Novels by Chizi-Woluchor Pearl

Chapter 5: The Imperatrice BraceletAuroraI barely slept.Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Lucian's face."Go to Maison Étoile tomorrow.""Ask for the Imperatrice Bracelet.""It's yours."It had sounded so simple when he'd said it over dinner.As if he were asking me to pick up a book instead of... whatever this mysterious gift was.I glanced at the black envelope resting on my bedside table.Maybe I shouldn't go.Maybe accepting a gift from Lucian Moretti was the first step toward a life I wasn't ready for.Then again...Curiosity had always been my greatest weakness.---At exactly ten o'clock, my taxi stopped in front of Maison Étoile.The boutique looked more like an art gallery than a jewelry store.Its glass walls sparkled beneath the morning sun, and a uniformed doorman greeted every arriving guest by name.I looked down at my cream blouse, black trousers, and low heels.Compared to the women stepping out of Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, I looked painfully ordinary."You can st

# Chapter 3: An Offer She Couldn't RefuseThe entire ride home, Elena's words refused to leave my mind.The newly appointed head of the Moretti Mafia.Every news headline suddenly made sense.The international business deals.The sudden change in leadership.The rumors surrounding the Moretti family.And me...I'd spent the night with the man everyone feared.I unlocked my apartment door, only to find Elena pacing back and forth in my living room.The moment she saw me, she rushed over and grabbed my shoulders."Tell me he didn't touch you."Heat crept up my neck."I don't want to talk about it."Her eyes widened."Oh my God."She covered her mouth."He did.""It's not what you're thinking.""It's exactly what I'm thinking!"I gently pushed her hands away."Would you relax?""Relax?" she repeated. "Aurora, do you have any idea who that man is?""I do now.""You should never see him again."I wanted to agree.I really did.After everything that had happened with Damian, getting involve

The entire drive to the restaurant, I considered asking the driver to turn around.It wasn't because I was nervous.At least, that's what I kept telling myself.The truth was, I wasn't ready. Three days ago, my husband had walked out of our marriage. Three days ago, I'd discovered that the woman he'd chosen over me was my own sister. And now, somehow, I was on my way to meet another man.It felt wrong.But Elena had been relentless."You're not looking for a husband," she'd said before shoving me into the car. "You're looking for proof that life didn't end when Damian left."As much as I hated admitting it, she had a point.The hostess led me to a quiet table by the window overlooking the city. It was the kind of restaurant where every detail screamed luxury, yet nothing felt excessive. Soft piano music drifted through the room as couples chatted over candlelit dinners.I checked the time.Seven o'clock.He wasn't late.Neither was I.A waiter approached with a polite smile, offering

# Chapter 2: The Night Everything ChangedThe moment the car door closed behind us, the noise of the airport disappeared.For the first time in what felt like forever, there was silence.I leaned back against the leather seat and let out a slow breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding."You've been quiet."Lucian's voice was calm, but there was a trace of concern beneath it.I turned to find him watching me instead of the road ahead."I'm fine.""You've said three words since we left the terminal."I let out a quiet laugh."So you're counting now?""I always count."That earned him a smile.His lips curved ever so slightly, as though he'd accomplished exactly what he'd set out to do."I'm serious, Aurora.""I know."I looked out the window as the city slipped past in a blur of lights."I just wasn't expecting to see them."Lucian didn't interrupt.He never did.He simply let me speak when I was ready."I thought I'd moved on," I admitted. "And I have... mostly."I rested my forehead

We had just landed after a month overseas.After collecting our luggage from the private terminal, Lucian stepped away to take an important phone call, leaving me near the exit with our suitcases."I'll only be a minute," he said, brushing a light kiss against my forehead.I smiled despite myself. "Don't keep me waiting."A rare smile tugged at his lips before he disappeared into the crowd.I watched him go for a moment, then reached for my suitcase."Well... if it isn't Aurora."The familiar voice sent a chill down my spine.Of all the people I could have run into after a month away, it had to be them.I turned slowly.Damian Rossi.Standing beside him, with one hand wrapped possessively around his arm, was Seraphina.She looked as flawless as ever, dressed in designer clothes with an innocent smile that had fooled everyone for years. If I didn't know her better, I might have believed she was the victim in all of this.Damian's eyes swept over the designer luggage at my feet before d