*Chapter two *
PRESENTLY
Xander Gates's eyes shimmered from beams of sun puckering into the room and reflecting on his face. He had a sweet smile on as memories of last night overran his mind.
" Damn that girl was ..."
" Girl? Which girl? ...wait don't tell me you are fantasizing about another woman in my presence "
His eyes opened immediately to face Olivia Lance. The girl he had been toying with to get her father to accept the terms of his contract.
Olivia was a tall glamorous platinum blonde who is one of the most famous supermodels in the City of FL.
At this moment the short man who looked older than her as he was in his late forties said " He is not envisioning. A girl was here last night can't you see the uncomfortable used condoms in that thrash bin"
Olivia observed the direction of Alfredo's arm. She was stunned and a bit taken aback.
Normal people usually use a minimum of two condoms but ..he used an entire packet with this girl and it was all torn.
' What if he gets her pregnant? All those condoms are broken? ' she thought cursing inwardly.
Like an active volcano, she erupted " You...I will let my father know"
Instantaneously, the girl began wrecking the hotel room like a mad woman. This attitude stymied him, they were not even dating.
" What we had was only a fling? If it even had a name"
" A fling? " She hurled up the closest object towards him, it was too late for him to dodge so it brushed his lips negligibly making them bleed.
" A fling is a one-night stand! but you used me for three years. I gave you everything...jerk "she shot another object but he grabbed it this time.
Olivia was bewildered so she raised a question " Why are smiling? Do I amuse you?"
" You look so cute "
His lips connected to hers in a gentle kiss. This rendered her weak in the knees. She suddenly felt bad for injuring him.
It was an awesome trick he picked up. She was so easy to convince every time.
" I am sorry. Alfredo bring a first aid kit " she navigated him to the bed where she stood scowling at the wounded spot.
The outsider in the room scratched his hair gobsmacked by the exclusive circumstance.
" But ma'am...condoms? "
Olivia's eyes flared up in outrage.
" Shut up "
Alfredo scratched his head in confusion. ' I can never understand this woman, she found out he cheated on her and has forgiven him without any received apology, tsk tsk '
He watched her care for his boss so delicately with a strange expression on his face.
Was it Love or madness?
Miss Olivia had been running after Xander for as long as he could remember, was it that she blind to his mistakes or she had found a way to convince herself that he was equally desperately in love with her? He could do nothing but give them privacy.
Moments after the intruder left, Olivia began softly. " You left in a hurry last night and you got me worried. I know you were not prepared for .... "
Not expecting this, he chimed in brutally as always " I do not want to marry you Olivia and I thought I made it clear yesterday "
" Yes? You did nonetheless... " she smiled at him bitterly suppressing her tears " Could you not refute without dragging my family in the mud. For Christ's sake, you called me a f*cking whore to a congregation of about a hundred important personalities and paparazzi "
Instantly he pulled out his hand and stood up
" Well! Aren't you? "
" Xander!... " She called out with teary eyes.
" You are hardly in my life due to your career and when you return all you do is drag me so you could trap me with pregnancy " his words were cold and direct.
However, it did not ever cross her mind that he would be aware that she spiked his drink like she did previous times.
" We have been dating for over three years, you don't touch me nor talk about our future. Therefore I took desperate measures. "
He turned to face the Monster he had created from scratch. This was the innocent little girl who was fond of tangling her fingers in his hair now she is drugging him for s*x.
A girl who he changed her nappy and held her hand to school on the first day. She was someone he considered dear.
Pathetic!
Controlling his temper he questioned " When did you lose all your morals? "
This was not the first or second nor third time he had asked this question and she Only replied with tears.
" I love you Xander and I will always love you," said Olivia hugging him from behind and tightly.
Regardless Xander peeled off her hands and warned her by pointing out his index finger in rage.
" Get out. It is over whatever your messed up head thought we were doing"
Hastily Olivia fell on her knees begging restlessly as she held his trouser.
" I had loved you my whole life please do not do this to me" she continued begging and crying. Though the scene was all pitiful, Xander was not the type to go back on any decision he took even if he was stoned or drunk at the time. What less of this in a very sober state?
He had lost his virginity to a stranger who might have had diseases, thankfully she was also a virgin. This was not to be taken lightly, Olivia needed to be punished, she had been using the loss of her mother as a ticket to do away with anything.
" Pack your bags. You will be taking a vacation to Cube city"
His words made her cry more causing her to sniff. Knowing Xander, it was inévitable.
At this moment, Alfredo rushed in sweating heavily and panting like a dog.
" Xander, she took your car along. This is the note"
Reaching out he took the note from Alfredo. It was a pink sheet of paper and the handwriting on it was stylish with his one-night stand( Valeria) appeared to love dotting her I with hearts.
It read * I promise to return your car and the cash I found. Check in the nearest police station. Please sir don't file a complaint, I am not a thief. Thanks in advance. *
After reading the note, a smile curled up on the corners of his lips.
" You have a minimum of four days before you leave"
Initially, he was to escort them to the airport, strangely after reading this note he felt like giving them another chance to Olivia.
If he could not file a complaint against someone who stole his car why could he not forgive his childhood sweetheart?
Val scoured the car for any spare clothes, thankfully luck was on her side; for she found a shirt and trousers which seemed to be just her size. She studied the neighborhood stands and the post newspaper in her hands for any news for jobs. Standing under a shade eating steam buns, Val let out a loud sigh " Bah! All these jobs require a CV but I don't have one. I lost all my credentials to those baboons. How will I get employed now? " Meticulously, she spotted a group of men transporting bags of cement into a truck. Behind them was a short and fat middle-aged woman wearing a frown. As if bitten, Val sprang up. She quickly ate all the buns and walked towards the group of men. " You guys are so slow. Hurry up, I need all this at my warehouse in City V" the middle-aged woman screamed supporting her arms on her thick waist. That was how the depressed feeling evaporated and it was covered by a sweet smile. Val coughs out to get their attention. " Greetings
This made her sob more. " Why are you quiet?" they continued to poke her with their long fake nails. " Here is your food. Eat up" the female superintendent arrived and passed the tray of jello rice under the bars of the cell. As always, they took the tray to eat all the food. They never bothered to ask Val if she would eat or not. But at this moment, Val took a deep breath and said for the first time in ninety-six hours she spoke. "I am hungry. Please can I have my own share" Agnes smirked at the newbie's confidence. Though she used please there was a sense of passive bellicosity in her tiny voice. "See who grew Wings?" Agnes stopped the others from eating despite being angry none dared to question her. She then leisurely sauntered to Val who had her head bowed as usual. " Are you hungry baby?" inquired Agnès in a baby's voice. Glaring into Agnes's eyes, she spoke in conviction " Yes! I am. Did I stutter? " After this, Agnès poured
Valeria pushed the lens on the bridge of her nose nervously. This was no longer the madam's Villa but the biggest skyscraper in the city. It was a construction company owned by the thirty-three-year-old Xander Gates. Valeria wore a lengthy sleeve blue turtleneck sweater covered with a jacket matched with regular-fit jeans. She didn't wear make-up except for the shiny lip gloss she is fond of. Pinning her hair behind her small ears she walked past the security and then the revolving door. Everyone seemed busy as they brushed past her. No one cared to return any of her greetings rather they stared in a scrutinizing way. " Good morning. Where can I find the boss's office?" The girl she spoke to stopped whatever she was doing on the computer. " Humph," she snorted, moving her gaze to the cheap pair of his sandals that Val wore. " Hey guys " The entire floor halted in their activities and stared in the direction of the loud voice. Pointing to Val, th
* Chapter 6 * Scrutinizing this, his eyes were burning in animosity to a juncture where he shoved down one of the computers to the floor where it was obliterated due to his force. " Well. Alright... I will see how long you can stay here, sooner or later you will give up " He was a bit frustrated even after one hour he would leave his pending work for minutes to peek at the girl on the screen who appeared to be reading on web novel. It was at this time he gazed at her long neck, long thick eyelashes, which was visible as he zoomed in and paused the recording. It was a stunning angle of her, the lens was at the bridge of her nose that he could see her cerulean blue eyes " It can not be her "uttered Xander, caressing the picture on the screen. ' Knock _ The loud knock on the door made him snap out of his daydreaming. It was Kira, " Boss, Mr. Feng has arrived for the meeting " His arrogant and oppressive aura resurface replacing the soft look in
* Chapter 7 * Kira stomped her feet with an ugly look. " I have been working here for the past three years then why did he choose that four eyes " In the boardroom ' achoo ' Val rubbed her nose lightly. " Do you have a cold?" one of Xander's PAs inquired. He had his eyes glued to her the entire time, the lady was startling and the lens at the bridge of her nose made her cuter. " I am fine "replied Valeria, setting up the table for the board meeting. She pushed her glasses on the bridge of her nose, then rubbed it slightly. She sensed the awkward silence and began a conversation to lighten the mood. " Are you nervous?" " I would be lying if I said I am not. We have been preparing for this day for months. " " Mmm" " Xander was not sure about it but this deal is important and worth millions of revenue if everything is equal " " Yeah we all have worked hard for it " Sam chuckled upon hearing this. He glanced at the girl...she was
* Chapter 8 * The elevator opened up to the lobby at the last floor. Everyone began to whisper upon seeing her appearance but Valeria raised up her chin and took slow and straight steps in confidence. One thing she was taught back when she was an infant from her grandmother was almost to look confident than afraid. "Is that not the clothing she wore yesterday what about the fancy one boss gave her?" the first eyes that clashed with Valeria's then diverted, abruptly began. "He probably has lost interest in her and taken back his gift. We all know the Boss is a narcissist " spoke the latter. The taller one who began the conversation wrapped her arms over her chest and agreed " Yeah true. Even Olivia said he was incapable of being victimized by ' love ' . This bimbo thought she was different " "True ". They all laughed as she walked passed. #### Her words rang in his ears repeatedly. 'You can not even win over that poor lady, I truly wonder
* Chapter 9 * Valeria was about to open the gate with the card in her hands when the corner of her eye noticed a figure having an issue or so. She swiftly turned with her gaze over the streets. "Oh my!" she ran across the street dodging cars. Quarter of the Wealthy, QW as it is famously called, was half past six meaning it was the time when they all returned from their workplaces to their villas. Therefore, the once calm streets became busy. Most cursed at Val while an exceptional few apologized despite being her fault. Upon reaching her destination she found the familiar woman struggling to get something from her bag. "Mrs. Greene?" It was the very woman who left Xander's board room unsatisfied. "What happened?" She asked however the old lady seemed to find it difficult to breathe. She held her chest with her mouth open sucking air. "Inha.." "You mean your inhaler? Is that what you are searching from your bag?" Without waiting for the woman to
* Chapter 10 * The voice on the other side was raspy. And the conversation was very short yet serious, swiping the screen to the left, Val woke up from the bench. She spied from the transparent door watching the old lady with an oxygen mask on. "Ma'am. You will be fine, I promise" a smile cropped on her lips into a thin line. The shafts from the sun perforate the room from the curtains as the nurse opens them. Those rays reflected on Val's face making it charming. Shimmering her eyes because of the rays, Val woke to see two sets of eyes on her. Instantly through her blur vision, she searched for her glasses which lay in their compartment. Putting it on, she yawned " Good morning " One was a familiar face and the other was a nurse she met yesterday. "How did I get here?" she inquired, rubbing her eyelids before pushing her glasses up. The nurse smiled and left. The room immediately filled with awkward silence, the tall figure standing, or better say obscurin
* Chapter 13; Getting her out of my system* "It is the third warehouse they attacked today." Giovanni, dressed in a white shirt matched with grey torn jeans, informs me as soon as we arrive at the destination. We can't take a look at my drug warehouse, as it is littered with fucking cops. This is getting out of hand. With the outnumbered list of enemies due to my father's lust, I don't know who is behind this. If I had, we would have played dentist, and I would blow up every tooth in his fucking mouth. I watched him bleed away. Fucker. I flex my hands on my thighs, something I do when I am stressed. I don't like to act out of the moment. A sober action is the longest-standing and most satisfying one.
**Chapter 12; His baby?** Halting at his tracks, he smiles again and informs me in the most soothing tone, "Yes, Sunshine, you are very lucky to die by my hands." Before I could make sense of anything, everything goes dark, and a force pulls me from behind. He grabs me by my hair, thrusting me into a dark room. "Who are you? What are you going to do to me?" "Nothing," he tells me, faking an innocent expression. I look around the empty room, breathing heavily. I can't find anything but boxes in this room. They are all covered in dust. "He got rid of his last wife, and I will get rid of you." "What?!" My face goes pale as he pulls out a knife from the pocket of his black suit. His steps are quick and heavy towards me. It doesn't take any effort for him to pull me to
**Chapter 12; His baby?** Halting at his tracks, he smiles again and informs me in the most soothing tone, "Yes, Sunshine, you are very lucky to die by my hands." Before I could make sense of anything, everything goes dark, and a force pulls me from behind. He grabs me by my hair, thrusting me into a dark room. "Who are you? What are you going to do to me?" "Nothing," he tells me, faking an innocent expression. I look around the empty room, breathing heavily. I can't find anything but boxes in this room. They are all covered in dust. "He got rid of his last wife, and I will get rid of you." "What?!" My face goes pale as he pulls out a knife from the pock
**Chapter 11: "To Die by My Hands"** "I still can't believe you are married now," Aiah says for the umpteenth time. Since I returned to this room with my best friends, it has been really quiet. "The truth is I can't believe it myself. Guys, I am scared," I whisper softly, afraid that the walls may have ears. I am now a mafia's wife. "You better, Rosé," Bali reminds me using my middle name, simultaneously giving Aiah the side eye. It has always been this way with them. Bali has no filter, whereas Aiah lives to sugarcoat situations. "As advice, you should get him on your side. Make him fall for you." "Bali!" Both Aiah and I gasp, widening our eyes in response. How can she suggest that?!
Chapter 10: My wife Renzo POV "What do you think you are doing, Storm? You are acting out of character," Giovanni informs me,sitting across me in the waiting room. He called me by my nickname, meaning he was serious. I just announced that I am going to marry Sunshine today itself. I am acting out of character. I am a planner; everything I do is structured ahead of time. But with this girl, I am being spontaneous. "I am acting spontaneously," I say, deadpanning, flicking through the document in my hand. He laughs, shaking his head. "There is something more to do with this. Why are you in haste to marry this girl? Don't tell me you like her. Or is it because she called you an asshole?"
Sunshine POV Chapter 9: Getting married "This is very important to note, okay? Some of the family members on the husband's side are vegetarian, so we need to know what to serve. Also, make sure--" I stand in the kitchen with my mother, watching her give detailed instructions to the staff about the likes and dislikes of my future family. I zone out during her second lecture because my mind keeps going back to what I said to that man. I'm rambling uncontrollably, and now I can't help but wonder what he will think of me. "The real question is, why do you care what he thinks of you?" a nosy voice in my head asks, and I have no answer. I find myself feeling something for a man I don't even know, while preparing to marry another man for whom I feel nothing.
Chapter 8; The groom is an asshole. Renzo's POV: I watch as she stumbles, her long legs elegantly poised in high heels and yet somehow completely out of balance. She has her eyes fixed on a lady making a call from the balcony. I can see the admiration in her eyes. Her outfit is far from traditional, and yet it suits her perfectly. The white mermaid dress trails behind her, sweeping across the floor like a graceful swan gliding across the lake. The dress is long, and yet there is a daring slit that ran up the side, revealing just enough leg to tantalize. Her blonde hair is styled to perfection, soft curls framing her face, like a halo of light. She looks every inch the goddess she is, even if she seems uncomfortable in the attire. I move to aid her, and she
Chapter 7: We all want bad boys The bride's room is like a fairy tale, with high ceilings and gilded mirrors. I can smell the delicate scent of roses wafting from the vase on her dresser. The heavy brocade drapes are pulled closed, casting the room in deep shadows. It's seven in the evening, and I find myself pacing around in my room, biting on my lower lip. I am nervous. Why wouldn't I be when I am getting engaged to the biggest mafia clan in the whole of New York? Ever since my parents confession a week ago, it has been a shopping spree for the marriage. And I still don't know what my groom looks like. I refused to see a photograph of him until today. Is he ugly or handsome? I wonder. What will his hands feel like? Will my heart beat fast like it did at t
Chapter 6: You're my everything I wake up to the sound of my alarm and noises from downstairs. It can't be. Last night... That man... What happened? My head hurts as I kick the Mickey Mouse quilt to my feet. My stomach churns, and it does not feel good. How can I be back in New York? Who brought me back, and why? Turning to my left, I walk to my stand, hoping to find my phone. I find my charger coiled but no phone. Weird. The noises downstairs grow louder, and I hear a sharp, devasting scream. " Mom!" The scream leaves my mouth before I can comprehe