(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
(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
(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 ready f
(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) 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) 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) 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
(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
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