ALESSANDRO POV
An alarm rang annoyingly beside my head, and I angrily slammed the buzzer. Due to a disciplined life since childhood, I’d always been an early riser. So the hour nor the alarm would typically bother me. But I’d spent the night tossing and turning, thinking about Victoria. I’d only slept an hour, two tops.
Why I can’t stop thinking about her? I shook my head in frustration. Rubbing my face, I stepped out of bed and went to my closet to get my things for the office. There I was confronted with another reminder as Victoria’s colorful clothes hung as if mocking me. Though she was an introvert, she had an unpredictable personality and loved vibrant clothes and makeup. Still, she always presented herself as ladylike.
I shook my head again, frustrated that I still couldn’t get her out of my mind. With a sigh, I focused on my side of the closet. Everything remained the same as always, except there was no ready for me—one of the maid’s tasks. I frowned at her oversight. Maybe it was time for a change?
I picked up a black shirt and paired it with a silver-grey suit, then tried to find my black cufflinks to no avail. After several minutes of unsuccessful searching, I called my maid, Lauren.
In moments, she knocked on the door and stepped inside. “Yes, master Devonte?” she asked, standing straight, with her head slightly lowered.
“Where are my black cufflinks?” I demanded impatiently. “You only have one job, and you can’t even get that right? You didn’t even prepare my suit today. Why am I even paying you?”
She flinched at my icy tone. “M–Master Devonte, your clothes have always been sorted by Mrs. Devonte. I never touched your things after she came into the mansion.”
I blinked twice to digest what she’d said. All that time, I had thought the maid organized my clothes, yet it had been Victoria all along?
My fists clenched. “Leave,” I commanded too loudly. As much as I tried to control my tone, the harshness never subdued.
Lauren nodded and scurried out of the room.
I called Victoria, thinking she wouldn’t answer. But then her voice drifted into my ear over the phone, and I swore I had never heard anything so breathtaking, so melodious. Why had it never felt like that before? Why now, after she decided to leave me?
“Hello?” she said again.
I cleared my throat. Not wanting to let her hear my desperation, “Well, uh... I called to ask about my black cufflinks. Lauren said you kept track of them. Where are they?” I tried to sound serious and reluctant at the same time.
“In the closet. Second drawer on the right beside the ties in a black velvet box,” she said. “And find your own things from now on. Stop looking for stupid excuses to disturb me.”
The line went dead, and I stared at the phone. Did she really just hang up on me? Rage engulfed me, and I threw the phone on the floor. “Fuck her and fuck cuffs! I can work without them!”
With my temper flaring, I didn’t even bother with breakfast before going to the office.
Once there, I sat at my desk thinking about how messed up everything seemed to have become overnight. But I managed before she came into my life, didn’t I? So why did it feel like everything was falling apart without her, as if I had lost all control over my life?
Absently, I tapped on the table while I peered out the window. I had been at the office for an hour, and I was sitting there as if I had nothing to do. Never in the three years we were together had I felt like that, so all consumed by her. How could a woman affect me so much?
The intercom rang, pulling me from my thoughts. “What is it?” I barked into the machine.
Calvin answered, “Sir, Mrs. Devonte is here. She wants to meet with you.”
My heart stopped. Sh–she came to meet me! Sweat beaded on my brow. “I—Yeah, let her in,” I said, trying to sound authoritative and not too flustered, though I was certain my excitement didn’t go unnoticed.
With my heart racing like a teenager on a first date, I settled myself in my chair. I didn’t know why she was visiting, but I was glad she was there. Maybe she had changed her mind about the divorce? Excitement filled me at the prospect.
She stepped into my office looking stunning in a white knee-length dress with white stilettos, a red belt and matching red lipstick. Her shoulder-length hair hung loose and sexy.
I said, “Hey. Finally decided to show up?”
Her brow arched, and those emerald-green eyes stared at me in question.
Everything was the same. Yet something had changed in her, and I couldn’t grasp it.
“I am sorry to disturb you,” she said, her voice cold. “I just need a moment of your time.” Instead of flashing her sweet smile, she pressed her lips into a thin line, and there was no emotion in her lovely eyes.
“What... do you want?” I asked with trepidation.
She tossed a file onto my desk.
I hadn’t even noticed she was carrying it. “What’s this?” I asked as I picked it up.
“It’s a separation agreement. I’ve already signed it, so it’s your turn.”
I stared at her, the excitement I had felt draining from me. I had been so wrong in thinking she might regret her decision. So very wrong.
Did she really want to go through with it? I peered at her, missing the sparkle that used to be in her eyes.
Then I shifted my eyes to the file, my thoughts growing cold. Fine. If this is what she wants, then why not? It’s not like I love her. She had conned me into marriage in the first place. I had no reason to allow it to bother me.
Without another thought, I opened the file, scanned over the agreement—it appeared to be standard—then signed my name and tossed it back to her.
She picked it up, glanced at it, and then left without a word.
I sat dumbfounded. Was that the end? Were we separated just like that? Had I made a mistake? Maybe I should have set my pride aside?
I raced out of the office, not caring that all eyes were on me. When I exited the building, I spotted her getting into a taxi. No! I rushing to her, stopped her, and pulled her toward me.
She glared at me, her beautiful eyes wide but filled with anger and pride. She pushed me away. “Don’t touch me!”
I couldn’t let her go, couldn’t lose her. So I held her tightly, and said, “I will not let you leave. You are my wife, and I have every right to you.”
“Fuck, Alessandro!” She clutched her stomach.
“Victoria!” She started falling, and I held her in my arms, watching her face scrunch in pain. Her eyes drifted closed.
“Oh shit!” Calvin said from behind me.
“Call an ambulance!” I commanded.
VICTORIA’SPOVIwoke to familiar beeping sounds. When I opened my eyes, it didn’t surprise meto see I was in a hospital bed with an IV attached to the back of my hand.“Youare awake?” a woman in a doctor’s coat asked with a smile. “How are youfeeling, Mrs. Devonte?” “I...”My throat dried, remembering the terrible ache in my abdomen when Alessandrostopped me. What if something happened to my baby? “H–how is my baby?” I neededto know.Thedoctor smiled, touching my arm and spreading a sense of comfort. “Your baby isfine. But you need to rest. No anxiety. It could affect you or the baby’shealth.”Theheavy stone that had taken residence in my heart disappeared at her words. Mybaby was fine. Relief washed over me. However, my relief dissipated when Irealized she had called me Mrs. Devonte. “Whobrought me here, Doctor?” I asked, fearing it may have been Alessandro.“Yourhusband. Don’t worry, he said he’ll be back soon. He just went out to completesome procedures.”Fearfill
ALESSANDRO’SPOVIchewed on the beef steak before me, trying to focus on dinner and keep thoughtsof Victoria out of my mind. However, nothing seemed as good as it used to be.Even my meal tasted wrong. It wasn’t the worst steak I’d ever eaten, but Iwasn’t feeling any satisfaction.Alreadyin a foul mood, the inadequate food made it worse. When I tasted the mashedpotatoes, I became enraged enough to throw my plate on the floor.Myhead housekeeper, Sofia, rushed to me in horror with two maids trailing her. She’dbeen our housekeeper since childhood, so she knew everything that went on inthe mansion. “Young master, what happened?” she asked with wide eyes.“Whathappened?” I yelled. “The food is what happened. Is there a new chef? Didn’tyou check his credentials?” Sofiapeered at the mess on the floor and ordered the maids to clean it, then lookedup at me and shook her head. “Young master, there’s been no change. Martin is thechef, as always. And his cooking hasn’t changed, eit
VICTORIA’SPOVWhilesipping my blue pea tea, I stared at the night sky. Though I wasn’t much of atea lover, it had a unique flavor, something learned from someone special inthe past.Myhand fell to my stomach, stroking and caressing. How I wished things were different.I wanted to be with Alessandro, especially through the pregnancy. But Icouldn’t.Ihad given him three years. Most people even grew to care for animals theydidn’t like if they lived with them that long. But I had been his wife, and hehad never grown to care for me. I didn’t know how he would react after hearingabout the baby. But I didn’t care anymore, not for him or his arrogant family.Thischild was mine, and I was its mother, end of discussion.“Penny,for your thoughts?” Antonio’s deep voice caught my attention. I peered at him inthe porch entrance, leaning against the door with his brow raised. My, helooked handsome. And he was incredibly understanding. The woman who landed him wouldbe awfully lucky. I
ALESSANDRO’S POVThe limousine stopped in front of one of the old convention halls in New York. Stepping out of the car, I stood straight. Camilla slipped out after me and latched onto my arm. I held back a growl of frustration, wishing it was just beside me instead.It felt as though things were so out of control. But I would find a way to make it right soon. I just had to get through that night, and everything would be fine. With long strides, I headed for the entrance.“Why are you in a rush, Al?” Camilla asked, sounding all too innocent, making me wonder how I hadn’t seen through her before. “Just follow me silently if you don’t want to go back home,” I said, coldly, keeping my eyes on the entrance. I didn’t hear any words from her, just a faded disappointed grunt.After checking in, we went inside to our table in the VIP section. As I turned to take my seat, I stopped short. Victoria was there in a red party dress with her shoulder-length hair combed back and bright red lips tha
He walked in handsomely, drawing a crowd of female guests’ attention. Well, I am used to that part, too, though.However, my brows furrowed the moment he walked directly to Victoria’s table. I swear, there was no doubt in his steps, and he sat next to her... Closely even!Victoria smiled brightly at him as if they had known each other for years. Antonio held her hand, dropping a kiss on her knuckle and kept holding it!Dude! Let the hand go! You are holding someone else’s wife’s hand! I thought angrily.What the bloody fuck is happening!? Well, it’s not only me, but everyone in the room is surprised!No one has ever seen Antonio Edwards with a woman or heard rumors. And when people see him with a lady, that is, my freaking wife!And I don’t understand how on earth Victoria knows this man! The famous Antonio Edwards and the non-famous Victoria!When did they even meet!? Her world kept roaming around me for three years; wherever she went, she was with me! Then how!?Every eye was on the
VICTORIA POVToday Iattended a business function independently for the first time in my life.Before, I used to go with Alessandro but not anymore.He isout of my life, and I have become more confident and independent in every way.I’ve learned that love alone isn’t enough to keep a relationship going;admiration and respect are also essential.Istarted my career in E.Shine.[G1] Corpwith Antonio’s support and attended my first business appearance as his VIPguest.A bitnervous, but it’s alright. I have come back to my real self. No more oiling toothers.I evenfaced my ex-husband and his favorite woman. Well, you know “who.” She even madea scene in public, and I only replied with a smile at her.To betruthful, I don’t really care about them anymore. When I watched Alessandrowith Camilla, I wasn’t that affected much. And because of her attitude, I felta little aggrieved for Alessandro. He really chose to be with a woman who didnot care about his reputation before the public.
VICTORIA POV“So?You have made the final decision?” Antonio asked, sipping his morning coffee.Ichewed the sausage in my mouth and gulped it before answering him. “Yes, I havedecided,” I said, sighing and caressing my belly. “I don’t want my child togrow up in a toxic place like Devonte’s mansion, nor want this innocent childto face that same cruel fate as mine like... before.”A heavylump in my throat turned into a drastic sound of anger and emotional damage.I felta light touch in my hand, and when I looked up, I met deep blue worried eyes,recalling me of our father.I shookmy head, smiling sadly. “Don’t worry; I have learned to accept the truth, Ant.Those three years in that family grew me up and taught me self-love andrespect, which I did not care about before,” I said as I held his hand inassurance before caressing my belly once again.“Thischild right here will grow up with a confident and loving mother. I promise...”I gulped the heavy lump away. “No more weak and e
VICTORIA POVI satbeside Alessandro all the way to the hospital. He was lying like a lifelessbody with an oxygen mask on his face. I was very anxious as we were going tothe hospital in the ambulance.Themale nurse beside me kept him in check and assured me everything would be fine.But, my worries are not taking a name for leaving.I am soscared. All cruel memories of the past kept roaming in my head as tears slippedthrough my eyes.All Icould hope was that nothing serious happened to him. Because if anything goeswrong, I can never forgive myself.Soon,we reached the hospital, which seemed like forever to me. The medical staffswere faster as they immediately set up a stretcher and took him inside.Ifollowed them.Thedoctor checked him on the spot and decided that he needed an operationimmediately.While Iwatched the nurses and other doctors taking him inside, the main doctor stoppedme, following them.“Mrs.Devonte, there is a procedure you need to sign.”Hiswords stopp