YVONNE
I 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
YVONNEThe construction of the shelter commenced almost immediately after it was approved. In the end, I chose the site in the suburban area over the one in the countryside.I'd be lying if I'd say Vladimir's past with Riva didn't affect my decision. But I chose it mostly because of the conveniences it offers. It would be more accessible for women seeking refuge compared to the one in the countryside where they have to travel for hours before they could reach.I personally oversee the progress from time to time while working on the foundation. With Dave's help, I am slowly learning the ropes of my job. I'm getting the hang of it. Now I can do a few tasks without his help.I flinched when I almost bumped into someone on the way to my office."Good morning, Yvonne," it turned out to be Mr. Anderson. Everything good in my morning faded at the sight of him.I clenched my jaw. I hadn't seen him in a while. I don't know where he was, but I wish he had just stayed there.I nodded curtly inst
YVONNE"Are you sure you wanna do this?" Vlad worriedly asked."Yes," I sighed exasperatedly. He'd been asking for the hundredth time already.I cupped his face with my hands, making him look at me."Vlad, I want to do this," I told him, smiling to reassure him that I would be okay."I want to close this chapter of my life before I truly open a new one. I don't want anything to come back and haunt me in the future. I want to get rid of all my demons and leave them together with the past," I told him honestly.He stared deep into my eyes for a while."Okay..." he finally sighed. "Do you want me to come with you?""What? No!" I exclaimed. "Just stay here and wait for me," I said."Damn it. Why does it sound like you're talking to a pet?" he snapped.I chuckled, looking at the annoyed expression on his face."Don't worry, I'll make it up to you when we get home," I winked."Fine," he snorted half-heartedly. I knew he wouldn't agree to this, but I feel like I really need this before moving
VLADIMIR"You killed them!" Jade cried, her voice dripping with bitterness and rage. "You killed my family! You should die, you monster!"I frowned. I gently grabbed Yvonne to push her behind me. She seemed reluctant, but I insisted."You know very well I wasn't the one behind your family's ambush," I told her in a low but commanding voice."But you were the reason why they were in that kind of business! You dragged them to hell when you let them join your illegal activities!" she yelled. "Leon told me everything!"I gritted my teeth. I thought she was one of the smartest women I knew. Now, I'm beginning to doubt it. Why would she believe a word that came out of that asshole's mouth?"Your father was bankrupt. He lost all your money and property to gambling!" I growled. "He kept begging me to let him join my underground business until I did! Even after that, he didn't stop his addiction. He owed people who went after them that night. I have nothing to do with it!""I don't believe you
YVONNEI ran outside. My heart beats faster the closer I get to the entrance."Yvonne!" I heard Selene scream my name despite the chaos around us. I turned to look at her. I sighed in relief after seeing that she was fine, just like Phil said."Are you okay?" she worriedly asked, her eyes surveying my body, looking for any injury."Yes," I nodded. "Stay here. I'll go out to see what's going on.""What?!" she exclaimed while following me. "Are you crazy?! It's safer here. Who knows whom the shooters were targeting? Stay here!"She grabbed my hand and held me tight."I know. But I should be responsible for this," I told her. Aside from that, I couldn't wait to see if Vlad was safe. I would die of anxiety if I didn't know his state as soon as possible."Yvonne!" she protested but kept following me."Go back there!" I hissed. "Vlad is outside. He'll never let anything happen to me.""What? Is he some kind of superhero now?" she snorted. I sighed defeatedly."Selene, please," I turned to l
YVONNE"Please be careful," I whispered. I tried to hold on to him, to stop him from leaving, but he still went after his men.I understand. He needs to help them. A lot of lives are at stake. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with much-needed air.He closed the door behind him. Somehow, I felt safe in the familiar confines of my office, but I couldn't completely shake the guilt away.How about the other guests? The employees? They're innocent. They shouldn't have been dragged into this mess. I don't know what I would do if any of them get hurt or worse..."This is all my fault," Riva cried beside me."No shit," I muttered without looking at her. I felt bad that she was hurt, but I still couldn't help the anger that was slowly filling me from inside out.I don't know everything, but I've heard enough to conclude that she knew Jade was planning this all along. However, she never told anything to Vlad. Just like what she did back then with her father."How could you claim you love
VLADIMIR"Vlad!" Yvonne cried as I hugged her. I only want her to be safe. I need to protect her no matter what.I closed my eyes as I waited for the pain to come, but instead of the sudden, intense burning pain of a bullet piercing my flesh, I felt a heavy weight collapsing on my back.At the same time, I heard Blaze and Mike coming to help us. Mike kept firing shots, covering us while Blaze helped me get up.I was confused when I realized it was Riva's weight that fell upon me. She was hit. Blaze pulled her up and dragged her inside while I ran with Yvonne. Other guests were also rushing inside the shelter, looking for a place to hide."What the hell?" I exclaimed when we finally got into safety."I-I'm sorry," Riva gasped while looking straight into my eyes.I frowned, getting more confused. How did she get shot? Isn't she the one behind this? Maybe because I tried to take the bullet that was supposed to be for Yvonne. My jaw clenched at the thought that she was the target of those
VLADIMIRRiva just started a fucking commotion. Reporters around swarmed like bees around her, making it hard for my men to drag her away!Fuck.What is she trying to do? Did she think she could win my favor if she ruined this event?"Vlad, please!" she screamed while trying to get away from the reporters who were shoving their mics and cameras in her face."Fuck it, do something," I hissed at Blaze who quickly moved."Vlad," Yvonne muttered beside me while holding onto my hand. Her palm was cold but sweaty and I couldn't blame her.She worked hard for this. And it's slowly falling apart right before her very eyes! Fuck.I should have known Riva wouldn't stop at anything. What else does she want from me?"Wait here," I whispered to her while signaling Matias to stay beside her.I don't want anything to do with her but this is the fastest way to get rid of her. I walked past the reporters who were asking questions nonstop. Cameras were flashing left and right! Blaze and my other men cl
YVONNEI stared at my reflection in the mirror. It's been a while since I last glammed up like this. The dress hugged my body in all the right places. The slit on one side showed just enough skin but still looked elegant and sophisticated.The strapless and structured bodice complemented me well. However, I couldn't help but think that something was amiss. I let out a harsh sigh."Is there something wrong?" Vlad asked when he suddenly appeared behind me. I was so preoccupied that I didn't notice when he came. He held me in his arms, his fingers gently caressing the curve of my waist.We were in the penthouse he had just acquired. I agreed to stay with him now that he's here but I'm still keeping my unit."Nothing," I forced a smile onto my lips. "I'm just a little anxious."I told him honestly. I wanted everything to be perfect tonight and I couldn't help but worry that something might go wrong."You don't need to worry," he pulled me onto him and gently placed a chaste kiss on my lip
VLADIMIR"I missed you," she groaned, making me harder than I already was!Fuck. She's making me lose it when I didn't even plan on taking her tonight! I wanted to take things slow, but she's a fucking temptation!I can't even remember how we ended up like this. I only wanted to surprise her with this new place. Her unit was fine, but I wanted the best for her. I knew she would probably refuse to accept it, so I already had it under her name.I growled when she suddenly bit my lip in the midst of our heated kiss. All thoughts that I had quickly dissipated into the air, leaving only her.I slid my fingers into her hair, pulled her face towards mine, and forcibly captured her exploring tongue with mine, thus deepening the kiss. Our mouths fused until we needed to come up for air. I didn't let her go. We tried to catch our breath against each other's lips."Vlad," she called my name like a prayer, breaking all the reigns I'd been trying so hard to keep."You have no idea how much I've l
YVONNE"What?!" I snapped at Selene who kept gawking at me as if I was a puzzle she couldn't quite solve."Are you high?" she asked, her voice dripping with genuine confusion.I frowned. Why the hell would she think that?"Something's different today. You look so..." she trailed off while staring at me. She's seriously starting to creep me out."Stop staring!" I groaned, but she only laughed at me."C'mon Yvonne, spill the beans!" she chuckled, making me roll my eyes."Does it have anything to do with Dr. Phil?" she asked, wiggling her eyebrows.She then glanced at Dr. Phil who was busy talking to his patients. I watched as the expression on her face slowly changed. When her eyes returned to me, she seemed more confused than earlier.An audible gasp came out of her lips when she must have realized something. Her eyes widened a fraction. It would have been funny watching her reactions if it hadn't changed to an accusing one."Don't tell me..." she didn't finish but I think we both knew