Ralph let out a ferocious chuckle as his fists collided with the man’s face. ‘This world could never be a better place, you have to become worse to survive.’Another harsh blow landed on the man’s face. Ralph didn’t stop, his heart pounding loudly and the voice in his head whispering. Taunting laughs, mocking glances. He couldn’t forget it. ‘Fire when consumes you, you are no longer afraid of the heat.’ The man’s low unheard grunts, his fist colliding with the man’s face, blood splattered all over the floor, his barely moving body. Ralph felt it all and nothing simultaneously. The blood in his veins roaring, searing with rage, with resentment and anger pent up for seventeen years. Blood. He needed more blood. Breaking heavily he grabbed the small blade placed on the table and flipped it open. His mother’s lifeless body dancing in front of his eyes, her wide green eyes dead and cold, blood oozing through her head, the white dress she adored now drenched in blood. Her blood. He shut
At that very moment, the world seemed to come crashing down around me as Alexei unexpectedly departed, leaving behind a turbulent mix of emotions leaving me utterly bewildered and disoriented. The subsequent waves of astonishment reverberating within the depths of my heart only added to the overwhelming confusion engulfing me. It was as if a sudden chord of astonishment had caught me off guard, causing my equilibrium to spiral ever so slightly out of control. As I stood there, rooted to the spot, everything around me seemed to fade into the background, drowned out by the distant and almost melodic sound of water flowing relentlessly down the tap. Time stood still, as if frozen in that very moment, as my mind processed the multitude of thoughts and unanswered questions that swirled within.Slowly, I unclenched my fists, releasing the tension that had built up from the unexpected turn of events. The weight of my confusion seemed to lift slightly as I exhaled a heavy
My hands clenched tightly, a surge of apprehension seizing me like an iron grip. Gazing into Alexei’s eyes, I suddenly became aware of the countless moments he had spent clandestinely observing me, hidden away in the shadows. A chilling sensation raced down my back, igniting an electrifying shiver. For how long had this been going on? Months? Years? My graduation day couldn’t be the first time he had me tailed. I swallowed hard the bile rising in my throat. Alexei tilted his head, his eyes lowering to my fisted palms and then to my face. “Did I interrupt something?” His thick Russian dialect had my words freeze in my chest as I shook my head desperately unclenching my sweaty fists. He hummed walking closer, his every step powerful enough to rattle the walls of my heart. “You must be hungry. Killian is cooking you dinner, it’ll take some more minutes. You can have some fruits for now.” I flinched as he placed the tray on the bedside table standing towering over me. “I heard hot choco
Two years three weeks agoDread. Fear and anxiety. I was fidgeting when the wedding planner showed me something on her phone. My vision was unfocused but I could make out a beautiful beachside view with a beautiful sunset. I did not know what I was doing here, or why I was here, I shouldnʼt be here knowing what fate awaited me, yet I couldnʼt brought myself to disobey Papa. We were in our living room, Tobias by my side and Scarlett flipping through the magazine pages. A young woman in her late twenties sat in front of me, her skin porcelain and her auburn hair tied up in a professional sleek bun matching the Ruby studs and contrasting the black blazer skirt suit.“How is it? Do you have anything in mind? A particular colour theme or venue?”My eyes lowered to my hands to find them shivering, pulling the sleeves of the sweater I wore to my knuckles, I shook my head. “No...” my voice came out barely audible. Tobias eyed me.“Oh...” she exclaimed. “Then how about pastel colours, peache
The chilling aura of this dark phase of my life had been the finding of Mama's lifeless body, lying cold and motionless on the cold floor. The very thought sent shivers coursing through my veins, as I relived the unbearable grief and confusion that had enveloped our lives in the aftermath of her inexplicable death. This room, so seemingly innocuous to others, was forever etched in my memory as the haunting scene of unimaginable heartbreak and tragedy.My chest tightened at the memory before I decide to walk in. As I stepped foot in, I felt I just entered another dimension. A wave of memories rushed through me. Every word and every emotion echoed in my head. I gulped looking around. A modern bookshelf, a mahogany table, a wooden cabinet with expensive wines and champagne, a leather couch in the left corner and a large window behind the table covered with thick dark curtains. What caught my attention was opened laptop on his desk, the light illuminating fr
I was numb—my senses were dead, and the somnolence of my thoughts was concerning for a moment. In the past hour I agreed that even if I knew my father’s evils, there was not a thing I could do to confront him. There was a deep and enduring impact some experiences left on our minds and souls, making it incredibly difficult to forget them. These memories become imprinted in our consciousness, leaving an indelible mark that seems almost impossible to escape. They haunt me like a relentless reminder, a constant presence that I couldn’t ignore or evade. I found myself unable to move forward, as these memories clung to me like a decaying part of my being, slowly eroding my sense of self.Life became a mere existence rather than a true living experience. I no longer engage with the world around me, but rather I endure the passing of each day. My every moment was spent in a relentless battle for survival, desperately clinging to the fleeting fragments of who I once was. With the weight of an
I finished the fruits and hot chocolate. Probably I was really hungry or I did not wanted Alexei to get mad. Once I was done, I was feeling better. Since I had a lot of time on my sleeves, I decided to look in the drawers again, hoping to find something more interesting. Alexei said he had some urgent matters to attend, so he might come late. I looked at the pictures once again closely. Anya Volkov. So this was her name. I remembered the day I first came to know of my fathers evil schemes. ‘You nameless whore!’I let out a sigh feeling pity for the girl. Always innocents ones happen to be the victim in play of cruels. I rummaged through more pictures, with Alexei and his parents. My chest tightened at a certain picture where young Alexei was beaming carrying Anya on his back as both of them were chased by their father. Their dog also helped his father. The still picture could speak hundreds of languages. It suddenly made me curious, what did happene
Soft footsteps fell upon my ears till I saw a familiar face in my vision. There was real confusion filtering through my body, and a set of startling astonishment at the sight of the unknown person on wheelchair. It was Killian. His pale eyes snapped at the bodyguard as he said something making the bodyguard’s face pale against the stark contrast of dark night. From the above, the view was clear but since the room was on second floor, I could barely hear what they were saying. Killian towered over the guard with his broad shoulders and long legs. He still wore same dark leather clothes he always sported yet his expressions caught me off guard. I have never seen him this concerned before as he motioned frustratedly at the person on wheelchair. The guard mumbled something at which Killian scoffed before a gasp left my mouth as Killian’s fist was colliding with his jaw knocking him on the ground. I pressed my palm against my mouth to not let out any voice as my eyes widened. What was h
“She’s getting feisty.” Alexei grinned. “I think she likes it in her ass more than her pussy, don’t you, любовь?”I screamed out as I felt the vibrator closing on my swollen womanhood. I tried to move, trying to figure out what was going on, but as I felt the vibrations running down my spine, I jumped surprised. I tried to close my legs only to get slapped on my inner thighs as Ralph clicked his tongue. “Ah-ha! Spread them wide.” I was completely lost in not only the pain that I was experiencing but also in the fact that my womanhood was becoming wetter and wetter. My body ached and longed to be filled, my juices now flowing out of me and down my legs.“Alexei, please, don’t tease me.” I wiggled in Ralph’s punishing hold as Alexei pushed deeper into me, his thrusts were slow and teasing. And I was so close yet so far. I needed more. Ralph pulled out of my other hole and walked up behind me and pushed two of his fingers deep into my ass as I arched my back.I moaned and whimpered wh
“How are you feeling now? Any pain? Any discomfort?” I shook my head as the doctor carefully looked through my reports. I was not hurt that much, just a few scratches and an ugly cut on my throat. He nodded to himself. “Alright then, you’re good to go. Be sure to eat soupy stews. Don’t stress your throat.” Alexei stood behind me, his one hand on my shoulder as he listened to the doctor. I felt safe feeling his presence that engulfed me in a protective embrace. “Here are some medicines, and drugs,” the guard standing behind Alexei grabbed the package. “I’ll see you next week then. Have a good day.” The doctor stood up and nodded at Alexei. My extra-careful husband gently helped me up, his arm around my waist like it always belonged there, like a puzzle piece that fits perfectly. The guard followed us, and by the time we were in the car, two SUVs were behind us and one in front. Two weeks. It had been two weeks yet Alexei was still over the top careful with me around. More guards w
Alexei stopped hearing my scream followed by furious Ralph and anticipated Killian. “I’ll kill her,” Alessandro said in my ear as a chill ran down my spine. Alexei’s hold on the gun tightened. “If you don’t take your hands off her in the next two seconds, you won’t have hands.” Suppressing a shiver, I flinched when I felt Alessandro tensing behind me. His hand on my throat twitched, and the knife trembled. I knew he was scared, and he also knew Alexei wasn’t bluffing. He’d kill. He’d kill him. For me. I shut my eyes, ready to accept whatever fate had in store for me. Ready to face death. My pulse quickened, the metallic taste of fear lingering in my mouth. Time slowed, each heartbeat echoing like a sombre drumbeat. The cold touch of the knife against my skin sent shivers through me, a cruel reminder of my malicious reality. At that moment, a flood of regrets and unrealized feelings surged, and the impending darkness whispered its chilling promise.Strangely, every flashback was of
I was numb and tired when Alessandro hung up the phone. It was Ralph’s and it seemed like Ralph purposely let him have it. Alexei and Killian must be on their way here. I was too exhausted—both mentally and physically. The betrayal and lies I had been fed all my life were too much. I believed it was my father who killed my mother, but it was Alessandro all along. I thought he wanted me to marry Stefan because of some business, but it was more than that. My death was decided on the day of my wedding and that explained why Stefan always felt guilt whenever he looked at me. He knew what his father and mine were planning and yet he was going to let that happen because of what? Money? Even if it was oceans worth of money, it wasn’t more than my life? I deserved to live, as much as my mother did. Why? WHY?!I wanted to scream, to pull at my hair, but I was too numb to care anyway. I could hear Alessandro mocking me, and calling me whatnot, but that was all I could do at that moment. I was
“Alessandro…” I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw him grinning ear to ear. I should feel relieved and grateful, but instead fear gripped me like a sudden shock, making my voice shaky. I gasped, frozen in place, and my hands clutched onto Ralph’s blazer. It felt like the room tilted as he stood there. My hands shaking and my pupils dilating. The hair at the back of my neck erecting. He walked in, wearing his signature smile that once offered peace, but now, he had blood in his eyes. Ready to demolish everything that stood in his way. He reminded me of my dead father. The one I was most scared of. And this did not give me a good feeling. “Stupid, stupid, little girl.” He tsked as he took a step forward. Ralph quickly pointed his gun at him Alessandro as the men soon followed his actions and pointed their guns at us. He was just a few steps away when he looked at me, his dark eyes meeting mine, a cruel smile on his lips. “You know what is the difference between you and your mother?”
“That’s odd.” Killian frowned, staring at his phone. “Alessandro Vitale is still not here. And I can not track the men stalling him. Someone intruded our apartment less than an hour ago.”I got up, my pulse kicking up as my instincts go on full alert. “Who would try to breach the apartment like that? And why? Do you thinks it’s Alessandro? Antonio? Call Ralph.” “On it.” His face darkened as he stood up and head to the balcony where a sniper was placed, the phone pressed to his ear. “He isn’t picking up.”I followed him as he covered the distance with long strides. “His phone’s going straight to voicemail,” he said tensely as I felt a shift in the air. This wasn’t how I imagined this night to go. Alessandro Vitale was supposed to be here an hour ago. And our plan was to wipe him up at the time of auction when the lights would be off. It would cause a commotion, but nothing that money couldn’t solve.Killian looked up at me. “C
As we stepped into the grand hall, Alexei's arm around my waist sent a possessive vibe through me. My hair brushed my face, but I hesitated to fix it, feeling a bit tongue-tied and on edge. My heart was drunk on this new feeling. For the first time in all the years I spent in fear and grief, I found myself letting go of that sensation finally. My eyes automatically moved to Ralph as he stood beside me. My heart fluttered as I gazed at him. Something in me wanted him to feel me like trees. And he was the wind. My heart knew it all, and I felt like I found someone meant for me. I realised I did not need light in my life, I needed darkness. Their darkness. I needed to be taint. To be corrupted. The realization of being in love was like a quiet storm suddenly enveloping me. It was not a loud feeling but a subtle whisper that echoed through my heart. The warmth that spread from within, a gentle realization that they became the melody to m
I woke up to sore limbs and sweet bitterness in my chest. The sun peeking through the windows told me it was already past noon. Strangely I was feeling better than I was feeling last night. The guilt still tripped my thoughts now and then but except for that, I was not feeling anything—not crane hatred I thought I felt for my captors. I just couldn’t believe that I almost…. cried just because Ralph was hurt because of me. Ralph. I looked to my side to find the beside empty. My hands automatically moved to the cold sheets and I rubbed the spot: I wish he was here so that I could see if he was alright. Sighing I pushed myself up, putting my hair in a messy bun and walked slowly to the bathroom. After brushing my teeth and splashing my face with cold water, I decided to skip the shower since I was not feeling like taking one. The warm hoodie which smelled like Killian’s, I didn’t want to take it off. Walking barefoot, I stumbled to the
She’s my muse. A face to all my desires. The memories in my veins were as fresh and deep as the wound in my gut. I hate this and I hate it more every second I remember the fearful look on Rara’s face. I lost her. Almost lost her. Like I once lost my mother. The soft pitter patter of rain lingered in my ears. There was another wavering moment before I remember to breathe. I didn’t wanted to think about her, yet here I was. I was five—and foolish, when I lost my mother. Her death wasn’t as tragic as Killian’s mother, but it left a traumatising impact on my life. My chest tightened as I stared in the front, the shadows play on the walls, echoing the turbulence within me. My mother's photograph resting in my hands, the edges worn out. The flickering candlelight casting an ethereal glow, emphasizing the nostalgia that lingered in every corner.I had been awake for an hour or so now. I couldn’t sleep. Every time I close my eyes, flashbacks of my mother’s terrified eyes and her dead bo