"How are you trying to hold up, Elliot? Is everything alright with you? Would you like to go out for a drink with me, then?" Kyle wants to know as he rushes into my office without knocking. I lingered for a while before turning to face him, a pissed-off scowl on my face. "Why don't you ever learn to knock? You know it is annoying that every time you just barge in here without as much as a notice." "Don't you ever learn to slow down and enjoy yourself?" That was the dickhead's quick reaction. "And besides, what's the point in knocking? I am the boss's best friend, and I am free to go in and out of here all the time." The scowl never left my face with another of his annihilating retorts. "No. There is no time to relax and enjoy ourselves in this life; otherwise, you would expect to be six feet underground." "That's an exaggeration, Elliot. Just like the others, we are entitled to enjoy and relax." "No. We don't." "Elliot." He continues, and I can tell by his tone that he'll start w
"From what I know, his father has already commenced digging for information about Dimitri. However, as is their custom, they never attack first. If I understand this correctly, they are even considering whether or not they will be able to have a mutual talk with Dimitri. Whatever they're up to is irrelevant to us as long as they do not loop us yet again into their issues." "Tell the men then, we will take no action against the Dimitris. We don't do anything unless they do anything that involves Ari being in the midst of it all. Clear?" He agreed, "Got it. How about a drink right now to help you clear your mind out?" "No." I said right away. I've had it with drowning myself to oblivion. I can't drink because the more I drink, the less I'll be able to figure out a solution to end our misery. "Fine. If you don't want to, I want to. I'll just be outside when you need me." Kyle was just about to stand up when an abrupt knock on the door came and Brit emerged without waiting for our repl
I've been staying in my room and talking to no one but myself since Ethan and I came back home. Both of my parents attempted to talk to me, but I refused, as expected. I know Elliot wanted me to speak with them, but I can't find it in my heart to do it right now. I try to pretend that I don't see them whenever they try to approach me. I always disregard their presence and my relationship with Ethan is also slowly breaking because of my actions. The brother I used to run to whenever I had problems is now one of the reasons for my problems. Life really sucks! Yes, I have decided to accept my life and our circumstances, but I'm having a very hard time doing just that. And at this moment, I'm not sure if I could. Deep inside, I can not let go of the pain. Because of our miserable life, I'm forced to give up my hopes and dreams. I've already started to make a name for myself, but that's all part of the lie. Because that is not who we really are, even if I want to. Everything I've worked
My father's voice roared in my room, "This is why! Your actions this moment answer the very question you have. That's why we worked so hard to keep everything hidden from you. We know this will happen, and given your stubbornness and narrow-mindedness, you'll never even make an effort to understand us. You will keep on believing what you want to believe. The world doesn't just revolve around you, sweetheart. We all need to make sacrifices here." "Father, I am your fucking daughter! I'm nonetheless a part of this family, even though Ethan seems to be the heir to your fucking rotten kingdom. And if we're talking about sacrifices here, it seems that I am the one who has to sacrifice a lot now by totally giving-up everything that I have worked hard for just to be with this disgusting family that we have." "This repulsive family you speak of is the one that has provided you with everything you need. The very same parents who risked so much for you are the same parents with whom you are so
My heart is racing and throbbing at a million miles per hour. The relentless thumping it is doing is enough to deplete all of my oxygen reserves. I'm actually having difficulty breathing, not only because of my anxiety but mostly because of the overwhelming fear I'm experiencing right at this exact moment. Who would have thought that I would be as rebellious and obstinate as I am today? I tried to be as inconspicuous as possible as I snuck carefully into the back garden. The gym bag I had originally packed was replaced with a relatively smaller backpack that I could carry with ease. I recognized that bringing a lot of items with me would prevent me from being successful in getting out of this ordeal. It was just right after midnight, and this was the ideal time to carry out my appropriate plan of action and pursue my escape plan. Yes, as stupid as it sounds, I never even really considered how I was going to accomplish this outrageous plan I am embarking on. And even without a plan ye
"Are you from around here? Don't you know that at about this hour, no buses pass through this area as there are no more passengers? You'll have to wait approximately four to five hours for a bus to start on its morning route." "What?!" I suddenly felt terrified again. How am I going to be able to stay here for that long, alone, to add to that, in the middle of the dark? Should I just go back home? Do I still have the courage to walk back? "I'm leaving for the next town. I can take you over there, and then perhaps you can stay in a hostel or something until the early hours of the morning?" she questioned. I know I shouldn't trust strangers, but she's my only option right now. Despite my reservations, I nodded and entered the vehicle. She proceeded to drive as soon as I was inside and swamped me with a lot of questions. "So, what bad happened to you? Are you alright? What would you be doing out this late? Is it boyfriend trouble?" "I was thinking of asking you the same question, why
When I gained consciousness, I was already inside a vehicle in the middle of two bulky men who seemed to be keeping me in place. And, to just be really honest, I'm petrified to death. Once again, I am in a dangerous situation because of my recklessness. A lot of different things and morbid scenarios are running through my mind, making me imagine the worst that I could face this time, but it really comes down to that one question that is haunting me: who is trying to kidnap me for the third time?! I am certain that Elliot does not have anything to do with this. For the love of God, if he was the one who persuaded me to go back home, why would he kidnap me again? There is no reason for him to do or even act like this anymore because I know everything already. But if he's not the culprit, who would it be then? Is it Matthew this time? Is he the one really accountable for everything happening now? But Matt said he never wanted to be a part of this devious life we're both living, and I
In the midst of my fear, I continue to hold myself responsible for my hasty decisions and actions. And I'm still feeling sorry for myself and my predicament. I could die here without anyone knowing. But above everything else, I'm upset with myself for being so unyielding. Things like this would not happen if I was around my family. They would guard me and keep me secure. And, in the midst of my anxiety, I'm anticipating that my family's mafia clan, the family and gang whom I loathe so much, will come to my rescue. It's ironic that the family I fled from is the very same family I am expecting to save me. "Fuck! We are surrounded." I heard another man exclaim, "Take shelter and just get the girl!" When I heard him, I immediately slid into the driver's seat and locked the door, anxiously. Whatever they choose to do, I'm not going to let them get me. I don't care if I die here, but I'm not going anywhere with them. I returned to the backseat of the car and tried to conceal myself. I he
Finally, the story has come to an end. Apologies, as it took longer than I had expected because of a lot of circumstances and my busy schedule. This is not perfect as well, and I know that, but I really want to thank you all so much for the support and for giving this book a chance. I deeply appreciate all the readers and followers who are supporting my stories in GN. Please support and keep reading my other stories in GN: English: (On-going) The Dragster's Mafia Heiress The Runaways' Second Chance Mate Taglish: The Invisible Love of Billionaire (completed) Married to the Runaway Bride (completed) Falling for the Replacement Mistress (On-going) The Rise of the Fallen Ex-Wife (On-going) Entangled to the Hidden Mafia (On-going)
Two men could be seen discreetly bickering over something in the stillness of the night. And although what was happening was visible to the rest of the men on the ground with them, they all chose not to interfere at this moment. They know better than to meddle with something that is not their concern. No one can genuinely understand what the verbal hubbub that is occurring between the two is all about as well. But whatever it is, it begins to appear to be about something big and important for the two to face off on the grounds just like that. The two men exchanged dirty, mean looks as they awaited each other's next move. And it also seemed as if they were about to each draw their firearms and end this ordeal between them, but both of them subsequently changed their minds and thought better of their situation. It really shouldn't reach such an extent once more. They now behave more calmly and rationally with each other than they used to in the past as a result of the changes in their
The wedding ceremony is happening in a blur for both of them. They are just too focused on each other all the time, as they are both holding each other's hands. The couple is so overjoyed about everything that is happening that they were smiling all throughout. And why wouldn't they? They are getting married! "Now that you can, Elliot, you may now recite your vows." The priest directed him. Elliot wasn't accustomed to these situations, of course. He's never been kind to express how he really feels, especially about love topics, and most of all not in front of other people. Kyle and Brit are the only people who could possibly know everything about what his heart desires. Nevertheless, today, he is willing to voice his opinion openly about Ariella and take away all his inhibitions because he wants Ari to understand how important she is to him. Before actually beginning to say his vows, he even took a deep breath to compose himself. "Hey, you know how hard this is for me, Ari, sweetie.
As I stood beside Kyle, my heartbeat was thumping frantically in my chest. I am anxious and excited, and I can tell that every person in the hall is feeling the same way as I am. This is where it all ends now. This is the culmination of everything that we've worked so hard to achieve. Today is a very special day for me and Ari, and everyone present here today is going to celebrate this momentous occasion with us. And I've honestly been eagerly awaiting this moment as well for a very long time now. But, in addition to that, I am currently experiencing a wide range of emotions. And for the very first time in my life, I can feel my hands and legs trembling at the same time at just the thought of Ariella Gregory. A distinct kind of nervousness is what I am starting to experience because, even though I'm anxious as I stand here with my best man, my excitement for what today will bring outweighs my nervousness by a long shot. Today is my most anticipated day. I'm going to get married tod
"There may still be time for you to make up your mind and change the decisions that you made, so are you sure that this is exactly what you intended to be doing?" Markus is acting like an a-hole as usual at this moment. "Sure, everything else with the villains of your lives is done and over with, but are you absolutely able to say that you wanted to marry him, that douche? Just tell me, Ariella, and I am willing to save you from this misery that you are about to get yourself into." I scowled at him as I crossed my arms in front of my chest to just let him know that he was not in the least amusing me and that I was beginning to get upset and clearly annoyed with him. "Markus, are you done grating on my nerves? If you are, can you shut the hell up now?" "What the heck, pumpkin? Why are you being so rude and surly? I'm merely trying to provide some clarity to your muddled and disorganized thinking. And I just want to let you know there is still enough time to back out." "Shut the heck
"It’s alright, dear. It's actually a very sweet gesture from you. And it just shows how much you really love my daughter." "I really do love her." He said proudly. Ari is too pleased, and she can feel the butterflies in her stomach again just hearing Elliot's words of affection for her in front of her mother. "And I love him too, so much, mom." She said proudly as well, then turning her attention to her fiance she said. "And yeah, I'm actually making your breakfast, but I thought that something must have happened because you kept calling and shouting my name that I have to see you. Are you seriously missing me all that much?" He replied confidently, "I certainly do." Then he lowers his voice and whispers to Ari, "Let's go back up into our room and I'll show you how much I miss you and how much I love you." "I like that." Ari answered grinning. She then turned to face her mother asking her, "Mom, will you be an angel and take over in the kitchen? Elliot and I just need to discuss s
Elliot immediately woke up from his sleep when he dreamed about Ariella not being beside him. He tried to reach for her but was surprised to find out that she was really no longer lying next to him. "Ari!" He exclaimed in an instant. He's been so protective of her since the recent incident that the prospect of losing her again fills him with dread. He has lost her so many times in the past that he will not allow it to happen again. He jumped out of bed and briskly walked into the bathroom to look for her. "Baby?" He called out to her again but still got no response. He then tried looking for her in the walk-in closet, but still, she was nowhere to be seen. "Baby, where are you?" He says to himself. Instantly, he began to feel uneasy. How could she have gone anywhere without him? Did she abandon him? But why? What did he do to merit that from her? He tried reaching out to her all the time, but Ari is still finding it hard to get through the events of last time, and as he and Ethan d
It is extremely simple to fool this young man who thinks so highly of himself, and as Mattias nods his head in agreement with Lucio, the elderly man feels he has done an outstanding job. With that being said, he has to leave immediately before Mattias poses a lot of questions that he wouldn't be able to answer. After concluding his report, he said, "With all of that information revealed to you, I will put it to rest at that for the time being." He then grabbed the money and, having to put it in his bag, rose up from his seat and proceeded to go. "I need to leave right now because I have somewhere I need to be. Call me if your big boss has another assignment for me." He declared, turning to leave without waiting for Mattias to respond. "The Allisters—what's up with them then?" The moment Mattias posed that query, Lucio halted in his tracks. "What? What about the Allisters?" "Isn't it that you told me you have information concerning both Gregory and Allister?" Mattias inquired as he
Lucio was so excited about this meet-up that he greeted Mattias as soon as he came through the door, saying, "Mattias, it's been quite some time since I last heard from you. What surprises do you have in store for me now? Did the boss seem to like everything that I had to say about the Gregory and Allister families? I need details about what went through with your plans." The most recent incidents involving the Wilsons, Gregorys, and Allisters are still unknown to Lucio. He still doesn't know that Mattias and his men have been captured and are under direct orders from Elliot, nor does he know that Matthew is already dead. He made the decision to maintain a low profile after receiving numerous threats from an anonymous gang, and since he doesn't have anyone to back him up solidly, he decided to stay put and keep silent for a little while. And now he's overjoyed that Mattias has summoned him. He may not have information now, but Mattias won't know that, so it will be easy money for