(Karis's pov) Nothing was more refreshing than getting on Xander's nerves in this toxic relationship. It was hard to understand his intentions. He acted like he didn't want me to go but, at the same time, would never admit if he loved me or not. What I craved for the most was affection. Skyler's car pulled over at our location. It was a famous lake-side restaurant you had to make reservations at least a month earlier. It made me wonder how long Skyler planned this. "How were you able to get reservations here? I remember when I was little, my mom loved eating here a lot with me, and the reservations were always made a month prior." I mentioned as we got down from the car. The restaurant was very busy. Since it was in a remote location close to the outskirts of town, the air here was more refreshing. That was what made it more popular. Skyler reached out his hands for me, which I hesitantly accepted, telling myself it was okay to casually hold hands with him and that we were f
(Karis's pov) The meal was quiet at first; after we were served appetizers the waiter came over with a trolley to serve the main meal, which was barbeque, using a trolley. It was satisfying to watch him prepare and roast the meat in front of him. I was still embarrassed from crying earlier in front of Skyler because I was too carried away at the moment. "After the blue secret gig is done what do you plan on doing concerning your design career?" He asked about business which was a good way to start up a conversation. My phone was switched off due to Xander's incessant calls, and despite the fact I was having a great time with Skyler, my mind kept on drifting to think about Xander. It was as if my mind was split into two; I tried my best to focus on Skyler because he was putting in a lot of effort to make the evening fun. "Honestly, I don't know; it depends on the success of the line," I answered. The waiter was done with my portion and just served it on my plate
(Karis's pov) Skyler spoke in riddles mixing jokes and truth. Xander was not obsessed with me in the least way. He was just fucking possessive for no reason. "I doubt Xander loves me. Our marriage isn't based on love but on our parent's fantasy of wanting their children together. It was my mother's wish that her best friend Camila did everything to fulfill after her death." I spoke my mind. What the hell does Xander see? I was not special. "You can keep on telling yourself that but I know what I see. Xander might not love you, but his obsession is obvious; why do you think he wants to keep you to himself or wants to kill any man you smile at? Your smile is rare and he wants it all for himself." I was thrown into my thoughts. Was that why Xander was against the divorce because he was obsessed with me? "If you love me or have a genuine interest, why are you telling me about another man's interest? Who is your rival? You are a strange guy." I shook my head, unabl
(Xander's pov) The car was driving steadily through the busy roads home; yeah, that's what I would call it since Karis was there. It felt like home with her around instead of an old manor with so many memories I would want to forget. Instead, it was where we would make memories that would last a long time. Lately, Karis has been mostly indoors, so I took it upon myself to accompany her to every meal, including lunch, so she would not get bored. At least that was the excuse I told myself for wanting to see her. My attention was drawn to my ringing phone. My tongue clicked in annoyance seeing it was Benji. I wondered what mischief he was up to lately. "Hey, Zed. The boys are thinking of meeting up for a drink tonight. Hope you will be there." His annoying voice chirped immediately so I picked the call. Tomorrow was Karis's birthday, so I had plans arranged for midnight tonight, so there was no way I could meet up for drinks. Even if my schedule was free I rather spe
(Xander's POV) My footsteps felt heavy as I walked back to my study from the attic of our 2 story-building mansion. There was this pain I felt in my chest like my wife was cheating on me, even though I knew that was not Karis's nature. Knowing she was God knows where with Skyler left a bitter taste in my mouth and a strong feeling of fury burning inside me. Since my schedule was already cleared for the day, there was no need to head back to the office; the door to my study creaked open. I strode inside, pulling off my jacket, which I tossed on the lounge chairs before making my way to the minibar to pour myself a glass of drink, preferably scotch. I clung down the alcohol, which burned down my throat like the anger burning in me, but it didn't seeth me. My hands grabbed the remaining drink in the bottle and the glass as I walked towards my workstation desk. After settling down behind the desk, I switched on my system with my fingers rapidly tapping the key
(Karis's pov) I could not understand why Miranda would bother to beg me. She probably thought I was old Karis, who easily could be bullied and forced to do her bidding. She clenched her fist by her side, it likely felt degrading to her to beg me. Emma must be in a bad situation, from my guess, and I didn't feel the least sorry for her. "John please escort Mrs Reynolds out," I instructed him, leaving Miranda there, ignoring her pleas that only ruined my mood. I wondered where Xander must have gone. He must be a bit pissed that I snuck away with Skyler, the urge to see his pissed face made me happy, but unfortunately, he was not around. Miranda resisted being thrown out, but I couldn't believe it. "Karis, you can act smug for now, but I promise you it won't stay this way." She cussed out, but I ignored her completely. My attention was drawn to my phone, Skyler was calling. I answered the call immediately, seeing no reason to ignore it. My heels clicked ag
(Xander's pov) The loud baring music played in the background, the air was filled with the stench of alcohol and cigarettes but that was expected since this is a fucking club. Proxima Centauri, this was the biggest night club in town and it was owned by Ivan. On the surface it was a regular club but in reality was the base of underground deep Mafia activities but that is a story for another night. Tonight it was just a regular club. My so-called friends were seated in the VIP area in the gallery that oversaw the regular floor. Without a doubt our table gathered a lot of attention, our faces were not popular but it was unforgettable. Especially Ivan flashing a flirty grin at the girls at first glance it was obvious he was the Playboy here and definitely a bad influence on Benji the youngest one. Benji was a cheerful guy but not necessarily a Playboy but it didn't mean he was not a flirt. This was meant to be a fun night but it was far from that for me. I just could
(Xander's POV)The music was very loud and I was not enjoying it in the least way. I fucked up big time but too stubborn to accept it. "Hey charming," a brunette chimed by my side. She was not bad in the eyes, but to me, she looked plain. The Brunette seemed very young. My guess is she was 18 at most. I ignored her because I couldn't afford to be called a paedophile. I was never interested in stuff like that. I brushed past her, and my sharp grey eyes scanned the crowd, searching for someone to dance with. The dare was to dance with someone without thinking about Karis so I have not lost the dare yet. I need to find someone that looks nothing like Karis, ginger or blonde, preferably. There I spotted her; she looked to be around 24. From her eyes, you could see she was an experienced woman who had seen a lot completely different from my little red, whose eyes still sparkled. She felt my gaze and looked in my direction. She was surprised at first, probably stunned at m
CHAPTER FOUR - THE ROMANOV BROTHERSADELINA'S POV I was completely blown out of my mind when I heard him. Mikhail Romanov was a mystery to me. A seasoned businessman who suddenly popped out of nowhere and stormed the entire business world. There was very little about him online but there were rumours of how ruthless he was when taking out his competition and how much underground connection he has. When I said I was ready to do anything in my mind, the most degrading thing that crossed my mind was to be his servant at his mercy, but it never crossed my mind he would tell me to strip in a public event. I bit my lower lip in between my teeth, not only because of how nervous I felt in his presence but also thanks to the Bullet wound in my arm. "You must be joking, that can't be a request." I blurted. Thinking he would laugh out, saying it was a joke, but he didn't budge one bit. He stood tall with his hand in his pocket and his eyes keenly observing me. His lips p
CHAPTER THREE - TYRANT OF THE BUSINESS WORLD MIKHAIL'S POV I hated crowded places, especially ones filled with humans, but this was what I could not escape if I wanted to make sure I stood at the Pinnacle of the business world. Twirling the wine glass in between my fingers, my eyes glanced around the hall, looking for anything that could pique my interest. "What do you think about the corporation? Mr Romanov." An annoying voice chattered in my ears. I glanced at the middle-aged man who had been trying his best to strike a deal with me, but it was not a profitable venture. "I will think about it." I politely declined, even though we both knew I was not going to give him a second thought. How boring? A sigh left my lips for the hundredth time today. I was bored out of my mind. Maybe I should have attended the wedding even though my beloved brother didn't invite me. It would be fun to see the unfortunate human he tricked into marrying him. The unfortunate soul I would have t
CHAPTER TWO - THE BLOODY BRIDE ADELINA'S POV The best day of my life slowly turned into a scene from a nightmare I could not wake up from. Sitting in a white pool lace of my long princess wedding dress, my face was pale, and I froze. "Papa," I said again but it came out like a whimper this time around. The flower bouquet in my hand was on the floor. I grabbed my face with both hands, shaking my head over and over again, thinking it was a nightmare, but it was real. All that was on my mind was to reach my father's side, but Viktor had other plans. He firmly held my arm. "Where are you going, Mrs Romanov ?" He asked me. I did not care about that title. All I wanted was to run to my father's side. Why did Viktor shoot Dad? We were his allies. No matter how I think of it, my head could not think of a reason why. "This is a wedding present from me to you." He grinned at me. Everyone was in shock because of the sudden gunfire. Soon, it sank into my father's men's heads that thei
COMING SOON CHAPTER ONE - A BLOODY WEDDING ADELINA'S POV The happiest day of a woman's life was meant to be the day she gets married to the love of her life and I thought it was true. I had never felt this genuinely happy in my life before, despite all the resistance of us being from rival mobs. Finally, I was getting married to Viktor, the Mafia boss of a rival Russian mob today. Although my marriage was not purely based on love, the main goal was to join two of the biggest Mafia underground associations. My fiance, Viktor, owned one of the richest and most dangerous Russian mobs; my father agreed to this marriage to seek his protection as our group, despite its large size, is nothing compared to Viktor's association. The soft organ melody echoed through the large sculptured walls of the old cathedral to the outside, it was loud enough to reach the environs. Stepping down from the car I made my way towards the large doors of the ancient cathedral. The doors swung open
(Xander's pov) The soft sound of running water echoed from the bathroom; I pushed the door open entering the bathroom filled with steam with a thick scent of Lavender oils. It smelled like heaven, my little heaven. I got rid of the towel wrapped around my waist and then brushed my hand through my hair before my eyes drew to the glass walls of the shower. A silly grin graced my lips as I made my way towards the shower, where I could see Karis's figure from the glass taking a shower. I couldn't help but smile wider; I slowly walked towards the shower, the only place where I was sure the children wouldn't disturb us because Xavier sometimes cries to sleep with his mother. My life was pitiful, fighting with my children over my wife's time and attention; maybe we should have stopped with the twins. I stopped in the shower; Karis's back relaxed, sensing my presence. "I thought you weren't coming," she said, rubbing her hair with her back against me. "So you were expecting me." I c
(Xander's pov) SIX YEARS LATER The cool spring breeze blew, carrying a little scent on wet soil. It was another spring again and 15 years after Alessia left this world. I placed a bouquet of flowers on her tombstone, along with several others, which have been kept here. A lot has happened these past years, and I have been so busy I barely had time to visit Alessia aside from her death anniversary. Karis and I are hosting a small get-together to celebrate. Mum and Dad loved the idea of getting old friends and family together. "Alessia, it's been a while, and we all miss you, but you are in a better place now..." I started my one-sided dialogue with my sister. I had a feeling she was listening. Honestly, everyone was fine these past years, at least from what they told me. Skyler was getting better. At least he wasn't hallucinating again, but his condition was permanent. Either way, he was doomed; he deserved it. It was crazy, but I think I am ready to forgive
(Karis's pov) " So he planned everything before you even knew you were pregnant. He knew and understood the danger it would put you in. There was no way he could hurt the child you have been looking forward to, a baby he secretly wished for, so he planned everything..." " Have you ever wondered why he hid the affair until that day? His plan was to make you divorce him and heartlessly take the child away from his messed up life. You deserved better and still do. But I can't imagine living a life without you. That's why I am sorry for his insensitive actions." So that was the truth, it was crazy but I chose to believe him more like I didn't care anymore. I got a redo, and this time, none of those things happened. Xander never cheated even when he was hypnotized. "It is fine, Xander; I really don't care. It never happened to us, but to them, and if you could never bring yourself to have sex with Emma when she was carrying the illusion of being me, I can't possibly se
(Karis's pov) The heartbeat slowed down and dropped to my stomach. I felt emotions and I didn't understand happiness and dread. I was happy that the man I loved was back but dreaded it because it felt like the old Xander. "You remember everything," I muttered, and I felt Xander stiffen his hold. "I am sorry that Xander was a jerk, but he did not mean to break you that way," Xander muttered his words, swallowing. My jaw clenched, "Xander, let go," I stated, but he only held on tightly. "If you don't let go it will only make things worse. I promise I am not running unless it's to you." Those words seemed to have worked because his hold relaxed. I took a step back to look clearly at him; he truly looked sorry. This was the Xander I had known for four years and not the jerk who cheated with Emma, yet there was this fury that bloomed in my heart. Next, the sound of skin striking against each other echoed in the room; Xander was stunned as he gazed back at me; conf
(Karis's pov) Time seemed to have ticked by slowly every minute took forever. I was sitting in the waiting area with my hands still covered in Xander's blood. I was too anxious to even get cleaned. Xander was in surgery already, and Ivan kept on assuring me that everything would be fine. I also hoped the same thing, but I would have felt more assured if Kyle was here. Although he was an annoying prick, Kyle was, without a doubt, a genius doctor. "Mummy," I heard childish voices call out, slicing through the tension. I glanced at the direction of the voice and a soft smile crossed my lips when I saw Val and Vance running towards my direction with Camilla following behind. They ran into my open arms, and I embraced them, feeling at home. "Where is Kyle?" Ivan asked instead. "I ran into him and the twins while heading for the emergency ward. He had to leave to prepare for the surgery. It seems things are a bit complicated." Camilla said, sounding exhausted; I