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Valentina

Author: Oluwanifemi .E. Odumosu
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

A night spent in my father's company stretches into days, and I find immense joy in every moment. Despite my deep affection for this place, my mother's absence is keenly felt. A proud daughter moment unfolded when he introduced me as his daughter to the entire staff during a meeting. The sense of acknowledgement and familial connection in that public declaration gave me butterflies.

On the other hand, James has become a reassuring presence over the phone, especially on days when my father's frailty confines him to his room. I sense a growing comfort in my interactions with James.

These passing days weigh on me, serving as a poignant reminder of my father's limited time on this earth due to the relentless grip of cancer—a cruel affliction I wouldn't wish upon even my worst enemy.

After a tour of my father’s extensive residence, I must emphasize the sheer enormity of the home. The studio and a courtyard stood out prominently. The courtyard, in particular, boasts a striking feature—an aq
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  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Valentina

    Our home, once vibrant, now cloaked in grief, welcomes the imposing presence of Madame Rosemarie. Draped in a sophisticated black outfit that resonates with mourning, she gracefully emerges from the tinted Rolls Royce. As we meet Madame Rosemarie in person for the first time, the somber atmosphere amplifies, enveloping us in the weight of the prevailing sadness."Come here, my dear child. I'm sorry fate led you to meet your father so close to his passing, especially under these sad circumstances.""Condolences for your loss, Madame Rosemarie.""Nonsense. Call me Grandma. We knew this day would inevitably arrive. How are you holding up? Your eyes reveal it all," she remarks, striving to exude strength."I understand you're hurting too. Should you need a shoulder to lean on, Nonna.""Thank you, child," she responds, delicately wiping her eyes."Good day, Madame Rosemarie,"Alberto greets her."Son, how are the preparations for the funeral progressing?""All arrangements have been made, a

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Valentina

    As I stretch, a peculiar pressure nudges my stomach. Blinking away sleep, I slowly assimilate to the room’s brightness. It dawns on me that Nonna and I fell asleep in the studio. Taking care not to disturb Nonna, I delicately lift the frame that had been poking at my stomach earlier.Nonna moves, her eyes trying to adjust to the brightness.“We slept off in the studio?” she asks, adjusting her clothes.“Yes, after balling our eyes.”“What’s the time?” she asks.A soft knock comes from the door.“Come in,” she urges.“Good morning, Madame Rosemarie, ma’am Valentina. Didn’t know you slept in the studio. Looking for the two of you after the burial yesterday, I heard whimpers down here and decided to give you both your space. Unknown to me, you would sleep off. Please forgive me. It won’t repeat itself.”“Alberto, take a break. We all need it.”“I’m sorry I can’t, ma’am, as it is my duty to oversee things here and ensure security and safety. Mr. Aiden and Mr. Thomas have arrived.”“Alread

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Marco

    "You arrived just in time. Your father was about to call you," Mother announces as Yusuf, their butler, ushers me in."What's going on?" I ask, unbothered."You've probably heard the news, seen it on blogs; it's practically everywhere.""What's the matter, Mother? Your over-excitement worries me.""Your wife is Fabio’s daughter. My friend witnessed the announcement when she went to his burial day before yesterday, and they announced it officially in the news," she says in a rushed excitement."Both you and father need to relax! Where is he, by the way? Isabella and I aren't married and won't be tying the knot anytime soon. But good for her. Father would be thrilled.""Who said anything about Isabella? Right now, your father is actively working on reuniting you and Valentina," she reveals.I hold mother gently, hoping this isn't some form of dementia manifesting. She swats my hand, making me more worried."I'm glad you're here. I was about to call you.""Explain, Leonardo. He seems not

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Valentina

    Taking a break from my business online tutorial, I stare at the massive painting of father hanging on the corridor walls, suddenly noticing James' signature at the bottom. How did I miss it before? This isn't the first time I've seen the portrait."Your stylist is around ma'am," Matilda announces."I'll join you shortly." I sigh.How do I explain to Nonna that I don't need a stylist or Mathilda to run my bath, or someone to style my pixie cut and that I crave a normal life without seeming ungrateful? A personal assistant? Sure, but not different housekeepers for every little thing.I stroll to my room my hands in my robe pocket envisioning a successful day."Good morning ma'am. I'm Niphme Conti. Your personal stylist. From your Nonna.""Call me Val, and thanks for handling my styling. I've heard you're recognized as the best in Italy, and also judging by those numerous awards.""Well, those awards do speak for themselves, so I appreciate the acknowledgement. It's my pleasure to assist

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Marco

    Even with the ever-changing faces among the restaurant staff, there's an unsettling feeling that my cover is on the verge of being blown. It's been three days now, and Valentina remains unavailable. To think that once upon a time I had her at my beck and call. Perhaps I'll return tomorrow evening, it seems logical that she'd only be available here during weekdays in the evenings. I adjust my boater's hat and shade tilting my neck to the side. My neck aches from the constant swivels, scanning every newcomer. Yet, Sofia's exceptional meals provide a bit of solace.As I prepare to depart, the door swings open, revealing Valentina flanked by two hefty men in black suits. All eyes gravitate towards her, a sight to behold. Her presence captivates the room, drawing longing gazes from almost every man present. I fight the urge to rush to her side, my hand involuntarily tightening around the fork on the table.Dressed in a red knee-length high-neck bodycon dress, a departure from her usual at

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Valentina

    I exit the boardroom, carrying the proposed new fragrance design, substitute designs and the perfume sample vial, while Marco's declaration of love replays in my mind yet again. I absentmindedly tap my cheeks, pondering when my assistant, Adanna, will return with my coffee which I'm hoping will do the trick.Just as I believed I was one step ahead from moving on from Marco, his presence disrupts my peace, leaving me restless and sleep-deprived for days.I cannot believe I shamelessly hugged him upon seeing him. I had to come up with something the moment I regained my sanity. My gender would have been so disappointed. "Hello there?" James greets as the elevator dings opens "Hey, it's so good to see you James," I greet him as he waltzes out of the elevator. "I've missed you too. My father sends his regards, and I brought you a little something to celebrate your promotion to CEO," he says, handing me a wrapped box."Aren't you thoughtful?" I exclaim, reaching to adjust his tie with on

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Marco

    I pace back and forth in my luxurious office, frustration radiating from every fiber of my being as I clutch my phone tightly in my hand. With each step, my mind replays the images that have ignited the raging inferno of jealousy within me. I can't shake the sight of Valentina and James, their smiles radiant as they sit together in the cozy café, captured in a moment of apparent intimacy.Dialing Giovanni's number, I press the phone to my ear, my heart pounding with a mixture of anger and desperation. As the call connects, I waste no time in unleashing my torrent of emotions."Giovanni, you won't believe what I just saw," I exclaim, my voice laced with bitterness."I was scrolling through social media, trying to distract myself from thoughts of Valentina, and what do I come across? Pictures of her and James, looking like they're the happiest people on the planet," I rant, the bitterness in my tone palpable."I mean, can you believe it? After everything we've been through, she's alread

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Valentina

    A sudden realization dings in my head like a warning bell, echoing with unsettling questions. What if all my efforts to incite Marco's jealousy are nothing but futile attempts at grasping onto something that no longer exists? What if all these are a wasted effort?These doubts gnaw at my mind as I ponder the true nature of Marco's intentions. Is his sudden interest in rekindling our relationship genuine, or is it merely a facade to access my newfound wealth and status as CEO? Could it be that he sees me not as the woman he once loved, but as a means to an end—a pawn in his father's twisted game of power and control?The thought sends a shiver down my spine, casting a shadow of doubt over the recent interaction I've had with him. How can I be sure of his intentions? And more importantly, how can I protect myself from being used and discarded once again?With a heavy heart, I realize that the answers to these questions may elude me for some time. But one thing is certain: I can no longe

Latest chapter

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Valentina

    6 years later………I roll up my hair, tying it into a bun as I prepare what the children will eat on their way to Mother’s place after Gabriella’s ballerina performance. Since the twins came along, our lives have been overwhelmed with intense joy.“Drop that floss, Gabriella!” I yell, running after her.“Daddy said I can have them,” she squeals, running outside with it.“I’ll go get her, Mama,” Gabriel says, running after her.“Thanks, baby.”Just then, Marco strolls into the kitchen.“Why are you giving me that look?”“We agreed on no sugar today, but you went behind my back and gave Gabriella permission to have cotton candy.”“What cotton candy?” he asks, trying to feign ignorance.“Marco, don’t play dumb.”“Okay, babe I’m sorry. When she asked, I intended to say no, but those big eyes got to me. It won't happen again,” he says, wrapping his arms around my waist.I gently push his hands away and reach for the children's food pack.“Baby, I said I'm sorry.”“Marco, this has to stop. Yo

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Valentina

    As we gradually shift from autumn to winter, the smell of fallen leaves fills the air. The crisp, cool November breeze gently brushes against my bare skin as I stand outside our home, taking one final look at it before we move to our new place. I gather my last bag, smiling as many special memories here with Marco begin to play in my head.“I'm going to miss this house. We have so many good memories here.”“Me too,” Marco says staring at the house.“I know Becca is going to care for this place just like we did.”“I know she would.”“Look how far she has come. Buying her own cars and house.”“Business has been good and also, she suggested it was time to show my face.”“I agree with her. I know this isn't goodbye goodbye because we will obviously come and visit but it feels like it.”“Don’t worry, you will fall in love with this new place.”Marco drives us to our new place in Florence with our things already in place. With this new place, He went over the top. In this new home, it is l

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Valentina

    Since Nonna learned about my bleeding, she has stopped me from going to work and instructed Mr. Thomas to step in until I give birth, which he agreed to without hesitation.Everyone went wild about the news, especially Mother and Nonna, and we all can't wait to find out their gender next month. Now that I'm showing, the general public now knows.With Mother’s wedding coming up, everyone aside from me has been super busy preparing for the big day, which is tomorrow.The only duty I’ve been given is to pick up Chiara’s dress because she wasn't around to take her measurements when we did. Once I pick it up, I drive down to the resort Nonna booked for the wedding.Nonna insisted she sponsor the wedding, and knowing Nonna, no one could argue with her. If you didn't know about our family history, you would mistake Alberto and Mother for her children.“That took you forever, sexy preggy,” Chiara says, opening the door.“Is this the thank you I get from crossing the Mediterranean Sea to get t

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Marco

    I pace up and down Giovanni’s corridor, seething with anger at what I witnessed hours ago. I had planned to surprise Valentina by picking her up from Nonna’s place for dinner, but I got surprised instead. I was so confused about whether to reveal myself or not. In the end, I turned around and headed for Giovanni’s place.Just a few nights ago, I was appreciating how well our marriage has been going and how open we are with each other, but what I saw today casts doubt on that belief.“So you saw her with James and?”“I didn’t like the way he was all over her. To make matters worse, she told me she was going to greet Nonna and Mother but didn't mention James would be there too.”“Okay? What if she didn’t tell you because she knew you would react like this?”“You are supposed to be on my side.”“Marco, tell me what you want me to say or do. Beat him up? Besides, you knew about his connections with the Matteos before you went in. Why do you have a problem with him all of a sudden? If you

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Valentina

    Maintaining my pregnancy a secret till I start to show ended the moment I walked into Nonna’s place. Mother and Nonna simultaneously chorused it the second I stepped foot inside the house. Ever since Marco, Nonna, and mother found out about my pregnancy, I've been treated like an egg. With Marco, it's even worse. This man won't let me do anything at home. Mother and Nonna have made it their sole mission to stock up my house with food. Now all I do is go to work, peruse documents with my legs crossed and eat junk.It's a miracle that my clothes still fit. Preparing for the Pure Beauty Award global ceremony tonight, I put final finishing touches to my look before I slip on my heels. I wish father was here to see to witness this moment. His beauty and skin products were nominated for the Pure Beauty Award ceremony. “How do I look?” Marco asks stepping out of his closet.“Handsome as always.”“You look ravishing my love and I know you will bring home all the awards. You've shown nothin

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Marco

    I'm amazed at how much progress my parents and I have made. Visiting them frequently and vice versa without anyone bickering. Valentina and mother's laughter erupts from the kitchen filling the entire place as they organize lunch. “Marco, how has business been going?” Father asks, stretching a plate towards me.“It's been good, and how are you adjusting to your new line of business?”“Adjusting fine. Never knew I could do so well in supervising building projects. I'm taking that class you recommended.”“That's beautiful.”“Enough of business talks,” Mother announces, walking in with Valentina as they set the rest of the food on the table.“This smells so heavenly,” Father compliments, and I nod in agreement.“I can't take all the credit, your wife also assisted.”“Thank you both.”As we dish our food, I notice Valentina dishing a smaller portion of what she would normally eat, an occurrence that's been consistent for the past two weeks now. Also, lately, she has been easily irritated

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Valentina

    “See that glow, you weren't this good-looking before you stepped on that plane last week. Despite the workload you came to handle after you got back, you are still looking flawless. Hmm, must be the marriage glow and the other reason why women glow,” Chiara gushes, offering me a plate of cake.“Your place just keeps getting better. I love what you did to the wall.”“Thanks, it is sad no man is surprising me with an aquarium in my home simply because I can’t get over moments from my trip.”I flush, remembering how I came home from Bora Bora to a gigantic aquarium nestled in a corner of our living room. A gift from Marco because I couldn't stop talking about our glass-bottom boat tour.“Stop being dramatic.”“I want my man too. Is there something I'm not doing right?”“Soon, you'll find your perfect match.”“I know, I just need to know how soon. I may have noticed you’re overly bubbly these days? Are you pregnant?”“What? No. Chiara, you are way too observant for my liking. You used to

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Valentina

    These past few days in Bora Bora have been some of the best moments in my life so far. I can’t get over the beauty of the underwater world. The beautiful, colorful fishes and the coral reefs were breathtaking. I took so many pictures to last a lifetime.The thrill, fear, romance—everything—we experienced it on this trip, and I hate that we have to leave tomorrow. I don’t want it to end. My highlight has to be seeing Marco scream like a child when we went skydiving. Who ever knew that a day would come when I would see Marco Lorenzo scared of something?The lingerie Chiara and I shopped for has been nothing short of a game-changer. Chiara was right when she said they had the power to make a man lose his senses.Can the world just pause for another week so Marco and I can continue having so much fun without coming back to a truckload of work on our desks? I shudder at the thought of the workload piled on my desk right now.Cristos! Yesterday was Mother's date with Alberto, and I forgot t

  • The Veil of Vengeance: Love, Betrayal and Redemption    Marco

    Surrounded by lush greenery and the stunning beauty of the coastal waters, I feel completely refreshed and renewed. The peace here is unmatched, providing a perfect escape from the usual hustle and bustle of Tuscany. I’m still yet to get over the Mahi Mahi and rice from yesterday—so divine.After our long flight yesterday, we chose to relax and unwind for the rest of the day. I place a gentle kiss on Valentina, who is still sleeping soundly.I connect to the resort’s Wi-Fi and just as I'm about to start preparing for the day, Giovanni’s call comes in.“I’ve been away for how many days and you suddenly can’t breathe?”“Good day to you too, and last I checked, you are not Flora. Unlike you, I’m a good brother always wanting to check up on you and you, on the other hand, forget your brother once you are lost in love. How’s the honeymoon going?”“Wonderful, it’s such a beautiful place to be.”“I’ve been told. How’s your wife?”“Sleeping soundly. Yesterday’s flight was a bit overwhelming.

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