ROSALIA'S POV:
I was jolted awake due to the repeated and persistent blare of my alarm clock. Disoriented and with sleepy eyes, I took a glance at the alarm clock: It was 7 am. The early hour is definitely not my favourite time of the day. I don't really like to miss the chance of sleeping in unless I have to go to work. Yes, I am definitely a sleepyhead! Cursing the necessities of the early hours under my breath, I dragged myself out of bed. In an attempt to tap the alarm off my sleepy gaze fell upon the family photo kept on the bedside table. "I miss you, mommy," I whispered, a familiar ache tightening my heart. It's only me and my younger sister now. Our father abandoned us a long time ago leaving behind a childhood which is never a pleasant one to remember, A childhood marred by constant arguments between my parents. The relentless arguments took a toll on my mental health and made me feel unloved and desperate for some affection. My younger sister, Emilia, was my solace. Trying to keep her away from those discomforting situations became my mission, she was my only reason which made the so-called home bearable for me after school. As my parents were always busy bickering, I took care of my little sister like my own baby. One day, finally, Mommy left that house and the we three shifted to a different city. For the first time in a while, I saw a glimpse of happiness. We rented a small apartment and mommy used to work hard and tirelessly to provide for us. In that meantime, Dad had completely cut ties with us, practically abandoning us without any prior information. To help cover the educational expenses of me and Emilia, I started taking up part-time jobs at a very young age. Despite the hardships, we were determined to make it work. We were poor but there was a sense of relief, a feeling of happiness. That happiness did not last long. Mommy was taken away from us in a fatal accident, there was not a single day in the past three years which did not remind me of this. I was in my second year of college when my life was shattered into pieces. Soon we ran out of the little savings we had, and I had to tutor school students in addition to my part-time jobs to manage the finances. Still, it was not enough. Being that the reason I opted for a full-time job as soon as I graduated to ensure Emilia could get a good education. I outdone myself in order to get into a good company, but the feeling of the newfound independence is quite good. Emilia is currently studying in high school and she stays there in the school's hostel which led me to shift with my best friend, Kristen. As she went to her hometown for her cousin's wedding ceremony, I could not help but miss her. She's like a sister to me, a sister from another mother. We both studied at the same University where she is still pursuing her master's. I also planned the same as I wanted to complete my higher studies but my fate did not allow me. Reluctantly, I got out of the bed and headed to the small bathroom. Even though our apartment was small, it's tidy and cozy, our little comfort place indeed. After my quick morning routine, I took a refreshing shower. I chose a knee-length black pencil skirt paired with an off-white top for the day, letting my waist-length black hair cascade down my back. I applied a touch of mascara & lip tint. It's not that I don't like make-up but it's not my thing for daily purposes. After grabbing some toast, I hurried out the door and left for the office. Luckily my boss, Kate is genuinely a sweet and warm-hearted person. She is only a few years older than me, yet she carries herself with grace and kindness. Despite her position, I never saw her acting bossy, she always treats everyone with kindness making the office a welcoming one. My shift starts at 9.30 and thankfully, I am not late today. No matter how friendly a Boss might be, everyone expects punctuality from their employees. "Good morning, Miss Knight" I greeted Kate as I saw her passing by. "Come to my office at 10," she said smiling at me to which I simply nodded. "I need you to make ten copies of each document," Kate instructed while handing me a file. "Yes mam," I replied and stepping out of her office, I headed towards the Xerox machine which is on the ground floor. While busy doing my work, I noticed a blue metallic BMW pulling up in front of our office. A tall man in a suit got out of the car and he helped a toddler to get out of the car also. The guards immediately bowed down as he approached followed by the little boy. Upon entering the office, he looked for the receptionist who was not present at that moment. I was standing nearby, just beside the receptionist's place, absorbed in my work when his gaze fell upon me. His eyes were captivating, strikingly handsome in a very masculine way. Towering with a tall stature, he made me feel even smaller. Literally, everyone is taller than me cause I'm only 5'0 but he is over 6' I guessed. He was quite a different person to be looked at, his aura, his presence was somehow exuding a powerful vibe that was both intimidating and intriguing. Geez! Rose, he is with a baby boy most probably he is his father. I was so intimidated looking at him that I did not notice the cute little boy was trying to grab my file. "Have you seen my mom?" He asked looking up at me with wide eyes.: ROSALIA'S POV :"Have you seen my mom?" the little boy asked as he grabbed the file it fell on the ground. It was for my distraction that the documents were scattered on the floor."Come here, Aaron," That man I just saw outside beckoned while coming nearer to grab the child's hand. He did not give me any chance to talk to that little boy. I noticed the employees on the ground floor started to bow down a little to him in an attempt to show respect. Who is he? I was a little curious. He did not even spare a glance back at them. Soon he lifted the little boy in his arms and entered the lift.I saw Jacob coming in my direction. He started helping me to pick up the documents. He is my only good friend in this office. I never had many friends since I was a nerd in school. Jacob is always very helpful."Why are you so clumsy Rose," Jacob said as he handed me the documents he had picked.Honestly, I don't even know myself. "Thank you, Jacob," curiosity got the best of me so I asked," Who
KEVIN'S POVI called my right-hand man John to clear my day's schedule and also asked my Personal Assistant to hand me over the resume of Rosalia Brown.I left Aaron with Kate and went into my office. I have my personal office in every building of Knight Corporation, a personal space to think and plan. I felt the pool to stay in here, a bit longer driven by the desire to meet Rosalia, her eyes and voice already consumed my mind, I needed to do something about that. At lunchtime, I saw her eating lunch with an asshole. I think he is the same guy that helped her to pick up the documents this morning. Isn't he a little too interested in my kitten !?I felt the need to hear her angelic voice one more time so I asked my pa to call her in my office.ROSALIA'S POVI was having lunch with Jacob since he is the only friend I have in the office I always have lunch with him."I didn't know Miss Kate has a son. He is very cute" Jacob said"Yes, he is! " I chirped. I love children. They are very
ROSALIA'S POV I was lying on my bed and trying to distract myself by diving into a novel. But I could not just forget about what happened earlier. Mr. Knight was formidable, but his voice lingered in my mind, impossible to forget. "I expect you to look pretty on that day" Why he would say that? Why does that even matter? I could not deny the fact that he was very handsome and intimidating in a way. I've never felt that nervous in anyone's presence like him. His personality was somehow different. My thoughts were completely occupied by him that night. I couldn't read the novel anymore as sleep took over me. NEXT DAY AT WORK... Miss Kate called me into her office. I knocked on the door and she instructed me to come in. "Miss Brown, I found out that Kevin called you to his office yesterday" "Yes, mam", I replied. "I'd like to know what he discussed with you," She curiously questioned. Even though I didn't realize why she was asking me that, I told her that Mr Knight wanted to
"Well, This includes accompanying me to certain places I want you to go and fulfilling my sexual desires. You will have to be available for me 24×7. Other terms and conditions will be instructed to you soon. And you'll be provided with all the luxuries You can't even think of." What! He wants me to become his prostitute! "I am not that type of girl, sir. I think you got the wrong idea. I'll never do something like that for money." "That doesn't matter, baby. An offer from Kevin Knight can easily change anyone's mind. You should be thankful that I have chosen you. So, I suggest you reconsider it," he proudly shot those words back to me. "What! No.. never! How can you even say something like that? Just because you are rich and powerful that doesn't mean you can trade anything! And take advantage of my misery. I've been through much worse but never used my body for money. I'll never accept your deal. Never. And you are asking me to be thankful. Thankful, my foot! You are just so
'I'm the truth you can never escape' :ROSALIA'S POV: I was lying on my bed scattered and unable to process the things that happened earlier. I was crying so hard that I didn't notice Kristen sitting beside me on the bed. She started gently stroking my hair. "Why didn't you tell me, Rose, what happened in my absence" she sounded very concerned. "It all happened within a day. I just met him twice. I had no clue this was coming. I was about to tell you but I didn't want to spoil your date" I told her everything that happened earlier this. Her jaw dropped after listening to my words. "I was so shocked when I saw him, Rose. He is a very dangerous person. We have to do something. You have to escape the town." "How can I just run away? I don't have enough money or a place to stay. besides his man is outside our apartment," my voice cracked. "You can stay at my house in the upstate. I'll inform my parents. when things cool down you can come back" "But how will I escape f
After some time a huge mansion came into my view. The guards immediately opened the huge front gate. The car stopped in front of the main entrance of the mansion or I should say Palace. Even the exquisite beauty of the place failed to comfort me in that situation. I saw Mr Knight getting out of the car as the man who got me out of the bus earlier opened the door for him. He quickly came to my side and pulled me out of the car by my wrist. "Bring her to the basement, John," he ordered without even looking at him. John nodded to his order and he walked away from us. What are they going to do to me? Lock me up in the basement! Beat me up for trying to run away from him! These thoughts were enough to make me shiver again and again. Soon, John started dragging me towards the backside of the huge mansion. "Where are you taking me? Please help me get out of here" "Please I'm begging you," I requested in vain. John didn't even utter a word to me. And kept dragging me to
ROSALIA'S POV: I have always dreamt of marrying someone who will love, adore and cherish me the most. I've witnessed the downfall of my parents' marriage. The haunting memories of my childhood made me so paranoid. I was always so hungry for love. For just once in my life I wanted to know how it feels to be truly cherished by someone. But things never happen the way I expect. Love is not something that is written in my fate. I guess I'm cursed to die unloved. I had no other option but to give in. The fear of losing my loved ones was much more than the taste of my freedom. I wished Mommy was here to protect me. She would never let this happen. I wish I was strong like you, mother. I saw a tray full of food on the nightstand. I was not in the mood to eat anything. Never running out of tears that night, I cried myself to sleep. THE NEXT DAY... I woke up to a knock on the door. Hoping that someone had brought me food, I asked to come in. A woman in her 30s came in. "Good
The next day Kevin sent me to a salon with Kate. There were two of his men following us. They stood outside the salon. The whole day passed by doing some essential bridal treatment according to Kate. This includes hair and body spa, pedicure, manicure, full body waxing and much more, most of which I had never done before. I was happy that I had not to face Kevin for the entire day. He scares the living daylight out of me. However, my anxiety was growing thinking about the next day, the day of the wedding. If someone had told me just a week ago that I was going to get married I wouldn't have believed that. But there I was ... I was going to marry a cold-blooded mafia who enjoys torturing people to death. I would not be able to forget what I saw until the day I would die. I just hoped Kristen is alright. Hopefully tomorrow, he will let her go. I did all he told me to. Unable to sleep, I was tossing and turning in the giant bed. I have a habit of eating something sweet
• • • Rosalia's POV -------------- "Mumma, what's this?" Reyna, my little curious daughter who is seven now asked out of nowhere, just as I feared last night. Before I could freshen up and put on some concealer on those hickeys from last night, my babies were in my bed. I should have left the bed early. "Looks like the huge spider bit mumma before I killed it yesterday," Rex tried to make sense with his sister. Indeed an indomitable spider it was, I smiled to myself. But wait .. what? "You killed a huge spider yesterday?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at my naughty son, who looked rather proud of his actions. "Yeah, I did. Aaron was so afraid of it. But I killed it for him. I wish I had a gun to eliminate whatever frightens my brother," Rex huffed, puffing out his cheeks. His words sent an unsettling shiver down my spine. "A gun, Rex?" I repeated, brushing a hand through his messy hair. "There are other ways to deal with fear, my son." It bothers me so damn much how
• • • Rosalia's POV -------------- "Do I need to remind this cunt .. who does it belong to?" He seethed in my ear pulling goosebumps all over my naked body. He slightly smirked in victory observing my vulnerability under his dominance. "Answer me, wife!" Kevin pressed again forcing my chin up making me look into the mirror before which I was standing, heaving in my absolute nakedness. It's been nine years since our marriage, Rex and Reyna are seven now, but still, this man is ever possessive as before. His possessiveness and protectiveness of me grow even further with time if that is even possible. There was a guy, insignificant like every other journalist, who was asking for my time for a private interview. Maybe he is fresh in his respective field that's why he's unaware of the fact that I do not do solo interviews, my husband does not allow me to. Kevin utterly hated the way he looked at me being amused like a little smitten guy, and now I'm being reminded of my
. . . After everyone left, Kevin gently scooped Rose into his arms, carrying her up to their bedroom. He then led her to the bathroom where he had prepared a romantic bath, the tub adorned with delicate rose petals and surrounded by the soft glow of scented candles. Gentle, romantic music filled the air and a bottle of fancy wine awaited them. Before Rose could surprise Kevin with the news of her success, she found he had already created this intimate, cosy arrangement just for them to celebrate it. Rose's heart swelled with warmth. No matter how much time passed, Kevin always had a way of making her feel like the most cherished woman in the entire world. It wasn't just the grand gestures, but the small, thoughtful details ....like how he had lit her favourite lavender-scented candles, knowing they relaxed her, or how he had drawn the bath to the exact temperature she liked. After giving birth, her favourites would change every once in a while but Rose could not even guess w
Three years later ___________ REX AND REYNA • • • 'IMPACT' Top 10 Under 30 Most Influential Women of the Year - ROSALIA KNIGHT Rose admired her picture on the glossy magazine cover, her fingers grazing over the newly launched diamond label she had worked tirelessly to establish. The name "Rosalia Knight", printed in bold, elegant letters under the headline, brought a satisfied smile to her lips. She still remembered the first time she had discovered her face in an entertainment column. It had felt surreal, even intrusive. But now... Now, she was a force to be reckoned with. She had carved her own empire, standing tall not only as Kevin Knight's wife but as Rosalia Knight - an influential entrepreneur and a mother of three. Unable to contain her excitement, she ordered the driver to hurry back home. She couldn't wait to brag about her recent ventures in front of her husband. The moment Rose stepped into the grand Knight Mansion, she was greeted by the sound of t
• • • A week passed by and Rose was at home steadily recovering from her postpartum. Her happiness knew no bounds with her babies safe and sound, cherishing beautifully in her arms. She had been deeply concerned about their health due to the premature delivery, but the doctor had assured her that they were perfectly healthy. The anxiety that had clouded her heart during those initial days had slowly dissipated, replaced by immense relief and gratitude. Despite the joy, a shadow of sorrow lingered in her heart. Rose had previously decided to give Maria the honour of naming her babies, acknowledging her invaluable support during the most critical moment of her life. But fate had been merciless. With Maria's tragic passing, the decision had slipped from her grasp. However, she chose to honour another tradition. One that Maria herself had informed her about during her pregnancy. According to the family's old customs, the first born boy and the first born girl would inherit the m
▪⬞▪ Like a fragile bird trapped in a storm, she felt the weight of his presence suffocating her every hope of escape. ▪⬞▪ The Knight family's middle aged consigliere produced some paper and put it on the front table. Two of the maids were standing at a far distance to provide if something was needed. A few men were standing outside the room and Miliani, shaking like a little leaf, was forcefully made to sit beside Daniel. Till then Miliani was fearing if he would force her to marry someone among the men present there but when the fretful realisation gnawed on her that she was about to be wedlocked by the man she could not hold herself stable in front of, it was too overwhelming and intimidating for her to take in. Daniel with his beautiful cursive writing signed the papers almost immediately, he was just a small step away from ascending to the pinnacle of his authority. Should he be bothered by this girl's reluctance and snivels? .. never. He strived hard, fought for year
• • "Is it necessary to play by the rules?" Daniel queried being serious; he relied on Kevin's wisdom for the endeavours he was striving to get even though he craved to behead the Romanos all at once, not caring about any consequences. "It's for the best," Kevin suggested confidently. With Tristian Romano being dead and no one else in his bloodline alive, it empowered the Knights to take control over their territory officially. As their mother, the daughter of one of the founder members, was a Romano by blood which attached them with the authority to acquire the empty position. But the situation was quite risky and perilous, all surrounded by their enemies but Daniel could not care less. He wanted to eliminate the other Romano families and take control over the whole of their territory but Kevin wanted him to cautiously play by their rule first then eventually ascend to the position, he aspires to. Daniel's eyes flashed with resolve as he gave Kevin a curt nod signalling his
•••All his sins, all his misdeeds circled his mind pushing his soul to the verge of damnation. Kevin's breathing grew heavier at that moment. He braced himself for acceding his eternal doom, but a firm determination was flooding through his entire being; he was definitely not surrendering his life in vain, not so easily, not before stoning the security and safety of his love, his Rose. In a heartbeat, Kevin brought out the small pistol that he tactfully hid down in his pants, pushing it halfway into the side of his shoe predicting the extreme adversity that might occur any moment. Three bullets got fired together. From a distant vantage point, Daniel fired without hesitation or a careful aim. The shot struck Tristian's hands, causing him to flinch in his determined aim and Tristian's bullet went astray, driving itself into Kevin's upper leg. At that exact moment, Kevin's own shot found its inevitable mark, piercing straight into Tristian Romano's heart. Tristian grunted ou
Kevin’s world tilted on its axis. He had suspected betrayal, but hearing it from Kate’s own lips was a dagger to the heart. Tristian’s small, evil laughter echoed in the room, a sound devoid of any humanity. He wanted to take advantage of Kevin's most vulnerable moment and Kate served in his favour well. Kevin’s heart pounded with a fierce mixture of fear, rage, and a desperate determination. The day’s harrowing events had driven him to the edge, and the sight of Tristian in his home, holding his family hostage like the Romanos did in the past and his own sister shaping all these behind his back pushed him over. He wanted to reach out and throttle Tristian, to make him pay for every ounce of pain he and his family had inflicted on Kevin and his family. But with Kate standing between them, the path to vengeance was blocked. For the first time ever in his life, Kevin felt his fingers shaking on the trigger. "Kate, you know, you don’t have to do this," Kevin implored, his voice raw w