Beth Marlowe’s life is turned upside down when she is forced to marry Vitali Marino a Powerful mafia boss. She wasn’t just forced to marry him, she was sold to him as a means of settlement for a debt her father owed him. Vitali, a ruthless and cunning leader is determined to protect his empire at all costs . As he gets to know Beth he begins to see her as more than just a pawn in his game of power . He is drawn to her innocence and finds himself wanting to protect her from the danger that lurks in the shadows . As their worlds collide , Beth discovers that nothing is as it seems . She discovers a huge secret from her past and begins to question everything she has ever known and believed in . As things escalate, she finds herself torn between her loyalty to her family and her growing feelings for Vitali. She must use her wits and resourcefulness to stay one step ahead of the danger that surrounds her, she must decide where her loyalties lie and whether she is willing to risk everything for a chance at love and redemption. Throughout the story, Beth undergoes a transformation from a timid and submissive woman to a confident and assertive individual who takes control of her own destiny. Meanwhile Vitali’s demons are closing in on him, his past mistakes come back to haunt him and he’s forced to confront the consequences of his actions , he must also confront the possibility that he may lose the one person at has come to mean everything to him. Eventually, Beth and Vitali must work together to overcome their enemies and secure their future ,they must also confront the secrets and lies that have threatened to destroy them.
View MoreBETH’S POV :
New York City, the city for flashy broadways, exclusive shops, expensive apartments and high flying business tycoons is where the land of opportunity lies. Or so people think.
To me it’s the city for depression, unaffordable rent, unbearable traffic, screaming people, bustling roads, gamblers and many more.
And in this concrete jungle lies one of the most world famous multi national telecommunications company; The Marino telecom. I looked at it in awe letting my eyes roam the gigantic building as the taxi I boarded drove past. People were walking in and out , everyone looking so busy and professional.
I wonder what it’d feel like to work in the corporate world ,what it’d be like to work under a man like Vitali Marino. I have heard stories of his ruthlessness and how he never hesitates to get his staff fired at the slightest act of misconduct but a part of me felt it was all exaggerated, the stories of his ruthlessness and all, surely no one could be that evil.
The taxi driver honks furiously at another driver and that brings me back to reality. Soon I was at my stop, I worked at a coffee shop and then after my day shift, I would go work at a night club. I worked two jobs so I could afford rent, food and also save up money for my fees .
I was a high school graduate but I couldn’t go to college because my father had no money, since then I decided to take destiny into my own hands and work hard to send myself to college one day.
I was a sucker for education, I had always been that perfect straight A student .
“Good morning Mr jade “ I greet my boss
“You’re late again!!” He scowls at me
“I’m sorry” I apologize honestly, these past few days have been difficult for me. I haven’t been getting enough sleep because I had to work extra hours at the club just to get a little extra pay. Our rent is due soon and my father wastes all his money on drinks and gambling .
“A sorry won’t save you tomorrow “ he warned and walked away
Letting out a deep sigh, I get behind the counter and put on an apron ready to serve.
The smell of freshly baked croissants hit my nose and my belly rumbles reminding me that I haven’t had breakfast.
“There’s a couple who just got here , I think you should go get their order “ Mae my co worker alerts me as she puts together another customer’s order.
I simply nod.
“What would you like to order ma’am and sir “ I say giving my brightest smile .
The lady looks at me with contempt
“Why are you smiling at my husband? “ she queries
“What?” I asked utterly bewildered.
She cocks a brow
“I …I’m sorry “ I quickly apologized while looking at the floor .
“Get out of here and have another waiter serve us instead . Idiot! “ she spat
I looked at her husband for help or a little defense but got none. I tried to fight back my tears and as I nodded and walked away.
I hated myself, I should have said something , she didn’t have to make me feel so small, I should have defended myself .
I didn’t know how to defend myself, I always let people walk all over me because I was too scared to say something.
**************
After what seemed like forever I was done with my shift at the coffee shop, I was to go home, have lunch and freshen up for my night shift at the club .
As I stepped into the front porch , I could hear voices in the sitting room, these weren’t the usual voices of happy drunk men talking boisterously and laughing. It sounded like voices of conflict.
I pushed open the door.
“Be…th” I hear my father’s labored voice call my name. There were three men in the room. One was seated and smoking a cigarette with no emotion on his face , he seemed like the boss to the other two who were hitting my father .
“Dad” I scream and I rush to his side .
I kneel down and start to plead with the men begging them to let my dad go .
“Shut up” the one smoking thunders and everywhere falls silent ,even the men stop. I feel myself shaking , my courage was really running thin.
The man stands up , our sitting room is dimly lit ,the doors and windows were closed so I could barely see his face but I could feel his dark commanding aura.
“Your sorry excuse of a father, owes me money and I’m going to kill him” He stands in front of my dad but he refers to me .
His voice was silky and deep ,I could feel chills travel up my spine .
“P…please don’t kill him sir, I would pay you the money . I would raise your money in no time .I work two jobs ,one at a coffee store and the other at a……”
“ If you don’t shut that mouth up ,I would shut it for you…….permanently “ he said slowly but firmly making sure to pass his threat in a subtle yet terrifying manner.
I swallowed hard .
“Does your silly ass really think you could pay me back? Your stupid father owes me a million dollars. Even if you worked your entire lifetime you would never be able to raise that” he seethed.
I was dumbfounded .
What could my dad have needed such money for ?
A million freaking dollars???
Even if I worked in two lifetimes I’d never be able to raise that.
“But since you’re willing to pay. There’s a way you could pay me back “ he smirked deviously at me
and I shuddered in fear.
Good lord ! What did he mean by that.
“Vitali plea..se” my father’s weak voice was heard
Did he just say Vitali? As in Vitali freaking Marino?
What on earth was my father thinking borrowing money from such a man ,a man that reeked of danger. How did this even happen, how did my father even get the connections to meet such a high and mighty man, let alone borrow from him. Surely it had to be another Vitali .
What did he do with all the money , he didn’t put it in the household development neither did he pay the rent or send me to school. Did he use all of it to gamble and drink?
Many questions reeled in my head and I couldn’t find answers . What was going on?
“What do you want ?” I asked shakily .
“You are going to go with me “ and then looking at my father, he said “ we will sign a contract and you would sell your daughter to me . She would be my slave for one year”
“Noo … dad please “ I shrieked . My father loved me, surely he wouldn’t do this, I was sure but the next words coming out from my father’s mouth had me transfixed to a spot .
“Kill me”.
Before anyone could say anything he added ;
“I know that would be the other option , either you take my daughter or you kill me . And I’d never give my innocent precious daughter to a man like you”
“ I wasn’t asking David . You would give your daughter to me for one year,I will draw up a contract and you would sign it and since you’re so eager to die, that won’t be a problem” he said with a straight face and then pulled out a gun and pointed it at my dad .
I was sipping coffee and checking my email when I heard a knock at the door. I got up to answer it, expecting it to be Zoe or maybe a delivery person because I had ordered some food. But to my surprise, it was a courier holding a small package. "Sign here, please," he said, handing me a clipboard.I signed for the package and took it from him. It was a small, elegantly wrapped box with a card attached to it. I opened the card and pulled out the note inside.It was from Vitali."Will you go on a date with me?" the note read. "Meet me at the Italian restaurant downtown at 7pm tonight." I felt a flutter in my stomach as I read the note. Vitali was certainly full of surprises.I looked at the package again and unwrapped it. Inside, I found a beautiful silver necklace with a small crystal pendant. It was gorgeous. I bit my lips to suppress a smile. I thanked the courier and got back inside Vitali and I had been seeing each other every day for the past one week.He’d tried to kiss me
“OMG! You needed to see you two” Zoe shrieked as I went back to meet her after the dance had ended.“ I know, right! I couldn’t believe it” I blushed“Aww does this mean you’re gonna leave me soon” she pouted “Of course not darling. If he wants me back, he’s gonna work for it” I stated“Boss queen energy, I love it” she giggled “Sorry to interrupt you, ladies” Vitali interrupted “How can we help?” I said, turning to him. “ the event is over and I’m about to head home. I was just wondering if I could give you ladies a ride” he said charmingly“Um…we don’t…”“Yes, kind sir. Take us to your car “ Zoe cut me short and Vitali nodded with a smile, his eyes trained on me “What? “ I glared at Zoe as we walked outside with Vitali. “It’s my chance to enjoy a fancy ride. I won’t lose it “ she whispered “Oh my goodness “ I shook my head at her Of course I wasn’t going to turn him down, I was just gonna play a little hard to get but I guess Zoe wasn’t taking chances Soon, the three of us
“What’s going on?” I whispered I was very certain this was going to make the headlines What the freak was he trying to do? I hope this wasn’t another plan to embarrass or make fun of me He smiled, his eyes locked on mine. "I'm here to apologize," he said, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "I was wrong to hurt you, Elizabeth. I love you, and I want to make it right." I could hear the loud gasps and whispers ‘How could he love her ?’ ‘Vitali’s in love?’ ‘Eww she’s such a pauper ‘‘He couldn’t find anyone else ?’ And many more condescending comments filled my ears “I’d been a horrible horrible man to you. I’ve treated you badly, so badly you now want nothing to do with me and I want to fix that. Please give me a chance Elizabeth” The air seemed to hang still I tried to speak but my mouth felt dry. Vitali coming out in the public to do something like this was a big deal. Did I really mean that much to him? “Vitali I…” I struggled to find my words “You don’t
It was a lazy weekend, Zoe had gone to her new workplace. She had quit working at the club and was now working as a waitress in a restaurant nearby. I asked why she quit since the pay was better at the club but she explained that she was relocating and the sexual harassment from patrons at the club was too much It was already time for her to get back but she wasn’t here yet . I was lounging on the couch, scrolling through my phone, when Zoe burst into the room. "Beth, guess what?" she exclaimed, holding up two invitations. I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "What is it?" "We're invited to Tyler Jackson's company’s anniversary party!" Zoe said, her eyes shining with excitement. “Um…Tyler Jackson as in CEO of TJ corporation, son of multi-millionaire Harris Jackson? “ I widened my eyes in surprise “Yes! That Tyler Jackson “ she squealed“Omg, no freaking way. How did we get invited? He doesn’t even know us “ I wondered “Honestly …I don’t know. I just found two invitations with bo
BETH’S POV:Zoe and I sat on the couch, sipping some fresh juice and chatting. Zoe had been trying to convince me to give Vitali another chance, but I was adamant that I was done with him.I couldn’t even believe she could even suggest something so ridiculous "I'm telling you, Beth, I think Vitali still loves you," Zoe said, her eyes shining with conviction. "He's been a mess since you left him, from what you just said. He was even able to find you, that’s intentionality right there”“You don’t know that man. He’s doing all this to feed his ego. He actually doesn’t give a fuck “ I argued“I know he hurt you and you’re pissed right now and I also know that you miss him” she replied“No. I do not “ I denied but she could see right through me “I watch you every day Beth, you’re not moving on. You’re hurting so bad it’s eating you up and you still love him. Why not give him a chance to fix this ?” Her eyes held so much emotion And she wasn’t wrong but it didn’t mean I wanted to go back
VITALI’S POV:The sound of a man begging for his life is both exquisite and annoying.I stared down blankly at Derek, or so his name was, begging pathetically for his worthless life, like the annoying piece of shit he is. I don't even know why they try.There was no other way out for them. For men like Derek. All they had to do was pay up their debt and by doing so, they made my job less annoying with their bloody pleas.Derek owed me a debt, he wasn’t going to be the first man to find it difficult to pay me back what he owed. But he was going to be the first I’d be dealing with before his deadline was up.His pleas made my ears fucking bleed.It's always the same with men like them. They take loans bigger than their balls and gamble it up and down till there's nothing but their shriveling flesh left to offer when the time comes to pay up.Then they begin to beg, cry, and whine for their pathetic lives. It's so fucking ugly that I want to grab their neck and break it so they never utt
Vitali's grip on my arm tightened as I kept trying to pull away. "Let me go," I repeated, trying to keep my voice steady.My heart beat picking up pace.But Vitali didn't release me. Instead, he pulled me closer, his eyes burning with intensity. "I won't let you go," he growled. "Not until you listen to me."“I’m not interested in whatever it is you have to say, just let me freaking go” I grumbled, trying to struggle against him, but he was too strong. He had pinned me to the wall At this point, Vitali's eyes locked on mine. "I know I hurt you," he said, his voice low and husky. "But I love you, Elizabeth. I need you."I shook my head, to show disbelief. "You don't love me," I spat. "You just want to control me."“No. I didn’t mean it when I said all that Elizabeth “ he confessed but I didn’t believe him “I don’t care, I just want to leave “ I maintained“I’m so sorry Elizabeth. Why can’t you forgive me ?” His eyes were filled with sadness“Because it’s not that easy” I responded
Alvise! “Nothing happened last night “ I stated firmly, shooting daggers at him”How did he even find me?What did he want? “I know and I’m sorry. I promise to make it up to you tonight” he said, gently pulling me up “Are you crazy?” I glared him “Just come with me please “ he smiled “Bye pretty ladies “ he waved at Zoe Rachel and they smiled, waving back I could hear the muffled giggles of the girls as I followed him out “What was the meaning of that?” I frowned once we got to his car I wasn’t exactly mad at him, I knew that was how he goofed around “I’m sorry princess but we gotta go now “ he kicked the engine of the car and reluctantly, I slid in. “Where are we going ?” I asked him in a dull tone “It’s a surprise “ he grinned What surprise could he be talking about?I had a very strong feeling that Vitali was in on this but I was cool.We didn’t drive for long before we arrived at a bungalow.“Where are we?” I turned to Alvise as he brought the car to a halt “Re
VITALI’S POV:Present dayI stood in my office, staring out the window as I waited for news from my men. They had been searching for Beth for days, tracking down every lead, every hint of her whereabouts.It’s been a whole week now and my patience has gone beyond thinJust as I was starting to lose hope, my phone rang. I answered it, my heart racing with anticipation."Vitali, we have a location," said the voice on the other end of the line. It was Vincent I felt a surge of excitement and relief, my grip on the phone tightening. "Where is she?" I demanded."We were able to track the phone call made to you a few days back," said the voice. "It was made from an apartment on the outskirts of town."I felt a wave of relief wash over me. They had found her."Who else is with her?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities."We're not sure," said the voice. "But it looks like she's staying with a friend."I nodded, my mind working overtime. A friend?I didn’t think she had any, thus, I h
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