Narrator's POVIn the center of the lavishly decorated nursery, a towering figure stood, his tailored suit contrasting against the delicate innocence cradled in his arms with tenderness and protectiveness.With every beat of his heart, Adrian felt an overwhelming surge of love as he gazed down at his daughter. Her tiny fingers wrapped around one of his, and their connection was instantaneous. The weight of the world seemed to disappear as he held her close, her soft breaths becoming a melody in his ears.As he looked down at her tiny face, a smile beamed across Adrian's face. He marveled at her delicately soft skin and the faint tufts of hair that crowned her head. The room seemed to hold its breath, awestruck by the purity and innocence of the moment."You are my little princess, Ava," Adrian whispered, his voice filled with awe and unconditional love. "I promise you, my precious angel, that I will give you everything you could ever need or want in this world."As Ava cooed in respon
Oliver's POVThe private jet glided smoothly through the clear blue skies as it made its landing onto the runway of the private airport. Inside the luxurious cabin, Alexandra sat comfortably in a plush leather seat, her eyes fixed on the window as the Italian countryside transformed into familiar surroundings.After a long stay in Italy, Alex was finally returning home with her newborn child. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions as she navigated the rollercoaster of motherhood, aided by her mother and the faithful bodyguards who had accompanied her on this journey.As the plane touched down, the engines roared to a halt, and the door of the cabin opened. Alex emerged, adorned in a stylish yet understated outfit befitting her status as a billionaire's wife. Her mother, a wise and affectionate woman, followed closely behind, carrying the precious bundle in her arms.Stepping out, she felt a rush of emotions. She hadn't seen her home for what felt like an eternity, and the
Narrator's POVTears streamed down Alexandra's face as she clutched her mother's hand, her voice trembling.I can't believe this is happening, mom. We have to do everything we can to bring our baby home."Adrian, determined to do whatever it took to ensure his child's safe return, paced back and forth in the room. Suddenly, his phone buzzed with an incoming call.With apprehension etched on his face, Adrian answered the call. The voice on the other end was cold and demanding; it was no other person than their sworn enemy, Penelope Castle.Adrian, listen carefully. If you ever want to see your baby again, you will bring fifty million dollars to the abandoned warehouse by midnight tomorrow."Adrian clenched his jaw, his eyes flashing with determination. "I want proof that my baby is alive and well before I hand over that kind of money."There was a brief pause, and then she responded, "You will receive a photo of your baby in a few hours. Be ready to deliver the money as instructed. If y
Keep your friends close, sleep with your enemies if you can. It’s not the original quote, of course, but it would sure as hell have been if I had invented the quote.If anybody understood the quote completely, it would have to be my parents. You don’t see people receiving dinner invites from their biggest rivals with such enthusiasm like they do. They chatter excitedly in the back of the limo about how much fun tonight’s dinner party, organized by the Sinclairs, founding family of one of the biggest real estate agencies in the country.The corset on my red dress has been fastened to its tightest by my mother. The sheer sleeves were off my shoulders and loose, making me even more aware of the transition from fall to winter.Something about the night felt out of the ordinary. It may have been based on the fact that my parents had always turned down invitations from the Sinclairs until that evening, and things were new for me, but I knew that wasn’t it. It was the look of worry my mother
I sucked in a deep breath. Of course I had forgotten to tighten my corset back in place after loosening it up.The tension in my body dissipated as he helped me tighten it, but not as tight as my mom had done it earlier. I wouldn’t struggle to breathe while sitting down now.“Th-thank you,” I mumbled, finally turning to face him.He analyzed my face for a moment, my self-consciousness suddenly hitting an all-time high. Being stared at by an insanely attractive man would do that to you.Booming applause pulled us apart as his mother, Marie Sinclair stepped on to the podium.I found my way back to my parents, quelling the rising unease in my stomach. I could slap myself for reacting like a teenager to her high school crush.Adrian Sinclair was the son of the Sinclairs. I was Alexandra Bennett. Everybody knew our families had a long-running feud, even though they never openly acknowledged it.“Good evening to every single person present this evening…”“Alexandra,” my mom called, drawing
“Tell me everything this instant. Leave absolutely nothing out.” I threw my purse on a couch, folding my arms as I watched, waited for my parents to justify my engagement to Adrian freaking Sinclair. “Your grandfather, the founder of our agency, didn’t build the company with the purest hands.” Dad sighed. “He has links with illegal gangs and a notorious record of embezzlement—” “Grandpa? Embezzlement? Come on.” I scoffed, forgetting that the old and frail man who talked to walls was once young and smart. “It’s true. We thought it was a long-buried secret until one of the workers at the agency decamped and went off to SC. She sold out the information along with documents containing proof, which your father kept for some reason.” Mom and I shot dad similar annoyed looks. “So, you’re saying the Sinclairs are in possession of documents that could ruin Liss?” I raised an eyebrow. “Precisely.” Dad nodded. “How did my marriage to their son get into the mix?” “As long as you, the heir
The house was empty, save for Irene, the housekeeper. She hummed as she busied herself with embroidery, something she did in her free time. There were fifteen minutes left until 1 p.m. and I was still debating with myself on whether to go on the lunch date or not. I hadn’t sent a response to his texts since the night before.Rosemill restaurant was an hour away on a good day. Even if I left in that moment, I wouldn’t make it before he would give up on waiting and leave. If I told him I was on my way, though, he could wait.I sighed and sent a text of confirmation.Me: I’ll be right there.I stood up and informed Irene of my destination, something I had gotten used to doing almost every time I went out alone. I didn’t change out of my white jumpsuit. It was decent enough. I put on a pair of silver heels and stood in front of the mirror, assessing my looks.I brushed my chestnut, shoulder-length hair until I decided it was okay. I used a bit of foundation and concealer to hide my light
Alexandra's pov 'Who are you?' I completely Ignored Adrian who was hovering around me as I texted the stranger, feeling my heart pounding in my chest, my breath growing raspier by the second. Okay I know I said I was beginning to hate Grandpa, but there was still this part of me that loved him greatly. I was neglected as a child by my parents who were workaholics, always striving to beat the Sinclairs and build an empire which was capable of taking them down, thus I was always with Grandpa. He would play with me and even go through all the trouble of picking me up from school, visiting with gifts- I even preferred living with him than my parents and would always run there when my parents yelled at me or when they forgot my birthday, you know, they were jerks. And it seems like they would never change. I was shaking as I waited for a reply. Grandpa was sick and had been responding to treatment from a nurse named Aisha. If someone had really infiltrated the mansion, he was in t
Narrator's POVTears streamed down Alexandra's face as she clutched her mother's hand, her voice trembling.I can't believe this is happening, mom. We have to do everything we can to bring our baby home."Adrian, determined to do whatever it took to ensure his child's safe return, paced back and forth in the room. Suddenly, his phone buzzed with an incoming call.With apprehension etched on his face, Adrian answered the call. The voice on the other end was cold and demanding; it was no other person than their sworn enemy, Penelope Castle.Adrian, listen carefully. If you ever want to see your baby again, you will bring fifty million dollars to the abandoned warehouse by midnight tomorrow."Adrian clenched his jaw, his eyes flashing with determination. "I want proof that my baby is alive and well before I hand over that kind of money."There was a brief pause, and then she responded, "You will receive a photo of your baby in a few hours. Be ready to deliver the money as instructed. If y
Oliver's POVThe private jet glided smoothly through the clear blue skies as it made its landing onto the runway of the private airport. Inside the luxurious cabin, Alexandra sat comfortably in a plush leather seat, her eyes fixed on the window as the Italian countryside transformed into familiar surroundings.After a long stay in Italy, Alex was finally returning home with her newborn child. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions as she navigated the rollercoaster of motherhood, aided by her mother and the faithful bodyguards who had accompanied her on this journey.As the plane touched down, the engines roared to a halt, and the door of the cabin opened. Alex emerged, adorned in a stylish yet understated outfit befitting her status as a billionaire's wife. Her mother, a wise and affectionate woman, followed closely behind, carrying the precious bundle in her arms.Stepping out, she felt a rush of emotions. She hadn't seen her home for what felt like an eternity, and the
Narrator's POVIn the center of the lavishly decorated nursery, a towering figure stood, his tailored suit contrasting against the delicate innocence cradled in his arms with tenderness and protectiveness.With every beat of his heart, Adrian felt an overwhelming surge of love as he gazed down at his daughter. Her tiny fingers wrapped around one of his, and their connection was instantaneous. The weight of the world seemed to disappear as he held her close, her soft breaths becoming a melody in his ears.As he looked down at her tiny face, a smile beamed across Adrian's face. He marveled at her delicately soft skin and the faint tufts of hair that crowned her head. The room seemed to hold its breath, awestruck by the purity and innocence of the moment."You are my little princess, Ava," Adrian whispered, his voice filled with awe and unconditional love. "I promise you, my precious angel, that I will give you everything you could ever need or want in this world."As Ava cooed in respon
Narrator's POVThe room was dimly lit, with only a small lamp providing some light in the corner. The sound of medical equipment beeping could be heard faintly in the background, and the scent of disinfectant hung in the air. In the center of the room was a hospital bed with stirrups on either side.Lying on the bed, in the grip of labor pains, was Alexandra. Her long hair was plastered to her forehead with sweat, and her eyes were squeezed tightly.Her husband, Adrian, stood beside her, holding her hand tightly and whispering words of encouragement. Sweat trickled down her forehead, her hands tightly clasping her husband's, seeking comfort and support."You're doing great, my love," he said, watching her struggle through another contraction.Alex let out a groan, and her body tensed as the pain surged through her. The doctor and his assistants were hurrying around the room, checking machines, and preparing for the delivery.As the contractions intensified, Alex's grip on Adrian's han
Adrian's POVAs I made my way to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water for Alexandra, I couldn't shake off the worry that had clouded my mind. She had been feeling dizzy earlier, and I hoped that a simple glass of water would provide her some relief. As I entered the kitchen, I noticed that Alexandra was talking intimately with her mother in the living room. I couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation as I filled the glass with water."I've made a decision, Mom. Alexandra's voice reached my ears, somewhat muffled from the distance. "I'm going to Italy to have the baby, and, Mom, I really want you to come with me. Will you be there?"A wave of relief washed over me as I held the full glass of water in my hands. Knowing that Alexandra wouldn't be undertaking this journey alone brought a certain sense of comfort to my heart. I had been planning on visiting Italy for the baby's birth, wanting to be there to support Alexandra every step of the way.Quietly walking towards the livin
Alexandra’s POVI had always known Adrian was not a saint, but I did not expect him to be deep in this sh*t, which was quite scary. I know he only kidnapped Penelope for my sake, but I did not approve. I did not sign up for all this violent shit, and now Penelope wants to have her revenge. After what she did to Katrina, she should have just accepted what Adrian did to her as karma. I hated Penelope with all of my heart, but I could not bring myself to wish her death. If she was going to be a threat to my child, then I would probably kill her myself.Consumed in my thoughts, I heard the familiar sound of my phone ringing on the other end. I picked it up to check on the caller, and it turned out to be my mom. Wondering why she was calling when it was really late, I hesitated no further as I picked up the phone.I reached for my phone and saw my mother’s name displayed on the screen. Confusion and concern filled my heart as I hastily answered the call. “Mom? What is wrong?” I asked, my v
Narrator's POVAlexandra walked down the stairs, clad in a silk robe, and felt a pleasant sense of calm after a good and long sleep as soon as she got back from the hospital.As she made her way to the kitchen, she noticed something out of the ordinary—unknown bodyguards stationed strategically at every corner of the house. Her curiosity raised, she approached her personal bodyguard, Emily, who stood by the entrance of the kitchen."Emily, what is happening? Why are there so many guards here today?" She asked, her eyes scanning the room, searching for answers.Emily, with a serious expression, looked at her with a mixture of concern and reassurance. "Mrs. Sinclair, it is your husband's orders. He wants to ensure your safety and the security of this place."Alex's heart skips a beat; she had never seen so many guards in their home at once. Her mind raced with thoughts, unsure of what might be happening outside their well-guarded walls."Is something going on?" she asked, a hint of worr
Narrator's POVAdrian locks eyes with Jeremy's; a mixture of anger and satisfaction is visible in his eyes as he gazes at him. Jeremy, with a desperate and fearful look in his eyes, attempts to make a futile escape. But Adrian's men were fast and swiftly overpowered him, ensuring that he wouldn't get far; moreover, they were scared of what Adrian would do to them if they ever let Jeremy escape.Vado searches the safe house for any additional evidence or signs of Penelope as he stumbles upon a table littered with bloodied bandages and used cotton wool. His heart sank, realizing the severity of the situation. It was clear that Penelope had been severely injured during her escape.His mind races, contemplating the possible scenarios. How has she managed to escape? Was she somewhere else, seeking help? Or had Jeremy managed to hide her? The questions swirled in Vado's mind, and his determination to find Penelope grew stronger.With Jeremy's hands bound tightly, Vado and the other guys car
Adrian’s POVAs soon as Alexandra’s mother came rushing in, I excused myself and headed to the restroom, hoping to clear my thoughts. As I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection, guilt washed over me.Was it the right thing to do? …. Did I add unnecessary worry and stress to an already difficult situation? I told the boys to get rid of her, and they never disappointed. What if Alexandra really saw Penelope?“Shit,” I say to myself silently, as these thoughts really weigh heavily on my mind.Taking a deep breath, I remind myself that my intentions were rooted in love and concern for Alex and her well-being.I decided to call Vado to confirm my order has been done. I dial the number, the anticipation building with each ring. Finally, a voice answered on the other end,"Hello?" It was Vado, my most trusted henchman."Vado, I need to know if the order has been executed," I said, my voice composed but laced with a trace of concern.There was a brief moment of silence before