113. David's POV. God, Mr. Oliver really is insufferable and quite demanding. It's been four weeks since Vera, Nathan and I returned from Mason Island. Hell, I planned to spend a longer time there with my angel but Mr. Oliver decided to butt in at that moment. Not that I'm complaining much, 'cause this meeting I'm having with him is channeled for one thing, and that is acquiring that Shell company from him as I desired. Well, the man is cooperating now, telling me all the shits I needed to know about the shell company and the several accounts that run under it. Big businessmen have stashed their money away there, once I take control of the company, it'll triple my finances. Literally, I'll climb the top ladder of the biggest mogul in the world, that is if I combine my wealth with the ones I'll make from the shell company. Aside from that though, the charity organization I'm handling will grow bigger, and its work will reach southern countries. That's one of my goals. I'm glad
114. Vera's POV. Gosh! I thought today would be a normal day but no. It's far from normal. All the time I was at the company, practicing, I kept on receiving strange calls from a restricted number. I wonder who that could be. Whenever I pick up the call, the person on the other side will not speak, making the silence stretch and echo in my ears. I felt scared. Of course, my assistant noticed it too. "What's wrong, Vera?" He had asked. "Nothing, Connor. I just don't know who the heck has been calling me." I told him. Connor tried to check the number but, literally, he couldn't reach it. "Don't bother about it. I think it's a wrong number or something." I feigned indifference, clasping the phone from him. Or something…that's what my mind kept telling me. But what in Hell's name could that 'something' be? Suddenly, I regretted not coming here today with Brown. I sneaked out when I figured Andrei was with David. So I drove here by myself. Now, I guess I'm wrong. Recievi
115.David's POV. I did something crazy tonight. I didn't only accept a dark side of me but I showed it. Not just to anyone but to Vera. Before I left the ballroom, I played a crazy stunt. In my haste, I rushed to one of the guards there, guns tucked firmly in their grip, and snatched them. Yeah, two fucking revolvers I'd use to unleash hell on Peter. I wasn't wrong when I thought the fucker would be Peter, because the moment I got there and saw the bastard that calls himself Vera's father, I unraveled all restraint binding me. Fuck, he was lucky. So fucking lucky he got away. A dark smile coats my lips but I bask in the little pain I inflicted on him. Yes, I shot Peter even as he tried to get away. And you know what? I fucking loved the growl of pain that escaped his lips as he faded into darkness. Now, though, the worry comes back with a force that threatens to knock me off of my feet as I hold Vera, muttering soothing words to her as I lead her to the car. "Are you sur
116. Vera's POV. I stir up from the bed with a small smile on my face. It hasn't been like that before and I definitely know why. I just dreamt about David and I chattering away in what looked like a kitchen. He was bare-chested, revealing that lumberjack chest of his, rippling with muscles. But that wasn't the only thing of interest. It was the hum and chatter of kids running around the house —bearing the exact features of me and David. The girl looked more like David with her raven eyes and the boy looked more like me with my ocean blue eyes. It felt so real I wish to never come of it. That's why I'm smiling. Could that be David and me in the future? I think to myself, my hand sprawling backward to hold the man I love. Since that night five days ago, David hasn't slept a wink without being by my side. He hasn't even gone to his mansion at all. He's just been here with me, holding me in every step of the way. I love that man. As my hand darts on the bed, I figure the sheets
117. David's POV. Mr. Cook's legs thump on the floor as he approaches me and I widen my eyes in surprise and confusion. Oh fuck, two more steps closer and he'll see Vera's head. Not just that but also our intimate position, because Vera's literally holding my cock in her hands, staring wide-eyed at me. "Mr. Cook," I call abruptly and he pauses, staring at me in honest curiosity. "I'm sorry. Could you sit on the third seat? I reserved these two, my assistant and secretary. I'm expecting them to join the meeting." This has never happened before. In fact, my secretary hadn't been to our board meeting before, except Charlie but that's when he wants to write down the discussion and minutes or has a presentation to make. "Hmm, are you sure, Mr. Truman?" The question comes from Mr. Herbert. The ever-curious one. I don a serious look on my face, affirming my words with a nod. Thankfully, they all agree and take respective seats away from me. My thudding heart zens and I steal a loo
Vera's POV. Since I've known David, both as my former ward and now a lover, this is literally the first time I've taken the liberty to tour his company. THE TRUMAN EMPIRE. True to its name, it isn't just a company, no. It's an empire, one where every damn corner drips wealth. As I take a walk around the building, marveling at the finely crafted art, paintings, desks, and walls, my heart blooms. Most of the offices here have rustic designs that provide comfort in the littlest way.Did I talk about the hundreds of thousands working here? Oh, that's really a true definition of a throng of people. How in hell does David manage them? I think to myself, waving and sending a cable of greeting to those I pass by. Some look at me in wonder, as if I'm an alien. Hushed whispers feather into my ears as I pass by most cubicles, some of their words getting to my ears. "Who is she?" "She looks beautiful, is she an employee? A new one?" "I don't know but if she ever is one, that means the
Vera’s POV.Charlie makes way for me to step out before he does. Then he walks me down a round of staircase. "Are we really going to climb the stairs?" I ask in bemusement, watching what appears to be twenty staircases. "Yes, darling. Don't give up just yet." I grumble before nodding. Charlie and I take the stairs, wheezing a breath until we land on the last one and Charlie tugs open a door that leads into a new world. "Oh, my God!" I yelp in utter shock as I step out onto the rooftop, my eyes dancing around the various buildings in the streets. I didn't know it was already nightfall until now, and the beaming lights across the buildings and streets contrast with the night sky, creating a perfection that only makes my mouth gape. I've never been to a rooftop, especially not for a skyscraper like this. "This is amazing, Charlie." I beam, taking in the city vista, drinking in the beauty that makes it up. "I knew you'd like it." He says. I barrel toward the ledge, holding the
120. Vera's POV.Two days have gone by and David is still not back from his trip to Miami. When he announced that at first, I had this tentative feeling inside me. That maybe once David leaves he'll never come back the same. I just don't fucking know why that's happening. The strings of thoughts have denied me adequate sleep since he left. Oh, aside from that, I keep feeling super tired, it's hard for me to move my limbs. Yeah, that's another reason I've cooped up in my bed, not moving for the past two days. I feel so cold without him here. I wish he was offering me some baby treatment and whispering sweet nothings into my ear. Maybe that will make this unease I feel go away. I feel pains slinging through me as if my heart is being pulled from the inside out. It hurts. Not hearing his voice.Not seeing his face. Not feeling his touch. "Why hasn't he called me?" I mumble under my breath, wincing. Why do I feel so insecure like he's out there cheating on me? God, I can't
Vera's POV. "Thanks, Evelyn." I smile at my housekeeper when she serves me the Earl Gray tea. I've never been a tea person that much but since my pregnancy clocked six months, I started craving it every morning. Today makes it eight months and two weeks since David and I married. An impromptu marriage. But no matter what I love it.It hasn't been easy. Not when David was ousted from the company by the board of directors because of the news Claire leaked. But we've been there for each other. He's been my rock and I've been his. Most days we spend time here in the courtyard, thinking of what other business we can establish and grow.Five months of brainstorming on that led him to establish a small business but it hasn't consumed his time. In fact, David devotes more time to me.Just like the news that spread—the news Claire released on the media, that's how David ensured to spread pictures of our wedding photoshoots. It got the media confused that he wasn't ashamed that he got mar
132. Vera's POV. I gasp at the splash of cold water on my face, waking up from sleep. My eyes bulge as I take in my surroundings. The room is bright, unlike before when it was all dark. But this isn't just a room, it looks like an office. But a huge one. There's a billiards table in the center with an overhead light. But that's not what makes my heart slump. It's the number of scary-looking men in the room, surrounding me like predators. My eyes scan them all. Tattoos both on their faces and body, piercing around their eyebrows, ears, and the corner of their lips. Some have a bald head, long hair, and short hair. My heart pulses as I examine the men more. None of their faces looks familiar. Since we got here, Russia, I've been in and out of consciousness. Actually, this is the first time I've taken out time to see my surroundings and the strange faces here. I nearly pee on my panties as I watch these men.Who are they? "So, this is the bitch we've looking for, huh?" One
131. David's POV. I've been worked up since Vera went missing. Same as Andrei. The both of us have not slept a wink and I've avoided Claire like a plague, ignoring her calls and text messages. It's all because of her that I'm in this mess but I seek to correct my mistakes. This time, no turning back. I'm damming all consequences now. If it's reputation, I don't mind losing it again. Fuck! My girl is out there in this cold weather with my baby in her belly. Thinking about Vera being helpless and alone is driving me crazy. I wonder how she's coping with our baby. This is literally the third day she's been missing and I'm broken. So broken. Stepping out of my room after brushing this morning, I see Irene waltzing towards me. "Good morning, sir." She humbly greets. The tray of food in her hands already tells me why she's here. Answering her greetings, I order her. "Irene, please take it back. I'm not hungry." There's a compassionate look in her eyes as she stares at me. It's
130. Third Person POV. Peter was bubbling with excitement inside of him now, knowing his ticket to freedom was now within reach. Years of searching for that daughter of his has come to an end. Fuck his dead wife, Helen, and yeah, fuck David Truman, Peter smirked inwardly. What he loved most about this minute is the fucking hatred and confusion he's implanting in Vera's mind. He's not here to just take the girl to Anton but he also intends to change her notion about David Truman. He wants to paint the man black before Vera and that's working. The very dark, distant look on Vera's face is a pure indication. Oops, Peter smirked again, wondering about the emotional turmoil Vera must be going through. It's obvious the girl had been seeing the man as her knight in shining armor but now, that same man is the bane of her existence. Damn, Peter loves this. It only means…he'll finally settle with his true love and live peacefully with this grandmother and child. That's the family he
129. Vera's POV. My heart has never been this broken before. It feels like it's about to pop out of my chest. I'm losing my breath and strength is leaving my body fast. Sitting in the subway station on this frosty night, I sob relentlessly. I can't stop the rivulet or tears. I can't stop replaying the scene that occurred before me four hours ago. I've been sitting here for two hours and I've missed the first train that swung by. I can't bring myself to move. All I feel is heartache. David…after all he said to me, he still chose her in the end, why? Indeed, I'm never and I'll never be enough for him. After all, he is what he's rumored to be. A womanizer. I guess I was too blindly in love with him to realize I'd end up like his ex-wives. Too bad now, I'm carrying his child. I chuckle bitterly at the situation I'm in. I feel like it's a blessed-cursed situation. I'm blessed because I have a baby made out of my love for a man. But cursed because even before the baby could come
128. David's POV. As Claire and I leave the elevator, I feel the tension becoming palpable. I can't find it in me to respond to whatever greeting my employees send my way. Claire's heels make uncomfortable sounds as it hits the floor. My posture rigid, I swing the door to my office open and walk inside. I hear Claire slam the door shut behind her. Before I can reach behind my desk, she rushes to me, holding my arm. In that moment of surprise, I turn around only for Claire to smash her lips on mine. Her teeth cling strongly to mine. It's all I can do not to barf. The fuck is she doing? I wonder to myself while gripping the back of her hair and pushing her off of me. In disgust, my hand swipes over my lips, wiping the trails of her kisses. I pant, doing everything I can to hold back my rage and sheer eagerness to lash out at her."Claire, need I remind you what boundaries are?" I say so calmly. She might think that's how I am on the inside but no, I'm nothing but calm. She b
127. Vera's POV. "Oww…" I whoosh a breath, watching the passersby while I tap my feet continuously on the asphalt. Checking the time again, I figure out five minutes have gone by and Evelyn still isn't here. "What are you still doing, Evelyn?" I mutter, thumbing through my phone to call her again. This dizziness has gone out of hand too. My vision suddenly blurred while I was in the cafe. I just came there to relax this morning but the dizziness struck with force. That's when I decided to head to the hospital. Evelyn's advice a while back was perfect but my stubborn self couldn't admit to it. I didn't even check a pregnancy kit. I prefer going to the hospital to be completely certain. That's why I called Evelyn to help me with my purse. I sigh and scroll a hand through my hair. I'm getting worked up but I'll get a solution soon. "Vee?" A tiny voice calls out to me and I turn my back and see Evelyn smiling from across the building I'm perched on. "Get over here, Eve!" I wave
126. David's POV. "Can you tell us exactly what went on here, Mr. Truman?" The commander asks, wanting to take note. I'll be the last person to reveal that what occurred an hour ago is a mafia war. Resolved to seal the secret, I shrug. "I don't how to explain how it all started, commander. But I'm thinking those are thugs, seeking some kinda attention." I say, my face deadpan. "Did you perhaps see any of their faces?" He asks again. Fuck yes, I did. It's all imprinted on my mind. Anton's. Peter's. It's all living rent-free in my head, I nearly growl but instead, I offer. "Commander, what happened was a flurry of shootouts and shits. Couldn't see any of their faces." The commander looks weak at my vague answers. It's better he is. "Okay, Mr. Truman. We'll make more investigations about that." He says and I nod lightly. The other sheriffs are scouting the place, looking for evidence to find but I know better. Mafias don't leave a trail you can find them with. Their shi
125. David's POV. All evening I've been tense, worried sick to my bones. The event, my problems with Vera, the viral pictures of me and Claire, and how to make things work out between Vera and I all race through my head, I nearly lost it. While the guests were coming into the ballroom, I move away, wanting somewhere quiet to get my shit together. I can't stop worrying about her. Vera. I fucking want to know if she's going to come over but calling her on the phone will be a dead end because she won't ever respond to the call. Secluded in one of the hotel rooms upstairs, I undo some of my buttons after removing my suit Jacket, cracking the bones of my neck. I make sure I come up here with a bottle of whiskey and I quickly uncork it and begin to drink directly from the bottle. I don't know what to think again. What to feel, so I let all sorts of emotions swing through me, emotions I can't define. Amidst all, that tiny voice in my head keeps telling me Claire knows something. Fu