A V E L I N A Two days later, I was standing in front of the building I grew accustomed to for the past eight months. Yesterday, he sent the divorce papers to me and as much as I tried to play it off, it hurt like hell. This was really happening. I was dressed in a black knee length dress, with a black jacket. The bruises Benjamin left behind were fading, but the pain was still there. The pain that Lorenzo caused was worse. I took a deep breath and stepped into the building, the divorce papers in hand. I ignored the looks I was receiving from his employees and the security, the whispers, and the stares. I made my way inside and the house was quiet. It looked lonely and empty, like it had been abandoned by years. I felt a wave of nostalgia hit me and the memories we shared flashed before my eyes. The laughter, the smiles, the love, the happiness. Everything. I was finally going to say my goodbyes to this house. The house that I had unknowingly considered a home. I had imagined u
A V E L I N AFIVE YEARS LATERI stood in front of the building, looking up. I could barely believe I had made it this far. Five years ago, if anyone told me that I would own my own house I would have laughed at their faces.Five years ago, my marriage had just ended.My fake marriage.But, it didn't feel fake. Especially the first few months, when I was still living with him. I didn't regret any part of our marriage. Except for the ending.It was still fresh and I could remember it like it was yesterday.But, time moves on and so did I."Are you ready, mommy?" The tiny voice behind me asked and I turned, smiling at my daughter."Yes, I am, sweetie. Are you excited to see grandma?""Yes!" She said and clapped her hands together, her eyes shining with excitement.I couldn't help but laugh, she was the most adorable little girl and she looked just like me.I felt a little hand grab my legs and I turned back to find my son. "Mommy! I'm hungry." He said and I chuckled, crouching to his le
A V E L I N A"So, have you decided if you are going to open your business here or in New York?" My mother asked as she scooped a spoon of cake into her mouth.We had spent the morning with her. She had opened her presents and we had a big feast.I hadn't had a moment alone with her since the children came, so we were using this opportunity to catch up."New York." I answered, a wide smile spreading across my face. "I have an appointment next week with a realtor." My mother nodded and smiled.I had decided to open another restaurant in New York and my mother was very happy about that. I was nervous though, all the memories that were attached to New York were not so pleasant. But, I couldn't keep living my life based on those memories.It was time to move on and live the best life I could. "And Lorenzo? Have you spoken to him yet?" She asked.I shook my head. I didn't want to hear his name. Ever.It was the same thing every year. She would always ask me the same questions and every t
L O R E N Z OI was having the worst week. It was the worst fucking week of my life.I needed to let off some steam, and what better way to do that, than to fuck.I walked into the strip club, the loud music ringing in my ears. The lights were dim and the place was filled with beautiful women.There was one particular woman I had in mind, and she was going to be the one who would make this shitty week go away."Hey, handsome." A beautiful, blonde haired woman purred as she approached me. Her cleavage was out in the open and she wore a sexy black lingerie.She had an amazing body, but she wasn't who I was looking for. "Are you interested in anything I could offer, honey?" She asked, seductively."Actually, I'm looking for someone. Tall, brown curly hair, dark blue eyes.""Ah. You mean, Regina." She said and pointed behind her."Where can I find her?""Last time I checked, she was in the back, room 5.""Thanks." I said and headed in the direction she had pointed to.The hallway was quie
A V E L I N A I parked my car in front of the familiar garage and got out. I haven't seen him in a week as he had gone for a business trip. I missed him badly. I walked towards his door and before I could open it, the door flew open and I was soon pulled into his arms. His lips crashed onto mine, and I moaned. His mouth tasted like mint and coffee, the two things that I had gotten used to. "Baby." I moaned and wrapped my hands around his neck. I pulled away, smiling at him. "I missed you." I told him, my fingers playing with the hairs on his nape. "I missed you, too." He pulled me inside, and kicked the door closed. He grabbed my purse and placed it on the couch. He grabbed my ass and lifted me. My legs automatically wrapped around his waist and my lips found his again. We kissed as if we haven't seen each other in months. Our tongues battled for dominance and his hands were roaming around my body. His cock was rock hard, rubbing against the apex of my thighs. I pulled away an
A V E L I N ALeaving for the airport was very hard and emotional because my kids were sad and I was feeling so bad.They were begging me to stay and I couldn't bear the sight of them crying. But, this was necessary.I had left a lot of work undone and I needed to make sure the restaurant was up and running as soon as possible.Raphael had insisted on coming with me, which made me look at him funny. But, I declined to his surprise. It wasn't going to be fun and it was going to be stressful, but I was willing to do anything to keep the tears off the faces of my children."You will be good for Carina, right? And grandma?""We will, Mommy. Promise." Autumn replied, her tear stained cheeks making my heart clench.Zion on the other hand was trying so hard to be the stronger one like always, but I could see his eyes watering.I was going to miss them so much. I haven't been away from them before, talk more of spending two weeks without seeing their sweet faces. "Come here." I said, holdin
A V E L I N A As soon as we arrived in New York, the first thing that came to my mind was the cold breeze and the familiar feeling that hit me. I hadn't been back in this place for the longest time, and coming back had brought back some memories. Some I loved and some I wish I could forget. The weather was just perfect. It was chilly and the sky was covered in dark clouds. I was glad that I had gotten a black coat. As soon as I got down the plane, flashes went off in my face. I frowned, and turned to see people holding up cameras, taking pictures. I still haven't become used to the attention over the years. I wasn't exactly famous, but because of the name I had made for myself, I had been a topic in magazines, and had been on some magazine covers. And because of the fact that my ex-husband was a billionaire, meant that the media was always interested in me. I smiled, and waved at them before heading into one of the cars. The bodyguards were thankfully there to protect me from
L O R E N Z OI walked out of the meeting that has been going on for hours. I was agitated, I didn't like what had happened today.It wasn't going according to plan.My brother has fucked up, and I had no idea how I was going to fix it. We were on the verge of a war, and a lot was going on.Giovanni has gotten himself into trouble again and like usual, I would have to make sure it never gets out to the media. He has tried so hard to tarnish the image of the company.I had thrown him out of my house and disowned him as my brother for years. But, he obviously still does everything possible to fuck up."Mr. Salvatore, are you okay?" I looked at him and nodded."Yes, I'm fine. Just a little tired. I need to head home and rest. I'd be taking a day off tomorrow all works should be sent to my home."I didn't wait for his response as I walked outside, towards my car. I could hear the clicking of shoes and knew it was Giovanni.He had followed me. "What the fuck do you want, Gio?" I asked, and