DAMIEN The low hum of the private jet’s engines fills the cabin as we finally leave New York behind. My body aches, and my arm burns where the bullet grazed me, but none of that matters. Anna is seated beside me, her fingers clutching mine like a lifeline. I haven’t let her out of my sight since the rescue, and I have no intention of doing so now.Evans stands a few feet away, speaking in low tones with Don Emilio. They’re strategizing the next steps, but my focus is entirely on Anna. She’s wrapped in a soft blanket, her face pale and her eyes hollow. Even though the ordeal is over, the scars are fresh.“Damien,” she whispers, her voice barely audible over the engines.I turn to her immediately. “I’m here my baby,” I say, squeezing her hand gently.She leans her head against my shoulder, her body trembling slightly. “I don’t know how to thank you,” she murmurs.I kiss the top of her head softly. “You don’t have to thank me,” I reply. “You’re my wife. I’d walk through hell to keep you
ANNAThe car glides to a halt in front of the house, and I spot Miss Rosie standing on the porch, her face etched with worry and hope. Her hands are clasped tightly in front of her, her lips moving silently as though in prayer. The moment Damien steps out of the car and rounds to my side, she’s already descending the steps, rushing toward us like a mother hen reuniting with her chicks.Damien helps me out of the car, his touch firm yet tender. The cool evening breeze brushes against my skin, but his hand is a source of steady warmth, grounding me in this surreal moment of finally being home.“Anna!” Miss Rosie exclaims, throwing her arms around me the moment my feet touch the ground. Her embrace engulfs me, a warm, maternal cocoon I didn’t realize I needed until now. “My child, you’re home! Oh, you’re home.”The floodgates break. I sob into her shoulder, clutching onto her as though letting go would send me back to the nightmare I’d just escaped. “Miss Rosie,” I manage between gasps,
ANNA.“Am I speaking with Miss Anna ?” a voice across my phone asked.“Yes. Who am I speaking with, please?“I am Attorney Luis Davis from A and A Law Consult Seattle.” My heart skipped a beat since I had no association with a law firm so I am wondering why the call.“Hello?”“Erm, yeah I am. What’s the issue, please? Have I done anything wrong? I am quite confused that’s all.”“Miss.Anna you have nothing to worry about. I am calling to have an important conversation with you,” he said.“Alright, what’s it about?”I ask, sounding a bit curious now.“Well, Mr Williams Donovan requested that I have a meeting with you to discuss something very important with you. He mentioned that you should visit my office with your father who was his driver for this meeting.”“Okay but can I know what exactly this meeting is about?”, I asked.“ I am sorry Miss Anna this is very confidential information which can not be discussed over the phone and without the presence of your father.”Mr Luis replied war
ANNAAt exactly 10:00 AM, my father and I are seated in the office of Attorney Luis Davis.Although the office is spacious, it is packed with shelves holding law books that run from the length of the walls, from floor to ceiling. The office desk is very luxurious that is well-organized with an iMac and a family photo placed at the center.“Good morning Miss Anna and Mr.Smith.Glad to have you two here and thank you for honouring Mr.William Donovan of the blessed memory request.”Mr.Luis said.“You’re welcome, Mr. Luis. May we get to the reason why we’re all present here as I do not have a lot of time to spare.”My father replied calmly.“Alright let’s get straight to business then. Mr.Williams Donovan instructed me before his untimely death to meet up with you Mr.Smith and your daughter before going ahead to read out his last will.”My father looks as confused as I am but nods to whatever the attorney says. He pulls out a brown envelope and begins to read out what would be the greatest s
DAMIENLosing my father 3 months ago to a cardiac arrest was something I did not see coming. I clearly remember when I had the call from Miss Rosie our cook about my father’s attack while away on a business trip in New York, I stopped everything and headed back to Seattle within a matter of hours. Fortunately, he was still alive although on oxygen at the St.Louis Hospital I had the chance to have a conversation with him not knowing that was the last time.I arrived at the hospital in a rush immediately I landed in Seattle. I went straight to my father’s private hospital room only to find my father hooked on lots of medical equipment. My father looked very pale and weary.“Father”, I said the moment I sat next to him.He gave me a tired smile and said “My boy you came. I thought you wouldn’t be able to come see me because of your business trip.”“Dad you know you’re the most important person and the only surviving family I have. So what makes you think I won’t come see you after I got
DAMIEN“Dear Damien, I trust you’re doing very well now. I know the day you read this I will be gone to be with my beloved wife your mother. My son I am writing this letter to you to tell you how much I love you and how I want you to be happy even in my absence. Damien, I know you’ll be missing me daily as the day goes by without me by your side. But hey son do not worry I am always with you in spirit.The main reason for this letter to you is to request you to fulfil the promise you made to me during my last days on earth.My son, I want you to continue to manage the company very well to make the legacy of Donovan Media still stand tall in the whole of the United States of America, not just Seattle. I believe so much in your abilities to run the company and other businesses so please do not disappoint me.Most importantly the reason for this letter is to require you to get married to Miss Anna Smith the daughter of our driver Mr Smith who happens to be my good friend as well. Son my
DamienThe drive to Onyx Club is a quick one as my mind is miles away. I am so consumed with questions as to why my father would let me get married to his driver’s daughter. A girl I guess is way below my league and not my type of woman.“We are here Sir”.Mr.Smith says drafting me back from my thoughts.I got out of the car without acknowledging him and I headed straight to the VIP session of the club. Yeah, I am Damien Donovan and I have exclusive services wherever I go. I get seated at my usual spot and wait for Evans.“Yo bro where the hell are you?” I say to him the moment he picks up my call.“Shut the fuck up man, I will be there in a few mins. Lily needed my help with something,” he replies.“Alright, waiting for you.”Lily is Evans’s college girlfriend well now fiancee and to be honest I don’t like her. She’s always blaming me for making Evans do things a man who is in a committed relationship is not supposed to do. I am partly to be blamed but hey Evans is a fully grown adu
CHAPTER 6ANNA“Hello?”I’m too dumbfounded to speak as I wonder how Damien gets my contact and why he’s calling me.“Errm hello..”I finally managed to say.“Anna right?” he ask.“Yes, Anna Smith here.”“Okay, I called to inform you about your father. He has been rushed to the hospital.”The words hit me like a ton of bricks and the room feels small as I find it hard to breathe.“What happened? I just got off the phone with him a few hours ago this got to be some joke.”I manage to say.“A joke? Why would I joke about Mr Smith’s health? I found him unconscious in my car park and rushed him to the St.Louis Hospital. I struggled to get your contact to be able to call you and you think this is a joke. You better get here soon as things are not looking good at the moment.”Damien says irritated.The words shook me to my core and for a moment, I am unable to comprehend them. The walls of my room start squeezing in like the room is shrinking with every beat of my heart. The air grows thick a
ANNAThe car glides to a halt in front of the house, and I spot Miss Rosie standing on the porch, her face etched with worry and hope. Her hands are clasped tightly in front of her, her lips moving silently as though in prayer. The moment Damien steps out of the car and rounds to my side, she’s already descending the steps, rushing toward us like a mother hen reuniting with her chicks.Damien helps me out of the car, his touch firm yet tender. The cool evening breeze brushes against my skin, but his hand is a source of steady warmth, grounding me in this surreal moment of finally being home.“Anna!” Miss Rosie exclaims, throwing her arms around me the moment my feet touch the ground. Her embrace engulfs me, a warm, maternal cocoon I didn’t realize I needed until now. “My child, you’re home! Oh, you’re home.”The floodgates break. I sob into her shoulder, clutching onto her as though letting go would send me back to the nightmare I’d just escaped. “Miss Rosie,” I manage between gasps,
DAMIEN The low hum of the private jet’s engines fills the cabin as we finally leave New York behind. My body aches, and my arm burns where the bullet grazed me, but none of that matters. Anna is seated beside me, her fingers clutching mine like a lifeline. I haven’t let her out of my sight since the rescue, and I have no intention of doing so now.Evans stands a few feet away, speaking in low tones with Don Emilio. They’re strategizing the next steps, but my focus is entirely on Anna. She’s wrapped in a soft blanket, her face pale and her eyes hollow. Even though the ordeal is over, the scars are fresh.“Damien,” she whispers, her voice barely audible over the engines.I turn to her immediately. “I’m here my baby,” I say, squeezing her hand gently.She leans her head against my shoulder, her body trembling slightly. “I don’t know how to thank you,” she murmurs.I kiss the top of her head softly. “You don’t have to thank me,” I reply. “You’re my wife. I’d walk through hell to keep you
ANNAThe rumble of the boat engine fades as Nicholas’s men drag me into yet another damp, cold hideout. My body is trembling from exhaustion, starvation, and the relentless torment Nicholas has inflicted. The faint glimmer of hope I’d held onto is almost extinguished. Every door feels like another step closer to death, but I can’t stop thinking about Damien. Despite everything, his face, voice, and promise to protect me keep me clinging to life.Nicholas’s dark laugh breaks through my thoughts. He stands by the window, barking orders into his phone, his frustration palpable. Something has rattled him.“Boss,” one of his men mutters, stepping inside with a nervous glance. “They’re close. Gusavo’s men are closing in on the docks.”Nicholas’s eyes snap to the henchman, and his jaw tightens. “Gusavo…” he hisses like the name is venom on his tongue. “That rat. Fine. Let them come. I’ll burn this place to the ground with every one of them inside.”The man hesitates. “And… her?” He nods towa
DAMIENThe private airstrip hums with activity as Don Emilio’s plane lands smoothly on the tarmac. The sleek black jet, adorned with the Gustavo family crest, looks as intimidating as the man himself. As the hatch opens, Emilio descends the steps, flanked by four men who radiate danger. Each of them is armed, their sharp eyes scanning the area for any sign of threat.Emilio strides toward me, his tailored suit immaculate despite the long flight. His salt-and-pepper beard frames a face that commands respect, and his dark eyes lock onto mine with unwavering intensity. Evans and I step forward to meet him, and I feel like I have a fighting chance for the first time in days."Damien," Emilio greets, his deep voice carrying the weight of authority and familiarity. He clasps my shoulder firmly, his grip both reassuring and unyielding. "I came as fast as I could."I nod my throat tight with a mix of gratitude and desperation. "Thank you for coming, Emilio. I wouldn’t know where to begin with
ANNAThe room is dim, lit only by a flickering bulb that barely illuminates the damp walls. My wrists are raw from the coarse ropes that bind me to the chair, and my throat feels like sandpaper. Nicholas’s menacing presence lingers, even when he isn’t in the room. I’ve lost count of how many hours or days I’ve been here.The door creaks open, and Nicholas steps inside, his dark eyes gleaming with malice. His lips curl into a smirk as he approaches, carrying a whip in one hand and a bottle of water in the other. My stomach growls at the sight of it, but I know better than to expect kindness from him.“Well, well, Mrs.Donovan,” he drawls, his voice dripping with mockery. “How’s your stay so far? Cozy?”I glare at him, my lips too dry to form words.He crouches down, holding the water bottle just out of my reach. “Thirsty?”I nod weakly, my pride shattered by my desperation.Nicholas laughs a cruel sound that echoes through the room. “Beg me for it.”My heart sinks. I know he’ll take ple
DAMIEN The walls of my office feel like they’re closing in as I stare blankly at the framed photo of my parents on my desk. It’s been years since I let myself feel this kind of raw, unrelenting pain—the kind that claws at your soul and doesn’t let go. My chest tightens, and before I know it, hot tears blur my vision.The last time I cried like this was the day we buried my parents. But now, I can’t hold it in anymore. I’ve failed Anna. I’ve failed to protect her, and the weight of that realization is unbearable.Evans sits across from me, his usual sharpness dulled by worry. "Damien, you need to pull yourself together. Crying won’t bring her back."His words, though harsh, ground me. I inhale deeply, wiping my face with trembling hands. "I know," I whisper, my voice raw. "But it feels like I’ve lost everything again, Evans. First my parents, and now Anna. She’s... she’s all I have left.”Evans leans forward, his tone softening. "Then we fight. You’re Damien Donovan, damn it. You don’
ANNAThe cold air bites at my cheeks as I step out of the terminal at JFK Airport, clutching my suitcase. The New York skyline looms in the distance, a strange mixture of awe and dread settling over me. Ian’s text with his address burns in my mind. My hands tremble slightly as I hail a cab.Was this the right decision?Doubt claws at me, but I shove it aside. Damien doesn’t care. He hasn’t cared for a long time or so I tell myself. The memory of his angry eyes last night twists something deep in my chest, but I force myself to breathe. This is about me now. About starting over.The cab ride feels endless, and when it finally pulls up to a towering building, my stomach churns. Nicholas’s directions lead me to a penthouse suite, the opulence of the place making me hesitate for a moment before knocking.The door swings open almost immediately, and there he is Nicholas, looking as polished as ever in a tailored suit, his dark eyes sharp and calculating."Anna," he greets, his lips curlin
DAMIENThe moment I read Anna’s message, my entire world shifts."Don’t bother coming home tonight. I won’t be here when you do."The words burn in my mind as I grab my car keys and race out of the office. Every mile I drive feels like a lifetime, the thought of her leaving consuming me. She can’t leave. Not like this. Not without me setting things right.My tyres screech as I pull into the driveway, the house eerily silent. The lights are on, but the emptiness screams louder than words. I storm inside, calling out her name."Anna!"No answer.I head upstairs, my chest tightening as I push open the bedroom door. The sight stops me cold. Her side of the closet is half-empty, drawers open and rifled through. A suitcase is gone. My heart pounds.She’s gone."Miss Rosie!" I bellow, my voice echoing through the halls.My appears at the bottom of the stairs, her face pinched with worry. "Damien, what’s wrong?"I take the steps two at a time, reaching her in seconds. "Where is she? Where’s A
ANNAI pace the living room, phone pressed tightly to my ear, waiting for Lola to pick up. My hands are trembling, a mixture of anger, frustration, and something I can’t quite name boiling inside me. After what feels like an eternity, her familiar voice answers."Hey, girl! What’s up?"Lola’s voice is light and casual, but I can’t match her tone."Lola," I say, my voice strained, "I need to talk to you."Her tone shifts immediately. "What’s wrong? Did something happen with Damien?"I sink into the couch, pulling a blanket over my lap. "Everything. Everything is wrong, Lola. We argued last night, and it was bad. He’s distant, I’m distant it’s like we’re tearing each other apart."I pour everything out, my words tumbling over each other in a rush. I tell her about the fight, about Nicholas, and how Damien discovered the messages. I even admit to avoiding Damien due to her advice on being distant from him. By the time I finish, I’m out of breath, my throat tight from holding back tears.L