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
121. David's POV. "Oh, wow, Mr. Oliver, so you can play golf?" I ask in wonder, stepping up to the older man as he holds his golf club tightly with his two hands. He's wearing a cap over his face— a faded white cap that matches his faded white pants. His sneakers are black, contrasting the whiteness of his pants and cap. Covering his chest is a light blue short sleeve Tshirt, revealing his wrinkled arms. Sensing my presence, he turns a bit and beams at me. "That's my favorite, David Truman. I played golf a lot in my youth." He says. Before I can respond, another voice comes up behind us. "My dad is a perfect golf player, don't even dare him when it comes to that." Claire comes into view, wearing a short black skirt that stops mid-thigh and a black camisole. The way her boobs jiggles with every step she takes tells me she isn't wearing any bra on the inside. Just like her father, she has a black cap on over her ponytailed hair. Her lips gleam red under the setting sun. "Hi
122. Third Person POV. Andrei had been constantly checking up on Vera since David's trip to Miami. He would always find her grousing in her bedroom or sleeping. It had worried the man but he preferred that to having Vera go out. And for obvious reasons too. Peter and the Sokolov twins were in town. So, Andrei goes on and off in Vera's apartment. His was just down the hallway.About three hours ago, he surreptitiously came in and checked on Vera. There he found her with her friends. Andrei took a sigh of relief and went back to his apartment. Inside his apartment, he took his cigarettes, lit them up, and relaxed his body on the lounge chair, smoking and drinking. Of course, not without his gun present. He had gotten a good teacher for David and was briefing David on the basics of being a mafia. It marveled Andrei how David had cooperated, putting aside his reputation. In the whirlwind of thoughts, Andrei fell asleep unknowingly. Hours later…He propped up from the lounge chair
123. David's POV. After such a long trip with Mr. Oliver, I make my way into the mansion with practiced ease. My driver rushes over and takes my bag from me. Irene comes also and greets me, asking what I'd like for dinner. "I think some spaghetti bolognese will do," I tell her. She inclines her head and mutters 'good' before she turns to leave. On her way into the kitchen, I call her. "Irene." She stops and gazes at me from over her shoulder. "Sir?" "I'd love fresh juice too. Make one for me." She nods again and prances away. I strut into the living room and sink onto the sofa, turning on the TV. Clutching the remote control in my hand, I tune in to the sports channel, taking in the football match playing. The solitary reprieve allows me to relax my corded muscles as I perch my legs over the coffee table before me. The football doesn't hold my interest. I need to hear from Vera and call people who will help in organizing this gala I'll be hosting. At that, I emerge on my
124. Vera's POV. "Are you sure you're okay, Vee?" Corbin asks, worrying his lips as he leads me outside of Days Dream. "Yes, I am. Trust me. The dizziness is because of the stress I passed through. I guess." I press his hand into mine, wanting to reassure him. God! Even as I'm saying that my cramped bones barely let me walk in proper gait. And the wave of dizziness is a constant slap to my consciousness. Corbin is worried sick about me so I dare not reveal that to him. I can't. But seriously what can be the cause of this back-and-forth illness? I think to myself, mindlessly pressing my assistant's hand, unaware of his winces of pain. "Vera…could…loosen your…" I brittle from my dazed state and stare up at him. I see Corbin gesturing at something and bringing my eyes down, I find out I'm strangling his fingers into mine. Embarrassed, I detach my hand from his and smile awkwardly. "I'm sorry…" "It's…okay." He waves me off with a smile of his own. God, did I mention how I kep
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
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