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Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Are you back for good now, Cindy? What happened with that Italian stallion of yours?" Mrs. Johnson asked, peering over her glasses with a curious look in her eye, as I stirred the pasta sauce.I let out a laugh, "Italian Stallion?" She joined in, her laughter bubbling up as she nodded, "I saw the photos, he is one fine specimen." I glanced down at the pot, biting my lip, "Turns out he's just too good for someone like me."Mrs. Johnson's laughter faded as she noticed the somber tone in my voice. "Oh, sweetheart," she said gently, reaching out to pat my hand. "Don't you ever sell yourself short. You're worth more than you know." I managed a weak smile, grateful for her comforting words. "Thanks, Mrs. Johnson," I murmured. "Are you getting a divorce?" I shook my head, a heavy sigh escaping my lips. "I don't know," I admitted, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. "But I have a feeling I'll be a divorcée before long.""Separated?" her voice was tinged wit
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Sign it," Scott's voice was gruff, his expression hardened into a scowl."Scott, I—" Before I could finish, he interrupted, "Don't give me excuses. I've had my fill. Either signs the papers, or I'll do it for you."I hesitated, suppressing the wave of nausea churning inside me. My eyes pleaded with Scott once more, "Did he contact you?"His scowl deepened, his tone turning more menacing, "No, because he doesn't care! I refuse to let you waste your life in this marriage, waiting for him to come to his senses, because he won't."I stared at the papers lying before me, and I couldn't help but think back to every single moment we had spent together. It was all too precious to just throw it away like that."If I could reach him just once, maybe he'd understand. Perhaps he's cooled off by now—"His hand slammed down on the table beside the papers, the sound echoing in the room. "It's been two months, Cindy, two months! He doesn't care about you. No man would abandon his
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"I know this is unexpected," he began, his words hesitant yet resolute. "But I had to see you. There's something we need to talk about."Without saying a word, I was about to slam the door in his face, but he placed a hand over it, halting my actions. I glanced past him, scanning the area for Tony, my heart hammering with fear. "There's no one here. I'm alone and unarmed. You have nothing to be scared of."I instinctively positioned myself partially behind the door, my voice trembling with mistrust. "I don't trust you."He scoffed. "I don't trust you either, but here I am.""I didn't ask you to be here," I retorted through clenched teeth.He sighed, shaking his head. "Claire, I'm not here to repeat the mistakes I made in the past. Can we talk?"I glanced behind him once more, ensuring there was no one lurking in the shadows."There's nothing I would want to talk about with you," I spat, my anger simmering beneath the surface.He didn't budge, his grip firm on the d
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I was four months pregnant, and while the first trimester had been relatively easy, now I was starting to show a bit, and the nausea was hitting me hard, making each day a struggle to get through. I gently caressed my slightly swollen belly, finding comfort in the subtle changes my body was undergoing. Although it wasn't yet noticeable to others, I cherished this intimate connection with my growing baby, a bond that only I could feel.For the exhibition tonight, I opted for a dress that would discreetly conceal my growing bump. I slipped into a black burnout maxi dress with delicate spaghetti straps, its modest neckline offering just the right amount of coverage. As I admired my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. No one on this earth can tear you down, Claire Parker, not even the man you love with all your heart. The sleek silhouette of the dress hugged my curves in all the right places, disguising my pregnancy with effortle
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅My eyelids felt heavy as if they were weighed down by tons of bricks, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't force them open. With a groan, I summoned all my strength and pushed my eyes open, only to be met with the blurry sight of an unfamiliar ceiling.As I blinked away the haze of unconsciousness, the events of the previous night flooded back to me in a rush. Panic surged through me as I struggled to make sense of my surroundings.The room was dimly lit, with heavy curtains drawn tightly shut, casting a shadowy gloom over everything. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me back down onto the soft surface beneath me.Where was I? And more importantly, who brought me here, and why? Dread pooled in the pit of my stomach. As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I took in the opulent surroundings of the bedroom. Rich fabrics adorned the furnishings, and ornate decorations adorned the walls. It was a stark contrast to the cold fear grip
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Perched on the edge of the bed, I curled into myself, knees drawn up to my chest, and my chin resting on top of my knees. His presence across from me was palpable, his hand possessively wrapped around my ankle, anchoring me to him. Slowly, deliberately, his touch traced a path along my leg, each caress sending shivers of conflicting emotions coursing through me. Despite the state of mind, I knew he was in, his touch was a paradox of gentleness, a stark contrast to the brutality I knew he was capable of. Yet, at this moment, his tenderness felt like a lifeline, a fragile thread connecting us. With each stroke, I could feel the electricity coursing through my body, pulling me closer to him. It was like we were speaking our own language, one filled with longing and love. "You were the anonymous buyer..." I stated. His intense gaze locked onto mine, momentarily stealing my breath. "It was your debut exhibition. I had to support my girl," he replied, his voice dark a
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Who's been managing things while you've been away?" I inquired, pulling my hair up into a ponytail."I was," he replied, his gaze fixed on me through the mirror. "I know how to run my organization even when I'm not physically there."We stood side by side, him adjusting his tie while I styled my hair. I had been discreet about our baby, wanting the right moment to reveal the news, I wanted it to be special. I wasn't sure if he had noticed my subtle changes, but he hadn't said a word about it.His phone rang, and he quickly grabbed it, a smirk playing on his lips as he glanced at the screen. Without answering, he slid it back into his pocket."Who was it?" I asked, curious.His smirk widened. "Scott Mancini." My eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh my god, he must be so worried about me. You have to talk to him," I urged. Vincenzo's expression remained smug as ever, and he nonchalantly shrugged. "No," he replied, his tone dismissive."What do you mean, no?" I exclaimed,
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I stirred awake, feeling Vincenzo's solid frame enveloping me from behind. The unmistakable presence of his sizable cock pressed against me sent a jolt of excitement coursing through my body. I couldn't resist teasing him, rolling my hips ever so slightly against his length.A low, guttural groan escaped his lips, sending a delicious shiver down my spine. His response was so quintessentially Vincenzo that I couldn't help but smile, relishing in the sensation of his desire coursing through me even before I opened my eyes to greet the day.Last night fulfilled every dream I've ever had about becoming a mother and sharing intimate moments with the man I love. "Are you awake, Mia Cara?"I reached up, my fingers delicately tracing the contours of his forearm where it lay against my ribs, just below my breasts. "Mhmm," I murmured softly. He pulled me closer, his embrace tightening as he buried his face in the nape of my neck. I could sense the gentle caress of his lips