Kate was stunned as she gazed at the message, realizing the name it bore. During their initial year of friendship, she had nicknamed Matteo as ‘Sparky’ due to her first impression of him. “That has to be him,” she pondered as she continued to stare at the message. “Lucas warned me not to trust him. But he’s my friend; I need to know what’s going on,” she asserted, determined to uncover the truth. She hurriedly dressed and snuck out of the villa, ensuring she remained unseen. Upon reaching the park, she found Matteo waiting for her, standing behind a tree and gazing at the sky. As he turned to her, a relieved smile appeared on his face, and he exclaimed, “You came.” “I didn’t think you would message me unless it was important. What’s happening?” Kate inquired, a crease forming on her forehead. “First, I need to explain the reason for my return. I was transferred here from HQ with a specific mission – to investigate the Mafia’s activities,” he explained, causing Kate’s stomach to c
Several days later, Lucas brought Kate to a thrilling car race with Ace in tow, determined to disregard the thought of Matteo and keep quiet about their sneaky escapade. "Wow," Kate gasped in awe as she took in the sight of the bold and vibrant-colored uniforms of the race participants, all engrossed in tweaking their flashy cars before the competition. "That's my team over there," Lucas pointed to a group dressed in vibrant blue. "Hmm, I wasn't aware that people in your line of work sponsored car races," Kate's curiosity piqued. "It's how wealthy mob bosses blow off steam, right Lucas?" Ace interjected with a sly grin. Rolling his eyes, Lucas motioned to another team and replied, "Wilson is sponsoring that one. Though I have a feeling it's merely to spite me." "Why?" Kate probed. "He swooped in and bought out their sponsorship at the last moment, once it became clear that they posed a threat to my team in this race. I'm quite certain that's his motive," Lucas explained. But Ka
“The importance of upgrading the springs, sway bar, and other components cannot be overstated when it comes to handling. Fostering a distinct mindset is crucial for success in this field, markedly different from what you would typically employ for a regular car." Lucas expounded, delving into the depths of his explanation. "I understand...it seems like a lot to keep track of." Kate responded. "However, it all falls into place when you consider it. By outlining the desired results, one can pinpoint the necessary enhancements to achieve them." "Ultimately, it falls on the driver, doesn't it?" "Of course, and every member of the team. One might say that's the weak link." "The team is the weak link?" Kate quizzed, intrigued. "Machines only abide by expected outcomes, and even if they malfunction, it's not due to intentional betrayal. The human element will always be the weakest link." Lucas illustrated, imparting his extensive knowledge of racing. "Hmm...I see your point. As someone
Kate and Lucas shared a quiet dinner, ending with Lucas swiftly departing without a word.Despite not being close friends or truly engaged, Kate couldn't help feeling hurt by Lucas's silent treatment."Hey," Ace approached her with a pained smile."Is Lucas giving you the cold shoulder?" he asked."He's barely spoken to me since we left the racing circuit," Kate replied, her tone sad."Don't worry, he'll come around. It's not about you," Ace reassured her."Then who is he upset with? Do you know what this is about?" Kate inquired.Ace looked away, rubbing his neck. "It's not my place to say. He'll tell you when he's ready," he said before leaving the dining room.Kate lay in bed later, lost in thought about Elizabeth and Wilson, wondering if she could be Wilson's daughter and part of Wilson's plan to undermine Lucas's family control.=====The next morning, Kate woke up early, hopeful to speak to Lucas about their strained interaction the day before. As she approached the hallway corn
As Kate gently elbowed Ace, she inclined her head towards a specific direction. Following her lead, he turned to see what had caught her attention."Can we sit close enough to eavesdrop?" Kate asked, her eyes glimmering with curiosity."Absolutely," Ace replied, motioning for Kate to follow him through a curving path, expertly navigating through the restaurant to avoid being spotted by anyone, particularly Lucas. Finally, they arrived at a nearby table, conveniently concealed by a large pillar."Here should do just fine," Ace remarked confidently."Oh, that's a brilliant idea," Kate chimed in absentmindedly, her ears now fully attuned to Lucas's table."I know what I'm doing," Ace reassured her with a wink as they took their seats.As the two of them settled in, soft laughter resonated from Lucas's table as Elizabeth coyly whispered something to him. Kate sidelong glanced at them, just in time to witness Elizabeth reach for Lucas's hand, only for the latter to pull away, crossing his
"Kate, there is nothing for you to fear." Lucas stated reassuringly. "I could never be unfaithful to you. Please, go home. I will join you as soon as possible.""Come with me," Kate urged lightly. Lucas's eyes widened almost imperceptibly, but he quickly masked his reaction with a smirk."Well, when you ask like that, how can I refuse?" He squeezed her hand and stood up. "Excuse me." Lucas directed his icy gaze towards Wilson and Elizabeth. "I will be leaving with my fiancée. You can keep your unwanted offers to yourself." He then joined Ace, who had been watching the drama unfold with widened eyes.Meanwhile, Kate's heart was pounding. She never expected Lucas to agree to her offer.As they left, she glanced at the table and saw Wilson and Elizabeth staring after them in stunned silence.As soon as they got into Lucas's car and were on their way, he let go of Kate's hand.‘He must be angry that we followed him, right?’ She thought. To her surprise, Lucas burst out laughing."Oh, the
Kate gazed steadfastly at the two men, her emotions swinging fiercely between fear and distress. Her heart raced as she approached them with hesitant steps."Please, stop!" Her plea fell on deaf ears as Ace swung his fist at Lucas, who deftly caught it and flung Ace aside."Damn it, wait!" Kate cursed as one of them crashed into her, causing her to stumble with a startled cry. Disoriented, she struggled to identify which one it was, but their fight came to a halt as they turned to look at her with concern."Kate," Lucas called out, his voice laced with worry."Are you alright?" Ace inquired anxiously.Still reeling from the impact of their altercation, Kate stood rooted to the spot, her mind in turmoil. 'Who am I kidding?... They're both dangerous men... Even if I know them, I must never forget that. I can't stay here...' With a choked sob, she turned and ran away from the villa, ignoring the calls of Lucas and Ace as they called out after her.She ended up in the town, exhausted from
The following morning, there was a knock on Matteo's apartment door. Kate, who had just finished freshening up, emerged from the spare bedroom and asked, "Are you expecting someone?" "No..... Perhaps you are." Matteo replied. "Lucas." Kate whispered, ‘He sure moves quickly.’ Then his familiar voice sounded from outside the apartment. "I know Kate was here last night. Will you open the door or do I have to break it down?" Lucas demanded. Matteo walked to the door and opened it, revealing Lucas and Ace standing behind him. Dark circles under Lucas's eyes suggested he didn't sleep well last night. 'Was it because of me?' Kate wondered. "Kate, you're coming with me. As my fiancée, you should not be spending the night at another man's home," Lucas said with a scowl. "Matteo is my friend," Kate defended. "That doesn't matter. He is still a man," Lucas said coldly, and Kate bristled at his dismissive tone. "She didn't have to go with you," Matteo intervened. "Is that so?"
“Er… why are you staring at me like that?” Ace asked as he shifted back slightly in his seat. ‘What has gotten him all worked up now?’ Ace wondered, glancing up at Lucas with a confused expression. Lucas balled his hands into fists, his thin lips pursed tightly, and his emerald eyes blazed with fury. “You had just one job, Ace! And you failed miserably at it. How the hell did she escape the villa without anyone seeing her?" Lucas seethed while Ace blinked at him. “W-what do you mean?" he asked. “Kate. She’s not in the house. She escaped last night. That fucking woman drugged me! I'm going to make her pay!" Lucas barked, and at that moment, it dawned on Ace as well. He looked around his surroundings and then recalled having drinks with Kate while they were having a conversation together. Was he drugged too? Of course he was! How in the world would he explain the nagging headache he was having, and what was he doing in the dining room so early in the morning? Ace mused silently. “D
Kate's heart pounded in her chest, as she rose from her seat, and moved towards the door, her steps light and cautious. She glanced back at Ace one last time, then swallowed a lump in her throat as she turned away, and slipped out of the living room and into the hallway, her mind racing.Kate walked cautiously until she was at the door’s entrance, then she looked back, her ears straining for any sound that might indicate she had been discovered. She didn't know why she hadn't come across any of Lucas's men that patrol in the hallway around nights like this, but for whatever reason they were not present, Kate was grateful for that. She slowly turned the knob of the door, and pushed the door open, then walked outside and closed the door behind her.Outside, the cold night air grazed Kate's cheek. She paused, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She squinted her eyes to look at the gigantic metal gate standing between her and her freedom, and Kate bit her lips as she wondered how she
‘How do I get the pill now?’ Kate mused, as she held the wine tightly in her hand, and then she froze when she realized that she was still wrapped in a towel. ‘Oh my God! How did I forget that?’ Kate said in her mind, as she dropped the wine bottle back on the kitchen counter and paced around the room. She took deep breaths, as she pondered on her next step of actions. She walked back toward the kitchen door, and poked her head out to call out to Ace while hiding her body from his view. “Hey, Ace. I was wondering if I could get back to my room, and find something appropriate to wear. I— I don't feel comfortable like this with you.” Ace, who had been sitting leisurely on the dining table while he waited for Kate, turned his head toward her. And when he realized that she was putting on nothing except a towel that was wrapped around her, a blush crept up his cheek, and he quickly turned away from her. He coughed, and said to her, "Lucas will murder me if he finds out I was with you in
“Lucas." Kate gasped, as she scrambled from the bed, and went to the man’s side, her eyes flickering with worry. But that was just for a moment, as it dawned on her that the drug she had mixed in Lucas's wine had taken effect, and that was probably why he slumped on the bed like that. Kate's heart raced, as she glanced at the man's sleeping form. He looked completely harmless, and his face was as serene as that of an angel. She traced her fingers across his brows, his cheek, his jawline down to his thin lips, and Kate felt her heart beating wildly in her chest. She found herself hesitating about her plans with Matteo. She couldn't help but feel her heart aching a little at the thought of escaping from Lucas, and staying far away from him. But isn't that what she wanted? So why was she feeling this way?’ Kate mused, as she watched the man, deep in slumber. “What will you do when you find out that I'm gone? Will you miss me? Will you look for me?" Kate mumbled quietly, as she leaned fo
Wilson walked into the hospital with his trusted aide, Aiden, following after him, while Wilson's face was marred with worry. He had been searching for his daughter for three days now, and didn't know who had the guts to kidnap Elizabeth from under his nose. He had gotten a call from someone who told him that his daughter had been brought to their hospital by a young man, and the young man had given them an order to reach out to Wilson when the span of three days had passed by.“Sir, do you think she's here or maybe someone is trying to play a dirty trick on us?" Aiden said, as he walked alongside Wilson, and looked around the surroundings with wariness in his eyes.“I don't know what's going on, Aiden, but we will find out soon." Wilson replied, as he walked to the reception area where a young female nurse with black glasses that framed her face, looked up at them.“How may I help you, sir?" She asked, looking between Wilson and Aiden. “I'm here for Elizabeth Wilson. Is there a pati
Lucas pulled away from Kate’s addicting lips, and looked into her hazel eyes. “I want you, Kitty. I could lose my mind if I don't have you right now.” He breathed into her ears, his emerald eyes were filled with unrestrained desire for her.Kate's heart raced, her whole body was thrilling at the thought of having the man inside her again. The excitement was rushing from the base of her hair to the tips of her toes, and she whispered shyly, “But we can't do it here. They will see us." "I will gouge out the eyes of anyone who dares to peer at my beauty.” Lucas let out a low growl, as he raised his hands toward her chest, and the next moment, he ripped the tiny clothing off her chest, revealing her firm, full breasts to his naked eyes.Kate gasped, as goosebumps of excitement ran up her arms. She felt his hand on her ass, and the other hand grabbing at her perfect breasts, his mouth over her hardened nipples. Lucas shifted her panties aside, forcing her legs apart as he held her tightly
Instead of entering the pool like Lucas wanted her to, Kate took off her shoes, and sat down on the side of the pool, dipping her feet in. Face with Lucas's toned abs, and minimal clothing, her breath caught, and her eyes trailed off to his body, stopping at his swimwear. Lucas curled his lips into a smirk, as he watched her with an amused glint in his emerald eyes. There was a moment of panic when Kate realized she was openly staring at his crotch…. and Lucas has probably noticed. ‘Shit! What am I thinking? You should focus on your plans, and not his damn crotch, Kate!’ Kate said in her mind, chiding herself. She quickly looked away in a futile attempt to save some dignity. When she looked at Lucas again, he smiled knowingly but when he didn't comment on it, Kate breathed a sigh of relief. “So, Kitty….” He drawled, "Why do you ask that we relax here when you don't even want to enter the pool? Afraid that much, of water, or me? I promised you that neither of us bite, come dive with
After a long and tiring day of acting as the perfect bride and overseeing the details of the wedding, including the arrangement of the guest lists, and having to discuss with the event planner, Kate entered her room and slumped on her bed, with a heavy sigh escaping her lips. After a moment of silence surrounding her, she suddenly stood up when she realized that she still had her wedding dress on. That's right! She had tried the wedding gown earlier, but the waist side needed adjustment, so Kate gave it back to the seamstress for them to adjust it. While they were doing other things, she was asked to try on the gown again, but she was busy at that moment with the event planner Lucas had put in charge and had to keep the gown on the couch. After everything was being sorted out, she then remembered she had to try the dress and had worn it with the help of the seamstress. The dress was perfect for her, and since everything had been finalized, she excused herself and glided up the stair
The next day, Kate woke up early with a dread feeling in the pit of her stomach. She was feeling so restless throughout the night that she couldn't sleep well and had dark circles under her eyes. Glancing towards the wall clock in her room, she was surprised to see that it was just six a.m. in the morning.She rubbed her eyes and got up from the bed as she opened the door of her room, wanting to get down to the kitchen to make a coffee for herself, but when she came out of her room, Kate was stunned to see the bustling of people in the villa, with Lucas's men standing in black suits as they stood like sculptures, and watched the activities of the people running all around in the hallway, living room, and guest room. ‘What's going on?’ Kate wondered as the feeling she had earlier increased, and she clasped her palm nervously as she descended the stairs and made her way downstairs.Once she got to the large living room, she couldn't find any familiar faces amidst the people, and whethe