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 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
Helena's POV"You wouldn't still be single if you smiled more." I balled my fist and tried not to respond. If I had a penny for every time she has said this to me, I'll be rolling in a pile of pennies. She simply does not understand that not everyone is high on sunshine. Some of us actually reserve the smiles for when we really mean it. I want to say I loathe this woman but that's too harsh even for me. My mother and I have a stormy relationship. We can never be on each other's good side. We step on each other's toes, take low jabs at each other and when we get fed up we can go weeks on end without speaking. She thinks she knows everything by virtue of being 'mother'. Whoever said mother knows best, didn't meet mine. Gertrude Bale only cares about what is good for her. If it makes her look good, she's in. If she's the center of attention, then why not? She's a peacock. She like
Helena's POV"Where are we?" After a difficult afternoon with my father, I want to hear something good. A shred of good news will suffice. I decided to see the old man because of my mother. She tries so hard to still be his family. The ten minutes I spent there was the best support I could offer. Castle has been working for me since we met in college. We have been joined to the hip since. What started out as little errands for money has culminated to him being my personal assistant. I hate to admit that I am a mess without him. He keeps the wheels turning when I have stalled because of too much on my plate. He knows I will never complain. He helps where he's able. "Castle!" I clapped my hands to get his attention. "I found him! I found him Helena!" "Which one of the names on the list?" I asked eagerly. Castle got closer. He served two glasses of cham
Alexander's POV"I thought you'll be much happier to see me." I wish was high right now so that I can tell a lie. My mother gestured at me to smile but my cheeks won't let me. They are frozen solid. My face feels glued in one place. I plucked a flower from a pot and gave it to her. That should distract her from my mood. "Thank you. Although a bouquet would be nice." Never satisfied... "Noted." "What have you been up to? I was starting to worry that you won't come back." She laced her fingers with mine. "I missed you." There's no spark. There's no heat. There's nothing. How is it that she can be this attractive and yet i feel nothing when she touches me? Am I incapable of feeling? "I'm here." I answered. "I can't talk about my time in the Navy." "You're more formal than you were back then. Is it me?" Rhea asked with a concerned expression.
Alexander's POVWhen my mind is stuck on something, it's all I will think about until I do something about it. While I have met a fair share of beautiful women, none have captured my attention the way Helena has. She is all I am thinking of. That's a woman I want in my life and I won't stop thinking about it until I get my way."No fishing today?" My mom startled me out of my thoughts. "Is something wrong Alexander?"It's a habit that I spend my mornings in a boat. If I'm not fishing, I'll probably get lost in a book. Having spent so many years out at sea, it's where I feel at home. If I had my way, I would never have come back. She knows this. However, I could not bring myself to get out of bed this morning. All I am doing is thinking of Helena Bale. The tall beauty with a captivating gaze is all I want yet my arms are empty."I don't want to marry Rhea." She plastered her palm over my
Alexander's POV"What?" I laughed softly. "You keep staring at me. Do I have something on my face?"I don't mind it. But it's making me hot with need. I want to know what she's thinking about. I want to know if she's hot with need like I am. She masks herself pretty well except for the moments of weakness. That is when she's truly human even if it's just a few seconds."You're a sight for sore eyes." The tips of her fingers grazed the side of my face. "Why is it that I'm only meeting you now? All these years in Greece and I'm meeting you now."I took her delicate hand into mine. I kissed her open palm wishing that my lips could have more. I played with her fingers secretly sizing her for a ring. I don't want to waste any time with this one. She comes across as the kind of woman to lose interest if not captivated. I don't want to lose her. I got lost in her pretty blue eyes. They are mostly co
Helena's POV"Slow down." It's a whisper. I'm not one to whisper a strong thought. I like to be heard when I speak. This weak woman he is turning me into is not welcome. I need him to slow down before I find myself on my knees being ploughed away by this bull. I firmly pressed my palms on his chest pushing him away. I tore my mouth from his. These kisses have to cease. "Slow down Alexander.""Why are you fighting what is obvious between us?" He tucked his hands into his pockets. He is not even hiding the mold in his pants. I moved away from him walking to the beautiful view of Athens on this hot afternoon. I should be prepping for my next meeting but I am here locking lips with Alexander Christos. I steadied my breath fighting the burning sensation on my lips."Because I don't want a relationship.""What do you want?"I want a baby. I want your baby but not you. I do
Alexander's POVI am not having a good morning. That blissful phase I was in suddenly ended when I found out Helena's real intention of being around me. It felt like I fell out of the clouds and I landed on earth, hard! I'm angry with her. I am beyond angry! I'm shocked and it's not in a good way! We haven't spoken since and as much as it's keeping me up at night it seems not to bother her at all. The Queen of ice hasn't bothered to apologize for what She has done. She hasn't even made the slightest gesture towards reconciliation. Just a day or so ago she held a press conference and She looked fine. I'm mad but she's fine! How the hell is she wired? Am I expecting too much from a woman I have kissed a few times? Didn't it mean something to her when we were together? I know it wasn't anything with a label but doesn't she feel what I feel?I focused on the fishing net. I have to finish repairing it. I'm ready to go out to sea a
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