A car pulled over before a building and the couple of the night stepped out. Melina's eyes roamed about and all she could see were luxurious cars packed around. Mere looking at the building alone, one could already imagine the billions used to erect such a masterpiece. "Let's go" Dominic snapped Melina out of her thoughts. He reached out his arm for her and she wrapped her hand around it. With her hand wrapped around his arm firmly, the couple headed inside. They both stepped into the hall and it felt like Melina had entered a different dimension. The entire design, the people present, everything about them, starting from the clothes they were wearing down to their shoes, the wine and drinks being served around, everything screamed of nothing but extravagance.There weren't many people present and they were all seated on the round tables, smiling and chatting among themselves. Melina became nervous once again and fear swell up her heart. This was the world of the rich. Everything was
"Learn to mind your business, Bianca. That way, you can live longer and not age so fast as you are doing right now." Dominic was quick to speak up "And as for who she is..." He gestured for Melina to sit back down. "You will find out who she is before this stupid party runs out. But before then, watch that fucking mouth of yours before I render you dumb for the rest of your miserable life" A deadly scowl was shot at Bianca who snorted and walked away with a hiss.Glancing at Melina once again "Are you ok?" He asked and she nodded. "Sit down then. There's still a of them coming. Try not to let any of them talk down on you""Ok" Melina mumbled and they both sat down. Just like Dominic said, the Hartless household came trooping in, each with his or her own family and some other distant family members. There were a lot of them.Lastly, Alexander walked in with a glamorous and pretty young woman. The moment Dominic's eyes landed on them, they darkened. Alexander was holding the woman's wai
Soon, everyone invited arrived. It was a small gathering compared to what Melina had imagined it to be. The main event began and it was then Dominic came back."Where have you been, Mr. Hartless?" Melina asked in a whisper. "To greet some business partner" He replied but whispered back "I remember us talking about you being formal with me. Everyone is watching, Melina. Don't forget.""I'm sorry about that, Mr... I mean, honey." Melina mumbled the last part shyly and soft smile drew up Dominic's lips "Not bad." He mumbled.The occasion was just about the different board members of the Hartless Empire giving speeches about the obstacles the Empire had faced since it was founded and how they were all able to overcome those obstacles. It was now Alexander's turn to speak. After giving an almost 30 mins long boring speech as Dominic termed it, Alexander finally got to the main point."It is with a heart full of joy and merriment that the entire Hartless Empire and household gathered togeth
"Cherry Blossom" Dominic called with a broad smile, reaching out his hand to Melina who gaped at him in shock. "Let's go" Melina didn't move an inch for some time. She was still trying to process what Dominic called her in front of everyone. But then a realization drew to her. He was just putting on an act. That was the deal between them before they came to this party. All she has to do is act along. Immediately, she placed her hand on Dominic's and forced a smile up her lips.Everyone watched in shock as Dominic led Melina up the stage. To their even greater shock, Dominic circled his arms around her waist, nudged her to himself, and claimed her lips in a kiss. The glass of wine Charlotte was holding slipped and went shattering to the floor, turning Arman's attention to her. His eyes widened when he saw blood running down her palm."Princess, are you ok? You're hurt!" Charlotte's whole gaze was transfixed on the couples on the stage, devouring each other's lips in a gentle kiss. H
Dominic looked at Melina, amused."If only she knew I couldn't care less about status. If only she knew how much I loved her" He decided to add, trying to make the story more believable."It must have been so hard for you, Melina. Trust me, I can relate" Christopher said."So, do you have any other question you would like us to answer?" Dominic raised a brow at Bianca and Romeo, who didn't know what else to say."Damnit!" Bianca cursed under her breath. She was sure these two were lying. She made to say something else when,"That's enough questions, Aunt Bianca. Let the newly married couple breathe. How they met and all that shouldn't be your cup of tea to drink." Amelia spoke up but only got a glare from the devious woman."And how is that any of your business? It's not like Dominic and his wife are complaining. If they were uncomfortable with the question, they would have said so and not answer.""You should be the one who should learn how to mind your business, Aunt. You're just an
Finally, the car drove Melina and Dominic back home. It turned after he argued with Alexander, Dominic told old man Kennedy that they were leaving. The old man didn't object and even gave his blessings to the two of them.Melina was exhausted from all the drama she encountered in just one night. "Mr. Hartless, did I put on a good show?" She asked once again. This time around Dominic smirked in satisfaction."You did a great job, Melina. And that was one convincing lie you told back there. How do you want me to reward you for it?" Dominic was still speaking when he felt someone's head on his shoulder. The woman he was talking to already slept off. That was how tired she was.Dominic let out a scoff. "Silly, who told you to sleep off while I was still talking?"The car pulled over and Dominic stepped out, carrying the sleeping woman in his arms. The guards who saw him quickly rushed to him. "Welcome, Boss. What happened to Ma'am, is she ok? Should we help you carry her?"Dominic only sh
Dominic sat on the first seat of the conference table with all the board members seated with him, including Alexander. A sinister smirk played on Dominic's lips as he watched the board members going through the documents that was passed to them. They glanced at each other not knowing what to say before looking over at Alexander who kept a blank expression. He was seated at the end of the conference table."Erm... Mr. Alexander, the marriage license is legit and not falsified as Mr. Hendrix pointed it out to be. From the investigation carried out, sadly, it was proven that Mr. Hartless over here is legally married to Miss Melina Throndsen. All the documents needed to register their marriage were signed and all the requirements were met. So yes, Mr. Hartless is a legally married man." The Empire's lawyer, Mr. Benson Crooker revealed."Do you guys need any more evidence to prove that I am married? Should I provide more evidence that the marriage license is authentic?" Dominic raised a
Melina was in her office when she was informed by Shirley "Ma'am, someone is here to see you.""Who? I don't remember having any appointment with anyone""Do I need an appointment before I can see you? And who exactly do you think you are, Melina?" A feminine voice demanded and Melina immediately glanced up only to see a slightly familiar woman standing at the door. It was Charlotte!Shirley's eyes widened immediately "I didn't let her in, Ma'am, I swear, I told her to wait...""It's ok, Shirley. You can leave. I will take it from here" Melina stood up. Shirley bowed and exited the office leaving the two women to themselves. Melina stared at the woman before her with a slight grimace. She could remember seeing this face somewhere...But where?"You can come...""Do you think I need your permission to do that?" Charlotte didn't let her finish and walked up to her desk. Without Melina telling her to sit, she grabbed a seat and placed her handbag on the table. Melina ignored that and sat
Months passed after Eric's death,they mourned and they moved on.It hit his father the hardest because he felt that he was at fault for letting Eric grow up with so much hatred in his heart.His family was finally reunited.He had resumed his role as the president of the company and Melina resumed her role as CEO of her own company.He proposed to Melina on the eve of their anniversary where she announced the news that she was pregnant.In light of the joyous news,they finally gor married with Shantel and Leon as their best man and maid of honour.It was a joyous occasion.Six months after that,the family welcomed their second set of twins after a very long and tortuous labour.They parents entrusted Shantel and Leon with naming their siblings which they did.Their names were...Micheal and Michela
NOTE; This chapter is not edited Evelyn opened her eyes to find herself in the hospital surrounded by stainless steel objects and disinfectant.At the far end of the room,Dominic was standing in place with the doctor.She could only hear snippets of the conversation."Am afraid her Amnesia is quite serious.She just felt overwhelmed by the memories flooding back.Thats why she fainted."the doctor had said solemnly and with a fre exchange of words he exited the room.Dominic realized that she was awake and rushed to her side instantly,giving her a sad smile."Hey"he greeted."Hi"she gave him a weak smile.Not being one to mince his words,he spoke up."Why didn't you tell me you had amnesia ?"he asked softly."I didn't see how that was important "she responded weakly.Before he could ask any other question,she had dozed off.The morphine must have kicked inAs he watched her sleep,he vowed to do everything in his power to regain her lost memory.She just had to remember them.A week went by
"Dominic..." She called out softly making his eyes widened greatly."I... I...love you" She mumbled before passing out in his arms. For a moment Dominic stared at her, excited and surprised at the same time. She remembers, she remembers him.Without waking her or his children who were sound asleep in their rooms amidst all the commotion, he lifted her up in his arms and carried her to bed.Covering her with a duvet, he sat down beside her and held her hand,. placing a kiss on it."You don't know how happy I am to hear you call my name, Melina. I love you"* * * *The next morning, she groaned in pain.She felt the loud pounding in her head as she struggled to get up.Looking around the room,she felt a familiar peace as she glanced around the beautiful decorated room."Ugh"she grunted. Placing a hand on her pounding head,she threw the duvet away from her ,only to find that she wasn't alone.There with her was Dominic sleeping so peacefully beside her.she couldn't hide the smile that esca
ONE WEEK LATERAfter confirming with her assistant, Dominic and Evelyn set up a time, which was today by 5pm although she had warned them ahead of time that she would be late.They couldn't find a suitable venue by that time of day so he settled for a making dinner at his place. In the five years he had been without Melina, Dominic had picked up a thing or two about cooking. He knew how to make pasta which was what he intended to make.Three horrible attempts later, he had everything setup and freshened up, preparing himself to welcome her into his home. He popped open the wine and poured himself a glass as he waited for her arrival. The kids were in their bedroom.Hours ticked by and Evelyn was still not there. He picked up his phone and dialed but the line wasn't connecting. He tried a handful of times before redirecting her call to her office.The call was answered after the first two rings."Hello" A strange voice sounded at the other end. The voice didn't belong to her."Hello, w
The moment Dominic and Shantel got back home, he issued a check to the Nanny and sent her on her merry way never to be seen by him again. He headed straight to his study room to call Ethan. There was something he needed him to do.His hands were sweating and his breath heaved as he dialed the number on his phone. Ethan picked up at the first ring."Yes, Sir""Ethan, I want you to dig into possible whereabouts of my wife's body. Was she cremated or buried?" He inquired. "Sir?" Ethan blurted out in surprise ."I need you to do this for my peace of mind" He explained. "If I may ask, Boss, what is this about?" Ethan asked. Dominic could sense the uneasiness in his voice. But he knew he had to. Seeing Melina today made him realize many things. All cases regarding her accident and death was sealed and ruled out and her body was taken care of while he had been in prison. He wasn't the one that buried her. He didn't even see her body. By the tine he was out of prison, she was already buried
As Everlyn watched the world haze by, the faint sound of someone calling out for her rang in her ears. For a brief moment, a flash hit her. Someone was calling out for her; a little girl. She couldn't see her face but her voice was getting softer and softer, almost like she was walking far away from her.Getting shocked out of her reverie, she looked down at the teary-eyed girl who was gazing up at her so hopefully.She didn't want to be the one to dash her hopes but she had to set things straight. She didn't know her and she had never seen her before. Not that she can remember at least."Sweetie, I think you're confusing me with someone else" She spoke softly, ruffling Shantel's long brunette hair that was just like hers. It was an uncanny resemblance and somewhere at the back of her mind, she felt that small voice calling out to her. Telling her that they were connected. But she shoved those incessant thoughts away and focused on what was real.Shantel on the other hand couldn't bel
"Ethan, have you gotten the proper documents needed for the dealership shipment tomorrow?" Dominic asked as he glanced through the array of folders that lay splayed all over his desk. They were so close to their launch and they couldn't afford any mistakes or delay. It would be catastrophic If they encounter any sort of loss due to negligence."Boss, about the contract proposal from the new company?" Ethan demanded but without looking up from the documents, Dominic waved a hand dismissively. "We do not have time to deal with something that huge when we have a bigger deal on our hands" He responded, sifting through the blue spiral-bound envelope."But, Boss. I went through the contract some weeks ago and it looked really promising and we were allowed full creative control if we were to take it up." Ethan informed, adjusting his glasses as he placed the opened document in front of Dominic's desk.Dominic finally looked up and Ethan directed his gaze to the file. Reluctantly, he took th
Five years later...Staring out from the glass pane windows that overlooked the outskirts of the city. The thoughts of the last couple of years came replaying in Dominic's mind.Five years ago, with the help of Ethan, he was proven innocent and was released from prison. But after his release from prison, things have never been the same. Within five years he was able to gather his life back together a little bit. Though he was proven innocent, the board of directors teamed up with Eric and removed him as the president of the Hartless Empire, making Eric the president instead.But that wasn't a setback for Dominic. Even though he was no longer the president, within five years, he took over VVC fully and made the best fashion company in Westwood. Within five years, he was able to regain his fame and power and was still known as the most powerful man in Westwood.But all of this meant nothing to Dominic. All the fame and power to him were useless. What was the point of gathering his life
Back in Westwood, Dominic was grappling with his own demons. He had retreated from the world, haunted by the accusations and the uncertainty of who had committed the terrible crime.He was also in shambles over Melina and her decision to break up.As he sat in his cell contemplating his life an officer came up the cell and began unlocking it. “Let's go, Dominic, you have a visitor.”Dominic's heart soared as he envisioned Melina had come to visit him.He stayed still as his hands and feet were handcuffed and he was led out of the tiny, cramped cell.He was let into the poorly lit room and made to sit down.Dominic was confused and just as he was about to question the guard Eric revealed himself."Hello, Dominic," Eric said, a malevolent grin on his face as he sat down across from Dominic in an interrogation room. "It's been a while."Eric was a tall, handsome man with a charming smile. He was also a ruthless businessman who was determined to destroy Dominic.Dominic's face lost all of