Kimberly’s POVDinner had barely settled in my stomach when I caught sight of Leonardo walking past the dining room. I didn’t even think; I pushed my chair back and hurried after him."Leonardo!" I called, but he didn’t stop or even glance back.He strode to his bedroom with the same cold indifference I had come to expect. Still, I had hoped foolishly, perhaps that returning from the office or wherever he went might clear his mind and make him more willing to listen. Clearly, I was wrong.I stopped mid-step, defeated. Just as I turned to head back to my room, a familiar voice called out."Kimberly, dear!"I spun around, and there she was…Emily, her face lit up with excitement.“Oh goodness, I rushed down the moment I heard you were back!” she exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug.I clung to her like a lifeline, my emotions unraveling in a way I hadn’t expected. I didn’t even realize tears were streaming down my face until she whispered, "Shh… it’s okay. We’ll talk about it."We retr
Kimberly POV I didn’t cheat,” I said quietly.“Yeah, I know,” he replied curtly, his tone colder than the air between us.My breath hitched. “ You know?" I asked, surprised. Then why are you so mad at me? He scoffed, running a hand through his dark hair, his jaw clenching with barely contained fury. “You made love to someone, Kimberly. You gave them what should have been mine.”His words cut like glass, sharp and jagged, and I met his glare despite the lump forming in my throat. “You think I would do something like that?” My voice rose, cracking with the weight of my emotions. “Then explain!” he barked, his face inches from mine, the heat of his anger palpable.I swallowed hard, my pulse roaring in my ears. The truth felt too raw, too humiliating, but I couldn’t let him think so little of me. “I was ovulating,” I admitted, my cheeks flushing with shame. “I was… frustrated. I needed release, so I did it myself.”Leonardo froze, his piercing eyes locked on mine. The tension between
Kimberly POV "I didn't know it would ever be like this," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.Leonardo chuckled, a low, rich sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "It's not always like this with just anybody," he replied, his tone teasing yet firm.I glanced at him, my gaze locking onto his. Something unspoken passed between us, and I couldn't look away."Yes, it's new to you," he continued, his voice dropping an octave. "But your body turned to mine, Kimberly. It understood, even if you don't.""I'm glad," I admitted, my fingers tentatively brushing against his bare chest. He had handcuffed me earlier, but now I was free-free to touch, to feel.My fingertips traced the curly hair on his chest as flashes of our moments together replayed in my mind. A rush of warmth flooded me, leaving me breathless. I glanced down and saw him stir, his arousal unmistakable."Oh my goodness," I whispered, my cheeks flushing."Don't tell me you want to do this again, Leo?" I asked, my lips p
Kimberly POV It was amusing to watch Emily completely ignore Leonardo’s reprimand for barging in on us that evening. She had been on top of the world, basking in the success of her little scheme. That girl had no fear, not even of her brother.After that night, things between Leonardo and me fell into an unspoken routine. We woke up to the same rhythm each day. I’d often feel a dull ache in my body, but not in a bad way. Leonardo had his thing, big, thick and oh-so-capable, if you catch my drift. Despite him not taking it personal, sex with him was amazing. Maybe because this is a phase in our relationship I never imagined would come to pass.Ignoring his sometimes coldness and attitude, I made sure to insert little couple-like gestures into our routine. Dinner together, for instance, became non-negotiable. To my surprise, he had stopped resisting it, even if his phone remained glued to his hand.I watched him now, scrolling through whatever mafia-related updates filled his morning.
Leonardo’s POV"If you had the chance to make this work, would you give it a try?" Kimberly’s question echoed in my ears.Her words forced me to confront my actions. From flings to submissives, I had always kept a strict rule: no staying in the same bed, no conversations after. But Kimberly shattered that record effortlessly."Why are you so different?" I remembered her question at camp.How could I tell her the truth? How could I admit that the Mafia Don was falling for his captive?I ran a hand through my hair and sighed in frustration. "This isn’t supposed to be happening," I muttered, picking up my phone to call Mario."Hello?" came his voice on the other end."Mario. Café. 5 PM," I said curtly, hanging up before he could respond.An exasperated sigh escaped me as I moved to my desk, glancing at the stacks of documents on my desk but I couldn’t focus. My thoughts were all on her.______"Hey, bro!" Mario called from across the lounge.The moment I arrived, I regretted not choosing
Kimberly's POV"Ah, our beloved Donna returns," Monica drawled, her voice dripping with venomous sweetness.I stiffened, forcing my face into a neutral mask. "Monica." My voice remained steady, even as my chest tightened.She set her glass down with deliberate slowness, her fingers trailing along its rim before she rose to meet me."Leonardo isn’t here, if you're here for him. Stop wasting your time," I informed her.I Thought Leonardo had told me Monica is his secretary, so how won’t a secretary know her boss isn’t around? Ridiculous.Her lips curled into a mocking smile. "You look so stressed..." she replied instead, her voice laced in mockery rather than affection."Is it the Donna tasks or... the Mr. Fiore's bed warmer tasks that’s draining? Hope you're meeting up with his demands? Leonardo's got an appetite, you know."I swallowed hard, the words cutting deeper than I wanted to admit. My eyes burned, but I blinked the tears away. "What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice, s
Leonardo pov"Where’s my wife?" I asked as soon as I stepped inside the mansion.The silence was unnerving. The house wasn’t usually lively, but today, something felt different, off. It was Kimberly."She’s upstairs, sir," a voice replied.Helen had informed me earlier over the phone. "She hasn’t been coming down for meals, nor is she opening her door."I ascended the stairs, my footsteps echoing in the stillness. Stopping outside her room, I called softly, "Kimberly. It’s me. I’m home."A rustle from within told me she was awake. I pressed on. "I’m sorry, okay? Just open the door. We need to talk.""I have nothing to say to you," came her muffled response, her voice thick with emotion."Kim..." I sighed, leaning my head against the door. "I know you’re upset. I need you to hear me out. Please."Silence."Whatever Monica said to you, It's not true, believe me" I said, like I knew the exact words Monica said."Kim..." A creak sound came from the door, for a moment, my heart leaps, she
Kimberly POV I stirred awake to the sound of a familiar voice.“Oh, madam is still sleeping,” Emily’s voice rang through my ears.I blinked my eyes open, wincing at the sharp light streaming through the window. Instinctively, I reached for the other side of the bed, only to find it cold. Leonardo had left long ago, as usual."Ahh," I sighed, standing up to see the woman who barged in on me."Emily," I shrieked with joy "Hey, you still saw me yesterday!" She pouted at my eagerness.I laughed despite myself. "Even if I saw her yesterday, there’s this joy I get in seeing her after a few hours.”“Well, I’m just seeing you today!” i shot back, my pout exaggerated.We both burst into laughter, and in the process, I accidentally pulled the blanket off me.“God… see who’s naked!” Emily teased, shielding her eyes dramatically.“Oh, geez, Emily!” I muttered, rushing to grab a shirt from the closet.When I returned, she was smirking at me. “Seems you two have been having a nice time lately,”
Leonardo’s POV"The winner has been decided," the announcer’s voice thundered through the hall, pulling me from my restless thoughts. My fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest, a futile attempt to mask my growing irritation."Many of us know the rankings of the top two companies have remained unchanged for years," the announcer continued, pausing theatrically. "But will that remain the case this year?""For God’s sake, can he just say it and get this over with?" Monica hissed beside me, her tone sharp enough to draw a few curious glances.I clenched my jaw. The announcer’s unnecessary theatrics were grating, but my focus remained razor-sharp. I needed the Fiore Company to maintain its dominance. Anything less than first place was unacceptable."The fifth world-largest company goes to Stiten & Co.," he announced finally.Scattered applause followed as the award was presented. The announcer droned on, working his way through the ranks. My patience wore thinner with each passing
Kimberly's POV“Don’t hire a copywriter this time,” I said plainly, folding my arms as I watched Alex face turn ashen.“What? We might lose ranking!” he exclaimed, alarmed.“Do you trust me?” I asked, meeting his gaze.“What do you mean?” he asked, his voice laced with doubt.“I’d like to handle the contract myself. All I want is your approval. Leave the rest to me,” I said, standing firm.“But you’re new... and…” Alex hesitated, his doubt hanging in the air.“Do you trust me?” I repeated, cutting him off.After a long pause, he sighed. “Okay. I’ll let you show yourself to the world.”(Present Day)The moment I stepped out of the car, the sharp clicks of cameras and a sea of reporters surrounded me. Microphones were shoved in my direction, and questions were hurled like bullets.“Who are you, and what company do you represent?” one bold mouthed reporter asked, stepping in front of the crowd.I stopped, met her gaze, and answered coolly. “I am Kimberly. Kimberly Gioselle.”A stunned si
Kimberly POV "My darling granddaughter, who would believe you're alive”? An energetic old woman, probably in her 80's stepped from the door, before moving closer and pulling me in a suffocating warm hug.She looks small, but wrapped in her arms, I felt smaller."I'm your father's mother dear. YourGrandma!" she added, laughing The moment she saw the look of confusion on my face after releasing me from her hug."Grandma." I repeated with a warm smile."Let's take a walk around the company dearie." Alex said, dismissing the staffs who had gathered around us."Sure.""The Gioselle Company is the largestcompany in the United Kingdom. The second after the Flores in the whole world." Alex explained."We have multiple partners and shareholders, which of course I'm the Highest shareholder" He added proudly.I gave him a warm smile.I couldn't stay angry for a long time. Alex has promised to protect Lan, protect me and My unborn child too, so what more can I ask for?"Sometimes, We rank To
Kimberly POV "That's ridiculous," I scoffed, my voice breaking through the tension in the room."I'm keeping the baby. And there's nothing you can do about it," I said, glaring at Alex. My words hung in the air like a challenge."If the enemies find out, Kimberly, you'll be in danger," Alex warned, his voice, deep with concern.I clenched my fists. "That's my decision to make, not yours.""Kimberly, dear," Nancy interjected, her tone gentler but no less pointed. "That baby inside you will cause more harm than good."I turned sharply toward her, disbelief coursing through me. "How… how can you be so heartless?" My voice wavered, but I refused to let the tears fall."I'm carrying a baby, my very first child, and you're telling me to get rid of it?”"Kimberly…""Don't!" I cut her off, my voice sharper than I intended. "You know what?" I said, glancing between them."You've found me, and we've reunited. Thank goodness for that. But right now, I think… meeting you is only adding to my tr
Kimberly POV “Liars!” I screamed, glaring at the couple before me. My voice echoed in the grand living room, but neither of them flinched.“How do you expect me to believe you’re my real parents just because of what you said?” I replied them in anger, but deep down, I felt a storm of confusion and disbelief.Nancy’s lips parted as if to speak, but I cut her off. “I want proof. Not some silly, made-up story.”A tense silence fell over us, the weight of my accusation hanging in the air. I didn’t know if it was my emotions running wild or something deeper, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this, more than their words, more than their sudden appearance in my life.Without a word, Nancy got up and left the room. I didn’t bother watching her leave; instead, I let my eyes wander around the lavish space. Every corner of the house screamed wealth, from the ruby chandeliers to the antique furniture that looked untouched by time. “Here,” Nancy’s voice startled me. I hadn’
“No! Don’t touch me!” I snapped, jerking away from the strangers who claimed to be my parents. My chest heaved, and my voice cracked, but I held my ground.“Kimberly, please…” the woman said, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. Her hands stretched toward me, trembling slightly, as if unsure I wouldn’t flinch away again.“You… you even know my name?” I hissed, narrowing my eyes. “How is that possible?”The man, tall and broad with streaks of gray in his hair, stepped forward. “Because we're the ones who gave you that name.” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. I froze. The weight of his words hit me like a freight train. My knees threatened to give way, but I squared my shoulders, refusing to let my guard down. “If that’s true, if you’re really my parents, then how did you lose me? How could you leave me for twenty-four years?” My voice rose with each word, my fury bubbling over. “Why now? Why come back now?”The woman, named Nancy, as the man called earlier, opened her
Leonardo pov I slammed my fist on the desk, the sharp pain cutting through my hand. It didn’t matter. Nothing did at this moment. My anger, raw and untamed, burned hotter with every tick of the clock hanging on the wall. Seven days. Seven long days since Kimberly escaped. Seven days of searching without a single trace.Was I more furious that she dared to run or worried that she had nowhere to go? My jaw tightened as I shoved the thought aside.I stormed out of the study, my footsteps echoing through the hallway like thunder."Enzo!" I barked.He appeared from around the corner, bowing slightly. "Yes, Boss. I was just about to report to you.""What did you find?" I demanded, my voice sharp enough to slice through steel.Enzo shifted uncomfortably. "We're still searching, Boss. My team just returned from her father's house. There’s no sign of her there."In one swift motion, I grabbed him by the collar and pulled him close. "I told you not to step foot in this house unless you had he
Kimberly's POV“Thirty minutes are over, ma’am,” Enzo called, peeping through the door.I hastily wiped my tears, hoping he hadn’t heard what I whispered moments ago.Taking a deep breath, I rose to my feet, taking a last glance at Emily.“Goodbye, Emily,” I murmured under my breath before turning to leave.Enzo trailed behind me as we walked to the car. The weight of his presence made my skin crawl, but I kept my composure until we reached the parking lot.I need to use the bathroom. I’m pressed,” I said abruptly, not waiting for his response as I spun around and walked briskly back into the hospital.From the corner of my eye, I saw him follow. I switched lanes, heading away from the quiet VIP section he had brought me through earlier. The bustling regular hallway, filled with patients, visitors, and nurses, provided the perfect cover.“Madam, you’re moving the wrong…”I didn’t let him finish. I ran.“Madam!” Enzo called, his voice stern and alarmed.I didn’t look back. My heart rac
Kimberly POV Leonardo released me from grounding after the recent threat, but I wondered if it had done any good. The freedom felt useless, especially with Monica around. If anything, I wished I’d stayed grounded forever, locked away from the chaos she brought.“Lucy,” I called softly, my voice raw from the weight of unspoken words.Her glare was sharp, cutting through me before she turned and walked toward the dining room where Monica was seated. Monica’s presence seemed to draw her in like a magnet, dangerous, but irresistible.“What now?” Monica asked, her voice dripping with condescension. "You want to turn out just like that did to the mother?"The words hit me like a slap, but I refused to react. If there's anything I want today, it was to avoid Drama. And Today wasn’t the day for drama.I can't even bring myself to cry anymore without having a severe headache.“When is my mom going to wake up?” Lucy asked, her voice small but laced with hope as she looked up at Monica. The que