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Chapter 4: wedding bells
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2024-08-01 22:30:55"You look beautiful.'' The lady doing her makeup said to her and Bernice smiled as she swirled before the mirror. Her mermaid style wedding dress made her look so beautiful.
Days ago she was trying to make ends meet, a poor and struggling waitress and now the bride to the richest man in all of Italy. The woman before her in the mirror was nothing like her. She was so beautiful and could even pass out for an Empress. Who says that luck can't shine on anyone it wants to. "On a scale of 1 to 10 rate my wedding dress," she said to the waitress. "I will give it a 100 over 10." The beautician said and Bernice threw her head back and laughed at what she had done to both Ethan and Olivia. Taking the glass of vodka, she took a sip. "Ma'am I think we should start getting you ready because the driver will come and pick you up soon." "Yes I know ."she said, giving herself one last look in the mirror and smiled . She was still admiring herself in the mirror when there was a knock on the door and it was pushed open. She turned to see that it was Ethan and without saying anything she poured herself another glass of vodka. "I would like you to excuse us." she said to the beauticians who immediately left, leaving them alone. "And who asked you to open it?" she barked at him. "I thought we had already had this conversation already ,so why are you back here?" "I came to see you for the final time as my girlfriend, before you become my aunt." he said sarcastically She took another sip from the glass and nodded at him . "That was so thoughtful of you so you can get going now and also let me drop a little piece of advice for you, if you take your job as the best man very seriously who knows ...."she shrugged ." It might be your wedding soon. " She laughed as she whirled the wine in the glass. If the word anger was a person that was definitely Ethan, he looked as if he wanted to explode but he kept his tongue in cheek. "So do you have anything else to say to me? As you can see, I'm a bride and I will soon get ready to meet my husband." "I don't have anything to say." He said, his tone was tinged with a little anger ." But don't you think about getting married to an...." Before he could finish he had something hot and stinging land on his cheeks and he almost fell back on his feet . "I will not let you stand before me and insult me and my husband. "She said as she gave him a dirty look. "If you haven't betrayed me and stabbed me in the back I won't be doing this. " And with that, she pushed him out of her way as she left the room in a hurry. Immediately she came down the stairs the driver got the door open and she got in, he started the car and they began to race to the cathedral. She rested her head on the headrest trying to think and that was when she saw another car zoom past them. She recognizes it as Ethan's. Good for him but she thought to herself, he had better get there before her to act as the best man . Soon, the car pulled up to the cathedral, and the crowd she saw mesmerized her. what was she thinking, she was getting married to Italy's richest man. Cameras flashed as bouncers tried to push back the crowd as she walked into the church. And there, far ahead standing with the priest was the man she was getting married to, the man who could lead her to the ladder of success and wealth, to give her the power for revenge. He smiled at her and Ethan was there but he quickly looked away. She stood facing him as the priest recited the vows for him. "I do,"he said. The priest turned to her . "Do you Bernice Elizabeth Francisco take Rafael Ricardo Fernandez as your lawfully wedded husband to love and to obey, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" And it was at this moment that she realized what had happened ,everyone was waiting for her but as she swallowed hard and look at Ethan ,she remembered the love they both shared and all the memories came flowing back. And from the corners of her eyes, she could see him staring at her, silently begging her not to do what she had in mind. But he had betrayed her trust, he had stabbed her in the back,he had taken her for granted, threw their love and stamped on it. The priest repeated the vows and while he waited for her to say something everyone in the hall began to murmur. She never knew that this part of the wedding would be so hard for her to let go but she was doing it for the money and for revenge. She gave one silent look to Ethan who turned away trying to avoid her gaze "What is going on?" she heard Rafael ask "Don't you dare back out now." He said in a hushed tone."We have come a long way for you to do this. " She glanced at Ethan and wondered if he was going to tell Rafael about the affair. And if he finds out, what was he going to do anyways . She cast it out of her mind and she remembered how hurt she was. She looked at the priest with pain in her eyes as he repeated the vows for the fourth time. Looking at Ethan, she sealed her fate "I do," she said in a small voice.Related chapters
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As soon as they stepped out of the Lamborghini that drove them home she already felt so tired she wanted to go to bed as soon as possible. "Welcome home my darling wife ."Rafael said to her, taking her hand into his as they walked into the mansion. It took a long time for Ethan to go in and as soon as they got in, the staff who had been waiting for them exploded into cheers and clapping as the congratulations rented the air. While all the staff dispersed, Bernice could swear that Ethan's piercing gaze was still on her.He has been feeling so uncomfortable all this while. He still couldn't believe that she was married to his uncle. "I think I'd rather start going home immediately ."Raphael glanced at his wristwatch."We just got back from the reception, don't you think it's quite late for you to go back to your apartment?"At the world apartment Bernice raised her eyebrows and she gave Ethan a funny look .If only Rafael knew that he had no place to call his home, that he had gamb
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The honeymoon had barely worked for Bernice. Rafael and I had been gone only a week, whisked to the Amalfi Coast, with citrus floating in the air, waves setting against the cliffs playing melodies. That was until his empire called him back home. Who was she to argue with a man who gave her everything and more than she could ask for?They pulled into the mansion, hardly the sun over the horizon. A warm dawn greeted them back in Rome. Bernice hardly slept during the flight, the previous night as the quiver had run all through the night. Rafael's hand found Bernice as they strolled around the long driveway."I have something special for you, my love," Rafael murmured, sudden softness in his voice that shocked her to the core against all expectations.She turned to him with a sleepy smile. "You've already given me so much more than I ever could have asked for, Raf."He laughed softly. "And yet… I did promise you a car, didn't I? And I always keep to my word.Yes you do, Always. Bernice sa
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The leather beneath the chair in which Bernice sat was smooth and cool, much like the life one will slip into so easily. She eased back a bit, letting the soft hum of engines murmur with her mind as she let the world slide by her window, blurring into green, blue, and gray striations. Her reflection stared back at her, a woman in charge now, covered in the type of luxury she had never imagined. Now the mansion, the clothes, the jewels were hers. None of it could turn her mind away from the real reason that she married Rafael—revenge.And the smile stayed on her lips. It didn't waver as she sipped that champagne Rafael had poured for her, filled with admiration and maybe love in his eyes. Ironically, this man had everything: money, power, looks. And he was now totally at her mercy. He didn't know; he had become but a pawn in her game, the tool to punish those who wronged her.When it pulled up in front of the boutique, Bernice turned to find Rafael typing furiously on his phone—no doub
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The heat appeared to cling to Bernice, even here inside the mansion. It was hard to rid herself of the tension that had built up during the drive with her. Every minute crawled like hours, with her innocence grating on my nerves like sandpaper, and each further mistake jabbed at his patience. By the time they ran into Olivia, he was hanging on by a thread; the edges starting to fray at the seams with every passing second.Ethan stormed down the hallway, hardly noticing the servants who scurried out of his way. His head was such a jumbled tangle of anger and frustration. He needed space, a moment to breathe, a moment to clear his head. But that moment never arrived."Ethan.His feet stopped at the sound of her voice. He turned slowly, every muscle of his body tightening as his gaze met Olivia's. She was standing at the main door entrance, a portrait in calmness, a small smile playing on her lips as if she hadn't just thrown a grenade into my day. He had wanted to avoid her, just wante
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"Round two, Ethan," Bernice giggled, smacking the chair as she buckled her seatbelt. Late sun rays dived through the car windows into a huge affectionate embrace.His fingers clamped harder around the rim of the steering wheel, and his clenched jaw gripped even tighter. He had been trying all morning to evade this, but for Bernice, another driving class was a must. Until he finally snapped, he said, "Can't you see, Bernice? It is time you ask for another instructor; this is not funny anymore, and I am tired of your games."Bernice waved the complaint off and smiled. "Never, Ethan, you're doing just fine. Besides, I just love these small moments we spend together."Ethan heaved a sigh of frustration, and his fingers started drumming up and down the wheel. "You cherish these moments, huh? Maybe you just like driving me nuts.""Maybe," Bernice teased, a twinkle in the eyes. "But it's your job, isn't it? To teach me stuff.""To teach you?" he growled, "or to endure this torture?" and Bern
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"Ethan, you're delusional."Rafael's tone was scornful as he rolled his eyes away, rocking back in his chair with a glass of whiskey clutched between fingers. Ethan sat across from him. Animosity stretched across the table from him. The room was black and the fire dancing in the fireplace threw undulating shadows across the walls."It's not a delusion," Ethan persisted, his voice measured but razor-edged. "I've seen the way she looks at him, the way they interact. Bernice isn't loyal to you, Rafael. She's using you."Rafael's jaw flexed, but he didn't speak right away. He swirled the whiskey around his glass. His narrowed eyes considered Ethan's words. "And you're telling me this out of the kindness of your heart?"His body tipped forward, his eyes locked onto Ethan's. "I'm telling you this because you deserve to know the truth. You don't care about Bernice, but you care about your reputation. You really want to be that fool whom everybody is laughing at behind closed doors?"His eyes
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"Thanks for the ride, Liam," Bernice said, finally outside the car and offering him a gracious, warm smile."Anytime, Bernice," Liam told her, his eyes loitering a bit on her for one last moment before he nodded. "Take care of yourself, okay?”She nodded and waved after him as he pulled away. It had been nice, just a quiet dinner with Liam and talking about life. She did feel a little lighter, but strange unease had settled in her chest as she made her way up the drive to the house she shared with Rafael.A cold draft hit Bernice in the face as she pushed open the front door. The only sound in the house was that of the refrigerator. She stepped inside, then stopped to listen to the thudding of her heart, waiting for Rafael's voice to call her name, but there was nothing."Rafael?" she called, peering across the semifull/dim living room. She could make out his outline sitting on the couch, staring at a blank television screen. "Rafael, I'm back."He didn't move, didn't even turn in the
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"Where is Rafael?" Bernice demanded, tones quivering with anger and desperation, as she finally turned to face him. Indeed, she had not even bothered blotting the tears still staining her cheeks. "I'm not signing anything until I see him."Ethan's face remained ice, unconvinced by the rebellious act. There he stood, aloof, gazing at her, as he had a few minutes earlier-with his hand clutched to the divorce papers. "Bernice, this is no subject for discussion. Rafael does not wish to see you; he has decided.".Bernice shook her head, unreceptive. "Then he can come and tell me that himself," she returned. "I deserve to hear it from him. If he wants me out of this house, then he'll have to look me square in the eye and tell me why."Ethan squared his jaw, ticking his face in frustration for a second. "You're making everything way harder than it has to be," he threatened, coming nearer in a low, dangerous tone.Bernice didn't twitch. "No," she said firmly, tightly securing her face with he
Last Updated : 2024-08-15
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His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 165
The chandeliers of the mansion were bright and starlike, splashing golden light upon varnished floors, Bunches of flowers scented the atmosphere as one heard the sound of reverberating laughter and music across the halls and jingling sounds that waiters made around the crowds with flutes of fine champagnes and hors d'oeuvres on their trays."Is everything ready for the toast?" Rafael demanded from one of the serving people. Authority was in his voice while his eyes played around the room."Yes, sir. Champagne is ready and so are the musicians," he said with a slight bow and scurried away.Rafael turned his eyes on Bernice, standing near the middle of the room in her glittering emerald gown. She covers it quite well, yet he manages to see right through it, to the scared smile below. Rafael moved to her, threaded an arm reassuringly around the nape of her lower back."You look lovely tonight," he whispered softly, clear into her ear."Thanks," she whispered, looking into the hall. "I ju
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 164
Sheets of rain lashed outside a small café across Liam's apartment complex as Alexander sat nursing coffee that was already cold, which he had not touched. His gaze turned out the door expecting Liam to walk in. Hoping he got his text. The anchoring weight on this day further depressed his body. The sound of defeat played out in his head until the door finally swung open, and Liam came in with drips coming off his umbrella."Alexander," he said, shock mingling with the sudden sobering of his tone. "Never thought I'd be coming in here to find you of all people waiting. What's up?"Alexander motioned to the empty chair opposite him. "Sit down. I need someone to talk to, and you're the perfect person at the moment.”Liam raised one eyebrow but did as instructed, tugging his coat off and hooking it over the back of the chair. "This does sound serious. Let me take a guess, it's about Bernice."Alexander exhaled with a heavy sigh, and the strain in his voice betrayed him. "It is always ab
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 163
"Two daddies?" Luca echoed, his voice full of wonder. "Does that mean we get two birthday parties too?"In the naivety of the question, a small, bitter laugh was dragged from Bernice. "Oh, sweetheart…", she started, but her words caught in her throat as tension pulled thick in the air.Rafael hunched down beside him, his features soft but strained. "It means you'll always have more people who love you. But I'm your father, Luca. You and Mia…you're my everything.”Luca looked up at him and furrowed his little brow as the meaning of Rafael's words digested. "But Uncle Alex takes care of us. Is he not our daddy too?"Mia stared at them, clutching her stuffed animal tightly. "Uncle Alex is fun…is he still our daddy?"Alexander had been leaning quietly against the wall until now; he stepped forward, his face composed, an edge laced in his voice. "I'll always be here for you, just like I always have been. But…," he paused, his eyes flicking to Bernice before he finished, "…your real father
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The shrill ringtone of Rafael’s phone broke through the tense silence. Bernice flinched, startled from her thoughts as Rafael answered. His expression, initially sharp, softened slightly as he listened.“She’s awake?” His voice carried a mix of relief and urgency. “We’re on our way.”Bernice’s heart leaped at his words. “Mia?”Rafael nodded, snapping his phone shut. “The hospital called. She’s asking for you.”Without waiting for another word, Rafael pulled Bernice to his car, started the engine and pressed the gas pedal, speeding toward the hospital. Alexander’s car followed close behind, his headlights glaring in the rearview mirror like unspoken accusations.“I’ll need to explain things to her and Luca” Bernice murmured, her voice trembling as she twisted her hands in her lap."You will get the chance," Rafael replied tightly, his eyes fixed on the road. "But it is no longer just about you. It's time the kids knew the truth."Bernice's chest tightened; she wanted to argue but knew
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 161
"Gate 27B. Last call for flight 489 to São Paulo," the calm, automated voice echoed over the airport intercom.Detective Marcus was concealed behind a pillar, his striking eyes scouring the busy terminal. So excited, he could hardly contain his accelerating heartbeat. He then glanced at his watch-just at this time, Olivia's got to pop up. Every single lead, each and every crumb-into which he had looked-intimidated him before it all boiled down into this. Marcus reached for his radio."All units, Gate 27B. This one's not going to make it," ordered Marcus.Across the terminal, Olivia sashayed confidently through the crowd, arm linked with a man whose face bore a cruel smirk—Sebastian Reyes, the man who had framed Bernice three years ago. They looked relaxed, like a couple off on a romantic getaway. Olivia's sunglasses shielded her eyes, but her smile was bold, too bold. She believed she had won.“They really thought they could stop us?" Sebastian whispered, his hand tightly squeezing
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 160
"Run the footage again," Rafael ordered sharply, voice as keen as a razor. Fingers clasping the edge of his desk, white-knuckled. His assistant Gabriel blinked and then replayed the security footage on Rafael's big office screen.Rafael's eyes narrowed as the figure coming into view was one he could never mistake: his nephew, Ethan. Wearing a sharp suit, Ethan navigated the restricted areas within the company with confidence. It wasn't just access to the right places that remained an outstanding thing but what he was doing with it."There," Rafael pointed. "Pause it.Gabriel froze the footage; Ethan slipped a small USB drive into the server room. "We thought it was a cyber-attack," Rafael whispered, his quiet tone boiling with anger beneath. "It was him all along."Gabriel nodded grimly. "It matches perfectly with the timeline of events. Every major breach happened after he had entered the server room.Rafael leaned back, running a hand over his face. His heart pounded with a mixture
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 159
"Is everyone in position?" Rafael's voice sliced the tense air like a knife as his eyes scrutinised the dimly lit industrial warehouse ahead.Detective Marcus adjusted his earpiece. "Yes. My team has got the perimeter covered. When they hand over Luca, we move in."Rafael's jaw clamped down as he turned to Alexander and Liam. Both of them stood close, their faces taut and resolute. For once, they had the same purpose in mind.Alexander shifted weight. "This better work. If anything happens to Luca-""It won't," Rafael cut in. His tone was final. "We will get my son back tonight.""Your son?" Alexander sneered. "Don't forget Bernice's stake in this thing. She is the only one here holding things together while you play the hero."Rafael's eyes darkened. "This isn't the time for petty arguments. Luca's life is at stake."Liam's voice cut in them, raising a hand. "Enough. We focus on the rescue. Settle your issues later."There was no sound for a moment, but for the distant thrum of the c
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 158
"Pass the salt, mi amor," Rafael said in a low voice, never once taking his gaze off Bernice's face.It was this note that made Bernice blink. They sat opposite to each other at the wide, dining table-the candle flame leaping, squirming across its brilliant facets between them. But she said nothing, merely pushed the salt toward him with extended fingers, which touched his with glancing fingers, and, for an instant, all bitterness over, his eyes melted almost down; moved her so that she"Thanks, dear," he stammered, his curled lip twisting into a small warm smile.Madam, the head housekeeper, watched them across the room in silent pleasure. She had worked for the Fernandez family for years and had practically witnessed their rollercoaster love affair up and down. And for the first time in years, she saw them finally together again."I'm so happy to see you both like this," Madam whispered softly.Before Bernice could get a word out, one of the younger maids entered with a tray of win
His uncle's sweetheart Chapter 157
"Are you sure you'll be fine by yourself?" Rafael asked as his hand rested on Bernice's waist, standing by the car outside the hospital. His touch was warm, familiar, and far too comforting for Bernice's liking."I'm fine, Rafael," Bernice said finally, though conviction eluded her tone. She stepped back, releasing his hold.Rafael laughed low, a knowing kind of sound. "You did that very same thing last night, remember? Right before you-""Stop." Bernice's eyes went wide as she scanned the car park, her cheeks ablaze with color. She did not need to be reminded how she let her guard down.His teasing grin deepened. "What, before you told me you loved me?""I didn't mean it," she muttered without looking his way.“Are you sure about that?" Rafael leaned in, his lips brushing her ear. "Because it sounded pretty real when you said it in my arms."Her breath hitched, and she shoved him lightly. "Go to work, Rafael."He laughed, stepping back but not before giving her one last, long look. "
