Romances de Queendaline Clifford

Isabella's POVI signed the contract, my hand trembling as I scribbled my signature on the blank dotted line provided for it. Lorenzo's eyes brightened with triumph, but I knew I had bought myself a year of bondage. One year to figure a way out, to escape this prison.As soon as the pen left the paper, Lorenzo's demeanor changed. He became more relaxed, almost affectionate. "You're mine now, Isabella," he whispered, his warm breath tickling my ear. “You don't have to worry about anything. I'll take good care of you. I'd make sure you don't lack anything,” he cooed, reassuringly.He took the contract papers from me and dropped it on the table. He then drew closer to me, his gaze lingering on my face. I pulled away, trying to process the emotions brewing inside me; fear, anger, resentment – but also a spark of curiosity. Who was this man, really? A monster, or a protector?Lorenzo's hand reached for the bottle of champagne on the table and cocked it open. He poured its contents into th

Lorenzo's POV There's no way Isabella could be missing, not after I've locked her in my closet. She has to be pulling some stunts here, because I still don't understand how she suddenly disappeared, despite being behind shut doors. “Where's she?” I roared at my guards, desperation creeping up my cheek. They all froze and said nothing. Their inability to give me a decent answer made me more furious. I pulled out my shotgun from my pocket and fired it at one of them. He dropped down instantly, causing the others to gasp and double in fear. “Y'all would give me an answer now, huh?” I taunted them, pointing the gun towards them. They stared at each other for a while, their faces draped with fear and anxiety of what would happen next. “I have no idea about that, sir. Maybe she's hiding in the bathroom or wardrobe, or something else,” one of the men finally spoke. “No, I don't think so. She must be downstairs, lurking around one of the rooms,” the second man countered. “Tha

Although Dad despised Mum and I, I wouldn't have thought he could have sold me off so easily, at least not to this despicable mafia lord. Now I owe him my life, my freedom and he owns me, but I hate him. ‘Get your acts together, Isabella!’ I berated myself. Taking a deep breath to muster enough courage, I said in a firm voice, “I don't want to marry you!” As those words fell into Lorenzo's ears, his cheerful demeanour vanished completely and was replaced with an icy cold glare. I lowered my gaze as I couldn't withstand it anymore. “Remember, I'm not giving you any choices, Isabella! I bought you with my money, so I own you!” He chimed in, shutting me a menacing glare. With that, he took some steps closer to me and seized my upper arm, holding me just in place. A smirk played across the corners of his lips. “I own this body! I fucking own every inch of this body!” He whispered in a husky tone, his gentle breath fanning against my face. “No!” I pushed him away, but he didn't fl

I tilted my head to the source, only to find a likewise unfamiliar face. His power and dominating aura pervaded the air as he approached. “Lorenzo?” Giovanni's brows contorted in disbelief. He was a towering six feet two tall and had well-built abs, like those of someone who frequented the gym. His well-sculpted jawline and the stubble hairs that grew at his moustache and beard complemented this charm, giving him a grand look, despite the fierceness etched on his scarred face. Giovanni was obviously no match for him. “How dare you attempt to hit her?” Lorenzo threatened, with gritted teeth and a tightly clenched fist, as though ready for a fight. His hands reached for my waist possessively. I froze at the spot as I felt his hand wrap around my waist. It was unusual, especially how I felt at ease with his gentle touch so easily. Giovanni, seeing the fierceness in Lorenzo's face, took some steps backwards in an unexpected submission. His palms grew a little quirky. Lorenzo qu

Isabella's POV “Get the door open!” The hoarse voice of the man dreaded more than the devil himself was accompanied by a loud knock on the door that caused the entire room to reverberate with terror. I could already hear the cries of our unfortunate neighbours from the cramped tenement, the people he mercilessly ripped off their homes because they couldn't afford to pay the rent. He is here now to eject us from our one-bedroom apartment, since we haven't paid ours yet and I'm sure no amount of pleading would soften his steel-hardened heart. My heart thumped at the thought of being homeless soon. I wish he would listen to us and let us stay a few weeks more, so Mum would be able gather some money and pay off the rent. I was raised by my mum alone. Dad cheated with his mistress and divorced mum and ever since then, he has never been a presence in my life. Mum bore the pain of raising me single-handedly with her meagre salary that didn't always come when due just as now ever si

Evelyn's POV It feels good to love someone and the person loves you back. It has always been my wish for the love I have for Liam to be reciprocated and it's finally coming to fruition. Liam loves, cherishes and spoils me, like I mean the whole world to him. I only wish this would last, if possible for a lifetime. I stare at the beautiful diamond ring in my ring finger in admiration. I'm now officially Mrs Wrights. A grand societal wedding has been held in our honour, which ended up being the talk of the town, despite our efforts to keep it low-key. The doorbell rang suddenly. I raced to the door to get it opened. I already knew who was at the door. As I swung the larger door open, I jumped at Liam, enclosing him in a passionate hug. He snuggled me in and placed a gentle kiss on my lips. “Welcome home, hun!” I said, ushering him in. “Thank you, baby,” he replied with a bright smile. “Dinner is ready!” I announced, beaming with smiles, my hands wrapped around his torso. “I know

Frank took a few steps closer to me, placing his hand back on my shoulder. I decided to stay put this time. He gently tugged some strands of hair behind my ear and turned to look directly into my eyes.“Look baby, I know the circumstances that brought us together are quite questionable, I just want you to know that I genuinely care about you and our baby. I won't do anything to hurt you anymore. I promise, believe me,” he pleaded, his eyes graced with genuine sincerity.I felt dreamy as I stared on, my eyes well with tears. I've never felt so in love before. He's a monster, yet I won't deny that I'm falling for him already. He might not be the perfect human, but he's perfect for me.“I miss my parents so much. I'm sure they'll be expecting me back soon. I haven't even sorted out the hospital bills,” I whimpered.A teardrop rolled down one eye and then another in the second eye. He wiped them off caringly and wrapped me in his comforting arms.“Don't cry please! I'd pay the bills.” He

“You!” He howled, sending shivers down my spine.My heart was beating very fast. My whole body trembled with shock. I never knew he was still lurking around and I spoke so freely, oblivious of his possible presence. Thankfully, we didn't reveal much of the deal.“You think you can keep the truth from me, huh? I'd kill you!” He threatened, his eyes squinting with rage, his fists clenched tightly.“I… I'm sorry, I… I don't know what you're talking about,’” I gushed.I decided to play smart there. I knew exactly what he meant, but I won't admit. I won't let him get me. “Are you kidding me? What do you take me for? A fool, right?” His tone flared up, a direct contrast to calm soothing voice he had spoke to me with earlier.That was a typical Liam's signature. The ability to switch moods and tones so easily depending on the circumstance, was what I found quite ridiculous.“You!” He howled, sending shivers down my spine.My heart was beating very fast. My whole body trembled with shock. I

Evelyn's POV I felt an unexpected touch on my skin, jolting me back to reality. It was warm, soothing, easing the discomfort I felt earlier on. I tilted my head slightly, only to find Liam, whose face basked in a cheerful smile. There was something about his smile that made it difficult for me to look elsewhere other than his breathtakingly handsome face. “You're awake already?” He said, his smile not fading for a second. I felt lost for a moment, my gaze fixed at his adorable features. I don't know for sure how long I had gazed on, but I know I had had my eyes glued to him for too long, longer than I thought. “Y…Yeah, I… I'm up,” I stuttered, managing a convincing smile. “How do you feel now?” he asked, trailing his hand down to my neck. “I'm fine.” I flashed him a weak smile. “You’re not fine, Evie. Stop lying to me,” I looked away immediately, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. I didn't know he'd know that I wasn't telling the truth. “I'm sorry, I'm better I mean, aft

I could hardly wait for my antenatal care session to be done with. I've had just enough of everything. I should have just ended it all long ago, that way I wouldn't be involved in this mess. Just when I lost hope, Frank waltzed back into my life and instilled a fresh hope and now he's leaning me shattered and heartbroken. “Miss Lisa, come forward, please,” the doctor motioned to me, indicating that it was my turn to be attended to. “Okay, doctor!” I said and moved to the chair opposite him. He outlined the necessary medication and suitable meals, rich in various nutrients that should be taken by me. I thanked him and left afterwards, after giving Evelyn one last scrutinizing gaze. Frank was supposed to drive me back home. He had said he'd report at the hospital in thirty minutes time, but unlike him, he didn't show up even after more than an hour. I wasn't so bothered about that anyway. He was the cause of the heaviness I felt in my heart and I wouldn't want to have anything to do

“It's another day to go see the doctor!” Frank reminded me, with a kiss on my forehead.Getting out of bed, I stretched groggily and slipped into my flip flops and took to the bathroom to get ready for the day's antenatal session. I carried out all my daily routine and in about an hour, Frank dropped me off at the hospital and left afterwards.I strode heavily into the doctor's office for some medical check-up before I proceeded to thehospital's gynecology section, where the antenatal care was being provided. “Good morning, doctor!” I greeted with a faint smile, as soon as I got into his office.“Morning, ma'am. Welcome to my office,” The doctor replied curtly, raising his gaze to meet me, his eyes particularly on my protruded belly.“Your pregnancy is advancing smoothly,” he observed, although I felt might have meant the opposite- The pregnancy had brought me so much pain and mental stress.“How about your husband? He didn't come in here with you?”“My husband?” I blinked with skept

Welcoming my first child brought me more joy than I expected. I beamed with smiles as I cuddle him dearly in my arms and reminisce about my past and how serendipity smiled at me. Bernard was now a happy father. I'm so glad and thankful for bringing my child into this world. He was my joy giver and now my joy was complete. The living room was flooded with family and friends, who came around to send greetings and gifts to the new baby. Becky came along with Davis, smiling at each other all the time. I suspected something going on between the two of them, but confirmed my thoughts when I spotted the diamond engagement ring in her finger. “You're engaged?” My popped, as I stared at the beautiful ring in her middle finger. “Of course, I am,” she returned the smile, flaunting her ringed finger in the air. “Wow! Congratulations to you!” I cheered. “Thank you. You too, Alice! You're now a mother,” she replied heartily. “Where’s your fiancé?” I asked, to be sure I wasn't mistaken

The early morning sun rose steadily, shedding its beams across to my weary eyes. I gently opened them up and stretched lazily, yawning tiredly while I turned my head to my side. Bernard wasn't there. 'But where could he be?’ My heart missed a beat. My head spinned and I felt heavy blocks pushing their weight against it. I cleared the sleep off my eyes and stared around the room, expecting I would find him somewhere close by, but I didn't. I became worried. “Ben!” I called out his name but there was still no response. I stood up anxiously and headed into the bathroom to check if perhaps he'd be there, but I still didn't find him. My heart pounded hard in my chest. ‘Where could he be now? What the hell is going on?’ The fear of being abandoned seized me. I stepped out of the room hastily, as though chased by a monster and went to the next room, his study, to search for him. The study was empty and dumb. “Bernard!” My throaty voice pierce into thin air. “Where are you?”

Alice's POV Everything seemed to be happening so fast, but at least so perfectly. I wouldn't have believed it if I was told that I'd get married soon, and to Charles as I previously envisioned, but to my boss. That was the very best day of my life, when we stood there, radiantly breathtaking on the altar and exchanged marital vows. Walking down the aisle with Bernard was the best decision I have ever made and there is no going back. Here I am in our private hotel suite, designed for just the two of us, in the cuddle of his arms, while I reminisce about the activities of yesterday. From the church wedding, to the reception party and then to this very bed we slept, last night, it all replayed in my head. We went wild last night. Our clothes were still sprawled across the floor. I could remember almost vividly how he threw me to the bed and undressed me hungrily, like a prey he was ready to devour. He did so many other things to me, so many that I can't even remember. The only on

A month later, The church hall was tastefully decorated to suit the event of the day. Numerous guests from different walks of life sprawled over the place in their festive attires, wearing cheerful faces. The orchestra serenaded the congregation with soft melodious tones from their instruments. Cheerful indistinct chatters were heard around the hall, all set for the arrival of the bride. I waited patiently at the altar, in my custom made black suit and matching trousers, together with Davis, my best man, who was dressed similarly. I beamed with smiles, in anticipation of the bride. The clergyman also stood at the altar, ready to execute the ritual of exchange of marital vows between me and the love of my life. As if propelled by some telepathic instigation, Alice showed up as expected, with a bouquet of white roses in her hand. She was putting on a sparkling white satin dress that was tailored perfect to fit her figure and accentuate her curves. Her skin glowed brightly, as she w

Two weeks later. "This has to be perfect for Alice. Are you sure I'm doing it all right?" I asked Davis, pacing around with the ring box with me. He shook his head in approval. "You're going to do just fine Ben, don't bother about it." Davis assured me and I heaved a sigh. “The truth is, I plan on proposing to Alice tonight, I really hope she says yes. I mean she can't possibly say no? Right? We've been together for a couple of months now and Alice has been the best thing that ever happened to me. I love her to bits, and she loves me too, and I think this is the big next, final step for us.” "Hey! Man up! She's here already." Davis said to me and I felt my heart skip a beat. "Do not mess this up, dude!" Davis warned and I nodded sheepishly, nervousness taking over my system immediately. I watched from the corner, as my dear Alice smiled in happiness, in respect of the surprise party thrown in her honour, she radiated in happiness. I'm enthralled with her beauty. There

Bernard's POV Would I say I was nervous? Or was it just a regular tingling feeling one has when on a date with a woman one has formerly known? Whatever the case may be, that was exactly how I felt right now. She sat graciously opposite me, beaming with enticing smiles that I couldn't resist. I tried smiling back, but each time I did, I ended up blushing openly. It was a dinner date in my personal suite in the hotel. She was putting on a short red sexy dress, with a lowered neckline, exposing a little of her cleavage and high stiletto heels, that she would easily pass for a lady of the night in. Her red tinted lips and mascara that made her eyelashes more prominent further attested to that. Her skin glowed brightly, even in the dimly lit lounge. We had barely started to enjoy each other's company, when the waiter arrived with the menu. “What would you like us to have for dinner?” I asked her, in anticipation. “Cheese sandwich with some grilled chicken,” she answered. I smiled wi