The Marketing department is already empty except for her and Cheryl. The latter decided to stay after knowing she will stay late to finish her timetable for the day. It's actualy true, but more than the task she wants to finish, she doesn't want to go back to Xander's empty place. Yes, without him it's empty. Her mood immensely improves after calling Nico earlier but as the night progress, the emptiness is slowly returning. From blankly staring at the screen, her gaze averted outside where Cheryl is working on her computer. It's almost eight in the evening and her stomach is rambling. She is hungry. With the news she got from Xander earlier, she lost her appetite for any kind of snack. She also refused the coffee Collins prepared for her. She is so distraught to eat or even drink. And now her stomach is complaining. Without any ideas flowing in her usual brilliant brain, she turned off her computer and pick up her stuff. It's time to call it a day. "Aren't you hungry? Let's grab
It's already midday the next day, but the phone she got last night remains at peace without a call or message from him. The contact list is empty and she doesn't know what to do with it. She brought it into the office and places it beside her laptop. From time to time, she would glance at it, expecting something to happen."You're wasting your time, Skye" Burying her face into her palms, she whispers. She cannot seem to concentrate and it's because of the phone lying on her table. She admits it or not, she has been waiting for him to call or even just a message. She misses him and it's not even a day they are away from each other. Until it was lunch time but she receives nothing. Like yesterday she just went to the cafeteria and choose the same spot. However, unlike yesterday, some men greet her when she enters until she orders her food. They are cordial to be dismissed. She keeps her manners and greets them back. Some even stayed for a while to introduce themselves and exchange a
"Are we, Director?" Chuckling, Zachary playfully acquires the older woman's affirmation. "Don't amplify the already blazing fire with your chivalry, Mr. Simon" Without reticence, she casually mutters before the Director could respond and misunderstood the entire situation. "Hahaha. You're no fun, Miss Monticello" he smirks at the end. Being in the confines of the Director's office no one heard the reason for VP Simon's laughter. "This is purely a business dinner, Director. I don't plan to be roasted alive in this company before I could even fulfill my task" turning to the Director, she casually explains. "The night is not covered by the official office hours, Miss Monticello. Anyone could assume" A snickering smile carve the side of the Director's lips. "Well, let's extend my working hours today, Director. And you will be the approving superior for my overtime. This dinner will be an official function" undeterred by the implications thrown at her, she casually announces. "You'r
She just finished her nightly routine and was about to get in bed when the new phone vibrates again. "You're back home?" Xander's deep voice brought excitement to her tired limbs. "Yes. I'm in bed now" Snuggling into his pillow, she heaves a contented sigh. It's his smell on the pillow that accompanies her nights without him. "I'm still in the office. I just have five minutes before meeting the engineers" he languidly says."What are you wearing? Turn on the Facetime" She could hear the rustling when he shifted on his seat. And as he ordered, she turns on the camera. "Let me see you" He instructed.Like an obedient girl, she removes the thick blanket covering her. Slowly, she moves the camera from her face down to her entire body. "Gorgeous as always" he huskily whispers while intently watching her wearing a flimsy attire on the screen. To show him more, she moves the camera farther, and with her one leg folded, she poses while on her back. Her entire figure is displayed for his
Clad in tan color tailored shorts and a low neckline sleeveless cream color button top, she pairs it with signature heeled boots she found among the clothes delivered yesterday. "I love this outfit. Whoever is preparing these clothes, we have the same taste in wardrobe" Checking herself in the mirror, she smiles at her reflection. Her tiny dimples are showing at the sides of her pinkish lips, while her eyes disappear whenever she smiles, making her more charming. "I've never dreamt of wearing this collection every day. But I'm not complaining. It's simply superb" she giggles while turning around in front of the mirror. "Well, enjoy while it lasts" She gave herself another charming smile before grabbing the long sleeve coat that would complete her outfit. Today she wears an elegant three-piece business suit that gave her a model vibe. She just let her hair down, styled in huge curls at the ends. While a pearl earring adorns her ears, the only jewelry she wears. Her neck is bare of a
Skye is in deep slumber and dreaming a good dream. She even smiles while snuggled in a warm embrace. The dream is too real she could hear the steady breathing and feel the warm breath fanning her forehead. With a contended smile, she moves closer to nuzzle the warmth but bumped her face. Waking her from her dream. But then she realized, someone is tightly hugging her for real.Her eyes snap open. Indeed someone is hugging her. But she could clearly remember, she went to bed alone last night. She is busy mentally panicking when her muddled sleepy senses caught the familiar scent. "You are back?" Despite seeing him still asleep, she excitedly asks while looking up at him. Xander is back. Her smile widens. She lost the sleepiness she just had earlier. She is fully awake. "You're back" She happily exclaims again while peppering his neck with kisses. She misses him so much and she can't help but shower him with kisses. "Hmmm... it's so early. Why are you so noisy?" Sleepily, he whin
With hands covering her neck, her gaping eyes quickly averted to Xander. Failing her facade. And Zachary saw the distressed look she gave Xander. But before anyone could say a thing, the elevator door opens. They reached her floor. "It's your floor, Miss Monticello" His casualness is disconcerting.The two security with them step out and took their spot on both sides of the door. However, she hesitates to step outside. She can't go out without making certain she is decent. "It was meant as a joke, Miss Monticello. Nothing is on your neck" After seeing her distress, Zachary mutters. Though relieved, hearing his amendment horrified her. What is he trying to do? "I don't think your man will put you in an awkward predicament while wearing his marks" he added while staring at her gaping eyes. "What can you say, CEO Wright?" Zachary casually turns to him. If Skye is horrified by Zachary's boldness, Xander meets his gaze with an unamused one. With all the emotional turmoil Zachary i
While she gaped at him, motionless, everyone scurried to leave except for Collins, Zachary, and his assistant. "I said, the meeting is adjourned" Turning to Zachary, Xander snickers."Well, I'm still not in the mood to leave. I still have something to discuss with Miss Monticello too" Shrugging, he announces while fully resting his back on his chair. He boldly shows his disinterest in leaving despite Xander's grim warning to his defiance. "Why? Will you discuss something confidential with this gorgeous lady here that I shouldn't know? Well, if it pertains to the company, I should know about it too" unaffected by Xander's silent warning, Zachary continues. "Just discuss whatever your concern is and don't mind me. I won't interrupt" Zachary added while swiveling his seat. However, he gestures for their security towards the door. He doesn't know what Xander intends to do, so he better ensure no one will interrupt while they are still inside. Collins and Oliver also stand up from the
(Flashback Chapter) She almost ran to the restroom upon spotting one. She has been holding her pee for just several minutes but the fullness of her bladder seems to be on the verge of bursting. She's only sixteen weeks pregnant but her constant trip to the restroom is quite a hassle. "Hah! At last" Her contented smile and a loud sigh of relief echo in the stillness of the cubicle after she relieved herself. She quickly washed her hands and went out. "Let's get back, Madame?" Luis's voice startled her when she got out. The man standing at the very entrance of the restroom. "You scared the hell out of me Luis" Clutching her chest, she incredulously raves. "Sir Xander strictly ordered not to lose sight of you, Madame. He will kill me if I lose you here"Scratching his head, he explains. "I won't be lost inside the restroom" Rolling her eyes, she walked past him. He closely followed behind while his other men, wearing casual clothes like him, discreetly rounded her spot. They are o
"CEO Wright, what can you say about the decision of Azure 42 to stop racing?" They are walking toward their vehicle to go home but media people follow them around. During the awarding, Azure 42 declared her retirement from racing. Even he was surprised by her decision but it was a relief for him and the entire family. However, his wife's declaration is a surprise to the racing community and they have been trying to get his insights. Earlier, his mother fainted with the discovery of the real identity of Azure 42. After Kiera took off the headgear, Lexie paled upon seeing the racer's face. Like a lighted candle, she melted on her seat. Thankfully, Lucien has been holding her, it deters her fall. Lissie was also dumbfounded, she wasn't responsive for several moments. It was a surprise his mother and sister obviously did not enjoy at all. "My wife has said what she has to say. She will focus on our family" he patiently explains while holding Kiera's hand. She had showered and now wea
"The Wright family is unexpectedly spotted at today's motorsport event of Freedom Motors Corporation under DL Freedom Group of Companies. As we all know, the Wright Group of Companies and DL Freedom Group of Companies entered a strategic alliance more than a year ago. As the market says, within its duration, the alliance has been beneficial to both empires""The Wright's presence is a clear show of support not only as business associates but as a family. The entire world already knows that DL Freedom Group of Companies heiress is married to the third heir of the Wright empire, Xander Voulker Wright""But we haven't spotted the Di Lauro heiress. Only CEO Xander Wright and his sister Miss Alekzandria together with their parents arrived at the pit earlier" All media portals were filled with news about the Wright family joining a motorsport event for the first time. Although the WGC is one of the leading manufacturers of motor vehicles in the world, they were never been spotted in events
"Mr. CEO, the CEO of DL Freedom Group of Companies has arrived" Collins entered."Just in time" Glancing at his watch, he mumbles. "The press is already settled" Collins added. "Good" After gathering the document on his table, he stands up. Today, the Wright Group of Companies will seal a business venture with the two companies under the DL Freedom Group of Companies through a contract signing and press conference."Are they comfortable in the waiting area?" He asks while handing the documents to Collins."Yes, sir. Snacks are served while they wait" Collins nods and smiles before they head out of the door."Perfect" Satisfied, he smiles. But before he stepped out of the door, his expression shifted to his usual icy and enigmatic demeanor. Before they reached the elevator, their legal team and another three of his staff followed behind, including Nathalie who remained as one of the CEO's secretaries. WGC has been eventful after the grand launch.Today, four months after his weddin
"You may kiss your bride" The new Governor announced and loud applause from the massive crowd followed.With the streak of tangerine of the setting sun, painted in the sky, he cups her face for a brief yet soulful kiss. It was like their first time to kiss that both were unwilling to release each other. If not for the clearing of throats from their families, they would definitely deepen the duel. "I present to you, our newly married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Xander Voulker Wright" Wide tearful smiles adorned the faces of the entire family. Even the serious-looking men on the opposite side of the aisle are wiping the sides of their eyes. The Di Lauro brothers. Amidst the hoots and jovial applause from all their guests and families, their foreheads remain plastered together as they hug each other. It was a festivity in the entire Dharma, the marriage of the only heiress of the Di Lauro family. However, guests do not wear expensive tuxedos or elegant dresses. Contrary to the luxury the
"Care for a drink?" A glass of sweating pineapple juice is slowly placed in front of her. Staring at the thirst quencher treat, a smile carves her pink lips, bare of any lip color. "Pineapple juice? Really?" She snickers as she scoffs. "The safest offering" The man casually shrugs after settling next to her at the bar counter. "Do you think this can earn my interest?" She sneers, glancing at the man before her eyes return to stare at the sweating glass. "I don't need the drink to earn your interest, I already have it. It's just a freebie" he winks, making her incredulous. "Cocky" She scoffs. "I saw how your eyes linger" He took a sip from his glass with a smile lingering on his lips. "Well, I appreciate magnificence when I see it" She dismissingly shrugs. "Exactly" He smirks, glancing at her. Realizing she wouldn't win against him, she took a sip of his offering while shaking her head. For a while, no one speaks. They contented themselves consuming their drinks and watching
"Do you think I will approve of it, Kiera Azure? You and the Di Lauro heirs' place are here in Dharma""Grandpa" Skye tried to beg but her old man averted his gaze to the kneeling men on the ground. "Dismiss" One word and the governor together with his entire entourage scrambled on their feet to leave. Some of them run toward Darvid and his friends to help them to the vehicle. Shortly after, the yard is empty of visitors. Men, rounding the clearing earlier start to leave, giving the family privacy."Are you not tired of roaming the world, Kiera?" After a while of empty silence, Tonino turns to ask."I'm staying for good, Grandpa. I will stay wherever Xander brings me and our children. That is where my place is" She tenderly smiles while begging him with her eyes. "Dharma is for you and your children. Why should you want to be somewhere else other than here? This is your home" her grandfather mutters. "With due respect, sir. A wife's home is with her husband" Xander seriously poin
"Let's go. Let's see what the Governor's purpose for his visit" With eager curiosity in his voice, Tonino continues walking. This time his steps are quicker than earlier. Xander promptly follows. He believes Skye will not be harmed in her territory, but the presence of the father of Skye's suitor is unsettling in his peace. They were almost brisk walking and he was surprised when the old man held onto his arm for support. It was a long path and with his age though he is stronger than those his age, it drained his strength. With the old man's arrogance, he chose not to show a reaction. Growing up, they have been surrounded by proud elders. He is already aware of how fragile their pride is. While pushing the cart, he tries to keep up with the old man's pace. It took them a while to reach the front yard where the Di Lauro men, led by Vittorio Di Lauro were already gathered. Skye is nowhere around to his relief. Seeing the grim faces of everyone, he could tell a standoff might happen
"The man who could end your life anytime soon" The clicking of the pen randomly distracts the silence that fell upon the massive receiving room of the Di Lauro mansion. "What did you say?" With a deathly stare, Darvid turned and made a step toward where Xander was standing. "I hate repeating myself" Xander shrugs while he remains leaning on the wall. "End my life, you say?" Snickering, Darvid grimly mutters and is about to charge him. The other two did the same while drawing their pistols. But the clinking of metal distracts them from charging forward. Everything happened so fast that they only realized what ensued when bullets fell to the floor followed by the dismantled parts of guns. With stunned faces, Darvid's two bodyguards stare at their weapons on the floor while holding the remaining parts in their hands. Even Darvid froze on his feet. He forgot Kiera Azure has ways with weapons. She was so quick they didn't realize she was already at their side. "You dare draw a