(Xander's pov) Time is very fleeting. You just wouldn't know how fast it ran by until you took a moment to stare back at how much time had gone by. 9 months, that was how long had gone by. "You should take some time to check how she is doing." Mum's sharp voice cautioned me; she had taken the liberty to come to the office to give me an ear full about treating Emma better because she was carrying my child. So she claimed but I doubt it. "She is doing fine and doesn't need to see my face," I stated, not bothering to take my attention from my laptop. I didn't have the time to entertain Emma, even though she was a bit repentant now but it was also her fault Karis was dead now. Most importantly, her pregnancy has not been confirmed to be mine; while she was pregnant, everyone went against the idea of having DNA until the baby was born, not to take any risks, so until the bastard in her stomach as been confirmed to be mine, I cared less if she was breathing or not. The onl
(Xander's pov) I heard the baby's cry from a distance. It had been a week since Emma gave birth, and after being slapped by reality so hard, there was no way of escaping. He was my son. 4 DNA tests and not even one came out negative. I begged secretly and wished for it so badly as a means of validation that I didn't cheat on Karis but 4 DNA tests can't be lying. Kyle even ran one, and I didn't want to believe it. The last time I was here was because of Karis. Now, I was family home to see her sister's son. ' Xander you are a scumbag.' I scoffed at myself. That day after Emma gave birth I didn't go to see her. She begged and cried over the phone and even went as far as going to the estate, but the gate was closed for her. My instructions were simple: I wouldn't see her until the baby's test results were out. The rain was pouring heavily, and I didn't bat an eye to see her and had to call Mum to drag her away. Everyone started calling me heartless, then after, which was funny
(Karis's pov) Four years later I was surprised at how fast time had already passed by; I could remember my welding night like it was yesterday, but so much had changed since that day. I sat back in the back seat of the Royce Roy as it drove into the Louvre Museum, where today's event would be held. So much had happened during these past years that Karis Reynolds, who fled from her husband, was no longer the one the world knows today. "Ma'am we have arrived," the driver informed me. I subtly nodded then he drove in line to the beginning of the red carpet. The car doors opened and I emerged wearing an iconic green dress everyone knows as my signature attire. "Madam Esmeralda has arrived," one of the paparazzi screamed and so many cameras started to flash before me. My chestnut was styled and held up while I had a black shade on my face that I always wore to public events and my iconic red lipstick. That was how the world knew Madam Esmeralda, the owner of Sky
(Karis's pov) Bertha's speech made me emotional, I never expected she would dedicate such an award to me. The feeling of guilt started to trouble me because since the day of that plane crash three years ago, I had never made any contact with her, but she held me in her heart. The fashion icon award was for clothing item designers, which I was not in the category of. Although I had a clothing line, they were mainly designed by my employees. Once in a while, I designed a few dresses, but it was never my thing. My main category was the royal jeweller which was to be announced after the fashion icon award. Another important personality was called to the stage to announce the results.."the winner of the royal jeweller awards is...." The person drawled. "Even without opening this envelope, we know without a doubt the winner is Esmeralda from Sky Link." My industry name and the spotlight shown on me. A proud smile got on my smile and I graciously made my way to
(Karis's pov) The car arrived at my comfortable home in one of the most secure environments in Paris. This was Skyler's place, but I saw no need to move out since Skyler was barely around. Valeria loved spending time with him whenever he was around. Immediately, the car packed; I pulled off my heels and ran inside; the well-being of my angel was the most important thing to me. Immediately I got inside the house, I was confused as to why it was so dark, but I didn't dwell much on it. I ran towards the stairs, but I was barely two steps up when the lights were switched on, and I heard a cheerful voice from behind me. "Surprise!!!!" It was a cute girl with chestnut hair and grey eyes running towards me. My brows furrowed as she ran into my arms. She was holding a bouquet. "I thought you said you had a tummy ache." I narrowed my eyes on Valeria. She was never the type to lie about her health. "It was a lie," she grinned at me; I wondered who was teaching my angel to
(Karis's pov) I stayed by Valeria's side until her breath was even and I was sure she was deep asleep. I still could not believe how fast she had grown just yesterday. I could remember how scared I was when she came into the world earlier than expected, and now she will be turning Five in a couple of months. Valeria was a perfect combination of me and Xander's features, she had my chestnut hair and his grey eyes. She was spontaneous and cheerful like me but secretly scheming like Xander. Despite the fact she reminded me of Xander and my past it didn't make me love her any less. She was my all, and I am ready to do whatever it takes to give her the future she deserves, my little angel. My lips placed a soft kiss on her forehead and I adjusted the bed covers to make sure she was properly covered. It was in the late autumn and winter might start any day from now. After making sure she was cozy enough, I walked to her room's window to shut it and cover the curtains bef
(Karis's pov) After laying in bed, I could not bring myself to sleep. There were so many things on my mind. I was thinking about Bertha and how she had been this past year. I had cut contact with everyone and even refused to ask Skyler how they were doing. I just wanted to focus on myself and Valeria. Nights like this I really could not help but wonder how Xander was doing. If he finally had the dream family he wanted with Emma, but I doubt they were married. There was no way Xander De Marco had gotten married after his first wife 'death', and it hadn't made headlines. The clock was ticking slowly as the night grew longer, it was always hard to sleep. I groaned and got on my feet to make my way to my dressing drawer. I searched inside for a pill bottle. After making sure it was the right bottle, I opened the container and then popped two pills into my mouth. There was a bottle of room-temperature water I always kept there. My insomnia was getting worse with each passing da
(Xander's pov) They say time is a measure of the passage of events, and a lot of events happened over the course of 4 years. I had successfully brought the De Marco family to the Pinnacle. I was great at my job and had a lot of accomplishments over the years but something was missing. I walked towards the tombstones that were next to each and my heart squeezed seeing the names etched on it. They were two girls who meant so much to me but were taken away by the cold hand of death. Looking at the tombstone bearing the name Alessia De Marco and the next one by its side, Karis De Marco Nee Reynolds. Despite how much time had passed, the feeling of guilt I felt never left me. They both died because of me. I was always the one who ruined whatever I valued dearly. "It's been four years already, Karis, and I wonder if you have forgiven me yet, but I guess you can never forgive a scum bag like me," I said bitterly. There was no way she could forgive me. Instead of helping get reven
(Karis's pov) My lips parted, then closed, lost at the argument; I wasn't wearing an engagement ring. "What I do with my Fiance has nothing to do with you, Xander. I don't know how any of this happened, but if Vance is truly mine, I am going to sue your lover." I argued not ready to give him the last word. Xander groaned, massaging the space between his brows, "Karis, why are you doing this to me?" He asked, sounding emotionally drained. I scoffed. I didn't do anything to him. Whatever he was suffering was his fucking fault. I crossed my hands under my bosom with my eyes sizing him up. "How many times do I have to tell you Emma is not my lover? We have never been in love, nor never have I dated her before, even before we got married. She only used to bother me about business tips, and honestly, if you want to get rid of her, feel free to because I am sick of her presence around me." He emphasized his words, which left me speechless. Seeing I wasn't reacting, he con
(Karis's Pov) There was a distant sound of music. Since the contestants were done performing. Some classical musicians were also called to entertain the audience. My tongue was tied in a serious dilemma: Should I give him a listening ear or not? I was scared, honestly afraid that I would believe him even if it was a lie. I was scared of losing my will for revenge; I could not afford to do that, not yet. Xander had made my life a hell for two lifetimes. I spent years chasing his shadow, hoping for the love he never gave me. Each time he ripped my heart away. I just could not, but then his tone, which sounded hurt and filled with regret, made me wary. "Val and Vance, can you come to the assembly area? We want to have a short meeting with the contestants before we continue." A crew member called out for Val and Vance. "We have to go," Val mentioned, grabbing Vance's hand as they ran off. Vance's eyes were curiously staring at us. Soon we were the only ones left th
(Karis's pov) The image of Valeria hugging Xander shook me to my core. I soon forgot the feeling I had about the boy as my biggest fear seemed to be coming true. He wanted to take away my child. "Mummy," Val softly called once she recognized my presence, lifting her head from her father. Pardon, I mean Xander's chest. "Red," he called softly once he met my eyes; this time, I was certain his eyes were filled with regret and guilt, but I ignored him to focus on my angel. Her voice was soft with her eyes watery. Xander also looked at me and he seemed to be struck. "Val, come to mummy," I squatted on the floor with my hands wide open for Val. I had to compose myself first and make sure my daughter wasn't in his arms. She nodded at Xander and then left his arms before coming into my arms. I pulled her closer sensing her comforting scent. "Why were you crying?" I asked, ignoring the heated gaze I was getting from Xander. I glanced over at Xander and realized the little b
(Xander's Pov) Kyle and I Anonymously agreed to keep the police involvement to a minimum because Emma has a talent for slipping out of their custody every time. They would only serve as backup; right now, the search for Emma has begun. Ivan ran one of the biggest Mafia organizations in town by the time I was done with her, that is if she could survive his torture techniques. She would spill everything on how she knew about Karis's pregnancy and steal a baby because that was the only explanation. Emma stole my biological child from Karis to frame. It explained why she and her mother didn't treat Vance like theirs and abused him. All this while I was oblivious and neglected him. Well, it was a fact that I was dumb now; Emma took advantage of my sentiment, knowing I wouldn't pay much attention to her until she gave birth to make her plans. Everything was perfect, the misunderstanding leading to me thinking Karis was dead and then Emma's pregnancy. At that po
(Karis's pov) There was thunderous applause as the contestants finished playing. They were good but I was confident Val would not be any worse. The theatre was stunning, almost overwhelming; I knew almost everyone here came from an impressive background. Their clothes told it all. Everything was gold and red, glowing under the huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The seats were soft, covered in velvet. I shifted in my seat, trying to steady my nerves. Tonight was Valeria’s big violin performance, and I couldn’t have been prouder or more anxious. This competition was large and had been going on for years. I once attended it before with Mum, but it was to watch Alessia's performance. My memories were blurry and I don't remember much from that day. I always knew Val's classical music talent was from Xander's side of the family. Xander was good, but after his bad-boy teenage stage, he would rather die than play the piano. The curtains rose, and my heart skipped
(Xander's pov) Today was Vance's competition with Val; although I didn't like the sounds of piano keys due to the unpleasant memories it brought me, I was still in a good mood thinking about the competition. Karis finally agreed on the partnership. I was a bit sceptical about whether she would accept or not, but everything ended well. I was a step from redemption because I was going to do the best I could to show her my sincerity. She could go around claiming Skyler was her fiance, but her hand was bare; there was no fucking ring. "Don't forget to arrive on time." Mum urged me over the phone. It was Christmas Eve, but I still had an important event to attend before heading for the Vance competition that was later that day. I wasn't going to miss it for the world not just because of the children but because I was certain my little red was going to be there. Although Karis had no idea I had eyes on her, I knew she had already left with Val for the compe
(Karis's pov) The entire room went still, I could not believe my eyes. This was unexpected and I truly didn't know how to react. Skyler had been more than a friend, but he wasn't my lover. At times, I considered him family. To be honest, over the years, I had tried to fall in love with Skyler, but I really could not make myself to. Whenever he brought up his feelings I always found a way to avoid the conversation. That was how things worked, and Skyler had never shoved it down, but seeing him go on one knee left me in a complete mess. "Skyler, I ..." I didn't even know how to form the words, Skyler's eyes dulled before I even finished the sentence. "Karis, please, I am not worse than him in any way, and I promise you will be the only one in my life. I will give the security he never gave." Skyler kept on promising. He wasn't lying. He was capable of doing all those things, but why was it hard to say yes? "I need more time, I can't accept your ring. Madam Esmeralda isn't r
(Karis's pov) There was a light knock on my door distracting me from my work. It was the housekeeper, "Ma'am, sorry to interrupt you, but Mr Crest is here to see you." Her voice informed me. I was surprised by the news because Skyler didn't tell me he was coming over, and honestly, the past few days after meeting Xander, Skyler hadn't crossed my mind. Aside from everything that happened that day, the one thing that stuck to my mind was his claims of not knowing what happened between him and Emma but it was hard to believe remembering what happened in the past between us. "I will be down in a bit." My feet made soft footsteps as I made my way downstairs. My eyes immediately spotted Skyler, who was sitting in the living area waiting for me. For an odd reason, he didn't seem pleased. "Skyler," I called out but he didn't glance at me. His eyes were focused on something in the living room. My eyes followed his line of sight to see a bouquet I left off the table, which
(Xander's pov) Karis was completely taken aback, but it was the truth. If possible, I wanted to reveal the truth about Vance that he might be hers, but I think it would be absurd at first. I needed the maternity test results. "Xander, please, I don't need this. I was desperate for the supplies, but if you think, I would sit here and listen to this. I am out of here." She suddenly declared getting off her seat. She wasn't going to believe me, and I expected it though, but at that moment I panicked. I stood up after her, then held her hand, pulling her further. She yelped. My eyes met her hazel eyes, and if I had not exercised every control in my body at that moment, I would have kissed her, but that would only push her away. I let go of her hand and then drew in a deep breath, "You should learn how to mask your emotions; if your emotions get ahead of you, that will be the beginning of your failure ." I advised her, when what I was doing was letting my emotions get