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 meet me outside of the office. She seemed taken aback by my words. She didn't say anything about that and ordered me to leave. After coming back from the office I watered my plants. I love plants. I don't have much though. I don't have sufficient space in my apartment for them. I wish to grow my collection bigger real soon. Then I made dinner and ate alone. I miss Kristen so much. I don't like living alone. I've so much to talk to her. I texted her asking when is she coming back. Tomorrow is Sunday and I'm hella nervous about meeting Mr knight. After completing my night routine, I eventually drifted off to sleep. THE NEXT DAY ... When I wake up, the first thing I do is check my phone. I received two texts; one brought a smile to my face, while the other one sent shivers down my spine. Hey bestie, I'm coming back today... I've so much gossip to do... I also invited Matt over for dinner. We'll have so much fun today. Can't wait to meet you 🥺🥺 love ya 😘 - Kristen Cafe Royale bistro, 5 pm sharp. - unknown number It must be Mr Knight's PA I assumed. I did not reply to that and texted back to Kristen that I, too, was excited about our little dinner party. Matt is Kristen's boyfriend. They have been dating since the first year of college. They are an adorable couple. He comes over to our place once in a while. We have two bedrooms in our apartment ... so it's no issue. Time passed by real quick. I took a shower before carefully choosing a white knee-length dress and matching it with a pair of white high heels. Even though I don't own many dresses I took quite a long time to choose that. I did light makeup and kept my hair open. It was almost 5 as I reached the given location. The cafe looked so luxurious and fancy. All the people, even the receptionist, were wearing expensive outfits. As I entered I saw a man coming in my direction. He directed me towards the table where Mr knight was waiting for me. I saw Mr Knight looking handsome as always. "Have a seat," He said in a commanding tone, as always, and I took a seat across from him. "You look adorable, Rosalia" He complimented. "T..thank you, sir" I barely muttered as I felt flustered at his unexpected words. As the server arrived to serve our dishes and beverages, he ordered all of it before my arrival, I couldn't help but feel a rush of nerves at being in Mr. Knight's presence. "Here, have a drink," he offered, handing me a glass. "Sorry but I don't really like alcohol," I replied politely. He chuckled softly, "Then let me order something else for you." "No need, sir. I'll just have water," I insisted. Turning the conversation, he asked, "So, tell me about yourself, Rosalia" "I... I don't really have much to say, sir," I stumbled over my words, feeling the weight of being under his direct gaze and I also could not understand the reason behind his unexpected interest in me. "What do you usually do on weekends?" He inquired as I felt his curiosity increased over me. But the authority he held in his tone left no power in me to not answer. "I visit an orphanage in our neighbourhood to spend some time with the kids," I answered. A soft smile touched my lips at the thought of the children. "Good. And your family?" He asked further. "My best friend, Kristen and my younger sister are the only people I have," I answered. Then to my surprise and discomfort, he asked, "Don't you have a boyfriend?" That question caught me off guard and I hesitated before I answered, "N..no sir" The next question he asked left me speechless and blushing furiously, "Are you a virgin? " I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment as I struggled to find the right words. "S...sir, why are you..... "I couldn't finish as he cut me off sternly. "Just answer my question," he snapped firmly. Feeling utterly exposed, I managed to say, "Yes... Yes, I am." I saw him smiling lightly. I looked down at my lap as I could not bring myself to meet his gaze anymore, feeling a mix of humiliation, embarrassment and confusion, wishing I could just vanish into thin air. "Rosalia, I wanted to meet you because I have a proposal for you." "W..what is it, sir?" I managed to question. "Look, Rosalia, I'll be very straightforward with you. The thing is that I want you to be my personal assistant. However, there are some more conditions. I'll expect some special services from you also. And, you don't have to worry about the money. You'll be given at least ten times more than your current salary." I was really confused. What was he trying to say? "What kind of special services sir?" I saw him smirking."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
THIRD-PERSON POV:The day of the wedding had arrived, which Rosalia never wanted, but Kevin could not wait to get over with. The wedding was arranged in one of the luxury hotels owned by Kevin. The venue was heavily guarded. Any kind of media coverage, even taking pictures by the guests, was strictly prohibited. Kevin's men made sure of that. Rosalia was sitting in the bridal suite where the makeup artists and stylists sent by Kevin were busy preparing her for the big day. She was already dressed in the backless wedding gown. The make-up artist gave a teasing smile to Rosalia while covering the hickey on her neck which Kevin gave her last night. She felt embarrassed. Even though Rosalia never expected her wedding to be this extravagant, she was not happy at all. She would have been the happiest bride if she could marry someone she loved. She always had this fantasy to marry out of love which was crashing down with each passing minute. She was feeling extremely worried for
Everyone in the crowd was clapping and cheering for them. It was now time for the reception. The reception hall was beautifully decorated. Rosalia was spellbound by the beauty of the place. Emilia came dancing towards her sister with a huge smile on her face and pecked her cheeks many times. "I can't believe you are married, Rose. I never imagined your wedding to be this beautiful. Mommy would have been so happy if she could see that you are married to someone like Kevin. I'm so happy for you Rose. May God bless this marriage." Emilia hugged her sister. Rosalia never wanted to harm her Sister with her brutal reality. She played along with Emilia and asked her to eat as much as she wanted. For the first dance, Rosalia followed Kevin's lead. Soon other couples joined them. The cake-cutting ceremony was also done nicely as they cut a beautifully designed flower-themed cake. Kevin kept dragging Rosalia with him all the time. It was becoming extremely painful for her to keep w
'I taste you And I feel I've been starving' : ROSALIA'S POV :Kevin sent me home with his bodyguards. Maybe he thought I was trying to run away. I was happy that I did not have to stay there any longer. He told me that he would come later because he had some important business to take care of. I wished whatever his important business was, it kept him occupied the entire night. I got rid of the heavy wedding gown and painful high heels. It took almost half an hour to remove the heavy makeup from my face. I decided to take a nice hot bath to relax my mind. I walked into the closet, wrapping a towel to change into a PJ, but I couldn't find any. There was only lacy underwear and extremely revealing and short lingerie. Where are the PJs I have been wearing for the past few days? I searched for too long but to no avail. Giving in, I put on a brown silk nightgown which was thin and showing cleavage. Luckily, it had a matching robe, which I was thankful for. I was standing b
• • • 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