Jordan didn't take me to Madrid like he said before.
Apparently. His grandparents had their wedding anniversary party at their home in New York.
Thoughts about them not liking me or I am unattractive in their eyes are occupying my brain right now. I could only clench my sweaty hands to vent my anxiety."Don't be nervous, Amanda. They're good people. I'm sure they'll like you."
I gulped and nodded. Choose to gaze at the towering pine trees on both sides of the road.
My attention was slightly distracted when I looked at how grand and luxurious this mansion was. This palace is in the upscale BlueStone district of Tarrytown. The number one luxury district in New York.This blue to gray mansion, which is styled like an Urban building in the 20's, caught my interest because it was so beautiful. The grounds were wide and green, dotted with short thick trees and neat lawns, beyond the grounds of this magnificent mansion was the Hudson River shining in the moonlight. I'm guessing that Jordan's grandparents take very good care of their home even though they live in Madrid.
"Why didn't your grandparents sell this mansion?"
Jordan looked at me briefly with a frown on his forehead before returning his focus to the road leading to this area's parking lot. "Why should they sell it?"
"Don't they live in Madrid? Is it not in vain to have this mansion while they live in Madrid?"
"This mansion doesn't belong to my grandparents, baby."
I raised an eyebrow, "It's not?" I repeated looking at the smiling Jordan.
"This mansion belongs to Rhysand. Well, all BlueStone property belongs to him."
My eyes widen a little. "All the grand mansions in this area belong to your cousin?" I asked a little surprised at the thought of Jordan's cousin's wealth, while this area is an area famous for the expensive and luxurious mansions. In fact, he already owns the largest company in the world, RID Millero.
I was surprised at his age that not even reaching forty years, he could be this rich. Could it be because of inheritance? Of course. It is impossible for a man to be that rich at such a young age. My dad used to even be able to buy whatever he wanted and become a billionaire in a young age because of the family previllage he had.
"Let's just say that bastard is lucky. Yes, he has it all."
"Wow." I replied, looking back at the courtyard area filled with expensive SUVs. "Then why are they celebrating here?"
"Grandpa and Rhysand made a bet. Rhysand lost, forced him to do what Grandpa asked by having their party at his house." Jordan stopped when he got his parking spot. He looked at me with sharp eyes. "Don't have an affair with him, Amanda. I'd be so hurt if that happened."
"What if that happens?" I raise my eyebrows.
"I'll buy you a more magnificent castle than him then."
I just shook my head, and chuckled softly at Jordan's dry jokes.
Finally, we got out of the car hand in hand. Amused when Jordan willingly turned around just to open the door by my side. He had never done anything romantic and cheesy like this. Well, of course he did that so we wouldn't break up, which makes me wonder what he saw in me that he would do that?
I didn't want to ask him right now because the nervousness just hit me. My stomach was spinning as we entered the open door of the luxurious mansion. I could see several people in formal attire and elegant gowns talking, laughing and eating the snacks served.
"Hey, don't be nervous. It'll be fine." Jordan raised our grip and kissed the back of my hand.
I exhaled slowly.
Jordan looked at me waiting for me to prepare. "I'm ready." I said while sighing.
Crowded voices rang out in my ears as Jordan led me inside. I gulped at the sight and felt many gazes fixated on us. Some blinked in surprise and some watched for a while then didn't care anymore. I would be very happy if most guests made the second choice.
Jordan stopped to greet two handsome men with their partners, who had been watching me closely until we drew near.
"Didn't expect you to come, Dude." Said one of the men in a blue suit with his Spanish accent. He greet Jordan with a male hug and then looked at me. "With a woman too." he continued.
"Yeah grandpa will protest if I don't come." Jordan replied and then did the same to the man in the black suit. "Besides, I also want to introduce my girlfriend to all of you."
I gulped nervously once again. My stomach sinks when I feel the fixed gazes of the two women beside them.
"Guys, this is Amanda Isabella. Amanda, this is Michael and Erica. My cousin and her fiance." Jordan pointed to the man in the black suit and the woman in the green dress who were now smiling after previously looking at me with a sharp glance.
"Nice to meet you, Amanda. I hope you're not tired with Jordan who always traveling the world, ignoring everyone and even his family."
I grimaced at Erica's words, the woman pulled me in a close embrace and then I returned a handshake from Michael. "Yeah, I can handle it." Erica pulled a sweet smile.
"Yeah, if you can't stand it again, you better just go. There are many men who are better than him." Michael said which made Jordan glared at him.
"And this man Warren, my cousin is also with his girlfriend, Mellva." Jordan pointed to a man in a blue suit and a woman in a simple dress the same color as her boyfriend. Warren nodded and gave me a short smile. Melva looked at me in surprise.
"I thought you were Rafaella." She said in surprise.
"You know my twin sister?"
Mellva nodded her head, "She's my co-worker. No wonder I feel weird that you didn't greet me."
I grimaced, "Nice to meet you then. I'm her twin."
Mellva smiled broadly, she pulled me in a short hug, "Nice to meet you too."
"So you are Rafael Dimitriou's daughter? Maven's sister?" asked Michael in surprise.
I nodded my head.
"Wow, this is really a fun coincidence. Maven once told me that his younger siblings are so ugly. I don't understand what the standard of beauty is in his eyes." Michael continued.
"Yeah. He's really annoying."
"No shit."
We chatted casually before saying goodbye. Jordan pulled me to another party area, an outdoor party in the garden right in the middle of the mansion's majestic interior. I blinked in surprise at how vast Rhysand Millero's garden was.
I finished my admiration when Jordan pulled me towards a middle-aged couple who were chatting with the other couple and there was also a beautiful young black haired woman in their midst, laughing.
My heart beats faster as I get to know two other people, Zello del Millero and Eren del Millero, Jordan's parents. The rest I don't know them. All I know is that they looked directly at the two of us as we approached.
"Mama. Papa. Tío. Tía Oh hi.. Bellva." Said Jordan cheerfully.
"Hi." Replied the beautiful woman named Bellva. They returned Jordan's greeting with a smile and then looked at me.
"You just came back to New York and kidnapped Rafael Dimitriou's daughter?" asked a man Jordan referred to as 'uncle'. I was a little embarrassed when he found out who my father was.
Jordan chuckled softly, "Yes. She's my girlfriend, Tio."
Jordan's mother came over and pulled me in a short tight hug. "Finally Jordan brought you here. I've wanted to see you for a long time, Amanda."
I smiled, "We're both busy, auntie."
"I thought Jordan was the only one who was busy. Because he always put his work ahead of the people around him." Jordan's father replied, who gave Jordan a brief sneer. He smiled at me and I shook his hand gently.
"You can just break up with him and with my son." Uncle Jordan said as I shook his hand and then shook the hand of his wife who smiled kindly at me.
"Then she'll be suffer more because Rhysand always plays women." Bellva replied pulling me in her arms. I was surprised to find out that the couple was Rhysand del Millero's parents.
Then, I just stayed silent with shame to death because they were, I guess, praising me too much. They had even asked me and Jordan where the wedding would be, which I didn't know what to say other than chuckling like crazy. I really didn't expect that question to be thrown at me. I haven't even thought that I'm going to marry Jordan. I mean, I still want to continue my career and enjoy my youth. I still don't want to be tied down by marriage, but if it's a serious relationship with Jordan until I'm ready, I'll take it.
Furthermore, I felt relieved when they left me and Bellva to greet the other guests. While Jordan excused himself to go to the bathroom for a while.
Finally here I am.
Sitting under a large but short tree, drinking apple juice and eating the blackforest cake the waiter gave. Bellva sat across from me, looking at me with her friendly twinkle before speaking up.
"Why are you sticking with Jordan?"
I pursed my lips.
"You probably know very well why I'm asking."
I chuckled lightly, "Occasionally maybe I get tired because he often disappears when he's on another country and can't communicate at all." I stopped staring at Bellva's fading happy face, "But I can handle it. So far, we're pretty good." I continued.
Bellva leaned against the head of the chair, her beautiful face flashing an expression like she was both confused and concerned? I don't know. But I wonder what this woman was thinking.
"Oh my God. He really doesn't deserve you."
I almost choked on my own spit hearing her praise.
"He really doesn't deserve you, Amanda." Repeat her again. Bella took a deep breath. "He's such an asshole, to the point of leaving you without communication. That's really not pleasant behavior."
My eyebrows rose, looking at Bellva's expression which seemed to be hiding something. "I don't think that's what you wanted to say."
Bellva fixed my eyes, she shook her head. "It's not."
"Is there something about Jordan that I don't know about?" I asked, I started squeezing my hand which was on this wooden table.
Bellva looked like she wanted to say something but held it back. "It's nothing. It's not important either. I'm just warning you that if Jordan disappears again, just make up your mind, and maybe I can set you up with the rest of my family."
I chuckled at that, "With who? Rhysand Millero?"
She raised an eyebrow, "You've met my brother before?"
"You're his sister?" I replied. "Ah I've never met him, but he's quite the center of gossip around me. Many are curious about him. Especially hearing that his company will cooperate with my office. Well, you know how it will end .."
Bella chuckled lightly at that. Her amused and friendly face reappeared. "Yeah, he always likes to get attention from anywhere. He's a narcissistic bastard."
Then we started the conversation on a casual topic. She is quite pleasant, friendly and kind. When I think about where her family came from or how rich their family was compared to mine, I was quite impressed. She wasn't the type of 'tycoon' woman I usually met at my families parties or other parties.
Bella did the opposite. Humble and simple.
She opened a flower shop in downtown Manhattan, and she also invited me to go there occasionally and have lunch together, which I accepted. I'll take Rafaella too. She would like Bellva.
"Oh yeah, do you want to get to know my brother? Maybe you could get to know him first before your office holds the cooperation event. Well, you know, for the benefit of your company. Maybe he will speed up the collaboration process and make your office profitable."
I frowned, "Why does that have an effect?"
Bellva smirked, "Because you are our cousin's girlfriend."
"Sounds like nepotism."
Bellva laughed, "Is that so, huh?"
I laughed too.
"Ah there he is. He's with Grandpa and Jordan. I'll call him ." Bellva looked behind me.
I turn my head to look at the man who makes anyone curious.
I am quiet.
My body nailed it.
My heart started to pump rapidly when I saw the man next to the middle-aged man, who I guessed was Zafier Millero and facing Jordan.
In a black suit and shirt, his black bangs are messy, his sharp dimples appear when he smiles.
I'm not surprised by his beauty or good looks.
I was surprised because I knew him. I was surprised because he was a man I didn't want to meet, no matter where I was.
I turned to Bellva who was eating her cake, she smirked at me. "Do you intend to break up with Jordan and become my brotha girlfriend?"
"The man in the black suit . . . is he Rhysand Miller?"
Bella nodded.
Blood was flowing from my face.
I saw Bellva's expression surprised by the change in my expression. "Amanda.. is something wrong?"
Yes.
Very very wrong.
Because there's no way the man who took my virginity two years ago and the man who was del Millero's first grandson are the same person.
He can't be Rhysand del Millero. My heart was pounding in my chest, my stomach was churning and I wanted to run now before Bellva called them or Jordan pulled him here. What's in the hell? Why does the universe seem to be pulling him at me by these crazy coincidences? "Hey, are you really okay?" Bellva asked. I blinked consciously, and looked at Bellva. "Can you help me get out of here?" There was a question mark on Bellva's expression but she quickly nodded. We stood up, and then started to walk away from there. "Where do you want to go?" Jordan's question along with their approaching steps made me freeze. Bellva who noticed my movements immediately answered. "I'd like to take her to my room. She wants to see my James Taylor collection." I bit my lip firmly to hold back the turmoil that was in me, and then slowly turned around to face them—Jordan who was standing by his grandfather's side, briefly caught a glimpse of the man behind Jordan who seemed to be holding back his lau
My heart was beating fast in my chest, my stomach was churning. I closed my eyes for a moment trying to steady myself. I sucked in a sharp breath, and then twisted my body, the dress spinning around my legs. He towered high right in the balcony doorway. His hands were in his trouser pockets, the sleeves of his black shirt were rolled up to his elbows and two of his shirt pees were open, revealing the skin on his chest and tattoos peeking out a little. I swallowed heavily. Insist on putting on a flat face and not caring. Clearing my throat, I said, "And it still doesn't matter." "For a woman who just punched me yesterday and kicked my balls, you're pretty relaxed, señorita." There was a pause, he chuckled. "Do you know how important the part you punched was? You'll be disappointed if I don't get to use it." For a moment, I didn't expect him to actually say that, but he did. He really did. "And I'll cut it off now if you're not polite to me. Again." I emphasized that last word. He
The fact that the kiss affected me so much, made me want to submerge myself in the deep sea. I hate the mixed feelings that come from what that bastard did. I really hate him. And, that was two weeks ago, which means I'm totally screwed. After leaving Rhysand on the balcony, I went straight into the party. Not for fun, but to find Jordan. After I found him talking to one of his business colleagues, I immediately told him I wanted to go home. It's up to him to take me or not. But he drove me, and he still thought that the reason I wanted to hurry home was because I had a headache—a lie that Bellva told everyone. That night, I couldn't sleep because of the mixed feelings that plagued me. With just a kiss and a touch from him, he messed me up. I don't like this. I don't like how Rhysand made me feel. I don't like the cozy warmth in my chest when I think about it. This is really wrong. And until now, sometimes I can still feel something twist my stomach and make my heart beat fast.
Somehow I didn't pass out. The truth is I'm already here. The other Directors had left to get back to work, and now it was just me, my boss, Big Man, and Rhysand del Millero. There were several men in black clothes, which I assumed were his personal bodyguards, sitting far from us and watching the surroundings. This situation, is the thing I hate. And I don't know how many times I rubbed my hands on my knees which were covered by my work pants. I don't know how many times I moved my legs uncomfortably because of this situation. More precisely because of who was right in front of me. I also feel bad because Big Man has been constantly praising Gabriel and his three secretaries-which I, Annie and Sasha-with exaggerated words to the damn man in front of me. I'm also betting the Big Man's over-the-top and unreasonable compliments about the other Directors he's been throwing at Rhysand del Millero too. Since then too, ugh, my head hurts because I just looked sideways at Big Man and
I looked around the large library on the fifteenth floor of the office.Two years I worked here, I never visited the library because of course work is more important. Besides being used as a display, this library is usually used for programmers who want to work in peace. If Big Man's secretary hadn't taken Rhysand and me to the library, I might have been the only employee who had never visited this room. I love reading. Reading novels. The first novel I read was by Louisa May Alcott; Little Woman, and then moved on to other feminist novels such as Handmaid's Tale and Pride and Prejudice—the book I'm holding right now. Well, I shouldn't be going around the library looking for a novel I like because what I'm supposed to be doing is taking care of a crazy bastard named Rhysand del Millero, who's on the phone. But I don't want to do that. I'd rather buy time with the books in front of me until the helicopter he's waiting for comes over to the bullshit he started. Damn, I hate this situ
I flinch at his gentle contact, and I swear I can feel his lips curling against mine as he smiles. I wish I could see it because it looked like a smirk, which lifted the sides of his lips and made the two dimples I hate appear, but then he moved his mouth along mine, slowly as if he was mapping the curve of my lips with his. I froze, my heart feeling like a butterfly trapped as he traced my lips. Small vibrations hit every part of my body. I trembled as my hands curled up against his shirt. What he did evoke memories of two years ago that were submerged in my mind and mu heart. Memories of two years that make the cells in my body live and miss his touch. His touch was barely a kiss, but by the gods, it shook me. Then he tilted his head, increasing the pressure, deepening the kiss. Suddenly, everything changed. This kiss—its rudeness—made me gasp for breath. And then, he claimed my lips as if to stake a claim on my soul. He pulls my lower lip with his, urging my lips to part. Pant
"Go, damn it!"I flinched at the snap from Rhysand. Rhysand was standing at the end of the sofa, his face red and an annoyed, his chest heaving. His white shirt was wrinkled, and I grimaced because maybe it was my fingers that were causing the wrinkles, the front of his trousers looking tight with desire.I knew that the yell was aimed at the secretary, but I also stood up while tidying my clothes after the secretary left. I cringe at guessing what I'll look like."Let me." Rhsyand approached me and unbuttoned my pants.I hit his hand, "Stop it. Don't come near me again.""Shut up, Amanda." He said grimly, tugging at the hem of my blouse and smoothing it so that the buttons were straight back between my chest. Then he pulls down my pants, smoothing them out with his calm, skillful hands. "Tidy your hair tie."I pulled away when he was about to pull my pants again, I did it myself. Realizing my refusal, he took his suit that was on the other sofa, and put it on.I started to walk fast
I opened my eyes when my phone rang loudly. Reached into the nightstand and I pulled my phone without opening my eyes."Hello, baby.." The greeting from the deep voice made me open my eyes.I took my phone away from my ear and read the Caller ID there. Jordan's name was plastered on the flat screen of my cell phone."Hello, Jordan." I replied while yawning."I'm sorry for not being able to contact you, baby. I'm sorry."I could hear Jordan's loud sighs. Like he was truly sorry for his negligence. Like he was really sorry for not keeping his promise to keep our communication going.I sighed. The irritation with Jordan had faded. What I have left is all up to myself. I resented myself for being so selfish with Jordan, when all he did was noble work. I shouldn't have protested and punished him just because he didn't call me.On top of that, there was a feeling of guilt inside of me that pissed me off at him. I've made the mistake of giving in to desire with his cousin....I'm really dirty
Rhysand. I caressed her face, amazed at how soft her skin was, and how it would still be beautiful even when she fell asleep with her mouth open and her hair messy.I planted a kiss on his forehead, stroking the enlarged belly, containing our two children. Something lit up inside me. Happiness and many more thrilling feelings that make me always kneel in front of her.I kissed her again, kissing her face with light kisses, and biting her cheek which were more chubby than before.Cute.She writhes under me, grunting when her sleep is disturbed. Her hand pushed my face away, I chuckled."Stay away from me, Rhys. I still want to sleep." Her scolding comes back, and butterflies fly in my chest when I feel that this is real. That she was already in my arms and no one would be able to take her away from me. Even her my famlily, and my family.I put my face on her neck, sipping on the skin of her neck, inhaling the scent that will never bore me. "I love you." The words just came out.She sh
Rafaella isn't much different from our dad, I spent the afternoon listening to her talk about how I should divorce him, raise my two kids with them instead of Rhysand, saying that Rhysand was a bad influence on our kids.I never paid any attention to her. Never bothered about her, I never even filled it into my mind. All I did was hear her, and make a face that I didn't care about what she said. She left when she got tired of lecturing me.Rafaella can be a supportive sibling, and so can I, but she can be a bitch sometimes and always brings something up, whatever she does is keep me wrong, and makes me the coward of all. I know that it's in her nature, but now I can't take it anymore. I was just trying to put my real face on, and tell her that I never heard any of the lectures she gave.I never got any support from her, all she did was blame me and say that everything happened because of me. I did feel it was a mistake, that I should have stayed away from Rhysand. But I have never reg
Rhodes, Greece, Two Months Later.Silence.Quiet.Silent.Empty.Empty.I leaned myself on the small green sofa bed on the balcony. Staring at the beautiful scenery in front of me. Beautiful Lindos beach, and some small kayaks that reach almost the middle of the beach. I put my pregnancy book on top of my stomach which was protruding more than it should. I know that because I'm carrying two babies, and Rafaella often looks at my belly in horror. I don't feel bad about it. Pride and happiness seep into my chest. Realizing that I will be a mother soon.On the other hand the emptiness and silence still surrounds my heart. Shadows and hopes for someone to be by my side to be with me, and face this together. I knew that I was too naive, too hopeful that he would come to me, and take me home. That he would do everything for us. But I'm sure he will. I can't deny how crazy he is and how he could do anything for me. I've been in that position before, and I underestimate his love if I dare to
Seven years later.I leaned back in my chair after finishing chatting with business colleagues who happened to stop me and engage me in conversation with so much nonsense.I took a sip of wine, putting my hands in the pockets of my formal trousers, looking at a woman sitting with her family. There were two women with the same face, and I didn't have to bother to tell which was the other and which was the woman I had been obsessed with for the past seven years.Amanda Dimitriou.Yeah, I've fallen that deep for her. There wasn't a day I spent without watching her from afar until I could even recognize her from a hundred meters away. If she only knew what I've done—how many people's blood I've spilled just because of that about her .. would she have run away?Well, of course yes. Do i care? No. The thing Amanda should know is that she can't run away from me when I come to claim her later.I've already made a plan. Did something to her : got her wasted tonight, stole her, and then brought
It's all fun, and feels so fast.Feels hazy, and so satisfying until I wake up in the morning. Sitting myself on the bed of a two hundred thousand dollar hotel room, staring at the messy bed room. Someone messed up this room last night, and I know it was me. Well, I was drunk, which I never do anymore. I have a high tolerance for alcohol, and I never want to make myself vulnerable in a crowd. I would choose to get drunk in my own room, and then face a headache the next day.Exception for tonight. It's like I'm back in my early puberty : high on alcohol, and then finding a different woman every weekend sleeping in the same bed as me. Naked, of course. I've rarely done that, at least I've never done it in a high state and then forgot the safeguard I always use. I wouldn't take such a risk while I was having conscientious sex, and relief washed over me to see the ripped condom packaging on the floor.I believe my hangover came from exhaustion after having fun and exploring five countries
I realized that I was twenty-two years old, and I had graduated from a business school in New York.It's really an extraordinary thing, and on the other hand it's so annoying.I wanted to grow up, to be able to do something wild, to have more power for it, to be free and then to die with satisfaction. On the other hand I realized that I would never be free from anything. There is a great responsibility that is tightly tied around my neck, and there are many hopes that rest on my shoulders.My grandfather from my father side, and my grandfather from my mother side—they all expected me to become the successor to the business empire they had worked so hard to build themselves.I always thought that if I deserved it all, I had enough self-confidence to make it. More than that, I love them, cherish them. Well, even though I hate their children, I love the parents who gave birth to them. Those two middle-aged couples replaced the love that Bellva and I should have received from two selfish
I don't trust other people.They are fickle, prone to errors, and don't know what they are doing often.They are useless, tasteless, and should not pollute the air with their breath. The disdain I have for these people has been ingrained in me ever since I grew up from the small child phase and gradually discovered what the world is all about.I don't believe in the chance system either. People don't get two or three chances with me. One mistake and they're out.Forever.Anyone who crossed the line once would do it again if given the chance. It's the forbidden fruit, the gratification deferred, and the glorification sought. If they get one taste, they will be compelled to taste another.Then another. And one more.Until they are reduced to animals pursuing their basic needs.Giving them the chance to get close to the line, let alone cross it, is the personification of stupidity.My zero-tolerance policy might describe me as cold-blooded and heartless, but it was better than being labe
My blood rushed under my skin when I saw him.And those same green eyes as mine are adrift with me.His expression hardened, and he started walking towards me. I froze, not knowing what to do with his sudden presence."Are you all right, Amanda?"I shook my head.My heartbeat slowed down when my older brother had stopped right in front of me. That familiar musk scent came to my nose. His face hardened, and underneath it was the longing he had for me."Maven.""Amanda..." he said harshly. "You have no idea how much we flustered looking for you? How long we waited to meet you.""I'm fine." I said. I looked at Jade who was looking at us in confusion. "We'll talk for a bit. You don't need to worry, he's my brother."I know Jade already knows, but I just wanted to let her know that so there's no understanding at all. Jade nodded, and then left us.Maven catches the eye, and leads me to the other end of the room. Close to the exit."I'm fine. You don't need to worry, Maven." I gulped. "I'm
Husband and wife.I never thought that I would experience it so quickly. I didn't expect that my status had changed in two days. So short, and fast.A mother and a wife.My heart expands with happiness as I pull off this elaborate dress with Jade's help.He walked into the bedroom, and that was it.. it felt different and not different. He sat on the edge of the bed. He looked at me, with heat in his eyes, and a bright light in them. I drew closer to him. Stop, and stand between his legs. He hugged my waist, kissing my stomach that was under his shirt that I was wearing. I love wearing his t-shirt, I love his signature scent that never goes away, and it always makes me feel comfortable."I should take off your dress, Wife." he said.His other calls made me smile. Happiness exploded in my heart. "The dress is quite beautiful, and expensive. I will not let you mess it, husband."He looked up, his smile bright."Are you happy?" I stroked his face.He nodded. "Very happy."I sat astride hi