27 (Karis's pov) The drive to the venue was awkward. I was not ready to strike up any conversation with Xander and preferred gazing through the window. I was thinking about what happened tonight in my past life. In that timeline, Xander didn't bother to ask me to go out with him. He said it was because I was not into social gatherings which was not far from the truth but if he had asked me then I would have jumped at the offer. Then I thought he was considerate of my feelings and how socially awkward I was. After my mother died years ago, my grandparents took me away to stay in their countryside estate where I lived until after college. By the time I was back, there was another daughter and wife in my father's house. Dad didn't pay much attention to me and was focused on the company. It was hard for me to integrate into the social circle and Emma has made sure to label me as a countryside bumpkin too. This made it difficult for me to enjoy social gatherings and made
(Karis's pov) The hall was beautifully decorated with everything in it screaming wealth and taste. Everyone here had to be important individuals worth hundreds of millions at least. That was the power of the ' De Marco ' name. Xander's mother held this event every year, as a fundraiser for charity. A lot of people here didn't care about the charity but one thing and that was to show off their wealth and attract the best investors. This was where you would find the creme de la creme of society. That's why Emma was completely stunned by the comment. The dress we were wearing only had one available piece in the market. It was designed by a retired international designer who made it as a gift to his daughter but the design was so marvelous that a princess from a foreign country demanded to have the same design. The designer was hesitant since it was meant to be special for his daughter but after being persuaded over and over by the princess he agreed and made another dre
(Xander's POV) I could not describe how pissed off I was at the sight of Skyler openly flirting with my wife. He always knew how to get on my nerves. My gaze was boring into him. If looks could kill, Skyler would drop dead now. Karis was sensitive enough to read the room. My heart had a sense of comfort when she willingly held my hand because my gaze went to Skyler who claimed to have a way to prove Karis was right. "Then where is this designer you speak of Mr Crest?" Miranda challenged Skyler not knowing she was digging her own grave. The Skyler I knew wouldn't make a headless proclamation, but why was he interested in helping Karis? Since this morning, my mind has been clouded with thoughts about Karis and how she changed. It was hard to point my fingers at what it was, but there was something about her that intrigued me. It was still very annoying when I heard her say over and over again that she didn't care about me and had a lover. Whenever those accursed word
(Karis's pov) I was surprised when Xander stepped in to defend me. It was beyond my imagination he would choose to back me up instead of Emma, but I guess his reputation was more important than his lover. Emma was beyond furious after I told her to beg on her knees. Her pride would never let her do such. "You don't mean that," Emma said trying her best not to sound agitated. "Didn't you say you want me to apologize after you tried to insult me? Get on your knees and I might consider." I gave her a blank look. Her jaw dropped seeing I was dead serious. She might have expected me to easily let her off the hook. This was what she got for trying so desperately to match outfits with my husband. In my past life, I remembered how upset I was when all the gossip blogs and papers carried the news of how magical Emma matched Xander and kept on saying Xander married the wrong sister. It was said they stole the spotlight when they danced together. Back then, I ignored all the go
(Karis's pov) Since it was Xander's money I was planning to use there was no need for me to hold back because he could afford it. "5 million." Emma had the nerve to raise the price. I saw Miranda's jaw at Emma's audacity. "8 million." I raised the bid. Why was everyone against me today? All I wanted was a piece of jewellery made by my late mother. "10 million." Skyler bid with a sly smile. Emma gritted her teeth, maybe her budget was almost close. "12 million." Emma bid and even I was surprised now. "15 million." I did not want to give up now. My eyes glanced at Xander's, whose attention was on his phone, unbothered by anything happening. "30 Million." Skyler declared. How did a jewelry with starting price of 80 thousand get to 30 million? At this point, I even gave up. "How annoying," I whined with a sad pout. My words seemed to have caught Xander's attention because he glanced at me. "30 million is there any other bid aside from the gentleman man in a
(Karis's pov) I was left puzzled by Xander's warning. "What are you thinking of? he is just jealous of Skyler." I said out loud. I was on my seat enjoying a glass of wine. My mood was a bit down and it made me lose interest in socializing. My eyes darted at the hall impressed at how wonderful the decorations were and how everyone was dashing. This was what a gathering of the elite looked like. It didn't seem like a bad idea to sit back and just enjoy the night. "Good evening Mrs De Marco. I hope I am not intruding." A middle-aged lady in her early forties approached me with a soft smile. I dropped my wine glass on the table and signified she should take a seat. It was funny how people preferred standing at parties like this. "Not at all." The lady got my clue and took a seat. "My name is Sapphire Holmes." She introduced herself. "Like Sherlock Holmes." I made a light joke which she laughed at. "Yes, I got that joke a lot while I was still in school during my
(Karis's pov) A faint smile that had a bitter feel got on my face seeing Skyler offering the first dance to me instead of Xander. No wonder in my past life there were rumours of how perfect Xander looked with Emma than me. Like why would you not think so when she was dancing with him and smiling very graciously? My mouth tasted very bitter with jealousy. "Of course, why don't we dance then? I guess there is no reason for me to refuse." I accepted Skyler's hand which he tenderly held and brought to his lips for a kiss. I don't know if Skyler had a fetish for kissing my hand 'cause it was his favourite way of greeting me. My lips pursed into a tight smile and I joined him on the dance floor."You can't get your eyes off him," Skyler whispered close to my ears which made me feel ticklish. I held his hand while my other hand was on his shoulder as we waltzed on the dance floor. The moment Skyler's hand touched my back, it sent shivers down my back, feeling his callous hand
(Karis's pov) We were so close that it felt inappropriate for a married woman, but who cares? After all, my husband was dancing with another lady leaning on his shoulders. "You just want to get on Xander's nerves for fun." I am amused at how Skyler had a boyish grin on his face excited by whatever mischief he had in mind. "At least that's something we have in common." Skyler mused and my eyes popped out. I did want to get back at Xander for fun and have been pushing him up the brink since our wedding night. Skyler had clues about how my marriage which was surprising. We were in the middle of the hall directly under the chandelier. The truth was that Skyler and I also looked like a couple. "Don't be so shocked, Karis. You are super easy to read. Just follow my lead." Skyler gazed down at me, our position was still uncomfortable with the way his intoxicating breath fanned over me. "But I can't find Xander anywhere," I stated my concerns because aside from Emma, who was gl
(Karis's pov)The call hung up, I tried calling multiple times but no answer. Emma was with my children, what was going on here? Why was this happening to me now?My legs gave up all strength, falling down. Xander held me preventing me from falling but I could not handle this. If anything happens to the children I really don't think I would be able to live with myself. I just could not live with myself. "I am tired Xander." I muttered, "she is going to hurt them." Emma was a psychopath, her eyes told me that she would carry out her threats. "We will find them." He assured me but I was losing faith. All this while we have been searching for Emma still no sign. It's been 5 long days but she disappeared the same way Miranda did. This was driving me nuts. "When Xander? Why is it that whenever I am close to giving in this always happens?." I asked him, he didn't say anything but just held on to me tightly. I was trembling, my body didn't stop shaking. I finally got the rev
(Karis's pov) My heart was restricted and I couldn't breathe. My babies were missing, they were gone. Why was this happening now? Things just kept on piling up. I rushed out of the office not giving a fuck about the numerous other meetings I had. Lavender could take care of it, all that mattered now was to get to the bottom of everything. Val and Vance, I loved them even though I was shocked at how fast I fell in love with Vance. He was such a sweet boy and now he and Val were missing. From the glass doors I saw Xander waiting anxiously for me and a surge of anger fuelled me. He said he would protect the children and I but they got kidnapped under his watch. I didn't care about the looks from the onlookers then ran towards Xander. He knew I was about to hit him but he didn't evade it and let me. I palm struck hard on his face but Xander didn't say anything. "Say something bastard, how were they kidnapped?" I screamed at him. His jaw clenched. "I am sorry I cou
(Vance's pov) Since it was the holidays, Val and I majorly spent our days indoors. From what I heard Dad prohibited us from leaving the estate. It was fun spending time with Val but staying in the estate all day was a bit boring. "I wish we can go get some ice cream," Val whined, lying flat on the rug, exhausted from a long game of hide and seek. I took my seat by her side, also in the mood for ice cream. "Let's go ask Deborah, I am sure there is ice cream in the fridge." Val immediately sat up excited for ice cream.." that's true. I almost forgot that we can get it from the kitchen, although it will be nice to visit the park daddy used to take us to. I loved the ice cream from the truck there." Val's mood was brightened and dulled again. We didn't know the reason why we had to stay indoors but I had a feeling it was related to my former mummy. I overheard Dad one time on the phone saying something about Emma wanting to hurt Val and me. "Let's get the ice crea
(Karis's pov) There was a little note on the drawer with the pills,~~~~ I had to leave for an emergency sorry I didn't wake you up. You were sleeping too peacefully I could not bring myself to wake you up. I dropped some pills that would be useful to you although I prefer you take only the painkillers. I can already imagine your glare while reading this. Make sure to eat something before leaving for work. Your favourite devil Xander.~~~~ It was a simple message but it kind of made me feel fuzzy on the inside. "What are you thinking Karis?" I said, slapping my cheeks as I cupped my hands. It was a regular one-night stand that happened because I was emotionally vulnerable. There was nothing much to think about it. I quickly drank the pills gulping down some water after. I instantly regretted not brushing my teeth before taking them; my mouth stunk of morning breath. My eyes darted around the room; I was super exhausted; I didn't want to move a muscle, but I
(Karis's pov) I struggled to free my hands from his grasp. The need in my cunt was driving me nuts. He got to be kidding me but it didn't look like he was joking. "You will really be the death of me." I cried out; he ruthlessly dragged me from the heavens, crashing back here. "Not as much as the jealousy kills me," Xander stated with all seriousness. I swallowed hard confused why this man was so jealous. My thoughts strayed, wondering if there was a slight possibility he didn't touch Emma that night because it was crazy why he cared what I did with Skyler those past years after what he did. "Why do you care? You act like you love me." I sneered at him, something flickered through his eyes I couldn't understand. Xander rubbed his bulge that was still within the restraints of his boxers on my pussy that was crying badly I swallowed hard after a long hiss left my lips. "What if I do? Is there anything wrong with that?" He asked me back his lips brushing against m
(Karis's pov) Xander was a bit stunned when I kissed him but he quickly recovered from the shock and returned the kiss. Things got more heated as we continued to get entangled on the bed. His hands were not idle, they quickly snuck under me to undo the zip, and soon later, my dress was already discarded on the floor, leaving me in my undies. I was too high in the moment to care. He left my lips trailing his kisses to my ear, which he nibbled while grinding and dry humping me. I didn't even care about holding back my little moans. "I want you to undress me." He whispered a command and then sat up in between my legs, which were wide open for him. My gaze travelled to his handsome face that was covered by some of his dishevelled hair then those grey eyes that were drawing in me. Spellbound to his words, I sat up, kneeling on the bed in front of him. His gaze was intense. I couldn't hold it. I bowed my head and then reached out for his shirt. My actions were slopp
(Karis's pov)' Will it be a sin if I let go for this once? ' I asked myself that question as soon as I felt his lips on mine. I understood what Xander meant by don't kiss and tell. It's hilarious but I think I actually needed this now more than ever just to let go. Every resistance I had was immediately thrown out of the window; those lips were drawing me and I accepted the sweet temptation I had no hesitation to. He wasn't rough like I expected but was gentle and tender. It was like he was telling me something I had been ignoring and I didn't want to acknowledge, but tonight, I honestly didn't care. I felt hollow inside and exposed, and I needed something to complete me, even if it might be temporary. He pulled me closer as my hand searched for his hair, pulling me closer to the temptation. He left my lips, trailing his tongue up to my ears. He nibbled on causing a whimper to escape my lips. His voice was hoarse and a seductive tone as he whispered in my ears.
(Xander's pov) Little Red Face lost her red glow. I could stand her anger when she glared, her embarrassing moments, her smiles, even her cusses, but this was something that broke me. She was pale and broken, and her voice trembled. My jaw clenched. This was the worst way for her to find out her stepmother killed her mother. I wanted to pull her into a hug, telling her it was okay to cry and that she could cry on me. I wanted to tell her sweet words to reassure her she wasn't alone. I was here and would be able to be by her side, but her voice ripped my heart. I have never seen her this broken. I could not stand it. She wanted me gone, I didn't want to. I could never leave her like this. "Karis." I softly called, but she jumped off the bed and then burst out. "Xander no, I said no. Just leave me the hell alone." She screamed at me, the tears continued pouring out. Her tears were precious, and I'd rather not see them, but she wanted me gone. I understand the fee
(Karis's pov) My face was pale and I was completely flabbergasted. It was difficult to imagine. Miranda was a witch, but murder was not a joke. She loved Christian. I could remember how she acted in the hospital, she was completely devastated by everything. "I am sorry, but that's what we suspect," Xander said, embracing me with his familiar warmth as his rich scent that I was addicted to overshadowed me. I didn't want to shed tears to be completely thrown off. "You are trembling, little Red. This is why I didn't want to talk to you right away." He sighed, rubbing my back as I leaned on his chest. "But why would she want him dead? He was going to give them everything." I asked Xander, although I knew clearly he didn't hold the answers I was searching for. "I have no idea but something caught my attention. I was looking into the Reynolds family before you froze the accounts and found out most of Christians's account funds were being diverted in small amounts so as