Lucy’s POV"No, no, no! Oh, I beg of you... please..."He cracked a wicked grin and said, "This is not enough for what Arman did to my brother!" Then he pressed the hot iron against my wrist and I screamed in pain.Then I kicked him out of the way and rolled around on the floor while still being tied and sitting in the wooden chair. I moved around so much that he kicked me several times, and the pain made it so bad I thought I couldn't breathe. He pulled my hair and untied my rope. Then he hit me in the face with a hard blow and said, "You don't know much about the man you love. What he did to my brother was much worse! Besides killing him, he abused him in a cruel and heartless way!" He threw me to the ground, took out a knife, and cut my upper back. I sent out a piercing scream, pleading for mercy, expressing my anguish, and praying for someone to save me.This is hell. “P—Please…” “Oh, you’re so pathetic, Lucy. Where’s your hero now? He can’t even find you—” I was startled
Lucy’s POVHe kept waiting for me night after night in the dark, clearly eager to see me. Unfortunately, my stubbornness got the best of me, and I still refuse to let him in or see him just yet. I've been home from the hospital for a week now, but Arman was still desperate to win back my trust and love.As for me, I'm just standing here at my window and looking at him without any guilt. He didn't give up. Every day, he was there waiting for me to bring him inside. I shut the window and let out a soft sigh. Then Cecille asked, "Miss Lucy, are you okay?" "Yeah, I'm fine." I replied with a half-smile. Another day later, I observed his black vehicle parked outside my house. "Yes, there is a car in front of my gate," I told the cops. "Please do everything you can to ask him not to park his car in front of my gate. Thanks." After calling the police, I went to the kitchen to drink a glass of milk. Cecille told me, "Miss Lucy, you have some fruits and vegetables in the fridge. Do
Lucy’s POV"Did I not say I wouldn't give up on you? I want to court you until you say yes to me and forgive me." I was frozen in my stare, unsure of how to respond. Because he was so stubborn, I closed my eyes and massaged my temple.I also find him very annoying! "Would you like me to call the police?" I took out my phone and was about to call 911. He then took a step back and said, "No, I didn't come here to bother you. Actually, I'm your VIP customer. My hotel needs all of the fresh flowers delivered tomorrow because of a big event. Are you sure you can make it tomorrow?" "Ha-ha, you're funny," I told him as I put down my phone. "Actually, Arman, my secretary will talk to you because I don't have time for your nonsense." I continued on my way, but he remained close behind. I paused and turned to face him; I nearly slammed into his chest, but thankfully, he halted. I took another step back, looked up, and asked, "Why are you following me?" He hesitated and said, "I really
Arman’s POVDespite my efforts to hold her, she struggled to stand up straight and said, "I—I'm okay." She tried to move away from me as if being so close to me made her feel bad. But at that very second, she tripped and blacked out in front of me."Lucy!" I shook her gently and caught her fragile body. Then her driver came up to us and said, "Sir, let's take her to the hospital."I nodded and picked her up to put her in the back seat. I held her head in my lap and stared at her blankly.When it came to her, all I could think about was keeping her safe and making sure she'd be okay no matter what.When we got to the hospital, my phone rang, but I didn't answer it because I was watching my wife be taken inside.The doctor said, "Wait here, Mr. Romano." “Of course.” I said calmly. And the next time my phone rang, I irritatedly answered it and exclaimed, "What?!""You couldn't yell at your mom!"Hearing my mom's words made me feel better right away. "Sorry, I thought it was someone e
Arman’s POV"Is that the fifth time I've told you to stay away from her?! I am your boss, so you have to do what I say regardless of how you feel about it! I showed Edward the finger because he looked like he would never follow my orders. "From what I understand, you don't have the right to tell me what to do!" Edward said with a soft sneer. I grabbed his collar and pushed him against the wall, saying, "She's mine!" "REALLY?! DO YOU THINK SHE'LL CHOOSE YOU AGAIN AND AGAIN?! LOOK AT YOU NOW; YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE THE GUTS TO STAY CLOSE TO HER!" he growled back. "Shut up!" He coughed and groaned in pain in the corner as I kicked him in the gut. I was going to hurt him no matter what, but my dad stopped me and said, "Arman, that's enough!" "No, I'm not done yet," I told my dad as I looked at him. "I will not rest till I have eliminated this jackass!" "That's against the rules!" It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your team! How could you be so crazy and wild for just
Lucy’s POVJane forcefully shoved me aside and glared at me as if she truly wanted me dead. She then fixed her hair and asked, "Why would I be afraid of someone like you? You should stay where you are because you are a loser. Otherwise, if you cross that line, I'll do something terrible to make your life worse again.""Then let's play dead or alive, Jane," I said with a soft laugh and leaned forward to whisper in her ear, "Thomas may be alive or dead. The answer is unknown. But do you think you can win this game?” I could see the rage in her eyes as she stared at me, but then she nodded and blurted out, "I don't want you to be there at my wedding tomorrow! It's just a matter of fact! So, I hope this message is clear to you, Lucy."She then turned away from me and walked away. I laughed because I planned to attend her wedding just to upset her. I'm not finished with her yet; she should have tasted her bitter medicine at least.As I whirled around to get a shovel and fertilizer contai
Lucy’s POV"I don't understand why you bring this up again, Arman." I shook my head and stared at him angrily.When he gently lifted my chin to meet his gaze, I felt a flush go down my cheeks. He then said those magic words, "I love you...""What?" I took a step back, but he drew me near enough to him."I love you, Lucy," he said in a gentle voice.My eyes sharpened in confusion as I asked, “What are you talking about?” “I know that it was already too late to say this. But I love you…. Do you believe me?” he asked, begging me to believe him but in fact I have confusion whether to believe him or not. I swallowed nervously because I could feel his lips on my cheek. I looked up and parted my lips to say something, but he grabbed my lips and kissed me fiercely and tenderly as he owned me. My eyes widened as he deepened the kiss until I found myself kissing him back. Then I nibbled his lower lip and pushed him away, "So, you didn't file the divorce finalization to the court? So we're st
Lucy’s POV"I lost count," he said in a soft voice, avoiding eye contact with me. Even though he probably felt ashamed to say it in front of me, I can't tell him to stop killing people; that's his only way to make it in the underworld. "Just so you know, I don't judge you," I said as I walked toward the door.And he stood up to stop me, “I’m sorry…” As I lifted my eyes to meet his, I looked down at the hand that was clutching my wrist. And I said, "I'm sorry, but I think we're both ready to move on. You should file that divorce finalization in court, alright?" “How many times have I told you that I won’t give up. Lucy?” he said, his voice becoming grave again, like he was pleading with me the whole time. "Arman, I can't give you a chance. Do you know why? Because I won't even let myself get over what happened. It still bothers me, from the day my Dad died to the day I almost died—those people still living their best lives while I'm here miserable." My voice trailed off as I wiped
Arman’s POV"Loretta is here; she wanted to talk to you." Ray said as he sat on the couch, playing with his gun.Even though it's crystal clear that I don't want her or want to see her, this woman is continuously trying to force herself on me. I let out a soft sigh and walked to the door. When I opened it, I saw her in her pajamas. Her feet were so dirty that it looked like she had run away from home and come here to see me.I asked with narrowed eyes, "What are you doing here?""H—Help me. My father wants to kill me, and you're the only person I can trust." She said it with a voice full of fear. She looked around, and as she did, her tears began to roll back into her cheeks. I need your help; if he finds out I'm here, he'll kill me.She pushed her way in, which shocked me. Even Ray looked at her in shock and confusion at what she was doing in my house. Ray got up and said, "She left her house. I think Mr. Patani has a bad temper. Are you okay, Loretta?" "Please don't tell him I'm he
Lucy’s POV"Yes, Grandma." I said, lowering my head, trying not to shed tears this time. "But I guess Jane needs you the most now. She just lost her child and it must be painful for her to lose two people important in her life."Grandma sighed in remorse, her voice mixed with pain as she said, "I didn't know that we were being too considerate with Jane but not with you, my dear."I smiled. "It's okay; life is like that. I have to go."I glanced at Uncle Robert, who looked so worried about Jane's condition, and Aunt Cecille ran outside to call the nurse and doctor. My heart felt like it was wrenched a thousand times because Jane still has parents who love her truly, but I am here, feeling like a lost daughter.Aunt Cecille glanced at me as I turned my back on them; she said nothing, but the look of unfathomable guilt was written all over her face. As I made my way outside, I noticed the two bodyguards still standing there. To be honest, I wasn't used to having security. But if my life
Lucy’s POV"What's wrong?" It looked like he didn't want to talk about it again. So I blocked his way and asked, "Say something." "I guess someone hired him to kill you. But no one still knows who that guy was. Why don't you forget about it so you don't have to worry about it anymore?" "How can I forget about it if my life has been in danger and people have tried to kill me ever since my father died?" I asked with disdain. He touched my face and whispered, "You need not be afraid anymore. Please know that I am here for you and will protect you as long as you are with me."I felt a pang, a bitter ache in my heart as I stared at him. He says the same things that Arman always told me, and I can't help but think about the good old times with Arman. Looking at him, though, brought back a memory. I remember another smile, one that completely captivated me. It was Arman's smile, the one that never failed to make my heart race and flutter. “Are you alright?” Hugo asked as he scanned my f
Lucy’s POVI'm out here in the street, shivering from the cold and the agony in my heart from my feelings for Arman, and it's raining again. It's been hard for me to forget about him, but now I'm crying again because of him. I took a deep breath and hailed a cab. When I got inside, I saw a suspicious-looking knife and a rope. I retreated and said, "I think I forgot something. Sorry." I then closed the car door and ran away in fear.But the taxi followed in the street, I frowned and muttered in panic, “What’s wrong with him?” Even though it was pouring rain, I kept running until I tripped and looked like I couldn't go on. The cab driver stopped in front of me. As I tried to crawl, he got out of his car and smiled at me. He had a deep scar on his face. "So, you're Lucy Hansley? You've been on my radar, Lucy...""Who are you?! What do you want from me?" I yelled in fear and then grabbed a rock to throw at him. As I stood up, I groaned in pain and tried to run as fast as I could, even
Lucy’s POVI pushed him away, desperately trying to escape from his grasp. "Arman, I can't! I am dating Hugo now... I can't bear the thought of betraying him!""No, you belong to me. You felt sorry for him, that's why you gave him a chance! I know you still love me—"I slapped his face, my tears slowly rolling down on my cheeks. My heart throbbed in pain as I said, "And after this, what?! You're going to leave me again! How can you kiss me, want to make love to me, and in the end, you're still going to leave me like nothing happened between us?!""Lucy…" Silence engulfed the room as he watched my tears trace paths down my cheeks. Just as I turned to leave, a deafening crack of thunder split the sky, and a blinding bolt of lightning illuminated the downpour that drenched the place in an instant. I stumbled back, only to find myself enveloped in his warm embrace. His arms wrapped around me, and as I looked up, his gaze held me captive, and I whispered, "A-Arman..." "I'm sorry..." he
Arman’s POV"Delayed?!" I growled angrily, my voice a rumble that sent shivers down the spines of my men lined up before me. They all lowered their heads as I barked into the phone, "What do you mean by delayed? It's been three damn days that shipment's been floating in that damn ocean!"Ray answered, "Port security's been doing thorough inspections, and we can't afford to lose another shipment. So, we asked the captain to hold standby.""Ray..." I sighed, my anger simmering. "You better handle this. No more delays by tomorrow, or else we lose the Pattani deal."Looking up, I met my men's eyes and issued a command: "Request an extension from Pattani. I want one of you to dig deeper into Hugo Ricci. I want a comprehensive report on him.""Yes, boss." Then they started marching out.I stepped outside while my chest pounded angrily just thinking about the shipments. Then, my thoughts drifted back to Lucy and Hugo again. I sighed as I saw Loretta, Pattani's daughter. She waved and smiled
Lucy’s POV"Lucy," he said gently, drawing me back to the conversation. But I didn't know what to say to him; my mind was a tangled mess. How could I respond to his question? Part of me feared rejecting him, but another larger part was that I couldn't ignore the growing unease in my gut. Ever since his relentless pursuit began, his true colors had started to show. He didn't just give up so easily; he tried to make me happy again, which made me reluctant to ignore his feelings. Before Alicia could spot us, I dragged Hugo into my office and locked the door. Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm my nerves. He waited patiently, his gaze fixed on me. Then I turned to face him and bit my lower lip. "Hugo..." He smiled."How can you forget him if you don't want to try dating me?" he asked, suggesting a relationship.I took another soft breath and let out a nervous chuckle. "What? What are you talking about? I have already moved on and am trying to make myself happy again. See? I'm happy
Lucy’s POVHugo arrived, his gaze lingering on me as if he longed to offer comfort but held himself back. He watched silently as my sobs wracked my body.Wiping away tears and sniffling, I forced out the words, "I think..." I paused softly and expressed, "I think it's best if you distance yourself from me." "Why?" He reached out a hand hesitantly, then stopped before making contact. "I know I must seem like a stranger, but seeing your pain... It hurts me too. I can't bear to see you cry because of him. I know you don't understand me doing this to you, but trust me, I don't know either." "I know you're trying your best, but seeing you reminds me of him too much."His eyes clouded with sadness as he took a step back. "Well, Lucy," he said softly, "If that's what you want, I can't argue. But remember, whenever you're ready to face the world again, I'm just right here for you, okay?" I nodded, offering a weak smile of apology as I slowly closed the door. Left alone, I sank to the floor
Lucy’s POV"Why would I kill myself just for him?" I asked him with a laugh and added, "That's not who I am." He didn't say anything; he just looked at me as if he had something on his mind that he couldn't say. I met his gaze head-on, "Hugo, I'm fine. Do yourself a favor and go home." His hand went into his pocket as he stood up, his face a mask of concern. "Are you sure you'll be okay by yourself here?" he asked."Hugo, why do you care so much about me? Watching people die is probably nothing new to you," I said, my voice tinged with bitterness. A flicker of pain written on his face and he replied with clenched jaw, "You don't know anything about me. Yes, Arman and I are the same people who grew up in that world. But I am not ruthless like him." I watched him walk to the door. Before he opened it, he glanced back at me and said, "I know you think I'm a bad person, but I'm still human. And when I care for someone, Lucy, I don't fake it. Remember that."And he left me with a hea