Irene—-As I was about to ask Alex about any updates, my phone buzzed with a message. It was from the doctor, informing me that Benjamin had opened his eyes. Excitement and relief flooded through me, and I rushed to his room, eager to see him awake.But when I entered the room, my heart sank. Benjamin was lying there, his eyes open but devoid of recognition. He stared blankly ahead, unable to move or speak. It was as if he was trapped in his own body, unable to communicate with the world.Tears welled up in my eyes as I approached him, gently taking his hand in mine. "Benjamin, can you hear me?" I whispered, my voice filled with hope.There was no response. Benjamin's gaze remained distant, his body still and unresponsive. It felt like a cruel twist of fate. He had opened his eyes, but he was still so far away from me.The doctor entered the room, his expression grave. He explained that Benjamin had suffered a severe brain injury during the attack, which had resulted in his current co
Irene—-“Benjamin almost died!!!” I yelled like it just happened, “Calm down Irene… it was really critical but we got a hang of it and that’s why you saw Benjamin.” Alex assured me as I tried to keep a fake smile on my face.“You don’t have to keep trying to look happy if you are breaking down inside Irene.” Alex added while I continued to stare at Benjamin who was still lying still on the bed with his eyes wide opened.“ I missed him so much and was expecting him to come back to me in good health but he didn’t.” I whispered to myself.As I stood there, staring at Benjamin lying motionless on the hospital bed, my mind began to wander. I had imagined his return so differently. I had pictured him walking through the front door, a smile on his face, his arms open wide to embrace me and our child. I had imagined him healthy and strong, ready to take on the world with us by his side.But reality had shattered those dreams. Benjamin had come back to me, but not in the way I had hoped. He w
AURORA——“Ugh!!!! That bitch!!!” I exclaimed after making sure I was far from the ward.“ and what’s wrong this time?”Hugh asked from behind making me jerk up in scare.“Have you been standing here waiting for me since then?” I asked making Hugh chuckle.“I felt like strangling that Benjamin’s right hand man or whatever…I wanted to see Benjamin’s miserable face in that condition.” Hugh said before laughing evilly again.“Don’t dare talk about Benjamin in that manner.” I warned Hugh while pointing my hands straight at his face. He unexpectedly pulls e to his chest with the same finger I pointed at him.“Ouch, Hugh you are hurting me.” I begged but he still didn’t let go.“Don’t you forget that the chances of Benjamin coming back to you depends solely on me.” Hugh whispered to me through grunted teeth.I winced as Hugh's grip tightened around my wrist, his words sinking in. He was right. Benjamin's recovery and his memory of me depended on Hugh's ability to manipulate the situation. I c
Tears flow down my eyes as the driver pulls out of the estate, heading to the airport. I clasp my mouth with my hand, muffling my heart-wrenching cries. This can't be happening to me. Maybe I am still dreaming, and I'll be up soon. But no matter how hard I make an effort to assume that this is all an ominous dream, I nonetheless can't shake off the thoughts of what just transpired in a few minutes.Father's feral anger. I have never seen him like that before. In all my twenty-three years of living, I've never seen my father like that. So unhinged and broken. His eyes held a depth of hatred and rage as he said the venomous words that would forever be etched in my heart. "Irene CLAUDIA DANTE! How the hell did this happen?" Father's boisterous voice thunders in the living room as he waves the newspaper in my face.I stare at the papers blankly, shivering from the tension that it came with. A picture of me is nicely displayed on the front page with a headline that sentences me to a life
"No, Father, please. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. If I knew who the father was, I'd tell you already. I'm sorry…" It's been so long since I cried this hard. The last time was when Mother died. I was seven back then. And then Aurora's mother died too, months after. She was five. And then she came to stay with us as the illegitimate daughter of Father and my step-sister.Crying like this again reminds me of losing my mother, and now I'm on the verge of losing Father too. What sorry case has my life become?"Irene Dante, listen very carefully," Father says with a tone that shows finality. I stiffen, holding my breath. "From here on, you cease to be my daughter. Get up and get out. Stay gone!""Father, no, please. I beg you!" My cries can be heard from a thousand miles, and I run to him, latchin' to his shirt. "Don't throw me on the streets…""You leave me no choice, Irene." He replies, turning his taut back to me."You can't do this to me, Father. I'm your daughter. I'm your Irene.""No
FIVE YEARS LATER"Move your ass, damn it!" I yell maniacally, slamming my hand repeatedly on my horn. But it only earns me a couple of complaints and cusses from the other drivers.Dejectedly, I slouch back in my seat, hating how terrible my day has become. I check my Rolex wristwatch, and I'm already ten minutes late.Oh no. My poor baby. She's definitely feeling bad right now. I promised I'd be in the front seats, cheering her on. She's graduating from preschool today, and she needs me to tell her how proud I am. But here I am, stuck in messy traffic, with no hope of getting out any sooner.The soft tune of 'California King Bed' wafts through my speaker, chilling my agitated nerves. I glance at the massive rose bouquet and the box of chocolate on the passenger seat, and it makes my heart bleed anew.If only the meeting hadn't taken so much time. Recalling the meeting and everything discussed sends thrills to my body. It's a complicated mixture of being happy and sad.In the five yea
The cozy breeze of La Nostra Terra engulfs us as we step out of the airport. Five years have gone, and these places still have the same familiar looks. Still feels a bit like home.Aunt Anna had already arranged a ride, but then I got a quick text requesting I head straight to the Galiano corporation."I'm sorry, Aunt Anna. But I can't join you both. I need to be at the Galiano corporation." I say apologetically, already flagging down a taxi."Please take me with you, Mummy!" Sofia squeals, running to me and grabbing my hand."No, baby. You should go home with your Grandma Anna. You need to eat and rest. We just got off a long flight.""But I'm not tired, Mummy." She says with a pout, hugging me tightly. "Please, take me with you. I promise I won't disturb you or do anything stupid. Please, Mummy."I glance at Aunt Anna, and she already has her permission written all over her face. She got this weird soft spot for Sofia, making her indulge all of Sofia's whims. She never says no to So
The sick idea of visiting La Nostra Terra again has been hell from the very start — the only available private plane that can bring me down here suddenly develops a major fault, so I have to board a flight at the airport. The female flight attendants won't stop trying to get my attention, making the 2-hours flight super irritating. I got swarmed at the airport by the paparazzi, and now the traffic won't let us get through. Can it get any worse than it already has?"I'm sorry, boss. I didn't know the streets could get this busy…" Marcelo sighs, glancing at me. He's my best friend and my underboss. He's also the only reason I haven't shot at anyone yet, despite how badly they've been getting under my skin."Remind me again why I decided to come to this crappy city," I snort, swallowing past a wave of aggressiveness. "Well, for starters, you have to meet Leonardo Dante for whatever business offer he has for you.""Believe me. I didn't take this unpleasant visit for him. I'm the least in
AURORA——“Ugh!!!! That bitch!!!” I exclaimed after making sure I was far from the ward.“ and what’s wrong this time?”Hugh asked from behind making me jerk up in scare.“Have you been standing here waiting for me since then?” I asked making Hugh chuckle.“I felt like strangling that Benjamin’s right hand man or whatever…I wanted to see Benjamin’s miserable face in that condition.” Hugh said before laughing evilly again.“Don’t dare talk about Benjamin in that manner.” I warned Hugh while pointing my hands straight at his face. He unexpectedly pulls e to his chest with the same finger I pointed at him.“Ouch, Hugh you are hurting me.” I begged but he still didn’t let go.“Don’t you forget that the chances of Benjamin coming back to you depends solely on me.” Hugh whispered to me through grunted teeth.I winced as Hugh's grip tightened around my wrist, his words sinking in. He was right. Benjamin's recovery and his memory of me depended on Hugh's ability to manipulate the situation. I c
Irene—-“Benjamin almost died!!!” I yelled like it just happened, “Calm down Irene… it was really critical but we got a hang of it and that’s why you saw Benjamin.” Alex assured me as I tried to keep a fake smile on my face.“You don’t have to keep trying to look happy if you are breaking down inside Irene.” Alex added while I continued to stare at Benjamin who was still lying still on the bed with his eyes wide opened.“ I missed him so much and was expecting him to come back to me in good health but he didn’t.” I whispered to myself.As I stood there, staring at Benjamin lying motionless on the hospital bed, my mind began to wander. I had imagined his return so differently. I had pictured him walking through the front door, a smile on his face, his arms open wide to embrace me and our child. I had imagined him healthy and strong, ready to take on the world with us by his side.But reality had shattered those dreams. Benjamin had come back to me, but not in the way I had hoped. He w
Irene—-As I was about to ask Alex about any updates, my phone buzzed with a message. It was from the doctor, informing me that Benjamin had opened his eyes. Excitement and relief flooded through me, and I rushed to his room, eager to see him awake.But when I entered the room, my heart sank. Benjamin was lying there, his eyes open but devoid of recognition. He stared blankly ahead, unable to move or speak. It was as if he was trapped in his own body, unable to communicate with the world.Tears welled up in my eyes as I approached him, gently taking his hand in mine. "Benjamin, can you hear me?" I whispered, my voice filled with hope.There was no response. Benjamin's gaze remained distant, his body still and unresponsive. It felt like a cruel twist of fate. He had opened his eyes, but he was still so far away from me.The doctor entered the room, his expression grave. He explained that Benjamin had suffered a severe brain injury during the attack, which had resulted in his current co
Irene—-“ yes she had full access to Benjamin for goodness sake she was Benjamin’s personal doctor all through his time healing.” Alex said to me with regrets written all over his face.“Why couldn’t you force him to come back home immediately this happened to him and again why were you two rushing to come back, you do know I can actually take good care of myself without your guidance and I was doing that perfectly for more than month.” I said to Alex who tries his very best to avoid my gaze.“ I am really sorry Irene but he is your fiancé, you know how stubborn he is and he doesn’t want you to see him in this state and secondly he was so fucking worried that barnabas got to you before he knew.”“Why is he so scared of barnabas… one thing I know about barnabas is that he is never scared of anyone no matter how you threaten him?”I asked Alex who murmured few words to himself.“ Alex, speak to me.” I said with a demanding tone to Alex.“ barnabas is more of an anonymous person in the ma
Irene—-Benjamin's expression softened, and he gently brushed a strand of hair away from my face. "I'm sorry, Irene. I never wanted to be away from you for so long," he replied, his voice filled with regret. "But I had to ensure your safety and deal with the threat that was looming over us. I couldn't risk putting you in danger."I nodded, understanding the weight of his words. As much as I had missed him, I knew that Benjamin had made the right decision. Our love was strong, but it couldn't protect us from the dangers that lurked in the shadows.Benjamin took a step closer, his hand caressing my cheek. "I promise, Irene, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. We'll face this threat together, and we'll come out stronger on the other side," he said, his voice filled with determination.“Where is Sofia?” Benjamin asked, teasing my lips with his hands.“ in school.” I replied, trying my best not to blush.“She needs to stop going to school and attend private school at home to
Irene——“Welcome Mrs Ferrari.” Few workers said to me as I marched in with a few guards by side and my dad behind me and Hugh opening the elevator for me before I got there.“Thanks Hugh, I hope you are enjoying the company on your first day?” I asked Hugh who nods with a weird smile and for some reasons I can’t point out he avoids my dads gaze…..where could aurora possibly be?“Your office?” Hugh asked about to press the elevator buttons.“Yes .” I replied.I entered my office and quickly settled in, checking my emails and going through my schedule for the day. Just as I was about to start on some paperwork, Miguel, my assistant, knocked on the door."Irene, I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's an urgent meeting with all the staff. It seems important," Miguel informed me.I sighed, realizing that my plans for the day were about to change. "Alright, let's go," I said, grabbing my notebook and pen.As we made our way to the meeting room, I noticed my dad following closely behind. I turn
I groaned as I opened my eyes, the morning sunlight filtering through the curtains. My body felt heavy with sleep, and I could hear Sofia's voice urging me to wake up. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I sat up and glanced at the clock on the bedside table. It was later than I usually woke up, but I reminded myself that I didn't have to rush off to work like everyone else.Aurora was already dressed and ready for work, sitting beside me with a teasing smile on her face. "Good morning, sister. Is this how you always sleep in and wake up late, despite having to go to work?" she asked, her tone playfully mocking.I chuckled, ruffling Sofia's hair as she climbed onto the bed with me. "Well, I don't have to adhere to the same schedule as everyone else anymore," I replied, my voice filled with amusement. "Besides, I've handed all your resumes to Miguel. He'll handle it from now on, so you're no longer under my wing."Aurora's eyes widened in surprise, and she let out a breath of relief. "Oh,
As Alex drove us towards the airport , the tension in the car was palpable. The rain poured heavily, obscuring the road ahead, and thunder rumbled ominously in the distance. The weather seemed to mirror the turmoil in my heart as I desperately tried to reach irene, only to be met with a constant "call failed" message.The worry gnawed at my insides, threatening to consume me. What if something had happened to irene and Sofia? What if Barnabas had already gotten to them? The thought sent a surge of fear through me, making it difficult to breathe."Benjamin, we have to stay calm," Alex said, his voice filled with concern. "We can't jump to conclusions. irene is strong, and she knows how to protect herself and Sofia."I nodded, trying to take comfort in Alex's words. He was right. irene was a force to be reckoned with, and she had shown time and time again that she could handle herself. But that didn't stop the fear from gripping my heart.We continued on our journey, the rain pouring do
Benjamin —-It's been more than two weeks and I still haven't been able to return to Irene, what if she loses hope on my return. Those bastards!!! Barnabas and co, they would all pay for this.I won't forget the attack they planned on me and immediately I got to my warehouse. They blew it up, shooting me three times. They would pay for ever crossing paths with Benjamin Ferrari.I groaned in pain as the memories flooded my mind. It had been a peaceful day at the warehouse, or so I thought. Alex and I were going about our usual business when suddenly, the sound of gunfire erupted, shattering the silence.Bullets flew in every direction, shattering glass and tearing through walls. Alex and I dove for cover, trying to avoid getting hit. The attackers seemed relentless, their aim deadly accurate. I knew we were outnumbered and outgunned.As the chaos ensued, I could hear Alex yelling at me to stay down and take cover. But I couldn't just hide while they tried to take me out. I had to fight