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
Chapter 1 Kimberley POV:"You can't just fire me, sir. I've done so much for this company!" I shouted, my voice shaking with disbelief.Yes, I’d made a mistake…or so they said, but fire me? Just like that? It didn’t make sense.“Do you even understand what you’ve done?” My boss’s voice dropped, cold and sharp. “Kimberley, you leaked our company’s secret formula to our top competitor.”!“What?!” I gasped. “That’s not true! I would never! ”“You can deny it all you want,” he cut in. “I should’ve called the police. But considering the years we’ve worked together, and your past record, I’m offering you an alternative.” He shoved a file across the desk.My eyes flickered to the paper inside, dreading what it might say. The figure on the page stopped my breath. $4,500. Damages.“I didn’t do this!” I protested. “This is a mistake! someone’s framing me!”“Shut your mouth!” a voice rang out.Magret, my boss’s wife, stormed in. Before I could react, she slapped me so hard that my vision blurre
Kimberley POV:I opened my eyes to find myself in a strange room. Dark but surprisingly well ventilated. It took me time to adjust to the new environment, I finally did but,..Where am I? My pulse quickened. Suddenly, Memories of yesterday rushed in like a flood. “My father!” I wanted to scream, but my voice caught in my throat. Then, I heard it—a deep, commanding voice cutting through the stillness. “Never! Never do more than I send you!”“Who is that?” I held my breath, straining to listen.“He was proving stubborn... getting in my way.” Another voice, shaky yet defiant, wavered as if someone were being choked.Their conversation was muffled, words bouncing around like distorted whispers. Something about “D'Bon”... and “go ahead.” But I couldn’t fathom it. “I never asked you to kill him!” The first voice rumbled with anger. Silence followed, thick and unbearable.A sickening thud echoed, followed by a sharp hiss that made my neck prickle. “Bury him,” the voice commanded coldly.
Leonardo POV: I gently brushed a strand of her deep, red hair away, its softness warm beneath my fingertips. I couldn’t help but wonder how much care it took to keep it that way. My gaze softened as I looked at her—unchanged from six years ago. How could she forget? Forget that she was the one who had pulled me from the brink of death.My gaze darkened as I examined a tear marring her skin. It looked fresh, like a brand from a fire. "Who did this to you?" I asked, my voice low and cold, surprising even myself with the intensity of my concern."Who did this to her Enzo?" I barked at my henchman, a muscle-bound guard I had assigned to keep an eye on her."She was stubborn, Don," he replied, his voice trembling slightly under my scrutiny.The realisation hit me like a bullet—Enzo had laid his hands on her.In a flash, I was at Enzo’s side, pinning him against the wall with a force that echoed through the room. “For the second time today, Enzo, you defied my order!” His action ignited
Kimberley POV: I woke to sharp sunlight streaming through the window, forcing my eyes open. Disoriented, I blinked against the brightness. How had I fallen asleep so deeply? I scolded myself—this is unlike me.A knock came at the door, and before I could respond, it opened. I tensed, bracing myself for the "Don"—the one whose name I didn’t yet know. But the voice that greeted me was female.“Good morning, ma’am,” she said curtly. “I’m Helen. I’ve been assigned as your personal maid.”I looked up, my relief barely contained. At least she was younger, with a face that seemed capable of a smile, unlike the stern, older woman who had attended to me yesterday.“Mr. Fiore requests you come downstairs. He’s expecting you,” she continued. “I’m here to get you ready.”"Mr. Fore?" I muttered, almost too loudly. "What sort of name is that?"She stiffened slightly. "Fiore, ma’am," she corrected quickly, then added, “Please, let me help you prepare.”She looked chatty, eager even, but I swallowed
Kimberley POV:"Place your watch securely. Report any unusual activity to me," I heard Mr. Fiore say on the phone as I descended the steps.His face was serious, brows furrowed with worry. Whatever was being discussed was far from trivial.At the bottom of the stairs, a woman suddenly embraced me in a warm hug, catching me off guard. Her perfume was sweet, comforting. For a moment, I wanted to stay in her arms, to forget everything. When she finally let go, I took in her features—blonde hair, bright almond eyes, her smile so easy it seemed impossible not to return it.“What a gem Leonardo’s bagged for himself!” she said brightly.I forced a smile. “Good evening.”“I’m Emiliana. But please, just call me Emily.” She practically radiated happiness, the kind I hadn’t seen since I got here.“Kimberly,” I replied, my smile straining."I can't wait for the wedding," she added, her excitement palpable. I couldn't help but wonder what made her so blissful about the whole thing."Let's go shopp
Kimberly POV:The dresses arrived, and I had to go downstairs to check them. Leonardo was already there, seated, phone pressed to his ear. The sight of him made my stomach churn, so I turned my face, pretending I hadn’t seen him. He ended his call and leaned back, gesturing toward the pile of white dresses. “Try them on.”I hesitated, the thought of changing in front of him twisting my insides. But before I could object, Helen stepped in, reading my discomfort. “This way,” she said gently, guiding me toward a small dressing room off to the side. Inside, I stared at the mountain of fabric. Trying on wedding dresses—dresses I didn’t want—felt like surrender. But what choice did I have? At least Leonardo hadn’t killed me yesterday. I could call that a win... for now. I pulled on the first dress—a sleeveless gown with a furry jacket that felt more suited for a high-society brunch than a wedding. I stepped out, awkwardly crossing my arms, standing in front of Leonardo in the most un
KIMBERLY POVLeonardo didn’t return for a week, leaving me alone in this room with nothing but my thoughts and memories. I couldn’t sleep—every time I closed my eyes, images of Lan and my father drifted in, like ghosts I couldn’t escape. I stared at the ceiling until it blurred. My tears had run dry days ago, but the ache lingered, heavy and dull. With a sigh, I got up and stretched. Staying confined made no sense. Leonardo forbade me from roaming freely, but what was the point of this so-called tour if I stayed locked inside? Dressed in a pair of bum shorts and a faded T-shirt, I doubted anyone could call me provocative. Slipping through the door, I wandered outside, craving air—freedom. The night was cool, the sky stretched wide and endless above me. For a moment, I let my guard down, tilting my face toward the stars. Then, I heard it. A loud screech tore through the stillness, and my stomach dropped. Leonardo. He’s back. Panic twisted in my chest. There was no way I co
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