DANE
Zara’s death had shaken Dahlia and although she tried to keep it together, she broke down often. Something she would have refused herself if I didn’t encourage her to let her pain out. Something about this time made us even closer, and although I wanted to fuck her every time I laid my eyes out on her, she wasn’t in the right frame of mind yet. With so much going on, I was glad I told her I loved her. I had seen light return to her grey eyes, even if it was fleeting.
Zara’s house had been kept locked off for two weeks and her parents had wanted nothing to do with her. Apparently, they blamed Zara for her own death, something that had really angered Dahlia.
Dahlia had a habit of taking everything in her stride and just dealing with it silently. I knew her fear of losing everyone she loved had affected her but I also needed her to stop taking everything wordlessly and keeping it bottled aside. I feared she was going to have a
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DAHLIA I looked at the boxes of Zara’s belongings that now sat on my living room table. Her parents hadn't wanted anything to do with it, and although I myself couldn't bear to go back to the apartment, I had sent my staff to gather her things and bring them to me. It had been hard since Zara’s death; I still can’t believe she’s gone. I wish we’d had more time together. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the emotions that filled me. These last few weeks had made me reflect a lot on life. Zara always said to live without regret, where as I tried to live to make others proud. I took out the picture frame of Zara and me at Disney land with Aria and hugged it to my chest. Zara had always wanted me to face the world, telling me what Dane now told me. To be myself and those who truly cared would always remain. I looked at the picture again and traced my finger over the picture as my eyes filled with tears. What had I truly achieved i
DAHLIA It was later in the evening and I had just put Aria to bed, I felt rather uncomfortable leaving her home alone these days. Even with two of my most trusted security guards with her, along with Josephine, I felt slightly more at ease but not entirely. "Have a lovely time tonight. Don’t worry about Aria, I'm here." Josephine said as I silently slipped out of Aria’s bed. "Thank you, Josephine. If anything happens or she wakes up, just call me. I'm going to keep my phone on me." I said softly. "Of course." I left the room, closing the door behind me. The security guard gave me a small nod and I headed to my room. I had about an hour and a half to get ready, Dane had told me he was heading to his apartment for some more clothes. I entered my bedroom, my eyes instantly fell on the large black box and dress bag that sat on the bed. On top of the box was a single red rose and a card. My heart skipped a beat as I lifted the card.
DANE The moment she said she wore red… It had struck me, now looking her over, the shape of her body… With her angled jaw, the dimples in her cheeks and her tiny waist. It had been Dahlia. The woman I had danced with that night was Dahlia. I didn’t need any more confirmation. Something about that revelation made my heart leap with satisfaction and happiness. I had felt a connection with her from day one. The only difference was that Dahlia had been a lot more at ease with herself. Was it because she wore a mask? The Dahlia I knew was more refined and composed… Unable to control myself, I had kissed her with a hunger that needed to be fulfilled, one that only she could satiate. We were interrupted by her pathetic ex, one I truly wish I didn’t have to see, but then again, what better way to show him that she had moved on than by kissing her publicly? His face seemed to have lost all colour as he looked at the very woman he
DAHLIA I watched as Dane punched Warren in the face repeatedly. "Dane!" I said, as he knocked Warren to the ground, punching him across the face. Several men rushed over, trying to pull him off. "Whoa, whoa! Guys!" Adrien said, alarmed. "What happened?!" A woman asked me, and I shook my head as startled as her. "Probably your fault, right Dahlia?" Another woman chipped in snidely. I ignored her as I watched the men pull Dane off Warren. "What happened?!" Adrien asked looking panicked. "The police will deal with this." Dane said icily. Warren spat some blood out as he glared at Dane. "You wouldn’t risk that." He said, and I didn’t miss the flicker of fear in his eyes. "Oh I would, and I assure you I hold more power over them than you. I wouldn’t abuse my position, but threaten my woman and I’ll fucking destroy you." Dane spat venomously. Worry filled me. It wasn’t often that Dane swore, an
DAHLIA We had spent nearly an hour at the station whilst Dane talked with the officer. If he wasn’t a businessman, he would have made a fine detective. He demanded a female officer to handle the images, and the envelope was given for fingerprints, but he refused to leave the pictures with them. I had stayed silent, watching as he handled everything, and then I had given my two cents about Warren’s behaviour. After they said he would be arrested for blackmail, and that they would look into everything regarding the threats and messages I was receiving, we were finally told we could leave. "I'm sorry that the evening had to turn out like that." I said once we had entered the front door. "I think it turned out well, considering Warren will be arrested, although he seemed rather confident they won’t do anything to him." "You got to security first. Do you think he may have backup images and might still try to put them out?" "Maybe, but when
DANE It had been a week since that night. That perfect night that I won’t forget, and it was the first of many. I had to admit, since then, things have just gotten hotter. Every moment we got alone, that passion and desire fuelled by our love consumed us. I liked seeing Dahlia get more and more comfortable with me. In fact, she even told me to shut up... then apologised right after. I had to tell her that it was all good and I liked to see her be herself. On top of that, Warren had been arrested on charges of attempted blackmail, and with enough proof, I doubt he’d get out anytime soon. The power of the El Nazari far outshines Murdock’s influence. Furthermore, the police had found proof that he had ordered someone to tamper with my car brakes, not that that came as a surprise to me. Attempted murder also added to his crimes and that was enough to keep him locked up with no chance of parole or even bail. The Murdock’s lost what business footing they had
DAHLIA I sent Dane the message before I rang the doorbell to Elizabeth's apartment. I had found it very absurd that she had phoned to invite me over for tea, especially after I knew what she had tried to pull. She had told me she was planning a surprise for Dane so wanted my help, and not to mention it to him or anyone, as she didn’t want the surprise to be ruined. That had been the biggest alarm bell for me, so I had decided to text Dane exactly where I was headed. Thinking ahead, I had even brought along a voice recorder that I often used in meetings and could playback if needed. Perhaps I was overthinking this... But one thing I have learned recently is that you can never be too careful. The door opened to a smiling Elizabeth. She was dressed simply in black leggings and a tank top. "Come on in!" She said, greeting me with a hug. I stepped inside, a faint smile on my face. "Thank you for the invite, Elizabeth. I wasn’t expec
DANE After that call, I straight away drove towards Elizabeth's place, ringing Dahlia several times. Where was this woman? Why wasn’t she picking up? Panic and worry only seemed to grow within me with each passing second. What do I do? I quickly dialled Markus. He should be with her, right? Pick up, pick up… "Hello, Mr Altaire." He answered, a glimmer of relief flooded me as I signalled left, zooming ahead of the other cars. "Markus, is Dahlia with you?" "No sir, actually she took the car herself today. Is everything ok?" "I'm not sure, but you know how risky things are, how come she went alone? She isn't even answering her phone." I asked, thinking fast. Despite sounding calm, my heart was beating fast. "I do apologise sir, but she is the boss… She said she was just visiting a friend. Sir, all of the madam’s cars have a tracker, I can send you the location and head there myself if you are worried?" He suggested, sounding panic
TWO AND A HALF YEARS LATER… DAHLIA "Careful there Cain!" Dane’s mother scolded her grandson despite the smile on her face. "You will get your mother's clothes dirty." She kissed the chubby little boy on his cheek. He pouted as he tugged at her necklace. I smiled watching them, my little boy with his large grey eyes like mine and his hair was the same as his father and sister. "Let me fix that for you." Amanda said adjusting my veil that Cain had just tugged. I looked in the mirror, I was dressed in a stunning white wedding dress with jewels and beads. My hair that now almost reached my waist, was open and in its natural curls, pinned back in an elegant puff. The scar on my face was faint and I didn’t hide it any longer. My face glowed with the dewy makeup my stylist had applied, and my jewellery glittering. Today was the day I was to marry the love of my life. Dane. Life had changed so much since the day we ended Joaqui
DAHLIA I didn’t know where he had taken me or why he had the sudden need to come out with his true identity. We hadn’t driven far when the van stopped and I was being dragged out of it, all I could see was it was some sort of car park. My stomach sank as he pulled me into the darkness and down the ramp to the lower floor, I couldn’t see anything much and I did my all not to stumble whilst Joaquin didn’t seem to care. There were a few dim lights but for the most part, it was dark here. He pushed me against a post and began tying me to it roughly, I winced when the rough rope singed my skin. "I’ll make quick work of this." He muttered. My stomach twisted in fear, what was he planning? Every worst-case scenario flitted through my mind and I just felt sick. Maria… Zara… Amal, who was carrying his child… Kendra, who could have been his daughter… The moment he removed the cloth from around my mouth I thought of what I could say.
DAHLIA It had been a few weeks since Kendra’s body had been found and Dane had stayed true to his word. Emily would not get away with it and the doctor who had attended to Aria had given his statement. I was officially free from Warren completely and I couldn’t be happier. Dane’s relationship with his family had been strained, but regardless of that fact, I had invited them to our engagement. I knew deep down, they were still his parents, and I also knew they would treat Aria well. They had treated her well before too. I just hoped one-day things would work out. Family was not always pleasant, and many of us had parents who made mistakes, but that does not mean we should immediately disown them. I just hoped with time things would work out and they would realise what they were missing, because I would love it if Aria had more family around. The news of my engagement and pregnancy was swirling around, but we had not confir
DAHLIA My heart was racing as he spoke those words. Dane was proposing. My chest rose and fell as I tried to speak. My throat felt dry and I got choked up. He reached over and took the ring from my fingers. His gorgeous dreamy hazel eyes looking into mine for an answer. I couldn’t reply, so I nodded. Breathing deeply as I held my hand out. A devilish sexy smirk crossed his lips. "Use your words, princess." He purred teasingly. I poked my eyes at him. "Yes, I would love to." I whispered, holding my hand out to him. He took it, kissing it softly before he slipped the stunning ring onto my finger. "I love it, and I love you." I said, cupping his face as he stood up and pulled me into his arms. I kissed him passionately, hoping he could feel all my love for him in that kiss. He moved away when I gasped for air and I smiled at him. "Love you too, princess." He said running his fingers through my hair.
DAHLIA It had been a few days since we had visited Devin in the hospital, yet still we were unable to track Kendra down. Although Dane did tell me that there was a high chance she may be dead. I just hoped it wasn’t the case, for Devin at least. Malcolm had tried to find more details on Kendra’s birth father, but he wasn’t even mentioned on the birth certificate. There were a few places Malcolm went to ask around, people who knew her mother, but he had drawn another blank. Tonight, Dane was taking me out. He had said it had been a while since we got a break and just a change would be good for us both. I was excited about it. I had taken some time to pick out a crystal-encrusted mini dress, which I wore over a nude bodysuit that emphasised my curves. The dress had a high collar and shoulder pads, which only had more tassels. It was probably the shortest dress I’ve worn, the dangly bling strands just about covering my behind, but it felt right. I paired it with silver
DANE Was she a woman or an angel? She was so selfless that here she was willing to help the brother of her ex-husband's mistress… I had seen her looking around the hospital earlier with a frown on her face. "I haven’t got the money for the bills, and the doctors said they can’t keep me on dialysis-" "Devin. I’m here. Don’t worry. I’ve paid the bills on Kendra’s behalf. No one will bother you. Calm down." Dahlia said, placing her hand on the boy’s shoulder. He noticed the cuts on her hands and looked at her sharply. "What happened to your hands?" "I… was attacked." She said, giving him a small smile. "Oh… I’m sorry…" "It’s ok, I’m alive. That’s the important part…" Dahlia stated with a gentle smile, "Is it ok, if I take a seat?" "Of course, any friend of Kendra’s is a friend of mine. I mean… I don’t really have friends, so…" "Do you get to go out?" "Yeah, if someone takes me, but Kendra’s busy… Sh
DAHLIA It was several days later and luckily, it seemed like that was the end of Emily. There was nothing she could do to us or try to claim Aria. There was plenty of proof of her neglect, after all the doctor had seen the state Aria was in when I had taken her to the hospital that night. Thanks to the cold that night I had fallen ill too. We had to go through legal terms to register her as there was no proof of any child being born in any hospital in the city that was unaccounted for, there was no way she could do anything. Today, Dane and I had decided to head to Maria’s old apartment. We had planned to ask them if there was anything they saw or heard before Maria was killed but we had drawn a blank. Maria’s friend had passed away and her son had renovated the entire building and had a shop built in its place. "Another dead end." Dane said, tapping the steering wheel as we drove away. "Dane, shall we visit The Hope Trust Hospital? Kendra’s brothers
DANE There was only one Emily I knew, and for her to be here… felt unreal. I was done and dusted with her, so why now? I didn’t need her, nor did I want her anywhere near Aria or Dahlia. I looked towards Dahlia, who was standing there looking stunned. Her large eyes were full of emotions, her chest heaving. "One moment…" I said to the watchman. Closing the door, I walked over to Dahlia. I was about to pull her into my arms when she stepped back, sending a stinging pain through me. Her breathing was heavy, and I could tell she was beginning to panic. "Don’t worry… She cannot come between us… or Aria. If she thinks she can worm her way back in, then she has another thing coming." I said quietly, tugging her by the elbow. I pulled her into my arms forcefully. I didn't care if she wanted to or not, I needed this. "Have faith in yourself beautiful, and in me… No one can mess this up." She nodded, but I could still feel her shaking. I didn’t
DANE We had just arrived home when we heard Aria laughing as she and Hadid sang some Arabian song. "Finally home…" Dahlia said with relief. I was glad she was feeling better now. "Home indeed, speaking of which… I have a few things I wanted to show you." "Sounds perfect." She said. "Mama!" Aria said as she hurried over. Dahlia hurried forward worriedly. "Careful Ari." She scolded lightly catching her carefully and kissing her head. "Mama, Grandpapa and I are singing songs!" She said. "That’s lovely, now how about you go and enjoy yourself? Mama will go shower and then we will join you all for some pizza?" "Oo yummy! Takeaway?!" "Yes." Dahlia laughed. Aria gave me a hug before she walked off to tell Hadid. Dahlia stood up, smiling as she turned to look at me, taking her coat off slowly. If only she realised how enticing that move was… "Mind ordering?" "Not at