Richard's POVI woke up late with a terrible headache and an overwhelming tiredness. The headache had begun the night after I had gotten home from a business meeting but I had decided to sleep it off and this morning it had developed into a splitting one. Making my way to the shower I caught a glimpse of something or should I say someone through my balcony. I approached my balcony out of curiosity and there she lay on a beach chair in a two piece bathing suit tanning. I found my eyes trailing her body the bruises Vanya had told me she was decorated with but it seemed they had healed completely. I remember the night I had met her vividly, I had concluded a business meeting and was asked to out of for some drinks. Not being comfortable in loud places and brothels, I decided to leave early only to find a woman screaming for help as I was about to get into my car.At first I was dismissive, no one wants to involve themselves in brothel problems but she seemed desperate and I remembere
Lenora's Pov:After Tara left, Richard retreated back into the mansion and I called after him, “Richard, wait!”He stopped and turned in response. I walked up to him and placed my palm on his forehead, confirming my suspicion. “You're burning up.” I stated.“I know.” He replied, taking my palm off his forehead and continuing his stride. “Do I need to call Vanya?” I asked.“No.” He responded, sharply. “I'm fine.”“Let me at least come with you.” I insisted. “I said, I'm fine!” He yelled, and I saw him stumble a bit as he walked. I went after him, “Are you really going to act like this, even in this state?” I scolded, and he let out a deep sigh of exasperation. “I'm fine, satisfied?” He sighed, going up the stairs. “And don't follow me, you're only going to worsen my headache with your nagging.”“It's called caring, which I'm sure you can't relate with.” I snapped back. “Why do you care?” He retorted. And I raised my hand at him, showing off the ring on my finger, “In case you've
Lenora's Pov:The morning came in faster than anticipated, I woke up groggily to the sound of water. On opening my eyes I peered at my surroundings, it didn't look like my room and I instantly recalled last night's events. How did I even sleep soundly? Richard wasn't on the bed, so I assumed he was using the shower. The running water came to an abrupt stop and when I heard the bathroom door open, I pulled the sheets over myself pretending to be fast asleep. I heard him walk across the room, “Vanya, have someone bring in breakfast.” He said, moving to another part of the room. After what seemed like a minute he resurfaced and I heard him open what sounded like a bottle of water. Water droplets fell on my face and I jumped up, and met an indifferent Richard staring down at me. He stood shirtless, showing off his fit chest and damn was he ripped. I was almost tempted to run my fingers over his abs, almost.I sighed and hissed, “You know, there are other ways to rekindle with your inne
Lenora's Pov:“Ricardo!” An older woman exclaimed as we alighted from the car. The place we had arrived in was a large mansion, a type of house people with old money would live in. “Mamma, come stai?” Richard said, going in for an embrace, I didn't get what she said next because I obviously didn't know Italian. She glanced at me and said something to Richard, I guessed it as my cue to offer a greeting. “Ciao, Signora Giulia, Richard has told me all about you.” I said, giving her a hug.“Signora?” She gasped. “I wasn't sure to call you mother yet.” I explained, fiddling with my thumb nervously.She waved her hand as if dismissing the thought, “Absolutely nonsense, Mamma sounds very wonderful, come inside dear.” She said, taking my hand. I turned to Richard and gave him a wink and a thumbs up but of course, he rolled his eyes at me.“Tell me dear, what is your name?” She asked as we made our way inside.“Lenora.” I replied, giving her a sweet smile and she responded with an even swee
Lenora's Pov:I lay on my bed bored, restless, and craving a late night snack. My inner turmoil went on and on until I came to a final decision and got out of bed. Heading for the kitchen, I made my way past Richard's study and noticed it was slightly open. I was tempted to drop in and maybe get on his nerves since I really had nothing to do, but I waved the idea off and continued to the kitchen. Making myself a fruit smoothie and grabbing a full jar of cookies I made my way back to my room. Stopping in front of Richard's study again, I sighed and approached it. I kicked the door open, trying to balance my smoothie and the glass jar of cookies in my arms while I pushed the door close.“I don't recall asking you in.” He said, engrossed in paper work. The dimly lit room drew its illumination mainly from the focused glow of his desk lamp. His features highlighted under the soft glow of the room and his brows furrowed in concentration. Ignoring him I headed for a seat, slurping my smo
Lenora's Pov:The limo stopped in front of the event location, there were paparazzi everywhere and a red carpet. As soon as we stepped down, we were surrounded by paparazzi. I almost went blind from all the lights but Richard seemed used to it seeing how composed he was. My only hope was that my pictures turned out really good because I had my eyes squinted from the lights throughout.We took pictures on the red carpet, and for some reason I felt like the photos would come out bad. I've never been photogenic, I barely even took photos.I hated the fact that I wasn't mentally prepared to appear in public without any sort of beforehand warning but it was Richard, of course he'd never tell me what to expect. The paparazzi however seemed surprised, but none of them asked any questions. “Richard!” A very familiar voice called, a few minutes after we had stepped into the very large hall the event was holding in.We both turned and saw Tara moving towards our direction, the first question t
Lenora's POV:When I got to my table, not to my surprise, Tara was sitting right next to Richard laughing. I stood a good couple feet away from them contemplating three things; One: Ask Remo to take me home, Two: walk up to the both of them and throw a glass of that very red wine on Tara's cream coloured dress. Three: Ignore them and just take a seat.Option one and two would make me feel good about myself but would ruin our public appearance and I did not want that. So I stuck with option three. “You took your time in that restroom.” Richard said as I sat down.“What were you doing, giving birth?” Tara added, but I ignored both of them and damn, did it feel good!A man came over and took Richard away with him to a table filled with men, leaving Tara and I alone at the table. “Tell me the truth, are you really Richard's wife?” Tara asked, her voice filled with vile.I took a sip of my wine and shrugged, “I don't know, you tell me.”“Well even though there's a chance that you may be
Richard's POV:She had been acting unlike herself ever since we arrived at the event. I assumed it was because she was Jet lagged and recovering from her air sickness. I began to rethink bringing her with me, I should have let her sleep in the suite. “You're unusually quiet.” I uttered after we sat in what seemed like hours of silence. I half expected one of her unfiltered replies but instead she gave me an 'OK' sign.The show began and I found myself occasionally glancing at her, she looked fine— her make up did. I couldn't really tell if she was Jet lagged or just apathetic to being here.“Are you sure you're okay?” I found myself asking again. She looked at me like she was surprised I was asking if she were okay.She ignored the question however, downing the last sip of her champagne she got up from her seat.What on earth was she doing? “Where are you going?” I asked, unsure of the kind of the expression my face was giving.“To the restroom.” She responded, seemingly annoyed. “D