Don Antonio's POV I woke up to the sound of Alexa's soft sobs. Opening my eyes, I saw her staring at a picture, her face pale and drawn. "Little Alexa, what's wrong?" I asked, my voice hoarse with sleep. She looked at me, her eyes wide with fear. "I knew this, I knew my guts were right yesterday. Just take a look at this," she whispered, handing me the picture.I unfolded it, and my blood ran cold. It was a photograph taken at the airport showing us kissing. My heart pounded in my chest. "What the actual heck," I breathed. Alexa's sobs intensified. "What are we going to do?" she whispered. "I'm scared."I sighed and pulled her into my arms, trying to comfort her. "It's okay, love," I whispered. "We'll figure this out. I will use my connections to find out who did this. I will try my best to fix it."But the truth was, I didn't know how to fix this. This was a disaster. Our secret was out, and I had no idea who had taken the picture or what they intended to do with it. All it would
Alexa's POV I woke up with a jolt, the memory of the previous night's events flooding back. The intoxicating scent of jasmine still lingered in the air, a bittersweet reminder of our stolen moments. I reached for my phone to check the time, only to see a text from my father's secretary. "Reminder: Presentation on the new marketing strategy tomorrow at 10 AM. Please prepare accordingly." My heart sank. I had completely forgotten about the presentation. Panic started to set in. I scrolled through my emails, finding a trail of unanswered messages from her. I had been so caught up in the whirlwind of Santorini, in the intoxicating embrace of my forbidden love, that I had completely neglected my responsibilities. Now, I would have to face the consequences. My mind raced. What could I possibly present? How could I salvage this situation? I felt a wave of panic wash over me. I had to do something, and fast. My fingers trembled as I typed a frantic reply to my dad's secretary, apologizin
Alexa's POV The flight back to the city felt shorter than usual. I was buzzing with newfound energy, a confidence I hadn't felt in a long time. Don Antonio's insights had completely shifted my perspective. I was no longer just presenting data; I was telling a story, painting a picture of the future of the Bavarish brand.As the plane touched down, I felt a surge of adrenaline. I was ready to conquer this presentation. I was ready to show my father, and everyone else, what I was capable of in moving this company forward. It should have been me and not Elsie.The presentation went off without a hitch that morning. I was nervous at first, but as I began to speak, my confidence grew. I spoke with passion and conviction, weaving a compelling narrative that captivated the audience. I made them see reasons why my ideas and strategies would push the company to its highest peak. My father, sitting in the front row, watched me with a mixture of pride and surprise. When I finished, the room er
Alexa's POVI paced the floor of my apartment, my phone clutched tightly in my hand. I tried calling Don Antonio again, but it went straight to voicemail. I started imagining the worst-case scenarios: an accident, a confrontation, anything. The thought of something happening to him, of losing him, was unbearable. Suddenly, my phone rang. It was my father. "Alexa," his voice was grave, "I need to speak with you.""Dad, what is it?" I asked, my voice trembling."Come to the office immediately," he said, his voice stern. "Something has come to my attention."He hung up before I could ask any questions. My mind raced. What did he know? Had Elsie gone to him? I rushed out of the apartment, feeling a surge of adrenaline. I had to get to the office to find out what was happening. As I drove, my mind raced. I tried to anticipate my father's reaction, to prepare myself for his anger, his disappointment. I knew he wouldn't approve of my relationship with my godfather, so I would have to bear
Don Antonio's POVThe image of Patricia, her eyes filled with a mixture of amusement and malice, haunted me throughout the night. Her words, "She still talks about you sometimes, you know. Says she misses you," echoed in my mind all through my sleep, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. I had thought I had moved on from Isabella, from the pain of our divorce. But Patricia's words had reopened old wounds. Does she still think about me? About us?Isabella. My Isabella. We had been so young, so deeply in love. We had built a life together, a life that had shattered like a fragile vase. The memory of her tear-stained face, the pain in her eyes as she told me about the affair, still tormented me over these years. Even though we had gone our separate ways for almost two decades, the memories are still fresh like a green grass in my mind.I picked up my phone and dialed her number. It rang a few times before she answered, her voice cautious. "Isabella," I began, my voice hesitant. "It's me
Alexa's POV I was less tense on my way to work this morning, so I decided to pay my mom a visit. It was better now that my mood was relaxed, than later in the day when Elsie might have done something to upset me. The hospital room was a burst of color, a stark contrast to the sterile white walls it used to be. I didn't want to overthink it, but it was a sign that my mom was feeling way better than she used to.She was sitting up in bed, looking surprisingly lively, engaged in a lively conversation with a handsome young doctor. He had a kind smile and a twinkle in his eyes as he listened to my mother recount her latest escapades, her voice filled with a mischievous glint. "And then," my mother was saying, "I told the nurse that her hairspray was interfering with my oxygen supply!"The doctor chuckled. "I can see why you're the most popular patient on this floor, ma'am."My mother beamed. "Oh, you flatter me, Doctor," she replied, her eyes twinkling. I cleared my throat to get thei
Alexa's POV My mind was a whirlwind of emotions during my drive home. I kept replaying the conversation I had with my mom in my head, every word, every inflection of her voice. Has she always felt this way about Don Antonio? Or was this a recent development, a reaction to the scandal that threatened to engulf us? And then, there was Dr. Jeremy. His kind smile, his genuine interest in my mother… I couldn't deny that he was charming. And my mother, bless her heart, was definitely drawn to him. She wanted him for me. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I couldn't let myself get distracted. I had bigger problems to deal with. Elsie, the blackmail, my father's disapproval… The weight of it all was suffocating. I pulled into the driveway, my hands trembling as I unlocked the door. The apartment felt cold and empty, a stark contrast to the warmth and chaos of the hospital room. I sank onto the couch, the events of the day crashing down on me. I picked up my phone, hoping to se
Don Antonio's POV The hours ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. I paced my penthouse suite, the panoramic night view of the city offering no solace. My phone remained stubbornly silent, the last attempt to call Alexa ending in voicemail. She had been calling me insistently for the last few days, so why wasn't she picking up her calls? Especially tonight when I had planned on surprising her with a romantic dinner. I was getting worried sick with each passing minute. What if something had happened to her? What if the stalker she had been complaining about had finally caught up with her and put her in danger?When I could no longer take it, I called my security detail. "Marco," I said, my voice tight with anxiety, "I need you to do something for me right now if possible. I know you might have already called it a night, but I will double your pay if that's what it would take."Marco, my trusted confidante and head of security, was all business. "I don't mind what time is it
Alexa's POVThe hospital lobby was a blur of white coats and hushed whispers, a stark contrast to the chaos raging within me. My heart thumped against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat urging me forward, even as my legs trembled with fear. I had to see him. I had to know he was alright.Jeremy had dropped me off at the entrance, his expression a mix of concern and hesitant support. I barely registered his words as I rushed through the automatic doors, my eyes scanning the crowded space for a familiar face.I spotted a nurse at the reception desk and rushed towards her, my voice trembling. "Don Antonio Bavarish," I stammered. "I need to see him. I'm..." I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. "I'm a close friend."The nurse's expression was polite, but her tone was firm. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but I can't give you any information without authorization. Are you family?""No," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. "But... but I need to see him. Please."Before the nurse could respond, a fam
Don Antonio's POVA dull ache throbbed behind my eyes as I blinked against the harsh white light. My senses were sluggish, my body heavy and unresponsive. A low hum filled the air, punctuated by the rhythmic beeping of a machine I couldn't identify. Where was I? What had happened?As my vision cleared, I saw two figures hovering over me. Isabella, her face etched with worry, her eyes red-rimmed. And Xavier, his usually stoic expression softened with relief."Antonio," Isabella breathed, her voice thick with emotion. "You're awake! Thank heavens!"Xavier nodded, a rare smile touching his lips. "Welcome back, sir."Their words reached me through a fog, their meaning slow to register. I tried to speak, to ask what had happened, but my voice was a dry croak."Don't strain yourself, dear," Isabella said, gently pushing me back against the pillows. "You've been unconscious for a while."Memories flickered through my mind, fragmented and disjointed. The suspicion about Alexa and her Dr Jerem
Alexa's POV My breath hitched in my throat, a cold dread settling in my stomach. Some cars lurched around a corner, the city lights blurring into a dizzying swirl, but I barely registered them. My fingers trembled as I tried to dial Antonio's number, my heart pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird.The hollow sound of the dial tone echoed in the background, each ring a hammer blow against my fragile composure. I pressed the phone to my ear, willing him to answer, praying that he was alright, and that all I heard about him moments earlier was just lies. A wave of panic washed over me. "Let it not all be true," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "No, please."I tried again, my fingers shaking so violently that I almost dropped the phone.Antonio, please," I pleaded to the phone, tears welling up in my eyes. "Please pick up."Jeremy walked up to me at that moment, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. He took my hand in his, squeezing it reassuringly. I ignored him, m
Alexa's POVI was excited all evening to meet Dr. Jeremy's colleagues, to experience a different side of his life. But a nagging unease lingered, a shadow cast by Don Antonio's sudden departure. His shoulders were too tense for me not to notice and he kept avoiding my gaze.Dr. Jeremy, noticing my slight hesitation, smiled warmly. "Nervous about the night so far?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.I laughed, trying to appear nonchalant. "A little," I admitted. "I was not sure what to expect when we were coming but all these do feel good and maybe a little bit overwhelming too, trust me."He chuckled. "Don't worry, you will be relaxed once you have a taste of the food," he reassured me. "And it will be a casual dinner, nothing too fancy."As we walked through the hospital lobby towards the hospital cafeteria where the main dinner would be taking place, I couldn't help but steal glances at Dr. Jeremy. He was charming, witty, and surprisingly insightful. He seemed genuinely interested in me,
Don Antonio's POVI remained beside Alexa, my hand resting lightly on her back, a silent claim of her. Dr. Jeremy, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, chatted amiably with a group of colleagues. He was undeniably charming, his laughter echoing through the lobby, his smile infectious. I watched him, my eyes narrowed, a flicker of possessiveness igniting within me.Alexa, sensing my unease, shifted slightly, her hand brushing against mine. The warmth of her touch, the subtle reassurance of her presence, calmed the storm brewing within me.I glanced at her, my eyes searching hers. She looked stunning, her dress a simple yet elegant affair, her hair cascading down her shoulders in soft waves. She was the epitome of grace and beauty, and the thought of her being with anyone else, even in a purely friendly setting, sent a pang of jealousy through me."He seems like a nice guy," I commented, my voice carefully neutral, "A kind every girl like you would love to have in her corner."Alex
Alexa's POVThe silence in the apartment was heavy, punctuated only by the crackling of the pizza crust and the clinking of glasses. Don Antonio sat across from me, his eyes fixed on the television screen, but I could feel his gaze burning into me. I shifted uncomfortably, the weight of his unspoken questions pressing down on me. I had to tell him about Dr. Jeremy's invitation, about the work dinner. But the words seemed to catch in my throat, fear choking them back.What if he was angry? What if he misinterpreted my intentions? What if this was the final straw, the thing that shattered the fragile trust we had rebuilt? I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the inevitable confrontation. "I need to tell you something," I began, my voice barely a whisper.He turned to me, his eyes questioning. "Yes, talk to me, little Alexa?""I… I received an invitation," I stammered, "for a work dinner. Tonight."His brow furrowed. "A work dinner?" he repeated, his voice laced with suspicion. "Wi
Alexa's POVThe silence in my office was deafening, broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall. Don Antonio had just left, leaving me reeling from the shock of seeing the photos, the fear of Elsie's threats, and the unexpected turn of our conversation. I slumped back in my chair, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. She had seen us, captured our intimacy for her own malicious purposes. The thought of my father seeing those pictures, the scandal that would erupt, sent a wave of nausea washing over me.I sighed deeply, remembering the hideous part of the situation even more pressing – the fact that Don Antonio knows about my date with Jeremy. How the heck did he know Jeremy's name? Had he really sent a spy to monitor us? Shutting my eyes, I sighed again. But then, I thought back to Don Antonio's words, his voice firm and determined. "We'll play her own game," he had said. "We'll let her think she's won. And then, we'll strike back."Hope, a fragile spark,
Don Antonio's POVThe office, usually a sanctuary of power and control, felt suffocating. Alexa stood before me, her eyes red-rimmed, her face pale. The sight of her distress should have filled me with protectiveness, but instead, a cold fury surged through me. I had spent the night tossing and turning, replaying everything Marco said about her dinner date in my mind. Worry gnawed at me, a primal fear of losing her love gripping my chest.And then, this morning, Alexa was acting as if nothing had happened at all. Her reaction had hit me like a physical blow. Seeing her laughing, truly laughing, with another man, had been a gut punch. It was as if someone had ripped my heart out of my chest. The images burned into my retinas, a constant reminder of her happiness, a happiness that didn't include me. I had wanted to confront her, to unleash the torrent of emotions that had been brewing inside me. But the sight of her distress, the tears welling up in her eyes, shattered my resolve. "
Alexa's POVMy hands trembled as I stared at the envelope sitting on my desk. It was plain, unmarked, delivered by Elsie's secretary just moments ago. I knew, with chilling certainty, what it contained. Elsie's threat, "I will do whatever I want, Alexa. This is both a threat and a warning," echoed in my mind.I hesitated, my fingers hovering over the seal. Part of me wanted to ignore it, to pretend it didn't exist. But I knew I couldn't. Elsie wouldn't let me. This was her opening move, a calculated strike designed to instill fear and force me into submission.Taking a deep breath, I tore open the envelope. Inside, nestled amongst crisp white paper, were the photographs.They were damning. The same images of Don Antonio and me, locked in a passionate embrace. The kiss, captured from multiple angles, left no room for misinterpretation. Our faces were clearly shown. My breath hitched. My stomach churned. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. These pictures… they could destroy everythi