Genevieve bit her lower lip harshly at the cruel pep talk she just gave herself, not stopping even after the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. ‘’Eve!’’ Annika’s voice echoed in her ears.She snapped out of her thoughts to see that the girl was now sitting beside her, snapping her fingers in front of her face.‘’Earth to Eve!’’ she exclaimed. '’What were you thinking?’’ ‘’Oh, that was nothing," Genevieve shook her head. "What were you saying?’’‘’I was apologizing, remember? And we moved to Aurora," Spoke with Aurora earlier, and she said she would apologize personally when she comes back home for her break. She won’t be able to come to the wedding.’’ Genevieve forced a smile, ‘’Oh… she doesn't have to. It's just a wedding your father wants to use to pass a message across anyway. It's not like it is my dream wedding or something.’’Annika’s face grew solemn, her eyes flickering with something like shame as she took Genevieve’s hand in hers.‘’I know it’s not. And I also know
The men headed down the hallway to the study, with Adrian and Roberto in front while Alajandro trailed after them. No one spoke a word until they got to their destination and closed the door behind themselves.‘‘What was that about in there?’’ Roberto asked as he went to sit on one of the leather couches.‘‘What was what about?’’ Adrian murmured absentmindedly while going to sit on the chair directly opposite his father’s. ‘‘Have any idea, Alejandro?’’‘‘Not at all, Boss,’’ Alejandro replied. He stood behind the chair Adrian was sitting on, his posture imposing and intimidating. If the one they were facing wasn’t of higher rank than they were, he’d probably be pissing in his pants at the intimidating picture the both of them portrayed.‘‘You know what I’m talking about,’’ Roberto stated, his tone laced with displeasure. "And you think I wish to waste my time over it?"Roberto sighed in exasperation. "Saying you don't want to guard my wife to be, and then when she tries to choose ano
Roberto’s lips set into a thin line before replying, ‘‘No. What do you want?’’‘‘Nothing much,’’ his son said, ‘‘Except that you forget what happened earlier and never talk to me about how you use my resources just because you can, ever again.’’‘‘That’s not a bad deal,’’ Roberto agreed, ‘‘You should know this though, Son. You will have a weakness one day. In the form of a position, a property, or better still… a woman who will bring you to your knees and undo the damage i did on you. Then you will know just how i feel with you threatening me with mine.’’‘‘Can’t wait,’’ Adrian said, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. ‘‘I hope it comes sooner so I can quash it in your presence and reiterate the lessons you taught me as a kid.’’‘‘As if,’’ Roberto’s smile came back to his face. ‘‘It will come sooner. Sooner than you expect, I hope. And you will see just how easy it is for such kind of weakness to be quashed.’’Father and son locked eyes, a silent battle of wills reflecte
Genevieve glanced around Annika’s room, instantly noting the stark contrast to her own. While hers was a blend of cream and white, this space was awash in shades of pink, with delicate decor and soft aesthetics that gave it the feel of a princess’s chamber.It somehow reminded her of how her own room used to look like back at her parents’ mansion.‘’Big enough?’’The question made her turn to Annika, who was standing by her closet door, a wide smile on her face. She had been invited here to come check out clothes to borrow after their tight embrace earlier that had ended with Annika scrunching her nose and saying, ‘You smell... damp.’Since Aurora was not around and her room was locked, there was no one else she could borrow clothes from except Annika, who didn’t share the same size as her. However, she had no choice but to make do with it.‘’Your room is beautiful. And yes, it's very big,’’ she commented, her words causing a sparkle in Annika’s eyes.‘’Really?’’ the latter gushed in
‘’Just cold.’’Annika closed the distance between them, peering into Genevieve’s eyes like that would help her determine if the latter was sick or not. ‘’Uhm…,’’ she started, ‘’I really don’t think you look well. They said you were in the heavy rain last night. Maybe it’s finally getting to you.’’Genevieve sighed.‘’I’d be the first person to know if I’m feeling sick, Annika. Let’s find the clothes so I can change out of the smelly ones I’m wearing.’’"Oh, that's true," Annika said, stepping back immediately. She reached into her closet and grabbed the first hoodie and sweatpants her hand landed on; coincidentally, both were in pink. Holding them up for Genevieve to see, she asked, "Will this do, or should I find something else?"‘’This is alright,’’ Genevieve took it from her. As an afterthought, she added, ‘’I love pink.’’With the borrowed clothes draping over her shoulders, she headed to her own room, too deep in thought to notice Penelope when they passed by each other in the h
"Sick?" Adrian echoed, his tone carrying a distinct note of disbelief, almost as if the word was unfamiliar to him.Genevieve wasn’t surprised. From what she had seen, and was still seeing, of him, he looked strong, like someone who had never experienced sickness or weakness. Or maybe he had, once upon a time, but had undergone extreme training to overcome it.Either way, all she knew was that she had to make him believe she was truly sick and needed a doctor. It was the only way she could meet Aunt Anna and inform her about the recent developments; the masquerade ball where she might come face to face with the one behind her family’s massacre, and her international wedding.Today was Tuesday. She knew Aunt Anna usually took some children from the orphanage to visit Maestro Hospital, the largest hospital in their district. The plan was if she could successfully convince Adrian to take her there under the pretense of seeking medical attention, it would be easy to slip away and either s
Silence ensued for the next few seconds, with Genevieve staring at him like he had horns, unable to believe what he just said. Did he... Did Adrian Viktor Visconti just tell her he would take her to anywhere she had wished to go back when she was still 'homeless'?‘’List them,’’ he said, breaking the silence and reminding her he was still staring at her and expecting an answer.‘’Well…’’ she started with the most plausible word but wasn’t able to continue before he stopped her.‘’You know what? Never mind. As we go, you will take me to the routes you used to frequent while you were homeless, and we will take the rest from there.’’Genevieve nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She couldn’t bring herself to dwell on the fact that he assumed she would take him to the routes she used to frequent as a homeless person when she had never been homeless. That was something to deal with later. For now, she would focus on getting to the hospital and finding a way to contact
‘’Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen, to the most awaited section of tonight’s event. You would want to hear this,’’ the auctioneer’s voice echoed through the quiet hall, his eyes sweeping through the dimly lit space. ‘’Up next is the virgin #27, the last item on sale for tonight.’’ He paused, admiring the temporary hold he had on these powerful people that surrounded him, and cleared his throat before continuing, ‘’As we all know, the best is always saved for the last. What makes this one the best, you may be wondering. Now, let's—" ‘’Just get to the point, Reynold, will you?! We've not got all night to waste in this place,’’ he was cut off by the sound of someone yelling from the crowd, making him adjust his posture. "Aye, Aye," he began, "First of all, she fits the pre-ordered description many of you dropped before tonight. What do i mean? She’s a redhead, soft hair you can yank back when you uh…’’ he chuckled, and similar sounds accompanied his from around the hall. ‘’You know wha
Silence ensued for the next few seconds, with Genevieve staring at him like he had horns, unable to believe what he just said. Did he... Did Adrian Viktor Visconti just tell her he would take her to anywhere she had wished to go back when she was still 'homeless'?‘’List them,’’ he said, breaking the silence and reminding her he was still staring at her and expecting an answer.‘’Well…’’ she started with the most plausible word but wasn’t able to continue before he stopped her.‘’You know what? Never mind. As we go, you will take me to the routes you used to frequent while you were homeless, and we will take the rest from there.’’Genevieve nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She couldn’t bring herself to dwell on the fact that he assumed she would take him to the routes she used to frequent as a homeless person when she had never been homeless. That was something to deal with later. For now, she would focus on getting to the hospital and finding a way to contact
"Sick?" Adrian echoed, his tone carrying a distinct note of disbelief, almost as if the word was unfamiliar to him.Genevieve wasn’t surprised. From what she had seen, and was still seeing, of him, he looked strong, like someone who had never experienced sickness or weakness. Or maybe he had, once upon a time, but had undergone extreme training to overcome it.Either way, all she knew was that she had to make him believe she was truly sick and needed a doctor. It was the only way she could meet Aunt Anna and inform her about the recent developments; the masquerade ball where she might come face to face with the one behind her family’s massacre, and her international wedding.Today was Tuesday. She knew Aunt Anna usually took some children from the orphanage to visit Maestro Hospital, the largest hospital in their district. The plan was if she could successfully convince Adrian to take her there under the pretense of seeking medical attention, it would be easy to slip away and either s
‘’Just cold.’’Annika closed the distance between them, peering into Genevieve’s eyes like that would help her determine if the latter was sick or not. ‘’Uhm…,’’ she started, ‘’I really don’t think you look well. They said you were in the heavy rain last night. Maybe it’s finally getting to you.’’Genevieve sighed.‘’I’d be the first person to know if I’m feeling sick, Annika. Let’s find the clothes so I can change out of the smelly ones I’m wearing.’’"Oh, that's true," Annika said, stepping back immediately. She reached into her closet and grabbed the first hoodie and sweatpants her hand landed on; coincidentally, both were in pink. Holding them up for Genevieve to see, she asked, "Will this do, or should I find something else?"‘’This is alright,’’ Genevieve took it from her. As an afterthought, she added, ‘’I love pink.’’With the borrowed clothes draping over her shoulders, she headed to her own room, too deep in thought to notice Penelope when they passed by each other in the h
Genevieve glanced around Annika’s room, instantly noting the stark contrast to her own. While hers was a blend of cream and white, this space was awash in shades of pink, with delicate decor and soft aesthetics that gave it the feel of a princess’s chamber.It somehow reminded her of how her own room used to look like back at her parents’ mansion.‘’Big enough?’’The question made her turn to Annika, who was standing by her closet door, a wide smile on her face. She had been invited here to come check out clothes to borrow after their tight embrace earlier that had ended with Annika scrunching her nose and saying, ‘You smell... damp.’Since Aurora was not around and her room was locked, there was no one else she could borrow clothes from except Annika, who didn’t share the same size as her. However, she had no choice but to make do with it.‘’Your room is beautiful. And yes, it's very big,’’ she commented, her words causing a sparkle in Annika’s eyes.‘’Really?’’ the latter gushed in
Roberto’s lips set into a thin line before replying, ‘‘No. What do you want?’’‘‘Nothing much,’’ his son said, ‘‘Except that you forget what happened earlier and never talk to me about how you use my resources just because you can, ever again.’’‘‘That’s not a bad deal,’’ Roberto agreed, ‘‘You should know this though, Son. You will have a weakness one day. In the form of a position, a property, or better still… a woman who will bring you to your knees and undo the damage i did on you. Then you will know just how i feel with you threatening me with mine.’’‘‘Can’t wait,’’ Adrian said, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. ‘‘I hope it comes sooner so I can quash it in your presence and reiterate the lessons you taught me as a kid.’’‘‘As if,’’ Roberto’s smile came back to his face. ‘‘It will come sooner. Sooner than you expect, I hope. And you will see just how easy it is for such kind of weakness to be quashed.’’Father and son locked eyes, a silent battle of wills reflecte
The men headed down the hallway to the study, with Adrian and Roberto in front while Alajandro trailed after them. No one spoke a word until they got to their destination and closed the door behind themselves.‘‘What was that about in there?’’ Roberto asked as he went to sit on one of the leather couches.‘‘What was what about?’’ Adrian murmured absentmindedly while going to sit on the chair directly opposite his father’s. ‘‘Have any idea, Alejandro?’’‘‘Not at all, Boss,’’ Alejandro replied. He stood behind the chair Adrian was sitting on, his posture imposing and intimidating. If the one they were facing wasn’t of higher rank than they were, he’d probably be pissing in his pants at the intimidating picture the both of them portrayed.‘‘You know what I’m talking about,’’ Roberto stated, his tone laced with displeasure. "And you think I wish to waste my time over it?"Roberto sighed in exasperation. "Saying you don't want to guard my wife to be, and then when she tries to choose ano
Genevieve bit her lower lip harshly at the cruel pep talk she just gave herself, not stopping even after the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. ‘’Eve!’’ Annika’s voice echoed in her ears.She snapped out of her thoughts to see that the girl was now sitting beside her, snapping her fingers in front of her face.‘’Earth to Eve!’’ she exclaimed. '’What were you thinking?’’ ‘’Oh, that was nothing," Genevieve shook her head. "What were you saying?’’‘’I was apologizing, remember? And we moved to Aurora," Spoke with Aurora earlier, and she said she would apologize personally when she comes back home for her break. She won’t be able to come to the wedding.’’ Genevieve forced a smile, ‘’Oh… she doesn't have to. It's just a wedding your father wants to use to pass a message across anyway. It's not like it is my dream wedding or something.’’Annika’s face grew solemn, her eyes flickering with something like shame as she took Genevieve’s hand in hers.‘’I know it’s not. And I also know
Genevieve was jolted out of her thoughts by another pat on the back by Roberto. Why the hell did the man like patting her back so much? She wasn’t able to dwell on the thought much as he rose to his feet and said, ‘’You should go to your room. It was cleaned thoroughly yesterday, and I think you will find everything you need in there. One of the maids will bring breakfast.’’Genevieve nodded but remained seated, not wanting to walk out of the room with everyone’s attention on her. She continued to watch as he turned to Adrian and Alejandro, saying, ‘’Let’s go discuss more in the study. There’s a lot to prepare.’’ It was at that moment that Adrian finally pulled his gaze from her to look at his father, ‘’And a lot to talk about,'’ he added.The three men walked out, leaving the women alone. As soon as the sound of the men's footsteps had completely disappeared, Reyna rose from her seat and walked across the room to Genevieve’s, patting the girl’s back just like her brother had done
‘’As I was saying,’’ Roberto continued, his tone stern as his eyes moved across the faces of everyone in the room. ‘’To show you all how serious I am with my claim, I and Genevieve will be getting a court and church marriage coming Saturday.’’Adrian's jaws ticked.Genevieve, along with the others in the room, snapped their heads in Roberto’s direction, shock written vividly all over their faces.‘’A court and church marriage?’’ Genevieve blurted out, unable to keep the words to herself. Today was a Tuesday, so Saturday was just four days away. It was so soon. And totally unexpected.She had expected so many methods for him to show he had claimed her, but none of them came close to this."Why? How?’’‘’I am catholic,’’ Roberto announced, as if that explained everything. ‘’Don’t be surprised it's so soon. In fact, if not for the meeting with the Capos from the north holding on Thursday, the wedding would be held earlier.’’He looked around the room, taking in each gaping mouth and wide