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Capitolo XX
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2024-10-29 19:42:56At around three in the afternoon, I realized two things: one, Lucas isn't around the house. Or anywhere in New York. My father said he took a noon flight back to Boston for his parents. My future mother and father-in-law. As much as I was jumping in joy because Lucas wasn't in the house, I couldn't ignore the fact that he might be late and I would be embarrassed standing alone with all the guests and proposing to myself and making up some lame excuses as to why my fiance was MIA; and two, is that I might not finish getting ready by the time the guests start to flood the house.
As I sit in front of my bureau, my hair-dresser fixes my hair, ironing it as straight as it could possibly go. The one who does my makeup does as I requested; not too much but make sure the lips stand out. The two manicurists haven't yet arrived and as much as I want to throw a tantrum, I couldn't possibly because Chase hasn't
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Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXI
By five-thirty, I had gotten word from my father that Lucas and his family had just landed in JFK. At least he was in New York already, but I doubt that thirty minutes can suffice Lucas' time to get ready. When I said my thanks to the women who fixed me a few minutes ago, my stomach was turning once again and the dizziness made me sit on my bed for a few minutes before I gathered up the courage to change into my burgundy velvet dress with puffed up sleeves, revealing some skin on the collarbone area. The dress wasn't as spectacular as I would've wanted it. If I didn't have an injured arm, I would've worn the spaghetti strap satin dress I bought from Milan. But since I got to patch things up for the press, I guess this will have to do. I still looked like a bombshell regardless. I picked up a white 5-inches Louboutin ankle strap peep toe heels that went well w
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXII
Lucas~*~Harriet was talking to a broad man near the chocolate fountain. That girl could eat the world's chocolate and not gain a single pound. Fortunately, there weren't any in her teeth or her mouth as she threw her head back with laughter. Her lavender spaghetti strap dress with silver lace was hugging her curves like a perfect pair of satin gloves, and despite the fact that she looks stunning, she wears it half an inch above her knee and paired it with the silver Louboutins I got her for her birthday last year. A little too short if you ask me. But I let her be, knowing she can handle herself.I walk toward her as the stranger says something in her ear and she giggles like a schoolgirl. They're standing close to each other—too close. Assuming the man’s good intentions, I know he only wants one thing
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXIII
My body was on fire.I have no clue whatsoever where the hell I was nor what happened. The last thing I remembered was my shoulder throbbing and my head pounding like a jackhammer as I was saying my goodbye to Aurelia."Fuck," I grunted, bringing a hand on my temple as if it would help my head from aching. I was lying on something soft and familiar. I was on my bed. Why was I on my bed? Was I drunk? No fucking way. I then heard a snort coming from the foot of the bed. A shadow appeared from the slightly lit room. Broad shoulders, straight back, and a very masculine stance. Lucas."Mari," he said, walking towards. I then felt the bed sink on my right as he sat beside me. "How thoughtful of you to grace me with your consciousness,” he added as he tucks a strand of
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXIV
An hour later, Cassandra had a finished sketch of a stunning dress laid on the off-white rustic paper of her sketch pad. It was like fucking witchcraft. She first got her pad from her tiny purse like she was Mary Poppins. We both sat in the outdoor lanai and she told me to start envisioning my desired dress and veil. I didn’t want something extravagant. The wedding is about me, after all. The dress was just a bonus.Speaking of, the dress was breathtaking. It was simple and classy. A one shoulder silk wedding dress with a slit on the thighs paired with a veil made of lace which will be handmade in Russia. It was a little risque with the slits, but the silk Cassandra assured that the silk material will make it look elegant. Honestly, I didn’t care if I showed too much skin. The more the better. Makes them see how much of a catch I am. Makes Lucas see how lucky he fucking is. Turns out, Cassandra
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXV
It was nothing but a split decision that I wanted to fly all the way to Italy for Lucas. Well, it really was for Harriet, but I knew Lucas needed all the help he could get. It was all that I could do to get even with him since he took care of me last night.Taking my emergency suitcase underneath my bed, I grabbed a handful of undergarments and folded a week's worth of clothes with three different pairs of shoes to match. Despite being the fall season, I dared to wear a matching white blazer and short set with a blue velvet top. I wore a hat with it just to make the outfit complete. I reminded myself to bring a scarf just in case it would get a little too chilly. It was only a 6-hour difference, so I bet it will be around 4 there.I grabbed my sunglasses on the table with my phone and wallet before I walked out my door. Chase was pacing, holding onto his phone
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXVI
Lucas ~*~ I fucking pushed her away. Great job, Lucas. I stare at my hazy reflection in the elevator double doors that just shut a few moments, with Mari inside, as I take in her words. "And I was already on the verge of believing that Lucas De Marchi was a good man." If anything, I wasn't a good man. Never have been, never will be. But I admit I was actually glad she thought so. I had promised to myself that I’d actually try to be welcoming when she arrives, but there was something about her that drove me crazy that eventually made me want to push her buttons. She was just so easy to piss off. And I liked the way her frown replaced her triumphant smiles.
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXVII
The blur of sleep keeps on pushing me back to slumber. But the clock on the table said it was 1 in the afternoon. I didn’t even have the energy to jump at the thought that I basically slept the entire morning. The only thing I know is that I am not on my familiar bed. In fact, I knew the instant my eyes opened and saw the light coming from the massive glass walls overlooking the blue sky that I wasn't in my room nor in the mansion. It felt warmer here and softer. I forced myself awake, wiping away sleep and drool from my face with my hand. I slowly sat up, but immediately regretted it when an intense wave of pain shot through my head. I cursed under my breath, trying to recall what happened last night. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," said a deep familiar voice. Groaning, I look towards the owner of the sound with narrow eyes, trying to block the light. He
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXVIII
Lucas, all though I hate to admit it, was right. Theresa Wills rang at around 3 in the afternoon. She introduced herself and complimented me for having such a charming secretary. Yep. Well, Chase is more than just a secretary and more than just charming at that.Theresa Wills is British. That, I couldn't miss, especially with her high-pitched accent ringing through the phone. Perhaps this was why she has a fascination for Chase. She was hilarious. In fact, I tried very hard to have a serious conversation with her and just when I thought I did it, she'd burst into giggles again. I knew that she had the type of humor that would eventually become annoying.I told her about the things that needed to get done ASAP like the venue, reception and catering. I told her I wanted to have a private wedding with at least a hundred and fifty guests. So since a church wedding
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Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Epilogue
I heard things from the darkness when the pain in my chest stopped. I didn't understand it. The words time and death were the only ones that registered. After that there was a commotion. That familiar voice was screaming, and another voice answered. Everything was in distress and I just wanted to yell for them to be quiet. I needed to think. I needed to know where I was. Why was I in darkness?Suddenly, the pain returned. The one in my throat. With cold hands, I grabbed my neck, hoping that whatever was causing the pain would go away. But it didn't. I started coughing. Then the light slowly returned. Not the blinding one, but the right one. Warm, vivid—real.~*~The fluorescent light on the ceiling was the first real thing I saw before I felt the pain in my throat. My eyes stung from the tear
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XLI
Lucas~*~It has been four slow, cruel and torturous days and I stayed beside Mari every second of it, only leaving when I needed to go change or wash. The rest, I was a guard dog watching over its food.On the second day after Mari was settled in her room, Chase arrived, bloodshot eyes, and a little skinnier than the last time I've seen him. The fact that I was a little bit relieved that he was here for Mari dissolved when I learned that Gian still wasn't getting any better.On the third day, Mari jolted off her bed and the machines went overdrive with beeps. I fucking shit myself when I heard her gag over the tube that was in her throat to help her breathe. The nurses and the doctors that rushed in were frantic and also relieved at the same time. I almost choked the nu
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XL
I see nothing.I feel nothing.I can move nothing.But I can hear everything."You have to wake up, Mari," the voice pleads. It was...eerie and familiar, but I can't seem to remember who.The darkness was everywhere. And I was in a never-ending fall towards it. The first thing that crossed my mind was sleep paralysis. I was having an episode of sleep paralysis but this one I can't fight. I remain still, unmoving, dead. With all the energy that's left of me, I tried to reach and follow the voice. But it was no use. Instead, I let the darkness eat me up.~*~
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXXIX
Lucas~*~14 hours.Mother and father left for a quick purchase of food as Harriet lay asleep on her bed. Her even breathes, her pulsing heart and the slight movement of her eyelids; I take them in for a moment, thankful that she's alive. I don't know what I'd do if I got there too late—if Mari got there too late. Jack had arrived a few hours earlier and brought me my clothes. Washing my face from the sink in the bathroom, I momentarily stare at the fucked up in the mirror. Tight jaw, dark bags and five o'clock shadow. Anger filled me as I stared at my reflection. The superficial flaw of my face is nothing compared to what Mari and Harriet have. They had bruises and wounds and stitches while I got fucking eye bags. I should'
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXXVIII
Lucas~*~8 hours.Mari has been in the surgery room for 8 motherfucking hours. Felix was done with my bullet wound, I washed my face, paced the floor exactly 16...17 times and there's still no word of what the damn shit is going on.I'd called my parents and told them that Harriet was in the hospital. I called Chase to tell him about Mari. I called Jack and told him to bring me a change of clothes. They were on their way. But that was 4 hours ago. Now I'm just a fucking mess pacing the floor praying for...a fucking miracle. God! What's wrong with me?I sank to the floor, frustratingly gripping my hair with my fingers. Betting my luck, I dialed Sigmund's number again."Wh
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXXVII
Lucas~*~All I see is red. Red from anger, red from panic and red of my Mari's blood, pooling under her body as she lay weak on the floor. I heard every gunshot behind the damn door, all eight of them now in Mari's body. Handing over my sister to the big man, who I learned is Thomas, I told him to call for the choppers. I then ran towards Mari. She was a paper coated in red, limp and pale. Her eyes heavy and tired, her focus in space."Mari," I said, slumping to the ground beside her, out of breath as blood drools down her chin. I grabbed her head, carefully bringing it on my lap for comfort. She grunts in pain. From there I saw a few bullet holes on her body. Heart thumping and face steaming, I calm myself. "You're going to be fine."Her face is wet with sweat and tear
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXXVI
"Run, Harriet. Fucking run!" I yelled as I struggled to free myself from Freddy's arms. I felt the warmth of his breath by my neck, and smelt the stink of the air coming out of his mouth. "Lucas will get you, just run!"Everything was happening so fast, and my ears were ringing, my vision blurring.Freddy was growling behind me, tightly straining me with his muscled arms.Harriet crying out for Freddy to let me go.Me screaming for Harriet to run.Harriet was hesitant to leave me behind, I can see it in her wide and worried eyes. But God knows it was best to leave me be than both of us dying. "GO!" I yelled louder than the first time when she didn’t move. And she does this time, limping on the stairs. Freddy's grip arou
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXXV
Everything was hazy and it hurt like a motherfucker. My head throbbed like there's a jackhammer inside. I tried to open my eyes despite the pain in my skull and my ankle. Then I remembered that the fucker snapped my ankle when I was lying on my stomach. Hissing, I squint when my eyes directly set visual on the fluorescent lamp on the ceiling. Aside from that, another lamp was angled towards me like a spotlight. Fuck was it blinding.Cursing, I forced myself to sit up on the cold metal surface of what I was lying on. I moved my ankle, but winced when the pain electrocuted my entire body. Nonetheless, I forced my body to stand. Slowly, I wait until I'm used to the pain. Red smeared the low neckline of my tank only to realize that there's dry blood running from my nose and from my forehead. He fucking hit me?! I thought with rage.The room was a metal box. No wind
Business and Pleasure (Hamartia Trilogy Book 1) Capitolo XXXIV
Mexico was heavy. It was like entering a room with a stuffy and suffocating air. Not to mention the fear that was crawling up on my spine that at any moment, someone might shoot at me. The warehouse is large, glass windows, and steel doors. It wasn't the typical warehouse I usually see that’s covered in steel and metal. It was more like a home than a slaughterhouse. Thank heavens for the transparent windows, it became easier to navigate and shoot.Wearing cargo pants, a black cropped top and combat boots that I changed into from the plane, I lay still on top of a hill by the warehouse, hidden in the grass. At least if I die, I was going to die with good clothes.I stared at the sniper scope, on my belly. And I saw movement.The warehouse was loft-style with brown leather couches and rustic tables. It would loo
