OrianaThe rain beat down around me mixing with the tears that were streaming down my face.Who was he? He was definitely not the man that I was planning to marry 3 days from now.My name is Oriana. A 23 year old nobody from Miami. I moved to England before my parents died and that’s when I met Jaime. He was also from Miami. He was the perfect guy, was always there for me when I needed someone to talk to, compassionate and kind. Before he proposed, our life together was magical. He would take me out on dates, meet me after work with flowers, showered me with gifts and generally made me feel like I was the most important person in the world a princess. After popping the question with the most beautiful princess cut ring may I add, things started to go down hill. I was just too wrapped up with work and wedding planning that I didn’t see the signs of the person he was becoming.He became very insecure thinking that I was going to run off with every guy I spoke to or who spoke to me.
Lileth guided me to what looked like a downstairs bedroom, complete with ensuite. As i tried to remove my t-shirt, i winced in pain. Lileth noticed and came over to help me. “What on earth happened to you? Who could do such a thing?” her eyes filled with tears. She helped me put on a robe so that I didn’t cause myself anymore pain but it was easier said than done. My jeans were stuck to my legs so Lileth helped me to remove them. She looked at me with concern in her eyes and I nodded answering her silent question. “Sit down on the bed, dear. Let me help you out of these,” I did as she asked. Every movement I made caused me to wince in pain. “Now, the bathroom is straight through that door should you need it.” ‘KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK.’ She turned to answer the door. “Lileth.” “Doc Richards. Please do come in,” the doctor looked scarily buff. He looked more like a butcher than a doctor. Panic started to creep in. “It’s OK, dear. I am here with you. The doc just needs to assess your in
The bright sunlight shining through the windows woke me up. I groaned internally thinking surely it has only been an hour or two since I went to bed. Whatever pain meds the doctor gave me were amazing. I had just managed to sit up and swing my legs over the side of the bed when there was a knock on the door before it opened and Lileth’s head popped around the side of it. “Good morning, dear. How are you feeling today?” “A bit sore, ouch!” I placed my hand to my cheek to find it a bit more tender than I had expected. The skin that was cut had some paper stitches on it and it felt so tight. “The bruising has come out a bit more on your face. Although there were no facial bones broken, the bruising and swelling can feel just as bad,” she sighed. “What happened to you? Karma’s a dish best served cold. He will get what he deserves.” I couldn’t help but giggle as I thought that she was going to say something else. I have heard that ‘karma’s a bitch,’ but that was a new one on me. “Let’s
“The guy you are with, scratch that, were with, he worked for your father in the kidnapping and trafficking circuit.” Gio said as he stood in the doorway with his arms folded across his chest. I could no longer control the tears streaming down my face. My life was so fucked up. Antonio scooted over so that he was closer to me, extended his arm and pulled me in close to him. My head rested on his chest as he gently rubbed circles on my back as I let it all out. All the anger, the pain from losing my family, going through life alone in the system, the abuse, everything. I didn’t know where I was going in life, I had no purpose. I didn’t realise how exhausted I was until I fell asleep in Antonio’s arms. “You’re worthless! Nothing without me! You’re a lazy, good for nothing bitch, not even a good fuck!” His words played over and over in my mind as well as the images of him kicking me in the ribs after he knocked me to the floor in the kitchen. “Ana! Wake up, please wake up. Listen to th
Jaime‘SMASH!’ ‘BANG!’ “Ana?!” Where the fuck is she? She knows better than to leave the apartment. I have warned her time and time again. Maybe the beating I gave her last night wasn’t hard enough. Just can’t kill the bitch yet, not until after the wedding. I continued to search for her, slamming doors as I went through it like a tornado in a trailer park. I shouted for her to make herself known to me. I tried calling her phone, but it went directly to voicemail. “Fucking ungrateful bitch. After everything I have done for her, she goes and takes what belongs to me,” I growled. That money will be mine. I just need her to go through with the wedding, which should be taking place in 3 days. I may need some help if I can’t find her today. One thing’s for sure, she’s going to regret the choice she made to run away from me.‘Knock! Knock! Knock!’ Happy days, maybe it’s someone bringing back my property. I walked towards the door with a spring in my step, grabbing my wallet from the count
GioTaking out the trash always made me hungry and right now, I was famished. I don’t normally get my hands dirty for a woman but, for her, I would do anything. She just doesn’t know it yet. I walked into the kitchen to find Toni sitting and talking to Ana as they ate. I wish I could walk up to her and hug her. Maybe it would make me feel better after the couple of days that I have had. I walked past the kitchen and headed to the stairs leading to my room so that I could shower and change.“How did it go?” as soon as I put my foot on the first step.“He won’t be bothering her any time soon. I would like for her to move in here. This is her home. Take a team to move her out of that apartment ASAP.”“Will do, boss. Thanks for everything,” I nodded and continued up the stairs.I stood under the spray of the hot water letting it sooth my aching muscles and rinse the blood off of my skin. I didn’t kill him. As much as I wanted to, I will leave that for Oriana when she is ready. Just
“Um, ok. My dearest Oriana. If you are reading this, then I am no longer among the living and sane. It also means that the boys have kept their promise after all this time. I’m sorry that you had to find out this way but, I am sure that the boys explained most, if not all, before giving you this letter.As you are my second born, my only daughter, it would only be fitting that you inherit what belonged to your mother. You are also entitled to a fruitful trust fund but there is a stipulation you must meet in order to receive it.The majority of my stocks and shares, as well as my companies are to be given to Antonio.Gio will take over the title of Don (Boss) when his father retires, and Antonio will be his second in command.My sweet, sweet girl. Oh, how I wish I was there to see you grow up and finally got to meet you. Every time I got close, that bastard would move you and your mother away. Either across the country or to a different country altogether. It made
Oriana‘OMG! I cant believe this is happening to me,’ I said to myself as I paced the room, stressing my hair. ‘Stop it Ana,’ I scolded myself, ‘if you pull it anymore, you will go bald.’ I sat on he bed but, I was that anxious right now. Maybe that was a bit too much information to take in over breakfast. My fault, I know. Firstly, I’m an orphan all over again. Secondly, my dad wasn’t my dad but my mother’s kidnapper. Thirdly, my biological father was the king of all mafia families and last but not least, I am betrothed to Gio. I have no idea what is expected of me or what I am capable of. I have always played things safe and remained cautious and optimistic when it came to making life decisions. I always looked at the worst possible outcomes for each choice I made. So, why didn’t I think of them when I met Jaime?I couldn’t believe that I am betrothed to Gio. OMG! Gio. He was like sex on legs with a body of a god. A chiseled jawline and only what I could imagine wo
OrianaThe pregnancy flew by. Yes, I few times I threatened to kill Gio, especially during labour. It was a good thing that I wasn’t’ allowed my gun in the hospital.On 12th July as 11:52 PM, Antonia was born, weighing 9 pound 4 ounces. I didn’t pay much attention during my scans, especially after I was told that everything looked good, development was good etc. So, it was a bit of a shock when Farid was born less than a minute after Antonia, weighing 8 pound 12 ounces. Both had jet black hair. Antonia had ocean blue eyes and Farid had chocolate brown eyes. Antonia was instantly daddy’s little princess. He vowed that he would protect her until his last breath.“My little prince. I vow to protect you from all the false beauties and to guide you on this road they call life. In return, I ask that you watch over your sister, no matter how annoying she may be,” he gurgled. I smiled. “I take that as your acceptance to our little deal,” I said, placing a kiss on his head.“Thank you, m
Gio“I’m sorry, what?”“I’m pregnant,” Ana whispered again.“Thank you for your call, Teressa. Have a nice day,” I said before I ended the call.“I’m sorry,” she whispered. Tears trickled down her cheeks.“What are you sorry for? You are going to have our baby. Does Lileth and Julian know?” she shook her head. “Please don’t cry, bambalina. I have noticed that you haven’t been yourself since Toni died but, I didn’t want to say anything just in case it was just from recent events.” I pulled her into my lap and kissed her with so much passion that it pulled her out of her shocked state/“You’re not mad?”“Why would I be mad? There is never a perfect time to have a baby and no matter how much you plan and prepare, you will never be prepared either but, you have an excellent support team. OMG! Lileth is going to be over the moon,” I chuckled, and she giggled.‘Knock! Knock!’“Boss, doc is here to see miss Ana.”“Thank you, Francesco,” I answered. “Come on, let’s get you into some
GioI couldn't believe that Ana and I were married. I smiled as I looked at my wife asleep next to me in our bed. My phone beeped with a text message.'Mr Bellomo, your order is complete and ready for collection. Should you wish to arrange delivery, please give us a call.'With everything going on, I had forgotten it's her birthday tomorrow. A party is out of the question due to recent events but I will make sure she celebrates it in some way, shape or form. I got dressed and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for my wife to eat on bed.After making a mess in the kitchen, I headed back to our room, breakfast in hand. Placing the tray on the side table, I climbed onto the bed and kissed my beautiful wife to wake her up."Ana, sweetheart. Time to wake up. I made you breakfast.""Mmmm," Ana stretched and smiled at me. "Good morning, husband." Those words sounded amazing coming out of her mouth."Good morning, wife," I replied, kissing her."Did you make much of a mess?" S
BiancaIt was the morning of the wedding. I was in charge of making sure the women were ready on time, including the brief but, I couldn’t find her.“Lileth!” I bellowed.“Yes, Bianca. What can I help you with?”“Have you seen Ana? I can’t find her. I know she didn’t stay with Gio, and I have checked the spare rooms. No one has seen her. Before you ask, no, I didn’t say anything to Gio about her being missing.”“Well, there are only 2 places that I can think of that she might be,” Lileth said. Damn it woman, now is not the time for games.“Which are?” I pushed.“Her house or Antonio’s room.” Of course. Why didn’t I think of the obvious. I made my way to Toni’s room and there she was, sat in the nook by the window, holding a letter.“Ana, I have been looking all over for you.” I walked towards her and could see that she had been crying again. “Nope. Not happening today. Today is going to be a happy day. Toni would kick my ass if it’s not,” Ana chuckled. “What do you have there?
LilethDoc did an amazing job patching the bullet wound in Toni’s head. I brought his favourite blue suite, crisp white shirt, polished shoes and everything else over when doc called.“Lileth. He’s ready to be dressed,” doc said as he exited the autopsy room. I nod and follow him into the family room. A comforting aura in this room. Julian, Lans and I got him dressed and styled his hair. “Even in death, he wears a goofy smile on his face,” Julian chuckled.“I suppose you’re right,” I giggled. “That’s what made him, him. Serious when the situation called for it but a little scallywag at times.” I couldn’t help but smile at the memories of his prankster ways growing up. We all had good and bad memories of Antonio from the number of years that we have worked in the family and when Ana is ready, we will tell them all to her.We had just placed Antonio into the casket when Gio came into the room.“Where’s Ana?” I asked.“She’s outside the door freaking out right now. Is there any w
Oriana I was so exhausted. Why Toni? What have I done in my life that was so bad that bad things keep happening to me? I felt numb, empty. I wanted someone to come and say that he’s still alive and that it was all a prank. I was getting married tomorrow but my brother won’t be there to see me walk down the aisle. He would’ve been my first dance after Gio and instead of the traditional father daughter dance. I hadn’t told him that bit; it was going to be a surprise. I had already spoken to Alessia to fit it into the plans. I should be happy right now and getting ready for my hen party, as they called it here but, I just didn’t want to go. I would feel better is they carried on with the party without me. I locked myself in my room and cried until I fell asleep. I woke up and repeated the routine. With a deep sigh, I got up and headed for the shower. As the water cascaded over my body, the memories of Toni’s goofy behaviour flooded my mind. The way I scared him after mastering my ghost
OrianaI watched as they walked around the garden, placing the bouquet by the door ready for when Leo wanted to give it to Mia.“He’s made her cry. Do you think they are happy tears or sad, because if it’s the latter, I am going to whoop his ass,” I fumed.“Calm down feisty one. There’s a lot going on and it looks like she’s taken my advice and told him.”“Told him what?” Now I needed to know. He had better not fob me off or I will whoop his ass and withhold sex for a week.“Her husband died a year before Bella. She was there, training, that night,” Gio explained.“Oh, no. They have both experienced the same tragedy. I hope things work out for them.” Wow. I really feel bad for them.“Come on, lets give them some privacy. There’s no chance of Leo escaping, Lans has it covered,” he smiled.“So, what do you have in mind?”“How about a shower?”“With you? How could I refuse.” We headed towards the stairs.“Gio!” bellowed a screamed. WTF! We both ran towards the voice. Lileth wa
Gio Ana, actually true to her word, found someone who would be able to help Leo with this cancer. I was beyond proud of her. She may have also gone one step further and found someone who has reignited the spark he once had when Bella was alive but, only time will tell. Since the second opinion, Leo has been acting like a different person. I was still a little cautious around him as his new positive attitude was confusing. "Leo, good morning. How are you feeling today?" I asked as I entered his room. "All good, thanks, Gio. Oh! I want to get Ana a gift to say thank you for finding Mia. She has given my life purpose again," he smiled. I chuckled lightly. "There's no need for that. Maybe just tell her how thankful you are. She will be by later with Mia," he nodded. "Then I will do just that." A few hours later, Ana asked me to accompany her and Mia to the room. "I thought everything was going good. Why do you both look so glum?" This couldn't be good. "Please, just come with us?"
Sakalans “Lileth, is Lans around?” “You should know that he is never that far away,” my mother chuckled. I made my way to the room Oriana was staying in and knocked on the door. “Come in,” she called. She looked breath-taking as she stood there in Maria’s dress. “I was wondering if you would both do me the honour?” OMG! What should I say to that? My mother was shocked at her request too from the expression on her face. We remained silent. “Please, say something. You’re freaking me out right now,” she pleaded and was very close to tears. I looked at my mother and nodded my head and she the same. “It would be an honour,” I said. The dams burst as she flung her arms around me. I hugged her back of course. “Oh, um, it will only be part way as there’s someone else, I need to ask,” she looked so shy. “I would be honoured,” came a voice. We all laughed. “Thank you, Julian,” she responded, smiling. There was still so much work to do so that the wedding can take place. I have arranged s