away. His hand disappeared into her hair as he plunged his tongue deeper into her mouth. Janet held onto his coat tightly and used her body weight to push him.“Are you crazy? What are you doing here?” Her chest was heaving as she tried to catch her breath.“Tell me something. Why did you give birth to Kyle?” Janet knitted her eyebrows at his question. “You killed our first child because I was the father. Why didn’t you abort Kyle then? And if you could give birth to Kyle, what was the fault of my first child?”Janet saw his eyes glistening with tears a
Aries’s heart sank as he watched her fist pummel the mattress with increasing intensity, and when she couldn’t take it anymore, he heard the tear of fabric as she ripped the white cushion. “Everything was fine! What came over her out of nowhere?” He tears his eyes away from the big screen and moves to the window while making a call to her teacher, and he comes across what happened at the college. “It appeared he bullied Ms. Glazier, and she slapped him out of rage.” “Get me the details of the boy. He messed with the wrong man!” Aries ended the call, and when he looked back at the screen, Veronica was gone, and the dim room was filled with an eerie stillness. He replayed the video and saw her walking into the bathroom. He sat down on the couch and appeared to be in a state of deep, intense thought. “I was wrong to think Aiden would support her. The fucker is in his bubble of love! I cannot trust anyone!” As he gazed up at the screen, there was still no sign of her. Aries waited, gro
“I won’t let you harm that little child, Dad!” Larisa shouted at her father, while Mel frantically motioned for her to lower her voice, scanning their surroundings. “Mel has all the instructions. Just follow her. She will slightly injure you so it looks like Janet attacked you and then she will kill Kyle and put the blame on her.” “Sebastian would never agree to this! Why would Janet kill her own son? It doesn’t make sense at all. What are you thinking?” She rebuked him. “Because she never wanted to birth his child. She loathes him! And Sebastian would believe it because she killed his first child as well. Anyway, don’t worry about it at all! I have figured everything.” Cold sweat appeared on Larisa’s forehead as she heard her father’s evil laugh. “Mel is mixing medicines in Sebastian’s food. Slowly, he will lose control and kill himself.” Larisa was stunned to find the new information, and she parted her lips, her eyes pinned on Mel. “Genovese will rue the day they crossed us. Thi
Ace was sitting in his recliner in a tranquil state, his gaze fixed outside the window, when Maria came into the room. “Veronica won the contract! Can you believe it, Ace?” She shrieked in surprise, and his gaze snapped to her. “My heart swelled with joy when I saw her. She crafted her way to success despite everything she went through all alone!” Her smile slowly faded. “I wish Aries was here with us today. He dreamed of this day.” Maria put her hand on Ace’s shoulder, and he planted a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. “It amazed me at how a person so emotionally wounded could preside over an empire with such finesse. She has even beaten her father into this. Aries must be proud of her!” Ace’s lips trembled. “Why did it happen to my son?” Maria’s eyes brimmed with tears as she heard the wavering, broken voice of a helpless father. They never went a single day in the year without missing him and longing for his presence. Every moment of joy felt incomplete without his presence.
“What’s going on here?” Veronica made her way into the room. Her gaze moved from Ace to Isla, and she blinked in surprise. “Why are you not ready?” Ace rises to his feet. “I should better wait outside.” He leaves the room, closing the door on his way out, and Veronica turns her all attention to Isla. “I’m not sure if I should do this!” Isla’s words stumbled out of her mouth as she nervously bit her lips. “What’s up with you? Saving the other two dresses for the next wedding. Talking about divorce. Postponing the wedding. Aren’t you excited about this?” Isla sluggishly made her way to the dresser’s chair and plopped down with a thump. “I am scared. I think I am not ready. I’ll not be a good wife and I already have trust issues with Liam!” “Trust issues? Something happened between you two?” Veronica dragged a chair and sat across from her. “No. He is really sweet.” Isla’s jaw clenched as she bit back her true uncertain feelings. “So, what is wrong?” Veronica furrowed her brow, her
“Veronica, could you please pause for a moment?” Isla let out an exasperated sigh. “I tried to stop him. What is my fault if he showed up?” “You should have informed me!” Veronica quickly pivoted and charged at her, her fists clenched. “Why didn’t you tell me before?” She lowered her voice, her eyes flitting around the room. “I’m sorry, alright! Liam promised he’d handle it. I shouldn’t have trusted him.” Isla said. “Anyway, I’m coming with you if you’re leaving.” “Shut up and go back inside!” Veronica gave her a sharp retort. “I need to clear my head. I’ll see you later.” “I am not staying here for a minute. I am so mad at Liam right now!” Isla groaned in frustration. “Stop acting childish. It’s your freaking reception party. You can’t leave!” Veronica exclaimed. “I don’t give a damn!” “But I do! I don’t want to hear him say again that I can’t see anyone happy around me!” Veronica said in a high pitch and sighed. “I don’t want to ruin your big day.” “Why are you giving him so
“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