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Chapter 2.32
Last Updated:
2023-08-18 14:25:28
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Claim by the Don Chapter 2.33
Zoey p.o.v“Your dad is not dead.” The words kept ring in my head, paralysing me momentarily. I stared wide-eyed at him, not knowing how to react or if I should trust what he said. I saw myself first hand, my dad losing his life and taking his last breath before my eyes. I watched as his body went limp on the hospital bed, lifeless. And how my mom and I broke down, and rushed to his side, pleading for him to wake up. I experienced these things, then what is the news that my dad is not dead. “What do you mean, my dad has been dead for six years? You were at his funeral, remember? Then what are you saying.” I hissed, my voice trembling as I speak. A jolt of electricity surged through my body as I waited impatiently for him to say he was joking. My heart skipped a beat when he just started at me blankly, his expression saying he's far from joking. “I'm serious Zoey, your dad is not dead. It was our plan to fake his death.” He said, holding my hands in one hand and cupped my cheek w
Last Updated : 2023-08-22Claim by the Don Chapter 2.34
Zoey p.o.vSeveral days have passed since Marco told me the truth about my dad's death, and to say the least, I'm still in shock they had kept something this big from me. I'm starting to wonder what other secret are they hiding from me. The thought alone has me grimacing in distaste, and even more upset. Mom and I have been living together for six years after dad's supposed death, and she kept the truth from me. She watches me suffering the loss of my dad and also made me think she was going through a hard time after losing her husband and she didn't say anything. What got me more upset with her, is that she asked them not to tell me the truth. I grit my teeth together, forcing down my pain. “So.....” Rebecca trailed off, dragging my strayed attention to her. We are sitting on the patio behind the mansion, sun bathing. The patio is larger than an average size, and a huge outdoor pool lay ahead. We sat facing the pool and the woods that behind the high fence. Rebecca and I have b
Last Updated : 2023-08-28Claim by the Don Chapter 2.35
Zoey p.o.vThe cool afternoon gust swept past my face, caressing my face. The sun shone down, creating a glow over the earth and a sense of warmth that hugged my skin. My heart refused to slow down, even after leaving his overwhelming presence. I could feel the afternoon whiff of my skin and the fresh scent of nature that surrounded Marco's private estate.Rebecca and I strolled the lengthy path, since Marco had his home in the middle of a forest. It was a long walk to civilization.As we walked, my mind raced with thoughts of him. The way his piercing black eyes had locked onto mine, and how my breath caught in my throat. There was something about him that both intrigued and frightened me. His presence was overpowering, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability around him.Rebecca sensed my unease and nudged me with her elbow. “Hey, are you okay?” she asked, concern clear in her voice.I forced a smile and nodded. “Yeah, I'm fine. Just a slight shaken up, that's all.”Re
Last Updated : 2023-09-05Claim by the Don Chapter 2.36
Zoey P.O. vI stood before the door, unable to proceed any further. My heart pounding against my ribcage, I remained frozen in place, too scared to move an inch. It overwhelmed me with fear and uncertainty. The walk back to the mansion was an inner battle for me. I'm much more terrified of delivering this unpleasant news to Marco. How do I even start? Not only that, but I could see the bond between him and Rebecca, and their friendship was unexplainable and unique. Something I wish I had. I'm quite aware of how badly Marco will react, and I'm prepared to take consequences for my actions. He's going to criticize me for this, a guilt I'm not about to deny. It's my fault that Rebecca got kidnapped, and I won't avoid it. Tears welled up in my eyes, the weight of what has happened weighed down on my shoulders. I can't being to imagine the trauma this incident is going to cause her, fright, frightened by the unknown and what they have in store for her, which won't be good. This might e
Last Updated : 2023-09-11Claim by the Don Chapter 2.37
Zoey P.O.vThe surgery is over; the bullets were successfully removed, and the doctors declared that he's stabilized. But would still be kept under close observation, which is good. I was with Marco throughout the operation. He was half conscious when I arrived, and he held onto my hand, not letting go even after he went unconscious. I didn't mind being in the emergency room with him where the surgery took place, even though the sight would cause me my meals for a week. I was, in fact, grateful that he still thought of me in his weak shape. Right now, they are preparing to transfer him to a room, that is when his grip on my palm loosened. I reluctantly let go and came out of the room. Marco's family were in the hallway waiting anxiously for good news. “How did it go? Is my son okay? Please tell me.” His mom was the first to come to me, throwing questions at me. His dad appeared behind her, running his large palm on her shoulder to calm her. “He's fine. The doctors said he's now s
Last Updated : 2023-10-03Claim by the Don Chapter 2.38
Zoey p.o.vEntering the apartment mom and I lived in for years now, the silence that welcomed me was deafening. The coldness of the living brought goosebumps on my body, the memory of when I was daytime kidnapped flashed before my eyes. I shrunk back as sudden fear engulfed me. I shook my head rapidly to push back the fear. I wanted a quiet rest. That's why I begged the driver to bring me here. I don't know if this is a wise choice with the lurking threats. But I want a moment for myself, my personal space to breathe without anyone asking me if I'm okay or just checking up on me. I need to reflect on myself. I walked further inside the house, dropping my bag on the couch, then went to the kitchen. The whole place is untouched, just the way it was when I was last here. Mom hasn't been staying here, that means Marco had people clean this house constantly because everything is neat and clean. I took a bottle of water from the fridge, gulping down it content directly from the bottle
Last Updated : 2023-10-03Claim by the Don Chapter 2.39
Zoey p.o.v“Marco?” I breathe out, it all felt like the time is slowed down as I raced to him. I didn't about the people around, I hugged him to myself tightly while I sobbed. I cried because I was overjoyed, and I cried because he hugged me back as if he's life depended on it. I had clung unto Marco tightly, too tight for someone who's recovering from a bullet wound. I has been carried away by my emotions that I didn't realize I might be hurting him. I moved to pull back, but Marco's grip on me tightens. “Don't.” Marco's hoarse voice snapped. I have missed the sound of his voice, and my body reaction to his voice. The vibration and goosebumps it brings to me. “Don't leave, stay with me.” He added, drawing me closer. “Okay, I won't let go.” I whispered, my voice filled with sincerity, I relaxed against him, savoring the moment. To anyone listening to us, it might just be words of encouragement. But that was us expressing our emotions through words, and I promised to always stay
Last Updated : 2023-10-18Claim by the Don Chapter 2.40
Zoey p.o.v“Get out.” Marco hissed. “Huh…. Sir?” she faltered, I was also caught off-guard. “I won't repeat myself again, out.” He barked, startling the fragile looking nurse. She didn't have to be told twice, she bolts out of the room scared. Tension hangs in the air, suffocating to breathe. Neither Luciano nor Matthew wants to break the silence, concerned not to annoy Marco further. “Marco, you need to take it easy, and you need to take your health seriously.” I said, breaking the silence. “You've not fully recovered yet, and you have to allow her to do her job. You've chased every nurse assigned to you, why?” “I don't need her, I have you with me.” He stood up and came to me. He lifts me up with ease and occupy my place then dropped me on his lap. “I'm not the professional here, she is, and you need her more at the moment. So please cooperate with them, so you can get back on your feet.” I scolded him. “Fuck that.” He simply dismissed me, and buried his face in my boobs. Oh
Last Updated : 2023-10-27
Latest chapter
Claim by the Don Chapter 147
Adriano’s POVSix months later…“Now that we’re done with the ceremony, can we go on a proper tour of New York like I was promised?” Danny asked.Roselyn hit him upside the head and said, “Don’t be insensitive. Today is your sister’s day.”“Ouch, Mom! That hurt,” he complained.“And you deserve it,” Melanie’s voice cut into the conversation.“There’s my favorite nurse!” Sam yelled.“Dad, tone it down,” she said.“Nonsense. I would shout it at the top of my lungs if I had to so you can know how proud I am of you,” he replied.She smiled at her father and went to hug him then she did the same with her mom and brother who all congratulated her before she stopped in front of me.“I always knew you were something else, little nurse,” I told her. “From the first day I set my eyes on you, I knew you were better than the rest of us.”“Stop it you’re going to make me cry,” she said.I opened my arms and she stepped into me for a hug.My girl was finally a registered nurse and today was her gra
Claim by the Don Chapter 146
Melanie’s POVThe ride back to the house was very quiet.Throughout the ride home, I couldn’t help but think that none of this would have happened if I just had a conversation with Adriano.He was the man I fell in love with and even though I left him, he didn’t hesitate before coming for me.I know he was very relieved in the heat of the moment but I couldn’t help but wonder what was going to happen once the adrenaline wore off and he could think a bit more clearly.One thing I knew was that I was going to spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to him.Adriano was more honorable than people knew. I never thought I would be one of those women who would be pleased because her man killed people for her but as it turned out, I was one of those women.He pulled up to the house, which seemed to have more security guards on duty than normal and I knew it was all because of me.A few hours away, we were celebrating Christmas in bliss but I just had to go and ruin everything for every
Claim by the Don Chapter 145
Adriano’s POVThe warehouse was a hive of chaos, but I didn’t hear the shouting or the echoing footsteps behind me. All I saw was Melanie. She sat bound to a chair, her face pale, and her lip split, a streak of blood trailing down her chin. Alex Pushkin had a gun pressed to her temple. My blood ran cold. I raised my weapon, keeping my voice steady. “Let her go.” Behind me, my men spread out, weapons aimed and ready. They waited for my signal, but I couldn’t give it—not yet. One wrong move, one miscalculation, and Melanie could die. Pushkin laughed, a guttural sound that grated on my nerves. “You think you scare me? I’ve killed better men than you.” His hand twitched, and I saw the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. Good. He was scared, even if he didn’t want to admit it. Fear made people sloppy. I needed to buy time, distract him long enough for my men to position themselves. “Erica,” I said, shifting my focus to the woman who stood off to the side, smug and self-satisfie
Claim by the Don Chapter 144
Melanie’s POVI woke up to the biting chill of a dark, unfamiliar room, my head pounding as if it had been split in two. My wrists ached from the tight ropes binding them, and my ankles felt just as constricted."You’re awake," Erica drawled, her tone laced with mock concern. She folded her arms and leaned against the rusted frame of the door, watching me like a predator eyeing its prey. "How are you feeling, darling?" I didn't respond. My throat was dry, and my words caught somewhere between anger and fear. God, how could I have been foolish enough to let, Erica manipulate me? I should have known that she was up to no good when Alice told me that Adriano left her at the altar.I guess now I was paying the price for my foolishness."Cat, got your tongue?" she asked, smirking. "Or maybe it’s the shock of realizing you’ve been so incredibly stupid." Her words stung more than I cared to admit. I should have known better. Adriano had always been honest with me in his own way, even w
Claim by the Don Chapter 143
Adriano’s POVSomething was off.I didn’t know what but the moment I ended the call with Nik and sat down to work, something in my head kept nagging at me.At first, I thought it was the unusual silence in the house but I figured that was because everyone was probably asleep.I had expected Melanie to come find and chastize me for taking too long but since she didn’t, that meant that the day finally got to her and she succumbed to sleep.My girl was a rockstar tonight, and like I expected, she had my entire family eating from the palm of her hands throughout the dinner. I was sure they saw exactly what I did from the moment I set my eyes on her.By now Nik should be mobilizing the guys to infiltrate the last warehouse. He got intel that Pushkin finally moved all the girls to one place and he just got the location. I trusted Nik could handle this without me, after all, he had just singlehandedly negotiated a new deal with the Irish.Tonight I was going to end it sleeping next to the wo
Claim by the Don Chapter 142
Melanie’s POVThe cool night air felt like needles against my skin as I hurried down the street, my duffel bag slung over my shoulder. My legs felt like lead, but I pushed forward, every step putting more distance between me and the house that was once my prison but later became my home. The streets were quiet, the kind of silence that normally would have scared me, but tonight I welcomed it. I avoided the well-lit areas, sticking to the shadows, hoping none of Adriano's guards would see me. My pulse raced with every second, and my breath was uneven.I had no idea where I was going, but I didn’t care. All that mattered was getting away and I was lucky enough to have been able to avoid the guards. I guess the weeks of walking the grounds and studying their routine paid off.Luckily, a cab finally came into view at the corner of the street, its headlights a beacon of hope. I flagged it down, my arm trembling as I waved. The driver, an older man with kind eyes, rolled down the window.
Claim by the Don Chapter 141
Melanie’s POVThe first image made my heart stop.It was of a young girl who was barely a teenager. She was sitting on a dingy mattress in what looked like a warehouse, her eyes hollow, her body too thin. Behind her, a shadowy figure loomed a man I didn't recognize but I could bet my life on it that it was her oppressor.My throat tightened as I flipped to the next photograph and the next. Each one was worse than the last. Girls, so young they could barely be called women, trapped in squalor, their faces etched with fear.I couldn't breathe.At first, I thought, no, and hoped that this was evidence Adriano had gathered to shut down a trafficking ring. It had to be. He couldn't possibly be involved in this. He could kill a man but there was no way he was responsible for harming innocent girls.But then I saw it, rather I saw him. And there was no mistaking the fact that he was the one because I recognized Nik beside him.They were both holding onto girls and leading them to God knows w
Claim by the Don Chapter 140
Melanie’s POVWe rode home in comfortable silence. I was too full and happy from the good food and great company to say anything further.Plus, I couldn’t take my hands off the bracelet. It was just too beautiful. I’ve never owned anything as expensive as this and I was so scared to ask him how much it cost.We already exchanged gifts in the morning so I wasn’t expecting anything more from him.In a not-so-surprising turn of events, Alice was still awake by the time we got home.“For a moment I thought you both were going to spend the night there,” Alice said when we got into the living room."It's really late, Alice, and I'm sure you've had a long day. You should be sleeping," Adriano said.“I couldn’t sleep when I knew how important today was to Melanie. I was too anxious to know how it went,” she replied.“Well, you can rest easy now because it went very well,” I told her.Her face lit up with a smile and she gave me a quick hug, making me laugh.“I told you, you had nothing to wor
Claim by the Don Chapter 139
Melanie’s POVThe soft glow of candlelight and the twinkle of garlands wrapped around the staircase banister made the dining room feel almost magical. The air was thick with the aromas of roasted meats, spiced wine, and fresh-baked rolls, making my stomach grumble in anticipation. Platters of steaming food filled every inch of space. Roast beef surrounded by caramelized vegetables, golden potatoes dusted with rosemary, bowls of vibrant salads, and an assortment of bread rolls that looked fresh out of the oven. When we heard no movement on the steps, Zoey gave a sharp clap of her hands and called out to the men, her voice cutting through the hum of conversation. “Dinner is ready! Boys, come join us!” she said.I heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs as Adriano and the rest of the men made their way over. Adriano entered first, his presence commanding as always, but his warm smile was reserved for me alone. My heart gave a tiny flutter, and I smoothed my dress nervously. As
