Dear Gentle Readers, next milestone is 3K reads/views. Once it is achieved, this author will share another free chapter / teaser. Grazie mille. Yours, EC
Serena was already drenched, rendering the umbrella Alexander had given her practically useless. But turning down his kindness a second time would have seemed ungrateful, so she accepted it out of courtesy.If she were honest with herself, she had half a mind to boldly ask for fifty bucks for a taxi ride—anything to avoid stepping into Alexander’s car. However, she bit her tongue, knowing it would only further reveal her reluctance to be around him. Instead, she decided to walk back to the Morales estate.The distance wasn’t impossible—about half an hour on foot—but wearing high heels on uneven pavement made it far less convenient. Each step was a minor ordeal, with her shoes squelching from the rain.From his car, Alexander caught glimpses of her through the rearview mirror, her figure illuminated briefly by passing streetlights. Her drenched silhouette pressed on despite the conditions, lips pursed tightly in determination. His brows furrowed imperceptibly as he watched her stride in
Ava hesitated before typing out a message: Mr. Vanderbilt, sorry, I broke the umbrella.Feeling a bit unlucky tonight, she impulsively added a pitiful emoji for good measure.Alexander, who seldom engaged in casual conversations, found the message peculiar. Most of his communication was reserved for business calls and the occasional curt chat with associates. Seeing Ava—typically poised and composed—send such an unexpected emoji piqued his curiosity. A subtle but unfamiliar sensation flickered in his chest, though he quickly brushed it aside.Ava didn’t expect any response from him and decided to take a shower. The hot water cascaded down, washing away the chill that had clung to her all night. By the time she returned, dressed in cozy loungewear, she noticed a new notification on her phone: the $700 had been refunded. Alexander hadn’t added any accompanying message.She frowned. Was this his way of saying he didn't want her to pay? Although Ava knew Alexander wasn’t lacking money, the
The next morning, Serena was woken by the persistent vibration of her phone. Half-asleep, she groaned before squinting at the screen. Alfonso’s name blinked on it. She swiped to answer."Serena, have you sorted out your gown for tonight’s banquet?"His voice, though weakened, carried its usual commanding tone. Serena rubbed her temples, struggling to shake off the sleep."Not yet, Dad. I was planning to go shopping later today.""No need," Alfonso cut her off. "I've already had a gown delivered to Le Châteauesque Manor. It’s elegant and tasteful—you'll wear that."Serena sighed but held back a complaint. Alfonso had always been particular about her appearance, especially at events involving New York’s elite. With the banquet hosted at the Vanderbilt estate and the patriarch present, this was a rare opportunity for her to step into the social circles that truly mattered."Serena," Alfonso continued after a fit of coughing, "my health won’t allow me to attend tonight. Even walking a few
Jonathan, who was driving, glanced in the rearview mirror, catching sight of Alexander immersed in a virtual meeting on his tablet. A moment of hesitation flickered across his face as he debated whether to interrupt.Through the corner of his eye, Alexander thought he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure outside the window. For a moment, he wondered if his mind was playing tricks on him. Just as he was about to look again, the car had already driven past.Jonathan cleared his throat. "Sir, that was Miss Serena," he said carefully. "She seemed to be walking her dog."Alexander’s brows furrowed slightly, but he didn’t respond immediately. He turned his attention back to the tablet screen, though a hint of doubt flickered in his eyes. What was she doing out there with a dog?When they arrived at Le Châteauesque Manor, Alexander stepped out of the car, his polished black shoes clicking against the driveway.Aunt Torres, who was sweeping near the entrance, was startled at the sight of him.
Serena hobbled into the hospital, her footsteps uneven on the crutches provided by the nurse. After getting her ankle bandaged, she stepped out with a frown clouding her face. Her current condition posed a major problem—tonight was the much-anticipated banquet where Grandpa Fu planned to formally introduce her to influential people in the circle. Showing up with a limp and a bandage would not only embarrass herself but also disappoint the old man, something she absolutely wanted to avoid.She regretted her decision to rush back to meet Alexander. If she had just let things be, perhaps this mess could have been avoided.With a sigh, she pulled out her phone and called Aunt Torres. "Aunt Torres, could you send someone to pick up Rex?" she asked, trying to keep her tone composed despite the frustration simmering within her."Of course, Miss Morales," Aunt Torres responded immediately.Serena ended the call and mulled over her predicament. She needed a way to reduce the swelling quickly s
The chaos in the alley had subsided, leaving a tense silence in its wake. The gangsters lay sprawled across the pavement, groaning in pain. Alexander stood among them, composed and untouched, his tailored black suit immaculate despite the brief scuffle.Ava’s breath caught in her throat as she watched him. The sheer efficiency of his movements had left her stunned. He didn’t just handle the situation—he dominated it.But before she could process what had just happened, a flicker of movement caught her eye."Jared, are you okay?" she asked, concern pulling her toward him.Jared’s face was pale, and his eyes widened with fear. In that split second, Ava’s instincts screamed a warning. The glint of a blade caught in the dim alley light.There was no time to react.The sickening sound of metal piercing flesh sliced through the air. Ava’s heart lurched as she spun around, horrified to see the dagger embedded in Alexander’s palm. Blood gushed from the wound, staining his hand and dripping on
Alexander pressed his lips into a taut line as he answered the call with his uninjured hand, already contemplating how to handle the conversation. The steady hum of hospital equipment filled the room, a stark contrast to the warmth emanating from the phone."Alexander, you did well this time," Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s voice came through, brimming with unexpected relief. "You've finally grown up. If you don’t come tonight, it’s fine. Grandpa won’t blame you."Alexander’s brow furrowed, a flicker of confusion passing through his sharp features. That was not the tone he had expected. The old man rarely missed an opportunity to bring up Serena within three sentences. But tonight, it seemed he had no intention of mentioning her at all. Was it the recent acquisition that had put him in such high spirits?It was rare for his grandfather to concern himself with the intricacies of the Vanderbilt business empire these days. The old man had long shifted his focus to treatments and leisurely activitie
The hospital corridor buzzed faintly with the occasional murmur of nurses and the distant beeping of medical equipment. The cold, sterile air prickled against Ava’s skin as she pressed the phone tightly against her ear."Uncle," she said urgently, but the voice that responded was hoarse and weary."Ava, it’s your Aunt Mona," the woman said, sounding utterly defeated. "I didn’t want to call, but I have no choice. We don’t have Mr. Vanderbilt Senior’s contact information, and the police won’t release your cousin-in-law. We don’t have that kind of money. Things have gone from bad to worse. Your uncle…his leg is broken, and he’s bleeding from his head. He’s still in the hospital, and we can't even afford the surgery right now. We already used up the money trying to help Tania, and now she’s locked up in the police station. Everything's falling apart."Ava’s chest tightened, her breath catching. The hospital’s whitewashed walls seemed to close in around her as she absorbed her aunt’s despe
Alexander couldn't focus, his thoughts scattered and restless. As his phone rang with a call from a business partner, he seized the moment and stood up.“Grandpa, the business partner is calling. I need to go over the details of this morning’s meeting,” he said, already moving away.Grandpa let out a long, weary sigh. To him, it looked like Alexander was just eager to escape. “If you put that much effort into Serena,” he grumbled, “you two would have had a house full of kids by now. Go on, but no matter how busy work gets, don’t forget the wife waiting for you at home.”Alexander didn’t answer. He slipped into his car and glanced at the dashboard clock—8:00 PM. Ignoring the call still ringing on his screen, he turned the key and headed straight to the hotel.By the time he arrived, it was 8:30.His phone buzzed again. It was Jonathan, this time with more urgent news—Ryan had been arrested, and sensitive information about PW Group had been leaked. By morning, the media would be ablaze w
The Vanderbilt building was unusually still for a Friday evening. Outside, the city buzzed as it always did, but inside Alexander’s top-floor office, silence reigned.The only light came from the city skyline pouring in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Alexander stood by the glass, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a thick, official envelope.The divorce had been finalized. Her name — Serena Ava Morales Vanderbilt — would no longer be linked to his. And yet, the weight in his chest hadn’t budged. If anything, it had settled deeper.The quiet was broken by the buzz of his phone.Hugo.He answered with a low, “Yeah?”“Finally!” Hugo’s voice crackled through the speaker. “You’re free. About damn time, man.”Alexander didn’t respond.“So,” Hugo continued, voice laced with mischief, “how about some celebratory drinks? I’ve got a private room at 230 Fifth, and I might’ve invited a few… distractions.”“Hugo—”“Come on, don’t be boring. Half the city would give their left arm for a
Ava sat cross-legged on the floor of her apartment, Rex’s warm head resting against her knee. The golden retriever let out a soft, contented sigh, completely unaware of the life-changing moment that had just arrived.On the table before her lay a sealed envelope.Her name printed clearly beneath it:Serena Ava Morales Vanderbilt.She knew what it was. In fact, she’d been waiting for this moment for years — though not in longing or hope.She had never begged for Alexander’s attention. Never sought his approval.Not five years ago, when she signed that marriage certificate under the cold gazes of the powerful Vanderbilt family and Alfonso, her father’s watchful eyes.Not when he had left the country right after signing the marriage certificate without a word, abandoning a marriage neither of them had wanted.She had lived alone since then.Alone with the Morales debt, the fading reputation of he
Alexander didn’t remember much of the drive back. The city was a blur of lights and shadows, his thoughts tangled and restless. The tight knot in his chest refused to ease.The image of Ava — Serena — standing by that window lingered with painful clarity. The hollow look in her eyes. The way her voice had cracked when she spoke of dignity, safety, and the things he’d stripped from her.He’d always considered himself a man in control, measured and strategic in every move, every decision. But tonight, for the first time, he felt powerless.And ashamed.He’d broken something he had no right to touch. Now, all he could do was try — maybe hopelessly — to repair what pieces remained.By the time he arrived at the Vanderbilt estate, the staff were long asleep, and the house was quiet. But he didn’t stop there. He headed straight to his private study, locking the door behind him.He pulled out his phone and made a call.Jonathan picked up on the second ring, sounding slightly groggy. “Sir?”A
The city lights blurred past as Alexander sped through the streets, his grip tight on the steering wheel. The cool night air seeped through the slightly opened window, but it did nothing to calm the restless storm inside him.For the first time in years, his usually sharp, calculated mind was clouded — not by business, not by rivals, but by a woman.His wife.And how badly he’d wronged her.Ava. Serena.Every time he said either name in his head now, it twisted something deep in his chest.He thought back to her messages — not a single word of accusation, not one plea for sympathy.Even after everything, she hadn’t used his name.She called him Mr. Vanderbilt.Professional. Distant. Like a stranger.And wasn’t that what he’d made himself?As he pulled into the underground parking of the hotel, he sat in the car for a long moment. His reflection in the windshield stared back at him — polished, cold, successful. A man respected, feared, envied. But none of that meant anything now.He gr
Alexander let out a sigh, leaning back in the chair as his grandfather rifled through a worn leather photo album placed neatly beside the chessboard. The old man flipped through its pages, mumbling to himself. The room felt heavier somehow, the air thick with nostalgia and something Alexander couldn’t quite name.Alexander leaned back against the worn leather chair in the grand sitting room of the Vanderbilt Mansion, pretending to sip his tea while his grandfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt Sr., dug through an old photo album. The scent of aged paper and tea leaves hung in the air, mixing with the warm, familiar atmosphere of a home built on old money and endless pride.He didn’t want to be here.His mind had been elsewhere all evening — on Ava.The hotel. The time. Her waiting.She’d agreed to meet him there, not because she wanted to — but because she had no choice.Because of Ryan Kuzmin.Alexander had promised her that if she surrendered to his terms — ten nights, no conditions — he wou
Dear Gentle Readers, Thank you for your support from the beginning until this point. This author really appreciates it. Never thought this story will have these many readers...This author understands your wish for this story to end therefore there will be 2 branches of the story from here onwards. The first branch is for Alexander to realize that Ava is Serena and the story can conclude there.The second branch is what the author has already prepared from the beginning. All good things must come to an end at some point...Please enjoy the ride and if you wish to read other story, please check out "Taming the Wild CEO" which has the following premise :For nearly four years Ella Stanford has been working as a secretary to Javier Summers, and for most of that time, she has been fighting her own feelings for him. Javier was undeniably sexy but she knew she should never fall for a ruthless playboy. He has never paid heed to her, so this has not been a problem but a struggle on her own
When Ava pulled up in front of the boutique, she sat frozen in her car for a long minute, her fingers clutching the steering wheel, her heart pounding. The neon lights reflected off the windshield in lurid pinks and reds, making everything feel surreal.With a deep breath, she opened the door, keeping her head down as she briskly walked toward the entrance.Inside, a burst of artificial floral perfume and soft pop music hit her. The boutique was dimly lit, with shimmering silk and lace displayed under glowing spotlights. Ava didn’t dare meet anyone’s eyes.The sales clerk approached — a middle-aged woman with shrewd eyes and a practiced smile that brightened the moment she saw Ava.“Beautiful lady, what kind are you looking for?” the woman asked warmly.Ava’s mouth opened, but the words wouldn’t come. She had no experience here — none of this belonged in her world. “A-anything is fine…” she stammered, avoiding the clerk’s gaze.The woman’s expression turned stern. “How can you be so c
By evening, after back-to-back meetings and an unrelenting day of negotiations, Alexander finally stepped out of the conference room. The moment he entered his office, his sharp gaze landed on Ava, quietly seated by the window.She looked pale, her skin almost translucent under the soft light, but her eyes held steady — calm, guarded, as though nothing from the night before had ever happened. Not a flicker of hesitation, not a single ripple.Alexander moved to his chair, sitting down with the unhurried grace of a man who always controlled the room. His eyes swept over her.She had a scarf wrapped snugly around her neck, a strange choice for this mild evening. It couldn’t hide everything though — a hint of bruising peeked from beneath the fabric. A turtleneck would’ve made more sense, but in this weather, it would have drawn too much attention.“Mr. Vanderbilt,” Ava said evenly, breaking the heavy silence.“I won’t back out from the remaining nine times. But can you give me Ryan’s info