LOGINShare
Chapter 31
Last Updated:
2023-08-06 02:00:38
Related chapters
Claim by the Don Chapter 2.32
Zoey p.o.vMy lashes fluttered against my cheeks as they blinked rapidly to clear my mind, my eyes widened in shock as I stared up at him. Quietly, sitting back down on the chair I once occupied. Fake engagement? How does that work? I couldn't seem to wrap my head around the staged engagement and how it works. Is he just saying it to calm me down?I am torn between giving him a chance to explain himself and just walking, since its none of my business what he does with his life. But eventually, I remain seated, I'm more curious than angry. Curious about how they manage to get to that stage and how they go about it. Why did he insist on being with me when he could have just been with his supposed fiancée? “We have a lot to talk about,” I said bluntly. Stalling this won't do us any good, even if I'm not certain of his reasons, I still can't drag this out any longer. “I know baby.” I look at him, studying his features and body language to predict if he's going, to be honest. “I won't
Last Updated : 2023-08-18Claim 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 : 2023-10-18
Latest chapter
Claim by the Don Chapter 59
Adriano’s POVApart from the time I spent with my family, I couldn’t remember the last time I had a good time.Melanie might not realize if but she’s been shining her light on my dark soul slowly and I was getting addicted to it.The background check I had done on Melanie’s neighbor, Phoebe was clean so I wasn’t worried about her.I had been prepared to put on a show but it turns out I didn’t even need to. Phoebe was such a pleasant person and her love for, Melanie was quite obvious which was another reason why I easily relaxed around her.My girl sure knew how to pick good friends. Even the cat, whom Melanie glared at most of the time, wasn't so bad. I'm guessing her glare was because the little orange animal clung to me most of the night. I didn't even like cats but somehow, I picked up the animal without scrunching up my nose in disgust.So imagine how bummed I was when I got a call from, Nik informing
Claim by the Don Chapter 58
Melanie’s POVIt was a struggle before we were able to leave, Phoebe’s place. There was a lot of hugging and she made me promise to visit her often.Orange, on the other hand, clung tightly to, Adriano until Phoebe had to physically pry the cat away from him. I was still hurt at how quickly he discarded me for, Adriano but that didn't stop me from filling his cat bowl with food, like I always did.The ride back to the house was quiet but it wasn't laced with any awkwardness. It had been a good night and I didn't want us to end it on an awkward note.I kind of zoned out during the ride up until her approached the house gate. With a slight nod to the guards at the gate, he drove inside the house. At some point, I had gotten used to seeing the guards and though they still looked imposing and scary, I no longer felt fear when I looked at them.He pulled up in front of the house, killed the engine and that was when the
Claim by the Don Chapter 57
Melanie’s POVPhoebe went all out with dinner. She made a spread that was enough to feed a small army.“There’s no way we’ll be able to finish what you made,” I told her when I saw how much food she had made.There was roast beef, potatoes, and steamed broccoli with what I knew to be her homemade gravy. Just like Alice, Phoebe was a great cook, so I knew everything she made was certainly delicious.Adriano pulled out a seat for her at the seat of dining table and did the same for me and she gave me a knowing smile when his back was turned to us.I knew what the smile was for. He was rich and also a gentleman. Could he be any more perfect?“Everything looks so good, Phoebe,” Adriano said once he’d taken a seat across from me.“Thank you, Adriano,” she replied. “At least someone appreciates the dinner I made.”I sighed, now he was making me look bad. “You know how much I enjoy your cooking, I’
Claim by the Don Chapter 56
Melanie’s POVI should have known the last time, Adriano had the other nurses literally eating out of the palm of his hands how big of a charmer he was.Phoebe was completely enthralled by him, and there I was nervous about how she was going to receive him, especially with how blunt he was with her by the door.But it had the opposite effect on her. Phoebe appreciated his brutal honesty and seemed to think that he was good for me.I guess I should be happy with that, it means he’s holding up to his end of the bargain but I felt some way at the fact that Phoebe took an instant liking to him when I prepared to defend him tonight.Was it jealousy? Heck no. There’s no way I was jealous of Adriano. I mean it took a few weeks after I moved in for, Phoebe to warm up to me while she took to him instantly. Did that make me jealous? Absolutely not!Adriano also somehow knew the right thing to say to make, Phoebe blush.
Claim by the Don Chapter 55
Melanie’s POV“Are you ready for this?” I asked.“That’s an unnecessary question, little nurse,” Adriano said. “Are we doing this or not.”“I just need a few minutes to get in character,” she said.Adriano chuckled but remained silent while I tried to steady my breathing. It was Saturday evening and we were currently parked in the parking lot of my apartment complex. Phoebe had called me earlier in the day to ask if, Adriano had any allergies or something he didn’t eat.I didn’t have the answer to that question but I figured he ate anything, considering the kind of guy he was so I told her no.Now I wondered if I did the right thing. Maybe I should have asked him, but I avoided him all day until it was time to leave.“Do you have any allergies?” I asked.“Huh?”“Phoebe called earlier wanting to know if you had any allergies and I told her you didn’t,” I explained.Adria
Claim by the Don Chapter 54
Melanie’s POVAlice's words stayed with me all day. I’ve spent so much time believing that, Adriano had taken away my choice I had never stopped to wonder if I gave up too easily.Did I really have the option to make a different choice or could I give in to my new reality and be content with it?The thought of going back to the house didn't really fill me with dread like before when I was still new to his house.But apart from restricting my movement, he had treated me nicely. I ate well, slept in comfort, and got freaking chauffeured to work, even though I hadn't gotten used to the last part.Every time I demanded anything from, Adriano, it felt like I was making a deal with the devil, in exchange for my soul.It didn't help that he kept making me flustered when I was around him, causing me to act out of character.Nevertheless, I called, Phoebe and informed her of the plan to visit du
Claim by the Don Chapter 53
Melanie’s POVIf I was a betting girl, I could have won some money from, Alice. She was so positive this conversation was going to go well but couldn’t have been more wrong.This conversation had gone so off-kilter that I was wondering why I was still seated here talking to him.“Are you threatening me?” I asked."I'm not threatening you, little nurse," he replied.“Then what’s the meaning of what you just said?”“I just thought you needed a reminder of how you got here,” he said.“Oh, I remember. How could I ever forget,” I said. “Every second of every day for the past few weeks I’ve been reminded of how much my life had taken a drastic turn all in a matter of a few moments!”I was breathing heavily and trying to control my anger. “I regret that moment.”“What moment?”“The moment I agreed to go, Dr. Thompson’s request to go on a house call. It wasn’t part of my job descrip
Claim by the Don Chapter 3.52
Adriano’s POV I watched her expression go from relieved to tense the moment I spoke and I almost felt bad for wanting to demand a condition from her. Emphasis on almost. I didn’t feel bad but I hated that, Melanie wasn’t completely relaxed around me yet. I mean she was pacing my office for minutes and I had to practically force the words out of her mouth with the way she was fidgeting and beating around the bush. I hated the fact that she hadn’t realized that there was about nothing I wouldn't do for her, if she played her cards right. So if she wasn’t ready to figure it out, then it was up to me to show her and that wouldn’t be possible if we don’t spend time together. Melanie thought she was being a disturbance by asking me to go see her neighbor as her boyfriend while I was in my seat, trying to hide my smile and sounding as neutral as I possibly could. “A condition?” I nodde
Claim by the Don Chapter 3.51
Melanie’s POVIt’s been well over an hour and I was pacing outside, Adriano’s study, debating whether I should do it or not.There was also the fact that I was nervous about being alone with him in an enclosed space.You can do this, Melanie. The worst he can do is say no. There's absolutely nothing to be worried about.I didn’t know how effective the pep talk I was giving myself was but I guess I had to try.I finally stopped pacing, took in a deep breath, and let it out through my mouth. Just as I raised my hand to knock on the door, it was flung open.I jerked back in surprise while Adriano was smirking at me.“If you pace anymore, there might just be a dent on the floor and we don’t want that, do we, little nurse?”Great. Now I’ve gone and embarrassed myself before I even said anything. But…“How did you know I was outside?” I asked.“You don’t exactly walk quietly,
