Claire's PovI coughed, my eyes hurting from the thick smoke filling the air. The sound of baby Nolan's cries rang through the confusionI wrapped Nolan around me as I tried crawling out of the mess, The ceilings were breaking and the smoke increased. Elyse gripped my arm, her eyes wide with fear."What happened?" Don shouted, his voice gruff from the smoke. He reached out to where Elyse and I were and carried us on both sides and proceeded to put us beside the door, going back to check the rest of the people inside.I opened the door immediately putting baby Nolan outside to the cool breeze, the baby coughed and I feared he was going to choke. "Please, please Nolan" I cried."Claire…" Elyse coughed very hard as she held onto the door, she had a slight cut on her forehead and the glass was still stuck in it. "You're hurt…" she pointed to my legs.I saw glass also stuck to my legs and I was bleeding, but I didn't care, I paced further and further to get baby Nolan to breathe properly a
Don’s POV I tapped my fingers gently on the steering wheel, my eyes locked forward as I waited in the traffic cue. The traffic light had shown red, signaling everyone to stop. Elyse was in the passenger seat playing a game. We were returning from the hospital where we went to see Claire, Madam Desideria, and Romano. The explosion had left a very ugly aftermath. Claire bled while Madam Desideria and Romano were injured in their arm and legs respectively. It was a good thing the doctor had arrested the bleeding the moment she was rushed to the hospital. He had called it spotting and said that it wasn't critical, so both mother and child were safe. But he mentioned that her pregnancy was delicate, hence she needed a lot of bed rest when she got back home, to avoid further complications. I couldn't stand losing either Claire or our unborn child so I was going to see to that meticulously. Madam Desideria and Romano, on the other hand, had severe injuries and needed a lot of medical att
Don's POV:---I called for a cook to clear the table, my mind still on the explosion. I didn't finish my food because my appetite was poor. Once the table was empty, I returned to the quarters provided to me by Romano, pulled out the carton from my drawer, and examined the bomb's fragments.I turned on my laptop, continuing from where I had begun in my research, trying to understand what device was used. What type of bomb was it and how it was attached to the baby carrier without anyone taking notice? "What kind of bomb is this?" I muttered, scrolling through pages of explosive devices.Hours passed and finally, my extensive research came to an end when I stumbled upon a match and realized that it was a computer-controlled bomb, capable of indefinite delay. Detonation could occur at any moment, triggered remotely.But I needed confirmation.I dialed Cowen's number. "Send a bomb technician over. I need expert analysis."The technician arrived later and we sat in my study, surrounded
Don’s POV It's been a week and a few days since Romano and Madam Desideria were admitted to the hospital. Claire had been discharged already and on the day I picked her up, I checked on both Romano and Madam Desideria and so far, both had gotten proper medical care and were recuperating. They were returning today and Cowen had gone to pick them up. Claire, Elyse, and the cooks had prepared and decorated the house in anticipation of their return. As much as all that mattered, I was the least concerned about that. My utmost priority lay in finding out how the bomb got into my safehouse and who the fuck had planted it there. Most importantly, Madam Desideria had a lot of explaining to do. I had found the remnants of the bomb at the spot where the baby carrier was and she was the one who had brought the strange baby into my home. Left to me, I wouldn't have let it stay but Claire's pleas made me. Something about her weakened my willpower, hence I couldn't resist and tell her no. See w
Claire's Pov"Salvatore?” I widened my eyes at her. From the corner of my eye, I saw Elsye raise her palm to her mouth as she gasped in shock. “Yes, Salvatore” She replied, more tears streaming down her face “He was the one behind the explosion because he gave me the baby and no, I'm not working for or with him. The baby is mine. He's my grandson” She dropped the bombshell “You have a son? You never mentioned to us that you have a family” I chipped in softly. Don's blazing eye was more than enough to cause Madam Desi to pee on herself. I knew this was a shocker but, he still needed to listen softly."I'm sorry Don, I am.""This is not about the apology!" Don growled. "You worked for Salvatore. Why the fuck did you do this?""Don…" I placed my hand on his palm but instead, he stood up refusing my comfort. "Please let her complete her explanation.""Whatever story she is about to cook up. The bottom line is, she betrayed us!" He snapped in annoyance."Please go on, Madam Desi" I urged
Don's POV It was around 9 pm and dinner was over a long time ago. Madam Desideria was not at the table. I hadn't sent her out of the house, Claire wouldn't let me. But I have not spoken to her either and she would not step out of her room. Claire and Elyse visited her often, but that was just it. I made it known to Madam Desi that I was still going to do something about this and she shouldn't think she would be forgiven that easily. She had been in her room for days since they got back from the hospital feeling sad, sorry, and lonely. Baby Nolan was also with her, he had already slept. I suggested that Claire and I watch a movie since it had been a long time we watched one as a couple and to also take our minds off the tension in the house. We sat on the couch, opposite the TV in the living room, and a movie had just begun. I had been so worn out about the recent scenarios that I hadn't had the time to spend some moments with my wife. She had specially asked for these fun moments
Don's POV I placed the card key against the large iron door in front of me and it gave way into a basement. I stepped in and closed the door behind me with a loud bang. I just hoped it didn't wake anyone. It was dark, so I groped for the switch on the wall and when I found it, I inserted the card key into it and the lights immediately came on. I squinted to get used to the sudden illumination and when I finally did, I proceeded to descend the stairs of the basement. I had a backpack on my shoulder. This was Romano's basement; an ammunition house where he stored all kinds of dangerous instruments, ranging from large firearms to smaller ones, knives, chains, clubs, explosives and whatnot. It was a kind of mini armory and he had not only granted me access, but also given me the go ahead to make use of any weapon of my choice in whatever way I deemed fit. I finally reached the end of the stairs and I moved to where the first set of arms lay. Pistols of different kinds. Glocks, shotgun
Salvatore's Pov ---I slowly opened my eyes, laziness clinging to me like a veil. But before I could shake off the remnants of sleep, a chorus of cheerful voices attacked my ears."Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Salvatore, happy birthday to you!"I sat up, rubbing my eyes in surprise. My cooks, house cleaners, and gardeners stood in my bedroom, beaming with smiles. They held a large, cake adorned with candles and colorful balloons - something very unusual or almost forbidden. All. Those colors were not necessary."And what is this about?" I frownedMaria, my head housekeeper, stepped forward. "We wanted to make your special day extra special, Mr. Salvatore. We prepared your favorite breakfast, and—""Thank you, everyone," I said, trying to sound enthusiastic, a tired smile registered on my face. "This is... quite a surprise."But I wasn't enthusiastic. Not really. This wasn't my style. I preferred low-key celebrations, not this... fanfare."Listen, e
Romano's POV "And what the fuck is wrong with me going to my wife's party and kissing her?" Don bellowed.It was the next day, he wouldn't let me come into the room all through the night. I knew he had sneaked into that party and Claire was right."What is risky about showing my identity?""Because the news might get to a certain person who put you in this condition and you're not in the exact position to exert the revenge you want on him." I barked also.He was silent, for some while, before he finally opened his door. "Tell me all about this certain person? Is he a threat to my marriage?""Don, if you had enough rest like you were told, you probably would have remembered my now. Brad specifically said your memory would come in days, but you're stressing too much and making things worse."He paced the room for a minute and then turned back to me. "You're fucking my sister" he bellowed angrily, and that caught me unaware.He grabbed me by the trousers, almost squeezing my scrotum. "Do
Claire's PovDon!It was Don. No one else kissed like that, no one else gripped me in such a way. His scent, no one else had it. I was hallucinating, right? Don was dead. It has been months. I needed to get this off my mind. But no, I couldn't. Even if I wanted to, tonight wasn't the right time because I felt his body, his build, only one had that.I had just taken Davidson to the toilet and dropped him off with his Nanny when I was heading back inside for the birthday party. It was time I announced Don's death to his friends, but now my mind had been changed.I ran towards Romano when I saw him coming with Elyse. "Don" I panted. Elyse came over to my side, easing my breathing."What happened?" Romano asked."I saw Don. I met…I…it was Don…he kissed me. I recognize his smell, he's…Don""Claire, be calm," Elyse said. "You said you kissed who?" She asked with a little frown on her face like she couldn't believe what I said and was concluding I had made out with someone else."I promise
Don's Pov"You cannot go!" Romano yelled. He had been doing a lot of yelling lately and I didn't like it. "Don, look" his voice was back to normal and calm now. "No one can see you like this. I already informed you, your memory first before stepping out of here" he said."Why don't you just tell me what happened? I trust you.""Brad asked me not to. You need to remember yourself. You know all the details, the anger would be fueled in you if you remember yourself."What anger? Why did I need to be angry? Did something bad happen? He wouldn't tell me."It is my wife's birthday today. There is a party and you asked me not to go. I am not hurt anymore, I am healing from the wounds, what else is making me stay back? Claire would be delighted to see me!"All my efforts in convincing Romano proved futile. In minutes, he had dashed out of the house for Claire's party. I shared this treatment and hated that I couldn't see any of my family. I needed to remember something. To fucking remember w
Claire’s POV I sat in front of my mirror, doing my routine skin care as usual. A pregnant woman still had to look pretty and peng. Tomorrow is my birthday, by the way. Intermittently, I caressed my bump, feeling how rounded and big it was. I also couldn't wait for my baby boy to get here. My EDD was due anytime soon. I just hope it doesn't happen tomorrow. Just as I reached out to grab a pimple popper from the vanity table, my phone on the bed rang. That should be the baker. We had agreed that she should deliver the cake today so that there would be no unnecessary delay tomorrow. Only my hair stylist and makeup artist were going to come tomorrow as early as possible. By the way, the dress I was going to wear tomorrow was also ready. I couldn't wait. Before I could push the stool backwards and fetch my phone, the ringing was already exhausted. Fortunately, whoever the caller was called again and I picked up on the second ring. It was Davidson. “Hellooooo, Claire!” Her cheerful voic
Romano's POV I was back with Brad and we both watched and listened, waiting for Don to start talking. It seemed kind of difficult at first because it looked like he was putting a strain on his ability to remember but eventually, he began to talk. Brad stood nearby, concern written all over his face. “Take your time, Don. We’re here for you” He encouraged, his voice reassuring. I nodded in agreement, eager to hear him speak already, so we would know how far his recovery had gone. Don’s eyes closed for a while, then fluttered open some moments after. “I remember, Claire. She was my wife. I remember her scent. It was like….fresh flowers, maybe lilacs, or even lilies” He recalled. My heart swelled with emotion. He was indeed getting better. “Okay, what else do you remember?” I pressed, hoping to hasten his ability to respond He closed his eyes, trying to struggle. But Brad calmed him. "It's okay. Perhaps you remember something about a lodge?" He asked.He was stretching his memory
Don’s POV Darkness, light, darkness, and then light again. My eyes flickered open as I saw the ceiling of where I was. This wasn't anything like…Wait…The banging in my head and a buzz ringing in my ears and I had to lay back. There was an oxygen tank beside, it wasn't just that, a lot of other medical equipment followed.This wasn't our honeymoon, was it? I tried to search my memory for how I got here. The thing I could remember was a group of men attacking us on our way to the helicopter on the rooftop.Claire and I had planned to go for our honeymoon and, I was… attacked, shot in the arm. Claire had been bleedingI slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in the view of the room I was in. Everything was a blur. I had no idea where I was or how I got there. My mind was a complete blank.I tried to sit up, but dizziness washed over me again, forcing me back onto the pillow. I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths to calm myself down.As I lay on the bed, feeling lifeless, I started to
Claire's POV "Why are you here?" I asked when I opened the door to my room. "How did you get in here Salvatore? How did you find me?"His eyes, were softer this time. "Somehow, I found you, Claire."My heart raced when he began to unbutton his shirt. "I was a fool to be upset with you. You did all you could to stay away from me and I have no judgements. I was wrong, Claire, I was."As he spiked, all I wanted to know was how he found me in the penthouse. Or was this the penthouse? As I turned back to look at where we were, the room changed - into Salvatore's room.I was confused… but Salvatore's voice brought me back. "I know you want me Claire" he had pulled his short this time. "And I want you too" he approached me, trailing his hand on my body.I was wearing my light nightwear. "Don't be scared, Claire* he said.In a swift move, Salvatore cocked my head to the angle he wanted and kissed me hard. Hard and rough. His tongue devoured mine, seeking authority. Surprisingly, I kissed ba
Claire's POV I knew Elyse suggesting that we should go to Romanthe's house to discuss a baby shower was a ploy to see her man.Getting to his entrance, I caught both of them giving each other a familiar look and a blush on Romano's face. His gaze met mine and I raised my eyebrows, not believing Romano could blush.He ushered us in without hesitation and offered us a glass of juice."So, what's the plan for the baby shower?" Romano asked."We were thinking of renting a multi-purpose hall," I said. "But then we thought, maybe it would be better to have it, at your house, Romano," I said, according to Elyse's idea."My house? Why's that?" Romano asked."Well, it's a family celebration, and we thought it would be more intimate and cozy at your house," Elyse said. "Plus, it's a lot safer than a public hall.""That makes sense," Romano said. "My house it is, then." Was he responding only because Elyse wanted it to?"Great," I said. "We can set up the backyard or the living room or whatever
Claire's POV"I'm so excited for the baby shower," Elyse said, looking up at me with a smile. "We need to start planning the details. What's your theme? Have you thought about games and food?"Elyse and I were resting on the couch in the penthouse, enjoying a lazy afternoon together. We'd just finished lunch, and Elyse couldn't get over her excitement about the baby shower I was planning.I laughed. "Slow down, Elyse. I've barely had time to think about it. But I do know I want something simple and intimate. Maybe just close friends and family."I was almost due…oh, I could feel this baby coming and I was excited at the thought of going into labor and birthing Don's son.Elyse nodded. "That sounds perfect. And I've already started thinking about baby names. I have a few favorites for a boy."I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What are they?"Elyse grinned "Well, I think 'Atticus' is a great name. Or maybe 'Ethan'?"I chuckled. "Those are both nice names. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. W