Mira's POV
I was only nineteen when I had Alexander. It all happened fast. I was just the maid's daughter living in this very mansion. After years of existence in this palatial home, which I also called home, I never met Christos. I only saw him in photographs and I thought that he's the most handsome man alive. I especially fell in love with his playful gaze. Even from a painting, I couldn't help but fall in love with him. My mother often dissuaded me from going down that path. According to her, servants and those born into money shouldn't even breathe the same air. I tried to keep my emotions in check. I stopped thinking about him. I shunned him out of my dreams even. However, when we finally met, all those feelings came flooding back in. It's amazing that I fell for a man before I even met him and when I did, it was done. It was set in stone. I couldn't help but feel like a lovesick puppy. Whether we were a match made in heaven or not,Helena's POV"Easy. Easy now." My mom urged me when I came to. "Can you see me?" I squinted in the bright morning light. I feel groggy. "I'm not blind." I pushed her away so that I can get of the bed. The first thing I did was feel my stomach. My baby is too still. Is he still there or did the fall hurt him? Castle gave me a look full of concern. They both did. "What happened? Is my baby okay?" I have to be sure of what I heard. "After you got the bad news, you fell. We aren't sure if you slipped or passed out. We should go to the hospital." Castle took my hand. "Please Helena, don't be stubborn about it." The bad news. Mira Christos is dead. It's not long ago that I saw her. We were in the back of my Rolls Royce when she called Rhea to ask about Alexander. She later informed me that she is in S
Alexander's POVA lot has happened. I have been phasing in and out of my own life. I am like a spectator, standing on the sidelines and watching helplessly. Most of the time I have been out of it. I barely knew what was going on around me until the maid saved me. The last few days have been enlightening! It's like I can feel the sun after a long time in subzero temperatures.The maid informed me that Rhea came to London with a baby in her arms and she didn't give birth here as she claims. I'm glad to know that! If my math is correct, and I know deep inside it is, this child is not my own. There is no way I could have fathered him as I have never been intimate with Rhea. Even if something did happen when I wasn't myself, the vasectomy should have prevented it. It's a secret I only shared with my mother. I can't wait to get back to Athens so that I can see her. I miss her dearly. I know she's worried out of her mind.
Alexander's POVLaying my mother to rest is one of the most difficult things I have had to do. I have seen my fair share of deaths while serving in the navy. I should be used to it but when it's the woman who gave birth to me it's not easy. It's even more maddening to be aware that the person responsible is the very one who held my hand through the funeral. I despise Rhea with every fiber of my being. She took away one of the two women I love the most. I have to protect Helena from heading in the same direction my mother did. "Alexander." Another person I dread and blame for my predicaments. I stopped and turned. "What?" "I haven't seen you in a while. How are you?" "My mother is dead. How do you think?" "You must be upset." He fumbled with his fingers. He looks much older. His expression is full of guilt. I hope he doesn't sleep at night thinking of how m
Hello reader! I want to take this opportunity to thank you for getting this far into the story. I should have mentioned this in the beginning but it's never to late to do so, right? The book has four parts. We have already gotten through part 1: Helena's Contract and we have four more to follow. A brief overview: Part 1: Helena's Contract Part 2: The Italian Belle Part 3: The English Affair Part 4: Tainted Bloodline While the story began with Alexander and Helena, we are now shifting focus to their son. Nathaniel is all grown up and is starting to ask questions about his father. This is the beginning of part 2 of this book: The Italian Belle. Well let's get to it then! Thank you.
Twenty Five Years Later..."I wouldn't call it a bad idea. Stupid yes but bad, no. So are you in or what?" I narrowed my eyes at Chris. We met in an interesting way. He pretended to be a bodyguard sent by the St Patrick Group just to get away from his father. It seems that is a plan we have in common; to get away from our parents. "I think I will I have an answer after this party." "Well Mr Bale, after you." He gestured to the open doors leading into the wedding reception. "Those men don't look pleased. They will probably carry you into the party if you take a second longer." "It wouldn't be the first time." I laughed. The only reason I'm here is because my mother sent her bodyguards to get me. They always manhandle me because I put up a fight. But today, I fully complied. I don't need to be embarrassed in front of people by being carried in like a c
Nathan's POVRebecca and I have shared a lot in the past week. We actually like each other. We have been inseparable and even my dear friend Chris is starting to feel like a third wheel. We spend most days together setting the sheets ablaze."That is a smile I don't see everyday." Castle squeezed my shoulder. "You must be happy."I don't have a father.I know everyone has a father because how else would someone exist without two parents? What I mean is I don't have a father who has raised me. In his place is Castle. For as long as memory serves me he has always been there. He has stepped in everytime a father was called for down to talking to me about girls and every change my I experienced when I was a teenager. I love the guy. What I don't like us the relationship between him and Helena."Sort of." I closed my journal. "Did any letter come for me?"
Marianna's POVPreparations have been on going all week and today is the day. The day has come. There is excitement in the air! Giovanni Balotelli's only child is getting engaged to a wealthy man. I can't express the excitement a bride to be should feel This excitement that everyone around me is feeling, hasn't rubbed off on me. In it's place, anxiety. I feel plenty of that and my heart is heavy. Court is supposed to come for me tonight. She says she has a plan but when did Court ever have a plan? Often she wings it and it mostly ends badly. She's the kind to plan at that moment when something needs to be done. I can't believe my freedom rests in her hands!I stayed by the window of my bedroom in the red dress watching out for some sort of a sign. Where is she? Did she change her mind? I hope not!"Marianna, stop trying to figure out an escape plan. You're not getting away from this.""
Nathan's POVWhenever I have a puzzling thought stuck in my mind, I can't stop till I have it solved. Right now, I'm thinking about this book I have been reading. I'm thinking about the owner. I'm thinking about the initials A.C. It doesn't make sense to obsess over it but it's a nagging feeling that it's a mystery I must solve! I need an answer.The best person to ask would be the woman who brought me into this world. She knows better than anyone else about where the book came from. She's not an avid reader like I am but a book this old must have come from somewhere. It's the oddest and oldest in my collection.Whenever it gets this hot, she likes to sit on her rocking chair facing the garden in front of her bedroom. She is rocking quietly her eyes closed. She works hard and it's rare to see her resting. I hate to disturb her."A.C.""What?" She turned her head quickly.
Marianna's POV"Rock-a-bye babyin the tree top.When the wind blowsthe cradle will rock.When the bough breaks,the cradle will fall.And down will come Baby,Cradle and all."I kept humming after her eyes became heavy with sleep. She can't keep staring at me. She's giving up. Her pretty brown eyes won't last. I hummed softly lowering my tone until i kept silent. I lay her down in her crib. She's really pretty. I'm truly blessed to have her.I straightened the picture frames on her dresser taking a seat in the rocking chair just to take it all in. It's been a crazy twenty five years. If anyone were to ask me to narrate it I wouldn't know which story to tell first because so much has happened since Nate proposed to this moment right here. My favorite story has to do with the simple go
Nathan's POV"Don't forget what we have agreed on." I kept up with her fast pace. "I'm getting him at sixteen. You have promised me that.""Why not eighteen?""You bend the vine when it's still young Nathaniel. Marianna and i have a deal. Honour it. Please honour it.""Consider it done mom. He'll be all yours at sixteen. We will still do our part."She squeezed my arm peering into my eyes. "Are you alright Nathaniel? You seem lost.""I'm just dealing with something. Nick is starting school pretty soon.""You can afford it, right? I'm aware of your financial limitations and I know I have made it impossible. You've risen to the challenge every step of the way and I'm so proud of you. You never asked for help. You never failed even if you gave up your comfort for your son.""I love that boy. I'll give up anything for him. Yes I'
Marianna's POVNathaniel and I can't keep our hands off each other. The night of the overflow opened up a new world for us filled with ecstasy and passion. It's hot as hell in this world and often as much as we don't speak we certainly sound our satisfaction. There's no limit as to where we have sex. As long as no one is looking, we carry on. Once daddy almost caught us. Nate couldn't find his pants in time so we had to stay really silent until he left. But we had a good laugh and yes, we finished.I can't get enough.It will never be enough.He's still residing in the guest house. I want him in my room. He's come up the window twice for the fun of it so that's we can feel like teenagers. He did it with ease. He's amazing not just in the way he loves my body but how he takes care of me before he goes after for his own release."Can I make a polite request?" Daddy spoke to me
Nathan's POVMy mother and I haven't had much of a conversation since she disinherited me. We only greeted each other the day Nickolas vanished. It wasn't even a greeting. It was more like:"Nathaniel.""Helena."She kept her eyes focused far into the distance. She has gotten much older. But she's every bit as difficult. "What?" She asked."Can we talk?"She glared at me. Helena can be a good mom but she can be a bad one too. Any onlooker wouldn't believe she is my mother. She's treating me like a stranger and it hurts. "What about?""May I sit?""No because you're not staying."Gio invited her to something he calls 'the overflow'. According to him, he gives away free wine to his neighbors because he has hit his profit margins. "I live here.""I still don't understand why Gio allowed you to."
Marianna's POV"I need to talk to you."I paused my conversation nodding my head. Nate entered the bedroom. "Have you eaten? Has Nicko been eating?""The only thing he is happy to do is eat. We are okay. We miss you though, I miss you. When are you coming back?""Soon. It's just a few more days. Are you sure Nicko doesn't want to speak to me?""It's not just you. He's not speaking to anyone. I think Mr Bale broke him." He laughed in a mean way."I love you. Tell him I love him. See you soon. Put nonno on the phone.""Am I having a third grandchild?" He laughed as soon as he spoke.I paid attention to the handsome man sitting in an armchair. If we get back together and we are stable enough, I'll definitely consider a third child. "No you're not.""Good because you two have a lot to work out. It's not
Nathan's POV"Buddy, no no no!" Chris sighed. He placed the bottle of wine on the counter. His facial expression is borderline funny. I almost want to laugh but then I'm tired from not sleeping too well. The sofa isn't comfortable. I even tried the floor. "What are you doing there? Didn't you get any?""Sleep?""No blondie. Didn't you get laid?""Buddy you're the blond. I simply have silver hair.""Point taken but still..." He looked at me expectantly making weird expressions.I woke up six times to walk to Marianna's door but I couldn't bring myself to enter. It seems to them like I'm not trying but the battle I'm going through is intense. I want her badly yet after thirteen years, Nicko may be more experienced than I am. I have no idea where to start. I don't want to mess up the 'first time'."Nothing.""You need a drink."
Nathan's POVI feel stupid for thinking it would mean anything to her by showing up today. Perhaps I'm delusional for assuming that time heals all wounds. Even if it heals it doesn't change anything else. Maria will only see me as Nicko's father. Regardless of the kiss we shared, I'm just Nicko's father and I'm not allowed to be anything else. She's my everything. It hurts but I'm responsible for her decision to keep me at arms length. I did this to myself."Nathan! Nathan wait up!"Courtney hurried to catch up with me. I noticed the others as well. "Where are you going?""I'm going back to Italy. I have a troublesome teen to deal with.""So that's it? Wilton just leave with your tail tucked between your legs?""What do you expect me to do Court? She's fine without me. She has someone else in her life! I'm not going to get in the way.""I expect you to go back
Marianna's POV"What's all this for?"I smiled at my assistant. The whole dressing room is full of an assortment of flowers."A lot of people are congratulating you. The collection is beautiful." I closed the door shutting out the loud music from the runway show. A popular pop musician is singing as the models make their way down the runway. The audience is excited.I invited Court, Chris, Freya and Frank to see the collection. Nate stayed in Italy to watch Nicko and Tony. Raúl is also in the audience separate from my friends. The only thing giving me relief is Nate's absence. I can't introduce him to Raúl. Something tells me it won't end well. I picked up the biggest bouquet."These are from Raúl." I read the card. He is always sending me red roses. They smell divine."I think these are the most beautiful ones." She offered me a bouquet
Nicko's POV"We barely made it out." Lupe held a pack of frozen peas over my swollen face. She held her own pack over her face. The girl can fight! She held her own until Julio stepped in and finished the fight.There was the issue of the gun.That day nonno shot at dad, he dropped a gun. I picked it up and hid it. That's the whole reason I was locking my room and not the magazines. I wouldn't care if they found the magazines but the gun? Mom would go nuclear on me.I fired it but it wasn't loaded. That sacred them but it is Julio who really saved us. We got separated when the Belucci bodyguard started to pursue us. We got lost while passing through the estates and in the end Lupe brought me her home. It's not much."How do we look? Are we still beautiful?" I laughed."I don't know about you but I know I am."I set the frozen pack of peas dow