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
Kate stood up from her seat and approached his table, taking a seat across from him. "I'm glad I ran into you," she began, before Matteo interrupted her. "Don't worry about it," he said with a reassuring smile. Kate persisted, nervously drumming her fingers as she spoke. Matteo reached out and covered her hands with his, his touch gentle yet firm. "I'm your friend, Kate. You can trust me. And if you ever find yourself in trouble, you know you can come to me for help." Kate smiled, ready to assure him, but then her gaze fell upon something on his shirt. She leaned in closer to get a better look at the emblem. Her eyes widened in shock. ‘Oh my… Is that a police badge? Is Matteo a police officer?’ She thought to herself. "Is everything okay?" Matteo asked, noticing her reaction. "Y-yes, I was just…surprised. Is it okay for us to be seen together?" Kate asked, still in disbelief. "Of course. We've known each other for years," he replied, taking her hands in his and staring into he
“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