As we entered his apartment, Alexander stopped behind me, held my waist with one hand, and with the other, pulled my hair to one side while kissing me exactly where Levy had kissed me earlier."No one, absolutely no one but me will ever put their hands or mouth on you again, Catherine. You're mine, only mine. You might be upset, hurt, or angry, but you're mine. And I'm going to kiss every inch of skin on your delicious little body today so you'll remember that and erase any damn sensation that idiot Levy might have caused.""And you, Alexander? Are you only mine too?" I asked angrily. "Or will you keep sleeping with any whore who shows up when I'm not around?""I'm all yours, my love. I don't remember anything from Mari's party night. But we're not going to talk about that now because right now I'm going to kiss you and make love to you and make up for all the time we've missed. And I'm going to engrave in every cell of your body that you're mine and that I love you."And that's exactl
When we arrived at Patrick's house, the girls were already there and came running to take Peter from Alexander's arms, who got a bit grumpy while talking to them."Easy there, you crazy girls! Be careful with my little buddy!""Finally, I get to meet Peter!" Rick commented, approaching with a smile.My son was surrounded by my friends who made him laugh and let out little squeals from the tickles he was getting on his tiny belly, making me smile too! Suddenly he looked at Alexander."Alexanda, pool!" He said with his bright violet eyes."Let's put on the floaties and sunscreen first, Peter," I said to him as he was already stretching his little arms toward Alexander."Leave it to me, Cat. I'll take care of our boy today, have fun and relax," Alexander said, giving me a huge smile.He looked even more handsome under the sun, with his messy hair, sunglasses, white shirt, and short. He wore flip-flops, and even his feet were beautiful. He took Peter's bag from my hands and busied himself
Another week started and flew by. Alexander really didn't keep his distance - he kept sending messages, flowers, and afternoon snacks. What changed was that he called me every night and we'd chat for a while. He told me that after everything Margaret revealed, the audit was moving faster, and they were working for a few hours every night at Patrick's house. But he hadn't told me what Margaret said, only that she knew a lot but never thought it was important.Melissa established Tuesday as girls' night, so we went to the Social Club again and had dinner there. We always had plenty to talk about, and fun was guaranteed with that group. Samantha had started working with Alexander and was really enjoying the job, although she couldn't stand Celeste, so she had lots to tell us."Seriously, Cat, it's written 'lying, fake, gossiping troublemaker' on Celeste's forehead - how did you not see it?" Samantha asked."Cat always sees the best in people, Sam. I got tired of warning her about that cou
On Friday, Melissa, Peter, and I caught a flight to Bellwood. When we arrived, Melissa's family driver was already waiting for us and drove me to my parents' farm, where they were expecting us. I said goodbye to my friend, and we agreed that she would come to see us the next day."Sweetie!" My mother came running to hug me, already in tears."Mom, I missed you so much!""And where's grandma's baby? Come here, my little darling!" My mother took Peter from my arms, and I took the opportunity to hug my father."My daughter, it's so wonderful to have you both home!""Thanks, Dad. It's really good to be here.""Let's go inside, it's already dark. Tomorrow you can explore the farm." My father was clearly excited about the farm.We went inside, and my mother already had dinner on the table. We sat down and had the meal together. How I missed being with them. Peter fell asleep in grandma's arms, who put him to bed and then joined my father and me in the living room."So, Catherine, how's life
The next morning, we woke up early. The aroma of coffee my mom was brewing in the kitchen filled every room in the house. Peter was euphoric, and my dad took him to the small barn to milk the cow. When they returned, my son had a tiny milk mustache and a blue enamel mug in his hand.We sat down and had breakfast while listening to the birds singing. The house was very spacious and comfortable. It had huge windows, and the fresh morning air flowed through them along with the sunlight.We went out for a walk, and the property was a good size. It was enough for a diverse orchard, a vegetable garden with all kinds of produce and greens, a barn with one cow, a pigpen with two pigs, and a chicken coop with many hens. Peter had fun collecting eggs with my mom.In front of the house, there was a garden full of colorful flowers and a small pond where a family of ducks was playing in the water. The house was flanked by a colonial-style porch, with hammocks hanging in each corner and wooden bench
We finished shopping and returned. Melissa helped me with the bags and we entered the house calling for my parents. We were putting the bags on the counter when Peter came running out and I heard him shout:"Alexander! You came!""Of course I came, little buddy, I was missing you so much!" I heard Alexander's voice and my knees went weak.When I turned around, the two were in a tight hug, my mom with a huge smile, my dad with a surprised look, and Melissa standing open-mouthed watching Fred walk towards her."What does this mean, Fred?" She asked seriously without hugging her boyfriend."We couldn't stand being away from our girls. And especially from Peter." Fred answered naturally."But I didn't tell you where I was going?" Melissa was angry with her boyfriend."You and Catherine going away for the weekend together? There's only one place in the world where you two would go, Mel!" Fred said smugly.I couldn't speak. I was too shocked. My parents invited everyone to sit around the tab
After they left, I put my son to bed and went back to the living room to chat with my parents."Why didn't you tell us you had problems there, honey?" my father asked right away."Because I didn't want to worry you, and because I have a friend who's my guardian angel who helped me find another job just as good," I answered honestly."Alexander said you're now working for his friend, but that you'll go back to working with him," my father said."I haven't decided yet. We'll see," I replied."Cat, we just want you to be happy. I like this young man, he has good intentions, he's serious and responsible. He came here and was honest, owned up to his mistakes. He seems like a good man, and the way you look at him, you're in love," my father hadn't missed a thing."Yes, Dad. He is a great man and I am in love," I confirmed."Then don't get hung up on silly things," my mother said. "Forgiveness is good for you, understand that. Pride won't get you anywhere. Don't forget that.""I won't forget,
I waited for the guys at the gate and got into the car before Alexander could get out to help me."What's wrong, angel?" Alexander asked after Fred drove off."My mother's sister made an unpleasant appearance. But I'll tell you later, I don't want to stress about it now. Good morning to you both." I forced a smile.Peter chatted the entire way, even telling Alexander how he stuck his tongue out at the "witch," which made everyone laugh.At Melissa's house, we were warmly welcomed. Her parents were crazy about Peter and kept insisting they wanted another grandchild, but Melissa wasn't interested in that yet.After lunch, Mr. Larson called Alexander and Fred to his office to discuss business. Melissa and I did the same thing with her mother that we did with mine, filling her in on all the details of our life in Paradise Port.When we said goodbye, Melissa left home with her suitcase ready since our flight was that evening. We were taking Peter for ice cream before going to my house to ge
Samantha’s POVI was relieved to see my mother was okay. It was incredibly lucky that Enzo ran into her - one of those things that nobody can explain, where some call it luck and others divine providence. But I can definitely say this kid saved me again. After they told everything that happened at the mall and Henry confirmed that the Nicole who was with my mother was the same Nicole who was his ex-girlfriend, everything made sense.And we were heading to the police station - my mother, Enzo, Henry, and me. Honestly, I just wanted to go home, but Flavian asked us to come there, so there was no way around it."Henry, why did Flavian ask us to go to the police station?" I asked, still not accepting that I couldn't go home."Sam, you were the victim of Romulus's setup. It was a fake kidnapping, true, but clearly intended to force you to go to him. Plus, your mother's phone was stolen and used for this." Henry repeated the same thing, but I felt he was hiding something from me."I want to
Flavian’s POVI had to say, this raid on Pipote Hill was only supposed to serve three arrest warrants for homicide, but it turned into a complete mess. Three drug dealers dead and two cops wounded, all because they wouldn't let us in. It was all because of that punk Sandro who decided to set up a drug spot here. I only decided to serve these warrants personally snice one of them was Sandro's drug spot manager, and I wanted information about this Romulus guy.At least no civilians were hit. People keep talking about stray bullets, but there was no such thing - there are only bullets that find their targets, and innocent people became those targets, which really upsets me. But fortunately, this time no innocent civilians were shot. Though one of the subjects named in the warrants died - he was one of Sandro's soldiers. We arrested the other two. That was six fewer criminals on the streets."Let's move out, team!" called the military police sergeant who came to support us. "Detective, I t
Samantha’s POVI was getting increasingly nervous. As the car moved toward my destination, I felt more helpless, scared, and distressed. The taxi driver, a very kind gentleman, watched me through the rearview mirror while keeping his eyes on traffic. He drove slowly and carefully, perhaps due to his age, making sure not to cause any accident.My phone rang and I grabbed it from my purse - it was Enzo. I couldn't answer him, I just couldn't. But he persisted. He always did, and I always answered. I thought it through - if I didn't answer, it would raise suspicions. Sure, Michael must have returned to the company, but he probably thought I was in another department and wouldn't be alarmed yet. Maybe he was still looking for me inside the building. So, it was better to answer Enzo.When he told me he was with my mother, I couldn't believe it. Then he put her on the line, and I heard her voice. I couldn't hold back anymore, started crying, and explained that Romulus had called me from her
Enzo’s POVBeing a student was getting harder and harder. The English teacher decided to make us read a book that was almost impossible to find. I had to trek all the way across town because out of all the bookstores in the malls, only this one had it. Everyone was complaining that they couldn't buy the book because they couldn't find it. I spent two days on the phone and finally tracked it down. So I rushed to secure my copy to avoid getting a zero on the test that the teacher had already warned us about.But since I was at the mall, I might as well take a little walk around. I bought the book first - I had reserved it, but you never know if someone might accidentally sell my copy, so I went to the bookstore first. When I left, I was walking through the food court when I spotted Aunt Pearl at a café nearby. I had to say hello."What a coincidence! Aunt Pearl, how are you?" I approached and noticed she was with a younger woman who was pretty but strange-looking."Enzo, darling, what a
Samantha’s POVMy bachelorette party was the most fun event I'd ever been to, despite the snake incident. Erica and Emilia had really outdone themselves. However, it wasn't as enjoyable for Henry, who was tense and worried when he came to pick me up.At home, he told me about his suspicion that Isabella had sent the snake, and I was surprised - I hadn't thought that insufferable woman would be so brazen.We spent Sunday at home, resting and just enjoying each other's company. It was nice to have that peaceful moment with him, knowing the upcoming week would be hectic with wedding preparations, even though everything was already set.This week, I needed to get ahead with all my work since I'd be on my honeymoon with Henry the following week. Starting Thursday, I wouldn't be working as I'd be at the beach house overseeing all the wedding setup. I was so busy that during lunch, I just had a quick snack while working and turned Manu away when she came for afternoon coffee.Then my phone st
Romulus’s POVLittle Samantha must have been crazy if she thought she could ghost me like that. I've called several times and she won't answer, where could she be hiding? I needed to teach her a lesson, but this week I couldn't put my plan into action since Sandro needed me to check the accounts at his drug spot.Sandro wanted me to move to the hill, but to be honest, I preferred little Nicole's apartment, it was better located. But there's no way around it, I made a deal with him and he was the boss. He only gave me one more week to sort things out with little Samantha.I would use this week to resolve my situation with little Samantha and deal with little Nicole too. I was running out of patience with her, but it had to look like an accident, after all, she's Sandro's sister. I was going to do the job and blame the old man, but the idiot got arrested and was even trying to go back on our deal. He wanted little Samantha all to himself - that was pure greed.But little Nicole was still
Henry’s POVI arrived at the Social Club with Edward and Enzo. The guys had reserved a room there and they'd gone all out - they'd set up a room with a pool table, poker table, and arcade games, leather sofas scattered around, and a 1950s-style bar stocked with every kind of drink. This was going to be fun and relaxing."So, ready for your last bachelor party bender?" Patrick asked as soon as I arrived."I thought this day would never come." Alexander approached and handed me a glass.Only then did I notice they were all wearing the same t-shirt - a black one with a cartoon of me being dragged by a rope tied to my foot by a cartoon of Sam, with "game over" written below. These guys were acting like kindergarteners.As if the t-shirts weren't enough, they had prepared several activities, and they all involved lots of alcohol. I probably wouldn't remember my own name the next day.I was already slightly drunk when I saw Flavian answer a call and slip out of the room. When he came back, h
Samantha’s POVThe plans for the night were explained, and the girls decided to start the games. Soon we were all seated, and a bowl with folded papers was placed in front of me."Let's start with the lingerie, everyone grabs your box," Erica said, kicking things off."Okay, Sam, you'll draw a paper and read what's written. To win the gift, you have to guess who experienced the situation described in the paper. If you guess wrong, you'll have to share a situation that happened to you. When you open the present, you'll keep your eyes closed and feel around to figure out what it is. Got it?" Emilia explained the rules of the game."Oh my god! Alright, let's begin," I said and drew the first paper. "On my first time, my boyfriend and I watched some movies to learn because it was his first time too. When we tried to do a position we saw in a movie, I accidentally kicked him in the face, and he fell off the bed and broke his nose. I ended the night still a virgin and in a hospital making up
Samantha’s POVThe week had finally ended, and it had been exhausting. Romulus kept calling and threatening me, but Flavian said the wiretap was active and they were gathering lots of evidence, including proof of other crimes Romulus was committing, so he'd be arrested again soon. But it was horrible to keep getting his calls and hearing threats, not knowing what to expect.As if that wasn't enough, ever since he found out that Edward's sisters were organizing my bachelorette party, Henry had been pestering me to know what they had planned, why I'd let them organize the party, and if there would be any kind of wild rituals, as he put it. I assured him I knew nothing about it, but that he shouldn't worry. However, he kept suggesting every five minutes that we should ditch our friends and family and spend time just the two of us. He was driving me crazy with this whole thing, but I wouldn't budge - I was having my bachelorette party, and it would be fun, he'd just have to deal with it.I