Jade’s POV“I won't let you break me! Never!” I said, staring at my reflection in the full-sized mirror wrapped in a towel. My body is still wet with water.I had just taken my bath, but the note wouldn't still leave my head, nor would it make me flinch; instead, I'd hold my head up high and focus on getting myself out of this mess.I had already endured so much pain and suffering from Atlas and Stormy. I won't let another person victimise me for something I had no control over. God knew I acted in self-defence; it was either him doing this or letting him get into my pants.I was trapped here and unsure of my next plan, but one thing I knew was that I would get out of here, away from this place and Jackson.Jackson.I thought I loathed him with everything in me, but surprisingly I felt a spark of appreciation for keeping my secret and standing up for me back there.He didn't throw me into the cage of lions; instead, he shielded me like I had done something special for him. But now I w
Jackson’s POV~It's not my debt to pay.~ “It's your father; he is convulsing.” Scar said, wearing a terrified look. Shit! I thought I had gotten rid of your attention-seeking ass; even in his incapacitated state, he still managed to stress me.Just when I was beginning to bond with Jade, he had to tear us apart. Just like how he made sure no woman ever drew near to me, he always reminded me every day that no woman would ever love me and they were only interested in me because my father was a mafia boss.My mind drifted to Becky, the first woman who saw through me. I met her when I was barely seventeen; although she was three years older than me, she never for once made me feel little.She was like a ray of sunlight in my dark life. But that was a tale for another day. I just know it didn't end well. I barged into my father's room with Scar trailing behind me closely.Eduardo was convulsing on his bed, his body shaking violently like he was down with epilepsy. His eyes were wide open,
Jade’s POV~A key and a chance.~Eloise smiled at me as she folded the remaining clothes some of the other maidens brought. She hummed silently as she worked, her hands moving with expertise through the stack of clothes.She made hard work seem easy. I guess this is what happens when you become a maiden; theyForce you to adjust. But that would never be me.“You know,” I said, breaking the grave silence. “You can always sleep in my room at night. I'm sure you would be more comfortable there; the bed is soft and cosy compared to wherever they put you.”Eloise giggled a little shyly, brushing a strand of hair off her face. “I would love to, Jade, but I can't just go against the boss's rules. It's not allowed here.”I tilted my head backward. "I'm sure Jackson won't mind; he isn't like Eduardo. He might be cunny and uptight, but he doesn't mind you sharing a bed with me for just one night.”“You won't be punished for something like that; I could talk to him if you would feel more comfor
Jackson’s POV~A bad ending~“This can't be happening to me right now,” I said to myself as I gently went through every document and ledger in my father's study.Perhaps his death should have been delayed till when he had collected all the money he lent people. But the question was, what time is the right time to strike?One would never know when to start, or else you just started right away. But the issue now is that good things often come with bad news. And now I was wearing his crown, tarnished as it was.I picked up my phone and texted Scar to come into the study right away, and within a few seconds, he appeared in the doorway. Scar wasn't one to waste time whenever I needed him. He always appeared right on time, always eager to answer my every need and order. He was brutal and gruff but only when I needed him to be. His dark eyes scanned me carefully, waiting for me to break the silence.“Scar, thank God you are here,” I gushed, gesturing to him to come in, and he did without a
Jade’s POV“Finally some peace,” I said to myself, standing by the window in my room, arms wrapped around my chest as I watched as the evening sun surrendered into dawn. The air was calm and still today. It's been two hours since I returned to the comfort of my room, and Layla’s words still replayed in my head. Don't ever go in there, Jade. She hadn't said it with malice or contempt. Instead, she seemed to be watching out for me; it sounded like a warning or maybe fear. I wouldn't let fear stop me from being free once again; all I needed to do was to just see what was in that room. Who knows? That could be a golden ticket out of this place. No, I needed to listen to Layla; she spoke with so much wisdom, and she was nice too, but sometimes the enemy came in the form of a friend to scare me and hinder me from taking a bold step.Even though I promised her I wouldn't, yet I was unsure, my curiosity still had a strong hold on me. If I don't find out what it is, my mind will never be s
Jackson’s POVShe looked so beautiful that I didn't realise when I bent a knee. I could tell she was surprised or maybe clueless; she had no idea what was coming.Her expression was priceless. I wish I had hired a media team to capture this beautiful moment. She didn't seem angry; instead, it was as though she had anticipated this moment all her life.“Jade,” I began, trying to sound as serious as I could, though the excitement bubbling up inside me made it a little difficult. “Will you marry me?”She froze, her lips parted in doubt. Her face was a mixture of confusion and shock, like she couldn't seem to process the words I said to her.“Um… Jackson,” she began, her voice slightly cracked, and I couldn't help but let out a chuckle.“Oh goodness, I'm just messing with you, “I said, getting up and brushing off my jeans. ” You should have seen your face! Pure panic!”Her shoulders sagged in relief, but something flickered in her eyes; it looked like a disappointment if I wasn't mistaken
Jade’s POVI sat in silence, staring at the empty doorway, wondering what the text was about. He appeared angry even though he tried to hide it by kissing me on the forehead. I still sensed something that angered him. Although he promised he would be back, still I couldn't help but wonder what went wrong. Was he suddenly disgusted by my presence and was looking for a way to escape?Or was he angry with the answer I gave when he told me about what Atlas did? Well, all I could do now was assume because he just walked out without an explanation or warning.He didn't wait to finish dinner with me; instead, he just left, and that made my stomach tighten. I knew something was wrong somewhere, and when he returned, I hoped he could tell me about it.Yet I couldn't seem to get his sweet compliments out of my head; Jackson was the first man that ever made me feel like a queen and not a sex object.He was kind with his words and in his heart, even though many think he is a monster like his fat
Jackson’s POVI would make sure he pays for everything he has done! I could feel my simmering anger as I drove through the dark streets of Rome. Finally, I got to the location, parked my car quickly at a silent corner, and slid out, glancing around for any signs of trouble. Scar was horned, indicating he was a few cars back watching the environment; this was his way of looking out for me. I yanked my phone from my back pocket and dialled his line. He answered immediately.“Hello, Scar!” I said barely above a whisper.“I can see you, sir.”“Good, I need you to stay where you are. Don't make a move unless I ask you to.” I didn't need to talk much; Scar knew the deal. He had been working side by side with me to understand how things worked.“Alright, boss. Please don't hesitate to call me if anything funny happens; don't get yourself killed.” He said and hung up immediately; I smelt the phone back into my pocket. I wore my black face cap and looked at the brothel ahead of me. I didn't
Jade’s POV“Let me go!” I managed to say it, but the words barely escaped my lips. I didn't know how long I had been down here, but it seemed like decades.My cheek still throbbed with a fiery sting, a painful reminder of the punch I had received from those rascals. My nose was probably broken by now.They kept asking me to tell them things about Jackson, but I knew nothing. Even if I knew anything, I wouldn't betray Jackson; he has done nothing but be good to me.I ignored the gnawing hunger in my stomach; all I could think of was a way to escape this place. My wrists ached from the tightness of the drops and the way they dug into my delicate skin.And my head pounded from whatever they had used to knock me out earlier at the ballroom. The damp basement smelled of decay and rust, it was pitch black now, and the only light came from the tiny opening of the door. Shadows danced along the walls, indicating that I wasn't alone. These men weren't finished with me. This strange woman, who
Jackson’s POVJade was missing; they had taken her, and it was too late for me—I couldn’t save her. I had spent almost an hour searching every nook and cranny of the room, but there was no sight of her.I decided to step out of the ballroom, thinking that whoever took her must have transported her to another location for reasons only known to them.But the moment I walked out, I knew something was wrong. It was unusually quiet, and I could still hear the faint music from inside the ballroom, accompanied by rich laughter echoing off the walls. But none of it mattered to me. I needed to find Jade, and I won't rest until I do. Since Jade disappeared, it felt like a piece of me had left too. She was my better half, and now I know that I was foolish to let her out of my sight, especially after losing her. As I passed a certain route, people tried to stop me, shake hands with me.And I exchanged fake pleasantries pretending like they cared about anything that happened in my life when I wa
Jade’s POVI rubbed my aching shoulders, rolling them subconsciously, trying to regulate the pain, but I couldn't massage it properly because my wrist was attached to a rope.The pain I felt at the back of my head was unbearable; it was like I was knocked out by someone so they could take me to this isolated underground prison.What did I do to these people? Why do they despise me so much? I felt it again, the sharp, throbbing pain pulsing at the back of my head. Had they used a hammer to knock me out? Was I bleeding because it seemed like it? I tried to yank out of the ropes binding me, but it appeared a little tighter than it looked.Whoever did this wanted me here; this was no mistake! Someone hated the fact that I was living. Was it my father or Stormy? He had seen me at the ballroom earlier, and the expression on his face was shocking. Like he had just seen a ghost or a zombie out of an apocalypse. I sneezed twice, the latter louder than the former. The air was dusty and damp.
Jackson’s POVTonight, the ballroom buzzed with powerful men and women dressed in expensive clothes laughing behind designers' glasses as deals were sealed. On a low, the place wasn't loud, and most people spoke in hushed tones. The light from the chandeliers reflected on the room, casting a glow of many colours on their gloomy faces. I cannot comprehend the sadness experienced by every successful person; do they truly lack everything they ever desired?Or were they not satisfied with what they had? Of course, we humans were naturally insatiable, and when one need ends, another begins, so I wouldn't blame them for wanting more, but none of it mattered.Jade wasn't here yet; that scared me. I looked around before glancing down at my watch, and a frown plastered on my worried face. She was too long in there; something wasn't right. I could feel it in my bones. My instincts never failed me, the same instincts that had kept me alone in this world of hate and betrayal. I had learnt to r
Jade’s POV“I want you to be my wife.”Those words sounded unreal; never have I ever imagined that one of the most powerful men in Rome would ask me to be his wife.I blinked at Jackson; my breath was shaky, his words still echoed in my mind, each syllable sounding too good to be true.Was it a good idea to marry him? For once I've never thought about the possibility of being his wife. Jackson was powerful, loving, and ruthless. His proposal—if I could even call it that—felt more like an order wrapped in a gift pack of velvet promise. The don always got what he wanted, so who was I to object?But then what I felt for him was complicated; I'm still a young girl trying to figure out a part for myself. I'm sorry, sir, she must have seen the unsure look in my eyes because he moved closer and leaned in.Pressing a soft kiss to my forehead like he always did, but this time it was intentional. It was different; it had more effect than his words, and I wanted to kiss him on the lips now.“I'
Jackson’s POV I sat behind the musty old desk; the smoke from the fat tobacco wrapped in between my index finger and third finger filled the air. Life was good when you had the right people around you.And once again, I was grateful I didn't lose Jade; that would have shattered me, and I would have killed Julia because she had no reason to live to suffer the consequences of her actions.Having Jade by my side, within my reach, made me realise how much I loved her. I melted the cigarette on the ashtray and took a sip from the half-empty glass of whisky on the table.I didn't want to get drunk today; I needed to be sober so I could keep my eyes on the happenings of the family. It was my duty to do that now. I leaned my back against the plush leather chair. The air felt heavier than usual, like some unforeseen circumstances were hovering in the atmosphere, something dark. I crossed my arms on my chest as I slowly dragged the cigarette.When I heard a light knock on the door, Scar peeke
Eloise’s POV“We can't do this, Lorenzo!” I said, looking into his eyes, my fist clenched; I was angry and misunderstood. No matter how hard it is to prove myself, I'll never be taken seriously.Lorenzo stood in front of me, his presence condescending, but I didn't care. His arms crossed on his chest, his grey eyes flickered onto his mind with anger.We hadn't been on good terms these past few days, and the fault was mine. He wasn't what I needed; he was merely a distraction. Now, I was getting bored of this game, and I needed to act fast.“Are you speaking to me in that manner?” he asked in a harsh tone. “I'm sick of you trying to control my life! Leave the hell alone, Enzo.”“I'm not trying to control your life; I'm just...” He pauses, and then his voice drops to a low tone. “You know what, just do what you want, Eloise; you are always fond of walking away from things; that's what you do.”“Think whatever you want, Enzo; I'm done with this conversation,” I snarled, breathing a littl
Jade’s POVI survived hell once again. The wind is blowing hard, and the atmosphere is cool; the perfect weather for a good sleep, but I can't seem to find sleep.Sleep was far from me. I lay on this bed, my body aching from my falling down the stairs. My room was bathed in warm red light, the perfect illumination I need right now. My head was pounding, and bright light would only intensify my pain. I swallowed hard, the stale air did nothing to help the nausea that was growing in my stomach. Was it because I had just survived death or was I simply hungry?Maybe it was the latter; I don't know. Every movement I made, even the slightest, a dull throb of pain erupted throughout my ribs, a reminder that I needed to get enough rest if I was ever going to surge the night.Maybe I should relax and allow my mind to wander. I initially hated that I easily trusted her; after all, she was the reason I was in this horrible condition. I loathed that I trusted anyone so readily. That was my flaw.
Jackson’s POV Julia began to scream like a psychopath, thrashing against the guard's grip, her desperate cries filling the room, making my stomach boil with rage. If she knew I only tried to control myself from breaking the door open, hoping to resolve this peacefully.She wouldn't be here saying trash. The only reason why I was being peaceful right now was because the doctor said the poison had a cure and only Julia was in control of it. She had everything calculated; during the early morning, she came to his quarter to take the last antidote so no one could harm Jade. Right now all I needed to do was to play smart and fast because Jade needed that antidote as soon as possible.“No, I understand that you hate me for punishing Jade, but you don't love her, Jackson; she jinxed you. You love me, remember that night at the dining, how you made sweet love to me.” She wailed, her voice cracking as she fought to free herself.I never imagined that this day would come. A maiden being obses