(Karis's pov)
I loved to see the shocked expression on Xander's face; he probably could not believe that I lost interest in him. "You are in love with someone else." Xander chuckled, unable to believe the words that were coming out of my mouth. His shock was understandable because which bride in her right mind would tell her husband on their wedding night that she doesn't love him but it had nothing to do with me "Yes, I made a mistake in the past and I..." He didn't let me finish my statement as my lips were sealed by Xander's lips again. It seemed like he wanted to dominate me with his sexual appeal, and I wouldn't lie 'cause he was dangerous. Every time his lips captured mine, and his sinful tongue started exploring my mouth. It makes me feel like giving in to him. Xander was going to be the death of me. Despite how I kept on telling myself I should avoid him a part of me that always craved his love and affection wanted to give in. Why was he doing this to me? He should hate me and avoid me just like he normally does, but why did he look hurt when I mentioned the open marriage or when I said I loved someone else? ' Karis what are you thinking?! You can't fall for his tricks again.!!' My thoughts screamed in my head making me snap away from those silly thoughts in my head telling me to submit to him My hands were pressed against his firm chest, trying to push him away. If he kept on kissing me with this intensity, I might give in. Xander Finally left my lips to give me the chance to gasp for air which he had sucked out of my lungs. Our eyes locked, and I could see they were filled with desires. Desire he had for me. Why was he looking at me in that? He said he was disgusted by me, but why were his eyes telling me something else? I won't lie the look he was giving me was turning me on. "You don't hate me. Your body reacts so well to my touch." Xander scoffed at me still dwelling on my statement. Xander's hands slipped under my gown to my undies, which were already wet. I was so damn wet for him. It was so embarrassing to admit that my body obeyed him while my mind didn't. "You are already wet for me Karis. Just say the word and I will make your desires come true because I am the only man allowed to." My throat went dry looking at his hungry eyes. My eyes went down to catch sight of his bulge. The image of his hard large dick was still fresh in my memory, and I remembered the wild nights when he drove me wild with it. My legs clenched my throat going dry. My rebellious body just didn't want to cooperate with me. I gulped hard, trying to organize my thoughts despite my soaking wet pussy that was crying for his dick, but I wasn't going to give in to that desire. After trying my best to keep my thoughts straight and reminding myself not to fall for the cravings of my body, I smirked him, knowing he still hadn't gotten over my words. It made me happy knowing I was messing with his mind just like how he was messing with my body."I hate you with every part of my body. I can never find a place to love a man who is cheating on me with my sister." I spat at him. His face twisted with rage, and he barked at me, "Why do you fucking keep on saying I cheated on you with Emma? What the hell came over you?" I was stunned by his sharp tone and how angry he got. This was the first time I had seen this part of him. "Because you are Xander. Did you think I don't know how she looks at you? She even had the nerve to try to ruin our wedding, and you didn't say anything, Xander. You didn't even care to ask me if I was alright." Xander was taken aback by my tone, which was sharp. I was angry not just at Xander or Emma. Most importantly, I was mad at myself, who still craved his touch after everything. Xander parted his mouth to say something but closed it, lost for words. He was at a loss for words at my outburst of emotions. "Tch." He clicked his tongue and got off me. He raked his fingers through his hair, ruffling it as a groan left his lips. It was hard to get what he was thinking, now one thing for sure: the mood was ruined. I watched him get off the bed and make his way to the door before giving me one last glance. "Try to get your thoughts together. You are Mrs De Marco let that sink into your head." With that being said he stormed out of the room. My body sank on the bed with every tension leaving me after he left. Finally, I could not hold it anymore as my eyes blurred with tears that started to run down my cheeks. Everything that has happened so far started to sink in. What was I going to do about Xander? I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn't realize when sleep came to draw me to a long slumber. The loud knocking sounds on the door made me jolt awake. My eyes shot out but I was forced to close them again because of the bright sun rays. It was already morning and I spent the entire night crying in my wedding dress after Xander left. I tried to sit up but my entire body was aching me because of wearing my tight wedding dress all night. The person at the door knocked again hearing no response from me. "Good morning madam. I hope I am not interrupting you but it is already 9 am I was sent to assist you." A female voice spoke against the door which I recognized as one of the maids in the De Marco estate My brows furrowed, wondering if the entire household was aware of the fact I didn't spend my wedding night with Xander.(Karis's pov) "Come in." I managed to say. My voice was a bit raspy from crying all night. Luckily, the maid could hear me. The door creaked open, and a brunette a few years younger than me opened the door. The maid was shocked when she laid her eyes on me with them popping out. "You slept with your wedding dress on!" She gasped with her hands rushing to cover her mouth. She quickly realized her tone was a bit rude and immediately apologized. "I am sorry for the way I spoke. Good morning, Madam De Marco. I am Deborah, and I will be serving you this morning however you want ." Deborah introduced herself slightly bowing. "Did Xander send you to check on me?" I asked Deborah whose eyes subconsciously averted. I scoffed at her reaction. He must have sent her to check if I did anything crazy after last night. "Mr De Marco instructed us to take very good care of Mrs De Marco." She answered, avoiding my question. This was how Xander's staff were even in the past. Now I
(Karis's pov) I tried my best to behave like I was not affected by his words, but my burning ears gave me out. "That sounds like a tempting offer but I think it is presented to the wrong woman." A soft smile graced my lips. I was bringing up Emma again but not directly because no matter how trained and confidential the servants were, it would be unpleasant to have rumours going around about my husband having a lover that was none other than my very own sister. "We will see about that," Xander replied in a flat tone, still not affected by my words. He was different this morning from how he was last night. This was the Xander I knew who cared less about me and exactly what I wanted. "Don't get your hopes high after all, remember what I said as my reason last night." Xander's expression finally cracked a bit. I was talking about the lie I said about being in love with another, it seems that was his bottom line. Xander was a very possessive person from what I remember
(Karis's pov) . I froze when Xander's lips captured mine for a tender kiss different from the domineering ones we shared last night. He was deliberately toying with my feelings and it annoyed me a bit. He gently bit my lips causing me to moan into his mouth as my lips parted and his tongue slipped into my mouth like a thief ready to explore a treasure chest. Xander deepened the kiss and every urge I had to push him away was thrown out of the window. His hand that was holding my chin let go of my face and went down to my lap. It made its way under my a-cut skirt, and immediately at that moment, I regretted why I decided to wear a skirt and made a mental note to wear more trousers. While his lips were glued to my lips, his hand were tracing gently around the curves of my lap. The rascal planned on using every means to make me submit. Suddenly, the image of how he was having wild sex with Emma on our matrimonial bed, banging her like no tomorrow from behind, popped into my head, and
(Karis's pov) A few minutes later a car was already prepared for me to leave. I decided to go with one of Xander's sports cars from his collection. To be honest, I was not a great driver, but driving a sports car wildly was always something on my to-do list. Unfortunately, in my past life, it was a wish I could never fulfil because my husband was not into wild girls. I had tried my best to act as docile as possible then. Now, since I already know what he hates in a woman, I was on a mission to use that information to make those two months a living hell for him. The car's speed and power were very impressive; I was amazed at how fluid it moved and how my driving skills were way better than I imagined. Finally, I arrived at my location. After exceeding my speed limit and crossing some speed limit, a feeling was newly formed inside me like that of a deliquescent. "Karis!!" A familiar voice called out to me waving from a distance. My face immediately softened when I caught
(Karis's pov) It was surprising to run into Skyler so soon. He was someone I never met in my past life, so I didn't know much about him except for a weird reason: Xander hated his guts. 'Is he the owner of this brand?' I wondered looking at the handsome guy with looks comparable to Xander's level. ' Why did our paths never cross in my past life?' My brows furrowed at the unknown in this life called Skyler. "Mr Crest." The sales girl blurted nervously. She started trembling immediately when Skyler appeared. "Where is the manager?" Skyler inquired. His eyes casually glance at the sales girl before falling on me. " The manager is currently with one of our VIP customers." The sales girl answered having cold sweats. Her entire personality seemed to have changed immediately after Skyler appeared. "Oh really, he is serving other clients when his boss is around. That's interesting." Skyler commented with an amused smile before he turned to look at the sales girl, who w
(Karis's pov) "I never want to see the likes of her in this store, or you can kiss your job goodbye." The Manager was shaken by Skyler's threats. From the way he spoke, it was obvious he was not joking. " I will make sure of that." The manager said with all earnestness. He had to make sure to secure his job. Skyler's cold blue eyes averted from the manager then turned towards me. Immediately, his eyes sparkled as a smile graced his lips. It was as if the cold look in his eyes earlier was just an illusion. "I am sorry you had to witness all that Mrs De Marco." He chimed at me. Why was everyone calling me Mrs De Marco as if they were rubbing it on my face? I had a name that was Karis, for crying out loud. "You can just call me Karis." I insisted, pursing my lips to a thin line. That surname reminded me of someone I wanted to forget, which was my husband Xander. "In that case, you and Bertha, can you call me Skyler since we already consider ourselves friends." He
(Karis's pov) Skyler was a daring person, "if you want to snatch me from my husband, you have to work harder because Xander is a very handsome and rich guy, not to forget he is a passionate lover." I played along with Skyler and said brazenly. Everything I said was true even though I had yet to consummate my marriage with Xander in this lifetime. In my past life we had several wild nights, and I remembered how passionate he was in bed. It was hard to believe what Xander said about being disgusted by me because if he was, there was no way he would have passionately made love with me over and over again until my legs went weak at his prowess. "Then I guess I will have to work harder, and I can promise you one thing: if you get into the same bed with me, you will never regret it." Skyler went again to shamelessly talk about having sex with a married woman. If he went along with this, my reputation might be ruined, and I would be known as a cheating wife. "I guess you
(Karis's pov) Xander continued to walk towards me with his eyes darkened, I could not understand that also made me excited at the same time. ' When the hell did I start liking such thrills? ' my thoughts screamed. I felt my back hit the wall, but Xander didn't stop until he was standing directly in front of me with both his hands, caging me at both sides, blocking any chance of escape. I nervously gulped and raised my head with every ounce of confidence in me to look back at him. My hazel eyes locked with his sharp grey eyes, and for a weird reason, my knees felt weak. "What do you think you are doing Xander?" I asked him with my voice trembling. ‘ Fuck it, why was I still shaking before him where did all my confidence go to?’ I thought pissed at myself. I bit my cheeks, trying to hide my nervousness. Xander had a smile on his face that seemed like he got mad at something. What did I do wrong? All I did was go out with my friend Bertha to have a fun day while getti
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