[Adrian's POV]"Please, just please let me go! I have a family, kids... I promise I won't try this again, boss..." he pleaded, his voice trembling with fear.I gazed at him, his pitiful and pathetic appearance eliciting a slight chuckle from me. I bent down, my eyes fixed on his chained form lying on the ground as he sobbed uncontrollably."Why?" I questioned, my voice cold and calculating."What?" he stuttered, his face pale with terror."Why did you have to take it this far? I thought you were trustworthy, or was it just my misjudgment? Lies are told; I understand. Betrayals are made; that I understand also. But do you know why I'm angry? It's not that you wanted to sell me out to some enemies or that you were spying on me..." I whispered, approaching a nearby table and picking up a sledgehammer."What do you mean? All this isn't because of that?" he uttered, his face growing even paler."No... What really got me angry is the fact that you did it out of fear, or no, maybe the fact t
I sat down, my gaze fixed on hers. I couldn't ignore some tiny bruises I saw on her face, but it was of little concern to me. "So, I'm guessing you've come to accept my offer," I said, watching her silent presence, which persisted for a few seconds, leaving my question unanswered."If I agree, can you guarantee your help? Can I make them pay? I can make every single one of them pay," she uttered, her voice barely audible but growing louder.Her eyes were different, unlike when I first met her. They reminded me of someone—I recognized that feeling of wanting revenge, to make them pay, to rip them from flesh to flesh and watch as they beg for mercy before killing them.Gosh, how I missed that instinct!"My words don't change, nor do I break them. Agree to sign this deal, and I'll ensure all your problems are gone, and all the revenge you desire is within your grasp." I said, observing the impact of my words on her vulnerable state.I yearned to experience once more the feeling of flames
[Sierra's POV]"Follow me, dear," the woman uttered as I raised my gaze to catch a glimpse of her image. It was the same woman who had opened the door and welcomed me in with a smile.I gently stood up, following her as she led me through the hall. My eyes fell on many maids busy with their duties, tidying up the mansion. The walls were high and the halls were wide.It felt like it was going to take forever to arrive at where we were heading when I noticed a halt in the woman's footsteps. She turned her gaze, meeting mine."This is your room, my dear," she said with a smile lighting up her lips.I took a peek into the room, my legs hesitating at first before I eventually entered, taking in the room's grandeur. There was a fresh display of artwork on the wall side, a dazzling shade of steel that roamed around the area. I had never seen something as nice as that; all my nose had been able to presume for years were the scents of burnt tobacco and alcohol. I would say I had become used to
"No. Stay away!" I screamed, my hands lifted up, with my gaze downcast. Within seconds, I noticed something bright as the room became clear. My eyes caught the strange legs, which remained paused as I slowly raised my gaze, only for it to land on Adrian, gazing at me with a furrowed brow.So it was him all along. I let out a sigh of relief, lowering my hands, which had sprung up for protection, as my eyes remained fixed on his.What was he doing here anyway? And couldn't he respond when I was asking who he was? Instead, he remained quiet, walking closer, leaving my heart racing.But yet, could my reaction really be that I feared for my life? After the incident with the men chasing me, my uncle's words and cruelty, a side of fear remained lingering inside me. A display of if I don't act first, the next encounter with them could possibly be my last."Hey!" Adrian snapped me from my thoughts."W-why are you here?" I stammered, trying to catch my wordings. "What are you planning?" I questi
The morning sunlight gleamed through as my eyes jolted awake, welcoming the new day. Reminded of last night, I sighed. The contract and Adrian's words lingered in my mind."California?" I whispered to myself."You are awake?" A voice caught my attention as my eyes landed on Malisa standing at the doorstep. I had no idea how long she had been there. I watched her gently approach, her ever-wavering smile painted on her face."Oh, morning, Aunt Malisa," I said, managing to sit up on the bed.Her eyebrows arched, eyes widening. "Aunt?" She uttered."Yeah... is it okay if I call you Aunt?" I blurted, but didn't hope to take back my words. Arriving here, her smile and kindness somehow sparked a different mood around me. It was a comforting side that always reminded me of my mother and her love. She was one who looked at me with so much care even though knowing me for just a day."I surely don't mind, dear. You can call me whatever you want, and I shall accept it wholeheartedly," she said wi
"Have you gotten her size?" Adrian's voice cut through the air."I was about to—" Aunt Malisa began, but before she could finish her words, he interrupted."Don't tell me you haven't taken her size." His voice was sharp, and I watched as a startled, pale look washed over Aunt Malisa's face.I wanted to cut in. This was all wrong—his tone towards her, every single bit of it."Gazing upon the dress she is wearing, I know the perfect size fit for the rest of her dresses, boss," she said, her voice trembling."Then why are you still here and not getting them?" Adrian snapped."I'm sorry, I will go get them," Aunt Malisa uttered with a downcast gaze as I watched her leave the room.Adrian remained standing at the side, his eyebrow furrowed as his eyes landed on me."And why are you still seated there? Shouldn't you be getting dressed up?" he sneered, his eyes narrowing as they remained fixed on me, as though they waited for me to succumb to his words and give in to his order."I can't poss
I found myself seated on the bed as the three makeup artists stood around me. One of them kept gazing at me, scanning my face every second, which only made me feel uncomfortable."I think a light makeup look will do," I heard the guy, or whatever he was, utter, his hands placed at his jaw, while he addressed the other two girls, who took notice of me.I just wanted all of this to be over with, every single bit of it. My only focus was on finding Aunt Malisa and checking if she was alright. His attitude and behaviour were something I couldn't quite understand. The last thing I wanted was to be bound under the grasp of another man, to be seen as nothing in their eyes and tossed aside like nothing, but I thought things would be different after I signed the contract. Yet, I couldn't shake off the feeling of his actions today, which left me wandering in my thoughts of who he truly was, a hope lingering that the rumors proved false and it was all just gossip.Now that I was trapped with him
I watched as he walked further, taking a seat and opening up his food. His eyes landed on mine, still fixed on him, and I quickly retracted them, returning my gaze to my food."You must be Sierra, right?" he asked, causing my gaze to raise and meet his. It seemed he knew me; maybe Adrian had told him. But wait did he also tell him about the contract agreement and my current role here?"Yeah, I am," I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible."Hey! Be careful with that!" Adrian yelled at one of the maids who was holding a painting. His snap almost caused me to jolt in an instant."Just let it be, Adrian. We are in the dining room. And please learn not to shout at one of those maids again," the man uttered. "Alright, Uncle Gavin," Adrian responded as he continued his food, leaving a slight stun on me. I guessed he was the only one Adrian stood to listen to, maybe..."Sorry about that, dear," Uncle Gavin said, his eyes meeting mine."And why are you apologizing to her? I mean, shouldn
[Dominic's POV]"Who were they, Dominic? I know you mentioned taking care of things, but I need the names. We can't say, they may have a boss out there who you might be unaware of. And the De Santos are always known for not leaving the job unfinished," Uncle Marc said.I knew he might grow slightly curious and might want the names. I tried getting answers from Sierra about what Adrian was up to, but that was useless in the end. I know there's something those two aren't letting me in on—something that could lead to both of their deaths.At least I know one fact: Adrian's wife wasn't an enemy, at least that's what I could tell from things, but the words don't change that she still proves to be a danger to Adrian. And for that, she is still a threat."I'm sure you trust my abilities, Uncle Marc. So you should know that I will never do anything that would harm our name and legacy," I replied.I watched him leave a nod. I felt at ease knowing that he bought my lies and left no further ques
[Sierra's POV]The doctor had discharged me, and without wasting a single second, I found myself being taken to the car by some men. Already awaiting me inside was Dominic, who I still found staring at me with that weird glance—those eyes that seemed to demand answers, an explanation to the whole situation occurring right before him.He had driven me back, and now here I was, already at the mansion doorstep with that old man awaiting my return."Who did this, Dominic? I want answers now," Marc confronted."It was an enemy, uncle Marc. But don't worry, I have already shown them what we do to people who mess with the De Santos," Dominic replied, leaving a half-bow after.So, he was never going to let his brother off the hook just like that. But speaking of Adrian, I can't deny the fact that I haven't seen him yet for quite a while. Where could he possibly be? I need an explanation of how I ended up in the hospital with Dominic awaiting my awakening.I am sure I will be able to get these
[Sierra's POV]A sharp beam caused my eyes to spring open as I jolted up, finding myself in what seemed to be a hospital.My last thought rang of the incident with Damien walking in suddenly. I tried saying whatever threats I could, hoping one would convince him and make him leave a mistake, but that wasn't working out. Until...I could remember him injecting me with a substance, one I had no idea of. But now, here I was in this hospital. What happened after that, I had no idea."Oh, you're awake," I heard a soft voice say. A woman, who seemed like a nurse based on her attire, walked into the room."Please, what—" I began, only to watch her leave the room in haste, leaving my words hanging.Not long after, I heard another creak from the door. This time, a man who appeared to be a doctor came in with the woman."She is awake, Doctor Jade," the woman uttered, addressing me as I watched the doctor's presence draw closer. He took out some instruments, one of which he used to check my hear
"What are you saying, Damien? Tell me now; I want the truth. Tell me the real name of the person behind all this. Don't think you can play games with me. So, you expect me to believe that this is all my brother's doing? Really?" I spat.Does he see me as a fool, believing what just came out of his mouth? That my brother was behind all this? I mean, why would he kidnap his own wife?"I am telling you the truth, Dominic... and I can also prove it," Damien uttered.But was he really telling the truth? Adrian? That can't be right."Alright, I will give you the chance, but know if you are wrong, the bullets will do the talking next," I said, retreating my gun from his head as I watched his panting state. He hastily grabbed his phone out.My gaze rose to meet Adrian's wife, whom I found still unconscious—or was she just sleeping? Seeing her in such a state. Damien body not lying down, already lifeless, It must be some kind of weird luck for him.The call ringing drew my attention back to Da
[Dominic's POV]I parked my car at the side as I watched some of the men I had tasked to follow me in search of Adrian's wife. They walked around the street, paying some street thugs a visit in case they could possibly have any information about Adrian's wife's whereabouts."Boss, still no information," I heard one say, walking up to me. I let out a sigh. When was this going to end? Just for how long would I have to keep searching for her?Beaten and injured many, yet they still claimed ignorance. Now, these street lowlifes still had no idea or information to let us in on.I couldn't just return to the mansion, not able to bring back Adrian's wife with me. I guessed I just had to keep trying harder.I picked up my phone, making a call to one of my men whom I had tasked to keep an eye on Damien. On my way, after leaving the mansion, I had a thought. I couldn't let my guard down and turn a blind eye to those that I suspected. I mean, how could I just trust Caleb's words so easily?I hir
Honestly, even if I had gone out, what was the possibility of finding her? I mean, what if I wasn't the one who had Sierra at my grasp, but rather one of the real enemies? Why would I just go wandering around, questioning each and every person I saw?Now he tells me I'm the one acting stupid here. Knowing my brother is out there doing this just left a scoff. I thought he was smarter than that. Asking our enemies questions, how was he so sure it was one of them?"What are you still doing here?" I heard Uncle Marc's voice, his eyes narrowing as they remained fixed on me.I could see them brimming with rage. I was quite sure that if it was up to him, he would have put a bullet right through my skull. I mean, he has always seen me as nothing more than a useless burden, staining the family legacies."Which legacies in the first place?" I thought."I'm sorry, Uncle Marc. I shall set out once I receive feedback from my men. I want you to know that Sierra is my wife, and there is no way I wou
"You should dress up and rest; I will leave now," I said.Maybe I shouldn't have rushed into her room. It wouldn't seem good to lay all those questions on her. Even though I had the thought that she might have slipped some words out—it's highly possible, but if so, she wouldn't remember it, would she? The drugs' effects on her would lead to such.Nevertheless, this didn't seem like the right time.I turned away from her sight, my legs moving toward the doorstep, when I felt a grasp on my wrist, causing a pause in my footsteps. A hand came wrapped around me as I felt her body pressing onto my back."Please don't go, Adrian; I need you. I can't hide this anymore," I heard Elena mutter in whispers, her hands caressing as she clutched tighter."Enough of this now, Elena," I snapped, removing her hands. My gaze turned to meet hers."Why, Adrian? Why is this enough? Why can't I touch you?" she questioned as I watched her hands closing in again, only for me to fling them to her sides.I didn
[Adrian's POV]"So what's next, Adrian? Are we going to keep Sierra locked up in that room?" Damien asked."I know we can't keep her in that room. I mean, she is my wife after all, even though it's all just a charade. But I have to act concerned," I said. I just had to play along to fool my silly brother and Uncle Marc, so they don't figure out Sierra's whereabouts. But I still had no idea how I could stop Sierra from becoming the next sohoe."Whatever you do, just know you have to do it fast, Adrian. And don't worry, I will keep an eye on her for you for a while, while you figure out what to do next," Damien said as I watched him leave the room after.I couldn't be seen walking out of the mansion so freely. Who knows how many eyes might be on me after this incident? Not that they would surely suspect me—I mean, who would suspect I kidnapped my own wife? But even so, I had to be conscious of my every step.Sitting down on the bed, I grasped my phone, hoping to contact Vince—the same p
I watched the maid leave with a nod as she walked past the hall.My mind was still swirling with questions about Adrian's whereabouts.I just hope he wasn't out doing something foolish. I have to find him; I just have to figure out where he is. I can't let him get himself into more trouble now.I made my way down the stairs, scanning the passage as I walked."Get the vehicle, and you get the weapons," I heard Uncle Gavin say to two of Uncle Marc's men standing at his front. It seemed they were getting ready to set out, but what good would that do? I mean, they have no idea of Adrian's wife's location, but yeah, that wasn't much of a problem if it was one of our enemies. But somehow, I feel somebody from inside helped those kidnappers, and Caleb claims it's not him.I guess I just have to set my eyes on him for a while to confirm if his words were true."Dominic, you're here," Uncle Gavin said, approaching me."Have you seen Adrian, Dominic? He should be here; this is about..." Uncle G