/-Kesley-/“We've given you more than enough time to pay your loans, Kes. The boss is getting impatient!” Ordell stated.He was a big muscular man and almost twice taller than I was.I proceeded to serve him a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, pretending that his presence didn't terrify me.“And I have told him to give me more time. It is only thirty million left. I already paid him fifty, he should know that I will pay him. I do not intend to owe him longer than necessarily,” I said.“It's been over three years, Kesley and all you could manage to pay was fifty million. Thirty million is still a huge amount of money to just throw away,” he said and I resisted the urge to glare at him.In his worthless miserable life, has he ever earned fifty million? He was just a mere debt collector, not even the owner of the money and he was running his mouth as if fifty million was easy to cough out.He picked up the glass and drank the juice of course. I sucked in a deep breath to calm mysel
Dante-/In a one-on-one fight, I knew I was no match against Maxmillan. He would crush me even before I thought of making a step and that was what made this whole thing annoying.I needed to get him out of my way and the only way to do that was through the one person he would never suspect.Gianna.He was so stupidly in love with her that I was certain he would give his life for her if it ever came down to that.I rolled my eyes. I still didn't see what was so special about her anyways. I have used and dumped that woman and I could confidently say that she was trash and deserved everything I did to her.She wa naive, stupid and gullible. That was all I needed to bring Max down. Instill a little fear in her and I could get whatever I wanted.“I know that mischievous smile. What have you done this time, Dante,” Piper appeared at the doorway.My smirk grew even wider.“After so long, we are finally on the verge of achieving everything we've ever wanted,” I announced, opening my arms wild
Gianna-/“You know you don't need to pack a thing,” Maxmillian said. “We can simply buy everything we need when we get there.”“I know, but I don't think there's a need of waste so much money when we could just pack everything we need,” I said.I knew he had the money and spending wouldn't really be a problem for him but I didn't really like the idea of lavish spending just because the money was there.“That's twelve suitcases,” Maxmillan muttered. “Way more than we need.”He got off where he was sitting and before I knew what was happening, he hugged me from behind, burying his face in my neck.“This is such a long boring process,” he whined. “Can't we just pack the necessities and get clothes over there? Besides, it's Hong Kong, it will be a lot more fun dressing like the residents than wearing outfits that scream tourists. That way, we won't get too much attention on us.”I smiled. “I must admit, your methods of persuasion is quite effective.”I dropped the cloth I was holding. “Yo
Gianna- /Maxmillan didn't let her talk. He sent her away and stormed inside. I was confused. I didn't understand what was going on.What was she trying to tell me? How deep was it that he couldn't tell me? Was it about me? So many questions were running through my mind and I was torn between going after her and going after Max.I wasn't stupid. I knew Kesley would try turn the story, whatever it was, in her favour and I didn't want that to happen.I followed him inside.“Max, wait…” I called after him but there was no response.He must be really pissed.I found Maxmillan in his office, his back turned to me as he stood by the window. His shoulders were tense, his hands curled into fists at his sides.“Max,” I said softly, stepping inside. “Talk to me.”“There’s nothing to talk about,” he muttered, his voice cold, distant.I frowned. “That’s not true, and you know it.”He exhaled sharply, still refusing to face me. “Kesley just wants to cause trouble, Gianna. That’s all she’s ever bee
/-Gianna-/“Helloooo HongKong!!!” I screamed the moment I stepped out of the jet. I was in China. My dream country. Finally!If anyone told me I would get here this soon, I would have argued with everything in me but now, it seemed like a fairytale.“I see someone is excited,” Maxmillan chuckled beside me. I looked at him with a smile that almost ripped my lips apart.All this was possible because of him.In that moment, I totally forgot about everything. The pain, the arguments, the insecurities. My whole being was just enveloped with pure happiness.This was the best thing that has ever happened to me.Maxmillan wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer as we descended the jet’s stairs. The cool Hong Kong breeze kissed my skin, and the city skyline shimmered in the distance. The rush of excitement in my veins was unlike anything I had ever felt.“I still can’t believe we’re actually here,” I whispered, looking around like a child in a candy store.“Well, believe it, baby,” M
Maxmillian-/This moment felt almost ethereal. Seeing her so happy did things to me that I didn't even believe were possible.“It's an actual pool,” she squealed, pulling her leg out of the water. She straightened, bouncing with excitement. “Somebody say diveeeeee!!”I laughed as the water splashed on me. This woman was doing things to me and she didn't even know it.“What are you waiting for? Come in!!” She yelled and I took off my bathrobe slowly. I would prefer to just stand out here and watch her but Gianna most likely wasn't going to take that.I got in the pool and swam to her. “It's surprisingly warm. It feels like a hot water bath,” I noted.“I bet that was the original idea. How did you even discover a place like this?” She asked while I circled her idly.“I don't know… the newspaper?” I asked. Her lips curled and she attacked me.“Are you trying to be sarcastic with me, huh?” She splashed the water in my face. “Say that again!”I laughed, swimming away from her but she chase
Gianna-/“So, what's the plan for today?” I asked, trying on the new attires we ordered online. The fabric was just everything to me. It suited me very well.Who knew chinese wears were so comfy? I always thought it was too much clothing.“I think we need a tour guide, IThis would be my first time exploring Hong Kong,” he answered.“Now that is surprising to hear,” I chuckled.“Why?” He asked.“I don't know. Maybe because you own islands and private jets? I thought that would give you the luxury of exploring everywhere,” I said.“No offense, but that is a very dumb thing to say, sweetheart,” Maxmillan said and I just found myself laughing. It was probably the way he insulted me so politely. Jerkface!“I know, I was just kidding,” I rolled my eyes. “How do we get a tour guide though or have you arranged one already?”Maxmillan smirked and checked his watch. “That depends. Do you want someone official or someone who knows the streets better than the police?”I raised an eyebrow. “I’m g
Gianna-/I was having fun.So was Maxmillan. And even Zhang, i guess. The man was way too stoic so I couldn't tell if he enjoyed being here or not.“Let's go on that one!” I pointed to the bridge. Maxmillan instantly frowned and I knew he was about to drill me on safety and what not.Zhang thankfully spoke up in agreement before he had the chance to argue.“She's right. We'll get a better view from there,” he said. Maxmilian sighed. I threw him a smirk and he rolled his eyes. I guess he couldn't argue with his tour guide.We headed for the bridge, pushing through the crowd of people. Walking there suddenly seemed longer than I approximated it to be.I guess it was because of the crowd but by the time we got there, it was worth it.“Do you see it now? The beautiful view?” I asked Max, moving away from the bridge to the side and then, in a matter of seconds, a bullet flew past, hitting the railing on the spot where I had been standing before.A gasp fell on my lips but before I could re
Dante-/I knew she was seeing my uncle. I wasn't stupid. I followed her myself and confirmed it. Her movements have been very suspicious for the last few days, so forgive me for stalking my own wife!The fact she could walk in here and still deny it. Pretend like there was nothing when she was nothing but a fucking slut.I thought the alcohol would calm me down but it only fueled my rage, coupled with how slow business was going for me.I was very certain I had been blacklisted for my contacts to suddenly run out of deals for me.“What do you think you're doing, Dante? Have you lost your fucking mind?” she yelled, groaning out in pain as she held her head. She checked her hands and was shocked to see blood. “You bastard, look what you've done!”“I will only ask you once,” I said coldly, smashing the bottle against the wall as I approached her with a deadly glare. “Where are you coming from?”She stumbled back, one hand pressed to the bleeding cut on her scalp, the other raised slightl
Piper-/“You taste so fucking good, sweetheart. It's been weeks and I still can't get enough of you,” Eric said, pulling me back into his arms to give me a kiss.I wouldn't even die it, the old man was a lot more exciting in bed than Dante. He fucked me like I was a whore, just the way I liked it and he was a very generous spender.“You want to go to Dubai this week, right?” He said.“Yeah,” my eyes lit up. “There are so many things I want to get for us.”“Us,” he chuckled. “You mean yourself?”“Oh come on, baby. I will definitely get something for you as well. A wristwatch, maybe,” I shrugged.“You don't need to get me anything. I'll wire a million dollars to you. I'll get my jet ready to take you so you don't have to worry about flight money,” he said and I wanted to scream.The man was so hot when he said things like that.“I also have a beach house there so you can just stay there. It's fine if you still want to lodge in a hotel though,” he said and I was just speechless.Eric Nor
/-Gianna-/We were back in Italy and Maxmillian was yet to say anything to me or even demand an explanation.Guilt ate deep into me and I didn't know what to do but it was obvious he was so mad at me.I adjusted on the bed, staring awkwardly as he walked on his laptop. It was pure torture. Being in the same room with someone and getting silent treatment.Whether it was a bad time or not, I had to talk to him.“Max…” I started out quietly. “Can we talk? Please…”He didn't answer me as expected. Since he found me in Sydney, I have been met with this torturous coldness.I should have just screamed then, that I was pregnant with his child and had to leave because I was afraid when his enemies came for us, he wouldn't be able to protect us.Maxmillian's fingers continued to fly across the keys of his laptop, completely ignoring me, as though I wasn’t even in the room. The silence was thick, suffocating, and it gnawed at my insides, making my chest tighten with every passing second.I could
Maxmillian-/So this is what we're doing now, huh? Running across countries. She was definitely how much I was willing to chase her.If she wanted us to play the hide and seek game from continent to continent then she was welcomed to be my guest.She would always be in the open to me.I stared at the map on my phone. I zoomed in the spot blinking red. Sydney, huh?I suppose I really had to thank Kesley. I'd give her more money if I could. If she hadn't placed that tracker on Gianna, I would have never found her.I couldn't even get pissed at the fact that she put a tracker on my woman. I mean whatever she planned to do didn't happen yet so I could take it.For now.We touched down on Sydney about three hours later because we had to change course midway.I landed at the airport and rented a car. She was staying in some crappy hotel away from the heart of the city. I typed in the location in the gps and began driving.It hurt my heart that she was actually putting in a lot of effort to
/-Gianna-/How the hell did he get this number? I got the phone here, got a new number! The only person who has my number is Mrs Heidi.How the hell did Maxmillian get it all the way from Italy?Or….My heart started hitting fast. It couldn't be. It just couldn't be.There is no way he could have found me. He can't possibly be in Germany. My eyes watered. It hasn't even been up to a month yet and he has already found me?“Gianna!” He called again and I blinked.“How… how did you find me?” My lips trembled as I asked the question. “How… I did…”“I am on my way to get you,” His voice was cold and devoid of all forms of emotion. “This is your chance to explain. Say whatever you have to say because when we meet, you won't have the chance to say anything.”I could feel my heart pounding in my ears. I was unconsciously stepping back as if he was right in front of me. I opened my mouth but words failed me. Nothing would come out because it was terrifying.Terrifying that all my efforts were
Gianna-/When I woke up, I felt relieved and better. Ariel wasn't in the room but she dropped off food for me. I picked it up and began eating.I didn't realise how hungry I was until I tasted the delicious food. She really outdid herself if she prepared this but if she bought it, then I had to know that restaurant.After eating, the doctor came in for my daily checkup, after which I was discharged. I was a bit skeptical about going back to my hotel room, even though Johann was arrested.I knew they were only going to detain him for a few months at most and then he would be back here to torture me. Or worse, get his revenge.I had to leave.So when I got to Glamour, I packed up and went to see Mrs Heidi. It hurt that I couldn't work for her any longer, she was such a sweet woman but my baby and safety were my priorities.I couldn't risk that, even for a nice employer.Mrs. Heidi’s office smelled faintly of lavender and furniture polish. She looked up from her desk as I entered, her f
/-Gianna-/God please, no….I couldn't afford to lose this baby now. I have come all this way, ran from the man I loved, all in a bid to protect this child.I would never be able to forgive myself if I lost it at the end of it all. How will I even be able to face Max?“What's wrong with you, Gianna? Is it like your period or something?” Ariel asked worriedly. She didn't know I was pregnant. None of them did.I thought I could keep it that way but I had to speak now. If I didn't, this child might die.“Please take me to the hospital…” I pleaded. “I think I'm losing my baby.”“Oh my God, you're pregnant?!” She gasped.“Ariel please, ask the questions later. I need to get to the hospital right now!” I stated.She snapped out of it instantly, helping me up. “I don’t have a car, but I’ll call for a ride, just hang on!”The pain in my lower abdomen was unbearable. A sharp, tearing sensation, followed by the unmistakable warmth of blood. I tried not to look down. If I looked, I’d break down
Gianna-/I moved out of the way at the last minute and he hit the wall. I slipped past him and ran into the bathroom. I locked it immediately and stepped backwards with a pounding heart.“Gianna!” He growled, pounding the door with his fists. “Open the fucking door!”I pressed my back against the cool tile wall, hands trembling violently as he pounded against the door again.“Open it, Gianna!” Johann roared. “You think you can hit me and just walk away?!”What is he even talking about? I didn't hit him! He hit the fucking wall when he was trying to grab me.Another thud. The hinges groaned. I had no idea how long the cheap lock would hold.My breath came in sharp gasps. I scanned the small bathroom. No window. No other exit. Just a toilet, a sink, and a flimsy towel rack that would snap like a twig if I even tried to swing it.I pulled out my phone, dead. Of course. Of fucking course.“I was trying to be nice!” Johann shouted, voice cracking with fury. “I was trying to fix things!”So
/-Gianna-/I regretted saying yes the second I walked into the quaint little café Johann had picked.The air smelled like freshly baked bread and cinnamon, and the place was so cozy it felt like it belonged in a storybook. But still, this was Johann. The same man who had cornered me days ago with eyes too dark and voice too smooth to trust.He was already waiting at a corner booth, surprisingly well-dressed in a gray coat and a scarf loosely wrapped around his neck. When he spotted me, he stood up quickly and pulled out a chair like we were on some kind of date.“Good morning,” he said, with the kind of smile that made you wonder if he practiced it in the mirror.“Morning,” I mumbled and sat down.“I took the liberty of ordering. I hope you don’t mind,” he said, then added quickly, “Just the traditional stuff.”Moments later, a waitress came by with a tray loaded with food that made my stomach grumble.A basket of freshly baked Brötchen and rye bread sat in the center. Alongside it we