[Dominic POV]"Release!" I uttered as the bird flew out of the cage, flying up into the sky. I reloaded my shotgun, aiming with my right eye. "And dead," I pulled the trigger; the loud sound echoed as the bird fell down. I retreated the gun.I've always found hunting quite fun and a way to train my aim even more. Since I needed some air anyway, I decided to head out to the courtyard, nestled at the edge of the forest, just beyond the mansion's backyard."I see you still haven't given up on your typical hunting," a voice caught my attention. My eyes landed on Uncle Gavin."Well, it's just an old habit I find quite enjoyable," I said, gesturing as Uncle Gavin approached me, taking up one of the guns laid there. "Why don't I give it a shot also?"He uttered, as another bird was released. He aimed at it, pulled the trigger, and scraped through the air, missing the bird. "Seems my old age is getting to me," he said, retracting the gun and dropping it back on the ground."I'm sure you still
I returned to the mansion with Uncle Gavin by my side. My eyes immediately caught sight of Uncle Marc seated at the dining table. His eyes landed on me instantly."Good, you're here," he uttered."You called for me, Uncle Marc?" I said, giving a half bow."Yeah, you must be hungry." He questioned as I raised my gaze, thinking it was something important, but it was just about the food being ready.My gaze shifted to Adrian, who was already seated. I watched his presumed wife come out with some of the maids, bringing some food."Wait, she cooked?" I thought, my mind trying to make sense of what was taking place."Come, sit, Dominic. I had your brother's wife prepare lunch," Uncle Marc uttered.
[Sierra's POV]Taking the dishes into the kitchen, I laid them down and leaned against the wall for a moment. I let out a sigh, thinking about what had occurred back at the dining table with Marc and Adrain. Really, was staying here such a good idea? These people stood by their names, their eyes and actions sending shivers down my spine. Even though the blow wasn't meant for me, I couldn't deny the fear that coursed through me with his footsteps growing nearer. And I had also bumped into Dominic. What if he had recognized me? I was really in a death trap, never expecting to be trapped with no way out like this. All I wanted was justice for my mother and to make them pay, not to be bound and trapped in another lie.I couldn't run away, nor could I say anything. It seemed I just had to act up, not showing much attention, at least until he was gone. Then I would plot my way and destroy him to the very inch. But for now, I just had to keep low and hidden, even though he was here too. All
My eyes sprung open, and I gently rose from the bed, welcoming the morning rays that seemed to glow through the room. They served as a reminder of last night with Dominic's questioning.Even though he seemed not to recognize me, I couldn't deny the suspicion he harbored toward me. I just had to stay low and try not to attract any attention; only then could I assure my safety and prevent him from recognizing me.I made my way into the bathroom, splashing some water on my face before walking out, only to be hit with the realization that Adrian wasn't around last night. I was happy that I didn't have to share the room with him, but I couldn't help but question where he could be and what he was planning. He was slapped last night; I was sure he must still be quite furious, but I couldn't understand why. Why was he slapped by Marc instead? I just couldn't understand each and every one of them. Well, I shouldn't even be trying; I'm not part of their family in the first place, so why bother?
[Adrian's POV]I stepped out of the mansion, my eyes landing on Damien, who was still trying to aim a shot at the target. It seemed he also loved hunting, just like Dominic. However, I found the real hunt and fun game when I was dealing with my enemies or traitors; anything else just seemed boring.My mind still lingered on Uncle Marc's last words—the entire De Santos family. Why was he making everything more complicated than it already was? All I wanted was my dad's property, so I saw no other choice in this contract. Yet, it seemed things just got more complicated for me.I don't know what Uncle Marc sees in Dominic that he doesn't see in me. Staying in my mansion, tarnishing the family name? Why doesn't he understand that I also make my moves? Even though I was more interested in the business side of things than becoming an underworld lord, I never had those dreams. If it was power I needed, I don't need the title to instill fear in my enemies.I have achieved great heights in the b
[Sierra's POV]The clashes of music and dance went on as I found myself in the middle of everything. I couldn't believe it was happening. Well, I could do this; I just had to stay out of sight, even though the celebration might be organized for me.The last thing I wanted was to grab too much attention or raise questions.I felt a hand on my waist, causing my gaze to shift as it landed on Adrian. "What took you so long to get ready?" he questioned.I could see his eyes scanning the place as though he felt compelled to play an act, which I found weird for him. Well, if he didn't want the party either, why didn't he raise a protest? We both knew we didn't want this event to take place since the marriage stuff was just a charade."Don't try anything; just act like my ideal wife. Don't speak when not asked to and don't roam around," he said, his gaze landing on me with those darkening eyes, replaced by a forced smile."Now, let's go act as a couple, dear wife," he said, leading me through
Honestly, I knew he didn't recognize me yet, but I wondered why? It hit me with his words back then in the room. He thinks I am some kind of enemy or threat to his brother, judging from his words. Well, I ain't a threat to his brother, but I am surely a threat to him."Why, can't I drink now?" I questioned, watching him gulp a glass of wine as his gaze returned, landing on me."Just saying, I never knew my brother's wife also drinks. I mean, wow," he said, scoffing.I left no response, after downing a glass, I poured another. I know he was playing a game, even though I'm sure he didn't recognize me, I couldn't let my guard down. The last thing I want is for him to suspect me or stalk my every move, but it seems that isn't avoidable for now, so I just had to keep this act up for the meantime.And I think this moment with him here could surely be of help, at least to understand his tactics better. He was known for his cruel, vicious acts back in Vegas; no one was that close to finding a
My face paled as he retreated, with more applause echoing loudly. I released his grasp on me after leaving the party as I made my way to the hall.What was that? What did he just do back there?My mind was left with many questions, which only seemed to be answered by the silence that echoed after.A disoriented feeling washed over me as I entered my room, my mind still reeling from the incident."Why did you leave the party--" Adrian rushed in as I watched him enter the room.My gaze shifted as they remained fixed on his. "What was that at the party, Adrian?""What do you mean?" he questioned."I mean the—the kiss..." I muttered, and then I watched his presence only grow closer by the mention."Yea, what about that?""What do you mean, what about that? We both know this isn't a real marriage...""Yeah, but we have to make them believe it is for this to work right," he said."That doesn't mean you can have your way with me."His hand came to rest gently on the wall, and I found myself
"Who do you think you are, and what do you think you're doing here?" I questioned, jolting up from the bed, my gaze still fixed on the stranger as he smirked.I had no idea who he was or how he ended up here, but one thing I could tell was that he was surely drunk."Please leave my room now!" I uttered, pointing my hands at the doorstep. I watched his eyes flicker at my room door before returning to me with a chuckle as he stood up from the bed, his legs almost stumbling."I should leave?" he questioned in a whisper."Please leave," I reiterated, hoping he would understand my words and leave. Yet I couldn't help but notice his legs approaching me further instead."Hey, stay back!" I yelled, leaving a warning. But that did little as I watched a smirk light up on his lips.He was surely not going to leave the room, that I could see. The only option I saw was to leave the room myself, at least away from this stranger, even if it meant returning to the party."What are you thinking, baby?
My face paled as he retreated, with more applause echoing loudly. I released his grasp on me after leaving the party as I made my way to the hall.What was that? What did he just do back there?My mind was left with many questions, which only seemed to be answered by the silence that echoed after.A disoriented feeling washed over me as I entered my room, my mind still reeling from the incident."Why did you leave the party--" Adrian rushed in as I watched him enter the room.My gaze shifted as they remained fixed on his. "What was that at the party, Adrian?""What do you mean?" he questioned."I mean the—the kiss..." I muttered, and then I watched his presence only grow closer by the mention."Yea, what about that?""What do you mean, what about that? We both know this isn't a real marriage...""Yeah, but we have to make them believe it is for this to work right," he said."That doesn't mean you can have your way with me."His hand came to rest gently on the wall, and I found myself
Honestly, I knew he didn't recognize me yet, but I wondered why? It hit me with his words back then in the room. He thinks I am some kind of enemy or threat to his brother, judging from his words. Well, I ain't a threat to his brother, but I am surely a threat to him."Why, can't I drink now?" I questioned, watching him gulp a glass of wine as his gaze returned, landing on me."Just saying, I never knew my brother's wife also drinks. I mean, wow," he said, scoffing.I left no response, after downing a glass, I poured another. I know he was playing a game, even though I'm sure he didn't recognize me, I couldn't let my guard down. The last thing I want is for him to suspect me or stalk my every move, but it seems that isn't avoidable for now, so I just had to keep this act up for the meantime.And I think this moment with him here could surely be of help, at least to understand his tactics better. He was known for his cruel, vicious acts back in Vegas; no one was that close to finding a
[Sierra's POV]The clashes of music and dance went on as I found myself in the middle of everything. I couldn't believe it was happening. Well, I could do this; I just had to stay out of sight, even though the celebration might be organized for me.The last thing I wanted was to grab too much attention or raise questions.I felt a hand on my waist, causing my gaze to shift as it landed on Adrian. "What took you so long to get ready?" he questioned.I could see his eyes scanning the place as though he felt compelled to play an act, which I found weird for him. Well, if he didn't want the party either, why didn't he raise a protest? We both knew we didn't want this event to take place since the marriage stuff was just a charade."Don't try anything; just act like my ideal wife. Don't speak when not asked to and don't roam around," he said, his gaze landing on me with those darkening eyes, replaced by a forced smile."Now, let's go act as a couple, dear wife," he said, leading me through
[Adrian's POV]I stepped out of the mansion, my eyes landing on Damien, who was still trying to aim a shot at the target. It seemed he also loved hunting, just like Dominic. However, I found the real hunt and fun game when I was dealing with my enemies or traitors; anything else just seemed boring.My mind still lingered on Uncle Marc's last words—the entire De Santos family. Why was he making everything more complicated than it already was? All I wanted was my dad's property, so I saw no other choice in this contract. Yet, it seemed things just got more complicated for me.I don't know what Uncle Marc sees in Dominic that he doesn't see in me. Staying in my mansion, tarnishing the family name? Why doesn't he understand that I also make my moves? Even though I was more interested in the business side of things than becoming an underworld lord, I never had those dreams. If it was power I needed, I don't need the title to instill fear in my enemies.I have achieved great heights in the b
My eyes sprung open, and I gently rose from the bed, welcoming the morning rays that seemed to glow through the room. They served as a reminder of last night with Dominic's questioning.Even though he seemed not to recognize me, I couldn't deny the suspicion he harbored toward me. I just had to stay low and try not to attract any attention; only then could I assure my safety and prevent him from recognizing me.I made my way into the bathroom, splashing some water on my face before walking out, only to be hit with the realization that Adrian wasn't around last night. I was happy that I didn't have to share the room with him, but I couldn't help but question where he could be and what he was planning. He was slapped last night; I was sure he must still be quite furious, but I couldn't understand why. Why was he slapped by Marc instead? I just couldn't understand each and every one of them. Well, I shouldn't even be trying; I'm not part of their family in the first place, so why bother?
[Sierra's POV]Taking the dishes into the kitchen, I laid them down and leaned against the wall for a moment. I let out a sigh, thinking about what had occurred back at the dining table with Marc and Adrain. Really, was staying here such a good idea? These people stood by their names, their eyes and actions sending shivers down my spine. Even though the blow wasn't meant for me, I couldn't deny the fear that coursed through me with his footsteps growing nearer. And I had also bumped into Dominic. What if he had recognized me? I was really in a death trap, never expecting to be trapped with no way out like this. All I wanted was justice for my mother and to make them pay, not to be bound and trapped in another lie.I couldn't run away, nor could I say anything. It seemed I just had to act up, not showing much attention, at least until he was gone. Then I would plot my way and destroy him to the very inch. But for now, I just had to keep low and hidden, even though he was here too. All
I returned to the mansion with Uncle Gavin by my side. My eyes immediately caught sight of Uncle Marc seated at the dining table. His eyes landed on me instantly."Good, you're here," he uttered."You called for me, Uncle Marc?" I said, giving a half bow."Yeah, you must be hungry." He questioned as I raised my gaze, thinking it was something important, but it was just about the food being ready.My gaze shifted to Adrian, who was already seated. I watched his presumed wife come out with some of the maids, bringing some food."Wait, she cooked?" I thought, my mind trying to make sense of what was taking place."Come, sit, Dominic. I had your brother's wife prepare lunch," Uncle Marc uttered.
[Dominic POV]"Release!" I uttered as the bird flew out of the cage, flying up into the sky. I reloaded my shotgun, aiming with my right eye. "And dead," I pulled the trigger; the loud sound echoed as the bird fell down. I retreated the gun.I've always found hunting quite fun and a way to train my aim even more. Since I needed some air anyway, I decided to head out to the courtyard, nestled at the edge of the forest, just beyond the mansion's backyard."I see you still haven't given up on your typical hunting," a voice caught my attention. My eyes landed on Uncle Gavin."Well, it's just an old habit I find quite enjoyable," I said, gesturing as Uncle Gavin approached me, taking up one of the guns laid there. "Why don't I give it a shot also?"He uttered, as another bird was released. He aimed at it, pulled the trigger, and scraped through the air, missing the bird. "Seems my old age is getting to me," he said, retracting the gun and dropping it back on the ground."I'm sure you still