ALESSANDRO’S POV
The limousine stopped in front of one of the old convention halls in New York. Stepping out of the car, I stood straight. Camilla slipped out after me and latched onto my arm. I held back a growl of frustration, wishing it was just beside me instead.It felt as though things were so out of control. But I would find a way to make it right soon. I just had to get through that night, and everything would be fine. With long strides, I headed for the entrance.“Why are you in a rush, Al?” Camilla asked, sounding all too innocent, making me wonder how I hadn’t seen through her before.“Just follow me silently if you don’t want to go back home,” I said, coldly, keeping my eyes on the entrance.I didn’t hear any words from her, just a faded disappointed grunt.After checking in, we went inside to our table in the VIP section. As I turned to take my seat, I stopped short. Victoria was there in a red party dress with her shoulder-length hair combed back and bright red lips that matched her dress. She looked stunning.Then I noticed others staring at her ravishing beauty, and my blood boiled, not wanting them to eye my wife like that.But wait. Why was she there? And how? She only ever went to business parties as my companion. Had she known I was coming? Did she know I was watching her? No. Her movements gave me no indication that she noticed me.Meanwhile, everything in me wished she’d see me and sit next to me.Then another thought crossed my mind. Who was she with? The thought of someone else with her both frustrated and suffocated me. My eyes darted around her to locate the culprit.“Why the fuck is she here?” Camilla asked, then held my arm tightly. “This event is too low-class. How can someone like her be allowed in? I don’t think you make the right choice to come here, Al.”My already sour mood turned even more sour. She had no shame. Worse, she’d spoken too loudly, drawing the attention of others. Victoria had heard as well. She peered at us, and to my disappointment, simply smiled before shifting her eyes away.Barely any reaction? She’d remained calm, as though Camilla’s words didn’t matter.That angered Camilla even more, so much so that she called for security.A guard arrived and asked, “Is there something wrong, ma’am?”“Something wrong? Every fucking thing is wrong!” Camia shouted, drawing even more attention. She pointed at Victoria, “How can that type of person get a VIP seat? Don’t you people have a priority list? What kind of event is this?”My fists clenched, wishing I could shout that I didn’t know her, that I wasn’t with the crazy woman. But I owed her a debt, so I had to mind my manners and couldn’t publicly disrespect her.The security guard looked embarrassed, and I couldn’t blame him. He lowered his head toward me and apologized. “I’m sorry, Mr. Devonte. The seats are arranged by the organizer, not by our hall. We merely followed his instructions.”I nodded in understanding, but Camilla snapped her fingers at him, glaring. “Hey, I’m the one talking to you, and you’re apologizing to him? Why not address me?” Her tone grew louder with each word. “How dare you disrespect me like that?”I lost control and snapped at her. “If you have such a problem with it, then get out! Don’t waste everyone’s time with your bullshit!”Camilla stopped, glaring at me.I turned to the guard. “I’m sorry for the inconvenience. Please, excuse us.”The guard offered a polite bow, then thanked me and scurried away.Slowly, the guests also withdrew their eyes from us.Victoria hadn’t even spared me a glance. Meanwhile, I couldn’t stop staring at her. I didn’t know what had gotten into me. But I wanted to take her home and keep her locked up there, only for me to see, not all the strangers around us.Victoria sat alone at her table, and I continued to wonder if she had a partner with her and who he might be. I wanted to see the man with the guts to take my wife on a date.Antonio Edwards, the director of E. Shine and host of the party, entered, drawing me from my thoughts.He walked in handsomely, drawing a crowd of female guests’ attention. Well, I am used to that part, too, though.However, my brows furrowed the moment he walked directly to Victoria’s table. I swear, there was no doubt in his steps, and he sat next to her... Closely even!Victoria smiled brightly at him as if they had known each other for years. Antonio held her hand, dropping a kiss on her knuckle and kept holding it!Dude! Let the hand go! You are holding someone else’s wife’s hand! I thought angrily.What the bloody fuck is happening!? Well, it’s not only me, but everyone in the room is surprised!No one has ever seen Antonio Edwards with a woman or heard rumors. And when people see him with a lady, that is, my freaking wife!And I don’t understand how on earth Victoria knows this man! The famous Antonio Edwards and the non-famous Victoria!When did they even meet!? Her world kept roaming around me for three years; wherever she went, she was with me! Then how!?Every eye was on the
VICTORIA POVToday Iattended a business function independently for the first time in my life.Before, I used to go with Alessandro but not anymore.He isout of my life, and I have become more confident and independent in every way.I’ve learned that love alone isn’t enough to keep a relationship going;admiration and respect are also essential.Istarted my career in E.Shine.[G1] Corpwith Antonio’s support and attended my first business appearance as his VIPguest.A bitnervous, but it’s alright. I have come back to my real self. No more oiling toothers.I evenfaced my ex-husband and his favorite woman. Well, you know “who.” She even madea scene in public, and I only replied with a smile at her.To betruthful, I don’t really care about them anymore. When I watched Alessandrowith Camilla, I wasn’t that affected much. And because of her attitude, I felta little aggrieved for Alessandro. He really chose to be with a woman who didnot care about his reputation before the public.
VICTORIA POV“So?You have made the final decision?” Antonio asked, sipping his morning coffee.Ichewed the sausage in my mouth and gulped it before answering him. “Yes, I havedecided,” I said, sighing and caressing my belly. “I don’t want my child togrow up in a toxic place like Devonte’s mansion, nor want this innocent childto face that same cruel fate as mine like... before.”A heavylump in my throat turned into a drastic sound of anger and emotional damage.I felta light touch in my hand, and when I looked up, I met deep blue worried eyes,recalling me of our father.I shookmy head, smiling sadly. “Don’t worry; I have learned to accept the truth, Ant.Those three years in that family grew me up and taught me self-love andrespect, which I did not care about before,” I said as I held his hand inassurance before caressing my belly once again.“Thischild right here will grow up with a confident and loving mother. I promise...”I gulped the heavy lump away. “No more weak and e
VICTORIA POVI satbeside Alessandro all the way to the hospital. He was lying like a lifelessbody with an oxygen mask on his face. I was very anxious as we were going tothe hospital in the ambulance.Themale nurse beside me kept him in check and assured me everything would be fine.But, my worries are not taking a name for leaving.I am soscared. All cruel memories of the past kept roaming in my head as tears slippedthrough my eyes.All Icould hope was that nothing serious happened to him. Because if anything goeswrong, I can never forgive myself.Soon,we reached the hospital, which seemed like forever to me. The medical staffswere faster as they immediately set up a stretcher and took him inside.Ifollowed them.Thedoctor checked him on the spot and decided that he needed an operationimmediately.While Iwatched the nurses and other doctors taking him inside, the main doctor stoppedme, following them.“Mrs.Devonte, there is a procedure you need to sign.”Hiswords stopp
VICTORIA POVThefeeling of once again getting close to him was a kind of strange nauseous tome. I don’t think I can handle that. Moreover, there are lots of willing peopleto take care of him.I wasabout to deny the proposal, but aunt Gina beat me to it. “Mrs. Devonte?” Hereyes narrowed at me in suspicion. “Didn’t you just say you were divorced a fewago? How come you are still Mrs. Devonte?”Ialmost rolled my eyes at her but controlled myself. I don’t want to create anyscene in the hospital and remain calm as much as possible.“Yes,we are divorced, and that happened just this morning. Unfortunately, the doctordidn’t know it; at that time, it was impossible to describe all of it. Try tounderstand the situation.” I replied as the doctor stared at me, a little takenaback.“Wait!”Gina widened her eyes like a hypocrite. “Did you just sign the formal papers inthe hospital? How are you doing that!? You are not a family anymore!”Ireally can’t believe this woman. She is still ca
ALESSANDRO POV“Hey...Wake up, please!” A desperate tone rang in my head. I opened my eyes only to begreeted by darkness.I couldsense myself but could see nothing.Wheream I? The last thing I remember, I was in the Government office for divorce.Victoria was waiting for me when I arrived there.I onlysaw coldness and no regret in those green eyes. She turned into a wholedifferent person since she left me. She was sarcastic about my late arrival.Did shenot get it? I don’t want to divorce her! I was late, wilfully, hoping she wouldchange her mind, which never happened.She wasso desperate to get rid of me. Is she so tired of me? Was I that irritating tobe with? I wanted to ask, but I didn’t.When wewere sitting before the divorce officer, and he was asking questions, she didnot hesitate to reply once. She knew what she was doing. It seemed I had nevermet this Victoria before.She wasso desperate to leave that she didn’t bother about the divorce price. In otherwords, ever
VICTORIA POV“ALESSANDRO!!!”Thehigh-pitched tone caught me off guard. Fuck! What is this bitch doing here now?Cursingher and my fate equally, I quickly got away from my ex-husband. I turned aroundto see the person.And Iwas right! Camilla enters the room with an anxious look on her face.Shesprinted to the bed, completely ignoring my presence, or maybe she was tooperturbed not to notice me. Either way, she is a real drama queen.Mythoughts broke with her next words. “Why didn’t you call me!? I could havestayed beside you!” She is now hovering on top of him.Alessandrofrowned and unexpectedly moved a little to my side. “Why are you here?”Heinquired because he was becoming increasingly irritated by her presence. I don’tunderstand this man anymore. He suddenly kissed me and now behaving differentlytoward Camilla.Ilooked at Camilla, who was not ready to give up, and leaned more toward him.“Come on, Al. Let me see your wound.”I amvery much embarrassed between these two.
ALESSANDRO POV“Please,don’t go... VICTORIA!” I shouted after her, but she left. No! She can not leaveme! I... I have to do something!I can’tlive without her by my side. Even if she is angry and hard on me, I will takeeverything, but I want her beside me. I will let her hate me, but not at theprice of leaving me. No!I didnot care if I was injured or attached to wires; I removed the comforter over meand quickly got out of bed. However, I could not make it, and losing mybalance, I fell to the ground.Still,I struggled to stand up. I needed to stop her before she walked out on me. Idon’t want our ways to be parted! Fuck! I need her in my bloody life!“Victoria,wait!” I shouted, but she was gone, turning my fear into reality.Lost, Istared at the closed door. She was gone. She left me!I stoodup, struggling. No, I can’t lose her. I was an idiot for ignoring her, and nowI have realized my mistake. I will make everything right. Just let me out ofthis place once.“Alessandro,