The room fell silent, the tension between them palpable. Markus’s gaze dropped to the floor, his shoulders tense as Mrs. Stella’s words hung heavily in the air.Mrs. Stella took a step back, her expression softening. “Think about what I’ve said,” she said quietly before turning toward the door. She paused with her hand on the knob, glancing back at her son. “She deserves better, Markus. But so do you and she is the best.”With that, she left the room, closing the door softly behind her. Markus stood there for a long moment, his mother’s words echoing in his mind. He glanced at the mess he had made—the broken vase, the splattered soup—and felt an unfamiliar pang of guilt. For the first time, he wondered if maybe, just maybe, he was the one who didn’t belong.Markus sank back onto the edge of the bed, his mother’s words swirling in his mind like a storm he couldn’t outrun. He ran a hand through his hair, his frustration mounting with every passing second. The shattered vase and soup stai
Mrs. Stella’s joy was uncontainable as she clutched Valeria’s hands, her excitement brimming over. “We need to share this wonderful news!” she exclaimed, already reaching for her phone on the nearby table. “This is a moment for celebration, Valeria. Markus’s child—our family’s future!”Valeria watched her mother-in-law with a faint smile, but her mind was elsewhere. As Mrs. Stella began dialing numbers with practiced efficiency, Valeria’s thoughts drifted to Markus.How will he take this news? Will it change anything? Will he see me differently—or will he still look at me with the same disdain?Mrs. Stella’s voice pulled her from her thoughts as she spoke into the phone, her tone brimming with pride. “Hello, Margaret! You’ll never believe it. Markus and Valeria are expecting! Yes, I just heard the news—confirmed by the doctor herself!”Valeria listened as Mrs. Stella continued the conversation, detailing every word with exuberance. The news would spread quickly now, she knew. The famil
Valeria took a shaky step back, her hands clutching her arms as if to shield herself. “I… I don’t know how to tell you this,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “Your mother… she arranged for the treatment while you were in the coma. She said it was for our future.”Markus’s eyes narrowed, his brows knitting together as a storm of emotions crossed his face—confusion, anger, and betrayal. “Treatment? What treatment?” he asked, his tone dangerous.“She… she told me that it was to help us conceive,” Valeria said, her tears spilling over now. “She wanted to ensure we had a child, Markus. She said it was for the family’s legacy, for you.”Markus stood up abruptly, his towering frame unsteady but fueled by his growing rage. “You’re telling me my mother orchestrated this behind my back? That she went so far as to manipulate you into… into this?”“It wasn’t manipulation!” Valeria cried, her voice breaking. “She said it was what you would’ve wanted. She made it sound like it was the o
James chuckled, shaking his head. “Oh, don’t be like that. I came all this way to check on you. How are you feeling, Val? Enjoying your perfect little marriage?” His tone turned bitter, his smirk twisting into a sneer. “I left you? Come on, you know I love you and I didn’t ditch you instead you did. How does it feel to ditch someone who actually cared about you for… this?”His words stung more than she wanted to admit, but she straightened her posture, refusing to let him see her pain. “Whatever I chose to do with my life is none of your business, James. You are the one who dumped me on the altar and now you have the audacity to throw the blame on me. Just leave. You shouldn’t be here.”He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “None of my business?” he repeated, his voice low and venomous. “You don’t get to act so righteous, Valeria. You threw me away like I was nothing, you could have waited for me. And for what? To be treated like trash by my uncle Markus?”Her eyes flashed with defian
Markus scoffed, setting his glass down with a loud clink. “Home?” He let out a humorless laugh. “That place hasn’t felt like home in a long time. Everyone is wearing a facade, a mask of empathy.” The woman beside him smirked, her fingers trailing lightly down Markus’s arm. “Oh, let the man have some fun,” she purred, her voice smooth and coaxing. “He deserves a break, doesn’t he?”Lars’s jaw tightened, but he kept his expression neutral. “Your health and your responsibilities, sir, are more important than this… diversion.”Markus’s glare shifted to Lars, his lips curling into a sneer. “Responsibilities?” he repeated mockingly. “Is that what she told you? That I’m shirking my duties?” He shook his head, downing the rest of his drink in one go.Lars held his ground, his patience thinning. “No, sir. But it’s my duty to ensure your safety and to inform you that your actions have consequences. Especially for those waiting for you at home.”Markus stared at him for a long moment, his jaw ti
Her fingers brushed against the doorknob to her room, trembling slightly as she pushed it open. The room was spacious and luxurious, but it felt hollow—like a gilded cage designed to remind her of the distance between her and Markus.She closed the door behind her, the soft click echoing louder in her ears than she expected. She pressed her back against it, her body slowly sinking to the floor as the weight of her emotions bore down on her. She hugged her knees to her chest, burying her face as tears began to spill uncontrollably.Her breath hitched as she cursed herself under her breath. “Why did I think... why did I assume things would be different?” she whispered to the empty room, her voice thick with emotion. “Why did I ever think I could be someone important to him?”The words felt like shards of glass cutting through her heart. She had built up so many hopes when she married Markus, believing that love and respect would follow in time. But reality had crushed those dreams, leav
Valeria stiffened slightly at the mention of the child, the words carrying both pride and weight. “While I’m away, I need you to take care of yourself—and this baby,” Mrs. Stella continued, her voice unwavering. “This family may have its challenges, but the child you’re carrying is a blessing, Valeria. You must remember that.”Valeria nodded, her throat tightening. She appreciated Mrs. Stella’s words, but they only served as a reminder of the complexities she faced. “I’ll do my best,” she said quietly, her hands resting protectively over her stomach.Mrs. Stella gave a small nod of approval, her sharp eyes softening as she stood. “Good. I trust you’ll handle everything here with grace. If you need anything, you can reach me, though I expect Markus will step up and be more present while I’m gone.”Valeria looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line. She wasn’t sure how much faith she had in Markus stepping up, but she didn’t voice her doubts.Mrs. Stella leaned down, her expression
Valeria’s lips parted, but no words came out. The lump in her throat grew tighter as she stared at him, her mind racing. She wanted to deny it, to tell him he was wrong, but the truth hung heavy between them, undeniable and suffocating.Markus sighed, leaning back in his chair again. “Look, I’m not blaming you,” he said, his tone softening slightly. “I didn’t exactly marry you out of love either. This was my mother’s doing, her grand plan to secure some ideal version of a family legacy. But that doesn’t mean we have to live like this—trapped, miserable, pretending this is something it’s not.”Valeria’s hands trembled as she looked down at her lap, her vision blurring with unshed tears. “What are you saying?” she asked, her voice shaky.“I’m saying you don’t have to do this anymore,” Markus said firmly. “You don’t have to stay in this marriage out of obligation to my mother or anyone else. If you want out, say the word, and I’ll make it happen. I’ll sign the papers, give you whatever y
The gentle sway of the cruise ship sailed Valeria into a state of relaxation as she reclined on a cosy couch in the private cabinRichie has led her to. The room was adorned with soft, nautical-themed decor, and the soothing sound of waves making her calm. Valeria yawned, feeling the exhaustion from pregnancy.Richie smiled tenderly at Valeria, noting her weariness. He gestured towards the plush bed nestled in the corner of the room. “You look like you could use some rest, Valeria. Why don't you lie down and take a nap? I'll be right here if you need anything. By the time you will wake up we will be at the shore.”Valeria nodded gratefully, feeling grateful for Richie's thoughtfulness. “Thank you! You are so concerned about both of us.” She stretched
Valeria was seated by the window, her gaze fixed on the calm sea scenery outside. She appeared lost in thought, a faint smile playing on her lips. The door creaked open, and Riche entered the room, his presence filling the room with a vibrant energy.Entering with a confident stride he approached Valeria and asked her. “Valeria, my dear, are you ready to go home now?” He sat on the bed with Valeria and kissed her forehead.Valeria turned from the window, her eyes brightening at the sight of Riche. She shot up gracefully from her seat, a sense of excitement twinkling in her eyes. She could not help but feel good at the thought of going home.Valeria kept smiling warmly as he responded to Riche. “I've been ready since the moment you came here, richie.
After bidding Markus and Richardson bye, Valeria made her way to her room. ‘Something is definitely not right with Markus.’ With each step, her thoughts swirled with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. Valeria knew that things were not simple as they seemed because a man like Markus was not going to leave her alone.Entering her room, Valeria closed the door behind her and sank onto the edge of the plush bed, the events of the morning weighing heavily on her mind. As she gazed out of the window at the moonlit sea, her thoughts turned to Markus's unexpected surprise. ‘I cannot believe that Markus can change his mind. He certainly has something going on in his mind.’"Why did Markus call Richie," Valeria mused aloud, her voice barely above a whisper. "Especially when he initially wanted to ruin our weddi
Markus hesitated for a moment before replying, his gaze turning somber as he tried to generate some excuse for Valeria's disappearance. "I have no idea yet but I am looking into this matter.” Markus explained, her voice tinged with anger. “Don’t worry I am personally looking into this. You two relax and go back home together.”Richardson's jaw clenched with fury as he absorbed Markus's words, his mind reeling with the realization of the danger Valeria had faced. "I swear, I will find whomever is responsible and make him pay for what he has done," he vowed, his voice filled with steely determination.But even as Richardson spoke, a sense of gratitude washed over him as he looked at Markus. “You have to look into this matter, Markus. I want the names!” Knowing that without his intervention, Val
[Chapter 41]As the massive cruise ship finally docked at the harbour, a flurry of activity ensued on the deck. Richardson’s demeanour exuded confidence. “Finally! I am here for you, Valeria.”As he made his way down the gangway, his eyes scanning the shoreline for a familiar face.Waiting patiently at the edge of the dock was Markus, his gaze fixed on the approaching ship with a mix of anticipation and excitement. ‘Forgive me for doing this without asking you, Lily. But now I will only fix things for you.’As Richardson descended the gangway, his eyes locked onto Markus, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. With purposeful strides, he made his way towards his cousin."Markus!" Richardson called out as he reached by his side, his v
‘Ironic. Isn’t it? I want you now but it is too late.’ As she disappeared inside, Markus watched her go, a sense of peace settling over him knowing that he had been able to make her happy.With a smile of his own, Markus turned his gaze back towards the port, his heart filled with love and gratitude for the woman who had captured his heart. ‘Only if you had loved me this way truly, Lily.’ He saw her going inside when the elderly maid came to fetch her. Valeria’s responsibility was given to her fully and she fulfilled it effectively.As Markus stepped out of the car and onto the soft sand of the beach, he felt a sense of tranquillity wash over him. The gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore soothed
As much as she did not want to believe in him, something told Valeria that he was telling the truth this time. She reached out to gently caress his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips. "Markus," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion, "I never realized...I…"Markus silenced her with a tender smile, his eyes shining with love and affection. "I've never been good with words, Valeria," he confessed, his voice soft yet resolute. "But know that every moment I spent without you, after you were gone, away from me and all I had was those memory we created together, were the only things which made me see the depth of my love for you. Seeing you becoming someone else’s made me realise my true emotions for you. I know I am very late to confess all this but still I want to say this.”
Markus offered her a faint smile, gratitude shining in his eyes. "It's not your fault, Valeria," he reassured her, his voice warm with affection. "If anything, it made me realise just how much you mean to me, how much I never want to hurt you again."Valeria's question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of unspoken emotions. “Lily…I…” Markus's expression shifted, his features contorting with a mixture of guilt and anguish. He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry, as he struggled to find the right words to explain his actions. "Valeria," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "I... I don't have an excuse for what I did that night. It was inexcusable, and I regret it more than words can express. I still do regret doing everything which hurt you and made you cry.”V
Markus's gaze softened, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and sincerity. He took a deep breath, his grip on Valeria's hand tightening slightly as if seeking comfort. "Yes, it is," he admitted quietly. "I'm sorry, Valeria. I should have chosen a different place for us tonight. I didn't mean to bring back any painful memories."Valeria reached out and placed her free hand on top of Markus's, offering him a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay, Markus," she said softly, her voice filled with understanding. "That was in the past. What matters is that we're here together now. What is important is that we have moved on."Markus met her gaze, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Valeria," he murmured, his voice tinged with emotion. "You always know how to make everything better. And I promise to make everything