(Xander's Pov) As instructed, Ethan contacted the lawyer, but it felt pointless because Emma was a master at lies. I was sure she was already thinking of a crazy story to tell my mother. I arrived at the car and placed Vance in the backseat. His hands clutched my Jacket then his little voice spoke. "Are you truly my father Xander De Marco?" He asked me his doe eyes staring curiously. I was impressed he knew my full name. "Yes, I am," I replied, then fixed his seatbelt. Vance was stunned after hearing my reply. "I am sorry." He bowed and then apologized to me. Which left me stunned. "Why are you apologizing?" I asked him confused by why he was suddenly apologizing to me. "I caused you and mum trouble." He was feeling bad for Emma. It made me wonder how much emotional blackmail he felt. "You didn't cause any trouble, and if you don't want to ever see Emma and Harper again, you don't have to." I was not good with children but at the moment I saw Vance crying, call
(Xander's pov) I hated it when outsiders meddle in my life; the front desk just called me a few minutes ago to notify me that my mother was waiting in the office for me. Well, I knew exactly why she wanted to see me. The meeting was drawing longer than necessary but I didn't have an issue with it as long as it wastes more time. It was time enough for Mother to give up because, honestly, I didn't know if I would be able to keep my temper in check for long. I guess the Vixen must have come up with ridiculous excuses for her actions. This was annoying. "Who else is vying for the contract?" I asked. There was this real estate development contract worth billions which the government were in charge of. Whenever it was good money I was always interested. Making money was the only thing that filled the emptiness in me. "There are a lot of companies since it is a major deal, but so far, there is no threat." The subsidiary manager in charge of the real estate company under Van Diaz men
(Karis's pov) "Please tighten your seat belts and make sure you have everything in place. We will be landing soon in." The pilot's baritone voice echoed through the intercom of the first-class area of the plane.My little troublemaker beamed a smile and then stared at the window excitedly; she had the brightest smile ever as her grey eyes sparkled on hearing the pilot's words. "We are finally here." Valeria giggled, glancing at the beautiful city visible below us from the plane. I could not believe I was finally back after almost five years. Valeria was excited to visit the place I had my childhood in and begged me to bring her along on this trip which I was wary of. It was better to be safe than sorry and the last thing I wanted was her running into Xander. Anyone with eyes at first glance would know she was his daughter. Which was annoying. I carried her for almost nine months in my stomach, and she chose to look like that bastard. "Compose yourself, or I will se
(Karis's pov) It would be a fat lie if I claim I am not affected by the news of Xander's engagement but the greater shock was the fact he had a child with Emma. ' Karis, stop thinking about him; he isn't worth it.' I reminded myself, but it was easier said than done. The car arrived at the location and I proceeded to inspect the preparations. The entire time, it was hard to concentrate for obvious reasons. Everyone where I went, whispers and murmurs of Xander could be heard. "He is so cute and looks exactly like his father. Only Xander can have a son as cute as Vance." I heard one of the hotel staff chimed. She and one other room service staff were taking the same elevator as me. I was heading out of the hotel to head home since I was done with her work. I didn't want to stay longer because I was done with hearing about Xander and his son Vance. "Yeah, he is even a pianist at the age of 5." The other one said which made Karis frown. If the boy was five it m
(Karis's pov) Valeria was having fun at Skyler's mum's home so she asked to spend the night over since I would be busy the entire evening. I was hesitant, but Skyler assured me his mum was cool, and he was the one I trusted more than everyone in the world. The night was lit, and opulent figures from all over the world related to the fashion industry were there. Anyone who was someone in the world of fashion attended the winter show. . Although unfortunately it was yet to snow the weather forecast predicted a light snowstorm that night. I was part of the organizing committee. Fortunately, I didn't take part in the red carpet event, but I was informed of everyone. Up till now, there was no sign of Xander De Marco. I didn't know why I was bothered by that because I was meant to not give a damn about him. "So far, everything is going perfectly well; the paparazzi are more organized than last year." I heard the head of security inform me from the intercom. "Alright keep me pos
(Karis's pov) Shock turned to amusement as I heard the craziest thing ever. I wondered how Emma would react if she found out that I was Madam Esmeralda. It was hard to hold back my laughter, and intimately, I burst into a loud laugh. I laughed so hard my eyes got teary, which left Emma puzzled. After laughing to my heart's content, I took some breaths to calm myself down. "You want me to design a set of matching couples’ rings," I answered in a fake French accent to make it difficult for Emma to recognize my voice. "Yes, is there anything wrong with it, you are a top world-class designer? Aren't you?" She asked me, puzzled by my behaviour, but this was just too amusing for me. "There is nothing wrong; as you said, I am a top designer, meaning that I just don't randomly pick up jobs. Unfortunately, I am not free to meet your request, and neither do I care how rich your husband is." I rejected it outrightly. It was not like I ever planned on accepting it from the
(Karis's pov) My heartfelt reunion with Betty was cut short when Lavender ran into the small cabinet room. She was stunned that I was holding Betty's hands and crying but quickly composed herself. "Madam, we have a problem. One of the models was assaulted by a guest that came backstage, and they are in a cat and dog fight." She informed me. I felt a headache coming as I grabbed my shades and rushed out. I even forgot to ask who the guest was; this was the first time I was hosting such an important event, and I could not afford to make any mistakes. Luckily, my make-up was waterproof, so crying didn't ruin it. I could already hear the fight from ahead and rush faster. On reaching the fight, I was quickly pissed off, the model was fighting with the supposed guest, and no one dared to stop them because she was Xander De Marco's fiancee. Filled with fury, I dashed into the middle of the mess to pull them apart; that model was among the ones for Bertha's runway, and
(Xander's pov) I have been looking forward to attending the winter show because I wanted to know who this Madam Esmeralda was attempting to go head-on with me. Her guts were impressive, and I was more intrigued by her. Today, after a lot of deliberations, the announcement about Emma being by fiancee was made. Mum was right; Vance deserved to have his rights as the family heir and could not be deprived of them because of his mother. Although I still refused to disclose who Vance's mother was. Emma didn't deserve the title. The marriage between me and Emma would be one of convenience; she was free to use the De Marco name while Vance got a legitimate stand and nothing more. After the wedding, Emma would stay in another property of mine because I don't think I would be able to stand staying in the same house as a woman who had been violently and emotionally abusing her son. I took a last look at my Italian designer suit; it was tailor-made and one of its kind. See
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