LOGINMANUELA"We are here," Xavier murmured.I closed my purse after putting my makeup away, adjusted my hair to make it softer, and took one last sniff to make sure the shower I had taken at one of the apartments I rented under my fake identity, Ella Fletcher, had washed away Enzo's woody scent.Satisfied, I got out of the car with my shopping bag. I took a deep breath, ready to perform, and made my way to the luxurious mansion that would one day be solely mine, with no ex-wives, no ungrateful daughter, no idiotic heir to the old man, and no old man who thinks he controls me.Fool! Little does he know that trying to control me is like trying to hold the wind; impossible. But unfortunately, I have to pretend to follow his orders and wishes until he changes that damn will so I can get practically everything. But until that was done, he wouldn't die of natural causes.But I believe that won't change. So I have nothing to worry about.I dropped my bag on the bed, took off my bracelets, and th
MANUELAHe was up to something.My intuition, which had kept me safe for so many years, was screaming wildly. I touched my wine glass and hesitated.Once again, I looked at my dog sitting peacefully at a casual distance. He played with his food but didn't eat it; the slight twist of his lips was my only indication that spaghetti with Swedish meatballs wasn't his favorite.Despite everything seeming just as before, something felt different.A little voice in my head whispered that I was missing something. I casually looked around the five-star restaurant where I was a regular. And except for another young couple discussing trivialities while my trusted waiter poured them champagne, we were practically alone. So what was making me so restless?"Why do we have to come to these luxurious places? Don't you ever get tired of showing others that you have more money than them?" he criticized insolently.I couldn't help the cynical smile that formed on my lips. I looked at Enzo, who dropped hi
MIRANDAThe feeling of waiting for my dad and my sister to process the news was like watching a car crash happen.It was impossible to look away, and even though you were horrified, you couldn't say anything.The first to have any reaction was Amanda, who faltered in her posture. I stepped forward to hold her arm in case she fainted, but she pushed my hand away and moved as far from me as possible, her eyes so wide I feared they would pop out.My dad, on the other hand, had a distant look; the bottle still firmly in his hand. He blinked, pushing away the shadow that hovered in his gaze, and looked at me. I shuddered at the anger he exuded."How long have you known?" he asked, frowning.I intertwined my fingers, my hands sweaty, and looked at him in confusion."Since the day before the news about my marriage to Marlon.""Tell us everything, and do not hide anything," my dad ordered.I sighed and told him everything, from the lunch with Marlon's parents, running into Manuela, her threat
MIRANDA I wanted to turn the car around and drive until I forgot everything, but unfortunately, it wasn't possible. As Marlon had said, I couldn't put off the inevitable. I caressed my belly looking for some sign of life from the babies, and as always... There was nothing, not even a weak kick; or a sign that they were moving. If it weren't for the ultrasounds I faithfully attended and hearing their little heartbeats, I wouldn't be sure they were alive inside me. Even though Dr. Joseph had said I would only feel the babies moving around the fourth or fifth month, I couldn't help but hope it would happen now. And yes, I know there are two babies inside me. The twinges in my lower back, my belly the size of a large melon that often didn't let me find THE Position to sleep - and of course, for sex - and my larger, sensitive breasts made my pregnancy obvious. But would it kill them to give me a sign every now and then that I wasn't alone? Like right now, as I was on my way to talk to m
MARLONOne week later.I sank into the couch, staring blankly at the TV where The Good Doctor was playing. Miranda was next to me, reading some contracts. Even though I felt a bit left out because she hadn't come running to me for advice even once - not that she needed to; honestly, since she joined the board she hadn't faltered for a second, taking over as if it had always been hers, and she had been improving CEO WENECKER ever since - and despite spending the first few days anxiously waiting for her to ask for my help, which never happened, I found this Businesswoman side of her sexy.I was all turned on just watching how tight my shirt was across her chest and belly. I was about to suggest making some sweet love on that couch when she licked her lips and sashayed her ass - covered only by my white boxers, which she had recently claimed ownership of - all the way to the kitchen.While I waited for her, I thought of a suitable approach for when she returned: Beautiful day, isn't it?
ANDREIAThe smell of bacon and pancakes dragged me from my sleep. Even before opening my eyes, I felt my eyelids throbbing. I sighed and pulled the first thing within a hand's reach; since it was soft, I figured it was the pillow.I buried my face in it, accepting the darkness. It was welcome. Honestly, I wasn't ready to see the morning sun. Maybe I wouldn't be ready for another ten years.I checked what else hurt. Aside from my eyelids, everything was... OK.I frowned, and that was the moment I inhaled the scent of almonds and a specific smell of scented candles. I opened my eyes and pulled the pillow off my face upon hearing the door open.Before me stood a woman I had never seen in my life, but who was nonetheless a beautiful morning sight. She was tiny, probably around five foot four, with short dark hair featuring blue streaks, and slanted eyes that gave away her Asian ancestry. Her skin was pale as ivory; any brief squeeze would likely leave a mark. A hickey on her neck caught m
NESSIEOkay, what did that mean?I looked at the path of candles as I closed the front door. The note in my trembling hand followed by the sight of the lit candles lighting the way to my bedroom made my heart rate increase gradually.Could it be what I was thinking?The thought made me hurriedly ta
MARLONI hung up the call, checked the time on my phone; Miranda was taking a long time to get back from her walk.I hoped she wasn't overexerting herself. I had secretly called our obstetrician and asked if there would be any problems with her doing that exercise. Given the green light, I didn't p
ANDREAThe morning sun was hidden behind the clouds, the weather was perfect for a walk, or, even a run in a park.Today I decided to get in shape.To have that energy from before, determined, I put on my best running clothes, put on one of my best sneakers, and tied my hair in a ponytail.I really
MIRANDA "I'm fine," I said for the hundredth time. My tongue was no longer swollen, and although the doctor had assured us that the babies and I were fine, Marlon remained insecure. "We are fine." Marlon was lying on my lap, his face turned toward my belly. I ran my fingers through his silky ha







