Gianna-/“What is this?” I could barely contain the curiosity and excitement in my tone.It was weekend so I was staying home with Max, of course, but he went out earlier this morning, only to return with these.“Sit on my laps, beautiful,” he said and I blushed a little. I was wearing nothing other than his T-shirt, so when my ass settled on his lap, a satisfied expression crossed his face. He easily slipped his hand under my shirt.I shivered slightly as I felt his rough palm slowly move upwards.“I got you something,” he said out of the blue. To say I was surprised was an understatement. I didn't even want to feenIt was quite a small box, yet I could hardly control my happiness at the fact he gave me a gift.“Take it easy, sweetheart. It's not running,” Max snorted, stroking my back gently.I eventually opened the box and my breath caught my throat.“Diamonds,” I breathed.“Do you like them?” He asked. Was he serious? How could I not like them?“I love itttt!” I squealed, throwing
Gianna-/Maxmillan had an ex-wife?I mean, it was understandable, he was almost forty but he never mentioned anything about her to me.Having her in front of me, with him tensing up like this made my stomach churn. I couldn't help but feel like there was still something between them. Lingering feelings that were yet to die.“What are you doing here?” Max asked her. “This isn't a place for you.”Kesley raised a brow at him. “It's not? I'm guessing it is a place for your little girlfriend then .”I expected Max to correct her. To say I was his wife, not girlfriend but he didn't and my chest tightened.“We are solely here for business,” he went ahead to say, adding more salt to my injuries.Kesley's eyes wrecked through me and she snorted. Her eyes twinkled in amusement as if she knew something that I didn't.“I see you still haven't changed. I hope you have a lovely night,” she said simply and walked away. Max's eyes followed her until she was completely out of sight.“Max…” I called, m
Gianna-/“Tough night, huh?” Marco said beside me. He was a scary huge man that I saw once in a while with Maxmillian.He was almost never around but I knew he was some sort of second in command to Maxmillian. If I could call him that.“Yes,” I swallowed a lump.“I take it my boss is getting on your nerves, huh?” He chuckled and I shot him a look. There was nothing funny about this.“Champagne?” He asked, trying to ease tension.“Will do,” I shrugged.He got two glasses from the server and handed one over to me.I took a sip and stared at the bunch of classy hypocrites before me.“You know, the boss really likes you, Gianna,” Marco said and I rolled my eyes.“Yeah, that's what I think sometimes.”He chuckled but didn't say anything. I decided to ask him the questions that were bothering me, since he was rather eager to play defense.“Can you tell me about Kesley? What was she like and why did they separate?” I asked him and his expression changed.I already knew his answer even before
Gianna-/He didn't speak to me after he walked away from me that night.We just saw each other and walked past without saying a word. I honestly couldn't wait for the weekend to be over so I could get back to work.Not that I enjoyed, but because I knew he wouldn't be able to avoid talking to me then.I was preparing dinner when he walked into the kitchen. He didn't spare me a glance and just grabbed water from the fridge.I'd be lying if I said I wasn't pained. I was making his favorite and he didn't even bother to acknowledge it.I clenched my jaw, stirring the pasta sauce with more force than necessary. The silence was suffocating, the tension in the air thick enough to cut with a knife. If he wanted to act like I was invisible, fine. Two could play that game.But damn it, it hurt.I wasn’t sure what frustrated me more—the way he was ignoring me or the way my chest tightened despite everything.Maxmillian twisted the cap off his water bottle, taking a slow sip before finally, final
Gianna-/It was a terrible idea.Everything in me screamed not too. Merely dancing with him got Maxmillan so mad at me, getting his number was going to blow things out of proportion.But when I remembered that he rejected my food and didn't come home, my mind ruled out all forms of rationality.“Are you going to memorise it?” I asked and he chuckled.“Right!” He took out his phone and handed it to me.I typed in my number.“Just for friendship purposes,” I added and he grinned.“Of course.”I wasn’t sure who I was trying to convince more—him or myself.As I handed his phone back, my fingers trembled slightly. Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was adrenaline. Either way, I ignored it.Adrian glanced down at the screen before slipping his phone back into his pocket. “I’ll send you a text so you have mine.”I nodded, suddenly feeling uneasy. This was dangerous territory, and I knew it. But if Maxmillian wanted to act like I didn’t exist, then fine, I’d find ways to remind him that I did.“Hav
/-Gianna-/ I got dressed. Casual kind of dressed for a typical coffee date. Maxmillian left early so I didn't have to bother about angering him. He was, after all, unavailable when I wanted to inform. I couldn't possibly be blamed for that. I checked myself one last time in the mirror before grabbing some cash from the drawer. I was supposed to head to Maxmillian's office but I wasn't about to pretend everything was fine when he left for work without taking me like he usually did. He was always fine without an assistant so I'm certain this will be no different. In a few minutes, I was waiting at the coffee shop for my date to arrive. He delayed for thirty minutes, giving me time to reconsider my decision but then I finally decided to leave, I saw him walk through. He was dressed casually. A simple t-shirt and jeans but that was all it took for him to steal the spotlight. Eyes followed him right to my table. A slow smirk tugged at his lips as he approached, completely aw
Gianna-/Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!I looked outside the window instinctively and just like I suspected, he was standing right outside, staring at me. Those honey-brown eyes were filled with a fury I had never known and I knew I was in for it.I swallowed hard, my fingers tightening around my phone as I forced myself to look away. My heart pounded in my chest, and I could already feel the heat of his anger from across the street."Gianna?" My date's voice pulled me back to reality. "You okay?"I forced a smile, but I knew it wasn’t convincing. "Yeah. Just… work stuff."He didn’t buy it. His eyes flicked toward the window, and when he saw Max, his smirk deepened. "Well, well. Looks like the boss isn't too happy."I let out a slow breath, trying to compose myself. I had known this was a risk, but I hadn’t expected him to find me so fast.Maximilian didn’t move. He just stood there, arms crossed, jaw clenched, his entire posture radiating dominance and rage."I should go," I muttered, already rea
Gianna-/I ignored the knock on the door because I knew exactly who was behind it.I wasn't in the mood to fight with him, just like he hasn't been in the mood to deal with me.“Baby,” his voice came out soft, catching my attention. “Baby please let me in.”I stood up slowly and made my way to the door.“I know I haven't been exactly the kind of partner you deserve, but I promise you that if you give me a chance to fix it…”He didn't get to finish his sentence when I threw the door open and flew into his arms.“Oh,” he mumbled as I hugged him. He wrapped his big arms around me.“Don't do that again,” I muttered. “No matter how angry you are, don't ever leave me to go to sleep alone, please.”He stroked my hair gently.“It won't happen again, baby, I promise you. I'm sorry.”A big smile broke out of my face along with the tears that gathered in my eyes. That was exactly what I needed to hear. Dante had never admitted his fault in anything, not talk of apologizing. I thought eventually,
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