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 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,
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
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 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,
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
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 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
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