Christabel's POV“First, I need to quickly inform Luca about a few things. Would you please give me a minute?” he asked, removing his hands briefly from mine and walking towards the dining and kitchen area.I followed immediately as I did not want him out of my sight, and moved together with him till he got to where Luca stood, walking on something in the kitchen “Hey Luca” he greeted him with a pat on the back. “Hey boss, welcome home. I made your favorite dish,” Luca replied, smiling widely. “Thanks, but I would like for you to make some more, Adam and his family would be joining us for dinner any minute from now, and a few others from the company. Make a feast or something just be ready to receive my guests” Andre said, seeming serious all of a sudden. Was there something wrong?When he was done talking, he took my hands in his and went upstairs. I wanted to ask why everyone was coming in all of a sudden and also what had happened while he traveled but everything seemed too ear
Andre's POV“A few weeks ago, I got a funny phone call from someone who claimed to hold most of my dirty secrets in his hands and would like for us to meet, if I wanted to save myself and my family.” I took a deep breath and continued,“At first I didn't think much of it because it would obviously not be the first time anyone is trying to get money from this family using such cheap tactics.”“Last week I got this call again and the caller finally introduced himself as Bobby, yes the same Bobby we all know.”“What? What the hell does he think he has against us to pull such stupid and expensive stunts, demanding that amount of money has he lost his goddamn mind?” A major shareholder shouted, letting out his annoyance which caused the others to murmur and talk aloud.“Guys, I know you are all confused and angry, but this is not the way to go about it. We haven’t even heard half of what is going on yet, so I suggest we keep this anger till when Andre is done talking and when we begin to
Andre's POV“What do you all think of this recording? I need honest opinions on what you feel went on, and what went wrong about what you have heard. Adam, you first” I started after giving them ample time to finish with the recording, facing my brother.“Well it’s simple, despite this being your voice, it’s obvious to say that you didn’t say half of this things, it’s obviously fake” he replied“How can you be so sure of what you are saying? The young man clearly made a recording of the conversation he had with Andre that day” Another shareholder said, letting out his honest review and I totally understood him.“This shouldn’t be a problem for us at all, we can easily find out if this is indeed fake or not, one word from me and the team would go to work immediately” the family's lawyer chipped in, putting out his phone to make a call“It wouldn’t be so easy, knowing Bobby and seeing how confident he was while blackmailing me, I’m sure he had already sorted that out. He wouldn’t ask fo
Andre's POV“A crime like this should get him at least fifteen to twenty years if we are able to come up with good enough evidence, given that it was both murder and arson.”“But I honestly don’t think that would be enough for someone like him, he may just take that time as a form of vacation and plan something bigger for when he gets out.”“We need something that would keep him in for the longest of time, we need more dirt on him.” The lawyer replied, taking down notes of everything that was being said. At this time everyone was quiet, giving way for Adam and the lawyer to brainstorm and come to a conclusion, including me. I had done my part and it was obvious that they had more to say and do.“The team is doing so much right now and I think they know pretty much like we do, how important this is for us, they would surely find something on him.” Adam sighed, clasping his hands together.“We should also meet with the commissioner of police, and anyone else that would be of help to us
Christabel's POVI could see them leave from the room where I laid drinking, after Vivian left. The meeting was over and I was super excited, I wanted to run all the way and find my husband but I was a little angry with him and I decided to act petty.I did not blame him for anything that he did because I knew it wasn’t his fault and I could only pity him as he was going through so much but I also couldn’t control the way I felt.In reality I was scared to go and find him, what if he wasn’t in the mood for me, what if he still was very busy with work? I didn’t want to get my heart broken again so I was going to wait and let him come to me.“If he misses me, he will come find me” I told myself, already feeling so lost in the alcohol, I was doing so much to hold back.“Hey princess” I heard him say, recognizing his voice immediately despite being wasted. He had come for me, he was no longer busy and so he had come for me. I couldn't be more happy.“Andre I missed you, do you have time
Vivian's POVThe silence was becoming really awkward and I needed it to stop. Was he too shy to talk to me, or did he not feel the need to? We had connected really well in the kitchen earlier that afternoon, so I wondered why he wasn’t asking any questions or trying to know things about me that did not include pastries, or recipes.I was already so drunk from all the drinking, and I could barely stand up straight.“You alright? You look like you need sleep” Luca asked, looking at me.Was he trying to dismiss me, was he trying to use the fact that I was drunk as an excuse to leave? I didn’t want to be so rash about my thoughts and conclusions, so I tried my best not to speak about my concerns and instead just forge a smile.“I’m all good, just a little tipsy. But it does seem like you want to retire to bed though, I guess the day has been really stressful.” I said trying to act natural, while feeding my curiosity.“No not at all, I quite enjoy staying here with you” he replied, making
Vivian's POV“I took up cooking classes after that, to help my mum’s restaurant and it just became a part of me. I began to love cooking and serving, and having people give opinions about my food, and before you know it I found a new passion.” He started again, smiling this time.“I didn’t even bother going to a normal university anymore, I just went to culinary school instead. Now I love cooking so much I think it’s the only hobby I have left.” He added, making me laugh amidst my little tears.“I’m so sorry Luca, I never should have asked” I apologized, looking down at my hands. “No no it’s perfectly fine, you told me yours so it’s only normal that I reciprocate.” He replied, still smiling like nothing was wrong, how could any man be so sweet? We stayed like that in silence again, this time enjoying each other’s company as we stared at the stars from the window and drank what was left from the bottle of wine.“You look wasted really, you need to take a shower and go to bed” he sai
Vivian's POVHis facial expression changed as soon as I said that and he didn’t wait a second to ask me“What is that?” he asked, his face concerned.“It’s the fact that my mouth has no filter whenever I’m drunk. I’ve been talking all nasty and weird all evening and I’m still surprised why it’s not a turn off for you.” I answered, taking down my eyes from his.“Well that’s the most sexy part of you Vivian, being able to speak your mind when you feel it. And trust me it’s still not everything you say out loud.” He chuckled, placing his right hand on my chin and lifting my face back up.He placed his hands on my waist and moved me till I was on top of him, both of us naked and filling each other’s skin.“Now enough of the regrets, and how we feel about this night. I want you Vivian, and I want you to give yourself to me.” He didn’t have to say more than that, I was already his for the night and whenever more he needed me even if I was not going to say it out loud, I couldn’t wait for h
Christabel's POVStaring at my reflection in the mirror, I grinned hard, my heart beating as I swallowed.I turned my head to the side, taking a close glance at my makeup but there was no flaw I could point out.Suddenly, a loud voice came followed by Melody's bouncy self. "Christabel, are you ready?"I couldn't get to answer because she let out a scream, her eyes flashing with excitement as she took in my form. "Oh my gosh Christabel, you are so beautiful!" She gushed, taking a deep look at me. I beamed at her, standing with a pose so she could see me perfectly."Andre would trip when he sees you."I blushed at her words, shyly lowering my head to look at the floor. For someone so young, Melody was too chirpy for her good. Nonetheless, I bit my lip, looking at her with doubt on my face, "do you think so?""Of course!" She assured causing some of the doubts to roll but still, I was nervous. Today was a huge day for me and Andre, as it was our official wedding.You might be wonder
Andre's POV"Adam!" I yelled as I ran into his mansion, anger clouding my features. "Adam you better get out here 'cause it's urgent!"My voice raked through the air, straining my throat. My heart pounded like a drum, anxiety climbing like a spider over my heart. A few hours ago, I was in the office, reviewing some documents when I received a distress call from Christabel.Before I could panic, I received a message next from Bobby telling me to meet him at a warehouse I wanted to save Christabel from being raped by Joan.This fucking bastard!Did he know I almost died because of him? But here he was lusting after my wife!I rushed to study, grabbing him by the neck before he could react. I roared into his face, "If you don't follow me now, I don't care what's going to happen to your son!""What the fuck is wrong with you Andre?" Adam snarled, smacking my hands off his clothes."What's wrong?" I scoffed, running a hand through my hair. "What's wrong is that stupid son of yours going t
Bobby's POV"Shit!"I cussed as I walked through the streets, lowering my head while adjusting the hat on my head. The sound of sirens blaring filled my ears, causing me to groan. I balled my fists, as I threaded through the dark street, the flickering light from a street lamp, obscuring my vision.It was late at night, but everything seemed like day to me. I pushed a wooden board out of the way, looking behind to see if there was anyone following before I went in. The room went dark as I closed the only source of light from getting in before walking in deeper. "Bobby is that you?" A deep voice sounded in the dark and I rolled my eyes in annoyance. Ignoring the question, I strolled deeper into the room only for me to stop, as he stood in front of me. "What do you want?" I growled, feeling a vein tick at the side of my neck. Through the dark, I saw him flinch, shaking his head as he backed away, probably recognizing my voice."S–sorry," he stammered, taking steps back.He should
Christabel's POV"Are you ready?" Andre's voice wafted into my ears as we stood in front of the huge doors leading to the courtroom. Licking my lips, I hummed in reply while putting on a serious face. Andre sensed my emotions, so he wrapped his huge palms around mine. Today was the day we claimed everything that was ours back. After Andre's words in the hospital three weeks ago, things had taken a drastic change. Adam and Katherine had refused to believe their son had a hand in any of the things happening, so they stormed off looking for him. However, they were crushed by the truth. It was right in front of us the whole time and we failed to notice it.To prevent Bobby from harming his stupid nephew, Andre had planned on sacrificing himself.At first, Andre didn't believe it, but when he called and didn't get a reply from Joan he knew it was true. Having been discovered, John, Jimmy, and Joan all ran away without a trace, the action casting pain on the couple. "Let's go, Christa
Christabel's POVSitting in the ward, the constant sound of the heart monitor's harsh beeping penetrated my ears, making me squeeze the pale fingers in my hands tighter. My eyes strayed onto Andre's sleeping figure on the bed, my heart aching at the sight of him. His face was as pale as a sheet, his hair long and messily curled on the pillow.On his face was a mask which allowed him to breathe. A fog covered the mask as he breathed through an oxygen mask, his chest a slow rise and falling.My eyes rested on his wrist, which was bandaged, a patch of blood appearing on the white material.What were you thinking Andre?"I felt my eyes sting, and I blinked to stop the water from falling. Thinking of what happened that day was like a nightmare I wish to wake up from.Coming to the apartment and finding Andre with his left wrist slashed, and a kitchen knife beside him was indescribable.I remembered through my haze how I frantically ran into the apartment, not knowing what to do and it
Christabel's POVI looked out the window, the morning sun hitting my eyes.It's been a month since I last saw Andre or spoke to anyone in particular.After that day, I didn't return to the apartment or bother going to Adam's. I went to my grandma's old house.Before she died, she left the property in my name, and I was glad the house was still standing despite how wrecked it looked.Andre had somehow gotten wind of where I stayed but that was two days after.In my haste to get away from him, I cut off every trace that could lead him to where I was, but a McDonald was always a McDonald. Criminal or not, Andre braved through the streets, looking for me, and that touched me only a little.I squinted my eyes, hoping I could catch a glimpse of his figure on the porch, but he wasn't there.Andre had been coming for weeks without stopping, trying to talk to me, but nothing he said made sense to me. I was sure he was trying to make excuses. I wrapped my hands around myself, letting the curt
Christabel's POVAnother crash.Another yell, followed by a female's screech, which made my heart thump a thousand times per second. Calm down, Christabel.I exhaled through my lips, gripping the table as hard as I could, my knuckles going white."How dare you?!" The male's voice boomed through the wooden doors, echoing in the empty restaurant. I couldn't make do with what the woman said, but it riled the man up. "I gave you my trust, everything you needed, and this is how you repay me?"The man's shout caused me to jerk this time.My brows creased, and I couldn't help but narrow my eyes as I listened to the voice. "Listen, that shit you pulled in front of the media? You are going to take it down!" Was that Andre's voice?I squinted my eyes, my heart racing as I listened deeply."I can make you if you don't do as I say." The man growled, his voice a deep rumble through the restaurant.Oh gosh! It is Andre's voice. My eyes widened, and I stood to my feet. I have to stop him!Thi
Christabel's POVHolding onto my bag while I crossed the road, I couldn't help the tension that suddenly built in my heart.Pausing in my steps, I lowered my head, looking at my toes through the flat sandals I wore. My heart was racing, and I felt my breath stuck against my throat as I thought of what today was. Today was D-day, meaning it had been two days since I met Jacqueline at the parking lot, and I still didn't dare to tell anyone. Clutching my bag, guilt washed over me.Andre had told everyone about meeting Bobby at the court, as well as the possible hand he had in the case while I kept quiet about mine.What was I to do anyway? I couldn't walk up to Andre and tell him I had made a deal— well, sort of, with Jacqueline.That would shatter him."Hey, get off the road!" An angry yell came from behind me, causing me to snap out of my daze. Hurriedly, I apologized to the red-faced man who had bags of groceries in his hands, before making way for him as he cursed while moving.Si
Christabel's POVThe drive home was uneventful. I was stuck in my head, even forgetting about lunch. I drove to the garage, sighing as I turned off the engine. I closed my eyes, running my hand tiredly in my face. Meeting Jacqueline had drained the energy out of me.Since the news of what Jacqueline said on television had caught the attention of the media, we had decided it was best to move. It wasn't Adam's mansion but one of Andre's.He had bought a small apartment in one of his friend's estate— although I have no idea who that friend was. I unlocked the door, closing it with a bang as I stepped into the apartment.The apartment was huge, facing a wonderful landscape.Andre had planned to surprise me with this apartment for our honeymoon, but that was also destroyed by Bobby's incessant butting in. Pushing the door open, the door closed with a gentle click.I walked into the apartment and saw the light in the living room on. Was Andre back? I dropped the keys into the key tray a