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The restaurant closes at nine every day during weekdays and at ten o’clock on weekends. So far, the revenue has exceeded our expectations. La Mia Cucina offers a wide range of Italian dishes for all ages. My partners and I are very keen on business planning, and while I’m the head chef, I am mostly in charge of the menu.Mom is in the living room in front of the TV when I return home. She will usually wait for me while the kids are already in their beds. Her condition is getting better through continuous medication too. To be honest, despite all the loneliness, everything is falling into place. I’m a co-owner and the head chef of my dream restaurant, all my siblings are in school, and my mother’s health is improving.But there’s still a hole in my heart that can’t be filled with all those things alone. I still can’t move on, or better yet, I’m not ready to fully let go.Mom has fallen asleep on the couch with the TV on. I carefully approach to wake her up, but she opens her eyes even
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ALAYNABrandon and I go for a stroll in a quiet residential street around my apartment. I texted Mom an excuse about bumping into a friend, adding that I’d be back soon. I just don’t know how she will react when I tell her Brandon is here. She still resents him, and I can’t blame her.We are holding hands like a normal couple walking on the streets, our fingers intertwined as though nothing happened for the past five months, and it’s all so astonishing I can’t believe it’s real.But it is. It really is.“What? Keep staring at me like that, and I’ll have to have you in that street.” He laughs softly and points to a dark alley, but I just can’t stop gawking at his perfect face.“Just in case this isn’t real.”He grins sweetly. “How am I going to prove to you that it is?” I’ve never seen him as calm as this before.“What happened to you, Brandon? You were gone, and you just show up in the streets of Seattle as if nothing happened.”“This is a decent spot you got here,” he says. “Congratu
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ALAYNA“Mom? I’m home,” I call as we enter the house, and my mother instantly gets up from the couch in utter surprise to see Brandon.I know she’s livid at the sight of him, but she’s got the wrong impression. I fed that to her. I loathed him in front of her because I assumed that he wouldn’t be back. That was stupid of me; I just thought it could be one of the ways to move on and forget.“Mr. Lucien.” Her brows crease in surprise, but her voice is guarded.“Good evening, Mrs. Hart. I’m sorry for barging in, in the dead of night,” Brandon says, but my mother doesn’t move.“Mom?” I wave a hand in front of her face, and she snaps back to reality, then shoots me a glare.“What is going on? Why are you bringing this married man into our house, Alayna?” she asks angrily. Of course, she’d assume that too.“Mom, it’s not what you think, and this man is right here listening to you. Besides, he’s not married.” I sigh and glance at Brandon, who looks slightly uncomfortable.“All I know is that
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BRANDONAthens, Greece“Brandon?”The twins barge into the old Katrakis family room where my grandfather and I are sitting face to face, discussing more plans to take down my uncle and his bastard brother. I’m afraid we’d have to walk a long journey. We have evidence, but nothing much points to Alfio as the mastermind. He can quickly bail with all we’ve found so far, and we’re not releasing Alayna’s testimony yet since it’s too early for that. It might turn out to be conclusive, but it’s our last resort.Stan glances at his granduncle and back at me. “Oh, I’m sorry. We can come back later.”Our grandfather puffs on his Cuban cigar. “Go on. You can take it from here, kids. I have an old friend to meet this afternoon anyway.” He pushes himself up, grunting as he does. My grandfather can still walk without a cane, but he is not as swift as before.He pats Cary’s shoulder before heading out of the door. “Good job, kids. Good job, but you absolutely need to work more than that,” he says an
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BRANDONAthens, Greece“I’m in. You’re next. And don’t reply. I’ll find you.”Charlie writes the text as soon as he enters The Vision—a sex club owned by none other than my notorious uncle, Alfio Katrakis. I’m dressed in an Armani tuxedo and a silver mask covering my entire face to keep my identity hidden, and behind me is the Huntress in a Catwoman costume. Tonight we are registered as a VIP couple looking for role play and extra kink in our relationship. We got the invite from Charlie, so we encountered no problem at registration. In the lobby, smartphones are getting confiscated, no pictures allowed and no sex toys since there will be a lot of that inside. Two girls in pink bunny outfits frisk us thoroughly and let us in after clearing us.One of the pink bunnies ushers us to the elevator and presses the button toward the penthouse. When we reach it, we find a living room full of naked people having sex in every corner under a bright chandelier. Others are in a group, like a woman
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BRANDONFour weeks later, preceding Alfio’s case investigation, the prosecution office has Marcus Katrakis and Annette Teller arrested by the UK police and transported to New York, where they committed the crime of murder.I am now facing the man who killed Mom and Elga, with a glass wall dividing us. He has a number plate over the left breast of a gray uniform, wearing the same as the rest of the criminals inside.“Look at you. Standing on top of the world with your flawless face. Life’s been good to you, huh? Mr. Lucien.” His wrinkled face smirks at me. He feels familiar but strange since this is only the second time I’ve seen his face. The first time was when he got arrested, but I didn’t get the chance to interrogate him.I glance at my wristwatch; I’ve got only twelve hours to spare before my flight back to Athens. Tomorrow is Alfio’s final trial, and I should be there. I would very much like to see his face while the court reads his sentence.“Look, I don’t have much time for ch
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ALAYNABrandon will be residing in Belltown while he’s in Seattle, so he told his estate manager to get a penthouse ready, and he’ll be checking it out in the morning while I work at the restaurant. He’s also meeting Simon Fanelli, a name I’ve already heard from Oliver before. And then tonight, we decided to go out on a date, so I asked Dennis to fill in since I needed to leave early today.It’s Saturday, and the restaurant is full. Our hands have been moving nonstop since morning. Last week, we released the new menu with added dishes, and it’s always been hectic since then. The sounds of knives chopping on boards, roasting and the cracking of eggs fill the air.“Don’t you think we need to add an assistant?” Rexy appears at my side and hands me the minced garlic, chopped onions, and scrambled tomatoes. Hastily, she moves back to her station and starts making a sauce. She’s usually in charge of pastes and spices.“I asked Michael to post an ad on Indeed,” I say, as I put the final touc
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ALAYNAThe bed is vast. The ceiling is high, the floor-to-ceiling windows are open and overlooking the city. The walls are bright, the furnishings smell new like wood. There’s a stunning pine tree mural on the wall. The bed is so white, as though inviting me to jump on it.Finally, after so many months of longing, I can have Brandon Lucien all to myself. My breath is shallow, my heart pounding in excitement, and I can’t seem to take my eyes off him.Slowly, Brandon takes off his wristwatch, then he moves over to me to unbutton my blouse. My buttocks touch the bed. He smiles in a heart-stopping way. He is just too beautiful; it makes me feel I don’t deserve all of him. His gray eyes are mesmerizing, his new short beard irresistible. Brandon bends and takes off my shoes. I should’ve gotten to the foot spa. I wonder what he’s thinking.But I watch him continue. His eyes dart to the zipper of my white pants, and he unbuttons them as well. The anticipation is already killing me. After unzi
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BRANDON They said nothing lasts forever, but that phrase might not be entirely true. Yes, I’ve lived a wretched life in the past. I was driven by guilt, anger, and revenge for as long as I could remember. I couldn’t do anything because I thought I was weak. I thought it was how I was going to die. Hopeless and a failure. Until she came into my life and changed everything. Alayna turned my world upside down and showed me a different side of reality I hadn’t yet seen. She made me realize it wasn’t too late to hope or win—the exact opposite of what I had lived for all along. For when I was hopeless, she showed me hope. I felt despair; she granted me peace. I thought I had more guilt than anyone else in the world, but she gave me her love. With her, my journey truly begins. Our marriage. My forever. We should enjoy every second of it now in a summer townhouse resort in Varkiza, one of the estates we owned in Athens. I am now tangling my wife’s hair as she devours my shaft by the
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I walk them to the end of the venue, greeting the guests as we pass. Then I meet up with Cary and Stan by the garden’s exit. The twins step aside to introduce me to a man of nearly sixty—who did his best to appear formal with the suit I sent him. I immediately recognize the features of his face.The man opens his arms. “Brandon, my favorite boy…”I approach him immediately and briefly drape my arm around his shoulder. “Uncle Basil, you came.”“Of course. I won’t miss your special day.”“Um, hello?” Casey steps forward and joins in.“Ah, it must be you now. You’re Elysia,” Uncle Basil says. I step back, giving them space.Casey blushes. “I go with a different name now, um… but…”“No, you are Elysia. Elga’s younger sister. I held you as a baby.” He smiles in awe. “You look so much like your brother and your father—Oh!”Casey instantly embraces him. “Brandon said you look like him too.”Our uncle nods, stroking her back. “I’m sorry for what happened to you, child.”She snivels. “I alread
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BRANDON“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride…”My wife selected a garden house by the beach in East Hampton for our wedding. Her dream wedding. She looked exceptionally royal in her white long trail wedding dress today. Omar did a remarkable job, as usual. I honestly can’t wait for this celebration to end, so I can finally have my wife for myself.Alayna wanted an intimate celebration with our families, but some press always finds a way to invite themselves. At least a hundred people are present today to witness our most awaited union compared to the five hundred who attended our engagement party.My beautiful wife is now in my arms, having our first dance as a married couple.“Hello, husband. You look very handsome.” She traces the line of my suit with her fingertips, and the diamond wrap around her finger flickers.“You look like I’m ready to eat you.”She giggles, and I always love the sound of it. “Behave,” she says, but her smile says otherwise.I raise a
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ALAYNAOne week later“Senator Donovan Mallory is arrested for child trafficking, distributing child pornography, and the murder of Dr. Richard Hart, the former chair of Lifeline Foundation. The trial for his case will begin in two weeks…”The report switches the frame over to a desperate old man being hauled by the cops.“Let me go! This is not over yet! The mayor of Seattle is mentally sick! Do you hear me? I cannot accept this! He is lying!” he yells over the reporters surrounding him in front of the courthouse.“This is Luis Crawford from AAC News, reporting.”Cassius shuts off the news. We are now gathered in the living room, silently waiting for someone to speak.Last week, Cassius and Carmelo visited the senator to let him know Drake abducted me, but he only chased them away and denied his son. He told them he had no business in Drake’s escapades. However, during Drake’s interview, he disclosed everything he knew about his father and apologized to me in public.“Drake didn’t me
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Brandon returns with a bare torso, flaunting his delicious abs and toned muscles. He’s changed into gray sweatpants. I watch him turn off some lights, raise the thermostat, and turn the stereo on.“Get onto the bed and lie down,” he says while heading toward me.We now have pleasant room temperature, dim, romantic lights, and a mellow piece of music.Okay. I’m not getting dressed then.I slide my buttocks along the bed’s cushion and move over the middle. I swallow dryly.Brandon crawls on the bed. Gradually, he positions himself on top of me and snatches off my robe.“Let me just remind you…” he whispers. “You asked for this. You’re too persistent that I have to do something about it.” He pushes himself up then yanks down his pants and boxers without breaking eye contact. His erect shaft swells up.No matter how many times I see him in this state, I just can’t get enough. Everything about him is just too beautiful. At times, I find him hard to handle.He lowers himself again. “Spread
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ALAYNAMy body aches everywhere, but I stiffen. It hurts too much to move.I’m still alive.Right, yes. I remembered being saved, and I saw Oliver’s face. He told me Brandon came.Around me, I smell antiseptic and undertones of the artificial fragrance. Judging by the scent of my surroundings, I’m aware of where I am. Bit by bit, I blink my eyes and try to open them.My beautiful man’s face is the first thing I see.“Hi…”He kisses my knuckles and brings my palm to his face. “Hey.”I force a smile. “I love you.”His eyes redden and start to swell. “I love you too.”“Oh, don’t cry. I can still feel my limbs—no broken bones. No sign of permanent damage,” I manage a joke, chuckling.“Don’t,” he says gruffly. “You scared me back there.”I grunt, adjusting my back. “But you saved me. Like always. What is it about restrooms? Dangerous place.”“Very.” He frowns hard, remembering the past. “Back then, it was different. Next time, you don’t leave alone, okay?”I nod. “Next time.” I brush away
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BRANDONReporters disperse in front of the hospital when I arrive after a call from Oliver, but I’m more anxious about Alayna’s state. What did this son of a bitch do to her? I still have no idea what happened because Ollie and Stan don’t have time to explain everything.I break through the crowd that won’t let us pass. Some reporters ask about me, that fucker Drake, and his crime, but most are random; I can’t understand them. My mind is somewhere else to even try to fucking understand, so I couldn’t care less. I need to see my fiancée right away.“Just keep going. I’m right behind you,” Jason instructs, then he and some security block the reporters and let me through.“We are not answering questions for now, please. Give my family some privacy!” he yells, and his voice trails off as I go further.Oliver is impatiently treading back and forth in front of the emergency room while on the phone. Stan, on the other hand, is sitting quietly on the bench as if in deep thought.“Oliver. Stan
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ALAYNAI have fallen asleep on the couch. It’s already morning. I’m not in my bed, nor Brandon’s penthouse, but in an unfamiliar room somewhere in Wichita. It turns out I’m not dreaming. The devil who’s asleep on the bed right now really kidnapped me.He’s sleeping! Maybe I can get away…I cover my mouth from squealing at the possible opportunity to get away from Drake.I take light steps toward the bed to make sure he’s unconscious. Drake’s forehead is wrinkled, and exhaustion is marked on the lines of his face. He must be unsettled with all this bullshit he got himself into, but he’s clearly tired because no matter how difficult the nightmares are, he doesn’t wake. I know because I’ve seen him in this state in the past. Whenever he was anxious, he’d just sleep it out.I instantly think of making a call, so I need a phone. Brandon has to know where I am. So bravely, I sneak back to the living room and open Drake’s stuff. I dig inside his suitcase to look for his phone and money. I ne
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I knock on the door of an old townhouse, then a dark-blonde-haired woman appears at the door. She smiles when she sees us, but the bliss on her face quickly fades and turns into confusion.“Jason?” she says.Jason frowns. “Mariel?”“You know her?” I ask him.“Yes, she’s in the gang with me. I mean, was. Mariel Miller. What are you doing here?”The woman’s face turns red. “I don’t know why you’re here, but you need to leave.” She glances at me but then attempts to shut the door. However, Jason is swift. He shoves himself to the door and steps inside.“Mariel. I am asking you a question. Why are you here?” Jason questions as he steps further. I follow him.“She’s his sister. The twins found out in the family records,” I say. I see quite a resemblance.Jason nods, then shifts his attention back to the woman. “Where is Drake, Mariel?”She steps back. “He’s not here.”“But you’re expecting him.”She doesn’t answer.“You vanished, and now you’re here? You’re Drake’s sister?”She nods.Jason
