CHAPTER 7 MARK'S POV I signaled my team to halt before Victor Russo's warehouse. Darkness enveloped us, broken only by faint moonlight. Damien, Kali, Vinnie, Marco, and Natasha's faces were etched with determination, their eyes locked on our target. "Locked doors," Marco whispered as he examined the entrance. He thought he could say all that to my wife and get away with it, I could tell she was scared of him which made me livid. I nodded to Marco. "Take care of it." Marco approached the door, inspecting the lock. Suddenly, he froze, then gazed upward. "Cameras," Marco whispered urgently. "We're probably being watched." We followed his gaze. Multiple cameras focused on us. "Or maybe not," I added as far as I was concerned this place was almost empty, there were no guards stationed anywhere Victor is losing his touch. Kali quickly assessed the situation. "We need to disable them," she whispered. I signaled to Vinnie and he quickly got into action. He swiftly dispatched the
CHAPTER 8 SOFIA'S POV As soon as I got home I went to my room to freshen up and tend to the bruises on my body, after changing into my night wear I wore a silk robe to cover the red marks on my arm. Hopefully, they will be gone soon and the swelling will stop by tomorrow. As soon as I got downstairs the maids confirmed that the kids' dinners were ready, I remembered that they had been sleeping for hours. I decided to go to their room and check up on them. As I gently pushed open the door, a warm smile spread across my face. Joey, the six-month-old, slept peacefully, her tiny chest rising and falling. Louis, two years old, sat up, rubbing sleepy eyes. Our gazes met, and he smiled. "Louis, sweetie, Are you fully up? Time to wake up!" I exclaimed, pivoting towards Joey's crib. Luis yawned, opposing. "No, no, no! Sleep!" He whined in a cute manner. I chuckled, empathizing. "I know, baby, but we must get ready. You need to eat." "Daddy will be back soon so we need to get ready," I
SOFIA'S POV As I awoke, I could feel the warmth seeping into my soul. The soft morning light filtered through my room's wispy curtains, illuminating my serene space. I stretched gently and savoured peaceful silence. Rising slowly, I slipped on my fluffy slippers, creaked my room door open, and then stepped quietly drifting towards the children's room. I had to be as gentle as possible because the kids might still be asleep. As I pushed the door open, My heart swelled. Joey's radiant smile greeted me. Joey blabbered some words and extended her tiny arms towards me. My exhaustion immediately melted, replaced by joy. I enveloped Joey in a gentle hug, inhaling her sweet baby scent. "Good morning, sweetie," I whispered as I lifted Joey, cradling her close. As I cradled Joey, her warm breath danced across my skin. We remained like that for a few minutes before I stood up and glided toward the bathroom. I gently undressed Joey and gave her a warm bath. This soothed her morning fussine
CHAPTER 10 MARK'S POV As I stepped into my office, the soft glow of fluorescent lights enveloped me. Damien, my right-hand man, followed closely holding my briefcase. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air. My front desk staff greeted me, bowing respectfully. "Good morning, sir." I waved my hands in reply as I took a seat. I just revamped my office and the new sleek, modern decor reflected my precision: polished marble floors, minimalist artwork, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline. Damian and I exchanged nods and he dropped my briefcase on my table. My project manager, Alex, soon walked in, and we got to work immediately. "Morning briefing?" I inquired. "Ready, sir," he replied, opening his tablet. As I scrolled through Alex's briefing, pride swelled within me. My business was thriving, and despite my being a Mafia, I still had other things to fall back on. I was making mind-blowing profits, ensuring a secure legacy for Luis and Joey.
SOFIA'S POV As Mark handed me the Élax boutique bag, I felt bewildered this is the most expensive boutique in this city. And he just randomly brought this home, for me? "We have somewhere important to be at 8 p.m.," He stated. My mind immediately started to race. What event is it and Why the suddenness? Mark's expression hinted at no discussions. I was confused, but I tampered with caution. Mark's demeanour signalled tonight wasn't for inquiries. I opted for silence. As he played with the kids, I quickly headed upstairs to unbox what was in the bag. I got to my room, and I started examining the elegant attire; questions flooded me. Esteemed people will be in attendance? Who are those we will be meeting tonight, and why hasn't Mark told me about this before? I was tempted to go downstairs to ask him a few questions but Mark's sternness forbade questioning. Prioritizing my peace and self-respect, I focused on preparing. I was going to return the dress to the bag when I discovered
SOFIA'S POV As I took a quick shower, the warm water enveloped me, melting away the tension of the evening. My muscles relaxed, and I breathed in slowly. But as I closed my eyes, my mind began to wander. Thoughts of Mark's behaviour and the mysterious evening ahead faded into the background, and it was replaced by a more familiar, comforting presence - my brother Carl. I hoped he was doing okay. It felt like an eternity since we'd last sat down together, just the two of us, sharing our thoughts and laughter. Life had been busy, pulling us in different directions, but my concern for him remained constant. Memories of our childhood flooded my mind - the silly fights, the whispered secrets, and the uncontrollable laughter. I recalled the time we snuck into Mom's kitchen and devoured an entire batch of freshly baked cookies, leaving a trail of crumbs and giggles in our wake. Those carefree days seemed like a lifetime ago but the bond still remained strong. "I hope you're holding on,
CHAPTER 13 SOFIA'S POV As we pulled away from my Mark's mansion, the warm evening sunlight cast a golden glow over the city. The sounds of honking horns, chattering pedestrians, and car engines gradually faded into the background. We hit the highway, and the smooth hum of the car's engine took over. I settled into the plush leather seat, feeling a mix of comfort and unease. Mark's decision to drive himself this evening surprised me. Where was his usual chauffeur? I wondered. Was this a deliberate choice because we were going for a family event, or was there another reason? The silent tension between us was palpable, almost thick enough to touch. Mark's eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, I sneaked glances at him, noticing his sharp jawline and the shape of his brow. I have always marveled at how perfect they are whenever he arch his brows, I might have imagined touching those brows and his long lashes. Joey took after him and she has such unique long eyelashes, he turned and ca
CHAPTER 14 SOFIA'S POV I stood frozen, my dress soaked and dripping with the spilt drinks. The waitress still apologized profusely, her eyes darting nervously around the room. "I'm so sorry, miss. I'm clumsy sometimes." I barely acknowledged her, my mind reeling from the shock. And then, Mark's mother appeared, her expression concerned. "Sofia, what happened?" I took a deep breath, trying to explain. "This waitress...she spilled drinks on me. I think it was intentional. She looked at me before pouring—" But before I could finish, Mark's mother's expression transformed. Her eyes flashed with anger, and her hand swung, connecting with my cheek in a stinging slap. I gasped, shock and pain radiating through my face. I held my cheek, stunned. "How dare you accuse my niece of such behaviour?" Mark's mother spat, her voice venomous. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I struggled to process what had just happened. "I...I didn't know she was your niece" I stammered incoherent
Mark pov This isn't Sofia, this can't be my wife! What have the boys been teaching her all these while? For once she didn't look my way nor did she even ask who sent the girl to spy on her, just pure torture no questions no flicker of emotions in her expression only rage in her eyes. "Don't worry we will start now, the pain will eventually subside and so will my kindness for the likes of you" She hushed the girl as she wailed and begged. "I will tell you everything!" The girl screamed but my wife was already fixated on performing her surgery or whatever this is. "I'm not here to ask for anything, I just want to get rid of that ache in my broken heart and take my trust back. Who knows I might feel better after this" She shrugged and started stitching the arm she cut despite the girl's screams of agony she didn't stop and my feet were rooted to the spot as I watched. The panic of what was going on and also the feeling of denial, I must be dreaming, right? My wife hates seeing blo
Chapter 80Mark's Pov I had to go see it for myself and true to their words it was purchased by no other than my mother, it came as a huge shock to me and I wondered why my mother would do such a thing. After I dismissed them glad that this time they were useful I left for the basement, which was another torture ground for anyone caught in suspicious acts inside my home. It was hidden underground and soundproofed so my wife never knew of it not even Emily knew of it too, but I ordered one of the guards to bring Sofia in when she arrived home. I already called Enzo and he is currently on his way, the maid was bonded to a chair and she had passed out at some point. I don't usually torture women although I know better than to underestimate women like my father did, I still had a scar from when I was twenty years old and came across a female agent. She whipped my ass like a child and I have never felt so ashamed and powerless still I couldn't bring myself to fight her properly, my f
Chapter 79Mark's Pov I don't know why Sofia has been avoiding me since our conversation two days ago, I tried several times to talk to her but she used every opportunity to run away from me. I was always in my room working on my laptop when I received a phone call from Damian, just like Sofia wished I let her handle the business for now and added a lot of guards to follow her everywhere. She was only going to the warehouse to check on things with Damian's assistance, if they were to secure a shipment or make a transaction Damian and Enzo would handle it. I wasn't foolish enough to endanger her life even if she wished to be aware of everything, I don't want anyone to know about her or think she has any relations with my work. Most especially my rivals even my business partners I can't trust anyone, so I omitted some parts of the job to her because her request could cost me her life. She said she loved me, yet she didn't even bother to hear my reply, I'm certain she thinks I don'
Chapter 78Sofia's Pov "We went to the same high school and college before I dropped out, he also left before I dropped out. Anyways did I miss anything today?" I said before Damon could reply and Bruce started filling me the details of what I missed today. He is a real chatterbox unlike his cousin who wouldn't stop staring at me, Fabio might have noticed because he moved closer to stand behind me. This is definitely going to get to Mark but I should focus on now instead of thinking of what will happen later, we chatted for a while and Damon joined the conversation a few times. He left about an hour later and I felt like I could breathe when he finally left, "You shouldn't have invited him without my permission" I hissed at Bruce and he gave me a surprised look. "But I thought you guys talked about it, Did he send you a text or did you block him?" He whispered back at me. I furrowed my brows in confusion not getting what he was trying to say, "So you did block him, he told me ab
Chapter 77Sofia's Pov I escorted Mark to his room and he forced me to take a nap with him, I gave in because I didn't want him to start thinking of other creative ways of making me stay which I knew I might fall for. I woke up to find an empty bed and I sat up immediately but was relieved to find him smoking on the balcony, "Shit! You are awake" He put the cigarette on the ashtray. "I thought we talked about this, no smoking" I scolded leaving the bed. "I needed something to keep me occupied" He countered and I shook my head as I approached him, "How about I keep you occupied instead" I smirked and that got his attention. "And how do you intend to do that?" He asked but I only smirked instead of replying to his question. I went down on my knees and his eyes widened, "What? Do you not want me to do it?" I asked seeing the perplexed look on his face. "It's not necessary" He replied in a hoarse voice and I blinked in shock. "Why?" I felt ashamed of even thinking I could do this,
Chapter 75Mark's Pov My head banged against the stirring wheel as glass shards cut the skin on my face, and the car somersaulted twice rolling down the hill. The truck had stopped when the damage was done and by the time my car halted, I couldn't feel my arms but I knew I needed to leave this place as soon as possible because the rest chasing me with the sports car would come looking for me. The car was upside down and I managed to get out groaning as I felt pains all over my body. "Shit!" I cursed taking my pistol, I could hear yelling and running footsteps coming towards me so I stood up and ran into the woods. It will be better to find a way to save my head before I kill them, I limped away from the wreckage ignoring the pain in my right shoulder and my legs I ran. They were chasing me and judging from what I noticed it was seven of them, including the truck driver and whoever was with him. "Find him!" Someone barked and I hid behind a tree checking if I had enough bullets,
Chapter 75Mark's Pov My head banged against the stirring wheel as glass shards cut the skin on my face, and the car somersaulted twice rolling down the hill. The truck had stopped when the damage was done and by the time my car halted, I couldn't feel my arms but I knew I needed to leave this place as soon as possible because the rest chasing me with the sports car would come looking for me. The car was upside down and I managed to get out groaning as I felt pains all over my body. "Shit!" I cursed taking my pistol, I could hear yelling and running footsteps coming towards me so I stood up and ran into the woods. It will be better to find a way to save my head before I kill them, I limped away from the wreckage ignoring the pain in my right shoulder and my legs I ran. They were chasing me and judging from what I noticed it was seven of them, including the truck driver and whoever was with him. "Find him!" Someone barked and I hid behind a tree checking if I had enough bullets,
Chapter 74 Sofia's Pov I couldn't sleep and no matter how hard I tried I just ended up tossing and turning, I reached for my phone on my bedside checking if I had any recent notifications. Mark didn't even bother to call even if it was late at night, could it be that he thought I was asleep? I swiped to unlock my phone and dialed his number. "The number you are trying to call is unavailable, please leave a message after the beep" I frowned and hung up, this was the first time his voice went straight to voicemail, I called again but it was the same then I got worried. Is he okay? Did something happen? Was it the reason why his men were at his house today? I immediately called Damian, it's was 11 pm but I'm sure he might still be awake, and after the second ring he picked up. "Mrs-""Where are you right now?" I asked getting out of my bed, Rachelle would be sleeping in her room right now and maybe she won't notice me leaving. I just had a bad feeling about this and after heari
Chapter 73Mark's Pov There was nothing I hated not that incompetence, and right now I was irritated and livid. My hackers got a lead on the person sending me those texts and now they suddenly lost it! They came the signal was a glitch and I wanted to bury bullets in the heads so I could see if they were actually real or holograms. "You are telling me, we lost whoever it was in just three minutes? What the hell am I paying you for?" I barked at them. "I'm sorry boss, we are working on it" Damian apologized on their behalf knowing fully well I might shoot them if I hear the word 'sorry' from them when I have already heard them repeat the same pathetic words several times already. They got to work typing can't but I know it was futile, whoever this person is he or she is very good at hiding and it's pissing me off. Even worse Reid was out of the country for an ongoing investigation, so he was out of my reach I have to rely on these blockheads for now. My phone vibrated in my pock