DEIRDRE
"Hey, Kelsey, could you pass me the wine glass?" my best friend of four years asked.I handed her the Bordeaux wine glass, specifically reserved for serving elite guests according to the management's instructions.The Luxe Bistro, located in the heart of Miraval, London, was known for its exclusive private members' clubs, luxury hotels, and upscale dining choices.The Luxe Bistro particularly drew in affluent men and women whom the boss referred to as the "elite." While individuals from all walks of life were welcome, the restaurant predominantly attracted the wealthy, creating a clear distinction between the middle class and the elite.With five stories, the building allocated the first floor to the average customer, reserving the upper floors for the elite clientele.Despite having worked at the restaurant for a considerable time, I had never ventured onto the fifth floor until today. Stepping in, I instantly sensed the shift in the atmosphere. The air was thick with opulence, accompanied by a solemn melody playing softly in the background. The walls showcased paintings from renowned artists, and the chandeliers overhead sparkled like diamonds. Just like me, the servers donned pristine white uniforms, and the tables were adorned with white tablecloths and adorned with fresh flowers.My attention was briefly drawn to a group of men in black suits entering, but I needed to focus on serving the guests promptly. My supervisor, Cristo Christos, approached with a stern expression. I quickly moved towards the oven, pretending to switch it on to avoid appearing as though I were stalling."Why is it taking so long?!" Cristo's voice came out as a bark, making me flinch and nearly spill the tray's contents on myself."I-It's ready!" I managed to stutter, avoiding his intense gaze."Good, because I'd hate to be short of staff right now," he stated, his glare unwavering.My face twisted into a grimace before I nodded. This wasn't the first time I'd heard such words from him, and I had grown accustomed to his piercing glares. However, his yelling was something I could never become accustomed to; it simply grated on my nerves.I knew he treated everyone poorly, not just me, but it still managed to get under my skin."Will you quit doing that and get going?" Cristo's tone snapped through the air, causing me to release the lid of the jug I had been fiddling with.Holding my breath, I moved past him towards the table where I needed to deliver the order."Your orders, sirs," I mumbled as I reached the table where six men dressed in impeccably tailored black suits were seated.Forcing a smile, I scrutinized each of them in turn. Stinkingly rich, impulsive, arrogant, and playboys – that's what I could discern from their personalities. Perhaps I shouldn't judge, but I had encountered too many individuals like them not to."You look exquisite," a blond man grinned, appraising me. His voice carried a refined French accent, each word carefully pronounced. He leaned in, his eyes flickering with desire as he addressed me with an endearment I had heard too often before. "Ma chérie."Most of the men who had propositioned me spoke different languages, and I didn't need to guess their origins. My linguistic skills were extensive; I was fluent in five languages. I used to be a translator, though not by choice – I was a waitress in a restaurant.A dark-haired man with a Grecian nose and a round face interrupted the blond man who had been ogling me. "Now, Jean," he murmured, "let the waitress do her job."Jean, the blond man, rolled his eyes. "Come on, Lawrence," he said, grinning. "It's not my fault she looks alluring in this." He shrugged, his gaze lingering on the buttoned-down pencil skirt I was wearing.I resisted the urge to pull down the hem of my skirt. Even if I tried, it wouldn't have made any difference; the skirt wouldn't have extended past my knees. The blouse was far too revealing, showing off more than it should. I was thankful that Cristo had allowed me to use a scarf most of the time to cover my chest, which had grown larger after giving birth.Compliments from men weren't new to me, so Jean's behavior wasn't my first encounter. However, his actions were more than just complimentary; they bordered on perversion, which infuriated me. I wished I could smack his handsome face for the way he leered at me."I think that's all," Lawrence's voice broke into my thoughts. I nodded and then pushed the liquor trolley forward. Suddenly, I felt a sharp smack on my backside, and I gasped, swiftly turning around.Jean stood there, licking his lips. He casually flicked a card into the trolley and gestured a "call me" sign with his hand. Suppressing my anger, I bit my lip and clenched my fists as I made my way back to the kitchen. "Inconsiderate aristocrats!" I grumbled to myself, my steps heavy with frustration."Did someone do that again?" Kelsey asked, noticing my agitation.I nodded, my teeth gritted. It wasn't the first time I had endured such an incident. I had reported similar situations to Cristo on multiple occasions, but he had advised me not to complain if I wished to keep my job. So, I had to bear the humiliation of these incidents now and then."Deirdre, you're beautiful. Look at yourself," Kelsey said, coming over to me. She gripped my shoulder and spun me around. "You have an elegant figure with the height of a supermodel. The clothes may not be ideal, but you manage to make them appear alluring, emphasizing your curves. Sometimes, I wonder if Cristo had you in mind when selecting these outfits.""But that doesn't excuse being treated this way!""Yeah, I know," Kelsey admitted.I huffed and rolled my eyes, doubting the validity of her claims about my curves. I considered myself rather plain. The only features I found remotely attractive were my ginger hair and my piercing green eyes. Everything else felt quite ordinary.I had an aversion to my oval face; it seemed to emphasize my sharp cheekbones and pointed chin. My appearance mirrored that of my mother, a woman I deeply resented for abandoning me when I was just two years old. The fact that she had prioritized something else over caring for her child was something I struggled to comprehend.I had no memories of her; all I knew was that she was Irish and my father was Nigerian. She had discarded him because she found a wealthier man to be with. Or perhaps it was due to my father being of a different race; that was what I had heard from my father's family while they were retelling the story. She had hurled curses at them and labeled me as a cursed child for being of mixed heritage.Even though my father wouldn't openly acknowledge that she had made those hurtful remarks, I couldn't ignore the fact that she had chosen to engage with the man she deemed unsuitable. My mother had abandoned me, leaving me to fend for myself on the streets, exposed to the dangers that lurked there. Fortunately, someone who was acquainted with my father's identity rescued me. As it turned out, they were friends.Growing up, I craved a motherly figure desperately. On every birthday, I would secretly hope for cards or messages from her, but it remained wishful thinking – I received nothing. Just then, a scream from outside jolted me from my reverie.Kelsey, wiping her hands on her apron, raised an eyebrow. "What's that?""I'm not sure," I mumbled, my attention drawn to the commotion outside.Straining my ears, I picked up on multiple voices, including those of two men. One was unmistakably Jean, his French accent distinguishing him. The other voice seemed familiar; an image formed in my mind of a tall, brooding man with piercing gray eyes, russet hair, and inviting lips."No," I mumbled, shaking my head. It couldn't be him. He was miles away on his island, surrounded by exotic beauties. I tried to concentrate on my cooking, but the escalating noise outside drew my attention. Torn between curiosity and caution, I scanned the kitchen, hoping to avoid Cristo's notice. Eventually, curiosity won out, and I approached the curtain, intending to peer outside discreetly.Before I could do so, I felt a sudden tug pulling me out of the kitchen with force. My eyes widened in astonishment as I was whisked away from the kitchen and directed towards the elevator. Inside the elevator, I turned to catch a glimpse of my captor's face: Matteo Ferrari.My heart raced as shock coursed through me. I was being forcibly taken away from my workplace, and my abductor was none other than Matteo Ferrari.My ex-husband.DEIDRE"What are you doing? Let go of me!" I cried out, attempting to push him, but he stood firm.His tense face held a tight smile, his eyes locking onto mine."I should be asking you that, Cara," he said, trying to touch my face.I slapped his hand away, glared at him, and demanded, "Stop fucking calling me that. Where are you taking me, bastard?! Why are you here? I could call the police on you...""You won't do that. And I don't remember you being so crude, sweetheart," Matteo murmured, his gaze fixed on mine. His eyes traced my face as if searching for something.I shivered, wrapping my arms around myself, wanting distance from him and his reach.It annoyed me how he stood there, acting as if we were still lovers. Maybe we were once, but seeing him now grated on my nerves."I should be asking why you're here," he retorted."It's none of your business!" I shot back, shrugging off his hand that slipped around my waist, though he held on tight. His touch made my nipples harden, an
DEIRDREThe look in Matteo's eyes told me he meant business and was willing to do whatever it took to get what he wanted. But I wouldn't let him have the satisfaction without a fight. He would never take my child from me.If he killed me, maybe he would succeed. However, the thought of lying dead on the floor sent a shiver down my spine. No, I had to fight back. I couldn't let him win."I'm not pregnant, Matteo. Fuck off," I scowled and pushed him away as he tried to grab my hand."You were," Matteo corrected me. "I'll forgive you for keeping me out of her life, but I won't forgive you for taking her away without my knowledge and raising her like a bastard!""I don't know what you're talking about," I said, trying to sound as convincing as possible.Matteo laughed, cold and cruel, "Don't play dumb, Deirdre. I know everything. You can't hide the truth from me.""I don't have any child of yours with me," I protested."You've told me many lies, and I won't forgive you this time. I'm taki
DEIRDREAs Matteo strode towards me, I dashed to what I guess was the bathroom.However, I was not fast enough. He gripped my hair, flung me across his shoulder, and tossed me on the bed.I fell with a plop, and I stood abruptly as well."Kendall is mine, and we had no official dissolving of our marriage. I can prove that your body is still mine by fucking you this instant.""N-No, please!" I stuttered, pushing at his chest as he came down on me.My eyes rounded as he parted my legs, but I kept shoving him.I didn't think my punch affected him because he gripped my chin and forced me to stare into his cold eyes."P-please, I beg of you."Whether he heard me or not, Matteo didn't show it.He bounded my hands with the tie he had released from his neck."Tell me, Tesoro, do you think you can run away from me?" His grey eyes turned darker, and swiftly, he clutched the thong I wore, ripping it off me.My legs snapped shut almost immediately, attempting to cover up the rest of my dignity as
DEIRDREThe following morning, I found myself inside Matteo's penthouse in Miraval. It took me thirty minutes from the Luxe Bistro and forty minutes from my modest apartment. I couldn't help but realize that Matteo had always been within my reach, but he had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.As I woke, I spotted Matteo's watchful dogs guarding the hotel. They were the first individuals I encountered, and they were not shy about telling me it was their boss's order. I left the hotel, and the worst part was that they followed me everywhere, making it difficult for me to breathe.Finally, I received a reminder call from Matteo, informing me that since I chose to remain stubborn and not call him last night about my decision, I should prepare myself for court. I knew he had the financial means and influence to sway the judge in his favour, which was why I didn't want to go to court but had agreed to his wish.As I entered the penthouse, I reminded myself it was all for Ke
DEIRDREI spent the entire day under Matteo's watchful gaze. I returned to the living room after checking in the room Mrs Smith prepared for me.Matteo never let me leave his side. When I mentioned wanting to pick up Kendall from daycare, he sent one of the watchdogs instead, making things even more difficult for me.Maybe I shouldn't have come to his penthouse in the first place. I shouldn't have agreed to his terms. Now, I was back to the suffocating lifestyle I had left behind. I never realized how stifling it was until now.I let out a sigh, fanning my face. Wiping away the sweat gathering on my forehead, I groaned and slumped into the seat. It wasn't the room's temperature making me feel hot. The air conditioning in the room actually made it colder than usual, but Matteo's eyes seemed to melt away all the coldness.They were intense, piercing, and smoldering, stripping me of what little dignity I had left. He made me feel exposed. It should have been uncomfortable, but instead,
DEIRDREAfter a long, soothing soak in the bathroom, I emerged. I had to admit, despite my initial reluctance, that Matteo's penthouse was on par, if not better, than a five-star hotel. The room prepared for me was far beyond my means, even if I emptied my savings to afford it. But I wasn't swayed by such extravagance. All I ever wanted was to provide Kendall with the best life.As I wrapped my hair in a large brown towel and secured another around my waist, I approached the wardrobe. However, upon opening it, I found nothing suitable to wear. My brows furrowed in confusion. The wardrobe was predominantly filled with lingerie. Hadn't Matteo mentioned that Mrs. Smith had gone shopping for me? Or had she not?I pondered if Matteo had done this on purpose, glaring at my now-soaked and ruined outfit on the floor. I couldn't wear it, but staying in the towel for too long wasn't an option either.The door swung open, and my attention snapped towards it. My eyes widened as Matteo entered, ac
MATTEOHaving climbed down from my car, I strode towards the entrance of the formidable building in front of me. Standing at the entrance, I touched the pendant on my chest. The door whined and swirled open, and as soon as I stepped in, it closed with a snap.A wince escaped me at the loudness of it. I should have been used to it, but then, it often startled me each time.I was at the La Fortuna Privé. It was a high-end casino with luxurious décor, glittering chandeliers, and an array of gaming tables. Located on the outskirts of Miraval, the La Fortuna Privé served as a front for money laundering and a source of revenue, which was mainly a hotspot of high-stakes gambling and discreet meetings for the Ferrovia Famiglia.The organization I belonged to."For fifteen years, you were here, Teo, yet you still flinched at the sound of the door?" Lucia said as she approached me with a raise of her slender brows.Lucia Rossi was a beautiful woman in her mid-twenties. She sported short brunett
MATTEO"Hey, Ice Queen!" Nicholas called."Shut up, or I'll make you, Ink!" Lucia retorted.Although I referred to Lucia as Lucy, most people in the famiglias knew her as the Ice Queen. It was due to her ruthlessness while carrying out her assignment that she was nicknamed that.As for Nicholas, he was called Ink because of the many tattoos he had on his body. While every one of us had a tattoo symbolizing our organization, Nicholas' tattoos covered 90% of his body. I wouldn't be surprised if he had one, even in the most private areas.I breathed out as Lucia stepped towards me, her lavender scent teasing my nostrils."Who's that, Bambina?" She questioned, leaning into me. "Giovanni said to remind you about the meeting."Of course, I hadn't forgotten about it. I had only just stepped out now and wanted some respite from everything that had been happening."Teo," Lucia called as I ignored her question. "You've been brooding, Sphinx, and this is the longest I've seen you lost in thought