Adonis's POVI was stuck in an unknown place—I'd been stuck there for a while. Living through the same horror over and over again.The crazed look in Natasha's eyes as she aimed for Cara and gow I jumped in without a second.The repetition caused me to keep reliving the pain.The pain and anxiety I felt when I thought Cara was going to die.The pain as the shot pierced through my chest.At first, it was all I kept seeing until that one time when I heard her voice. 'Adonis. I need you.'It reminded me of that night in the room. I wanted to go to her but couldn't. In the empty hollowness of my mind, I felt lost.Once in a while, I'd hear her voice and other times; it was just blackness. Then, the very day, I saw her in the void, and she reached out to me... the moment I took her hands, my eyes fluttered open. They lazily fluttered about the space. What I laid on felt extremely soft and comfortable.I recognised it as my bed; then my eyes took in the familiar sight of my room.Everyth
Cara yanked the covers away, hurriedly pulling on a coat over her robe.Adonis had woken up? God! That felt like the best news she'd received all her life.Her heart had nearly stopped in joy and relief until Luca's next words followed as did the increasing sound of metal clanging in the background.He sounded so urgent..."Talk to me, what's going on?" She hissed, rushing out of the room. "I'm on my way and will be there as quickly as I can. And what is that awful noise?"Luca kissed his teeth, "That would be the sound of your husband's tantrum. He's refusing treatment when he can barely stand on his own."Cara would've laughed if it hadn't been for the seriousness of the situation.Luca sounded more like himself than he had in weeks, and if she had any doubts about Adonis being awake, that had just cleared it up. The violence said more than enough..."We kind of delivered the news to him when he walked in on me and Tina in his study.""You shouldn't have done that.""I know! But th
Leaving the mansion with Adonis was a bit more difficult than planned. Not the action itself but the 'convincing the rest of the people'.He was recuperating, and his grumbles were far more subtle than Cara expected, yet he didn't object to leaving. Not once.The problem, however, was the questions and scowls on his men's faces as they wondered why their Capo, who had only awakened a few hours ago, would be leaving his home with his wife, who had also left without a word a month back.After the surprising news from his wife, Adonis had quietly agreed with her. Cleaning up and packing all his necessary things. He didn't speak another word. Not to her or anyone else. Not even to his men, who lined up side by side on the ground floor, waiting to greet him with happy expressions until they realised he was leaving.Then it fell. The obvious confusion on their faces twined the chaos happening in the family; still, there was no one to give answers—no one had them.At least no one but Tina,
Cara paled in realisation. This was the reason for his lack of attentiveness. Her heart dropped. "It's my fault." "Stop it." "No." She looked away. "You were fine before. I'm guessing it's a side effect, right?" "Yes, but— "Then it is my fault." She cut Adonis off, eyes widening when he didn't refute the claim. "It really is. I can't believe you'd have to live like that for the rest of your life." Miguel's face contorted in disbelief. "What are you talking about, Camilla? What is she talking about?" "I should've just taken the bullet." Adonis cursed, momentarily dazed at her stupid conclusion. "Are you crazy?" "Do not speak to your wife in such a manner!" "She's being illogical. It's just a temporary side effect that'll clear with time. So you would prefer to die with my children because of a simple discomfort I can manage?" He argued but even he felt the slight twinge of his eyes as he winced from the ringing sound that he'd gotten used to the moment he a
Adonis paused, an uncomfortable silence settling in the room as he gave Cara and her father time to process his confession.The way she stared at him, mouth agape and eyes wide with a mixture of disbelief and shock indicated she, in particular, would need a while to—but as her face pulled a look of horror and nose wrinkled, he knew she wasn't just surprised; She's got to be reeling on at least four emotions...Her face kept contorting and switching within seconds, unlike Miguel, who remained quiet, gazing at him with a calculative expression and steeples fingers."I am utterly and completely lost."He cocked his head, his lips parting to speak when a dissatisfied pout graced her lips."Seriously. Even a scriptwriter wouldn't add this much twist to his or her story. Why the hell is your family so complicated?"A soft snort racked out of Adonis when he saw he was right. He felt like a psychic on the seventh plough in the spiritual realm.First, confusion. Now, annoyance? How many more
"You already know Sarah's history. Her infidelity and birthing two children for Sabestien." Adonis began. "She married twice right, but did she love either of them? The answer is no." That stunned Cara."Not even the first one?" Adonis's mind went back to the man he killed a few months ago, the memory touching the surface of the emotions he felt that night.Such a pity he died for a love that wasn't real."No." He replied. "Her one true love was Salvatore's son. I know you still don't get it, but hold on to that."Miguel arched his brow, fixating his gaze on AdonisSarah loved Adrian? But he didn't say a word. "My father knew of Sarah's dealings; that's also another fact, which resulted in everyone believing I wasn't his biological son; that," Adonis stressed, "...isn't a fact but a miscommunication— an intentional one at that."The elderly man couldn't hold back this time,"...intentional?"Adonis hummed, wincing as the vibration reached his ears, "Yes. Nonno and father told you
Cara's brows furrowed, a deep crease forming between them as Adonis handed her the empty glass of water. "Do you feel better now?"He grunted, a wry smile playing on his lips, yet the bead of sweat trickled down his temple despite the cool air, and his clenched jaw told her he was just trying to be strong. "I think we should end this discussion here for now. You've done enough talking for one day."Miguel scoffed, pouring a shot from the whiskey that was brought to taunt Adonis. The ice clicked together as he swirled the drink around, eyes closing in pleasure at the strong smell."Don't tell me you're that weak?" "Dad!""What? He's out of the coma; the worst is over. He should be able to withstand any other pain. Just saying." He raised one hand in surrender, taking another sip to hide the mischievous curl of his lips.Adonis knew well what Miguel was playing at. Forget medication. He'd do anything just to get a glass of the whisky he was having. However, for some reason, Cara see
Adonis blinked."I was kidnapped as a child? Nonno never mentioned anything.""Not even in your tell-the-story journal?"He shook his head in disagreement, his grey eyes shining in utter disbelief."Hmm." Miguel shrugged. "I thought he would've explained that to you.""Well, you can, Dad." Cara chimed in, curious about the details as well. "Maybe it'll help us get a clue to solving the picture.""There's nothing much to solve corazón. It's a simple and clear story." He dismissed, picking up his refilled glass, "How old were you in that picture?" Adonis stroked his chin, refreshing his memory. From the picture, he looked grown, but still too young to be a teenager—probably in his preteen years so he threw the guess out,"...between twelve and thirteen?" watching as Miguel took a swig of his drink, the loud gulp making him wish Cara would allow him just a glass.His heavy gaze met his wife's, who—somehow could read his thoughts— gave him a stern look that left no room for negotiation.
Six pairs of eyes stared at the projected image in Miguel's study. "So..." He broke the silence, crossing his legs as he leaned back in his swivel chair. "Where's the boy?"He was surprised to hear that Jacob was also here because of the same orphanage they'd been trying to get information about. Even more when he found out that he grew up there.Everyone had hurriedly finished up their meal in anticipation. If the child truly was in the picture, it would mean they were halfway through their plan.But staring at it now, they all realised they had forgotten something important.How do they recognise him?Jacob sighed, leaning off the corner of the wall he had been attached to since they filed into the study. He moved closer to the projected image, "I don't know.""You don't know?" Miguel repeated, expecting the young man to rephrase his words. What kind of half-baked plan was this?He turned to his son-in-law, "Is this what we were eager to see? An unclear lead? No me digas que sobre
Cara's POV Just as I was catching my breath, another ripping sound echoed through the room and my sports bra fell to the floor, freeing my strained chest from its supposed cage.My breath got caught in my throat, "Wa... wait. You can't keep destroying my underwear, Adonis." I heaved, turning back towards the culprit.He'd taken off his shirt with his trousers, halfway down his legs. The heat intensified as he quickly removed his briefs. The raw desire I saw in his gaze made my stomach twist in knots."Your underwear is the least on my mind, Bel" he murmured, and before I could say anything in reply, gently swept me into his arms.The feel of his bare skin against mine was out of the world. With each step he took, my chest brushed against his, and I felt the jolt of his hard member pressing against my thigh.His pounding heartbeat was like music to my ears.Apart from his clenched jaw and hard-on, it was the only evidence that he wanted me as much as I did him.Placing me at the edge
Cara POVAdonis shut the door carefully behind him as we walked into the room. "What's up?" I wheeled around, cradling my bump "You sounded like you had something urgent to say.""That Jacob guy..." He replied, the same possessive look from earlier, still etched on his face. "You were smiling at him."My face contorted, "Yeah... he's a guest. Is it a bad thing to be hospitable?""Cecelia likes him.""Yes... Where's this going?""We should stand for Luca. I don't like him." He crossed his arms, eyes communicating exactly how he felt."Oh... that ship sailed a long time ago, Adonis. Cecelia loves him. There's nothing I can do about it." I walked up to him, standing on my toes to straighten out the lines on his forehead releasing the tightness of his face. "Staring me down wouldn't change a thing. I told you; you can't use the same tactics you use on other people on me.""How is it... possible to fall in love that easily?" He spat like the words themselves left a bitter taste in his mo
Cara's POV"Bell Flower Orphanage?" I repeated, a chill running down my spine. That name...It couldn't be..."Yes... he lost his parents in a car accident and has been at the orphanage ever since he was a child. However, it was consumed by a fire five years ago."An accident... he also didn't know his parents.Could it be? I mentally calculated... it all aligned. My mind raced. What was the connection? "And, the fire?"I asked, trying to keep my voice casual."That was awful," Cecelia said, her voice dropping. "It happened a few years ago. The woman who ran the place, the closest thing he had to family, died in it."Could it really be this simple?"Bell Orphanage was the same orphanage my father and Luca went to check the previous evening. The orphanage that was the last lead to finding Sarah's son."Why do you sound so shaken? Is everything fine?""All is well... you said it's the reason he's here?""Yeah..." she drew out, sounding unsure. "Jacob suspects that the fire wasn't nat
Cara's POV"So tell me," I asked eagerly, as we moved to the lounge. "Who is he? I might’ve seen a subtle exchange between him and Adonis last night, but there was no time to ask.""Okay!" She began, matching my energy. "Where do I start?""Are you for real? From the top!""Chill out..." she laughed. "I already told you how we met, right?""Yeah right. I know up to the point where you snatched up the CEO of Maynard Corporations. Girl, you've got a knack for finding interesting men. First Luca, now him?" I gave her a pointed look. "Adonis is the first sensible man I've ever been with. Before him, I had two. One was in high school, and the other was a spy. Even with a stressful life, I paid all the bills."Cecelia turned beet red. "I didn't snatch up anyone. It just kind of... happened. Remember the day we had our last phone call? When you told me about the baby's sex, which is a big deal, by the way." She squealed. "Adonis scored big time! Three at once.""I know, but that's old news;
Cara's POVSitting at the table in my father's quiet dining room; my only companion was the sound of my fork dancing on the plate as it picked at a barely eaten piece of toast. My mind was preoccupied—replaying the events of the previous night and my recent conversation with my father.The plan I had been so sure a few minutes ago would put an end to it all now seemed bleak. I kept weighing the pros and cons... Until the sound of Cecelia's cheerful voice, a stark oddness to my current emotion broke through my thoughts."Hello... Good morning, every—" She paused, "Where's everyone?" Singing as she skipped into the dining room, looking like a perfect ray of sunshine.My lips pressed together jumping up to highlight my cheekbones in a dry smile that didn't reach my eyes, "It's nice to know someone's in a good mood after dropping a huge bomb yesterday."I stuffed a piece of toast into my mouth."What?" She took a seat beside me. "Don't tell me you don't agree that Jacob's handsome.""Are
Cara's POVFor someone who had been anticipating sleep, I lay on the couch, eyes wide open, a soft pillow providing support for my slight discomfort with my face heavenwards.The wheels in my head had refused to stop turning since Doctor Bruno left. It kept replaying the argument with Adonis, his pain, his past, his... trauma.I was tired. Fed up with the unnecessary drama, fed up with the sob story that my husband's life was, and fed up with fighting. Yet I was helpless.This wasn't me—I wasn't a damsel in distress. Being his partner, I shouldn't feel like I'm always on the outside, looking in.I kept arguing for my voice to be heard, but the truth remained that I was nothing but a liability. One that would always be thought of as a burden when the men were finding solutions to the problems.Adonis's point was justified. Why would he want to carry one along? I haven't proven that I could take care of myself just fine. There had to be another way. I can't just stand by and watch.If
Adonis paled."What..." he swallowed. "What are you insinuating?"Cara tried to stifle her sobs, the words in her head, causing a pang to shoot up through her heart as they fell from her trembling lips, "I think we should...""Don't finish it." He interrupted, his voice deadly."You don't even know what I was going say." She cried."I don't want to hear it." He turned, walking to the closet to get rid of the towel around his waist. "Go to bed.""You can't just push this away, Adonis." If he heard, he didn't reply, nor did he stop."I want a break." Adonis froze. "What... did you..." He shook his head, his breath ceasing. "No... Don't say what you don't mean." She squared her shoulders, "It's a good thing I'm serious about it then... I can't be around you. It… It... isn't healthy for me or the babies. I'd keep worrying and worrying... the stress... it's for the best.""No!" Cara picked up the covers once again, sliding into bed. "First thing tomorrow morning..."I said no, Cara—..
The moment the door slammed shut behind Adonis, Cara was up on her feet pacing about worriedly. She had been trying to act cool like nothing was out of the ordinary, but she knew it was impossible.This was just the beginning.What the hell was Cecelia thinking?Adonis, the ever-nonchalant one, kicked off his pants and proceeded to prepare for bed."Have you sent Luca home?" She asked, and he shrugged."I don't know. I gave him a choice to leave or stay.""You gave him a choice?" She gazed at him. "You should've kicked him out. We both know putting matters in his hands would make it worse.""Relax," Adonis assured her, walking into the bathroom, "I have his promise not to kill him." The sound of the shower dimmed his voice.Cara stopped pacing, her face becoming sullen."Was that an option? It isn't up for debate." She tilted her head in deep thought, deciding to take matters into her own hands. "I'm going to go down and tell him to leave myself." "Forget it, Bel." Her husband called