YVONNE
Vladimir drove us back to the shore. Then, he accompanied me in all the other water activities I wanted to try.
We tried the kayak next and then the banana boat. They were okay but I prefer the jetski. It was way more exciting!
"Hmm," I tapped my lips while looking at the list of what we could do. "What should we do next?"
"How about we take some rest?" he suggested.
"Huh? Why? Are you already tired?" I asked.
A deep frown etched on his forehead as he darkly stared at me. Why? Did I say something wrong?
"No," he muttered. "I was thinking about you. Aren't you tired?"
"No! I'm okay!" I'm practically bubbling with energy.
I never thought I would be this excited over anything, but here I am practically jumping with eagerness.
"How about the jet blade, then?" I asked.
It looked like a jet pack that was connected to a jet ski. The pictures in the brochure made it look so much exciting. It can push you up
YVONNEI was eager to try out the rest of the activities when I went to bed last night. But now that I'd woken up, I didn't even want to get up or lift a finger."Ugh," I groaned as I stretched out. My whole body was sore from all the activities I did yesterday."Are you okay?" Vlad grunted beside me. He didn't sound good either."No," I croaked. "All my muscles are screaming at me."I realized it had been a while since the last time I worked out. I used to be fit and active when I was in the ring. The pole dancing alone was already an intense workout. And I perform that almost every night.But after Vlad bought me, I haven't done any workouts. Instead, I just spend the rest of my day lounging in his fancy unit. He has a gym but it never appealed to me. Now I am reaping the results of my laziness."Do you want to try the remaining activities?" he uttered, his voice filled with sarcasm which made me wince inwardly."Sorry,
YVONNEIt's dumbfounding how our relationship seemed to have drastically changed in such a short amount of time. We are now like any normal couple out there. Although, I have very little knowledge about what a normal relationship felt like, ours seemed like one.Vladimir was acting like a completely different person. He is not the cold man I married a few months ago. Perhaps it has everything to do with his cured condition. He wasn't impotent anymore.Could you imagine, he just released five years' worth of pent-up cum?! Of course, he was relieved! I winced at the thought.We've been back from our vacation for about a week now. Everything's going smoothly between us ever since. I almost moved into his room, but tonight, he hadn't come home yet, so I decided to stay in my bedroom.My lids were already getting heavy when I heard the door creak. I was so sleepy so I just ignored it. I only opened my eyes when I felt someone stroking the wet s
YVONNE"Let's go," Vladimir said when he saw me emerge from the hallway.He's also ready to leave. His three-piece black suit was stark in contrast with my all-white ensemble.My heart seemed to take a leap when he held his arm out to me. I smiled and placed my own against it hesitantly."Are you ready?" he asked."Yeah," I sighed.Dave told me everything I had to do. He even gave me a script to follow and the possible questions the board might ask during the presentation. Of course, he also curated well-crafted answers for them which I tried to memorize to the best that I could.We went out of the building together. His car was there together with two more SUVs. "I'm going to drive you there," he answered my unvoiced question. He must have noticed my confusion when he ushered me to his car. I thought I would be using one of the SUVs."But... Don't you have work?" I stupidly asked.
YVONNE I stood in front of the conference room even though it was just us. Dave set up the projector while my secretary put the hard copies in front of each seat. I took a deep breath while going over the presentation inside my head. "You can do this," Dave encouragingly said. I tried to smile. "Would you like coffee or water?" Jane, my secretary asked. "Just some water, please," I said before taking a seat. One by one, the board of directors started coming into the conference room. My heart beats faster every time someone comes in. "Good morning," I greeted back and nodded to each of them. "Relax," I heard Dave whisper behind me. "You look tensed." I tried to do as he said, but at that moment, Jade walked into the conference room. I frowned. I didn't know she would be here. When our gazes met, I tried to smile, but she only gave me a curt nod. Soon, all the chairs around the long table were slowly filled. My heart is already hammering inside my chest. I badly wanted to run
YVONNE"Yes, Miss Foster?" I called to let her speak."This is a good idea," she started.I could already hear the but in her statement. She glanced at the papers in her hand. I can feel butterflies in my stomach while waiting for whatever she has to say. And they're not the good kind.The dramatic pause is killing me. I tried to brace myself from the possible blow she would give me."Although, I don't think it's necessary to start another advocacy that is out of line from what we are already doing," she said.I can see some of the members of the board glancing at each other. I don't know what they were thinking right now.Shit. I didn't expect this."LGC Foundation is already known for educational and health causes. I think we should focus on that," Jade said so confidently, that I had the urge to just cower in fear and hide in a corner.But since I couldn't do that, I took a deep breath instead and tried to process her words. I gathered my thoughts while I let her finish her comment
YVONNEOh god. This is it.I gulped. My legs were weakening from standing too long and the passing adrenaline, but I had to keep my stance."Those who are in favor of Project Eve, please raise your hands," Mr. Watson said authoritatively.Damn. This is the moment of truth.I looked down to briefly squeeze my eyes. I was a bit confident after the talk I had with Vlad before the meeting, but Jade made some valid points. And she also has a huge connection to Vladimir.I won't be surprised if the board would be torn about their decision. I took a deep breath before looking up.I sighed in relief when I saw that almost everyone in the conference room raised their hands in favor of the shelter, including Mr. Watson himself. I couldn't help but smile."We have a decision then," Mr. Watson said upon looking around. He then looked back at me and smiled."Congratulations, Mrs. Lewis," he genuinely said while firmly shaking my hand."Thank you," I nodded. I can't believe I made it.I know Vladim
VLADIMIR "We still couldn't track her down, boss," Blaze reported. My fists clenched. "How can an old woman disappear without a trace?" I hissed. "She has no connections! How hard is it to trace her whereabouts?!" my voice boomed inside my office. I was so fucking pissed. My men were turning into useless imbeciles these days! The harder it gets to find her, the more I think somebody's helping her. And I have to find out who it was before they can take any action against me. I'm sure they were using Yvonne's mother in the hopes that they could get to me through her. Well, they thought wrong.Did they? A small voice inside my head seemed to mock me. Hirushi's bloodied form in the basement flashed inside my head. My jaw clenched as I tried to push the image away. I didn't do it for Yvonne. It has nothing to do with her. I just don't like what the ring does in general. I despise people like them. Yes, I run a syndicate too. But I don't prey on the weak. I don't use helpless women
YVONNEI stared at him. Was I too obvious?"What do you mean?" I chuckled awkwardly."I was just... Uhm, I still can't believe they approved the project, that's all," I grinned and tried to sound more enthusiastic.I plastered a smile on my face while he stared at me suspiciously. My upper lip quivered but I didn't dare move until he finally sighed and let the matter go.I sighed internally. I don't know how to tell him about my encounter earlier with Mr. Anderson.Have you ever heard of the Red Ring? His venomous voice still echoes inside my head. He knows.I don't know how. All I am certain is that he knew. He wouldn't dare speak to me about it if he wasn't confident. I'm sure he wouldn't want to provoke Vladimir over hearsay.But how? Was he a client of the ring? I don't know. I'm not sure. I may have had tons of clients but I can't recall any of their faces now.I used to block out everything as much as I could. I didn't want to remember the filthy things they did to me or the dis
YVONNE I took a deep breath while the elevator moved up. We were heading to the penthouse. I didn't know what to expect. The anticipation is fucking killing me. What if I just volunteer to leave? I'm sure Vladimir wouldn't mind. I chewed on my bottom lip. He would probably appreciate it. Should I? I gasped when the elevator pinged, signaling we reached the right floor. We're here. I heaved another lungful of air before stepping out of the elevator. The short ride felt suffocating. The bodyguards walked me to the unit. I scanned my index finger and sighed in relief when I realized I still had access to the front door. He's not kicking me out. At least, not just yet. If I thought he would kick me out when my identity was uncovered, now that Riva turned out alive, it felt all too real. I was kind of expecting to see them in the living room, waiting for me, probably with my luggage and the divorce papers in hand. But the unit was too quiet when I stepped in. It was empty.
YVONNEI was beyond dumbfounded. I didn't even realize we had already arrived at the hospital. I can't believe I was kidnapped twice in just a short matter of time."We're here," the driver said.Two men escorted me to the emergency room. I told them I was okay and there was really no need to go here but then I remembered how I was bashed in the head with a gun. That part of my head was still throbbing but the crazy events of the night made me numb.The nurses immediately checked if I had wounds. The area where I was hit was tender and sore but it didn't have an open wound."We still need to check. You could have internal bleeding or concussion," the attending physician said when I told them I wanted to go home already.That sounded over dramatic. I wanted to insist on being discharged, but then I remembered I may not have a house to return to anymore.Riva is back. The thought brought a bitter taste to my tongue. She is Vladimir's real wife. Where will that leave me?"Okay," I weakl
YVONNEHow is this even possible? Am I hallucinating?I know I've only seen her in pictures, but...I glanced at Vladimir. Looking at his shocked and pained expression, I knew I was right. It was Riva standing behind the second-floor railing."Dad, stop this! What else do you want?" she cried, weakly sliding onto the floor. I don't think she noticed Vladimir yet."Hush, mia cara," her father cooed before turning to Vlad who still hadn't recovered from his shock.I couldn't blame him. Even I was left gaping at the scene unfolding right before my very eyes."Did you miss Riva?" her father taunted him.A loud gasp echoed. I looked up to see Riva staring back at Vlad. My heart clenched painfully when I saw the longing in her eyes, which mirrored the same expression in Vlad's. The more I stare at them, the more real it gets. She's alive. Riva is alive. I felt an inexplicable stabbing pain in my chest."V-vlad," she called, her voice sounded pleading.Her father gestured something and the
YVONNEWhat the hell is going on?!I tried to call for help but the car made a sharp turn, causing my head to hit on the door.Damn it! I groaned in pain as I felt the car going faster. The speed and the hit on my head made me a little dizzy. Despite that, I still tried to look outside to see where we were heading but couldn't see anything clearly.It was dark and we were going so fast. I grabbed onto the door handle when the man suddenly hit the brake. I almost slammed into the back of the shotgun seat. "Where are we going?" I asked while looking at the man who had taken me. He was wearing a ski mask, making it impossible for me to recognize him.Is this Raoul, Riva's brother?"Who are you? Why are you doing this?!" I cried but he didn't bother to respond. He just kept on driving as if he were in a race.Memories from the last time I was kidnapped replayed in my head like a broken record. No. I won't let it happen again. I looked for something I could use in the backseat. My eyes wi
VLADIMIR"Which of your wives are you looking for?" he smirked. The daunting smile on his crooked lips told me he knew something I didn't."What the hell are you talking about?" I grunted impatiently. I looked around, hoping to see Yvonne, but she was not anywhere in sight. What is he planning to do to her?"Oh," he clutched his chest as if he was in pain. "Have you already forgotten about my daughter? You're hurting my feelings, Vladimir," he chuckled.I frowned. Why is he acting like this? Is he taking his daughter's death lightly or is he mocking me?Fuck him."Let Yvonne go," I growled. "She should be out of this. Whatever happened in the past has nothing to do with her!""Do you think I didn't know that?" he chuckled humorlessly. "But you are in no position to give me orders. You are in my territory. I can get you killed in a snap of a finger."Well, that's what he thinks."Tell me, did you really forget about my precious daughter?" he asked. "Don't you think it's insulting that
VLADIMIRI wanted to be with her. Today, a press conference will be held to address the issue of Yvonne's past and real identity. It had been a hot topic in the business world and started to affect the value of our stocks in the market.Yvonne wanted to speak the truth about the issue. I was advised by the company's public relations director against it, but I still went on with my decision. I know this is a big deal for her and I wanted to be by her side.Unfortunately, I couldn't.Blaze just called me. They already knew where Leon Vitelli was hiding. We needed to quickly devise a plan to take him down. I have to be there to ensure he will be caught."He was spotted going into a warehouse near the bay this afternoon," Blaze pointed at the large map on the screen."We already planted a mole inside," he added."Good," I calmly nodded even though the gears in my head were turning rapidly.We talked about how we were going to capture Leon and his son, Raoul. I clenched my teeth when Riva's
YVONNEI covered my ears with my hands. I can feel the car shaking with the force of the gunshots coming from high-caliber guns. I know Vladimir's cars were all bulletproofed. But would it really last from this kind of attack? It felt like the glass was being hammered by the raining bullets. "What's happening?!" I asked no one in particular. My voice trembled with fear. Aside from Matias who sits with me on the backseat, we have a driver and another member of the security team riding shotgun.It didn't do anything to make me feel safer though. I know they are all capable and well-trained but this scene seemed to be straight out of a damn action movie!"We're getting ambushed," Matias hissed.I tried to peek outside despite the paralyzing fear taking over my body. I immediately saw three black vans parked in front of us, blocking us from driving forward! Most of the shots were coming from them.I shrieked and ducked when a louder noise came up. Shit! I feel like the windshield is goin
YVONNEI breathe heavily, taking in a lungful of air hoping it would somehow calm the brewing storm inside me. I am sitting backstage waiting for my cue to come out.I fidgeted my fingers on my lap. My palms were cold and sweating. I had taken a peek earlier and saw how many people were eagerly waiting outside. I took another breath."You can do this," I whispered.Vladimir agreed to my request. The company's PR team arranged a press conference to address the issue. I am given a chance to tell my side of the story. I can speak out my truth.I don't know how it would turn out in the end, but that doesn't matter now. This is me taking back the reins of my life. This is me taking the first step to get my freedom back.I know not everyone will understand. Speaking up will not magically turn the situation around. I know that. I have prepared myself for that. ,q1My heart thumped wildly inside my chest. This is gonna cause too much trouble. Vlad might hand me the divorce papers after this.
YVONNE I love you... The realization hit me like a bullet train. Damn it! The euphoric feeling from the mind-blowing orgasm he gave me quickly dissipated into the air.You're so stupid, Yvonne! I bit my tongue as I cursed myself internally. I almost said it out loud at the height of my emotions. I am still gasping for air while he gently rolled off me.He put his arm under my head, then pulled me closer. I looked at him. His eyes were closed while catching his breath. There were beads of sweat on his forehead due to the strenuous activity we just finished. He must be running for the hills now if he heard me say those words.I wouldn't blame him if that happened. Even I find it ridiculous! I wanted to laugh even though I didn't find it funny. But do I mean it? Do I really love him? I thought while staring at him.Love. It sounded foreign. I didn't know it was part of my dictionary until now. I don't think I ever felt it. Nobody ever loved me. I never loved anyone either. Love was