‘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
As they zoomed through the urban landscape, Kate could barely focus on the sights. She sat next to her uncle Bob, who was behind the wheel. ‘I hate being stuck here.’ She thought bitterly and exhaled loudly. “Don’t look so glum, Kate.” Bob said with a gentle chuckle from the driver's seat. “You are going to enjoy this dinner party, It should be a nice change of pace. You have been working a little too much lately." “I don't mind it at all, Office life isn't that bad." “But wouldn't you want a little excitement in your life?" “Excitement isn't always a good thing, Uncle. My job might be boring, but at least it's secure." A sigh leaves Bob lips—-- "Fine! But try to give tonight a chance, for me please. I’ll even introduce you to Lucas Romano, He’s going to announce his fiancee at tonight's dinner, you know, that man is the heir to the Romano group, which makes him one of the most powerful business men in the country.” Kate scoffed, ‘Ah yes, a businessman? You mean a mafia bo
Kate exhaled after their departure. ‘So that was Lucas Romano? I didn't realize he was so handsome—- Such a shame about his personality, though. On the other hand, Ace seemed pretty nice. He's a looker too. If he wasn't involved with the mafia, I wouldn't mind talking to him more, but that would also mean seeing Mr. Unfriendly again.’ After her internal dialogue, she shakes her head and starts searching through the crowd again for her uncle. “Now, where could he have gone?" She said and continued pushing through the crowd. “Excuse me….. sorry.” She suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned around to look at the man she just pushed past. "Matteo?” She called out, uncertainly. The man turns to face her, and her heart leaps. ‘It really is him!’ "Kate?” The man called out, stunned. "It's been so long! I haven't seen you since graduation.” He rubs the back of his neck, flashing a soft, sheepish smile. "Sorry about that. I kept saying I’d get in touch, but I didn't want t
‘His—-What?!’ Kate was dumbfounded and screamed in her mind but Lucas ignored the petrified Kate and continued with his speech. “Like my father said before he passed on, I’ll need a queen by my side to properly lead the family. The empire I’ll soon inherit brings many duties and responsibilities—-- so I’m pleased to face them with someone I can truly rely on by my side.” Lucas looks back at Kate, his gaze warmer than usual. “A capable woman who has proven herself to me and won my love. Many challenges await us, but I know we can face them together." Kate stands next to him in a daze as he goes on about their relationship with charm and like a man in love. Yet, his commanding presence continues to dominate the atmosphere. ‘What the hell is going on?’ And why is he acting like a completely different person?!’ Applause breaks out after his speech, and with a dazzling smile on his handsome face, Lucas takes her hand again and leads her away. He brought her into an empty room ju
Kate widened her eyes to see Bob at the doorstep, and at that moment, She felt surreal to finally see her uncle whom she had been looking for. “Come in, you might help this go more smoothly." Lucas said to him and Bob stepped into the room and closed the door. “Well, Kate, this is more exciting than being back at the office, isn't it?" Kate's uncle said, with a grin, as If he helped his niece hit the jackpot! “You—-” At that moment, the pieces fell into place for Kate and she couldn't help the sourness that developed at the back of her throat. "This is why you insisted that I come here tonight. You are the one who recommended me for this scheme!” Kate asked, not believing her doubts and the truth in front of her at the moment. "That's right.” Bob said and nodded as he confirmed her deduction. And immediately, the tiny shred of hope Kate was hanging onto dropped like a fallen balloon. She couldn't help the feeling of being used, betrayed and hurt. Tears welled up in her hazel e
The next morning, A loud banging from the door woke Kate up, who wanted to sleep some more. ‘Ugh….. What the?’ She looked at the time by her bedside and saw that It was just six o’clock in the morning. ‘Who could be at the doorstep by this hour?’ She mused as she rolled over on the bed to ignore it and continue sleeping but the banging didn't stop, in fact It became louder. Kate sat up straight, fuming. With a groan, she grabbed her robe and put it on, then hurried to get the door. She looked through the peephole and freezed, It was Lucas knocking the daylights out of her door with Ace standing beside him. ‘What do they want now?’ She sighs and opened the door. “Finally.” Lucas snarled as he strode into her apartment. "You’ve got some nerve, acting like you are the one being inconvenienced here. Do you have any idea what time It is?” Kate exclaimed, prepared to admonish the entitled and haughty mob leader before her. "It's six." Lucas replied monotonously. “Oh, for a minute I
"Welcome." Lucas announced with a flourish as they arrived at a grand villa, standing out amidst the verdant hills of Opio. The villa exuded the charm of Provencal architecture, boasting of stone walls, a terracotta roof, and arched windows. Its terrace offered a stunning view of the sea, while a private pool and a small dock with a sleek yacht completed the idyllic picture. The villa was surrounded by a high wall, guarded by two muscular men in black suits and sunglasses. Kate was awestruck by the magnificence of her surroundings and the meticulous security measures in place. A surge of adrenaline pulsed through her as she remembered Lucas' words. ‘My enemies wouldn't be foolish enough to attack you in my villa.’ "So, this is your home?" She asked, gazing at the imposing villa in front of her. "And yours." Lucas replied, a tinge of satisfaction in his voice that made Kate snap her mouth shut. "I still prefer my apartment," she quipped, unwilling to back down. "Including the ruthle
"Thirdly, Do not develop romantic feelings for me," Lucas stated boldly as he laid down his rules. "Excuse me?" Kate's disbelief was palpable. ‘Did he really just tell me I am forbidden from falling in love with him?’ "And what if I do?" Kate's question escaped her lips before she could stop herself. She caught a glimpse of Lucas' widened eyes and noticed his fist clenching before he covered up his reaction a moment later. "It could jeopardize the plan," he responded without hesitation. "Why?" Kate probed further. "To the public, we will appear as a couple, but only until I gain control over the business and family. After that, we will go our separate ways. If you fall in love with me, it would only complicate matters when it's time to end our arrangement." Kate was taken aback by his words. ‘Did he make that rule to spare me a broken heart? I never thought he would care that much.’ She wet her lips and swallowed hard before speaking again, "But what if it goes the other way? Wh