(Karis's pov) There was a little devil on my shoulders telling me to push him as badly as I could. I wanted him to suffer. Xander was very competitive. He didn't care about my feelings but just did not want me to care about anyone else. He was just fucking selfish. The dimly lit room was filled with tension. Xander was about to explode at any moment. Although I knew Xander was not the type to hit me or punish me physically, there were ways he had to make me regret whatever silly things I was bravely saying. "Did he touch you? You let someone other than me touch you." He said with a deadly calm voice. My heart beat spiked at his unnatural tone. The calmer he was, the more nuts that were missing from his head. I tried to pry his hand from my waist but they were like firm claws holding me in place on his chest. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears while the devil-cold aura at my back was going amok. Xander spun me to look at him, his eyes keenly observing mine. There were no emot
(Karis's pov). Things were getting heated up as the sexy man who I got married to, was sinfully giving me a bath to wash away my lover's touch. If I knew he was this crazy maybe I would not have let Skyler hug me. He took his time to wash me clean until I felt his hands touch the thin fabric protecting my innermost part. My heart was already beating erratically in my chest, spiked up. He deliberately played with the linen of my lacy panties just to tease me before his hands went down my lap. Forget it he was just using this as an excuse to touch me. This horny bastard was very smart. My eyes could catch sight of the apparent bulge being restrained on his trousers. He turned his attention to my hair, pouring shampoo on my hair, which he started to massage. His actions made me wonder if my imaginary lover could leave his mark on my thick chestnut hair. Xander suddenly stopped with his eyes zeroed at a spot in my body. "You let him touch you with his lips," Xander sai
(Karis's pov) I didn't know what else to do but cry at my pathetic self. Xander stopped, and the funniest thing was that a part of me didn't want him to stop the part of me that was drawn to him so badly; no matter how I sang it like an anthem, he was my biggest enemy and poison, a part of me never agreed. He was truly the only man I loved in my entire life. That was why I completely lost it when he betrayed me. His eyes suddenly softened and he took a step back. "You can't bear me touching you, but you let him make you feel good, and yet you mention Emma every single time." He sounded hurt and it tore me. Why was I feeling hurt because of his hurt gaze? I gritted my teeth and clenched my fingers into a fist. "I hate you with every fibre in my body." I spat at him and he looked stunned but not agitated. He was not angry when I said I hated him. Instead, this heartless bastard smiled. He gave me a dazzling smile. Xander had truly lost his marbles. "Go ahead and say
(Karis's PoV)After leaving the bathroom I had to instruct the servants to arrange bath products for me to use in another bathroom. Everything was arranged and brought to me to use in the bathroom of a nearby vacant room. Then the idea struck me, ' what if I ask about sleeping in another room?' I thought, because sharing a room with Xander was going to be a serious issue.Not only could I not stand him, but there was a strong chance that if we slept on the same bed, my rebellious body that subconsciously craved his touch would betray me. The problem was not just my body but Xander, he was something else when it came to seduction. Every fibre of his body was made in a way that it drew any sane straight woman to him. That's just how gorgeous my husband was, and I was not an exception to his charms."The bathroom has been prepared." I heard Deborah inform me breaking my line of thoughts. She was the same maid that woke me up in the morning."That's perfect." I chimed at her, g
(Karis's pov)My throat went dry hearing Xander's words that set something in me a blaze. Weirdly, why was I excited by the thought of him punishing me? 'Get your thoughts together!' I snapped at myself to straighten up my crazy thoughts because why the hell was I feeling excited at the thought of getting punished?It seemed like I was discovering a part of me that I had no idea about because of this strange Xander in front of me. Was he behaving this way because I changed and was pushing him to the edge? He probably could not handle the fact that things were not going according to his wishes."Don't tell me you want to hit me." I sneered at him then to my greatest shock Xander smiled at me. It was a dark smile that sent chills down my spine. He bent down to the bed to crawl towards me, stopping just an inch away from me. I could feel his warm, fresh, minty breath on my face; he had just brushed his teeth."I had something else in mind, but now I think about it, hitting you doesn't so
(Karis's pov). The next morning I woke up from sleep and found the room empty. The other side was cold proving Xander never came back to bed last night. I glanced at the clock to check the time and found out it was already 9 am. I had overslept; it was Sunday morning. If my memory served me right, Xander had an event to attend in the late hours of today. I slipped out of bed and dragged my feet to the bathroom, yawning and stretching. My eyes were still sleepy despite sleeping for so long. I pushed the door open with my eyes half closed. I was very familiar with the room layout out so I knew how to get to the sink. My body suddenly hit something that made me stumble a few steps. I yelped, falling on the floor, but the fall I expected never happened because I was suddenly grabbed by the waist and pulled against the same thing that hit me. The familiar scent I have known forever hit my nose, and my eyes went wide to realize that my body was pressed against a bare
(Karis's pov) My mood that was already bitter, immediately dived down, seeing Emma smiling graciously near Xander. It brought back bad memories I never want to relive, but then again, I should not care if Xander is with her because, as far as I am concerned, this marriage is as good as over. "Good morning Emma. I was not expecting you to join us for breakfast." I chimed at Emma making my way to the table with a soft smile. I had to show them that none of what they are doing affects them in the least way. "I decided to visit you. I have been missing your presence at home." Emma replied, but her attention was glued to Xander, who was enjoying a cup of coffee. She misses Xander and definitely not me unless she got bored since there was no one for her to bully and call a country bumpkin. "You should have informed me ahead of time." I took a seat opposite Xander which was the farthest from him. It was a circular table so this had to do. Emma was seated at Xander's side
(Karis's pov) My heels clicked against the tiled floor; after leaving the garden, I stormed off to the grand stairs. No matter what I said or how I pretended not to have been affected by anything, it still enrages me to see how pretentious Emma was. The door slammed shut immediately after I entered my room; it was difficult to control my irrationality and now the poor door had become an outlet for my anger. My dress was completely ruined by Emma, and Xander didn't even comment and just let his lover wipe the corners of his lips. What was that all about? Were they trying to show off their love in front of me? That's just disgusting. A knock on the door distracted me and I moved towards the door to see who it was. Peeking out through the slightly ajar space I saw Deborah patiently waiting for me. "Good morning ma'am. I want to know if you prefer breakfast to be brought to your room or eaten in the dining area. I thought you might change your mind." Deborah blu
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