Anne approached me after I had gotten into the restaurant. She had a worried look on her face."You're late, Ivory. Are you okay?" I quickly gave her a nod, not wanting her to see the gloomy look on my face."Yeah, I was stuck in traffic. Just get back to work, I'll be fine." She smiled before she left to attend to a man who just walked into the restaurant.I swiftly turned towards Mr Sebastian's office. He had actually called me yesterday to check up on me and to inform to be in his office first thing in the morning.My heart thumped in my chest as I stood in front of his office, contemplating if I should go in or not. Taking in a deep breath, I gently knocked on the door."Come in". I heard Mr Sebastian's voice from the other side of the door. I breathed in again and muttered a little prayer before turning the door knob and stepping into the office.I shut the door behind me and turned to approach his table when I halted on my steps. My heart started thumping rapidly at the sight of
The car stopped in front of a fancy hotel which exudes luxury and opulence, with exquisite decor and upscale amenities. The driver immediately got down from the car and came to my side to open the door for me. I came down from the car and cast a quick and curious glance around briefly before being guided inside. "Good evening, sir," I greeted the CEO after I had sat down. He simply replied with a smile. I subconsciously looked around the vicinity and noticed we were the only ones here excluding the man who brought me here. He just stood stoically at the door, and looking at how ravishing this place is, I'm guessing it's a VIP section.I slowly breathed in and out and looked back at the CEO who was intently staring at me like he could see through me. He still had this sophisticated and powerful aura around him."What's your full name?" I jolted back to reality at his question."Ivory...Ivory Addams," I answered while consciously rubbing the back of my neck."How old are you?" he que
As I slowly opened my eyes and blinked away the sleep, I noticed that my vision was slightly blurry. However, amidst the haze, I was able to make out the sight of a chandelier hanging gracefully from the ceiling.Confusion washed over me as I questioned when Ava had installed such an elegant fixture in my room. A fleeting thought crossed my mind - could this be a figment of my imagination?I slowly rubbed my eyes as I felt the weight of my throbbing head. My eyes feverishly darted around the unfamiliar room, scanning it's every corner, only to be met with an overwhelming sense of panicking.This isn't my room. My heart rate skyrocketed as the realization hit me like a ton of bricks – my boss has kidnapped me. The memory flashed back vividly, the sharp smell of a cloth being pressed against my face, forcefully cutting off my supply of fresh air.Suddenly, driven by a sudden surge of urgency, I abruptly jumped out of the bed without giving it a second thought. However, within seconds, I
Thud! Thud! Thud!I could hear the sound of my own heartbeat resonating in my ears as I slowly regained consciousness. The familiar surroundings of my room came into focus and I immediately sat up but regretted it afterwards as a pang of headache permeated my skull, causing me to instinctively squeeze my eyes shut.Gently, I lifted my eyelids as I cast my gaze around my familiar room once more.How did I get here?I could remember I was still at that scary room before everything blacked out.Did they conduct an experiment on me??The words of the doctor echoed in my ears, leaving me in a state of bewilderment and curiosity. Why on earth would they mention something concerning my blood? Questions raced through my thoughts, each one seeking answers and clarity.I quickly looked up when the door opened but heaved out a sigh in relief afterwards when Ava came in with a steaming cup of coffee."Oh...my, Ivory. I was so worried about you", she said as she dropped the cup of coffee on the ta
I stood frozen in place as I stared at the scene in front of me with shock and horror.Oh my God! How did this happen?I could not tear my eyes away from the brightly burning flames in front of me, flickering and growing with unstoppable force. Panic surged through me, causing me to search desperately for someone amidst the chaotic scene. A wave of relief washed over me as Ava finally came into my line of sight.She was being held down by some people so she wouldn't probably run into the fire as she was struggling to free herself from their grip on her.With tears flooded eyes, I slowly glanced back at the fire that was still burning Ava's bakery. Her only empire. This was her only source of income and she has put in so much blood and sweat just for the growth and success of her bakery.I immediately rushed towards her and engulfed her in a tight hug. She kept crying profusely and I couldn't help the little sob that left my throat as streams after streams of tears kept running down my
I got into the restaurant forty five minutes later and was greeted by a cheerful Anne. She approached me and gave me a hug, questioning me on why I was coming by this time."Actually, I didn't come to work today, Anne. I was given the day off," I told her."Oh, did something happen?" She questioned in a concerned tone."Well, I had a case of a fire outbreak," I said not wanting to tell her the real reason why I was given the day off. She suddenly gasped and covered her mouth. "Hope there aren't much damages?" I shook my head negatively at her and she nodded slowly, her expression still masked with concern."I'll just see Mr Sebastian in his office," I said, adjusting my hand bag that wanted to fall off my shoulders."Okay, though our boss's boss is here too. I wonder why his son didn't come with him too. Oh, what I'd do to see his angelic face again." She sighed dreamingly and I shook my head at her. She must really have a deep crush on Mr Marco's son."I'll just head to Mr Sebastia
I'm sorry...I was...uhh..where...What were you saying?" I internally smacked myself. Why am I a jumbled mess? I inhaled and exhaled deeply to calm down my erratically beating heart.And wait...Angel? Did I hear him call me Angel? Doesn't he know my name?"So let's cut to the chase, you know why you're here. We're getting married," he said looking intently at me, making me lower my gaze to the table.I breathed out while fanning my face. Why is it suddenly hot in here? I clutched at the fabric of my dress nervously and pressed my lips into a thin line.He is oozing out the same aura I felt from his father. Why do they have this aura around them? Is it like a father and son thing? And it turned out that Alexander's aura is more powerful than his fathers'. It makes you feel safe and at the same time makes you want to stay away from him."My eyes are up here, Angel". I slowly dragged my eyes up to look at him. His brows creased up as his handsome face formed a little frown."Iv...Ivory."
I slumped tiredly on my bed with a heavy sigh as soon as I got home. Ava immediately came in with a glass of water and handed it to me.I took a large gulp before handing the empty glass to her. She gently dropped the glass on my bedside table before sitting beside me."How'd it go? You look sooo...I don't even know the right words to use." She gestured, tucking some strands of her auburn hair behind her ear.I huffed out annoyingly and glared at her."What's with the glare?" She asked, pretending to act oblivious. "You're actually keeping me in suspense here, Ivory. Please, tell me." She pouted and I rolled my eyes making her chuckle."I got the money and nothing," I said flatly."Oh, c'mon baby...that can't be all. Did you meet your supposed husband?" She asked me wiggling her eyebrows with a sly smile on her face."Don't be like this, Ava. Okay, fine. I did meet my supposed husband but he had to be an arrogant asshole. I can't believe I'll have to spend a year with someone as arro
FIVE MONTHS LATER I clutched Alexander's hand, my nails digging deep into his skin as a contraction ripped through my body like a wave crashing on the shore. "It's time," I panted, my eyes locked onto his, my voice barely above a whisper. Alexander's face was etched with concern, but he smiled reassuringly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We're almost there, my love. Just a few more minutes." He stroked my hair, his touch gentle and soothing. But I knew it was more than that. The pain was intensifying, like a fire burning brighter with each passing moment. I could feel the baby's head crowning, the pressure building. Suddenly, Theresa burst into the room, her face set with urgency. "It's time to go! We need to get her to the hospital, now!" she exclaimed, her voice firm but laced with worry. The next few minutes were a blur as Alexander scooped me up and rushed me to the car, Clark and Mr. Sebastian following close behind, their faces set with concern. Samantha and Mr. Marco b
As the black SUV came to a stop in front of Alexander's mansion, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Alexander got down and rounded the car to open the door for me, his eyes locked onto mine with a warm smile. I took his hand, and he helped me out of the car, his touch sending shivers down my spine.As I stepped out, I saw Theresa standing outside the patio with Mr. Sebastian, her tears-filled eyes fixed on me with a mixture of happiness and sadness. Samantha stood by the side with Mr. Marco, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Alexander's grandfather, stood with them, his eyes piercing as he gazed at me with a small smile on his lips.Alexander's hand tightened around mine as he led me towards them. Theresa immediately rushed towards me and engulfed me in a tight hug. Sobs racking through her body. My own eyes immediately clouded with tears as I hugged her back, feeling a deep sense of connection and love. I could feel her heart racing with excitement, her breath coming in s
IVORY'S POV It's been two days since I saw Ezekiel at the diner. And surprisingly, I haven't seen anything unusual. I had thought that they would've stormed here already, and I've been holding on to that small hope that Ezekiel was considerate enough not to tell Alexander my location. I've been living in this small, shabby apartment for months now, trying to lay low and avoid detection. It's been a lonely existence, but a necessary one. I've missed Alexander, missed him more than I thought possible. I never stopped loving him, but I couldn't go back to him, not to his world. It was too dangerous, too suffocating. As I looked around my apartment, I felt a pang of sadness. It was small and empty, except for the bed, a table, and a few other sparse furnishings. Joe had given it to me, and I was grateful for his kindness. At least I had a roof over my head, a place to call my own. But it was a far cry from the life I had left behind. I missed the luxury, the comfort, the sense of secur
ALEXANDER'S POVI sat in my dimly lit study, gazing out the window, surrounded by the shadows of my own despair. It had been four months since Ivory left, and I was no closer to finding her. Every lead, every hint, every rumor had turned out to be a dead end. I was starting to lose my grip on reality, my mind consumed by thoughts of her, of where she might be, of whether she was safe.I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. I couldn't focus on anything except finding her. My business was suffering, my relationships were suffering, my very sanity was suffering. And yet, I couldn't stop. I couldn't rest until I found her.Because I loved her. I loved her more than life itself. I loved her more than I ever thought possible. She was my everything, my reason for being. And without her, I was nothing.And then, the news had come. She was pregnant. My baby was growing inside her, and I wasn't there to see it, to feel it, to be a part of it. The thought was almost too much to bear.I remembered the d
FOUR MONTHS LATER...I stood at the edge of the small town, my eyes fixed on the horizon. I had been on the move for months, never staying in one place for too long. I had to keep running, had to keep hiding. I couldn't let them find me.I had been living off the grid, using cash and fake IDs to survive. I had cut my hair short and dyed it brown, trying to blend in with the crowd. I had lost weight, my eyes sunken from lack of sleep.But despite the hardships, I felt free. I felt alive.I thought back to the night I escaped, the rain pounding against my face as I ran. I had never felt so alive, so exhilarated.I had made my way to Ravenwood, a small, quaint town nestled in the heart of Oregon, where I had managed to find a work as a waitress at a local diner. I kept to myself, never making friends or connections. I couldn't afford to get close to anyone.But as the months passed, I started to feel a sense of belonging. I started to feel like I could finally start over.I walked into t
As I watched Alexander leave my room, I roughly brushed away the tears that were streaming down my face, my hands shaking with anger and hurt. Damn him for reducing me to this state, for making me feel so vulnerable and weak. Damn him for making me love him so deeply, so completely, only to shatter my heart into a million pieces. Damn my body for always reacting to every of his touch. And, damn my heart for still loving him after his lies and betrayal. I slowly walked to the door and slammed it shut, hardly. But, just as I was about to turn, another knock sounded on the door. Angrily I opened it, ready to bark at Alexander for not wanting to leave me alone. "What part of get out don't you under..." My words hung in my throat, when my eyes met with Theresa's. Her face was glistening with tears, her eyes swollen and puffy. A look of hurt, guilt and sadness was etched on her beautiful face. My heart almost almost melted at her pitiful sight and I wanted nothing more than to go int
Laughter echoed in my mind, a cold, mirthless sound. I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't understand, used by everyone around me. My legs trembled beneath me as I reached the top of the stairs, my hand grasping for the door handle to my room.I flung the door open and stumbled inside, slamming it shut behind me. I leaned against the door, my heart racing, my mind spinning. I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare, with no escape.I slid down the door, my legs giving out beneath me. I buried my face in my hands, tears streaming down my face. I felt so alone, so lost. My hands wrapped around my stomach protectively, as if to protect the life growing inside me from the unknown danger surrounding me. A soft knock on the door broke the silence. "Angel, please let me in," Alexander's voice whispered through the door.I shook my head, even though he couldn't see me. "Go away," I whispered back.The knocking stopped, but I knew he wouldn't give up. He would keep trying to reach me, to expla
IVORY'S POVI stood frozen at the foot of the stairs, my eyes fixed on the scene before me as five pairs of eyes locked onto me, their gazes piercing and intense. Alexander's words hung in the air, a confession of secrets and lies that threatened to upend my entire world. My mind reeled, struggling to process the words he had just dropped, as if trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.My head spun, a dizzying sensation washing over me like a wave, leaving me breathless and disoriented. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, the wind knocked out of me, leaving me gasping for air. My legs trembled beneath me, and I reached out for the stair railings, grasping for support as the room seemed to tilt around me.Alexander immediately took a step towards me, his eyes filled with concern, but I stopped him with a raised finger, my hand shaking with a mix of anger and fear. I shook my head at him, a silent warning to stay back, to give me space to process the chaos that was erupting in
ALEXANDER'S POVI paced back and forth in my dimly lit study, my mind consumed by the events of the past few days. If only I had arrived sooner, maybe Ava would still be alive. Maybe Ivory wouldn't be lying on a bed, her heart broken and her spirit shattered.Three days ago, our mission to rescue Ivory and Ava from the clutches of Russo and his brother had gone catastrophically wrong. We were racing against time to reach the docks where they were being held hostage, but fate had other plans. Russo's men ambushed us, and we found ourselves entangled in a fierce battle that seemed to have no end. Wave after wave of his henchmen attacked us, each one more relentless than the last. We fought valiantly, but the sheer number of opponents slowed us down, and precious minutes ticked by.As the fight dragged on for over two hours, my anxiety grew. Every second counted, and I knew that Ivory and Ava were running out of time. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we emerged victorious, bu