Two years laterCarolina Alcântara Al-MakkiTwo wonderful years that we’ve spent together, we’ve managed to find harmony in our marriage. Bruno has finally become the man I fell in love with so many years ago. Even though, his responsibilities as CEO of “Smoke” have drastically increased with the company’s expansion, which has gained many users in the last few years.To my surprise, last year, my husband outshone the owner of a certain social media network who, in his egocentrism, bought another network and merged them. Still, Bruno was mentioned twice in Forbes' list, which led to a lot of teasing from our friends in Lira.As well as from our friends in Greece, who were very proud of my husband, who, day by day, was prospering by my side. But my business wasn’t too far behind, I finally managed to build two new Swiss branches, one in Sudan and the other in Egypt. We chose these places simply to stay close to our future baby.This time, we sat down with our children and explained to t
Carolina Alcântara Al-MakkiI’ve been living this life for over two years now, and every day brings a new lesson. When I’m only with Hassan, I’ve become an adherent of the hijab and more cultural clothing. When I’m with Bruno, I dress normally. But lately, I’ve been feeling strange when I’m not wearing the veil on my head.Bruno enjoys teasing me about it, saying I should wear it all the time, claiming it makes me look much more beautiful and elegant. But I’m afraid of the comments that will come when people see me wearing the hijab.Finally, we are called in, and the doctor begins the ultrasound. Hassan holds my hand, and with the other, he holds Bruno’s phone so he can be present for this moment. I refuse to let my other pillar not be part of this.It’s our child. In a conversation a few months after Zara’s birth, we agreed that the four children have two fathers and one mother. Hassan will be able to handle anything related to Laís and Matheus, just as Bruno will handle matters con
Seven Years LaterBruno AlcântaraThe years have passed, and it doesn't even feel like it’s been almost ten years since I’ve been putting up with this coffee addict daily. My friendship with Hassan has grown stronger, and we’ve managed to find a rhythm to always keep our wives satisfied.Of course, sometimes, like brothers, we have small arguments, especially when I need to step away, and he always says I spend too much time away from the family. That it's time to delegate responsibilities and hire a replacement for "Smoke."In a way, I agree with him, but after almost losing my business in the beginning to an administrator who stole from me and whom I later killed, I'm afraid to leave it in the hands of just anyone. But I know it’s time to hand over the company to someone else, while one of our children is not yet a candidate.If what my Goddess is planning really works out, Laís and Matheus will have their marriages arranged with the mafia, so they probably won’t be able to take ove
Bruno AlcântaraWith our agreement in place, I feel a bit more at ease because I know that if their plans go wrong, everyone will turn their backs on my son, and he might be exiled from the palace. Of course, I’ll correct him, but I won’t let him go through hardships. I’ll give him responsibilities so he can grow and evolve, just as I did when I made mistakes.Returning to the hotel was enough to hear the two of them start speaking angrily. But I was in a light mood at that moment, so I didn’t listen to anything they were saying.While I watched Hassan pacing back and forth, complaining in Arabic, and Carol beside him speaking in several languages, I stood up, removed my belongings and placed them at the edge of the bed. I took off my shirt and pants, noticing Hassan’s eyes fixed on me. Sitting on the bed, I picked up the phone and heard the receptionist’s voice.“Please send up an espresso, two cappuccinos, and arrange for a Japanese lunch for three.” I glanced at the two of them as
Seven Years LaterCarolina Alcântara Al-MakkiAnother day of having to lie about the life we live…I can see in Bruno’s eyes, and especially in Hassan’s, how tired they are of this life. Yet, my mother and my mother-in-law, Ivone, love him as if he were their own son, just as Najla adores Bruno as though he were another brother to Hassan and Naja.Being here in Munich with my entire Arab family is wonderful. It had been a long time since I managed to bring everyone together. Only Laís couldn’t make it in time. Henrique is dealing with some problems involving small gangs distributing drugs within his territory.The mansion’s living room was filled with joy and laughter, with Ivone and Najla chatting about what Mahjub has been up to at fourteen years old. I’m starting to see that Bruno was right, we should have begun fostering a connection between Mahjub and Hope some time ago. Our son is becoming more handsome every day, with eyes so similar to mine and a serene face like Hassan’s, mak
Alex SpanosHearing the ridiculous story that she loves too much and wouldn’t be able to bear the separation is just too much.I never imagined we would arrive in Munich and be faced with this surprise. Our trip was meant only for business. My parents are worried about everything that has been happening, especially with the fact that Demétrius has to take over the Collalto businesses.But I know Selma would never distance herself from our parents, who are getting older every day. I also don’t want to distance myself from them, but with the girls moving to Brazil to finally be with the men they love, I know Bonnie wants to stay close to them. Still, I need to start training Apollo to truly take over his place."Alex..." I hear my father’s voice behind me."Don’t start, she needs to be punished!" I exclaim to my father."Alright, how do you plan to convince everyone? Henrique is Carolina’s son-in-law, Oskar has business with Bruno’s company, and Sorrentino has his deals with the Alcânta
Alex SpanosI look at my friend of so many years, knowing that he still feels a controlled jealousy of my closeness with Carolina, but what can I do…As she always says, I’m a Greek god. I spend a large part of the night in my office handling various matters, but in the middle of the night, I return to my room.“Tell me you’ve worked things out with them!” I’m startled by Bonnie’s voice.She was sitting with a book in her hands on the balcony of our room. I smile at my wife and walk toward her, stealing a kiss full of desire and pulling her to the bed. I was tired, and tomorrow we would have the twins’ wedding.All our guests were already in place to witness the union of Gaia with Arthur and Athena with Joaquim. I’m surprised that Carolina is the one to conduct the wedding. I glance at Henrique, who maintains a serious posture next to Laís, who seemed upset by his side.But what almost made me stumble was seeing the saddened look on my friend’s face, the woman who has always supported
Carolina Alcântara Al-MakkiWe’ve spent an entire week sailing through the Philippine islands, and I felt so much lighter and at peace with everything that had happened.The way my friend found out wasn’t how I imagined it would be, but it was great that it finally happened.Bruno could no longer bear hiding the life we led and having to explain why Hassan held such a large percentage of "SMOKE's" shares. Even though Hassan had never complained about the way we had been living for nearly twenty years, I knew he wanted to be able to show me off as his wife.This morning, I decided to make my life public. I know Henrique will do whatever it takes to avoid any backlash against me and his in-laws. Or else our little “popcorn” might punish him for longer than he’d like.I looked at my two husbands, both in swim trunks, enjoying the view while sipping their coffee, as I spoke with the editor of Gazeta, who loves reporting on our lives.I was wearing a light-blue bikini and was eager to have
Between Wines, LoveZara AlcântaraMy youngest brother's wedding happened, and I still can't believe so many things have happened in the last five months.I gaze at the sunset that occurred in Ibiza. I managed to return to Capri alongside Pietra and Guilherme. I didn't want to spend any more time deluding myself that one day Ruslan would give up who he is to live by my side in Europe.Being in love with him was something that wasn't in my plans, but what could I do? He's handsome, a lord, that romantic man every woman hopes to find one day to call her own.On the small table, there was a cheese platter and a bottle of wine that I was analyzing, wonderful to be savored alongside a company that will take you to heights, giving you multiple orgasms.I was ready to take the last sip and go to the hotel to enjoy my love disillusionment when I noticed two men approaching the chair behind mine!I look back at the setting sun and bring the glass to my lips, savoring the taste, feeling each no
Sheik Mahjub Al-MakkiI see the guard shaking his head, and I enter the apartment with my bag, hoping my mother has packed something for me to wear tonight!I walk through the space I already know well and start to smell the perfume my wife is wearing. I smile when I see that she received the red and white roses I ordered yesterday to congratulate her on the stylish completion of her time at the Bolshoi.It's something she handled within herself. Despite my deep concern over not having my wife with me full-time in the last six months, I know it's been even more difficult and exhausting for her. I saw her face thinning out in the last month, with the insane routine she was enduring, the little time she took to rest.I saw her trying to juggle being at home, being present by my side, and trying to fulfill her ballet performance schedule.I entered the bedroom, and to my surprise, my mother had packed a tuxedo in the bag. My intention was to wear traditional clothes, but why not repeat t
One Year LaterSheikh Mahjub Al-MakkiWho would have thought that Allah would bless me as He did. Five years ago, I discovered the so-called “rock bottom”, a Brazilian expression my parents brought into our home, and with much pain, I discovered the real meaning of that phrase.After our honeymoon, there was the celebration of my assuming leadership of our entire nation. Despite the implementation of a democratic government in Sudan over the years, something that pushes the poorest parts of my country into misery every day, we continue to do our best for those who seek us out.It was a beautiful celebration, and my wife, as always, was wonderful by my side. Day after day, Hope continues to surprise everyone with her approach to the various charities she has embraced with such care.The main one is the “Sudanese Ballerinas”. When she's not taking care of our home and family, she's helping and teaching young women in our country to stand on their toes and dance as beautifully as she doe
Hope Al-MakkiI'm the person who once hated him for what he did, who didn't want to hear about him anymore. Now, my only desire is to feel my husband unraveling inside me.I slide my hands from his shoulders and hold my breasts, gently squeezing, letting him see what I'm doing. His movements intensify, and with each new thrust, I get closer to a new orgasm.My muscles start to contract, just as my legs begin to have small spasms. Our breaths were quickened and uneven."So good!""Ohhhh..." My mind was jelly at that moment.We were tired after almost a week without proper sleep and mainly missing sharing the bedside by side. My husband has slight spasms, showing that he reached his peak, as I had my own orgasm.I open my eyes and see my husband taking in air, his face starting to show fatigue from all the excitement we've had in the last week. This will be the best memory we'll have."We still have several hours until we land, how about a little nap?" He asks me."It will be wonderful,
Hope Al-MakkiOur party was still going on when Mahjub took my hand and led us to the waiting car. We were a mix of exhaustion and happiness; it's impossible not to say how radiant we were that night.As we entered the small aircraft that soon was flying over Khartoum and taking us towards Dubai, I felt excitement for what was about to happen. The fatigue we were feeling wouldn't erase all the longing and desire I have for my husband.I turn my back and wait for my husband; I know he's just as eager as I am for him to take me out of this dress, which is starting to squeeze various parts of my body.My hair was a shade lighter than usual, as I'm not blonde like my mother, which doesn't sadden me; I like the tone it is. I feel the strands of my hair cascade over my shoulders as Mahjub removes the hijab I was wearing. The same one he gifted me on our wedding day.With my back turned to have the dress taken off of me, I start feeling button after button, my body starting to be freed from
Mahjub Al-MakkiMy heart was skipping with happiness; there were only minutes left until I saw Hope entering the grand hall, and my anxiety was almost out of control. I was desperate with longing and just wanted her by my side.Matheus and Zara were next to me, trying to keep me from running off to find my swan. I saw my parents dancing joyfully, and it was impossible not to feel the same enthusiasm they were feeling at that moment. Even the imam was festive; he was dancing among my family members.Then the music changed, and I turned towards the same doors I had entered just a few minutes ago. I felt my hands sweating, and then I saw my beautiful swan. She was wearing a dress that revealed she truly was a princess… My princess!Hope was in her completely sparkling white dress, making her the center of attention. The voluminous skirt prevented her from dancing more freely as she entered the hall alongside her parents, with her siblings right behind them. As is our culture, the two f
Mahjub Al-MakkiI couldn’t be happier. We've been celebrating for three days straight, with many festivities, dances, tributes, visits from heads of state, celebrities, and most importantly, seeing the happiness of both our families around us.These are the same families I once deeply hurt by not understanding and accepting the choices my parents made for me and even Hope’s parents made for her. I didn’t accept their choices for me, and in a very hard way, I discovered that I lost precious time alongside my swan, whom I watched mature from a distance.I look at the whole party happening on this side of the hall. My brothers were having fun, going in and out of the curtains, watching Hope prepare to enjoy her own party. I wanted so much to be near her, to see how nervous she must be. To participate in each of the stages she is going through.We haven’t seen each other for practically a week, and we’ve barely spoken since everyone has been doing their best to complicate any moment I cou
Hope de LucaI looked at my fiancé, who extended his hand and pulled me into his arms. We heard exclamations from everyone present and some laughter too.“I miss you,” he said, his lips touching my forehead.“I miss you too!” I nestled into his arms.We heard our families socializing, my parents talking with my in-laws, who were gifting them with small jewelry boxes. But at that moment, I was captivated by Mahjub's gaze. He seemed to be scanning every part of my face, making me blush and showing that my health was better.I looked to the side when I felt a subtle touch on my waist. Ruslan was there with the case containing my gift for Mahjub. I took the box and turned to face my prince.“The first time I gave this to you, I saw you as a fairy tale prince who needed something to remember my existence,” I said, watching him open the case. “Today, we are on a completely different level. This piece is no longer just a reminder but a symbol of my love for you.”I took the masbaha from his
Hope de LucaReligion forbids us from touching or having intimacy before marriage; it is a law imposed by the Quran, one that I have already made my beautiful prince break. I hear him asking for forgiveness daily, and of course, I also ask for forgiveness. But I would never stop sleeping by his side.However, the wedding was approaching, and my mother-in-law made us separate a bit to obey the laws, the same ones we had been breaking since our reunion. We hadn't seen each other for a few days already, and we still had the next few days to endure the longing of sharing the same room.After we met my friend and his father, we spent almost a month in Washington. I wanted to be close to Guilherme, to be his friend as I always had been. Even though there were still some reports about our engagement, I would not stop being by his side.To ease the whole situation and exposure that Guilherme was going through, my father decided to cancel the marriage proposal that Gui had made. He wrote a not