If you like this book, check out my completed book, The Billionaire's Secret Daughter.
The first light of morning trickled through the curtains, and Valerie's eyes fluttered open. For a moment, she lay there, disoriented."Damn," she whispered, her body tensing from the residual sadness she felt from hearing Antonio's story.She could still see the pain in his eyes. They were not much different, she and Antonio. Both had suffered at the hands of someone who was supposed to love and protect them.Antonio must have already left, so she pushed herself out of bed and began her new routine.First, she went to Landon's room, where the baby lay, cooing softly in his crib. As Valerie picked him up and cradled him in her arms, she felt a surge of love for this tiny being. She sat down in the rocking chair, allowing Landon to latch onto her breast as he drank hungrily.Valerie's thoughts kept drifting to Antonio, his caring nature shining through even in the darkest moments of her life."Landon, your adopted father is an incredible man," she whispered softly, kissing his forehead
Three weeks later...Valerie stood before the full-length mirror, her hands trembling as she adjusted the delicate lace of her wedding gown. Nervousness and excitement coursed through her veins like wildfire.This was the day she had been dreaming of, and now that it was here, she couldn't help but feel a pang of panic."Nervous?" Ellie asked.Valerie nodded."Don't be. You look amazing. Antonio might pass out when he sees you," Ellie said seriously.Valerie giggled.The door creaked open, and River stepped into the room. His presence instantly calmed her nerves. He offered a reassuring smile, his eyes filled with understanding. "Wow, Valerie. You look stunning.""Thank you," she whispered, trying to steady her shaking hands."Are you ready?" River asked, extending his arm for her to take.Valerie took a deep breath, gripping River's arm tightly as if it were a lifeline. "As ready as I'll ever be.""Good," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "Antonio better know how lucky he is," he m
A loud crash shattered the perfect moment, drawing everyone's attention to the garden's entrance. Antonio's men tensed, their hands moving instinctively toward their concealed weapons. Antonio's grip on Valerie tightened protectively."What was that?" Valerie whispered, her heart pounding with fear.Antonio's jaw clenched. "Stay close to me," he ordered, his voice low and urgent.Were they being attacked?River jumped up from his seat, his eyes blazing. "It seems we have uninvited guests," he said, his voice laced with tension.Before anyone could react, a group of masked men burst into the garden, their faces hidden behind black balaclavas. They were armed, their presence menacing as they advanced toward the gathering."Everyone, get down!" Antonio barked, his voice commanding and authoritative.Valerie's heart raced with terror. She clung to his arm, her fingers digging into his suit jacket."I won't let anything happen to you," Antonio quickly reassured her.Gunfire erupted, the sh
Antonio dragged the man to his feet, pushing him towards River, who stood up slowly, his body shaking either from rage or loss, it was hard to tell. As the man stumbled in front of him, River stared into his eyes, searching for any sign of remorse. There was none."Look at her!" River roared, pointing at Ellie's body. "Look at what you've done!"The man's eyes darted toward Ellie, then quickly away, but not before a flash of satisfaction flickered across his face.That was all River needed. He lunged forward, grabbing the man by the collar and connecting his fist with the man's jaw.The man groaned. Blood trickled down his nose, but the smirk on his face didn't change.River pulled back his fist and struck the man again. And then again."River! Stop!" Antonio intervened, pulling him back. "Not here."He paused, breathing heavily, his fist still raised. Slowly, the fire in his eyes dimmed as he looked over at Ellie again."You're right," River said hoarsely, turning away from his capti
Valerie was overcome by grief. Ellie was not just a sister-in-law to her. She was also her best friend. They had been friends since high school, she was River's first love and now...She was gone.Will River be okay? Valerie sobbed at her brother's loss. And the kids. Oh my god, they lost their mother!She had tucked Tiffany and Lucas into their beds. They were all cried out for the night, and exhaustion slowly took over them. And now, she was standing outside of their closed door, contemplating."Mi amore." Antonio's voice brought her back.She looked at him with her eyes full of tears. "What will happen to River and the kids? How will they cope?"Antonio stroked her cheek. "It will get easier with time. And we will be there for them."Valerie nodded. "I am sorry."Antonio lifted his brow. "For what?""I can't help but feel responsible for Ellie's death. She died because...because she tried to save me," she choked out.Antonio suddenly bent down and lifted Valerie into his arms, crad
Valerie stepped out into the crisp air and looked around the area. There was nothing but woods all around them.They decided to have their honeymoon by the lake, away from the city. Nothing fancy, nothing big, just simple peace and quiet. That's what Valerie needed.Antonio closed the door behind them. Valerie looked around the room, her eyes drinking in the simplicity of the rustic decor, the quilt-covered armchairs, and the braided rugs."Feels like we can breathe here," Antonio murmured.Valerie nodded, feeling the truth of his words settle around her heart. "Are you sure it's okay to leave the children behind?"It had been two weeks since the incident at the wedding. During those two weeks, Both Antonio and River had their men watch them like hawks. During that time, Valerie felt like a prisoner but she didn't want to risk going outside either."No one had attacked the house for the past weeks and we still have them guarded. They will be fine for two days, trust me," Antonio said.
River's heart pounded in his chest like a caged animal desperate for escape."I will punish him for you, Ellie," he whispered to himself, his breath a thin mist in the cold air. His mind was a whirlwind of memories - her laughter, her smile, her touch. But now, all that remained were the haunting echoes of their love, and the bitter taste of vengeance consuming him from within."Ellie," he said again, louder this time. "I will find justice for you. I swear it."The prisoner's silhouette was barely visible, chained to a chair in the farthest corner of the dimly lit basement. River could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he approached."Tell me," River began, his voice low but firm, "why did you attack Antonio?"The prisoner lifted his head slowly, revealing a face bruised from earlier interrogations. His eyes locked onto River's with a cold, unyielding defiance."None of your business," the man spat.River clenched his fists, feeling the anger building inside him. He took a deep
Valerie settled into her new routine at the mansion. It had been four months, and things had been quiet since their wedding night, and there had been no more problems.The mansion was still and serene, but there was a lingering sense of emptiness that Valerie couldn’t ignore. After a month of living with her, River sent Tiffany to a prestigious boarding school. The decision, though necessary, left a void in Valerie’s life. At least he was allowing Lucas to live with her since he was only five years old.She missed Tiffany’s presence. She was so much like her mother, Ellie. But Valerie understood that the school would be good for her. Tiffany needed to be far from where her mother was killed. She needed to heal.Antonio was devoted to her and Landon as always. He tried to do things to cheer her up, but Valerie still felt gloomy.“You alright, mi amore?” he asked as he watched her play with her scrambled eggs.“Yes,” she said quietly.“Are you lying to me?” he asked.Her eyes snapped up
Lucas found himself staring at Amy, feeling irrationally happy. The aftermath of their lovemaking left his muscles relaxed just like it did when they did this back in Sweden. But somehow, this time felt even better than that time.“Stop looking at me like I grew a second head,” Amy teased.The corner of his mouth quirked up in a half-smile. “Sorry. You look really pretty,” he said.“Pfft,” she scoffed, but Lucas could see that her cheeks were turning pink.He loved it when her cheeks turned pink like that.“Come on, Lucas,” Amy nudged him, her eyes twinkling. “Drive me home now. I have work in the morning.”“Let’s go,” he said, standing up.Amy chattered about random things on the way home, but Lucas only half-listened. A tightness coiled around his chest, an unfamiliar pressure attacking him.He didn’t want to take her back to her apartment yet. He missed her already.“I want to show you my Penthouse, Harpy. How about now?” he asked.Amy furrowed her brows. “What? Now? No way. I am d
This wasn’t fair.Amy thought as Lucas slowly, almost lazily, kissed her.This just was not fair.How was she supposed not to fall in love with him when he kissed her like that—like he had all the time in the world, and he simply didn’t care what he was doing to her?Amy’s fingers curled against his chest, torn between pulling him closer and pushing him away. She knew this was dangerous, knew it would only complicate things further, but when his lips moved against hers with that maddening patience, every rational thought vanished.Lucas made a low sound in the back of his throat, his hand sliding up her spine, his touch warm and steady. He wasn’t in a hurry, wasn’t rushing to take more. He was simply enjoying this, enjoying her.It wasn’t fair.Because the way he kissed her made her believe that she could have him all to herself.Amy knew better. She really did!Lucas wasn’t hers. He never had been, and he probably never would be. But in a moment like this, when his fingers traced her
Lucas lay beside Amy, his hands folded behind his head as he gazed up at the stars projected above them. The soft hum of the planetarium filled the air, but all he could focus on was the quiet rhythm of Amy’s breathing beside him.He felt at peace. No expectations and no responsibilities here. Just him and his Harpy.He turned his head slightly, glancing at her. She looked mesmerized by the stars, her eyes reflecting the soft light of the projection. Her lips were slightly parted as if she were drinking at the moment, and Lucas felt something tighten in his chest.“I think this is the calmest I’ve ever seen you,” he murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips.Amy turned her head to look at him, an amused glint in her eyes. “Are you trying to tell me again I talk too much?”Lucas chuckled. “Oh, absolutely.”Amy laughed softly, shaking her head. “I guess I do talk too much. I am sorry if it bothers you. I can’t help it sometimes. I promise I will try to be more quiet.”Lucas frowned sl
The lunch rush has started.Amy zipped between the tables of the crowded diner, a tray balanced effortlessly on one hand.She delivered a steaming plate of meatloaf to Mr. Henderson, the retired schoolteacher who always insisted on extra gravy.“Guh. I need this today. Kids in my class are complete brats,” he complained.“Remember, Mr. H., it’s the digital age,” Amy quipped. “These kids can probably program your TV better than you can.” She laughed as he snorted into his coffee cup, waving a dismissive hand at her while hiding a grin behind his bushy mustache.“Ah, what do they know?” he grumbled.The bell above the diner door jingled.More customers, Amy thought. She was hoping today was a slow day, and she could go home early, but it didn’t seem like it was happening.“Look who decided to grace us with his presence,” Joanne murmured nearby, her voice low and teasing.Amy followed Joanne’s nod toward the entrance, where Lucas stood.Amy froze.“You go, Amy. You must’ve charmed his so
They all ate in silence. When they were done, Ben suggested that everyone go to the porch for some fresh air.Once they were out, the crisp evening air wrapped around them. Amy wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep warm, but Lucas noticed the slight shiver that ran through her.Without hesitation, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Before she could protest, he pulled her closer against his side, his arm wrapping securely around her.Amy blinked up at him, surprised. “What are you—”“You are cold,” he said simply, his voice firm but gentle.Over Amy’s shoulder, he caught Alicia watching them.She stood near the porch railing, her expression grim.Lucas wondered if this whole plan was already a success, and Alicia was jealous.Lucas held her gaze for a beat, then smirked, tightening his arm around Amy just a little more.Alicia looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line.Amy hissed near his ear. “What are you doing, Lucas?”“Keeping you warm,” he
Lucas immediately spotted Alicia as soon as he entered the dining room.As soon as her gaze met his, her mouth hung open, and her eyes turned wide.Lucas grinned. This was the exact reaction he was hoping for. “Hello, Alicia,” he said in a smooth voice.“You two know each other?” Amy’s mother asked.“I went to college with him,” Alicia said, her voice tight.“YOU DID! NO WAY!” Amy exclaimed in a high-pitched, exaggerated voice, and Lucas could barely contain his laughter.Someone give this girl an award for the worst acting performance.Alicia shot Amy a look. “Yes, I did,” she said, regaining some composure.Amy gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. “Oh my god, were you two, like… a thing? This is so awkward.”Lucas snorted while Alicia visibly clenched her jaw.“No,” Alicia said sharply. We were just acquaintances, that’s all.”“Oh, thank goodness. Because this would’ve been so weird if my date was your boyfriend or something,” Amy said in a conspiratory tone.Alicia w
Saturday night came too fast for Amy.She wasn’t prepared. Not mentally, anyway.She was anxious about seeing Lucas again and doubly stressed about spending time with her mother and her new family. Every time she was in their presence, her mom found a way to make her look bad.She stood in front of her mirror, smoothing down her sundress, debating whether she should change for the third time.Her mother was always so critical about how she dressed and how she looked. What if she thought Amy was overdressed? Or underdressed?A knock at her door made her jump. She took a deep breath and opened it to find Lucas leaning against the door frame, looking effortlessly handsome in a fitted jacket and dark jeans.“Ready to go?” he asked, flashing that boyish grin that made her stomach flip.“You are here too early,” she said, forcing herself to sound casual.Lucas raised an eyebrow. “I am?”He glanced at his watch, then back at her with an amused smirk. “Pretty sure I’m right on time.”Amy huff
Lucas took a bite of the cheeseburger and grinned. “Not too bad. Definitely better than what I expected from a diner.”“It’s no fancy food you are used to, that’s for sure,” Amy said.“What’s your favorite item on the menu?” Lucas asked.Amy’s eyes brightened. “The apple pie!”“Oh really?” he raised an eyebrow. “I am more of a peach cobbler kind of guy.”“With Vanilla ice cream?” Amy inquired.Lucas chuckled. “Is there any other way to eat it?”Amy leaned towards him, her tone conspiratory. “By the way. Did you have something to do with the whole…sick grandma situation?”Lucas paused, his burger halfway to his mouth, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Maybe,” he said, setting the burger down and leaning back in his seat, his eyes glinting with amusement.“How did you do that? You sound nothing like me,” Amy joked.“I called in a favor. My younger sister, Sky, called your boss and pretended to be you,” he said. “She loves acting, so I figured, why not give her something she would enjoy?”“N
“Amy, you are back! I am so sorry about your grandma,” Joanne exclaimed, giving Amy a big hug.Amy blinked. “My grandma?”Joanne released her from her embrace and looked at her, her eyes full of sympathy. “Brian told me you called and told him you needed a week off to visit your sick grandma in Tennessee.”“I did?” Amy asked but then quickly recovered. “Ah, yes. I did. Poor granny,” she said, thinking about both of her grandmas, who had been dead for years now.Joanne patted Amy’s arm. “You did a good thing by going to her. Family comes first.”Amy forced a tight smile. “Thanks, Joanne. She will be fine. Where is Brian?”Joanne glanced toward the back office. “He’s in the back office.” Joanne gave her another sympathetic smile. Amy swallowed down the guilt bubbling up inside her. “Yeah… thanks, Joanne.”Amy made her way toward Brian’s office. So she wasn’t fired because someone called Brian and made up the fake grandma story.She lightly knocked on his door.“Come in,” Brian called o