Elena I stared in the mirror for a while, feeling paranoid. Will he be here too? Oh, I'm fucking scared. This place is not as crowded as the last event; how would he be able to attend with all this security? “Hi.” A soft voice called out, and I turned to look at the person. It was the woman from earlier, I can't remember what her name was. She seems sweet, I'm guessing that she is one of Archer's mistresses. “Are you Eddie's new girlfriend?” “Why are you calling him Eddie?” I did remember the old man from the event calling him Ed. Now this woman is also calling him Eddie. “That is his name. He just doesn't broadcast it because he doesn't want people digging into his matter. He's called Edward Cattaneo.” Wow, his name is beautiful. I prefer that to that silly nickname. “Oh.” “Are you his girlfriend?” “ Why are you so interested in that?” I asked with a puzzled expression. I couldn't help but notice how bent she was on finding that out. Why is she so interested in that
Elena “Elena, Elena, wait. Let me explain.”“Explain what you fucking cunt? You wanted me to die, didn't you?”At this point, I was on top of him as he was pinned down. My hands were in his curly hair as I gripped it tightly. Causing him immense pain. He struggled and tried to pull me off, but I didn't budge. “You sold me off, to some fucking cult. I was sold to an old man you fucking bastard. I watched my life flash before me countless times, I was in hell while you were probably enjoying yourself. So what? Are you here to find more victims? Did you use up all the 1 million?”“Elena, listen. It's really not what you think. I was in debt, a serious one. They were after me, my life was in danger. I needed to save myself. You should be happy for me. I'm safe and sound now. I knew you'd escape, you're a tough girl.”I scoffed in disbelief. I thought maybe getting an explanation from him would calm me down a bit but now I'm more furious. “You thought I could escape a place heavily g
Elena “El, El, El.” My name echoed in the small room. I recognise this room. My chest went up and down as I breathed heavily. My hands started to tremble, and my lips quivered. I immediately turned to my side and saw her leaving. “Mum!” I tried climbing off my bed, but I couldn't. My legs were bound to the bed. I tried moving, but it felt like I was glued to the bed; all efforts were useless. “Where the fuck do you think you're going?” My father asked as he smacked my cheeks.A loud yelp escaped my lips as his hand landed on my other cheek. He grabbed my face and forced me to look at him.“This is all your fault. Remember that. She left because of you.”I shook my head vigorously. “No, no, no, no.” I shut my eyes tightly. My eyes opened and I realised that I was now in my room in Archer’s house. My hair was damp from the sweat. Beads of sweat were evident on my forehead and my heartbeat raced. Realising that I was here brought me a tiny bit of relief. I placed my hand on my hea
Archer I tapped my forefinger on the table quietly as Don talked. Our shipments in Brazil were delayed, so we needed a plan to amend that. That was a total dick move if the Brazilians have a hand in this. They're playing with fire. It's like they sometimes forget who they're dealing with. The New York Mafia is the most powerful gang. Playing with us is like playing with fire. “I need answers, gentlemen. How did this happen?” Hugo looked tense. Well, he has to be because it was his mission.Although I believe it's not entirely his fault. Hugo is a perfectionist, so I know that he tried his best. “There was an ambush at the port, sir.” The veins on his forehead looked like they were going to pop. “The Brazilians didn't hold the end of their bargain. They bailed on us when the Russians showed up.” The room became noisy with murmurs. Of course, Russians again. These fuckers never give us a break. They're tailing us everywhere. I'm so sick of them and their stupid little games. Somet
Elena I can't believe that I'm getting ready to go to that skank's birthday party. I don't know why Archer insists on going with me. She hates me; she wouldn't want to see me at her birthday party, so why is he taking me along?Archer is so unpredictable sometimes. I can never predict his next move. I still remember the night he stayed with me when I had a nightmare. I still can't comprehend. Why did he stay? I smoothed my hand over my beige dress as I turned to get a better look at myself in the mirror. How does Archer find such good clothes that fit my taste? I mean, I would have always worn clothes like this if I wasn't poor. It's almost like he's making me live my rich girl dream. The little girl in me must be giggling right now. I've always wanted to have expensive outfits, and now I'm getting them for free. The only thing I hate about this is that I'm attending events I don't want to go to. The dress was so beautiful, accentuating my curves nicely. I don't know how to do m
Elena We arrived in front of a heavy metal gate. After a few seconds, the doors opened to let us in. After driving for a few minutes, we finally got to the venue. It was glistening with lights and balloons. There was a huge pool with people surrounding it. My eyes darted around like a little kid. This place looked so good. The ballroom was huge, with beautiful chandeliers and beautiful paintings. “I thought you wouldn’t come.” We both turned our heads to the source of the voice. I believe his name is Hugo. I don't even know if they're friends or enemies. “Don gave me a special invitation, I'm not ready to pick up a fight with him.” He said as he slipped his hands into his pockets. He was wearing a cyan coloured top and some long pants. He looked good, though. “Wow, the almighty Archer is now following rules.” He scoffed, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “Shut up.” There was a long pause as Hugo turned to me. “I have such bad manners, welcome. I can't touch y
Archer Ric, Savien, and I stood in the garden as we talked about the brazil shipment. Although I felt uneasy with the way Elena stared at Savien, I decided to play it cool. “We're still trying to salvage the situation. The Russians seem to be getting very close to us.” Ric added, his voice clipped but steady. “I want you guys to dig deeper into this case even though Don didn't put me in charge. I need to get to the bottom of this.”Savien replied with a firm nod. “We will, boss.” Ric said in a low tone. “Also, make sure that the new guards are—”“Mr Archer, Mr Archer.” One of the guards rushed towards me. His voice was filled with panic, and he was out of breath. We all looked at him with keen eyes. Waiting for him to say something. My brows furrowed as I looked at him. “What is it?” I asked impatiently in a cold voice. “Miss–Miss Elena. She fell in the pool. She's not coming up.” For a split second, I felt like my heart stopped beating. Then, without another word, I broke in
ElenaI opened my eyes slowly to an unfamiliar room. My face creased as I looked around. I tried sitting up, but I couldn't; that was when I realised. Fuck. Archer, I slept in Archer’s room. How the fuck did that even happen? Why is he cuddling me? What even happened last night? My head rang, and I winced softly as I clutched my forehead. What happened last night started to piece in. Archer saved me from drowning. Then he brought me home and slept beside me. I tried moving his hand away, but he tightened it even more. I let out a sigh of defeat as I lay there. Archer finally moved, and I immediately pretended to be asleep. He took his hand off me and got down from the bed. I heard the door close, and I opened one to look. “Phew, he left.” I murmured to myself as I sat up. Should I just go to my room? Or should I just be here? The door opened, and I didn't have time to pretend to fall asleep, so I just froze in place while looking at him.“You're up.” He walked closer while holdi
ElenaMy heart was beating so fast as I stared at the doctor in shock. I was just hoping that he would later say that he was joking. Please, please, say you're joking. I couldn't even look at Edward. How am I pregnant? Fuck, what am I going to do?How could I get pregnant with an engaged man? A dangerous mafia man at that. My plans to escape are now ruined, what if he asks me to stay and be his mistress because of the kid?How can I be with a man I've betrayed? Oh fuck, I'm doomed. What am I going to do? I don't want to abort the child either.“Thanks, Doctor, you can leave. You know the drill, if I find out that this news is circulating, I'm coming for you and your family.” He threatened the doctor. “No need to worry, sir.” The doctor said as he packed his stuff and left. I was still shocked and glued to my bed. I couldn't think straight. I felt the bed sink beside me, so I turned and saw Edward sitting down beside me.I shifted away from him. “I won't abort my baby,” I said defe
ElenaI was in the living room with Sena as she cleaned. Sena has literally become like my best friend here, so I just talk to her anytime I'm bored, and she's very sweet. “I think the Master is really warming up to you.”“That's just what you think; Edward is just using me to kill time,” I said while sighing and lying on the sofa.“Wait, what did you say?” She turned with a shocked expression. I shot her a confused look. “I said that I think he's just using me.”“No, you mentioned a name before that.”“Edward?” Her hand shot to her mouth before looking around and rushing to my side. “What is it?” I asked with a puzzled expression. “Did he tell you to call him that?” I chuckled lightly at her statement. “Why do you look so surprised? I mean, it's his name. Of course, people are going to call him that.”“No,” she sighed inwardly. “You don't get it; no one dares call him by his name; the only person who calls him that is the mafia leader and his best friend. He doesn't let anyone ca
ArcherI crouched to meet the height of the little girl who was standing in front of me. "We're here to get you out," I said, keeping my voice calm but firm. "You don’t have to be afraid." They all looked terrified, I don't know how to comfort kids, how the fuck did Elena do it so easily?I wish she was here though. Maybe she could've helped. No one moved. Ric stepped forward. "Listen, we don’t have time for this. We’re the good guys." The kids looked at each other's faces, hesitation evident in their movements. “Elena asked us to help you guys.”Their eyes lit up. “Miss Elena?” The little girl asked with so much anticipation. “Yes, she asked me to help you guys.”“Is she here with you?”“No, but she'll see you guys soon.”"Where are you taking us?" "Somewhere safe," I said. "A real orphanage. One that you'll all be cared for and safe.”She swallowed hard, then nodded. "Okay. Come on, guys,” she told the other kids, and they all stood on their feet.That was all we needed. Th
Archer 1 WEEK LATERI sat in my chair with my whisky in my hand as I stared at Savien. He stood there quietly with his hands behind him. I'm in my penthouse right now. I normally come here to take care of matters more privately. Savien had received enough treatment, and now he had recovered. I refrained from questioning him while he was unwell because I just didn't want to. “So, Savien.” I began, my tone smooth and calm as I shifted in my seat“Mind telling me what actually happened?” I asked while leaning into my chair. “Miss Elena had escorted the kids to the eatery and decided to go to the restroom; she told me to wait for her outside, so I did what she asked me to. I waited for over 3 minutes, and she wasn't coming out, so I panicked. I banged on the door and asked her if she was fine, but she didn't respond. I had no choice but to barge inside. Upon barging in, I saw a man holding her at gunpoint. I needed to save her, so I tried fighting him off, and that was when he shot
Archer My forefinger tapped on my thigh as I drove to Don's house. I haven't really gotten the time to speak to him ever since the annual ball. I didn't want to cause a scene.How could he make such a big decision without consulting me first? That is crazy. Does he think I'm some pushover?I arrived inside the mansion and headed straight to his office. I stormed into Don’s office without knocking. I stood there with my hands in my pockets as I stared at him blankly. He sat there quietly, unfazed by my intrusion and just swirled his glass of whiskey. "Edward," he said smoothly without even glancing up. "What brings you here in such a mood?" He said, acting clueless. I scoffed loudly, getting pissed about his behaviour. I slammed my hands on his desk, making the whiskey tremble in its glass. "You announced my engagement to Crystal without telling me first. Why did you do that? I already told you before that I didn't want to marry her.” Don raised an eyebrow as if I’d just complain
ElenaMy heart beat so fast as we hugged. Archer was immersed in the hug and didn't even want to let me go. He finally broke the hug, staring deeply into my eyes with so much emotion. His once icy grey eyes seemed to have melted. His thumb brushed on my cheeks, sending electric sparks throughout my body. My eyes were also fixed on his. I started studying his facial features.From his bushy eyebrows to his crooked nose to his plumb lips and his high-defined cheekbones. Archer is just a very handsome man. We didn't say anything to each other, but our eyes said a lot. I blinked slowly as I looked at him. His face came closer to mine. I wanted to move away so badly, but I felt glued to the spot. He pressed his lips lightly on mine, making my tummy twist and turn. He pulled back and stared at my lips while licking his. I suddenly felt his erection poking my stomach. We hadn't even done anything yet, and he was aroused. His breathing became heavier as he stared at me. I wish I could rea
ElenaI paced back and forth in my dimly lit room, and the curtains were opened so I could feel the chilly air that would blow in from time to time. My feet sank to the thick carpet as my arms crossed tightly over my chest. I tried to suppress the growing anger that was bubbling inside me. Archer, that insufferable, arrogant, manipulative bastard. He played with my feelings, and he toyed with me. For a moment, I thought he had actually changed, that he might have seen me as a woman with value and not an object, but I was so wrong. He's so fucking nonchalant about the whole situation and is even blaming me because I decided to save his ass. I mean, if it weren't for me, he would've been hurt, or worse, dead!I brought my hand closer to my lips as I nibbled on my nails. I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. How did I get here? I wish time would revert just so I could undo all this mess I'm in right now.I closed my eyes as memories from my old life started flooding. The diml
Archer I knew that Don was plotting something, but I never knew it could be that. Why would he just conclude on such a sensitive topic without consulting me first?Earlier on, we spoke about it, and I told him that I wasn't ready to settle down. So why did he do this? In front of everyone too.The room was silent, but my mind was anything but at peace. My mind kept on drifting to the exact moment Don announced the wedding, the scene kept on replaying in my mind like a horror movie. The voices, the applause, and even Elena’s reaction—it all became background noise to the roaring chaos in my head. Now, sitting in my dimly lit bedroom, I felt like a caged animal. Why the hell would Don do this? And why in front of all those damn people? He really wanted to put me in an uncomfortable position that I would have no choice but to accept. I was kind of having a hunch that something like this would happen, but I didn't think it would happen this soon. I ran a hand through my hair, frustr
ElenaBailey turned to face me, utterly shocked at what just happened. I, on the other hand, felt suffocated; I felt like my whole world had just crumbled down.Is he getting married to Crystal? So he decided to use me before? I can't believe this. My chest became tight as my breathing quickened. How could he do this to me?Everyone started congratulating him. I–I need to get out of here. I can't stand this humiliation. My eyes snapped to Crystal, and she had a satisfied smirk plastered on her stupid face.“Are you okay?” Bailey asked while caressing my hand.“Yeah, yeah, I'm good.” I nodded frantically. “Would you excuse me for a while?” I said while walking away, I needed to be alone. The look on Crystal’s face was driving me insane. I got out to get some fresh air while my hand trembled. Why am I getting so angry about this? I don't want to be with him, but I feel so hurt and betrayed. If he knew he would be getting married, then why did he make love to me? Did he really want t