Vanna Shaw is clearly irritated by what she heard from her mother. Sitting there, she looks at her parents who seem happier than she is. "Is it great, darling?" Her mother laughs while raising a glass of red wine in her direction.She forces a smile, not wanting to upset her mom."Well, the wedding will be next month," her father sighed, taking a sip of his drink. "I need you to be ready, understand?" She heard it clearly once more."Yes, dad," she replied politely as she stood up and gave them her accepting smile. She raised her glass. "Cheers!" she muttered while looking at the two people she owed everything to.She is an adopted child. Because of this, she is not allowed to refuse their orders. From school to the friends she associates with, the course she should take, and finally, managing their company - an underground business of various firearms from different regions of Spain and other places.She is almost twenty years old now, yet she still needs permission for all her plans
"Are you trying to command me?" he asked, furrowing his brows and shaking his head. Followed by Magnus's laughter, as if amused by what I said.Damn! This guy is really stubborn!Before long, he pulled me closer and stared into my eyes. Like, what does he want? I can't figure him out, I can't make him submit!"Don't dare to provoke me, honey. I'm not easy to control," he smiled.I forcefully pushed him away. I really dislike guys like him.I scanned him from his well-groomed hair and black suit down to his black pointed shoes.I couldn't find anything wrong with him, except for his attitude, of course."So, what's the plan?" I asked, crossing my arms.He grinned, then sat on the marble garden bench, even before we entered, he was already teasing me outside.His guards surrounded us, as if blind before. They didn't even move, like robots just staring into the distance."Listen, Vanna. I am Magnus, and as your parents have proposed..." I raised my eyebrow."They want us to come together
"Amazing!" I wasn't expecting that view. The sea is so beautiful, and the cool breeze perfectly embraces my body. The shade from those trees is exquisite. It all complements the perfect and serene ambiance of this place.A quiet yet relaxing place. Magnus leaned against his car, crossing his arms as if he succeeded in impressing me with the place."I said it right, yeah?""Yes," I smiled. I slowly took off my footwear and felt the rough white sand under my feet."It's warm," I said, glancing at him. He seemed to be enjoying my view at that moment as if he had deep thoughts."Hey? Are you okay?" I raised an eyebrow at him. He widened his smile and leaned on the bumper."Uh, uhm yes. I'm fine.""What are you looking at there?" He shook his head."Nothing." He lied. I furrowed my brows."Really?""Well, I'm just thinking about something.""What? Is it about our marriage?""Yep," Magnus bitterly smiled. I know he's been thinking about that burden. He knows I am a burden. I know he's doing
Magnus' POVAfter wrapping up the short date, I had to excuse myself for a while as I dropped Vanna off at her place. There was an urgent matter at the pier that required my attention. My staff needed me there due to an unexpected event that seemed serious.Hurriedly driving to the location, a sense of foreboding surrounded me. I needed to address this issue promptly to avoid any conflict with the Shaw family, whom I aimed to connect with. I had planned meticulously for the past ten years, setting up everything, making deals, establishing connections, and even figuring out how Vittos Shaw, my way into their family, fit into the picture.A decade of preparations was at stake, and I couldn't allow it to be jeopardized by a single failed shipment.Upon reaching the pier, I headed straight to my front man, Jay. Stepping into the vast building, I saw them surrounding a man with covered eyes. Jay had his gun aimed at him, awaiting my command."Drop it, Jay. What's going on here?" I inquired
Magnus' POVI am sitting in front of the four people I trust the most, wearing my decent suit. Jill holds the cigarette that he's been puffing on since earlier, visibly calming himself down. I can tell he's nervous.Beside him, Jeb checks the time on his own mobile phone. It's almost thirty minutes past our scheduled meeting time, and Jay is still not here. They all know we have a meeting today.Lastly, June stares at me seriously, trying to gauge any intentions I might have towards them.I clench my jaw and control my breathing to remain calm. I want to get explanations from all of them. The services in my industry are failing, and I suspect one of them is trying to provoke me. He's the mole within my company."Where's Jay?" I glance at my watch."He's coming," Jeb replies curtly."It's been thirty minutes," I remark, reaching for the folders on my desk."Maybe we can start now," I say softly, looking at each of them in turn."Why are we here?" June asks.I cleared my throat and hand
Magnus’ POVI push the trolley we're carrying, unable to resist asking why this woman has so much luggage. She only has six bags, without any personal luxurious hand-carry bags. I can't tell if she's going home or not."So slow..." she mutters to me. I chuckle; it's funny how I'm the one struggling with pushing the trolley yet she's the one complaining. Damn it!If I wasn't affectionate, I would've probably kissed it with a whip by now."Magnus, I'm waiting," Vanna adds. She's wearing a cream-colored aristocratic outfit with black flat sandals. Her outfit is belted, and she's wearing black shades. She may be overdressed, but it suits her."I'm coming," I smile and push the bags. She requested to have no bodyguards, and even though it's risky, I agreed. I suppose this country is secure enough.Vanna frowns like a lost child in the aisle, holding a map."What's with that thing?""We need it, so we don't get lost."I laugh a bit. She's really amusing."I've been here a lot, so don't worr
Vanna’s POVI coincidentally hopped on a pedicab right away, as the driver mentioned, that's what they call a vehicle with three wheels. It ran quite fast. I quickly arrived at the airport. I had my ticket in hand, bound for Aklan, but I wasn't going to use it yet; I had money with me. I grabbed my shoulder bag filled with clothes. I only entrusted my bags to Magnus.In reality, all I wanted was to find someone who knew where my family was. I saw a headline news before stating that I could find my brother here in the Philippines. He used to be a bodyguard for a politician. I was headed to the said place, in Zamboanga Del Sur.I immediately purchased a ticket there. When I made up my mind, I headed straight to the airport gate. I had waited my whole life to discover my roots, my siblings, and whether my parents existed somewhere.When I heard the call, I promptly stood up and followed the crowd. The Philippines is densely populated, but I admire the genuine nature of the people. They a
Magnus' POVI am sitting next to Vanna now, and the sleeping child is beside me. We are on our way to Zamboanga. Everything is quiet except for the music playing on the airplane's audio system.The interior design is flawless, with a combination of cream and black colors shining inside. The leather texture seats are brown, matching the elegant carpet below, suitable for six to eight persons. There are tables and a mini bar enclosure in the back for drinks.I have spoken to the pilot and two cabin crew members. Besides that, I have also paid for assistance on all my flights using the airplane.I was deep in thought when I noticed Vanna rolling her eyes at me."What?" I asked her.She just frowned and looked at the child sleeping on my lap. She was leaning on me comfortably."What about this child?" she pointed at the sleeping child."We will find his parents," I firmly replied. I don't want to stress about it. I can talk to many people to handle it."Annoying!" I heard her mumble softl