CHARLOTTE'S POVI looked around the well-furnished office, and I couldn't help but swell with pride. It was cozy and smelled amazing. Ricky had always been a clean freak so this is no surprise.Come to think of it, he and Owen were alike in many ways. How they didn't get along is still very surprising.“When did you get back, Ricky?” I asked as he placed a cup of coffee in front of me and I gave him a grateful smile.“Last week. I was asked to resume work as soon as possible, so here I am.” He replied as he took a sip of his coffee and I mimicked his movement.“I never knew that you worked here. Looks like the military was good to you. See how handsome you look! I wanna ruffle your hair but it's too short now.” I pouted and he chuckled.“You've changed a lot, Sugarplum. I was only gone for three years and now you're all grown up. I went back to the house to look for you but couldn't find you. That's when I heard that your parents died and that you disappeared after that. I tried searc
OWEN'S POV“I got his information like you asked me to.” I heard Ethan say over the phone and I hummed for him to go on while I stared out the window.Shouldn't I be worried? She isn't back yet and I didn't trust that rude guy one bit.“His name is Kendrick Stones. He is 31, and he is the only child of Charlotte's mother's brother.” He explained and I frowned.“Charlotte's uncle?”“Yes, but he's deceased. So is his wife. Kendrick served in the military for three years and returned last week Wednesday. He's a single dude but he has a daughter. His wife divorced him four years ago and left him with the kid.” He explained and I let out a sigh.“From what I found, he's always treated Charlotte as his younger sister since he didn't have one. I think it's pretty understandable that he's protective of Charlotte.”“He didn't have to be that rude,” I said grumpily and he snorted.“You have to bear with it.”“Wait, you said he's 31? I'm actually older than that dude! And he's speaking to me lik
OWEN'S POVI turned around in fear to look at who screamed and I realized it was Mirabel. She struggled to get off her dad and when she finally did, she ran up to me and blinked cutely.“Why did you scream like that?” I asked in worry as I knelt to her height and she smiled apologetically.“I didn't want you to go yet. How will I reach you again, handsome uncle?” She asked and I let out a sigh of relief.“Don't do something like that again okay? I was scared that something had happened to you.” I cautioned and she nodded, a sad look on her face. I let out a sigh as I dipped my hand into my pocket and brought out my business card.“Here. You can call me on the phone number. Is that okay?” I handed it to her and she squealed happily as she threw herself in my arms before she pulled away.I stood up, and she ran back to her dad; then she turned to me and smiled.“See you again, handsome uncle!” She shouted as she waved at me and I waved back.“Bye, little angel.”“She got attached to you
CHARLOTTE'S POVI stared at my reflection in the mirror as I peeled off the bandages on my skin. My tears fell silently as I inspected the wounds on my chest. It doesn't sting anymore.But what stings is the fact that I'm now bruised and battered. How would I face Owen after this? What if he hates me because of this? What if he finds me ugly?So many what-ifs and whys ran through my head. Why did this happen to me? Why me?When I took off all the bandages, I couldn't stifle the sob that wrecked out of me. My arms were designed with ugly red cuts that ran all the way to my wrist.“He wouldn't love you anymore. You're damaged just like Michael wanted. He's gonna hate you for sure.” I said to myself in the mirror as I cried softly.The thought of Owen looking at me in disgust and hatred caused my heart to clench tight in pain, and I let out a painful gasp as my sobs became louder.I placed a hand over my mouth so that Owen wouldn't hear me but my heart sank when I heard a knock on the ba
OWEN'S POVI watched as she slept peacefully in my arms, my hand stroking her arms that were wrapped around me like she was holding onto life support. I don't mind being her life support, she was my life support.I gently traced the marks on her delicate skin, earning a soft gasp from her and she snuggled into me even more.“I would make him pay for everything. It wouldn't help you heal, but it would at least quench the fire of anger in me.” I whispered as I gently pried her hands off me and placed a pillow in her arms instead.I hope I'm back before she wakes up. She was pretty knocked out after our crazy session in the bathroom and a chuckle escaped my lips when I remembered how wild it was.The bathtub, under the shower, the sink, in front of the mirror just to show her how perfect she was… That was the wildest we've ever done.I quietly walked across the room and threw some clothes on, preferably black. I had to give off this gangster aura to intimidate Michael.“Owen… Stay…” I he
CHARLOTTE'S POVI felt their eyes on me, mocking me. Their gazes were full of disdain, mockery, and disgust. I wanted to shrink up and hide somewhere where no one would ever find me.“You're ugly.”No, Owen said I'm not.“Who would love a girl like you with ugly scars?”Owen said I was perfect. He said he loved me.“He will dump you soon.”He- he won't. Right?“You don't deserve him!”I started to cry as I placed my hands over my ears and tried to block out their harsh words because I was beginning to believe them.“I love you.” I heard Owen's voice call out to me, and I looked around, but I couldn't find him. The disdainful voices started talking again and I tried to focus on Owen's voice instead.He loves me. He told me that he loved me. He would never lie to me.My eyes flew open and I let out a breath of relief when I realized I was in our bedroom. I turned to look at Owen when I realized he wasn't beside me and my heart dropped. Did he leave me?“Owen?” I called out as I got out
OWEN'S POVTorturing people was never something I considered to be fun. It was a sick and twisted horrific game and I loathed it with all passion.But the moment the bat in my hand came in contact with Michael's shoulder and he cried out in pain, I felt a bliss that I never knew existed.“You're a monster!” He yelled out in pain and I rolled the bat in my hand, a smile forming on my face as I turned to Ethan.He was staring at me wide-eyed and then he raised his thumb at me like he was very impressed.“Is this the rise of the Mafia billionaire?” He asked in shock and I chuckled as I ran my hand over my hair, scattering it in the process.“Is it just me or is it hot in here?” I asked as I unbuttoned the first two buttons of my shirt and then turned back to Michael.He was groaning in pain, and no, I'm not a sadist, but I felt happy to know that I could cause him pain the same way he did to my wife. Maybe even worse.Just as I was about to swing the bat again, the door was pushed open,
OWEN'S POV“Little angel, listen to me and stay calm. Do you know where you are?” I said into the phone and Charlotte stared at me wide-eyed.“Yes. A big hotel. There is a very loud sound and people are shouting. I'm scared, handsome uncle.” She cried and just as I was about to respond, she hung up.“Dang it! Ethan, make him talk before I get back.” I ordered as I rushed out of the warehouse, and Charlotte followed behind me, her expression full of panic and worry. I turned to her and held her shoulders.“Wifey, listen to me, you have to go home and wait for me, okay? I'll be back before you know it.” I said quickly and she shook her head as she held my arms.“No, I can't go back home! I have to come with you. That's my cousin we're talking about!” She yelled.“Listen to me! We're wasting time! Just go home okay? Please.” I pleaded but she wouldn't listen as she started to cry.“Please hubby, I'm begging you, let me come with you. I won't rest till I see they're fine.” She cried and I