...As we sat together, words seemed to fail me, and I found solace in holding onto my mother's hand, pondering the life that might have been if circumstances had been different. I had a good childhood, even though I'd later discover that the woman I'd called "mother" wasn't truly my biological mother. Still, the thought lingered—how differently would I have turned out if the events of the past hadn't unfolded as they did?Another knock interrupted our moment, and my mother glanced at me, her expression slightly awkward. Reluctantly, I released her hand, knowing that building a relationship with her would be challenging. We each carried our own secrets and experiences, and there was so much she didn't know about my life.The knocking persisted, prompting me to get up. "I'll get the door," I said, making my way to the entrance. I swung the door open to reveal Raffaele, holding a bouquet of flowers."Raf?" I called out, my voice soft with surprise and pleasure at seeing him."Deme," he
...Raffaele's phone rang, pulling his attention away from me. It was evident that the call had something to do with me as he answered it with a sense of urgency."Hello," he greeted, his voice slightly tense as he listened intently."Okay," he continued, his responses brief, leaving both Emilia and me in suspense, waiting for him to provide some context."Let's talk later," he said, ending the call, and I couldn't help but eye him suspiciously. The sense of excitement I had felt moments ago was beginning to wane."It's not Steven?" I inquired, unable to contain my curiosity."No, it's not," he replied, and my skepticism persisted. Perhaps I had jumped to conclusions prematurely, assuming that everything was finally going to settle down."Isn't it the right time for the company to call Amber in for questioning?" Emilia chimed in, her voice laced with concern."On what basis?" Raffaele posed the question, taking a seat."I don't think that's the right move," I interjected, addressing E
"You will regret coming in between us," Aliya snarled, her gaze fixed firmly on me. Raffaele promptly stepped in, physically pulling her away from my face, though I could still feel her heated stare."Raf," I called out to him, urging him to release her hand, as I didn't want things to escalate further."I can't believe this," she muttered, attempting to go back upstairs."I need to gather my things. Let go of me!" she cried out, and Raffaele reluctantly released her hand, immediately taking mine instead. He gently guided me behind him, acting as a shield between us."Come here!" he shouted, and to my surprise, two of his maids appeared from seemingly nowhere. I hadn't even noticed their presence before."Go upstairs and gather anything that belongs to her," he ordered the maids, who promptly obeyed his instructions and disappeared upstairs."You're not seriously doing this to me, are you?" Aliya cried out, her voice a mix of anger and desperation. Raffaele remained resolute, unphased
After our delightful meal, Raffaele, with a satisfied smile, began the process of cleaning up the kitchen. He meticulously washed dishes, scrubbed pots, and organized the ingredients neatly. It was fascinating to watch him perform these tasks with such grace and efficiency. Every movement seemed to flow effortlessly, making even the mundane act of cleaning appear charming.As I was about to stand up and offer to help him, he gently took my hand, leading me away from the cleaning area. His eyes sparkled with a mischievous yet loving glint. He guided me to one of the stools by the kitchen island, ensuring that I was comfortably seated."I've got this, sweetheart," he reassured me, placing his hand on my shoulder. "You've already been such great company today. Let me take care of the rest."I watched him attentively as he continued with his chores. He moved around the kitchen with such grace, his tall and lean figure illuminated by the soft afternoon light streaming through the windows.
My heart raced like a wild stallion as I rushed out of the library. The enchantment of the room and the allure of books had been overshadowed by something far more captivating—the mesmerising kiss we just shared.My mind swirled with a whirlwind of emotions as I made a beeline for his room. I needed a moment alone to collect my thoughts, to make sense of what had just transpired.As I entered his room and closed the door behind me, a sense of intimacy enveloped me. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. The room still held traces of his presence—the faint scent of his cologne, the neatly arranged furnishings, and the sense of warmth that seemed to linger in the air.I hesitated for a moment, standing near the door. The memory of his kiss replayed in my mind, sending shivers down my spine. It was a kiss that had caught me off guard, a kiss that had ignited a fire within me.My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I recalled my reaction. Instead of continuing the kiss or
...The drive to the venue of the press conference felt like an eternity. With Steven and Emilia by my side, the tension inside the car was palpable. I tried my best to remain calm, taking deep breaths as my heart raced with paranoia."Remember to stay composed," Steven advised, breaking the silence. "Answer questions honestly but without unnecessary details. Keep it concise."I nodded, trying to absorb his advice. Every scenario that could play out during the press conference raced through my mind. What if they asked about my personal life, or probed too deeply into the allegations? I had to be prepared for anything.As we neared the venue, my anxiety surged. The car pulled up to the entrance, and I could see the swarm of media outlets gathered outside. Camera flashes lit up the surroundings as reporters clamored for a statement. The intensity of the situation was overwhelming.We exited the car, and I was immediately surrounded by my security team. They formed a protective shield ar
Ahead I went determined to give her a piece of my mind, from a distance I could hear Amber's voice giggling and laughing with others as my pace increased."Oh hello," Zephyr's voice cut through the air like a blade as he blocked the entrance to where I was hearing Amber's voice from."Hey," I said taken aback, only then did I realize that my breath had quickened. I was really mad now."Is everything alright?" he asked worriedly as he lowered his head to take a look at me."I want to have a word with you," he said while I nodded."Is that Amber's voice I hear?" I asked ignoring his initial words."You don't look alright, we need to talk," he said grabbing my hand as I forcefully took my hands away from him, he seemed taken aback."Listen Zephyr, I really have to see Amber right now," I said as he nodded still visibly shaken as he moved out the way. I kicked down the door and as I expected it was Amber and her friends.In her hand is a stick of lit cigarette as she turned around to see
How could I not have noticed, it was clear as ice, I mean I once had a crush on him but not until my revelation and figuring out I am in a different world but being in love with me.I should have known earlier, there was just something about our interaction that was telling yet I ignored all the signs.My heart was still racing from the revelation, and the room was heavy with tension. Antonio's arrival had added another layer of confusion to the mix.Antonio raised an eyebrow, trying to make sense of the situation. "What's going on here?"I couldn't find the right words to explain. Zephyr, on the other hand, broke the silence. "Wasn't it obvious?" he admitted.Antonio looked from Zephyr to me, his confusion growing. "What is going on? My manager said the company asked for all of us to show up, and my brother didn't even let me know either."I stammered, "Oh," struggling to find the right words.Steven decided to provide a concise explanation. "Apparently, Zephyr likes Deme."Antonio's
...(Demetria)It's been Three weeks since I moved and changed my number. Slowly I have adjusted to a new routine. Emilia refused to leave even when I threatened not to pay her, she stuck around me. I have since resigned and went on an indefinite hiatus. I still think about him but it doesn't matter. Does it?I have refused to go online and no one is allowed to talk about what is happening online near me.Since Kiera suddenly went missing the investigation went on hold. It seems like my life is on hold. It's been peaceful and I know with time I will overcome the constant thought of him.The only persons with my new number are Steven who has since traveled out of the country, he really was serious about not going back to the industry and was only here because of me.Emilia who is with me and my mother whom I called out of frustration. Today I have decided I was going to go see them. By them, I mean my family.No matter how I thought about it, I can't continue to not meet them.I booke
"How many month's break are you taking?" he asked while I folded my hands and looked down."You don't know?" he asked while I remained quiet till my phone began to ring. It was Emilia."We are on our way, and I forgot to let you know the villa is an almost eight-hour journey," she said as I nodded.I just need to put the location and drive, I have made up my mind to leave this city behind now that I am still strong, I feel nothing but anger for some reason, and feeling it into getting things done is better."What did she say?" Steven asked."It's an eight-hour journey," I said while he nodded."I will drop you off and then go," I said while he smiled "I will drive you," he said going ahead to the driver's side while I just rolled my eyes. Men are their need to lead. "I don't think you have had anything today," he said while I just frowned."I know how this your appetite is, I hope you start eating well from now on," he said while I turned to look at him, for some reason he seemed to
The ride went quiet as I drove out of the hospital my blood boiling for some reason, rather than curling myself up I felt energized.Looked like I was preparing myself all this while for this. Or does this have anything to do with me suddenly seeing Rosa?The ride was eerily silent and I was thankful for it, different emotions going through my mind and beneath it all was an unexpected surge of anger.Felt like I was building a war against myself. I was suppressing a certain emotion within me and that was anger, I am angry at everything. So many things were upsetting me the more I thought about it but I was driving and was not alone so I repeatedly breathed in and calmed my nerves as I drove straight to my apartment.And surprisingly but very much expectedly they were media houses packed around. I wonder just how bored and jobless they have to be to be camping near my apartment complex."You can't continue driving towards them," Steven said "They don't recognize this car," I said driv
..."Is there proof of this engagement you speak of sir?" I finally mustered enough courage to ask."So you are saying that am lying," his father said with a smirk plastered on his face."I don't know what you think of me, sir, am not just the woman your son sleeps with," I said confidently looking at him not avoiding his gaze anymore. "It's a relationship, courtship in other words," I added, the look on his face signified he was taken aback while his mother on the other hand had the look of an angry bird."If there is proof of me being the other woman then I would quietly withdraw," I said while his mother scoffed."What is this? Acting all dignified," she said."What is your issue with me ma'am, "I tried to sound as respectful as possible."People like you paint bad names for women around the world, you continue to do stereotypically what Actresses are known for, two-timing and going after rich men just to claim the social laser," she blasted me."People like me, you say?" I repeat
Georgiana, ever the gracious host, insisted on helping me prepare for the meeting with Raffaele's father. I hadn't brought any clothes with me, so she guided me to her room, where I could borrow something appropriate.Her room was elegant and well-organized, reflecting her refined taste. She opened her closet and started selecting a few outfit options for me. "Let's see," she murmured thoughtfully. "Something professional, yet not too formal."I watched her with gratitude as she chose a tasteful blouse and a pair of tailored slacks. "These should work nicely," she said, handing them to me."Thank you so much, Georgiana," I replied, feeling a sense of relief that she was there to help me in this unexpected situation.She offered me a comforting smile. "It's no trouble at all, dear. We women have to look out for each other, especially in times like these."I quickly changed into the outfit she had picked out, and she even offered some accessories to complete the look. As I looked at mys
(Demetria's pov)In the midst of our heartfelt conversation, Raffaele's phone suddenly rang, jolting us both from our intense emotional exchange. He frowned, his brows furrowing as he reached for his phone, glancing at the caller ID."I'm sorry, Deme, I have to take this call," he said apologetically as he answered the phone and moved a few steps away to speak privately.I nodded, my heart heavy with the abrupt interruption. It was clear that whatever had prompted the call was important. As I watched him talk on the phone, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Our conversation about his family and the challenges we might face together had left me emotionally vulnerable, and this unexpected interruption only added to my uncertainty.Raffaele's voice remained composed as he spoke, but I could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his expression shifted from concern to seriousness. It was evident that something significant was unfolding on the other end of the call.Minutes pas
(Demetria's pov)Slowly I stirred from my slumber, my eyes blinking sleepily as I slowly became aware of my surroundings. The room was softly lit by the gentle morning sun filtering through the curtains. It took me a moment to remember where I was, and as my consciousness fully returned, a contented smile curled at the corners of my lips.I'm wrapped in warmth and comfort, nestled against a solid, reassuring presence. I turn my head slightly, finding myself face to face with Raffaele. He's still in deep sleep, his features relaxed and peaceful. His dark hair is slightly tousled, and a few errant strands brush against his forehead.I can't help but admire the man beside me. His long lashes cast soft shadows on his cheeks, and the faintest trace of a smile plays on his lips. His breathing is slow and steady, matching the rhythm of my own heart. His strong arms, which have held me throughout the night, feel like a protective shield.My thoughts drift back to the whirlwind of events from
(Emilia contd)Slowly and shamelessly I began to raise, my eyes facing toward the window away from him."Emilia," he called my name as I closed my eyes tightly my heart beating fast, slowly I turned around to face his direction."Good morning," I said still with my eyes closed as I slowly opened them to look at him, he stood by the door, his hands folded with a smirk on his face, I swear I thought he was closer to the bed."Hey," I followed up, oh I wish the ground could swallow me who just to avoid this torture."I would allow you to sleep but I know you are awake," he said taking a step forward."What!" I let out a low scream as I looked at his legs."What?" he asked as my heart continued to beat against my chest."You don't want me to approach?" he asked taking another step with his brows raised."Please," I pleaded as he stopped looking at me weirdly."Is this about yesterday?" he asked while I face-palmed myself. Of course, it's about yesterday. How can he be so casual? This migh
(Emilia's pov)I woke up to the gentle chorus of birds outside, their melodious singing filling the room as the morning sun bathed everything in its warm glow. As I slowly shook off my drowsiness, I couldn't help but notice that something was amiss.The room around me felt unfamiliar at first, and for a moment, I couldn't quite place where I was. Then, it hit me like a lightning bolt, and my jaw practically hit the floor."Steven's room?" I whispered in disbelief, my eyes widening as I took in my surroundings.Slowly I raised the heavy duvet covering me as I noticed I had on only his shirt. My heart immediately began pounding against my chest as the memories of last night began creeping back.. "Can't you see that it's you? You're the one making me like this!" I remember it like it was said minutes ago. Those were my words although I didn't mean to blunt it out like that, it was too late, the damage had already been done as he smirked at me."You what?" he had asked as I covered my mo