Cattleya’s POVI stumbled backward, losing my balance. But his strong arms caught me, preventing me from falling."You're such a spoiled brat," he said, scooping me up and carrying me through the crowd. And the rest of the night was a blur. I woke up in his bed, naked, with a strange ache settling in my lower body.I gasped, covering my mouth. "Did something happen last night?"The bathroom door creaked open, revealing him, fresh from the shower. "Yes, something happened. If I hadn't arrived when I did, some random guy would have taken advantage of you."I bit my lip, meeting his gaze. "Yeah, thanks to you. But you still did the same. You fucked me.""As your husband, I have every right to make love to you whenever I want. Besides, you were the one begging me to touch you last night. You even took off your clothes and spread your legs."I threw a pillow at him, my cheeks burning with shame. "Liar!""Why would I lie?" he teased, his eyes lingering on my exposed, tender breasts.I pull
Cattleya’s POV“Wow, I love her energy! So much for my rage!” Mr. Salvatore's voice was laced with aggression as he spoke, and in just an instant, he slapped me in front of everyone.The blood of my lips slowly dripped on the floor, and I felt like I was almost deaf because of the impact of his slap. The room was filled with a stunned silence as everyone processed the sight of the blood on my lips and the mark on the side of my face. Despite the pain, I looked up with a defiant smile. “Do you think with just one slap you can control me? I am not afraid of you, or you…” I pointed my finger at Elise. “I’m not afraid of any of you! So, get out of my house!” Mr. Salvatore smirked, “You’re brave.” And Fred put himself in the middle, “Mr. Salvatore, do you know what you just did? You hurt the wife of the mafia lord!” “I have the reason why I slapped that woman! She provoked me!” He answered. I rubbed the side of my face and wiped the edge of my lips, which was cut a little. Then, the b
Cattleya’s POV“Jaxon!” I called him out, and he stopped and turned to face me.“What? Do you expect me to do nothing? If they hurt you, they don’t respect me at all!”“Jaxon, fighting them using your gun can’t resolve the problem—”“Yeah, but I won’t tolerate them hurting you. And take a look at yourself. I don’t like it. I don’t like seeing you with bruises!” he said as his eyes landed on my lips. And after he said that, he left without looking back at me. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to calm my racing heart. I couldn't blame him for being upset. I knew he was fiercely protective of me, and the thought of anyone hurting me was unbearable to him. But I also knew that violence wasn't the answer. I glanced at my personal driver, but he shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, Ma'am. I can't give you the car keys right now. Mr. Moretti forbade me."I stayed in the villa, biting my nails with anxiety, then I called Nikolai, "Nikolai..."I heard Nikolai's voice, calm and steady, "H
JAXON’S POV"Have you ever thought about the gentleman's rule, 'Never hurt a woman'?" I asked Mr. Salvatore.The old man continued to puff his big cigar on his balcony while his two henchmen stood behind him, ready to protect him. I smirked at them, feeling the tension beneath their tough exteriors."Your wife provoked me," Mr. Salvatore replied. "She's someone I can't tolerate."I raised an eyebrow. "Provoked? How exactly?" My wife always provokes me, but I've never wanted to hurt her.His face darkened. "She insulted me and my daughter!" His grip tightened on his cigar. "That's called discipline. You have to teach your wife a lesson sometimes, Jaxon. Don't let a woman control you or else you'll lose your essence as a man—the power of control."I scoffed. "You call that discipline? It's clear that you hurt my wife. And I won't stand for it."The old man's face contorted with rage. "You dare to question my authority? Maybe you forgot who I am, Jaxon. I have been the longest ally of y
Jaxon’s POVThe Gambino Family.They are the reason my parents are not in this world anymore. For years, I remembered Don Marco Gambino, my family's mortal enemy. But since then, they have become weaker and slowly lost battles. That is why they have become more low-key and slowly faded into society as the shadow family.And now that they are back, what else do they want from me? The only thing I know is that they want to bring me down and take my position as the mafia lord. I won't let that happen. I won't give them satisfaction."How do you know they have Cattleya?"Anthony replied, "They sent me a message." He showed me the text message he had received. I read it, and my blood boiled in anger. How dare they take something so precious from me?I took a deep breath and looked up. "Prepare my soldiers, my army. I'm going to kill them."Uncle Fred said, "Jaxon, you have to calm down. They're back, and we don't know what they want from us."I scoffed. "They have my wife. How can I calm d
Cattleya’s POV"No, it can't be true. S-She would never do that to herself...." I said while shaking my head and tears trickling from my face. I was so shocked and disbelieving that it was hard to process the truth about my sister's death.Nikolai leaned down, staring at my face. "Oh, but she did, Cattleya. She was an attention-seeker, fragile thing. She couldn't handle any pressure in life. If she's depressed or stressed, she would love to hurt herself so people would pay attention to her."Don Marco grabbed my arm and pulled me up to see his face, but I struggled to look away.Nikolai yanked me away from his father and said, "That's enough. I already warned you, didn't I? Don't hurt her." And the old man replied, "Just make her agree to our terms or else I'll lose control." And after he said that, he left the room with his freaking footsteps.I looked up to meet Nikolai's gaze, and without saying anything, I slapped his face so hard that it echoed throughout the entire building. "W
Cattleya’s POVDon't get me wrong—I really wanted to tell him the truth—but it hurts to think that if I do, someone will quickly take some innocent lives. I took a deep breath and looked straight into his eyes. "No. I don't see his face. He was wearing a mask." His brow furrowed. "Then what did he tell you? Why were you with him last night? Did he hurt you?"Nervously, I sighed. "He didn't hurt me. He was merely curious about your wife, which is me... He said… this was a warning to you..."Jaxon scoffed, his voice laced with sarcasm. "A warning? That he's coming to get me? Is that it?"I nod my head, no words coming out of my mouth. Jaxon observed my behavior, which was so different from my usual demeanor.He nodded, his expression softening. "Alright, I won't ask you any more questions."I stammered in relief, "T-Thank you."Ever skeptical, Grace interjected, "Well, we've heard she never saw the man's face. So, what should we do now? Perhaps this man is a spy infiltrating our vil
Cattleya’s POVFIVE HOURS AGO, "I already have it," I said, staring at my niece's face. She was sleeping peacefully inside Nikolai's car."Then give it to me," he said.I shook my head. "Just give me my niece. I want you to comply with our agreement. My niece will be safe and in the custody of my parents because Noah, her father, has agreed to it."Nikolai sneered. "I like that you pay attention to every detail. Of course, Catt. Of course."He glanced at his minion, and they slid open the van. They handed me the sleeping Aubrey in my arms. I bit my lower lip and said, "The things you want and need are in that bag." I pointed to the black bag beside me and turned my back on him.Nikolai said, "Catt..."I glanced at him without saying a word.He stared at Aubrey. "Take care of her."I didn't say anything and walked away from him as soon as possible because I didn't want anything to happen that could affect my niece in this dangerous situation.I put her in the backseat and fastened her
Cattleya’s POV"I don't understand why you're acting this way, Catt! I've been looking for you for weeks. Why are you divorcing me all of a sudden? Did I do something wrong? Did I upset you? Did you hear something bad about me? Tell me… maybe I can explain it better," he said, his voice pleading for a second chance. I noticed his shoulders shrugging nervously because of my sudden decision until he shook his head and asked, "Cattleya, did something happen? Did that bastard do something terrible to you? Did he touch you?"I gulped softly and shook my head. "No, Jaxon. You heard me, right? I want a divorce. That's it. We're done."He clenched his jaw, his fists balling up in anger. "You don't love me anymore?! After everything we've been through, you're just going to throw it away? And now that you're here with me, you're asking for a breakup?"I looked straight into his eyes and nodded. "Yes."“I don’t believe you…” he said as he stepped back and pursed his lips, then he turned his back
Cattleya’s POV"No. But why are you doing this to me? Why aren't you hurting me? Why?" I asked, my heart filled with doubt, confusion, and a nagging worry that perhaps he had ulterior motives. I felt safer with him, but trust had become a foreign concept."You remind me of my wife, my late wife. She died in a car accident, eight months pregnant with our child," he confessed, his voice trembling. "I don't want that to happen to any woman, not even the wife of my enemy. I only want to see him suffer by not seeing you."I gasped, stunned by his revelation. I had no idea he was carrying such pain. Despite his good intentions, my heart ached for my husband, Jaxon. But the safety of the child growing within me took precedence, a bitter truth I couldn't ignore.He turned away without a word and fled to his room. And I sat in the corner, lost and anxious, unsure of what to do.Then, suddenly, the door from his room opened, and he approached me. "If you want to see him again, just say so. Then
Jaxon’s POV"I saw her... in her grave..." Grace muttered. Then she laughed so hard she cried. The nurse took her after I pushed her away. "Get rid of her..."Anthony showed up. "This is not okay, Jaxon! Don't hurt my sister!""Grace is sick!" I said.Suddenly, Anita stormed in. "You're just Fred's nephew. Just because Fred gave you permission to be our guardian doesn't mean you should send my daughter to a mental hospital!"I sneered softly. "I have so many things to do, especially looking for my wife for so many weeks now! And all of you questioned my authority? Then be it, I'm no longer taking care of this family. All of you can do whatever you want!" Then, I turned my back on them.Anthony tried to call my name. "Jaxon..."Then Anita said, "Just let him go, Anthony... he's mad."I walked outside with a dismayed expression and puffed a cigarette. I remembered how Cattleya hated the smell of cigarettes, so I threw it into the trash can and cursed silently, "Damn it, where are you, C
Jaxon’s POVI've been missing her for days. I miss her so much. Everything about her makes me think of where she is now. And where did Nikolai take her? If I ever see that bastard's face, I swear to God, I'm going to end his life with a lot of suffering."Jaxon, you haven't even touched your food. Are you alright?" Elise asked as she took my spoon and took a spoonful of food. Then she said, "If you're thinking about how to find her, how can you think better if you're not eating any food?"I stood up, fixed my necktie, and said, "Elise, why are you still here? Didn't I just tell you I don't want you here? I have a wife, and you can't serve me as if you're my wife."She scoffed, "Really? I'm only worried about you, Jaxon. Why are you overreacting? And of course, I've been part of your family ever since I was a kid, and I became your fiancée before that woman arrived in your life.""Elise, I know your point. But she's missing now and nowhere to be found. Can you be so considerate about t
Vlad Fernandez’s POV "Who is this woman?" I asked as soon as I arrived at my penthouse. She had been delivered an hour ago. That foolish Don Marco thought he could bribe me with a woman to distract me from his mountain of debt.My secretary said, "Her name is Cattleya Sullivan, the billionaire heiress. That's all I know for now. I'll dig up more information for you, sir."I tossed my coat to the floor and said, "Get out."He left immediately, closing the door softly behind him.She has brunette hair and porcelain skin, then she slowly moves her weak limbs. She opened her eyes, looked around, and gasped in shock when her gaze landed on me. "Who are you?" she asked.I smirked and repeated her question, "Who are you?"She rolled her eyes at me. Hmm, a bit of an attitude, I thought. Perhaps she was a spoiled brat from a wealthy family. She then got up from the bed and sighed nervously. "Please, help me...""You ask a stranger for help?" I asked softly, staring at her.As she stood up, sh
Cattleya’s POV“What the fuck is the problem?” Nikolai asked his minion in frustration.The man replied, “Sir, your father just landed. He’s here…”Nikolai’s eyes widened, and he glanced at me, “Take Aubrey with you, hide yourself from my father.”I was confused at first, and then I obeyed him. I walked outside to take Aubrey, but I was paralyzed in my feet when the old man was already carrying Aubrey in his arms. He was smiling at her, and my heart trembled in nervousness as I whispered, “Oh, it can’t be.”And Nikolai stepped outside. His face mirrored my own shock. He gasped as he watched his father talk to his secret daughter. Then, with a visible effort, he composed himself and approached his father with a forced calm. “Father, you’re here. What a surprise! Why didn’t you tell me you were going to visit… us?”Then the old man slowly put Aubrey on the ground and his gaze landed on me. Then he said, "Oh, she's here too? Long time no see, sweet precious, Cattleya."I didn't smile back
Cattleya’s POVI stayed in my room all night, overwhelmed by the shocking revelations. I was worried for Aubrey, knowing she had a father who was a danger to her. Nikolai was ruthless and capable of killing without remorse. Being alone with him, the nanny, and the guards filled me with fear. I knew that one wrong move could cost someone their life, as Nikolai wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger.He was truly insane!I heard a knock on my door, gasping in fear as I stared at the shadow beneath the door.Then I heard his voice, "Catt, why don't you come downstairs and eat with me? You haven't eaten anything since we got here. It's time for you to eat some food, right?"I breathed softly, "I don't want to eat.""Do you want me to break this door and drag you out of your room? Don't test my patience, Catt," he threatened.I took a deep breath and sighed, getting up from my bed and walking to the door. I glared at him with pure hatred, "I'd rather eat nothing than stare at you while I'm e
Cattleya’s POV"Are you happy now?" I glared at Nikolai, and he just smiled at me with a proud grin."Of course, I'm really happy. Our family is complete now. I want Aubrey to have a mother, which is you, Cattleya," he said.I was a little confused and asked, "What do you mean by that? Noah is the real father of Aubrey, not you..."He laughed at me, his expression turning serious. "Oh, sorry if I fooled you again. I'm not the real father of Aubrey. That's why I didn't do anything wrong to your parents' lives, because they got my daughter. I tried so hard to hide Aubrey from everyone, from my father, because I knew her life would be in danger.""What?!" I exclaimed, shocked. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "What are you talking about?!"Aubrey stirred in my arms, and I handed her to the nanny. I glared at Nikolai, his lips curved into a playful smile. I grabbed his wrist and pulled him to the back of the house. Before he could say anything, I slapped him hard across the face. "I
Cattleya’s POVI've shut my heart and withdrawn from life for over a week now. It's been like spending eternity in the dark, but I feel I need more time to recover from everything that's happened.I took a deep breath, staring out the window at the maids and guards going about their days. I remained trapped in my own sadness and life's drama, and I couldn't shake the feeling of wreckage.A knock sounded at my door, my mother's voice cutting through the silence. "Honey, Jaxon's here. Do you want to come down?"I glanced at the door, my breath catching in my throat. "No," I whispered. A few minutes later, the door creaked open. "Mom, I don't want to see him yet," I muttered.Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the room. "Baby, it's me."I froze, my eyes wide with surprise, as I turned to face him. "H-Hi," I stammered.Jaxon stepped into my dimly lit room, his gaze sweeping across the chaotic space. The drawn curtains and the air of melancholy were suffocating us, but he remained