Author's point of view... Selina nodded, satisfied that Helena had calmed down enough to go along with the plan. "But you must be patient. We can’t afford to make any mistakes tonight." Helena agreed, whereas, in her mind, she was already plotting something far more malicious than mere humiliation. Tonight, she would do more than just embarrass Izzy, she would break her down. Back at the banquet table, Izzy's unease grew as she watched Selina and Helena re-enter the room, their faces composed but their eyes gleaming with something sinister. Robert sensed her discomfort and gently squeezed her hand under the table. As the evening dragged on, Izzy couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to happen. She tried to focus on the conversations around her, but every time she caught Helena’s eye, a chill ran down her spine. "What the heck is wrong with that girl...!" Izzy gritted under her breath. She looked up at Robert and noticed that even though he wasn't interested
Author's point of view... Robert’s body felt heavy as he slowly regained consciousness, his mind hazy and his surroundings unfamiliar. The dark room was stifling, the air thick with heat that only added to his disorientation. His head pounded, but amidst the discomfort, he caught a familiar scent—sweet and soothing, that slightly made his heart at ease. "Izzy.." he muttered to himself, relaxed. It was Izzy’s shampoo, the sweet fragrance that always encircled her. His heart calmed slightly at the thought of her presence, but his confusion deepened when he felt someone snuggle into his arms. "Izzy is right beside me..." an unknown smile tugged on his lips and instinctively, he wrapped the person in his arms, groaning as she moved against him, her body pressing into his already feverish skin. Dizzy and still reeling from the drug, Robert tightened his hold, his mind barely keeping up with his senses. "Izzy, what are you doing?" His voice was hoarse, a mix of confusion and
Author's point of view...Helena’s protests were cut short as she was pulled out of the room, leaving Robert gasping for breath. His illness was already triggered, and the excruciating pain that he felt in his entire body made him paralyzed for a moment. Soon, he noticed that the pain reduced, but his body felt as though it was on fire, his vision blurring as the heat surged through him again, worse than before. What is going on?? Izzy rushed to his side, panic evident in her eyes as she tried to help him up. But no matter how much effort She put in, she couldn't lift him. She saw him struggling with pain and her heart ached for him. "Robert, are you okay? We need to get you to the hospital!" she said worriedly. Robert looked up, still weakened by the drug and the recent attack on his body, grabbed her wrist, and shook his head. All he wanted now was not a doctor but her. Then suddenly, with a strength that surprised even him, he pulled her onto the bed, his grip tighte
Author's point of view... Noah cursed himself for bursting into the room in an awkward situation. He hung his head and walked in again but never dared to look at Robert or the young lady on his lap. "Boss...I...was..." "Shut up..." Robert grunted and Noah immediately stopped his stutter. Robert just asked him one thing. "Is everything ready?" "Yes, Boss..." Noah obediently replied, "Everything is ready, and I..." Noah wanted to explain everything to his boss but was cut off immediately. "Get out..." Robert grunted and Noah stumbled towards the door. Exhaling deep he rushed downstairs. All this while, Izzy was staring at Robert; she even forgot to blink her eyes, causing a layer of tears to form in her eyes again. As soon as Noah left the room, confirming that everything was arranged, Robert was standing up. Izzy smacked out of her trans and tried to snuggle away, but Robert's grip slid down to her back, and he held her tighter. She wanted to say something but all her wo
Author's point of view... As Helena and the others saw the smug smile on John's face, she thought that the tables have turned. Her brother, had finally did something better in his life. She stood up and abruptly pushed away those guards to walk herself out. Though the guards tried to stop her, they hesitated as their boss looked somewhat surprised himself. Robert was still unconvinced that the powerful people out there were here for John but for know he thought that it was better for him to stay calm. John walked to him and sneered. "It was you who played with the wrong guy..." John muttered disdainfully and was about to step out but Selina rushed over to him. "Honey, are they here to help us?" Selina was so happy with everything that was happening. It was like a dream come true. First time in her life, she was actually proud of her husband but all her happiness was choked in her throat as John pushed her away. He looked at her, narrowed his eyes and smirked. "They are here t
Author's point of view...Marco. Marco Desouza, the moment Robert's eyes fell on him, his mind stirred. Marco Desouza, the king of the Italian Mafia, was a name that could make even the bravest shudder. The man was legendary, both feared and revered. Is he alive?? Robert was puzzled.After reaching the peak, Marco suddenly disappeared. His disappearance from the mafia world had been so sudden and absolute that most assumed he was dead. But now, standing before Robert, towering at six feet seven inches with a body that radiated power, Marco was far from dead. His mere presence exuded intimidation. Robert couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His mind raced with confusion. Why was Marco here? What connection did he have to John? Robert’s thoughts tangled, but the answer wasn’t coming, especially since Marco’s men had just shot John in the leg. Whatever this was, John and Marco were clearly not on the same side. Still, there was something deeper, something that made Robert’s ins
Author's point of view... "Let's fight till the end..." Robert and Marco were like two huge bulls ready lock their horns. Their men were ready to start a fight on the spot. No one intending to back off. As Izzy noticed the thickness in the air, she shuddered and as if smacked back to reality, she instantly stood between them. Stopping them from fighting. "Please stop it..." she said to both while turning her head to Marco, she requested in a low tone. "Sir...I think you got the wrong person. I don't know you sir. My name is Izzy Brown and my father is Isaac Brown. My mother died when I was young and I never heard her talk about you or anything related to you..." "Isaac ...that bastard..." Marco gritted in frustration. "He was her bodyguard not her husband..." Izzy frowned. She was so angry that she wanted to push that man away and yell at him. She scoffed bitterly. Did he mean that her mother, the lady who lived her entire life, though smaller, in dignity had ch
Author's point of view... As everyone settled into the grand sitting room of the Erickson mansion, the air was thick with anticipation. Marco took a deep breath, his usually hard gaze softened by sorrow and reflection. He stared at the floor for a moment, his voice low as he began. "Back then, I was the king. The one on the top where no one ever dared to look into my eyes." He said, though the words sounded as if he was proud of himself, his expression showed darkness that held inside his heart. He continued, "When you're at the top, people assume you have it all: power, respect, wealth. But the truth is, you are utterly alone," Marco stared, his gaze distant, caught in memories of the past. "I was strong, alive, yes, but I was not living. Until one day, I met someone who didn’t care about my status, my wealth, or my power. She was the first person who looked at me as simply a man. She dared to slap me across the face when I crossed a line, unafraid of who I was." He gla
Author's point of view...Just then, the kitchen door creaked open, and Lissa stepped out. She looked pale, her face carrying the weight of guilt and shame that had built up over years. She stopped a few steps away, her gaze glued to the floor. Izzy felt a tug of empathy at the sight of her aunt, who had always been hard on her. But now, seeing Lissa’s pained expression, Izzy understood the complicated truth. Slowly, Lissa took a deep breath and, with trembling hands, sank to her knees in front of Izzy. Her voice was barely a whisper, choked with tears. “Izzy… I don’t deserve your forgiveness, not after the way I treated you. I was so blinded… by jealousy, by my own misunderstandings. I thought—I thought you were Isaac’s mistake, something that reminded me of a betrayal that never even happened.” She covered her face, breaking down. “Stella… your mother… she gave us everything. And I repaid her by hurting her daughter. I’m so ashamed.” Izzy’s heart ached at the rawness in Liss
Author's point of view... The next day, they received an invitation for a family banquet from the Sintclair family. The old patriarch of the Sintclair family had arranged this banquet just for Izzy to introduce her as his granddaughter. After being dressed up, Robert drove them to the Sintclair family mansion, nestled among vast gardens and surrounded by elegance that hinted at generations of stories. Izzy’s nerves tightened as the towering mansion loomed closer, her hand instinctively reaching for Robert’s. He looked over, his eyes warm and steady. “Don’t worry, Izzy,” he murmured, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’m here, every step of the way.” She nodded, offering a small, grateful smile. “Thank you… I don’t think I could do this alone.” They stepped inside, and she was greeted by a room filled with unfamiliar yet strangely welcoming faces. She felt the weight of their gazes, curious, surprised, even delighted. She heard whispers of, "Doesn’t she look just li
Author's point of view... Getting back to the city, Robert immersed himself in his work. It was his way of dealing with grief. Though Izzy was always by his side, they rarely had anything to talk about. They eat together, live together, and sleep together, but there is still a distance between them. After a few days, Robert arranged for Izzy to return to her studies. Though she was so surprised, she was happy to be able to continue her studies. She took a specialization course in psychology. It was her dream to become an efficient Psychologist just like her mother and with her mother's professional books at her assistance, she was destined to exceed in everything. It had been six months since Izzy started college, and she had to stay in her college dormitory as the college she chose was far from the city. Robert missed her so much. He often drove all the way, for hours, to her college just to see her and hug her. Though she wasn't allowed to step out of the dormitory, who
Author's point of view... The day had begun with an air of hope, but it would end differently than anyone could have foreseen. It was a beautiful day, peaceful and filled with happiness scattering everywhere. Robert and Izzy stopped by to have a heartfelt meal with her and Nancy insisted on cooking it herself. Meanwhile, Robert took Izzy to roam around and she enjoyed playing in that beautiful scenery. Fresh air, fragrance of flowers and greenery. It felt like she was in heaven. "This is so beautiful..." Izzy exclaimed and Robert hugged her. "If you like it, we can visit more often in your holidays" "Hmm..." Izzy looked up and Robert smiled. Their cute conversation was interrupted by an affectionate call from Nancy."Kids... come here, the food is ready" When she called, Robert recalled his best days from the past when Nancy was with him, taking care of him, cooking for him. Though he can't get those days back, at least he have her now. He smiled and grabbed Izzy's hand to walk
Author's point of view... The very next day, Robert took Izzy to the Erickson estate in the country side. They had a vast land with so many farms and a lot of greenery, quite pleasing to the eye. As they drove into the countryside, Izzy’s eyes sparkled with delight. She took in the lush green fields, the quaint little cottages, and the open sky that stretched endlessly above them. There was a refreshing, earthy scent in the air, and Izzy felt as if she'd stepped into a fairytale.Her eyes lit up and Robert, who was in a deep thought, was so pleased to see her shine. He was silently sitting beside her, watching her with a gentle smile spreading across his handsome face. He’d never seen her this excited before, and it softened something within him. When they reached the village, they were greeted warmly by the locals. Though the villagers had little in terms of wealth, their welcoming smiles and heartfelt gestures more than made up for it. Erickson Corporation had implanted many
Author's point of view...! After saying whatever he wanted to say, Marco brushed his suit with his hands and walked over to the entrance. He stopped and stared back at Izzy as if filing his thirsty eyes with her one last time. She resembled so much of her mother, those beautiful pair of eyes and that adorable face, everything of Izzy, reminded him of his love, Stella. After admiring his long-lost daughter, Marco's gaze shifted back to Robert. And there was a change in his demeanor. The once soft and tender look was replaced with a harsh and cold one, but strangely, his gaze had a mixture of satisfaction and jealousy. He was indeed satisfied as his daughter was with a strong man, just like him but there was a pang of jealousy in his heart too. Izzy slowly clung to Robert's arms; her eyes were fixed on the stranger, who was supposed to be her father, though. If things were not what they are now, would she be looking at him with those scrutinizing gazes? He scoffed internally, pro
Author's point of view...! Marco looked down, guilt etched into his features. It was true. He was indeed a monster at that time. “Perhaps I did. But she was my life, and I will regret letting her go until my last breath,” he said, regretfully. "I want to take you with me, Izzy. I want to make up to you, to Stella. I want. To give you everything that I wasn't able to all these years..." "Enough..." William roared, "Take that kid with you...? Are you not satisfied that you destroyed my daughter? And now you want to ruin that innocent child...! I would never allow you to do that." The room fell into silence again. The old man was so angry that his entire body was shivering. "I will never allow you to take that child away?" William turned to his granddaughter and then to Robert as he declared in a commanding tone, "I am here to take my grandchild along with me today, she is my blood, the only thing that my daughter left behind..." the old man couldn't hold on any longer and bur
Author's point of view... As everyone settled into the grand sitting room of the Erickson mansion, the air was thick with anticipation. Marco took a deep breath, his usually hard gaze softened by sorrow and reflection. He stared at the floor for a moment, his voice low as he began. "Back then, I was the king. The one on the top where no one ever dared to look into my eyes." He said, though the words sounded as if he was proud of himself, his expression showed darkness that held inside his heart. He continued, "When you're at the top, people assume you have it all: power, respect, wealth. But the truth is, you are utterly alone," Marco stared, his gaze distant, caught in memories of the past. "I was strong, alive, yes, but I was not living. Until one day, I met someone who didn’t care about my status, my wealth, or my power. She was the first person who looked at me as simply a man. She dared to slap me across the face when I crossed a line, unafraid of who I was." He gla
Author's point of view... "Let's fight till the end..." Robert and Marco were like two huge bulls ready lock their horns. Their men were ready to start a fight on the spot. No one intending to back off. As Izzy noticed the thickness in the air, she shuddered and as if smacked back to reality, she instantly stood between them. Stopping them from fighting. "Please stop it..." she said to both while turning her head to Marco, she requested in a low tone. "Sir...I think you got the wrong person. I don't know you sir. My name is Izzy Brown and my father is Isaac Brown. My mother died when I was young and I never heard her talk about you or anything related to you..." "Isaac ...that bastard..." Marco gritted in frustration. "He was her bodyguard not her husband..." Izzy frowned. She was so angry that she wanted to push that man away and yell at him. She scoffed bitterly. Did he mean that her mother, the lady who lived her entire life, though smaller, in dignity had ch