(Xander's POV) I was bummed when I lost the bid of the pendant Karis wanted to Skyler. Even though Karis didn't mention it, the history behind the pendant at first glance was obvious. This was one of the works of her late mother; she must have wanted it so dearly, but Karis was being careful of the price. I deliberately raised the price very high for two reasons: to make Skyler give up or to make him spend a fortune. Either case was a win for me, but it still left a bad taste in my mouth when he had it in the end. Karis was disappointed, but she didn't say it; since she didn't like me being around her, I had to leave to give her some space while I socialized with some of the guests. The entire time, I kept glancing at Karis from time to time to check up on her. "I am sorry about what happened earlier." My attention on Karis was diverted to an annoying vixen who didn't know when to stop. "Emma you should apologize to my wife and not me." He said, turning back to look at Emma.
(Xander's pov) Karis and Skyler were the stars of the night; I could even hear murmurs go around at how charming they looked together, like a real couple. Someone even had the nerve to mention that Karis was more suited for Skyler because of his friendly demeanour, unlike me, who was rough on the edges. I scoffed at their words only if they knew the Skyler I consider my rival. His friendly smile could never fool me. It was getting unbearable to watch them, I was itching to pull them apart. Unfortunately, if that happened, it would be scandalous, and some might even say Karis was in an affair with Skyler. That was one rumour I could not afford. I grabbed a wine glass from a nearby server and clung it down in one go. If looks could kill, Skyler would have fallen dead on the ground. "Xander isn't that Skyler dancing with Karis?" Mum asked me. Her voice startled me because I didn't hear her coming as all my attention was on Karis. ' why does she never smile genuine
(Karis's pov) Under the beautiful moonlight on a wide veranda connected to the hall, the two enchanting figures were dancing to the soft melody from the hall. I leaned on Xander's chest to catch my breath after that demanding kiss that sucked the life out of me. There was tension thick between us, but from an outsider's view, you would not be able to guess anything was off from first glance because it seemed like a lovely couple privately enjoying the night, only that the reality of things was far from that. I was annoyed that Xander was dancing with Emma first while he was threatening to punish me for dancing with Skyler as a means to get back at him. Xander was just simply outrageous. Xander was pissed, but it didn't matter to me; he acted like I was the one at fault when the person who started it was him. "Punish me? I didn't do anything wrong here. If anyone should be punished, that person should be you, Xander." I latched out at him. He didn't even bother to explain t
(Karis's pov) The wind howled with a deafening silence. Xander just stood rooted, thrown off by my questions. His lips parted but no words left it. Instead, his fingers raked through his hair as he let out a guttural groan. "You don't want to know the answer, and if I tell, you would not believe me," Xander answered and I scoffed at him. I knew the answer: the only thing he wanted from the way he acted was my body. We were both sexually attracted to each other. "Karis, I don't want to hurt you, but I can't bear to see you with Skyler. You are mine and that is something we would have to learn to leave with." He added, which made me angrier. "Fuck off, Xander; I am not yours and belong to no one else." I gritted my teeth at him, tired of hearing him proclaim that thing over and over again. "You can keep on lying to yourself but I am sure you know the answer. Even though there is no love between us, our fates are already sealed and enough with the drama." Xander b
(Karis's pov) Although we were both drenched with water I was the only one shivering and was cold. My hands shamelessly clung to the same person who I said disgusted me, pressing my body against him trying to feel his warmth. Xander gazes down at me with his mouth shut. He didn't comment on my behaviour and let me cling to him. He stretched out his hand to grab his jacket, which he had pulled off before diving into the water and draped it around me. "Achoo." I sneezed and my nose turned red. I reached out to rub my nose, but then again, another sneeze left my nose. Xander released a tired sigh as he got on his feet, carrying me in a bridal style. "You have already gotten a cold." He stated the obvious; I buried my face in his chest, annoyed by the caring and concerned look he had on his face. He was not going to fool me with that look. Luckily Xander didn't say a word to make me feel more embarrassed. We left the gala Venue through the back exit to avoid any pap
(Karis's pov) "Achoo." I sneezed again immediately after I entered the bathroom, and the hot steam got into my nose. I sniffed because of the itching discomfort in my nose. "Bless you." My ears caught Xander's voice, which seemed like he wanted to laugh. What was so funny about sneezing? Xander carried me in his arms like I was a fragile being that could easily snap or break in his hand. He walked towards the large tub and gently placed me inside. The tub was already filled with warm water, and the lathe with soap. "You are adorable when you act obedient." He commented. Xander pulled off the towel on his waist; my eyes quickly averted as they caught sight of his little brother, who was not little, hanging down there. He was stark naked, the same as me, except for the fact I still had my panties on. Xander walked to the towel rack to hang the towel he had on, and I used the opportunity to pull off my panties. Xander came back towards the tub and my per
(Karis's pov) "There is no need for that. It doesn't matter if we have a honeymoon or not." I blurted out because the last thing I desired was going on a trip with Xander with this much tension between us. Xander's hands paused for a second, and I could feel him get colder behind my back. He went silent before he finally spoke. "I think it would be best for us. Mum was the one who suggested the idea." He mentioned. I was left tongue-tied, wondering if Xander was against this idea but just wanted to travel to put up an appearance. After all, today at the gala, a lot of people were curious why we had yet to travel out for our honeymoon. "I will think about it, and also, I can finish washing up myself," I said. Even though what was in my mind was thinking of the best excuse not to go, presently I was too exhausted to argue with Xander. Xander didn't argue with me and handed over the sponge to me. Immediately after I got it, I moved over to the other side of the tu
(Karis's pov) My eyes were on Xander's face side profile. Even when he was busy, he was still tempted. ' stop thinking about silly things, Karis.' I palmed both my cheeks before taking a deep breath. I slipped into the covers. "Are you going to be sleeping here?" I asked him and immediately wondered why I was asking such a silly question. Xander glanced at me with one of his brows. "Where else do you expect me to sleep?" He said as a matter of fact. I scoffed at him, he was indeed intent on making my night hellish. "In that case, we should split the bed." I started picking up pillows to demarcate the bed. I lined them in the middle dividing the bed into half. Xander chuckled at me, brushing his hair off his forehead and amused me. I bit my cheeks and ignored him. "Better stay on your side of the bed," I warned him, settling down on the bed to sleep. Xander laughed and the bed dipped because of his weight. The pillows placed behind me were unceremoniously remove
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