Just as Victor was about to squeeze the trigger of the gun, a hand stretched out from behind and encircled his neck, choking it hard. Victor's widened eyes widened in surprise as he was spun backward while a gun fell from his hands.Arthur's face set in a fierce scowl, even as he held Victor in a tight headlock. "You are not going to harm anybody ever again, Victor," he growled, his arm tightening around Victor's neck.In the meantime, Dominic took advantage of the moment to seize Valarie in his arms and check her for any more accidents. "Valarie, are you all right? Did he hurt you anywhere else?" he asked, his words soon less heavy, to make it sound urgent.Dominic held her, stared spoken out around his eyes at her half-naked body, and anger darkened his face. Instantly, he shrugged off his coat and wrapped it over her shoulders to pull tightly around the expanse of visible skin."Here, wear this," he said, softer in voice as he addressed her. "You're safe now. I've got you."But Vala
Arthur and Max hoisted Victor out of the punching bag, of course, in a limpid and battered condition. He fell limp to the ground, eyes unfocused and breathing infrequent. But for whatever condition this man was alive, Dominic's fury was in fact increased by seeing him.Dominic defended himself by seizing Victor's collar and punching him in an outburst of fury. "How dare you touch her!" bounced on the walls of the basement as he went on inflicting blows on Victor. "How dare you touch my wife with your filthy hands!"Victor cried for mercy, but it wasn't audible enough for Dominic to even notice, as he rained punch after punch from his raging fists on Victor's head that caused it to snap from side to side, resulting in his face getting bloodied.In a short while, he lifted Victor up, holding him by the collar, and said, "You are to pay for your deeds," and snarled furiously at him, with fire raging in his eyes. "You will surely pay dearly."He smiled viciously, then crashed Victor's head
Victor was shattered and battered to such an extent that his eyes were sunken in his pale skin; barely alive, the breaths he fought were shallow. Dominic stood over him with cold, merciless eyes."Don't kill him, Dominic ordered coldly, without emotion. "I want him to suffer, feel the same pain and agony as his father. A slow, painful death would be what he deserves."He turned and walked away, leaving Victor in his misery. Darkness enveloped the room in silence, and only Victor's quiet, dying pleas for mercy could be heard through the air."Please...kill me..." Victor pleaded, his voice nearly inaudible; "Please...end this..."Only to have his pleas fall on deaf ears. Silence continued to fill the room as darkness descended upon him like a shroud. Alone. Alone with his pain-infested body and with an overbehaving mind brimming with agony threatening to drive him mad.The hours took their time as though they were an eternity in themselves for Victor. A nightmare enforced that truly besm
It was not too much of a knock, but Valarie didn't get to flinch at all. She was so much into her thinking and within that turmoil that was brewing inside her. The night was cold and windy, air thrashing her hair all about and looking outside into the darkness.Dominic opened the door and entered the room, his searching eyes wandering across the room until they rested on a figure on the balcony. All his heart cried out as he gazed upon her. He had thought he was never going to see her again, but seeing her in that moonlight behind him seemed to be the most refreshing breath of air. The room, the mansion, everything was now alive in the absence of her presence.Dominic was slow and steady in his steps walking towards her. He surrounded her waist with those arms of his, pulling her closer to himself and putting his lips on her shoulder. But Valarie felt no shadow of a reaction. Instead, she repulsed away, leaving a distance between them.Dominic narrowed his brown eyes and held them on h
The opulence of the Lombardi mansion's rooftop overwhelms Carter and Arthur as the city lights glint beneath them as though arranged on an expansive canvas of diamonds. The cool night air brings the lush fragrance of flowering plants from the gardens below, while the sound of faint music wafts from the ballroom, contrasting with the heavy feelings weighing on their minds.Carter, noticing Arthur's changed attitude, turned to the guy and asked, "Hey man, what is going on? You've been so quiet all night. What's bothering you?".Arthur sighed, his gaze at the remarkable panorama. "It's Valarie," he regretted. "She's changed, man, not the girl she used to be—wears a cold and aloof air...she's hating everyone right now."Carter's expression turned sympathetic and placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder. "It's not you, dude," he said, softening his tone. "Heck, we're all stuck in this spy web of loyalty and duty. We tend to do things believing it's the better option, but unfortunately, that somet
Dominic closed the balcony door, shutting out the biting wind and the darkness of the night. He stood before Valarie, his eyes locked on hers, but she refused to meet his gaze. Her eyes were fixed on some point beyond his shoulder, her expression a mask of indifference."Well, what is madness, Valarie?" Dominic asked, in a low, urgent whisper to the other. "Why hurt yourself? Then punish me if you want to. But stop all this nonsense. A little bit more of this and you'll land up sick, standing in the cold and refusing to eat."Then, a maid walked in, formerly with another food tray, her eyes darting between Dominic and Valarie. Dominic collected the tray from her and walked towards Valarie while his eyes pleaded with her to eat something.But Valarie was quick and savage, shoving his hand away and sending the food tray crashing to the floor again. The maid's eyes widened with horror as she retreated a bit, hands flying to her mouth."I told you already, I don't want to eat!" Valarie sho
Dominic walked into the room, soft light from the moon cascading over Valarie's still shape. It seemed unceremonious to walk into a room and find someone sleeping in the early hours, so he crept closer to her. When he was closer, he saw that the blanket had slipped off and that exposed her to the night air. She was shivering in her sleep, her body trembling with each gentle breath.Dominic instinctively reached out and gently pulled the blanket back up, covering her properly; the view of her face was irresistible as he continued. He gazed at her, taking in all the gentle curves of her face, the softness of her skin. She looked so peaceful, so vulnerable, that it caused a pang of tenderness in Dominic's chest.But before he realized what had happened, he was lying beside her, pulling her into his arms to share his warmth. He wrapped his body around hers to hold her close as he felt her shivering subside. While holding her, he had that feeling of calmness wash over him, that sense of pea
Kael settled next to the small girl, but she flinched, wide-eyed with fear at his proximity. A pang of sympathy swelled in Kael's heart, knowing he needed to approach the little girl with utmost slowness and caution as she trusted."Hey there, little one," he whispered gently to her; his voice was calm and soothing. "My name is Kael. What's yours?"The little girl was now staring at him, her eyes darting back and forth as if she was looking for a way to escape. Kael did not move, did not try to touch her. He just sat there, his eyes locked on hers, his expression calm and kind."I'm not going to hurt you," he promised, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want to be your friend. I want to help you and take care of you."Luke faltered over the little girl, and for an instant, he believed he saw the spark of hope. He leaned forward, elbows resting upon his knees, hands clasped."Please, little one," he said, his voice full of sincerity. "Tell me your name. Let me be your friend."The lit
It had been a month since Valarie left Dominic, and the man had been a shadow of his former self. He spent most of his days locked away in his office, staring blankly at the walls as the weight of his mistakes crushed him.He couldn't shake the feeling that he had lost everything that truly mattered to him. Rose, the woman he had loved and lost, and now Valarie, the woman who had loved him despite his flaws. He had hurt them both, and now he was paying the price.Dominic's thoughts were a jumble of regret and self-loathing as he sat behind his desk, his eyes fixed on some point in front of him. He knew that he had made wrong decision after wrong decision, and that those mistakes had led him down a path of destruction.Just as he was starting to think that things couldn't get any worse, the door to his office opened and a man walked in. He was tall and imposing, with a stern expression on his face."I am Julian St. Clair," the man said, his voice firm and authoritative. "I am Valarie's
Valerie burst into the room, her voice ringing out as she shouted, "STOP IT!!!" Dominic's head snapped towards her, his eyes narrowing in anger."What the fuck are you doing here?" he growled, taking a step towards her.But Valerie didn't listen. She ran towards Arthur, her eyes fixed on his battered face. She reached out and gently touched his cheek, her gaze flicking up to Max, who looked down, shamefaced.Valerie turned back to Dominic, her voice trembling with rage. "What is your problem, Dominic? How can you be so cruel? I thought you had changed, but I was wrong."Dominic's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "I said worrying about other men is not your concern," he snarled. "I will kill him."Valerie's eyes blazed with defiance. "Kill, kill everyone, kill me too. What else can you do? What do you know other than killing people? I hate myself for loving you, Dominic."Dominic's face went white with rage. "What did you say?" he spat. "I promised you that I would not hurt
Just as Dominic was about to continue his brutal beating of Arthur, Carter finally spoke up, his voice trembling with fear. "Dominic, please... you need to know the truth."Dominic's eyes narrowed, his grip on Arthur's hair tightening. "What truth?" he spat.Carter took a deep breath before continuing. "Arthur and Valerie... they've known each other since childhood. They love each other, Dominic. Arthur has always loved her, but he never said anything because... because you married her."Dominic's face turned beet red with rage as he processed Carter's words. His eyes blazed with fury as he stood over Arthur, who was lying on the ground, beaten and bruised by Dominic's guards."You knew her before, and you never told me," Dominic spat, his voice venomous. "She loved you, and I made you her bodyguard. Tell me the truth: Did you two ever do anything behind my back?"Arthur winced in pain as he struggled to speak. "You are misunderstanding me; I am loyal to you," he protested. "It is not
Dominic's voice was calm, but it sent a shiver down Arthur's spine. "Arthur!" he called out, his eyes never leaving the pair.Valarie's grip on Arthur's arm tightened, but Dominic's next words had her releasing him. "Separate them," he instructed, his voice still calm.Valarie's eyes widened in fear as Dominic's guards moved to take Arthur away. She looked up at Dominic, her eyes searching for any sign of mercy. But Dominic's expression was calm, and a calm Dominic was more dangerous than an angry one."D...Dominic," Valarie stuttered, trying to appeal to whatever humanity was left in him.Dominic took a step closer to her, his eyes never leaving hers. "Calm down. I promised you I wouldn't hurt you, and I'm a man of my word, so don't be afraid," he said, his voice low and soothing.But Valarie knew better than to trust him. She watched in horror as Dominic signaled to his guards, and they dragged Arthur away."What are you going to do with him?" Valarie asked, her voice shaking with fe
Arthur stood outside Valarie's room, his heart racing with anticipation. It had taken him weeks to come to this decision, to gather the courage to take this step. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and then slowly raised his hand to knock on the door."Come in," Valarie's voice called out from inside.Arthur's hand trembled slightly as he turned the handle and pushed open the door. He stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Valarie. She looked up at him, a hint of surprise flickering across her face.Arthur's gaze dropped, his eyes fixed on the floor as he struggled to find the words he wanted to say. Valarie's voice cut through the silence, her tone firm but with a hint of sadness."What do you want, Arthur?" she asked.Arthur's eyes slowly rose, meeting Valarie's gaze. He took a deep breath, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want to say something to you," he said.Valarie's expression softened slightly, but her voice remained firm. "There's nothing t
Dominic led Lily to the backyard, where a beautiful treehouse sat perched on a sturdy branch. Lily's eyes widened with excitement as she gazed up at the treehouse."Wow, Dominic! You built this for me?" She asked, her voice trembling with delight.Dominic smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "I did, sweetheart. I wanted to make sure you had a special place all your own."Lily squealed with excitement, racing towards the treehouse with Dominic following close behind. As they climbed up into the treehouse, Lily's eyes grew wide with wonder. The treehouse was filled with all sorts of toys and games, and Lily couldn't wait to explore.But as she made her way deeper into the treehouse, Lily's expression turned serious. She looked around the cozy space, her eyes shining with a mix of sadness and determination."Can I put a picture of my mom here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "This house will be hers, too."Dominic's heart went out to the little girl. He sat down on the floor
They kissed, and Dominic's hands roamed over Valarie's body, his fingers tracing the curves of her waist and hips. Valarie's hands slid up his chest, her fingers tangling in the hair at the nape of his neck.The kiss deepened, their lips moving in perfect sync. Dominic's tongue swept into Valarie's mouth, sending shivers down her spine. She felt herself melting into his arms, her body surrendering to the passion that threatened to consume her.Dominic's arms wrapped around Valarie, pulling her close as he lifted her off the ground. She felt weightless, suspended in midair as Dominic's lips devoured hers.As they broke apart for air, Dominic's eyes locked onto Valarie's. He saw the love and adoration shining in her eyes, and his heart swelled with emotion.Without a word, Dominic swept Valarie into his arms, carrying her towards the bed. Valarie's arms wrapped around his neck, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered his name.Dominic's heart pounded in his chest as he laid Va
Valerie's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to Dominic's past. She couldn't imagine the pain and betrayal he had endured. John, who had been standing quietly by, finally spoke up."People aren't born heartless; they become that way for a reason," he said, his voice low and contemplative. He glanced away, his eyes clouding over. "Dominic is really sorry for what he did. He regrets it every day."Valerie's gaze snapped back to John, her eyes searching for answers. John continued, his voice filled with a deep understanding."When you first miscarried, Dominic didn't show his emotions, but he broke down in private. He's a master at hiding his pain, but it's there, simmering just below the surface. And the second time you both lost a child...his pain was triggered, and he couldn't tolerate it."John's eyes locked onto Valerie's, his expression somber. "I know he made mistakes. He should have understood you and been there for you. But he's regretting it now. Don't you think he's suff
Rose's voice trembled as she spoke, "Dominic, please..."But Dominic's eyes were ablaze with anger, his face twisted in a scowl. "Are you scared?" he growled, his voice low and menacing.Rose took a step back, her eyes wide with fear. "Dominic, I'm sorry," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.But Dominic was beyond consolation. "You betrayed me," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. "Twice. You think a simple apology will suffice?"Rose shook her head, her eyes pleading for forgiveness. "I know I made a mistake, but please, give me a chance to explain..."Dominic's laughter was cold and mirthless. "Explain? You think you can explain away the fact that you aborted my child?"Rose's eyes widened in horror as Dominic's face darkened with rage. "You thought I'd never know, didn't you?" He shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.Rose flinched, her eyes welling up with tears. "Dominic, please..."But Dominic was beyond reason. "Shut up!" he bellowed, his hand raised as if to st