Chapter 016As I stepped out from the station, my encounter with Davis and Jake remained, leaving me breathless. They'd presented me with a damning case, one that could seal their fate and land them behind bars. Yet, I'd hesitated, unsure of my next move.Jake's heart wrenching story about his ailing sister's hospital struggles still repeated in my mind. Yesterday, he'd painted a clear picture of her fragile life, surrounded by machines and I'd witnessed it myself at the hospital, the image had remained etched in my mind like a scar. The tiny, adorable girl, barely Ava's age, had grasped my heart with her fragile hands. Her frail fingers had lain in mine, cold and delicate as porcelain. I had kissed her hand gently, then brushed my lips against her forehead. The memory still stirred my emotions, leaving me torn and conflicted. Starting a case against Jake now seemed impossible. Yet, the law will want to take its course.Davis, however, was a different story. His fate has been seale
Chapter 017Alice"Mom, hurry up and dress fast; there's no time to waste," Liam called out from my closet, his voice tinged with excitement, as Paul and Ava scurried around, selecting my shoes from the rack.Just moments before, they'd burst into my room, their faces aglow with anticipation, and announced, "Tonight, Mom, we have a surprise for you! Get dressed up!"Their eagerness was infectious, but also suspicious. Still, I couldn't resist their charms. Those three little manipulators always knew how to wrap me around their fingers.As I watched, they pulled out my stunning red gown, the one I hadn't worn in ages, and handed it to me with instructions. No questions asked because they were in charge tonight."Come on, Mom, what's taking so long?" Ava urged, her eyes sparkling.I laughed, shaking my head. "You're not giving me a choice, are you?"Paul grinned mischievously. "Nope!"I slipped on the dress, feeling like royalty, and Ava presented me with a pair of elegant silver earrin
Chapter 018AliceI stood before the imposing Bianchi Corporation, its sleek white building soaring into the sky as the early afternoon sun cast a radiant glow. Four days ago, I'd asked Mario for directions to his office after that explosive incident at the restaurant. He'd invited me to visit, but I'd declined. Now, I was here to submit my terms and conditions for the contract, as Mario had been evading the topic since then. His avoidance tactics left me no choice but to confront him directly. I hadn't even told him I would be visiting. As I walked past the company garage, lined with luxurious vehicles, I took a deep breath. Inside, the reception room bustled with activity. The air was thick with different colognes, and the soft click-clack of keyboards filled the space. Employees, engrossed in their work, didn't notice my arrival and I loved it that way, grateful to avoid recognition as the woman entangled in Mario's scandal with Elsa.My gaze settled on a woman chewing gum wit
Chapter 019AliceI sat surrounded by my kids, Ava, Paul, and Liam, and Alex, in our cozy sitting room. They were getting ready to interview Mario, who sat confidently on the opposite couch, dominating the space with his presence. It had been one week since we started our fake dating arrangement, and Mario had taken to his new role as a father figure with ease. The kids adored him, and Alex, whom I'd grown to love like my own, seemed to have found a new sense of security with Mario around. My kids' faces had lit up with joy every day since Mario took up the responsibility, and their happiness had become contagious. They'd even stopped getting ridiculed at school, thanks to Mario's bold move of declaring himself their father, despite me being reluctant.However, the news of the incident at his office had been circulating, and I'd tried to brush it off as mere gossip. It seemed that some scandals were just too hard to shake off. I'd even pleaded with Mario to reinstate his secretary,
Chapter 020AliceAs I gazed around the opulent dinner hall, the air vibrated with the hum of conversation and the soft clinking of glasses. The scent of expensive cologne and perfume filled the air, mingling with the aroma of exquisite cuisine. People in elegant dresses and tailored suits moved with grace, their jewels glinting under the crystal chandeliers.I was struck by the air of power and sophistication that permeated the room. It was clear that this was no ordinary gathering of the wealthy elite.Mario had introduced me to several people earlier, including our host, Mr. Roger, a man in his fifties with a warm, kind smile. He'd welcomed me graciously, unaware of my true identity, thanks to the mask Mario had gotten for me. I'd been adamant about wearing it, and Mario had reluctantly agreed, stopping at a store to purchase it while I waited in the car on our way earlier. The other guests couldn't help but stare, whispering and looking my way. But they kept their distance, car
Chapter 021Alice"Hi Ma'am!" Lara, my staff entered my office with a parcel in hand. I tore my gaze away from the disturbing news on my phone which was a burnt, mangled body found on the bridge.My eyes went to Lara's hands, expecting the familiar sight of Mario's red roses, accompanied by lunch for the kids and me. But what I saw made my heart skip a beat. The roses were different. This one was a deep, velvety red with white stripes."Hand it over," I took the parcel from her. She stood before me, her hands clasped together. I turned the parcel over in my hands. Who could have sent this? And why the sudden change from Mario's usual routine? Or, have I had a secret admirer? I thought with a chuckle. I dropped the flower on the table and opened the brown envelope, adorned with a small yellow flower. "You can go, Lara," I said, and she left.The envelope contained a white paper, folded neatly. I hesitated because this was the first time I'd received a message in an envelope. My c
Chapter 022AliceWhat’s she doing here? I wasn't in the mood for her drama today. Elsa's silence was long, lasting several minutes as she sat motionless beside me. Her unusual quietness forced me to steal glances at her, waiting for her to break the silence."You know, I've never seen Alex this happy," Elsa said, breaking the silence. Her somber tone caught me off guard, and I turned to look at her. "I feel like I've been a bad mother," Elsa continued. "I feel so bad and terrible about it. I've never experienced a childhood filled with feelings of being cared for. I never knew what it meant to be loved. Hell, I don't even know what that big word 'love' feels like – to be shown it, to feel it." Her eyes finally met mine, and I was struck by the sadness and longing in their brown depths.I found myself feeling a deep sense of pity for her. Her childhood, much like mine, had been marred by pain and loneliness."You are not a bad mother," I began, but Elsa cut me off."Don't say anythi
Chapter 023AliceMy hands pushed at the low-slung waist of his suit, zipping it and pulling it down which he helped in. They slided down, and I trembled when his thick cock sprung free against his abs. I swallowed as my eyes grew wider. He’s so fucking big. My cheeks flushed as I continued to gazed at him. As a twenty-five-year-old woman, I had never experienced pleasure before. Life had been tough, but in this moment, I felt a spark of desire.Mario's words were my undoing. “Go ahead, wifey. You can do it. And, you're not stopping tonight because you've started it already when I stopped. Now, take that fucking cock into your hot mouth.”My thighs clenched furiously and another wave of wetness dripped down my thighs.Mario groaned, pulling me in to kiss me as I wrapped one hand as much around this length as I could and stroked him slowly. He pulsed in my hand, the vein throbbing under my grip. But I wanted more this time. I’m ready to give him more. I slipped my lips from his and
Chapter 041AliceI woke up with a groan, my head pounding as I squinted against the blinding brightness of a white wall. Every part of my body ached, but my neck. God, my neck felt so stiff I could barely move it. Forcing myself upright, I winced as a sharp pull on my hand revealed an IV connected to my arm. My chest tightened, panic setting in as I scanned the room.It wasn’t mine."Where the hell am I?"The events flooded back like shards of glass piercing my memory. The club. I’d gone to the club to find answers. The cab I’d taken afterward. The car that had slammed into us, the chaos, and then...nothing. My heart raced, my breaths shallow as the realization crashed over me.I’ve been kidnapped.My legs trembled as I swung them off the bed, forcing myself to stand despite the dizziness that wanted to bring me down. My heart pounded in my chest, the thought of my kids gnawing at me. My God, my kids. Were they safe? Were they looking for me? And Mario… He’d warned me never to s
Chapter 40AliceI woke up with a groan, my head pounding as I squinted against the blinding brightness of a white wall. Every part of my body ached, but my neck. God, my neck felt so stiff I could barely move it. Forcing myself upright, I winced as a sharp pull on my hand revealed an IV connected to my arm. My chest tightened, panic setting in as I scanned the room.It wasn’t mine."Where the hell am I?"The events flooded back like shards of glass piercing my memory. The club. I’d gone to the club to find answers. The cab I’d taken afterward. The car that had slammed into us, the chaos, and then...nothing. My heart raced, my breaths shallow as the realization crashed over me.I’ve been kidnapped.My legs trembled as I swung them off the bed, forcing myself to stand despite the dizziness that wanted to bring me down. My heart pounded in my chest, the thought of my kids gnawing at me. My God, my kids. Were they safe? Were they looking for me? And Mario… He’d warned me never to st
Chapter 039Alice"Mom, this is so cool!" Liam exclaimed as he ran around the aquarium with his siblings. They were all so full of energy, and I smiled, watching them dart from one display to another. Today, I decided to take them on a little adventure around the city, showing them some of my favorite places before I would go check up on Janice. Later tonight, I’d be heading to a club, a place that held memories of a night years ago where it all started.“I can see it, my love. It’s so beautiful,” I replied, watching Ava as she marveled at the dolphins, her eyes wide with wonder. “I love them, Mom. Can we ask Dad to build us an aquarium like this at home? I’d even put dolls in it!” Ava’s innocent suggestion made me chuckle. Her imagination always caught me off guard. I knew it before she even ask Mario he'd have it done for her. He doesn't joke with them and spoils them too much.I couldn't still believe It'd been two weeks since we arrived in New York, and I had been loving every
Chapter 038Alice“Nonna, can I play with the toy car the theatre room?” Paul asked Mario's granny as he bounced eagerly on the staircase. His innocent energy contrasted with the serene atmosphere of Mario’s grandmother’s home.We'd been here for over an hour, and yet I couldn’t stop marveling at her. Mario’s granny was nothing like I’d imagined. She wasn't the froil or harsh woman I'd imagined. No, she was stunning and her beauty was still radiant despite her age.Earlier, she'd laughed and shared that she was “twenty-eighty-five,” her playful way of saying she was 85 years old. I'd also feared judgment, expected sharp looks and cutting words, especially given my relationship with Mario and the complicated history surrounding Alex and Elsa.But none of that happened.Instead, she welcomed us with grace. She played with the children. Not once did she press me with questions or probe about anything. She’d led us through the house, showing us around the opulent mansion, pictures of
Chapter 037Alice Getting down from Mario's private jet, I looked around, taking in the sights of New York. The bustling airport brought back a flood of memories. Holding Liam and Paul’s hands tightly, we made our way through the crowd, their excited chatter filling the air. Mario was behind us carrying Ava.“Mom, it’s so beautiful here!” Liam exclaimed, his wide eyes scanning everything around him.“This is Mama’s homeland, New York,” I replied with a soft smile. “Before we leave, I’ll take you both around to explore.”As we walked toward Mario’s convoy, which was already waiting for us, I couldn’t help but notice the curious stares of passersby. They murmured amongst themselves, their gazes on us.“Is that Master Mario’s kids?” someone whispered.“They must be. The resemblance is striking,” another replied.“But who’s that woman with them? Could she be their mother? I heard rumors about her having an affair with him and even had his children.”“Yes. That's right. She's his concubin
Chapter 036Alice “No, it’s not that. I just don’t want to do this anymore.” I replied after a while.“Why?” he demanded, his voice hardening.“Because I have another lover,” I replied, “A man that is—”“Stop.” His voice was sharp, cutting me off. “Say another word about him, and I’ll go after him, break every bone remaining in his fucking body and come back with his blood on my hands and find a way to keep that mouth of yours busy.”I flushed at the insinuation, understanding exactly what he meant. But then his threat also made my heart pounded, I knew he wasn't joking. Mario never jokes. He released me abruptly and sat down on the bed, the tension in the room thick as silence fell between us.After a long pause, he spoke again, his voice quieter. “You’re doing all of this because you still feel guilty about Alex’s death, isn't it?. You’re blaming yourself and using that guilt to push me away. And I also have this feeling that someone is threatening you, making it all worse.”His w
Chapter 035Alice It'd been one month. One long, torturous month since Alex died. One month since my kids began bombarding me with questions about him. Their innocent curiosity nearly broke me but I'd to tell them a big lie which still had them satisfed. For now.Then, one month and three days since I made a deal with Elsa. As the days dragged on, sticking to Elsa’s plan became more harder than I’d imagined. Mario had re-entered our lives with full force, more protective than ever, as though Alex’s death had snapped something in him. Every attempt I made to push him away only brought him closer.Tonight, I decided I couldn’t wait any longer. I was taking a drastic, dangerous step to end this once and for all.I walked to the bed where a man lounged, staring at me with lustful eyes. My stomach churned at the sight, but I maintained my composure.“This is just an act. Don’t forget that,” I snapped. He smirked, clearly amused.I clenched my fists. I knew Mario would come tonight, and
Alice I stood in front of the mansion’s entrance, my hands trembling as I adjusted the black veil to better hide my swollen eyes. Alex had been buried three days ago, but the ache in my heart hadn’t dulled. Not even a little. Now, here I was, standing at Elsa’s doorstep, unsure if I had the strength to face her.The guards at the gate had reluctantly let me in after much persuasion. They knew I wasn’t welcome here. Mario hadn’t been to the house he’d placed us in since the day Alex died. After delivering the news, he’d vanished. I’d even thought of packing up and leaving with my kids and to my old apartment. But how could I explain anything to them? I don't have a tangible explanation. They still didn’t know what had happened to Alex, and I didn’t think I could ever bring myself to tell them.As I took a deep breath, raising my fist and knocked on the door, memories of the burial three days ago flooded back.Elsa and I had exchanged no words at the cemetery. When Alex’s small coffin
Chapter 033AliceImmediately after they were out of sight, I stood up and walked to Mario. “What’s going on, Mario? Where is he?” I asked, my voice sharp.Mario didn’t answer. He just looked at me with a strange, heavy expression in his eyes, a look I had never seen before. My stomach twisted. Something was wrong. I could feel it in the air, in the way his shoulders sagged.“Mario, talk to me,” I pressed, my voice rising.He hesitated, his lips parting as if to speak, then closing again. Finally, he said it, his voice breaking:“He’s dead, Alex. He’s dead.”The words hit me like a train. My body froze, my heart stalling as if it couldn’t process what I’d just heard. For a moment, I convinced myself I hadn’t heard him correctly. “Who is dead?” I whispered.Mario didn’t respond.“Who the fuck is dead, Mario?” I shouted, the curse word slipping out before I realized it. Not that I cared at this point.“Alex…” he repeated, his voice soft, his gaze now fully meeting mine.I stumbled bac