Just as I thought that he was about to hit me, he stopped and I moved my palms slightly down to see him.In a flash of a moment he composed himself, and his eyes softened as he threw the phone on the bed."It didn't mean for you," he clarified. "Don't take it otherwise."Understanding, I nodded.My eyes darted towards the clock, realizing that he was running late for the office. But there was an unusual lack of haste in his movements. A sudden recollection struck me: the doctor had promised to send the reports before he reached the office. I couldn't resist the urge to ask him about it."Did you get the call from the doctor?" His eyes snapped at me in surprise, as if I had asked something new."Umm, yeah," he said casually"What did he say?" My curiosity picked."I'm fine," he answered with nonchalance, his face void of any emotions—a familiar sight by now."And what about me?" I pressed further, seeking answers.Silence hung heavy in the air, stretching the seconds into an uncomforta
Roseline's POVIt's been two weeks since Vincenzo took me for the medical checkup.He told me we would both have the medical checkup together but it seems like he went there only for me. It seemed like he was determined to ensure every possible test was conducted on me, turning the doctor's visit into a series of exhaustive examinations, including a CT scan.I couldn't help but feel like a lab rat, an object of experimentation, subjected to test after test. Vincenzo's behavior was controlling, and he seemed fixated on making sure every detail was thoroughly examined. It was as if he wanted to squeeze every bit of value from his insurance, ensuring there was nothing left to chance.He didn't let me see my reports and just told me that I have a deficiency of a few vitamins, which is why I had to take them every day.At first, I hated the fact of taking medicines daily but then, surprisingly, after a week of taking the prescribed vitamins, I started to notice a positive change. The const
Roseline's POV"College of Management," the voice said, and my heart skipped a beat.I turned around, and there stood Vincenzo, looking at me with a mix of surprise and curiosity. His unexpected appearance startled me, making me take my hand back from the mouse."Vincenzo!" I managed to say that and stood up at my place. I was surprised because this was not his time to return from the office.He stepped closer, his gaze lingering on the laptop screen. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone tinged with suspicion."I was just... filling out a scholarship form," I stammered, hoping he wouldn't probe further."A scholarship form? For what?" he inquired, his eyebrows furrowing."For the College of Management," I admitted, deciding to be honest, "I want to continue with my studies."Vincenzo's eyes widened, and a moment of silence passed between us. I couldn't predict his reaction, and I braced myself for a potential argument.But to my surprise, he took a step back and regarded me w
"What?" I replied, folding my arms defensively across my chest."The first is that you will never miss out on taking the prescribed medicines," he stated firmly.My lips pressed together in annoyance. I felt my frustration rise at his insistence on the medication. I believed that I was perfectly fine, and the dizziness had become bearable. I didn't want to be dependent on those tablets.But Vincenzo's tone left no room for negotiation. It was clear that he was dead serious about this condition."Either you agree to my condition or you are not going to that college," he threatened, his tone unwavering."Fine," I relented, rolling my eyes in frustration and looking away. "I'll take the medicines as prescribed.""Good girl" His expression softened slightly, but he wasn't done yet."Now my second condition is that you will stay away from all the male students of your college, including Kevin," Vincenzo asserted, his tone stern and unwavering.I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It felt
Roseline's POVThe room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of the desk lamp illuminating the space around me. My notes and books were scattered around.My eyes were stuck on the laptop screen when I heard a voice from the back."Are you still awake?" he asked, his surprise evident as he stepped out of his study. It was common for him to work late into the night, but I usually preferred to sleep early, so my late-night studying must have caught him off guard."Yeah, just going through a few case studies," I replied without turning my gaze away from the screen"You know you are taking this test too seriously. You may fall ill from all the stress," he warned, his concern palpable as he approached me.I decided to ignore his comment and stay focused on my studies. It's been a month since we filled out the form and tomorrow is our exam. Half of my days got wasted in looking after the startup and now I have only a few hours left. I don't want to waste even a single second."Hmm, so what is y
Roseline's POV"Hey, wait for me," I heard Kevin's voice call out from behind. I turned around to find him running to catch up with me."How was your exam?" he asked as he caught his breath, now walking beside me."It was fine, but more difficult than I thought. I just hope I pass it. What about you?" I inquired."Umm... I just hope I don't need my brother's help," he laughed."You look exhausted," he observed."Yeah, I stayed up late studying for the exam," I confessed."Ohh! In that case, coffee is the best remedy," he chuckled, and I nodded in agreement. "There's a cafe nearby that makes the world's best coffee. Let's grab a cup."I hesitated for a moment, unsure about accepting his offer. Before I could respond, I noticed Kevin's expression change. His eyes seemed fixed on someone or something, causing the color to drain from his face and his mouth to fall open.I followed his gaze to see what had caught his attention and was a bit surprised to find Vincenzo standing there.What i
Roseline's POVI stirred in my deep sleep when I heard the sound of the door opening.After coming back from the orphanage, I was completely exhausted, first because I didn't sleep well last night and second because the kids played with me a lot. So it didn't take me time to drift into a deep sleep. I vaguely recalled one of the house helpers trying to wake me for dinner, but I sent them away, my stomach still full from the hearty meal Sister Mary insisted I eat before leaving the orphanage, and it was so yummy that I ate more than usual.Blinking my eyes open with difficulty, I sat up on the bed, feeling disoriented and groggy. My legs stretched out in front of me, and I rubbed my eyes, trying to clear the sleep haze so that I can see clearly. I wasn't tired anymore but I was still sleepy. I never knew I could sleep this much.A big yawn escaped me while I was still rubbing my eyes, and that's when I heard the unmistakable sound of a camera clicking."What are you doing!" I whined, h
I became a statue the moment I realized how much trouble I was!I couldn't ignore the knot of unease that had formed in my stomach but it didn't move me from my place. When he was sure that I was not going anywhere, his grip on me relaxed slightly.He placed his chin on my shoulder, and I could feel his steady breath against my neck, which raised the hair on my nape as well. His heartbeat, too, seemed steady and calm as it thumped against my back.Titling his head slightly, he inhaled deeply into the crook of my neck. His heart was thumping evenly and his breath was also calm and cool.I am sure the thing he wants from me makes him even more tired than he already is.Why has he forced me on his lap when he must be sleeping early?I took another deep breath, gathering my courage to talk to him. I can't stay on his lap forever."Vincenzo, please let me go," I said, trying to keep my voice steady and trying my best not to make any move that could arouse him even more.But instead of comp
Roseline's POVI was packing a lunch box to have it together in the garden as planned by Enzo when Roderick came running to me. "Mommmyyyyyyy!"I turned to find my sweet three-year-old son standing there, his eyes filled with innocence and his lips forming a cute pout."Yes, baby?" I responded, bending down to his level.Our children had grown so fast, and it seemed like just yesterday when I was carrying them in my belly, experiencing their little kicks and wiggles. Soon, they will start going to school as well. "Chocolate," he requested, his tiny hand reaching out and his big, hopeful eyes locked onto mine. He was blinking up at me innocently with a pout on his lips. I couldn't help but chuckle at his irresistible charm. "But you already had some today, my love," I said gently, aware of the perils of too much chocolate for a young child. "You know that having too much can give you cavities in your teeth."He pouted a little more, his eyes welling up with tiny tears."Mommy, plea
One year laterRoseline's POVAs I sat in the VIP seat, watching my husband Vincenzo on the stage, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness. Today was a momentous occasion—an interview that marked the culmination of Vincenzo's relentless pursuit of success. He had not only climbed the corporate ladder but had also become the richest man in the country as a result of his dedication and unyielding work ethic.His company had experienced unprecedented growth under his leadership, and it was all a result of his own hard work and visionary approach to business. When I asked him what would I do here, he said that it was because of my luck that he had been able to achieve all this but it was nothing but a lie. It is his own hard work. On the stage, Vincenzo was poised and confident, fielding questions from the interviewer with ease. His words were measured and insightful, a reflection of the wisdom he had gained through years of experience. The audience was capt
Roseline's POV"Ma'am, you are done," the attendants announced, taking a step back to admire their work.As soon as I stood up, I couldn't resist the curiosity to see myself. My heart raced with anticipation as I approached the mirror. When I finally gazed upon my reflection, my jaw dropped, and my eyes widened in sheer disbelief.I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was me, but at the same time, it felt like an entirely different person staring back at me. The transformation was astonishing.Before this moment, I had rarely worn makeup, and the sight of myself in such an exquisite wedding dress, adorned with intricate makeup and hair styling, left me feeling completely transformed. It was as if I had stepped into a dream, and I marveled at the beautiful bride that I had become.For the first time in my life, I saw myself as truly beautiful. "My Princess," My father's voice gently called out, drawing my attention as he stepped into the room."Dad," I responded with a smile, my h
Roseline's POVI was completing my assignment when suddenly I felt a kick. My fingers trembled as I tried to maintain my focus on the assignment, the cursor on my computer screen blinking in time with my racing heart.At first, I thought that it was normal as the due date was only two days ahead but then that sudden kick, strong and insistent, tore my attention away from the words on the screen. I gasped, my hands instinctively clutching my swollen belly. It had been a day filled with intermittent twinges, but this was different and sharper, and it frightened me."Ahhhhhh!" a loud, painful scream left my throat. The kicks became a relentless rhythm, punctuated by contractions that wrapped around me like vipers of pain. I cried out, a scream echoing through the room, the intensity of it threatening to consume me."Enzo!" Desperation took over as I called out for Vincenzo. My voice quivered with fear and pain as I said his name, the urgency in my tone carrying through the walls of the
Roseline's POVWith only one month left until our babies would enter this world, Vincenzo and I were bursting with anticipation. Every day brought us closer to the moment we had been eagerly awaiting.Since the traumatic incident, I have become quite the homebody, rarely venturing outside except for my regular checkups. I clung to Vincenzo's side, feeling safest in his presence, and he never left my side for a moment.Most of my days were spent in a gentle cycle of sleep and study. The fatigue that accompanied this stage of pregnancy often left me too tired to focus on our startup project, much less anything else. I marveled at how some pregnant women managed to stay perpetually excited and energetic, while I struggled to find the motivation to even comb my hair.My eyes remained closed, and I was still lying in my comfortable cocoon when I felt a gentle hand on my head. An immediate sense of warmth and comfort washed over me, and a wide, contented smile spread across my lips.Vincenz
Roseline's POVBeepBeepBeepBefore I could even flutter my eyes open, a rhythmic beeping sound reached my ears, a reassuring signal that I was in a hospital. Memories of the terrifying events leading up to my loss of consciousness played like a haunting reel in my mind.My initial instinct was to protect my unborn babies. My hands instinctively reached for my stomach, and a wave of relief washed over me as I felt the reassuring presence of my baby bump."Rose." Vincenzo's voice broke through the haze as he rushed to my side, settling into a chair beside my hospital bed. His gentle hand began to caress my head, offering a soothing touch."Vincenzo, my babies?" I managed to voice my primary concern."They are fine," he breathed out, nodding reassuringly. His words eased the immense worry that had gripped me."How are you feeling?" he inquired, genuine concern etched on his face."I am fine," I assured him.My trembling hands reached out, and I gently enclosed his palm within mine, squ
Vincenzo's POVI was with Roseline, selecting a dress, when I got an important call. As much as I didn't want to leave her alone, I had to attend the call as well. Asking her to stay at her place, I went to attend the call but to my surprise, the loss of network didn't let me hear anything. I had to walk ahead and suddenly I was pushed inside a room. I wasn't expecting it so I fell inside and before I could react, I was locked inside. "Open the door." I banged but no one came. Locked inside the dimly lit room, anxiety gripped my chest as I desperately tried to break free. The sound of my fist pounding against the solid door echoed through the space, but there was no response from the other side. I couldn't even see the face of the man who pushed me inside. But I am sure about one thing: everything is planned. I couldn't shake the feeling that something sinister was afoot, and my mind raced with thoughts of Roseline alone and vulnerable. "My men took about twenty minutes to reac
Fear and confusion swirled within me as Kevin drove the car, leaving me paralyzed with disbelief. The Kevin I had known, the one who had shared laughter and joy with me, now seemed like a completely different person—a dark and dangerous one.I struggled a bit more but I sat back when I knew that there was no way out of this. I was already bone tired and I thought twice about keeping my energy reserved to fight with him once I was out of this car. I still couldn't believe that he was the same Kevin with whom I had shared so many laughs and giggles. I never knew that a devil was lurking behind that helping face. Vincenzo was already aware of his reality and this was the reason he was always asking me to keep my distance from him but I was so foolish that I never listened to him. I kept on looking out, trying to memorize the way so that I could run back when I got a chance to escape him. After what felt like an hour, he finally applied the brake. He came out and when he opened my si
Roseline's POV"You really don't have a good collection," Vincenzo remarked, his voice tinged with frustration.I was getting tired, to be honest. We had been at the bridal boutique for three hours, and while I was falling in love with every wedding gown they had, Vincenzo seemed unimpressed with any of them.He kept suggesting that I try on various dresses, but my energy was waning, and I didn't want to spoil the excitement of him seeing me in my wedding gown for the first time on our actual wedding day. So, I politely declined."Don't we have other designs?" he inquired, turning to the boutique attendant."Sir, if you're not satisfied with our current selection, you can choose from a virtual catalog, and we'll tailor it to your preferences," she suggested."That's a great idea!" Vincenzo's eyes lit up with excitement. "Why didn't you mention that earlier? I want something that can match the beauty of my wife."The boutique attendant glanced at me, and I couldn't help but feel like a