Dante strolled in carrying a large polybag. His sturdy, tall build made her room feel unexpectedly small. He placed the polybag on the mattress and turned his gaze up on her. "It has insect repellent and other stuff you would need in Australia," he told her. She glanced at the bag briefly before reconnecting their gaze."Thank you," she replied, touched by his thoughtfulness. He gave a subtle nod before lapsing into a contemplative silence. "I am not going to Australia," he disclosed. 'You're not?" she asked, surprised by the revelation. "You were right. I am overthinking. I should support you instead of being jealous for no reason," he admitted sincerely. There would be no difference between him and Paulo if he also tried to control her. He was going to help her grow and find herself then clip her wings. Even if it meant, tormenting himself. A gentle warmth spread across her face after hearing his confession. She sauntered towards him and grasped his hand. Bringing it to her
He walked into the mansion. Without her presence, his home felt empty and dull, like she had taken all the light and warmth. "Exhausted?" Eviana remarked, catching his attention. She regarded him with a dazzling smile. Her glossy cinnamon-brown hair cascaded freely in rich, graceful waves- bouncing slightly as she walked towards him. Her see-through nightgown offering a tantalizing view of her voluptuous curves. A soft invitation to explore them. "I was waiting for you," she admitted, coming to a halt before him. "You don't have to wait for me," he spoke before looking away from her. "Why not? You are my friend. And now with Maya gone, it's my responsibility to look after you. To make sure you've eaten or not," she replied, her voice warm with sincerity. "Don't worry yourself for me. I've had my dinner," he told her. As much as she willed him, his eyes never slipped downward to her barely concealed body."Well, I am glad to hear that," she responded with a tight smile. He
After finishing the meeting, she was returning to her hotel when her car stopped at a red light. Her gaze drifted to the world outside her window. The sun had just set. Her mind wandered over to Dante, a smile flitted across her lips. He must be deep in his sleep right now. She still sometimes couldn't believe they were together. She still clearly remembered the day his car had bumped into her. Her faith in destiny had been reaffirmed since then.Her thought came to an abrupt halt when she caught a very familiar face among the crowd outside. The blood froze in her veins. But just as quickly as she saw him, he vanished. The person was gone in a flash. "Paulo," she whispered, both in disbelief and horror. She searched for him in the blur of moving people but to no avail. He just materialized and disappeared in a second. Was he really there? Or did she imagine him? How could he be in Australia? It had to be a misunderstanding but dread had settled deep within her. She was tempted
"You dare talk back? I will tear off your tongue," Paulo thundered as he slammed her head against the wall. "Leave me," she whimpered, feeling dizzy with pain. He threw her to the floor and drew his belt. "A girl who didn’t stay loyal to her own parents, how could she ever be loyal to me?" he sneered as he swung the belt in the air. "No," she screamed, bolting upright in the bed. She was drenched in sweat, her eyes wide with horror. She quickly reached out and turned on the light. As her nerves began to settle, tears claimed her eyes. She broke down into sobs, scared to her core. Extending her arm, she grabbed her phone and dialed him. Just one ring sounded before he answered the call. His beautiful face popped into her screen, making her sob harder. "What's wrong?" he demanded, worry etched his features. "I..I had a ni..nightmare," she stuttered out, barely able to form words. "You are fine. You are safe," he assured her. The need to get to her gnawed at his insides. His helpl
Maya paled as she met his seething eyes. He was mad. She remained frozen like a statue as he closed the distance between them and seized her hand in an ironclad grip. While Miguel struggled to recover from the blow, Dante pulled Maya away, dragging her out of the place. She teared up, realizing he had misunderstood the situation. "What you're thinking isn't right," she explained, her voice slightly trembling. He didn't respond and that fueled her already growing anxiety."Nothing happened between us. I was about to push him away, I swear," she swore as they entered her room. "Say something," she pleaded in desperation. His indifference was cutting through her like a sharp dagger. Her breath broke out in a gasp as he pushed her against the wall. His face surged forward filling her vision, a storm of emotions passing through his eyes. And the next thing she knew, his mouth was on hers devouring her vigorously.She didn't dare deny him access as his tongue prodded the seam of her li
"Mr. Diaz is here to see you," his PA told him, making him frown in confusion. There was no mention of his visit in his schedule. "Escort him in," he instructed the PA. The PA disappeared promptly and a moment later, Mr. Diaz showed up at his doorway. Their eyes met, exchanging silent acknowledgments. He rose to his feet out of respect and moved forward to greet him. Shaking hands, he uttered, "I wasn't expecting you but it's great to see you, Mr. Diaz." "I hope I haven't interrupted your schedule," Pablo responded solemnly. "Of course, not. Please, have a seat," he replied, gesturing towards the chair. Mr. Diaz murmured a thank you and lowered himself in the chair. Even though the older man carried a solemn demeanor, Dante knew just how fun-loving and exuberant he was. His daughter had fondly shared tales of his fun-loving side. Who could have guessed this stoic man once willingly fell into a pit only to spare his daughter the embarrassment of having slipped in first? "I learne
"What happened?" Maya questioned, her gaze lingering on him—he looked like he was lost in thought, preoccupied with something."Someone poisoned her in our house. It had never happened before," he shared his concern. Maya was just as bothered by the revelation. She was utterly shocked to see Eviana lying out and cold on the floor. Her body had begun to turn blue, leaving no doubt about the virulence of the poison. "Who could have done it?" she wondered out loud. Every servant had a fondness for Eviana; she had noticed it herself. If there was anyone they didn't like, it was her. Poisoning Eviana didn't make sense. "I don't know but. But I have to figure it out somehow before something worse happens," he responded with a clenched jaw. He had to catch the perpetrator at any cost. "Maybe someone put them to the task," she guessed. There must have been a reason. Servants wouldn't dare take such a step without support. "Could be," he agreed before meeting her eyes and cradling her fac
"You do realize what you are saying?" Dante seethed, sounding enraged. The maid nervously clasped her hands together."I told you what I saw, sir," she murmured meekly, eyes locked on the floor. "I..I went to the kitchen. But I didn't do anything," Maya explained, eyes slightly tearing up. "Explain why you went to the kitchen then?" Rosemary enquired Maya, adopting an accusatory tone. Her glare unnerving. "No one will question her," Dante thundered, fixing Rosemary with an icy glare. Rosemary was taken off guard by his tone. "She can go wherever the hell she wants. I will not have you or anyone question her," Dante made it clear in strict terms. Maya had warm tears running down her cheeks. The way he came to her defense despite the accusation had moved something inside her deeply. "The maid has explained everything," Rosemary countered, clearly displeased by his rudeness."She said she was the last person to enter the kitchen. It explains nothing," he snapped. Rosemary's featur
"You okay?" Miguel questioned after noticing her dour mood. "I am good," Maya answered flatly. Her lips pursed by suppressed fury. "Alright. Get up. We have somewhere to be," Miguel prompted her. Maya frowned. "Where to? You didn't say anything about going anywhere" she asked"It was last minute," he stated. Maya drew a sigh before getting to her feet. He hadn't stopped calling and messaging her since morning. But her anger hadn't eased a bit. Actually, she was more hurt than angry. She cut yet another call and followed Miguel out. She was determined to not forgive him this easily. He pulled over in front of a restaurant. They took their seat at the table in the corner. "Who are we meeting?" Maya questioned, drawing out her tab from the bag to jot down notes. "They'll be here any minute," Miguel said, taking a quick glance at his watch. Maya nodded while Miguel beckoned a waiter."Two drinks for us," he ordered. Maya didn't object. She was also craving something strong to fo
"Don't try me," he warned her, adopting a tone he had never used with her before. Maya was stunned, heartbroken. "What's wrong with you?" Maya retorted, not able to understand why he was being such a jerk to her. Dante let out an exasperated sigh. "Just apologize to Eviana," he said. "I won't," Maya refused outrightly. Dante clenched his jaw. "It's okay. I don't want any apology. Just don't fight on my account," Eviana interrupted. "She has slapped you. It's not a trivial matter. The least you deserve is an apology," Katty asserted, giving dirty eye to Maya. Dante took an angry stride towards her, his huge frame dwarfing hers. "Don't push it, Maya. Just do as I say," he gritted out. He loved her but he wouldn't support her where she was wrong. She needed to take responsibility for her mistakes. "Watch your tone with me," Maya seethed, not backing out. "And you want her to run this house with you. She is immature, who can't take responsibility for her own actions," Katty punct
"Come in," she answered, her tone tinged with mild annoyance at the interruption. A man came in, carrying a large bouquet of roses. She got up from her chair, confused. The man extended the bouquet towards her. She stared at the bouquet, hesitant to take it."This is for you," he clarified, noticing her hesitation. "For me?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. She took the bouquet and began searching for a note. There it was nestled among the crimson blossoms. A knowing smile spread across her face as she realized who the sender was. "I'll take my leave," the man said. She nodded absently, her entire focus centered on the card. She opened the note, and her smile grew into a full-blown grin as she read it: "I Love You," in all caps. She gently brushed her fingers over the letters, her heart blooming like those flowers. You are my heaven. It is a simple sentence but deep enough to stir butterflies in her stomach. She couldn't stop smiling as she read and reread his confession. Bringi
"He was seen around your office a few times," Peter dropped the bomb. Maya gulped. She could sense that freak was onto something. He wanted to exact revenge for hurting him. "Where is he now?" Maya demanded, slowly losing her patience. She had to nab him before he did something horrible. "You were right in your assumption. Someone is protecting him. There have been no transactions in his accounts for months which means he has another account. Someone is aiding him financially," Peter revealed. Maya nodded, taking in details."He is also being protected. Someone is making sure his locations remain hidden," Peter discussed, standing in front of him, he asked, "Could it be someone from your family?" "Huh?" Maya responded, not expecting the question. "I was wondering if someone from your family is using him to harm you. Your family is rich too," Peter explained. "No," Maya answered, without missing a beat. Her parents hated Paulo. They would never do something like that. Peter nodded
"You are mad at me?" he questioned, walking into the room. She turned away without uttering a word. Dante drew a heavy sigh and sauntered towards her. He came to stand beside his woman and gazed down at his son. The boy rewarded him with a bright smile, melting his heart."Hi there," he cooed, leaning closer to him. The boy sneezed, his tiny body shaking with the motion. A spray of spit landed on Dante's face."Very good," Dante sighed, leaning away. Maya's mouth curved into an approving smile."My smart boy," Maya praised her son, happy to see how he avenged her. Dante scowled. "So I am the enemy now," he stated, looking at her with slightly narrowed eyes. A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. She didn't respond and kept swaying Vincent. Her silent treatment and ignoring games were her worst torture methods. "I didn't know she would do something like that," he shared with a sigh. She stopped in her movements and raised her gaze to his. "Sometimes she forgets she is just a
No matter how much they wanted to stay here- away from the world, in their own little bubble- they had to return home. Vincent must be waiting for them. "I am certain I had closed the tent," Maya ascertained. She knew she would never compromise with Vincent's safety, even in a haze. His safety and protection were her topmost priority. "There's a chance he opened it himself," Dante guessed. "Are you serious? He is just a child. He cannot possibly reach that high," Maya argued, her voice edged with disbelief. She didn't know how it happened. She would have called it a conspiracy but who in the world could harbor animosity towards Vincent? He was just a little, innocent kid. Tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled the moment. A paralyzing fear had seized her the moment she learned about his disappearance. In that moment she raised just how much Vincent meant to her. "Why are you crying?" Dante asked, frowning. "The thought of something happening to him..........I'd neve
The warmth of the bonfire bathed them in its golden hue, flickering across their heat-flushed cheeks as they surrendered themselves to each other. She shifted slightly in his lap, moaning and gasping as he kissed her without holding back. His hands were all over her body, his mouth crushing hers with a sense of urgency. She was locked in his embrace of seduction, destined to stay within them forever. His lips moved against hers, hungry and eager, determined to consume her from inside and out. Her lips were intoxicating- an addictive mixture of sweetness and raw desire. He moved his hands along the curve of her spine, a grunt vibrating with desire escaped his mouth. She was perfect. She inched away, breaking their kiss. Her lips hovered above his, tantalising his nerves, teasing his cock. Their breath mixed in one, their heart beating in sync. The flames along with mischief dancing in her blue eyes as she tilted her head backward, exposing the slope of her neck. Dante sucked in a br
The wind, sharp as blades, cut through them as he carried her towards the ground. The sun had already set and the night was slowly sprawling its wings across the sky. Gently, he lowered her to the ground, his movements deliberate and tender. She hugged him before he could move away, desperate for his warmth. It was too cold out here. Her teeth were chattering. Dante looked around. They had successfully landed themselves in the densest part of the woods. They were now trapped between the river and the jungle. "Let me gather some wood and then we can light a fire," he told her softly. "It's cold," she whimpered, her grip tightening, unwilling to let him go. "I know. That's why we need fire to keep us warm," he explained to her. Besides, they needed fire to stave off wild animals. She thought about it for a moment before reluctantly drawing away. He then quickly went into the woods to collect wood. As he didn't have a torch or phone with him, he had to collect the branches and st
After putting Vincent to sleep, she stepped out of the tent and ventured deep into the woods to relieve herself. A flicker of unease stirred within her at the thought of going in alone but she dismissed it. The sun was up and beaming. This wasn't her first time staying in the woods anyway, back in her teen years she had taken a lot of trips with her friends. Dante was out somewhere, entertaining his endless business calls. Katty and others were sprawled across the blanket in the distance, engrossed in animated conversation. The woman made sure to zip the tent for Vincent's safety. After relieving herself, she was coming back to the tent when she realised she had lost her way. After struggling for some time, she finally found her way back only to be met with an unexpected sight. Everyone looked visibly tensed, searching frantically for something. Dante came out of a tent, his expression was strained with worry. "What's wrong?" Maya questioned as she came closer, instantly catching hi