After her boyfriend of five years betrays her, leaving Amanda with her father's crippling debt and the threat of losing her childhood home, she's forced into a desperate situation. Quinn McCullough, a young billionaire, sees an opportunity and offers to settle her debts in exchange for her hand in marriage. Desperate to save her family home, Amanda agrees, unaware of Quinn's ulterior motives. But as their marriage unfolds, Amanda discovers shocking truths about Quinn, including a dark familial connection that threatens to tear them apart. Will their union survive the secrets and betrayals lurking beneath the surface?
View MoreAmanda's POV
I climbed into the small rental car I had hired from the automobile company on my first day here. It was cheap and old, but my only option for transport whilst I was in Italy.
I started the engine and drove off in the direction of the diner where I would be working my second shift for today. My real reason for being in Italy was because I had been sent by the company I worked for in New York. I had begged my boss, who was also my boyfriend, to let me stay back this time. The business trip coincided with my father's memorial and it was not something I wanted to miss.
However, he disagreed, arguing that I was the best person for the job since research was my specialty. Arriving here, I realized that this whole trip was just a waste of time. The investor I was supposed to meet with had canceled on short notice. So the one week that my boss was letting me stay here had gone to waste.
I was so angry and tried to call my boyfriend, but he didn't answer. Frustrated, I decided to make good use of the time by finding a small job. After all, with the piling debt, I needed all the money I could get. Since I was only required to work a few hours a week, I'd taken the opportunity to go job hunting at a place with daily pay. The popular diner six streets away from my motel was the perfect option.
I was already so tired that I wanted nothing more than to just jump into bed, but I had to do this job. My whole life depended on it, including the roof over my head back home in New York. It was my only shot at being able to repay the debt.
I blinked back the tears that pooled in my eyes at the thought of losing the house I had grown up in. What would we do? Where would we even go? We were completely helpless.
Wiping my face and shaking off my fatigue, I drove down the road until I got to the diner. I quickly parked the car behind the restaurant and shoved out my work apron from the passenger seat.
I was tying the apron around my waist when I heard the gunshot.
The sound of a bullet whizzing past my ear made me jump flat to the ground and take cover close to a dumpster.
What the fuck is going on?!
I was nearly paralyzed with fear as I crouched in the alley, holding my breath to see what came next. Footsteps of about a dozen people sounded down the road.
"Don't let that bastard get away!" A voice snarled in the distance. "Find him!!"
I could hear the pattering on the wet ground as more footsteps ran down the road. It sounded like there was a chase.
My heart clenched fearfully. I needed to get out of here!
"Boss, we got him! He has a gunshot wound, there's a blood trail. He couldn't have gotten far." Another voice spoke.
"Shut the fuck up and bring him to me!!" The initial voice thundered, spilling curses in a language I did not understand.
I couldn't stay here. No fucking way did I come to Italy to get killed!
Trying my best to be as quiet as possible, I discarded my apron in the trash and waited till the footsteps faded away. When the time seemed right, I raced back to my car. I was just opening the car door when I bumped into a figure crouched on the floor. It was so dark that I couldn't make out the man's features.
Ridden with fear, I stumbled backward to run. But then I saw the blood spurting out of a wound in his abdomen. I instantly knew he was the one those men were looking for.
"Who are you and what the hell are you doing next to my car? Leave or I'll call the cops!" I threatened, trying to put on a brave voice but I was shaking with fear inside.
Before I could say anything more, the man let out a sharp growl and leaped forward, grabbing me roughly and clamping a large hand over my mouth.
"Don't make a sound," he hissed into my ear, dragging me towards the car.
I was so paralyzed with fear that I did as I was told.
"Where are the keys?!" He demanded.
My shaky hands dug into my bag as I rummaged for the keys. When I handed it over he got into the driver seat and shoved me to the passenger side. After he shut the doors, we heard footsteps approaching. It was the men, clutching guns as they stealthily moved down the street.
"Make a sound and you'll regret it," the man threatened me, placing a finger over his lips. He looked so dangerous at that moment that I shivered in fear, shutting my eyes and curling in my seat as the men passed us. Luckily, they did not check the car.
As soon as they were a good distance away from us, the wounded man started the ignition and began to drive at breakneck speed.
"What are you doing?!" I yelled, anger mixing it with my fear. "They're going to see us!"
But it was already too late. A sudden surge of screams filled the air as the armed men cocked their guns and began to shoot at the car.
"No!! AHH!!"
I ducked to the floor of the car screaming as bullets whizzed past my ears, shattering the glass and leaving holes in the car. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I cried.
This all felt too real. For a moment I was certain I was going to die.
I was barely able to hold on as the car jumped roughly through the road. The man drove recklessly, not bothering to be careful with the car. After a few minutes, a loud popping sound filled the air and the car came to a stop. I whipped around to see that the thugs were no longer following us. We must have lost them in the chase.
"Climb out!" The man yelled at me.
Without thinking, I pushed the door open and rolled out of the car. Next thing I knew, the car went up in flames, exploding with a loud crash.
"No!" I yelled in agony.
I felt my legs give way and I fell to the ground in tears, watching the car I had hired on installment burn to ashes. Now I had to pay in full for damages and the full price of the car. Yet another debt on my shoulders. All because of one man!
Anger tightened my throat as I whipped around to yell at him. But to my shock, he was nowhere to be found. I staggered to my feet and looked around the abandoned area he had driven us into. But still, I couldn't find him.
That bastard had taken off and left me in the middle of nowhere! I let out another frustrated scream. There and then, I vowed within myself to teach that bastard a lesson if I ever saw him again.
*****
I looked down at my cell phone worriedly and dialed Logan's number once again. It rang, but he did not pick up.
"God, Logan," I breathed. "Where did you put your phone?"
I had been calling my boyfriend's line since I got to New York to no avail. I was supposed to return to New York in a few days, but since the trip was a waste of time, plus last night's scare, I decided to come earlier.
I missed Logan so much, and I'd wanted him to come pick me up at the airport, but since he wasn't picking me up, I decided to surprise him instead.
A mischievous smile curved my lips as I imagined the look on his face when he'd see me. I giggled as I hailed a taxi. He would probably be at work right now.
Logan and I worked in the same company, although he was several levels above me. We'd met a few months into my employment and it had been bliss ever since. I felt like the happiest and luckiest woman alive when Logan asked me out. Falling in love with him came easy, and if it were up to me, I would flaunt that to the whole world.
But Logan felt differently.
The only issue I had earlier was the fact that he insisted on keeping our relationship a secret from our colleagues. But when he explained that he didn't want to seem unprofessional, I completely understood.
Because I was amongst the lowest level of staff at the company, I hardly got to see Logan often. My best friend, Vanessa, disliked Logan for some reason, clearly insisting that he kept our relationship a secret because he was ashamed of me.
I had fought with Vanessa several times because of this. Although she thought that Logan was bad for me, I fully disagreed. We had been together for five years, and I knew he loved me. He told me every day. He had been there for me through all my struggles, and even whilst I was distracted trying to pay off my family's debt, I still made time to be with him.
That's how important he was to me.
I practically raced to Logan's office once I arrived at the company building. I was about to pull the door open when I heard the voices within.
"Yes, I'm serious, baby. I'm pregnant!" A female voice announced happily. "I still can't believe it!"
My face scrunched in confusion. Wait a second. I recognized that voice…
It belonged to Candace, Logan's best friend. She was his childhood friend whom we saw once in a while, but it was unusual for her to be in his office. But, pregnant?! I didn't know she was seeing someone.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I slowly pushed the door open and peeked in. The image I saw before me was one I would never forget.
Candace was perched on the desk with Logan standing in between her legs and running his fingers up her chest to cup her breasts.
I stared at the sight in front of me, unable to move. It felt like I had been punched in the gut.
Logan was cheating on me?!
AmandaI could not understand, for the life of me, how and why Luke was here in the first place. I had so many questions to ask him. He stood there staring at me for a few moments before walking forward."Hello, Camila. Finally I get to see you."I couldn't think of what to say, but I also couldn't leave him standing outside. That was even worse because he could easily be spotted. I had no choice but to invite him inside. At least he would be away from prying eyes until he had to leave. Surprisingly, Luke did not decline when I asked him to come in. I thought he would be angry at the fact that he found me here. Not like his opinion mattered, anyway. Hating that I had to deal with this coupled with what was already going on, I sobbed and led him into the mansion, walking straight to the living room and offering him a seat. I couldn't just leave him there regardless of how I felt. He was still a guest here, and guests had to be entertained. So I headed to the fridge and took out water
Amanda’s POV A secret? He killed my father because of some silly secrets? And my mother kept all this from me?My head was in my palm as a strong headache overcame me. It was as if the more I thought about it the more it throbbed, pulsated. I could hardly comprehend it.How could she keep this away from me, knowing this much. I married the son of the man that killed my own father. I think what was more shocking amongst all this was the fact that she watched me get married with him without so much as an eye bat.Call it what you might but I felt betrayed. I know she wanted to bury in the past, not scale out old wounds but she should have tried. She should have warned.Some part of me blamed myself as well. I should have listened to that little chipping voice that was whispering at me to turn back. To not work in that company. To not agree to the contract…..but without that, Quinn.Gods!I fisted my hair.The more I stayed here, the more my head swarmed with different thoughts. Accusat
Amanda’s POV Quinn was preparing for work. I immediately kicked up from the bed and ran into the bathroom. I wanted to join him to work. I loved the feeling of him driving me to work. It was cute and hot.I dashed into the bathroom and started showering. I skipped most of my routines. Just had a quick shower then sprinted out with the towel tied around my chest.Thumbling through racks of clothes, I fished out a white chiffon top with a fizzle at the hand. I brought out plain pants, a belt and my heels and a purse.I laid them out and began dressing briskly when Quinn turned to me. He stared, arched brow at me. “What are you doing?” His hand halted on his tie as he held my form in question.“What does it look like I’m doing?” As I asked I threw on my shirt, fastening my button. “I’m dressing so that I can join you for work.” I said like it wasn't the obvious.His hand dropped from his tie to his side and he faced me. “Work? Didn’t I tell you during last night’s date not to worry abo
Amanda’s POV After Quinn left, I was by myself, smiling like an idiot before I caught myself. I shook my head and palmed my cheeks. “Get a grip girl!” I reprimanded myself and snorted, and then I was grinning again.I groaned, there was no helping this. I might as well just let it be.While smiling, I reminisce the look of rapt shock on Mrs. Rosaline’s face. Then I suddenly remembered that Candace wasn’t present for breakfast.It’s been four days now and I hadn’t set eyes on her. The woman part of me felt bad for her. And to crown it all, she was pregnant after all the humiliation and there was her husband to be, swarming around me like a damn bee.I didn’t know what I was feeling, maybe call it, feeling euphoric, and stupid. But I wanted to check up on her. My feet moved on their own accords, and before I knew it, I was towing towards her room. Without so much as a ponder.I rapped on the door and she called in, thinking it was probably a servant or a maid. When she saw me her eyes
Quinn’s POV “You should have told me before you told them about our baby.” Amanda said, coming after me. She shut the door and sat on the bed with a bounce. She had her hand behind her whilst she looked up at me. The position suddenly ignited something feral inside of me.“You know your Aunty didn’t seem happy, only Granny was happy for us.”I leaned in, giving in a tad bit to the voice in my head. “I was just happy, feeling too in the moment,” I kissed her, a little deeper than I anticipated. Breaking away, I used my thumb on her cheeks to measure gaze with her. “I’m sorry, next time I’ll consult you before I take any action next time.”She waves it off, “it’s okay. I liked the look of surprise on their faces. Did you see the look on Miranda’s face?”“No, I didn’t,” I pulled her close, “I was too happy to notice anyone, honestly.” She brushed the hair that fell to my face back. “I just hope our baby will be safe.” The genuine worry on her face and her tone made me sit down rather
Amanda’s POV I woke up feeling a burst of euphoric excitement all over the air. The bed was still warm from Quinn’s presence. Lying on the bed, I grinned and spread my legs and arms wide on the bed. Everything felt right, felt in place. “Mmm,” I turned to the side of Quinn’s bed and tapped gently by his side. Grinning like I won the lottery. Inside me felt so light, like I could float to the sky, to the heavenss or better to the fucking galaxy.It was refreshing finally describing what we were. Putting a label to us. It felt like a breath of fresh air knowing my place. My indefinite place.All the questioning, all the unanswered questions and the burning fear was discarded. All that was left in its wake were colourful butterflies fluttering in the bosom of my stomach.What made me leave the bed was my phone by the bed stand. Next to the alarm clock. I grabbed it and rolled on my back putting a call through to Vanessa. My one and only fan. The fan of our ship since day one.“Hellooo
Quinn’s POV I couldn’t believe what Amanda was doing. Did she think that I didn’t know about the baby? I kept quiet, hoping she’d trust me enough to open up to me about the baby but she’d pulled a twister.When she’d called and said that she wanted to speak with me about something, I inwardly exhaled, relieved that she was finally coming to me with it, coming out clean but she instead suggested this.And what was that talk about finding love?I had learned about the pregnancy in the hospital. I was outside her ward when she asked the doctor to keep it a secret.“There’s no problem.” I said, much to her surprise. Why was she shocked? Isn’t that what she wanted?“You can go and meet the person you love, but make sure you give birth to my child first and give it to me before leaving.”Her eyes widened in shock, mouth agape with all the color drained from her features. She was stark with surprise. She opened her mouth and closed it, struggling to speak.I pushed up, tight hearted that she
Amanda’s POV I massaged my temples, sighing. Exhaustion and terror washed through me. This wasn’t the plan, this wasn’t stated in the contract. I wasn’t supposed to get pregnant.What was going to happen to me now? I couldn’t exactly raise a child alone. I mean I could, but work, life and my age. It wasn’t something I could do alone. And at the same time I couldn’t tell Quinn. Oh, I mustn’t.I didn’t want someone to stay with me just because I was pregnant. I wasn’t that selfish to force someone to stay with me for the sake of a baby.My eyes instinctively moved to my belly. We didn’t have a contract to get pregnant because he’d known that a grown ass lady wouldn’t be so stupid to let such a casualty happen.Our contract had not ended and wasn’t going to end any time soon. He would surely see that I was pregnant. It would be horrible, subjecting Quinn to something he didn’t want. And most importantly I didn’t want someone to be with me out of duty or pity. That wasn’t what I wanted.
Amanda’s POV As I stepped out of the house I felt woozy and my vision blurred out. I held my head to shake off the dizziness, just in the moment my eyes closed and the world spun around me. Just as I was about to fall, a hand caught me and right me. I held my head, closing my eyes for a bit.I inhaled, when I was sure my vision was clear and not drowsy anymore I peeled my eyes open to see granny staring at me. Her hand was stationed around my wrist.Her brows creased into worry, eyes accessed me.“Thank you granny Maria.” I said and she let go, after a moment of observing me.“Have you gone for the check up?” She asked and I stared oblivious to her questions and reason behind it. She spoke as if I’d discussed my dizziness with her. How did she even know?“I heard you complaining about dizziness over the phone.” She gave herself away.I stared keenly at her. My stare easily asked the question; have you been eavesdropping on me? She immediately added, prior to my questioning stare, “
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