Jake's POVI was in a foul mood throughout the remaining hours I spent in the office. When it was late, I picked up my car keys and walked out of my office, losing myself in thought as I strolled. I noticed someone in Jeff's office; since the silhouette resembled a male figure, it had to be Jeff.“You're still here?” I asked my friend.“Yes, I was hoping we could go grab a drink or two together,” Jeff said. He shut off his laptop, stood up, and came over. “Are you up for a drink?”“Let’s see,” I joked lightly, and we made our way out to the parking lot, stopping there. “I think we'll be needing a ride home if we're getting a drink,” I said. I couldn't risk allowing something risky to happen at this period.“Yes, I will order a driver,” Jeff said and called the company’s substitute driver. In ten minutes, two guys arrived, and they drove us to one of my favorite bars.After taking our seats in the private room and ordering drinks, I relaxed in my chair, having left my suit in the car.
Selena’s POVI twirled again to the music, as I tried to retrieve a plate from the top cupboard, which wasn't easy. I abandoned that idea and decided to eat directly from the pot instead. My body moved to the rhythm of the music, oblivious to the fact that I was being watched.“What the hell happened to your wrist?” The sudden snap of the voice caused me to drop the spoon in my hand in fright.I turned around to see Jake looking like he wrestled last night in bed. He appeared incredibly attractive too. My hands went to my chest, still racing at his sudden intrusion. “You startled me,” I said, trying to calm my racing heart.“What happened to your wrist?” he asked again, walking closer to me. I instantly moved away from him; he stopped and frowned at my actions. “What are you doing?”“Nothing, don’t creep up on me like that again, and this?” I raised my injured wrist. “It is nothing,” I said.“What happened?”“I fell.”“You fell? I didn’t know you are clumsy with all your character tra
Selena’s POVI squeaked as another message from my dear aunt popped up on my screen, she must definitely be a witch. I gingerly clicked on the message and opened it. It was just two words “CALL ME” the message read.I searched for her number immediately and dialed her line, she picked up at the first ring, my heart pounded in my chest “Aunt”“Selena Gia Luna Dacosta, where the hell are you?” My aunt's sweet shrill voice asked from her end of the line.‘How wrong you are aunt, it is Marino now' I thought to myself as I pulled my phone away from my ears before I go deaf. Thank God for small miracles, the story would have been different if my aunt was one who watches the TV and read the newspaper, but all that does not really concern my dear aunt, so for now, my secret is safe where my aunt is involved.“Aunt, how lovely to hear from you” I said in my sweetest voice“Tu, figlio irresponsabile” was my aunt response which means ‘you irresponsible child in Italian’Instead of replying to her
Jake’s POVI glanced down at my phone; it was past 6. Guests were filling the event center, and my so-called wife was yet to arrive. She was really taking her time. I called her several times, but it went straight to her annoying voicemail.Finally, I saw my car pulling up. The valet opened her door, and the paparazzi were snapping away. When Selena finally emerged, the questions thrown at her changed. They wanted to know about her married life, if she got married to me because she was pregnant, and all sorts of nasty questions.I noticed she looked uncomfortable with all the attention, so I made my way to her. She looked a little relieved when she saw me approach her. I wrapped my hand around her waist and placed a kiss on her forehead.She tensed under my arms, and I tightened my grip on her. She looked at me sharply and understood my actions. She smiled brightly at me, wrapped her arms around my neck, and went on tiptoe to whisper in my ear, "You have a lot to explain," "I don't. N
Selena’s POVI finished my business in the restroom and made my way outside. I noticed that most couples were on the dance floor, dancing with each other. I was suddenly blocked by a hard body and was forced to step back to look up at the intruder of my private space.“Hey, lovely,” an unfamiliar voice stopped me in my tracks.“H…i.”“You look so lovely, dear.” He eyed me from head to toe, making me feel so small and exposed. He must be a pervert. Didn’t he notice the ring on my finger?I purposely used my ring finger to push my hair behind my ears, but he did not seem to care about the diamond on my finger. “Excuse me, please. I…” I tried to step aside for a pass, but he grabbed my arm instead to put me on a halt.I seriously don’t want to create a scene here. Oh, help me, Lord. “Let go of me, please.”“Why? You don’t want to dance with me?” he asked sheepishly. “Why?”“Because she has a husband waiting for her to dance with,” Jake responded behind us.We turned to him, and he was gl
Jake’s POVSelena turned and walked away. What the hell? It would be rude and paint the wrong image if she should go by herself to greet the host, leaving me in the middle of the room. Who knows who was watching? I went after her in long strides and held her back from her shoulders. She tensed under my touch but relaxed instantly, and I would have doubted she was stiff earlier.“Smile,” I whispered in her ears as I held her by her waist and led her in the direction of our host. Mrs. Jucci saw us and left her small group of friends. I was expecting her to stop in front of us, but she didn’t. Instead, she pulled Selena into a hug like the two were friends. They haven’t even met. My hand was still wrapped around Selena’s waist. I squeezed her waist, and she finally returned the hug by patting Mrs. Jucci on the back like a small kid.Mrs. Jucci pulled back, grinning. “You look familiarly…” She uttered, and immediately I looked into Selena’s eyes, I understood her fear. God knows what bad
Selena’s POV I was hungry, and I wanted to be full with what on earth was entering into my nostrils. I almost fell from my chair, but Jake kept me right as I kissed him passionately on the lips. What was I doing? I hiccupped out of a sudden and pulled away from Jake. “Oops!” I covered my mouth, still feeling the spark from our heated kiss. “What are you doing?” I asked Jake. He looked at me as if I had lost my mind. He stood up on his feet. “You just kissed me.” “What? I did what?” Was I imagining the kiss? “I… I mean, I don’t…” What excuse do I want to give for kissing him? Because I wanted it? Because I wanted to feel connected to him, because I missed him? Which excuse will not sound immature to him? “It was a mistake,” I said with a stoic face. Before he could say more, my stomach growled in hunger, and Jake shook his head before going back to his seat to sit down. He pushed a plate in my direction; the aroma filled me a little. I dug into the food immediately, and when I was
Jake’s POVI walked into the conference room and took my seat as the head; Kelvin was on my right, followed by the rest of the board members. Today, we would be voting for the chairman. Since my grandfather's passing two years ago, my father, the acting chairman, also passed away a few months ago, leaving the position vacant for too long.As the CEO, I was in competition with Kelvin, a family member who also had the right to the company. The company was not explicitly willed to anyone; instead, it was left for the person capable of making it prosper. And that person was me. I was the right choice for the position.Being married is considered being competent which would play a crucial role in the decision-making process. I hoped not to falter due to my face-blindness. I would have to rely on voices and the memorized seating arrangement to navigate this room.“Can we start the meeting?” The head of the directors spoke, and his assistant went to the podium.“Today, we will be voting for
Epilogue || Selena's POVI thought I'd be able to sleep in today, given that yesterday was as hectic as it gets with the kids' birthday party. It was a fun-filled and fantastic day; the kids were showered with gifts from every direction.They even received some gifts they won't be able to use until they're maybe 19 years old. Their aunt Nancy went overboard with the planning and every other detail of the day.It turns out the kids don’t just have one godfather, but two—Austin and Justin also blew the kids' minds.And their grandmas? Well, I'm at a loss for words about them. Even my aunt came with a gift; she gave each child a book titled “Italian for Beginners.” Wonderful, right?The kids completely ran out of energy yesterday, so I'm baffled as to how they're up this early.By mistake, we forgot to close the bedroom door last night. Before I could get out of bed to bolt it, the door swung open, and they bounded in. I pretended to still be asleep, hoping they would bypass me and go str
Selena's POVIt's been five months now, and looking back, I find it hard to forget everything that happened after my wedding.Glancing down at my wedding ring, I kissed the tiny diamond that always reminded me of Jake. With a smile, I looked at the calendar on my desk—his return was just around the corner.I had moved the company headquarters to Italy, and surprisingly, my mother had agreed to relocate as well. She bought a new house that could accommodate 20 people, claiming she was tired of living small.She decided to keep our house in New York as is, suggesting it could serve as a venue for family gatherings.Hillary stayed behind in New York; apart from taking care of her son, she had started seeing someone, which was exciting news for everyone.The whole family rejoiced when Mr. Marino finally woke up from his long unconscious state. He was recovering well, much to Mrs. Marino's joy.The kids were adored by everyone, especially by their Aunt Nancy. Everyone was doing well.Howev
Jake's POVI entered the house, searching for my family. Voices echoed from a nearby room where I heard Selena asking Nancy how they had managed to set up the nursery so quickly. “Dada!” a little voice called out. I turned to see Jada rushing toward me, her small form barely visible beneath the layers of her adorable outfit. Bending down, I scooped her into a tight hug as she began chattering nonstop, sharing everything she thought I needed to know.Holding her close, she peppered me with kisses.“Hey,” Selena greeted with a wave.“Welcome, Sophia,” I said, placing a kiss on Selena’s forehead. She seemed eager to hear about my meeting at the station.Later that day, we gathered for dinner. The kids sat on Selena’s and my laps, stubbornly refusing their high chairs. My mother had certainly gone all out with the meal.It was heartwarming to see both families getting along well. As the evening wound down, the kids began to warm up to my mom and Nancy, who tempted them with an array of
Selena's POVA stroll on the beach and a picnic with the one I love—that was the plan after crafting a new one this morning. But here I am, driving to the airport.Mom always has her own way of doing things. I knew I hadn't been entirely open about what was happening here, but I never expected her to bring the whole family down.They even took the company jet. She must not know how to manage boarding four people. Shaking my head, I turned into the private sector of the airport.I called my mother for their location, and she directed me. The first thing I heard were the excited voices shouting, "Mama!""Mama!" Jadon ran toward me, his focus unswayed by the crowd.I dropped to my knees with open arms to welcome my beloved son. His small body fit perfectly against mine, his baby scent warming my heart. I buried my face in his soft hair, showering him with kisses.He seemed taller. Pulling back, I kissed his face. "My sweet boy, how I've missed you.""Mama, I miss you," Jadon said.I hugg
Jeff's POVThe fury within me was seething; I felt an overwhelming urge to lash out at something, or better yet, someone—specifically, the person right in front of me.I might have managed a clean getaway if Kelvin hadn't botched things by getting caught. Perhaps if I'd demanded the money sooner, I would have gained a crucial head start in my escape plan. It was Kelvin’s blunder that had left me trapped in this forsaken country.If only I had expedited my fake passport, I might have made a successful escape by sea, but the relentless police were already on my trail. They had effectively banned me from leaving the country, but I was aware of other, illicit means of escape.I refused to let anyone revel in seeing me rot in jail. And why on earth was Jake Marino here? My only recourse was to taunt him with everything I had managed right under his nose.“How did my father cause the death of your father?” Jake inquired.He seemed genuinely clueless about the connection to my father, but th
Jake's POVWe had planned to spend the day just to ourselves, and I was thrilled with the idea. Selena walked around the house, filling the picnic basket she found in the kitchen. Eventually, we found ourselves in the bedroom, Selena rifling through her packed bag in search of something suitable to wear.Although it wasn't particularly sunny outside, we were eager to enjoy the day together, hoping for a bit of sunshine as we forecast while we were at the beach.Just then, her phone began to ring. I hoped it wouldn't be a call that might dampen our spirits. She dived into her pile of clothes, searching for the phone, and resurfaced with a frown. "It's my mom," she said, her tone a mix of resignation and concern. I knew how deeply she missed the kids, avoiding calls to stave off their tears and pleas for her return.I felt a pang of guilt, aware that my needs had kept her away. My own phone started ringing, and I glanced at the caller ID before showing it to her. She sighed and gestured
Selena's POVThe morning light flooded the room when I opened my eyes, a reminder that we'd left the windows open again. I yawned and stretched, feeling the protest of my bones. The hard night at the station hadn't done me any favors. Feeling the empty space beside me, I realized Jake wasn't there. I missed waking up in his arms, but lately, our mornings had shifted; either he rose before me or vice versa.When would we find the peace we so desperately sought? As I lay there, my mind wandered back to the phone call from last night. I hadn't caught any of the conversation, only the ringing that had pierced the late silence.Was it something important? I got out of bed, went through my morning routine in the bathroom, and dressed for the day, hoping it wouldn't be spent at the police station.With Kelvin in custody, the assassin apprehended, and Diego held by New York police pending cooperation with the investigation, the immediate threats seemed contained. He would be released after th
Jake's POVI still find it hard to believe Kelvin could do such a thing to his own family. He had embezzled a significant amount of money from the company and had been deceitful in his dealings.He had several accounts, estates, and properties in his name, yet he still craved more. Wasn't he satisfied with what he had already taken?The detectives were on the hunt for someone named Mr. K, who had been collaborating with Kelvin. Since Kelvin denied any involvement with the attacks on me and the kidnapping on my wedding day, they believed there was another conspirator out there. I hoped that with Mr. K's capture, the chain of attackers would end.Looking over at the bench, I saw Selena asleep in an awkward position. I wished we could wrap up here and leave so she could get some proper rest. She had been tirelessly working the phones, to the point where her phone had run out of battery.We hadn't been able to speak to the kids, and it was clearly affecting her mood."Who do you suspect m
Kelvin's POVIn my office, I mulled over the unsettling shift in public sentiment that had started favoring Jake. Oddly enough, I had uncovered that Selena was no ordinary person; she was from a wealthy family. Yet, when I sought more information, I found no news articles about her—only a brief mention that she had two children and had once been married to someone named Diego Lorenzo.This Diego was the same individual who had contacted me months ago, offering information to undermine Jake when Mr. K mysteriously vanished.Clearly, something was amiss, and my instincts told me it wasn't good. I was about to stand up when my phone rang with a call from an unknown number.I answered, and Mr. K's voice came through. "Hello, I have something you desperately need," he said, his timing uncanny."Will it finish my brother?" I asked."Yes, but before that, you need to transfer €500 billion euros to the account I will send you.""What?" I exclaimed, incredulous. "For what information?" I deman