Richard's POVI woke up late with a terrible headache and an overwhelming tiredness. The headache had begun the night after I had gotten home from a business meeting but I had decided to sleep it off and this morning it had developed into a splitting one. Making my way to the shower I caught a glimpse of something or should I say someone through my balcony. I approached my balcony out of curiosity and there she lay on a beach chair in a two piece bathing suit tanning. I found my eyes trailing her body the bruises Vanya had told me she was decorated with but it seemed they had healed completely. I remember the night I had met her vividly, I had concluded a business meeting and was asked to out of for some drinks. Not being comfortable in loud places and brothels, I decided to leave early only to find a woman screaming for help as I was about to get into my car.At first I was dismissive, no one wants to involve themselves in brothel problems but she seemed desperate and I remembere
Lenora's Pov:After Tara left, Richard retreated back into the mansion and I called after him, “Richard, wait!”He stopped and turned in response. I walked up to him and placed my palm on his forehead, confirming my suspicion. “You're burning up.” I stated.“I know.” He replied, taking my palm off his forehead and continuing his stride. “Do I need to call Vanya?” I asked.“No.” He responded, sharply. “I'm fine.”“Let me at least come with you.” I insisted. “I said, I'm fine!” He yelled, and I saw him stumble a bit as he walked. I went after him, “Are you really going to act like this, even in this state?” I scolded, and he let out a deep sigh of exasperation. “I'm fine, satisfied?” He sighed, going up the stairs. “And don't follow me, you're only going to worsen my headache with your nagging.”“It's called caring, which I'm sure you can't relate with.” I snapped back. “Why do you care?” He retorted. And I raised my hand at him, showing off the ring on my finger, “In case you've
Lenora's Pov:The morning came in faster than anticipated, I woke up groggily to the sound of water. On opening my eyes I peered at my surroundings, it didn't look like my room and I instantly recalled last night's events. How did I even sleep soundly? Richard wasn't on the bed, so I assumed he was using the shower. The running water came to an abrupt stop and when I heard the bathroom door open, I pulled the sheets over myself pretending to be fast asleep. I heard him walk across the room, “Vanya, have someone bring in breakfast.” He said, moving to another part of the room. After what seemed like a minute he resurfaced and I heard him open what sounded like a bottle of water. Water droplets fell on my face and I jumped up, and met an indifferent Richard staring down at me. He stood shirtless, showing off his fit chest and damn was he ripped. I was almost tempted to run my fingers over his abs, almost.I sighed and hissed, “You know, there are other ways to rekindle with your inne
Lenora's Pov:“Ricardo!” An older woman exclaimed as we alighted from the car. The place we had arrived in was a large mansion, a type of house people with old money would live in. “Mamma, come stai?” Richard said, going in for an embrace, I didn't get what she said next because I obviously didn't know Italian. She glanced at me and said something to Richard, I guessed it as my cue to offer a greeting. “Ciao, Signora Giulia, Richard has told me all about you.” I said, giving her a hug.“Signora?” She gasped. “I wasn't sure to call you mother yet.” I explained, fiddling with my thumb nervously.She waved her hand as if dismissing the thought, “Absolutely nonsense, Mamma sounds very wonderful, come inside dear.” She said, taking my hand. I turned to Richard and gave him a wink and a thumbs up but of course, he rolled his eyes at me.“Tell me dear, what is your name?” She asked as we made our way inside.“Lenora.” I replied, giving her a sweet smile and she responded with an even swee
Lenora's Pov:I lay on my bed bored, restless, and craving a late night snack. My inner turmoil went on and on until I came to a final decision and got out of bed. Heading for the kitchen, I made my way past Richard's study and noticed it was slightly open. I was tempted to drop in and maybe get on his nerves since I really had nothing to do, but I waved the idea off and continued to the kitchen. Making myself a fruit smoothie and grabbing a full jar of cookies I made my way back to my room. Stopping in front of Richard's study again, I sighed and approached it. I kicked the door open, trying to balance my smoothie and the glass jar of cookies in my arms while I pushed the door close.“I don't recall asking you in.” He said, engrossed in paper work. The dimly lit room drew its illumination mainly from the focused glow of his desk lamp. His features highlighted under the soft glow of the room and his brows furrowed in concentration. Ignoring him I headed for a seat, slurping my smo
Lenora's Pov:The limo stopped in front of the event location, there were paparazzi everywhere and a red carpet. As soon as we stepped down, we were surrounded by paparazzi. I almost went blind from all the lights but Richard seemed used to it seeing how composed he was. My only hope was that my pictures turned out really good because I had my eyes squinted from the lights throughout.We took pictures on the red carpet, and for some reason I felt like the photos would come out bad. I've never been photogenic, I barely even took photos.I hated the fact that I wasn't mentally prepared to appear in public without any sort of beforehand warning but it was Richard, of course he'd never tell me what to expect. The paparazzi however seemed surprised, but none of them asked any questions. “Richard!” A very familiar voice called, a few minutes after we had stepped into the very large hall the event was holding in.We both turned and saw Tara moving towards our direction, the first question t
Lenora's POV:When I got to my table, not to my surprise, Tara was sitting right next to Richard laughing. I stood a good couple feet away from them contemplating three things; One: Ask Remo to take me home, Two: walk up to the both of them and throw a glass of that very red wine on Tara's cream coloured dress. Three: Ignore them and just take a seat.Option one and two would make me feel good about myself but would ruin our public appearance and I did not want that. So I stuck with option three. “You took your time in that restroom.” Richard said as I sat down.“What were you doing, giving birth?” Tara added, but I ignored both of them and damn, did it feel good!A man came over and took Richard away with him to a table filled with men, leaving Tara and I alone at the table. “Tell me the truth, are you really Richard's wife?” Tara asked, her voice filled with vile.I took a sip of my wine and shrugged, “I don't know, you tell me.”“Well even though there's a chance that you may be
Richard's POV:She had been acting unlike herself ever since we arrived at the event. I assumed it was because she was Jet lagged and recovering from her air sickness. I began to rethink bringing her with me, I should have let her sleep in the suite. “You're unusually quiet.” I uttered after we sat in what seemed like hours of silence. I half expected one of her unfiltered replies but instead she gave me an 'OK' sign.The show began and I found myself occasionally glancing at her, she looked fine— her make up did. I couldn't really tell if she was Jet lagged or just apathetic to being here.“Are you sure you're okay?” I found myself asking again. She looked at me like she was surprised I was asking if she were okay.She ignored the question however, downing the last sip of her champagne she got up from her seat.What on earth was she doing? “Where are you going?” I asked, unsure of the kind of the expression my face was giving.“To the restroom.” She responded, seemingly annoyed. “D
Epilogue Richard's POVThinking that meeting Lenora when we were little was the most surprising thing ever, I was so wrong. This, that I am seeing right now in front of me, was worse. I was sitting in a chair not to make myself comfortable but because my legs couldn't carry my weight as I was experiencing the shock of my life. “Remo?” Tears welled up in my eyes as my heart shattered over and over again. This has to be a dream, this cannot be true. My best friend is the mastermind behind everything that has been going on.How can I explain to anyone who knows the both of us that Remo is the spy, the betrayal in my life? What did I ever do to deserve this from him? What's my offense? Since when has this been happening? Questions kept ringing in my heart as I stared at the man tied to the chair. His feet and hands were tied up but his eyes stared right back at me. Blood was dripping down his dangerous-looking face, He had been tortured by the men, until he confessed to his crimes.
CHAPTER 145Lenora's Pov:I snuggled deeper into Richard's arms. It had been more than two months, everything had been going smoothly. Remo had been able to fish out the spy in the house, it only turned out to be one of the kitchen maids which we couldn’t think of.My eyes scanned through the face over me, I was suddenly tempted by the reddish lips. No matter how I have it, I can’t just get enough of it.Richard's eyes quietly opened up meeting my gaze.“Tempted by my lips?” He smirked.“Of course, I’m not.” I scoffed turning sideways I heard him abruptly over my head.I got out of bed and stepped into the bathroom. I suddenly felt dizzy but ignored it. I had been feeling the same way for a couple of days and I instantly felt it was all because I had been overworking myself.“You okay?” Richard glanced at me. I had stopped halfway trying to regain my balance.“I’m fine,” I mumbled, walking back to him.Later, Vanya came with our breakfast and we ate on the balcony.After breakfast l
CHAPTER 144Lenora's Pov:My life so far has been really surprising, I kept finding myself at the least expected places. I never imagined I would find myself at a different house calling the mother of the house, my mom.I washed the cabbages with a big smile on my face.“You aren’t done with that yet? Are you thinking of Richard again?” I was teased by my Grandmother again, my real grandma.I instantly smiled hearing her voice.“Mom, you should tell her to stop involving Richard every time.” I pouted childishly, turning to the woman who was smiling the whole time.At this rate, I don’t think we are going to eat our breakfast at the appropriate time. I had decided to spend little time with my newfound family, Richard agreed to it and that was why I had come to spend the weekend with them, I must confirm that it was filled with love and happiness.After taking most of our time In the kitchen, we finally set up a dining table and sat around it to have our breakfast.Being an only child,
CHAPTER 143Richard's POV:After ending my conversation with Remo, I walked out of my room heading for Lenora’s room. I was stopped slightly by Yara again but this time she announced that Lenora was up.I pushed the door open revealing the young lady who was slipping out of her bed.“Babe, I’m just about to come see you. I heard you came here for me.” Lenora's face flushed seeing me.I forced a little smile at her before walking over to her side.“Lenny, what do you know about this?” I suddenly asked bringing out the sketch she had given RemoSeeing it, she looked a bit shocked and absentmindedly.“Where did you get that from?” She asked, looking perplexed.“How did you find that?” She got up completely from the bed walking closer to me.Of course, she must have thought Remo snitched on her and told me.“It’s not what you are thinking. Remo didn’t betray you, I found out by myself.” I added it instantly.Lenora sighed quietly.“I had been having a memory frequently these days and In t
CHAPTER 142RICHARD'S POVThe car finally stopped in front of the building, I slipped my phone back into my pocket and alighted from the car, I stepped on the marble floor before proceeding to the door.Lenora must have missed me, I walked in the direction of her room feeling a bit bad, I had felt a bit bad though, I had promised to stay with her the whole day but I got an urgent call that required me to leave the house instantly.Feeling a bit hot, I decided to head to my room first, I walked directly into the bathroom and took a cold bath. Getting back to the room, I changed to a more free wear before getting out of my room and heading to Lenora’s room.I made an apologetic expression the moment I got to her door but I was stopped by Yara who was smiling all over.“You are here for Ma’am?” She inquired and I nodded slightly.“What about her?” I raised my brow slightlyI had been expecting to meet her, probably on the balcony outside or inside the living room but I was a bit surprise
CHAPTER 141Lenora's PovRichard used to have nightmares?I instantly remembered he talked about them a long time ago when we visited my parent's house, but I didn’t think it was something serious.“You didn’t know about it?” Vanya raised her brows slightly.“He told me one time but I didn’t know it was something serious.” I slightly lowered my head a little.I thought I knew everything about the man I married but there was still a lot that I didn’t know about him.“I understand, He hardly talks about it except to his doctor, and also he stopped having them three years ago but I think they are back.” She added, getting me a bit worried.“Why are they back?” I raised my brows even more.I mean why would they be back now?“I don’t know, something might have triggered it.” She said but I was even more confused.What could have triggered them?“What was his nightmare always about? Did he ever tell you about it?” I inquired“He started having them when he was very young and back then he to
CHAPTER 140LENORA'S POVAfter Remo left, I went to the bathroom and took a warm scented bath, in a bathrobe I walked back to my room which strangely felt empty to me, or maybe I was the one who felt empty.My mind suddenly went to Richard, remembering the way I asked to be alone the other time and remembering his expression, I felt a little bad.I took my cell phone and instantly walked out of his room and walked directly to his room. I ran into Vanya who had an expression on her face that I couldn’t read, her face was a little filled with guilt and resentment.“Are you okay?” I asked out of concern.Seeing me, she instantly forced a smile on her face.“I’m fine.” She mumbled.I nodded slightly even though I wasn’t convinced. She instantly left.Ignoring my thoughts, I took my feet and walked to Richard’s room.I placed a knock on his door and strangely he was the one who came to open up. He looked angry the moment he opened up like he was being disturbed by someone, but seeing it w
CHAPTER 139Richard's POVI walked in the direction of my room after Lenora asked to be alone. I was slightly hurt by that but I tried not to show it, I was hurt but yet I was a little worried. Ever since she woke up from her concussion, Lenora had been acting a bit strange and weird. Out of curiosity, I asked her in the car but she said she was okay. I knew Lenora always tried to keep things bothering her to herself and sort it out by herself but I didn’t like that. What if she ended up getting hurt along the way?I walked into my room which was already arranged by Vanya, and my eyes scanned through my arranged clothes.I pulled off the shirt I was wearing and changed into my blue pajamas. I sat at the edge of my bed bringing out my cell phone and checking the internet for the latest update.I suddenly felt a little bored, I felt a terrible headache and decided to take a bath. The headache had begun the previous night but I didn’t think much of it.I made my way into the bathroom a
CHAPTER 138Lenora's PovI thought I would be able to dive out by myself since Richard had taught me some basic things, but that was a lie. I found myself battling to breathe and fighting for my life.I flayed my arms and legs, attempting to reach the surface, but it seemed too far away.I waited for someone to dive into the pool and help me, but it appeared no help was coming.I started to lose my energy, and quietly, I hit the bottom of the pool. A memory suddenly flashed in my head; I couldn’t understand what it was, but I could see that it was a continuation of the memory I had back at Richard's family house when Tara pushed me into the lake.This time I saw a necklace, very unfamiliar, yet I felt it was connected to me.With that, I slowly passed out, losing consciousness completely. ******“Lenora, are you okay?” I heard a familiar voice over my headI grunted from sleep and managed to push my weak body up. I was lying on a hospital bed, with Ri