“Miss Caraballi,” Tamara could see Chelsea’s smug smile from where she stood “Is everything okay? You seem to be fidgeting a lot."The team went silent as they waited for Tamara’s reply.“Yes, I’m fine,” Tamara replied as she struck another pose and lazily waved a hand for the photographer to continue.A bead of sweat rolled down Tamara’s back. She was, in fact, not fine and wanted nothing more than to rush to the nearest toilet but she refused to give Chelsea the satisfaction of seeing her malicious plan work.“I think we should add three more looks to the current ones. These pictures are not enough for the catalogue,” Chelsea spoke up again after a few minutes as she whipped out a planning sheet and handed it to the stylist.Kim, Tamara’s secretary, looked surprised but raised her head to Tamara on stage. In relief, Tamara slightly shook her head. The pose she was in required her two legs to be crossed. That and only sheer will were the reasons she hadn’t messed up the clothes. Sh
“Oh,” Tamara blinked, flustered, as she gestured with her hands “It’s all this makeup for the shoot… but thank you."An amused smile graced Marco’s lips as he pulled away from the front of the company and they started the drive towards Tamara’s house.“I got a chef for us. I’m sure you’re hungry,” Marco said softly.“That’s amazing, thanks!” Tamara gushed in appreciation, the awkward silence in the car broken.“You have no idea what I feel like eating right now!”Tamara sighed in delight as Marco replied and the two of them carried on a playful conversation until they got to her house.*****Tamara walked out of her room and followed the amazing smell of food down to her dining room.The moment they got to her house, she left Marco with the chef and went up to her bedroom to take a quick bath and use the toilet once more."Finally, you’re done. I was about to start eating without you,” Marco smirked as he pushed back a chair for her to sit in.“Thank you,” Tamara chuckled as she took
Chapter 43Tamara’s fingers tapped out a staccato on her legs as she waited for David to show up. Giving him a second chance and going out for dinner without Marco’s knowledge wasn’t something she had ever envisioned herself doing but here she was.The door of the rooftop restaurant opened and David slinked in with his hands in his pockets.“Well, you definitely outdid yourself this time,” Tamara gave a sly smile in welcome as David drew near to the table.“I’m glad you like it. And thank you for a second chance at dinner,” David purred as he sank into his seat and gave Tamara a smile.“So why do you want to see me so much? Is there anything special attached to it?” Tamara folded her hands under her chin and leaned on the table.David blinked, seemingly mesmerized for a second before he cleared his throat and replied.“Do you know the reason I sent the collaboration proposal over to your company?” David asked in a low voice as a waiter appeared and silently poured them two glassfuls
Chapter 44“Have you started the blackmail?” Tamara texted back, ignoring Marco’s question as she hurriedly opened the rooftop door and slipped out into the staircase.“Yes, I'm at the company,” Tamara’s heart leaped as her phone began to ring.She walked out of the hotel with her heart racing. The valet passed her her car keys, she gave him a nod of thanks and slipped into her car.Bringggggg“Hey,” Tamara picked up the call, as it connected to her car’s blue tooth and she pulled away from the front of the hotel.“Hey, I'm at the office blackmailing David. I thought you would want to be here for this? Where are you?” Marco’s worried voice filled the car.“Yeah sorry, I'm on my way,” Tamara replied as she ran a hand through her hair and shook out her curls.“Okay, be safe. I'm waiting. We also have a meeting with some business people today,” “Yeah, I'll be there,” Tamara ended the call in relief that Marco hadn't insisted on asking for her location.………….“Welcome Ma’am,” Tamara smi
Chapter 45The tense sound of breathing filled the car as Tamara and Marco waited, watching the scene before it.The car was pitch black and they couldn’t see each other but their hands crept towards each other and they held hands quietly as they watched a man’s hunched figure close the locker in the distance and hurriedly rush away to his car.Tamara let out the breath she had been holding as the man started up his car and drove away.“Let’s go,” Tamara made to push open her car door but Marco tugged gently on her hand that he held.“Wait!”“Why?” Tamara relaxed back in confusion.Marco picked up his phone and slid it open “He might be waiting to see who would pick up the check, so he knows who is blackmailing him,”Marco let go of Tamara’s hand to properly hold the phone and she felt a sudden chill and sense of loss.Once again, she was grateful that the car was dark, or else Marco would have seen the blush on her cheeks as she squeezed her hands together in an attempt to get rid of
Chapter 46They jumped apart suddenly as Tamara’s cheeks burned and her hands shook.“Suta, the phone,” Marco whispered.Tamara gave a nod and turned around but she was frazzled and confused even as the phone continued to ring loudly.“The phone Suta. Your phone,” Marco said pointedly as he looked to the bed.With a nod, Tamara dove for her phone on the bed and rushed out of the room.She had been to Marco’s house several times and had no problem slipping out onto the balcony.“Hello?” She picked up the call without looking at the caller ID“Please. Tammy, I need you,” David’s hoarse voice came from the other side of the phone.“What?” Tamara looked over her shoulder in shock, to confirm that Marco wasn’t behind her.“Please. Just come, I need you,” David croaked.“Sorry, I can’t. It’s raining and it’s really late. I Can meet you tommorow,”Tamara sighed as she saw Marco’s shadow come to stand at the door of the balcony.“Please. I’ll send a car. I just need you right now,” David plea
Chapter 47Tamara’s breath came slowly as she stared at the sleeping man with his head on her lap.So familiar yet alien. How had she loved this monster for years?David’s chest rose and fell as he breathed and for a slim second the thought of ending his life just as he did hers crossed her mind.But no. He deserved to suffer. Besides she wasn’t a murderer and in life, there are things worse than death.With that resolve, Tamara gently pushed David’s head from her lap and got to her feet.“You’re leaving?” David stirred from his sleep and blinked groggily.“I have work tomorrow,” Tamara whispered as she bent to press a kiss to his forehead. “Go back to sleep,”With the house deathly quiet, she took a look around. She knew this property even though she had never seen it before.It was just one of the many things she had trusted David with during the term of their marriage. Her hands grazed her stomach as a deep sense of loss cut through her.She would make them pay. David, Chelsea, Mar
————-“Okay, I get that you’re both getting married but this is a little bit unnecessary. Don’t you think?” Tamara frowned in distaste as Franscesca spoon fed Marco.Tamara rolled her eyes at the amusement twinkling in his eyes as Francesca smiled sweetly.“No. Its hardly unnecessary. This is a banding exercise my therapist told me might help,”Tamara rolled her eyes and ignored Franscesca as she stared at her phone intently.They were all gathered in Marco’s house waiting for the video to be posted and Tamara couldn’t help looking at her phone constantly. It was 9pm already and the video—Almost immediately, Tamara’s phone and Marco’s phone beeped and notifications began to flood her phone.Relief swept through Tamara as she unlocked her phone. Yes they had done it. They had posted a video that would undermine David’s position as CEO.“He’s done it,” she gave Marco a relieved look as she opened her phone to see all the messages. “You think it’ll make a dent?”“With the way our phones
Reborn for Revenge Last ChapterThe hall was packed full of the business world’s elite. The invitation was the most coveted thing as zero cameras were seen in the hall save for the officially approved videographers.The orchestra struck a cord, the double doors swung open and Elena Sanchez began her walk down the aisle.In her right hand she held a bouquet of flowers and her left down was intertwined with a man’s own.Shock rippled through the guests as they recognized the man as Chairman Donatelli.On the other side of the long aisle stood the groom of the day.Once Italy’s most suitable bachelor, Marco Dantelli stood with his eyes wet as his grandfather slowly escorted his bride towards him.Despite Rosa’s naggings about protocol and what was considered proper, Elena had written her own vows.The hall fell silent as her words resonated and she whispered them with tears in her throat.She would love him. She would hold him. She would be there for him, but most importantly, she would t
Reborn for Revenge New chapter “So? What do you think?” Rosa Donatelli asked her future daughter-in-law excitedly.“Umm….,” Elena trailed with a smile.“I know, I know,” Rosa sighed. “You want to wear your own dress. But it’s not made by any popular designer,” Rosa looked distressed as she patted down her bun and sighed. “What will I say when the other women ask who designed my daughter-in-law’s dress? An unnamed store from New York City?”Francesca and Elena locked eyes from the full-length mirror and they both burst into giggles.“Oh stop it!” Rosa hissed at them but the edge of her lip was lifted as well. A smile was brewing and she knew it.It wasn’t like Elena hated the dress. Far from it, Rosa’s dress indeed spoke of quiet luxury with its soft lace and intricate pearl design.It fit perfectly too. Pancakes aside, it was almost like the dress had been hand-sewn for her. She didn’t have any particular attachment to her own dress and she could have worn it.Just one issue.Elena
Chapter 96Elena Sanchez slipped in and out of consciousness as she heard shouting in the room. At some point, a blow had been thrown, followed by a loud slap that seemed to shock her properly awake.No, she had not been slapped, the slap was for someone else. It was in fact the noise of the slap that woke her up from her drug-like state.She vaguely registered that the bodice of her dress was torn and she pulled together the scraps of the fabric hurriedly trying to cover herself.Some footsteps and the warmth of a coat covered her. She closed her eyes and took in a breath of gratitude.Cedarwood smoky spice. The coat smelled like… Marco. Yes, the man she was supposed to marry. Elena jerked awake fully and flung open her eyes.“Are you mad! What a miscreant! How dare you!”Rosa Donatelli was red faced and screaming angrily. Elena felt disorientated and confused. What had happened?She turned her head to Marco who stood beside her, rubbing her hair with his face twisted in concern.“A
Chapter 95Elena made her way down to get breakfast but her head was spinning. Had Marco not come back last night from where he went with DaSilva? Why else would Vicker carry her instead of her supposed husband?“Dear, are you okay? You don’t look so well,” Queeneth, one of Marco’s cousins spoke up as she got to the dining table.Elena gave her a small smile and fanned herself with my palm. “I… I’m fine. I just need some air. Excuse me,” Before she could reply properly, Elena rushed out of the dining towards the drawing room window and pulled out her phone.Her hands shook as she dialed Marco’s number.Ring Ring.The phone rang and her stomach was in knots until he finally picked up the call.“Hello?”“Where are you?” Elena demanded immediately.In the background of the call, She could hear DaSilva’s voice and it grated on her nerves. “Did you come back last night?”“Sorry baby. I called Mama because you were asleep. I’ll be back in time for my bachelor’s party. Just…”Marco’s voice
Chapter next.“Oh, I think that pose is cute,”Elena squeezed her eyes shut and internally groaned at the sound of DaSilva’s voice. Here she was, trying to process that her soon-to-be husband could potentially have a five-year-old child and the woman was yapping loudly.“You okay?” Marco asked Elena with concern in his voice.“Yeah yeah,” She waved his concern off with a small smile. “I’m fine. Let’s just take the pictures,”Marco gave a nod and Elena didn’t miss his look of relief. He was trying so hard for everything to go well and she couldn’t understand why. Was it because of DaSilva?“And that’s a wrap,” The photographer, Antonio smiled at them The pictures are done. Let’s pick the ones I’ll process.Elena sighed in relief and smiled happily. Finally, an activity she could do with Marco.“Let’s choose the picture,” Elena smiled excitedly.“What do you think you know about PR?” Rosa stepped in with a conceding look. This is the Donatelli family. I will not have you disgrace the fa
Elena looked across the terrace where Marco and DaSilva were still deep in conversation. The two of them were secluded from the entire family and seemed to be talking about something serious.She tried to pretend like it didn’t bother her. She failed.“Maybe try being more subtle?” Vicker, Marco’s cousin teased her with an amused smile.Elena’s cheeks pinkened and she dropped the book she had been pretending to read. “Am I that obvious?” He chuckled and gave Elena a nod. “Pretty much. But it’s alright. You’re marrying him in four days. It would be strange if you weren’t worried,”“But should I be?” Elena frowned. “Do I have a reason to be worried? Who exactly is she?”“I’m sure grandfather already told you,” Vicker replied with a shrug. “She’s Marco’s childhood best friend. I’ve always known her, how exactly they met is fuzzy, but they were always inseparable, we all thought for sure they would be getting married but…” Vicker trailed off.“But what?” Elena asked, her interest now piq
Elena knew Marco was rich. I mean the man came from a long line of men who were diamond industry owners but she didn’t realise he was this rich.She had seen a reasonable amount of wealth in the time she had spent on earth yet her mouth was open in shock as the car pulled up by the side of the fountain and a man pulled open her car door.“Marco,” She whispered in shock. The entire driveway and the estate screamed luxury.The manor itself was breathtaking. Like a mini palace, she didn’t know what to focus her eyes on first. “The manor is gorgeous,” She gushed as she stepped out of the car.Marco chuckled lightly behind her. “Yeah, it is. I’ve gotten so used to this place, I always forget how shocking it is, to see it for the first time,”“Used to it?” Elena asked in bewilderment. “Are you joking?” She took off her sunglasses and stared wide-eyed at the entire expanse of the building.Would she ever get used to it? It amazed her to think of how Marco had grown up.Almost as though Elena
Chelsea was mad. Or crazy. Elena couldn’t decide which one as she watched the woman’s shiny eyes.This wasn’t Chelsea Rodriguez, the intelligent arch enemy she’d had since childhood. This woman was something else, bordering on the edge of insanity.“What’s wrong with her?” Elena asked her secretary as she watched Chelsea respond to the judges’s few questions.“I’m not sure,” Kim sighed and shook her head. “At the first trial, I thought she was putting on an act but now, it’s obvious to anyone that she’s lost it. Maybe guilt from all her evil deeds or the pain of losing the child she longed for,”Elena’s fingers shook but she twisted them and kept them on her lap as the judge slammed the gavel to bring utter silence to the courtroom.“The accused has been found guilty…”The court went up in uproar as the spectators cheered loudly while Elena just sat in silence staring at Chelsea’s wheelchair.“Order!” The judge tried to get the court silent again as she hit the gavel.“...guilty of at
Chapter 90It’s been three weeks since Chelsea Rodriguez’s accident and Elena’s attempted murder.Elena stood in front of the full-length mirror in the bridal shop. Her eyes were wet and as she looked at her friend’s reflection in the mirror, she could see Francesca’s eyes were also wet.“You look so beautiful, gosh,” Fancesca choked out as she got to her feet slowly.“She’s right,” Theresa smiled. “Hurry up and get married before you steal my woman,”The three of them laughed and Elena put a piece of her hair behind her ear.“I feel beautiful too. I think this is it. The dress, I’ll wear. It’s perfect,”Francesca gave a nod of agreement. “I love it too, but do you think Rosa will agree? I imagine she would want you to wear a custom made dress,”Elena’s brows wrinkled and before she could reply, her doctor and friend, Theresa spoke up.“It doesn’t matter if Rosa Donatelli doesn’t like the dress. She’s not the one getting married and she has to accept that. If she can’t then she’s free