Camila's POVI settle down behind the desk and take the files in my hand. After a while of sitting quietly and thinking, the plan forms in my head.Since Diego has already assured me that he was going to take care of Nico afterwards, I don't think much about him, but then there's a little chance that he's down in my way.Actually, I don't really want anything from Nico. All I want is the peace and the happily married life that we were living before a certain someone came in our way. And that's exactly the person that I need to get rid of, and very fast.Just sitting down there in silence, I already feel a myriad of ideas popping into my mind on how to make her disappear. But all of them seem wrong. There was something that was missing.I need to break her, crush her bones so that she will never even dream of getting five feet near Nico again. Do I need something that's going to make her lose her trust in him?I cross my leg on the table and tap my shin deep in thought. Well, it's taki
Nichole's Point of ViewCalm and collected, both that they all secretly love. I know that enough is expected from me from here, and I can't afford to let my emotions come into play.So instead, I squirm my expression and walk across the room, looking at all of them in turn before finally sitting on top of the table.The penthouse is wide at first, able to easily accommodate all of us, like about 12 of the men along with three full amounts of arms and ammunition that are in the room.Almost every guy is leisurely toying with a gun and no one finds his way, not at all. It's like second nature to us, being the most dangerous bad person you've ever heard of.It's almost as if most of these men have lost every last bit of humanity that was in them. Now they live to fight, they live for bloodshed, and for some reason, that's the way it's supposed to be.But somehow I wonder, just the way that I was changed, maybe these men don't have a future after all, maybe they could find love. I just al
Jasmine's POVSomehow I regretted more every step of the way. That morning when I woke up, I was still tangled in Nico's arms.I hurriedly untangled myself from him and got off of the bed. Very quiet, not to disturb him.And then, as quickly as I could, I fled the room, closing the door behind me. I leaned against the wall.I heard my breath coming out in a horrid burst. "Finally," I managed to tell myself. Why was I having such a panic attack at this time? I think to myself.But then, Diego's warnings are clear in my head. His threats. I know that he's going to come for me after this.He made it very clear that he doesn't want to see me with Nico anymore. And I'll just let it happen.I know just how dangerous Diego is. I know that he probably has spies around my house as I think. And I know for certain that I'm going to get into huge trouble for this.Taking a deep breath, I decide to get through with it on my own. This time, I would make myself disappear instead of waiting for them
2 weeks later, Nico's POV2 weeks have freaking passed since I've been casting my eyes on Jasmine, and it was fucking killing me. I still had the unanswered text. It actually has fully cut off from me, and somehow it made me realize that I should have expected this. Maybe all the time it was supposed to end up like this, but I convinced myself to fully accept it.Right now, I'm currently in the company trying to pay attention to the meeting that's supposed to be very important. Most of the members of the board are there. I feel like a part of me has been cut and shattered and then burnt in fire. I feel like a part of me can't do anymore.She had no idea what she was doing by walking in when I was with her. Right now, I had a good night of Sanda, and when I did, I was going to phone her. Well, it's very, very annoying just when I think that when I get home from work, she calls away again.What exactly was she scared of? If only I could thank her and ask her these questions myself inste
Nico's POV I get into the car immediately and take out my phone. I have two options. I can go straight to the airport where I'm sure that Javi went to and then get all the valuable information that I need out of the staff there. Like, where is this place? How can my friends learn? I could simply go back to the base and arrange for us to take a flight back to Italy. Thinking of both of them very well now, I realized that both situations would work well for me. All I have to do is to think of a way to do them both and save more time. After all, the faster I get to Jasmine, the better I feel for everyone.So, I put one hand on the steering, easily navigating through the fierce traffic on the road. And then, with my free hand, I slip my phone out of my pocket. Of course, it's against the rules to handle calls while driving, but who says I was a keeper to the rules anyway?I called Fabio immediately. "Arrange a flight straight for Italy," I say to him, my voice quite authoritative and i
Chad's POVJust when I'm about to conclude that I got my information wrong and Nico is not to be here, I glance up towards the office at the far side of the airport as one of the doors opens and Nico himself steps out.I feel my fists clench at my side just by the mere sight of him. There he is, in all his arrogant glory, looking like he's above everyone else in the world. Just the very trait that he exhibited as a member of the Mafia.If only she had known just how arrogant and how dangerous he actually was, then she wouldn't have bothered herself with him in the first place. Alright, the rumors have it that she ran away from Los Angeles just to escape him. Well, for a good cause too.All Nico does is go all around the world dressing like a local royalty and trying to get under people's skin, and he made a very good habit of doing it. He's extremely good at what he does, able to seamlessly make people fall in love with him and then only to use them after and dump them in places where
Jasmine's POV Two weeks have passed and everything seems to have settled back to normal. Michael started school in the countryside and I took a job at an old inn where I'm working as a waitress.Everything seems to be normal. Although my life isn't exactly top-notch or won't get the five-star rates, I definitely have the peace of mind that I need.Somehow, I managed to push Nico to the back of my mind and my life back in Little Italy and Los Angeles. There's no need to think of them anymore. I finally closed that chapter of my life and I'm ready to move forward without them. That's the way it's supposed to be, or at least that's what I convince myself every single day without fail.This time I step into the inn and serve the people that are sitting at the tables there. I gather some plates of people that are finished eating and go over back behind the counter.This is how I spend my life and there's some meals that come for free. It's not much, but once I save enough, I'll be able to
Nico's POVIt doesn't take me much time; I don't even wait till the end of the day, but I immediately rush off in my helicopter, all the way straight off, head-first into Italy. Just like I instructed, Fabio already has the helicopter ready for me, and the pilots - everything was all set. All he was waiting for was me to step inside, and then we'll be off, which I didn't hesitate to do.He sits across from me in the helicopter, and I stare through the window. The memory and the scenery of everything feels like déjà vu, and I immediately remember the night after my one-night stand with Jasmine, when I was whisked off at the very next moment on a plane to Italy, back where I belonged, to finish up the business I started. Then at one of my most heartbreaking events of all time, I was expected not to show any hint of emotion at all.That was also when I was forced to another reality, that I had to go on with a marriage that didn't count, one that involved Camilla, and so she gave birth to
Jasmine's POV I haven't seen Nico around since he left my office two weeks ago. I'm glad he's keeping his distance, just as I requested. I should feel good, right? Yes, I do, of course. Well, I don't really know how I feel right now.As for my work in the company, I still hear some comments when I pass by the hallway leading to my office. Most of the staff avoid me. I don't know if it's fear or something else. I really don't care.But surprisingly, while I was eating lunch in the cafeteria a week ago, a tall, slender lady walked up to my table."Hi, do you mind if I share your table?" she asked."No, I don't. Please sit," I replied."I see you're having my favorite right there, huh?" the lady said, gesturing to my food.I looked at my food. It was just a pickled ham sandwich and iced tea. "It's my favorite as well," I said.I wondered who this strange lady was. I didn't think I had seen her around."Don't give me that creepy look," she laughed.Shit, I thought it wasn't obvious."I'm
Nico's POV "Jasmine was on her way to the penthouse. How could she have gotten a hold of that place? Or did you tell her about it?", he asked."I haven't said anything about the penthouse to her""Okay, that settles it. So where did she get the information?"."I'm yet to ask her. I doubt she would even tell me". I adjust my neck tie. "Leave that to me then, but all of this couldn't have been a coincidence: going to the penthouse, traffic, a dark alley, a murder scene. It was a well-planned scheme to get her to witness that murder. And then again, the body could have been disposed of without Jasmine having to come across it. All mafia know how to do a clean job. No one wants to get involved with the police. So I suppose they weren't smart when they left the body there, making it look like a well-intended murder".That's a point I didn't consider. The job they did was messy. It should have been a very quiet one, not one to raise suspicions."Look into Richard. He was the one who drove
Nico's POVI stood by as I watched her car driving away. When I could no longer see her car, I returned my focus to Richard. I took slow, dangerous steps toward him. He moved back in fear. I'm sure the look on my face wasn't welcoming at all.What was it she said again? "Go get the recording from Richard.""Hand me the recording, Richard," I said."I'm sorry, sir. I should have—""Hand me the recording, Richard. I don't want to hear any of your apologies," I cut him off.He dipped his hand into his pocket, brought out a phone, and started tapping on it. I was getting impatient already, tapping my foot on the ground."Here, sir," he held out the phone, and voices started talking.So this was enough for Jasmine to believe I committed the murder? I laughed. I can't believe this."How did you get your hands on this, and how did this even happen?" I barked.He bowed his head."You have a minute to start talking, or you'll be gone."So Chad was murdered and dumped on the side of the road, a
Nico's PovI was already on the highway. It was pretty early, so there was no traffic, giving me a smooth ride. I was humming as I drove. I was excited. I’d be dropping Michael at school again today, and Jasmine had agreed to let me take care of him with her. "He's your son," she had said. A smile broke out on my lips.I arrived at my destination, drove into the driveway, parked my car, and stepped out. I knocked gently twice on the door and waited for Jasmine to unlock it. Someone was at the door. I readjusted my shirt, even though it already looked good. The door creaked open, and it wasn’t Jasmine. I was a little disappointed."Hi, Isabella.""Good morning, Nico. Please come in.""Thank you. What about Jasmine?" I asked as we moved past the hallway."She's not down yet. I'm sure she's getting ready," she replied."And Michael?""I was about to bring him down for breakfast. Give me a minute," she said, taking the stairs. "Please make yourself comfortable," she said over her shoulder
Nico's POVI just wanted to have some drinks with the guys. It's been quite a while since we gathered around to have some bottles of drinks.Is this the right time to drink? Fabio is at it again. There's an issue in the company, Marcus is acting up, and there are Carmilia's brothers too. He's nagging too much at this point. Don't you think you should settle down and clear your head? I'll set all that straight. What's the harm in having a little bit of fun? Come with me. I was already on my feet.The penthouse was designed for meetings with my gang members, so it's quite spacious. Most of them hang out here all the time, and it's safe as well. There are standby guards, maids, and chefs who do the cleaning and cooking. I arrived at the bar and sat on the first stool I saw there. It didn't take long for Fabio to throw himself next to me, frowning as though I stole his candy. I chuckled. He was uptight."Loosen up, Fabio. Nothing's gonna go wrong tonight," or so I thought.One of the guys
JASMINE'S POVThe sun's rays, trying hard to burst into the room, signified it was morning already. That was quick. I should shower and prepare so I can drop Michael off at school before heading to work.I chose to wear a black gown today. The color was a deep, rich black that seemed to absorb the light around it. It fell just above the knee, creating a modest yet stylish silhouette. The skirt was A-line, with a subtle flare that made movement easy.I sat to do a little bit of makeup, to cover any patches that could still be on my face. I applied my lip gloss before slipping into a pair of silver heels. They weren't too high to make me uncomfortable. Taking a final look at my reflection in the mirror, my hand traced the delicate, hand-beaded embroidery that adorned the neckline. It was beautiful.As I stepped out of my room, I wanted to check on Mike to see if Isabella was done getting him ready, but I stopped when I heard his laughter from downstairs. A smile appeared on my lips, but
Jasmine's POVI turned swiftly to see Isabella. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "What the hell, why...why do you look this way? What happened? Are you hurt?" she bombarded me with questions."Keep it low, Bella. It's a complicated matter. I'll freshen up, then I'll explain everything to you. Where's Michael? I don't see him anywhere.""He's taking a nap," she replied."I should go now," I said, rushing into the bathroom as soon as I arrived in my room. I scrubbed my hands in the washbasin, applying as much soap as I could so the blood would come off. It did come off, but I couldn't erase the blood from my mind. This was Chad's blood. I kept scrubbing; I might even sustain an injury if I kept this up, but what could I do now? Chad was dead, and I felt responsible for it.My legs gave in as I sat on the ground, and tears started falling from my eyes on their own accord. "Nico went too far this time," I thought. "It's all becoming clear now. The rage in his eyes when he h
JASMINE'S POVThe traffic was taking longer than expected; the clock was ticking. What if I didn't get there in time to stop Nico? No, I couldn't let this happen. With each passing second, I felt my heart was about to explode. "Okay, I'm done playing cool, Richard. Please go ahead and take the shorter route. I promise to talk to Nico about it.""But, ma'am, he strictly warned me about this, and you might be in danger. I can't risk that.""Okay, fine. I'll play my last card. I think Nico is about to do something crazy, and if I don't get there in time, there'll be huge consequences. Just consider this an emergency. I tried to convince him."He released a sigh, finally giving in. "There's a road ahead. I'll just use it."I looked out of the car, and, truly, he was right. We just had to get past the traffic a little bit. Richard made a turn, and the road was free of other vehicles, but it looked a bit creepy. The only light was the one at the beginning of the road, and since then, we had
Chad's POV He doesn't reply to me immediately but instead passes across some coded message to the rest of the men, and they take their sweet time circling us, forming a tight barricade around the car. I clench my fist, knowing that this situation is one that I won't be able to get out of easily.What do you want from me? I say, trying for another approach."You're asking unnecessary questions, man," the masked man says in a gruff voice. He raises his weapon, pointing the gun directly at my head. Anything that makes him pull the trigger at this point leaves me completely dead. The reality is enough to bring shivers down my spine. I purse my lip, thinking desperately for any means of escape. What is happening? My mind keeps on turning up completely blank, and honestly, it leaves me very much frustrated. What do you want from me? I find myself asking at this point. All I'm doing is trying to get the conversation going and stall him for as long as I can while waiting not so patientl