Prologue

Oriana’s POV

I have been in love, three times. Yet in those three times, neither of them has ever made me feel the way this girl has made me feel. I can say this is the love I have never experienced in my entire life.

She makes me want to take her in my arms and never let go, I want to spend nights, days, months….a lifetime with her. The feelings I have for her were suffocating in a good way, life with her feels like I have never been in love before. Everything about her made her special, inside and out, this feeling inside of me felt special.

Now watching her as she stood on the porch felt like she is the only sight worth seeing. Just watching her brought my body to life, she was staring into the distance seeming to be in thought, her wavy bob pink hair flying back due to the light wind.

Her perky ass was staring right at me held in those black tight panties of hers. Her long legs made me bite my lip trying so hard to surpass a moan after the morning we have just had crossed my mind, thinking of those legs on me…

I slipped out of bed and slipped on a shirt as I picked up a sheet wrapping it around my shoulders before making my way onto the balcony “Finally awake” she commented before I had reached her. I would have wondered how she heard me coming if I had not known her for the last six months. She always knew when I was coming no matter how silent I try to be. It has always been as if she has eyes behind her head or as she always tells me ‘Growing up with brothers gives you a kin sense of hearing’ I guess that is a logical explanation.

She turned back towards me with those gray eyes of hers that pierced into me making everything around us disappear. She had a way of looking at me that made me feel like the luckiest woman on earth to have her eyes on me like that, what did I do to deserve her?

So beautiful even when she had just woken up, she looked like a goddess that could swipe me from the ground and I would not make a sound ‘Gosh I was in love with this woman’ though I haven’t had the guts to voice that out.

I smiled wrapping my hands around her neck the sheets covering both of us. She wrapped her cold hands around my waist making me shiver “Sorry” She smiled that smile that just shines my world even with the darkest cloud she manages to make it shine.

“It’s okay” I leaned into her touch resting my head onto her neck and felt literal butterflies in my stomach. The same I feel when she just looks or does just anything, she does everything with an elegance that I just can’t help but feel everything for her.

“I’m sorry you missed your classes” She whispered while she held me tighter. I knew she wasn’t sorry and neither was I. Time with her seemed like a better way to spend my days rather than in a classroom.

“I could miss any class as long as I am here with you” She appeared at my door this morning right as I was about to get to college and with those eyes, and tempting lips I couldn’t think of anything else other than her. Just her, the world disappears when she is with me “I need to tell you something” I whispered while pulling out of the hug trying to get the courage to voice out the words that have been stuck in my throat for the last five months.

I know, I fell for her so quickly but I just couldn’t help myself when she looked at me like that. When she touches me I go mush in her hands, I feel safe, like…she was just everything I want, everything I needed in the world.

“Actually I need to tell you something too” She breathed out as she glanced below the building seeming dejected. Never seen that look on her face, she has always been confident, so outgoing so fiercely captivating that I came to admire her not only for her looks but her personality as well. She is charming and kind, caring, and always made me feel special but I have never seen her dejected. Even when sad she always says being with me gave her only happiness so this look was alerting.

“What is it?” I held her cheeks to make her look at me, to know I will be here and I will understand no matter what.

“I want to hear what you have to say, you go first” She smiled encouragingly.

“Mine is not important and you seemed dejected”

“If it’s coming from you then it is important” I smiled wrapping my hands around her torso. Her hands automatically wrapped around me “Plus I was thinking about the day we met”

“Please don’t remind me” I laughed but my face was hella red. The memory still haunts me to this day.

“Don’t be like that cinderella” I squeezed her in an attempt to bury my face somewhere she couldn’t see “Remember how you left your shoe behind”

“Mari” I whisper yelled hiding my face in her chest. That was a very embarrassing day for me, breaking your shoe from staring at a beautiful woman and her seeing you isn’t something you want to remember but I remember that day. I had just arrived at the college and I saw her, she isn’t a student and I still don’t know what she was doing there but I saw her and my heart just flipped.

I wanted to get to know her I just… so I got out of the car and stared at her like forever. Her beauty was outstanding and I seemed to be hypnotized by it for some time. I think she sensed my eye because she suddenly turned and her eyes met mine, not just for a second. Nope, she held eye contact with me. I got scared and embarrassed. So through the panic I tried to run but broke my heel, it was so embarrassing I had to leave it behind and jumped into my car to hide. I had rested my head on the steering wheel cursing at myself when she appeared at my window and said “You left your shoe Cinderella” Embarrassing was an understatement but gosh to say I was in love right away would be wrong because I am pretty sure I was. From her voice, her smile, her smell…

She was breathtaking with her pink hair, I just wanted to get to know her more. To know everything about her, I was hypnotized. “You wanted to tell me something” She reminded and I got out of her chest and I took in deep breaths. She wrapped her hands under her breast lifting them and I was just lost in the soft meat. Her boobs were smaller compared to mine and god knows how crazy I am about them.

“Yes right,” I cleared my throat glancing up at her face trying to not get distracted by her beauty but I did and the words flowed out on their own “I love you” Her eyes widened for a millisecond before going back to normal and away from me. I was about to add more when I noticed the silence we were having, it was not calm but rather intense “Mari, are you okay” I waited for a reply.

A reply that wasn’t coming for what felt like forever and I was getting anxious “I mean you don’t have to say it back” I lifted my head to look at her wanting to know what she thinks yet her eyes were still not on me “So?” I held onto her hands trying to get something out of her.

“Mari” I was getting worried now “Aren’t you going to say something, you don’t have to say it back but please say something”

“Let’s break up” My breath hitched my hands freezing on her arms. Those were the words I wasn’t expecting and they hit like a ton shit of bricks. My skin crawled in fear, I felt alarmed that my ears started to ring.

“Take that back Mari, we don’t have to break up just because you’re not there yet” I tried to stay calm, she is just scared “I know it puts pressure on you to be there but I don’t mind or we can pretend I didn’t say anything okay?” my hand was trying to soothe her yet I was the one who needed soothing because I was trembling.

“Shh,” Her hands held my face wiping away the tears I didn’t know had fallen “Oriana” She whispered in that way that melts all my insides while pulling me closer.

“Please, take it back”

“Shh” I cried holding onto her not wanting to let go, those words were harsh “This has nothing to do with what you said” She is trying to comfort me, I know she wouldn’t have said we break up if it didn’t have anything to do with what I just said “But it’s what is good for us”

“No plea-” I tried fighting out of her hands but she held me tighter keeping me in a place like she didn’t want to let go of me either.

“Don’t beg” She whispered brokenly “Don’t beg please”

“Then let’s not break up” With those words she let go of me while wiping her eyes “Mari, we can forget I said anything” I tried holding her again but she stepped back creating space, the space I didn’t want right now. The sheet was already on the floor but I no longer cared about the coldness on my trembling body. Her breaking up with me was colder, I regret bringing it up. I should have kept it in if I knew it would cause such a thing.

The last thing I want is to live life without her, the thought scares me to death.

“I told you it’s not about what you said”

“Then what is it about if not that, were you thinking about breaking up with me before I said it” Who is she trying to fool, we were fine until I said it. however, her reply proved me wrong

“Yes” She couldn’t even keep eye contact with me, I felt my eyes water as I tried to wipe them away while wrapping my hands over my chest.

“Why?” It came out as a whisper

“Oriana don’t make this harder than it already is”

“You’re the one who has been thinking of breaking up with me, I just want to know the reason why” I questioned wiping my eyes and looking at her, I deserve at least the reply, what did I do for her to have been thinking about it? I thought everything was okay “Is it something I did?”

“Oh god no, you’re perfect”

“Then what!” I pushed, if I am perfect then why is she breaking up with me right now? Her lips opened and closed as she passed her hand through her hair throwing it all to her right side looking sexy as fuck and if this wasn’t happening I would be playing with it “You don’t have a reason or is the reason you”

She laughed even if it wasn’t the one she gives when happy or teasing, it was the one she gives when lost or sad “The reason is me and…” she sighed and I raised my eyebrow wanting to hear more coz to me I don’t see anything wrong but if she sees it then she should share if it’s enough for her to want to break up with me “I-”

Her phone started ringing inside and she immediately made her way in as I followed. She picked it up but didn’t answer “I have to leave” She said in a rush as she started searching for her jeans.

“Aren’t we going to finish our conversation” She ignored me as she pulled on her jeans zipping them up then picked up her cropped leather jacket shrugging it on without a shirt, just in her bra. I am used to her not wearing one since it’s her style, best she can give is a crop top but those are also rare. I am not complaining because I love her style I just hate the fact that almost everyone checks her out and that pisses me off

“I’m sorry” She moved towards me while pushing her phone into the back of her pants “But this is the last you’re going to see me”

“Mari, you can’t be serious” Now this has turned into horror, why would this be the last time? She was the one person I want to see every single day “We can work over whatever is troubling you and talk about it, work through it together-” Her lips met mine in a small reassuring kiss, I thought we were going to talk but instead her next words were worse

“Pretend I have never existed” She passed by when I was still in a trace. How could I pretend she has never existed when she exists? Before I met her I didn’t know she existed but now I do and I want her to exist in the world and my life.

“Mari wait” I called running towards the door only to find her gone. I ran back inside pulling on the closest shorts I could find before grabbing my keys and running to my car. I could see her car making a corner and I was quick to start the engine following her.

We needed to talk, this was unclear she doesn’t think I am going to pretend she doesn’t exist. she doesn’t think she is going to break up with me without a reason and I will have to accept that, people don’t break up with others without a reason, she should at least tell it to my face.

Am I not admirable enough, do I not turn her on enough…but I made her wet just this morning. We had sex and she was just like she usually is, passionate…overly passionate if I am being honest but all in all, she was all over me finding me sexy…was she saying goodbye but why?

The way she looks at me, I know she feels what I feel. This can’t end like this, I needed answers.

I followed her for like thirty minutes trailing just behind and when she turned to a very large mansion I decided to follow even if security was strong. The place looked like the president’s house, with guards who had guns standing on top of the building plus the building next and opposite to it. It was a stupid idea to follow her to the gate because once she reached her car was heavily searched before it was granted entry.

I was now scared, why was she going into a place like this, so guarded and so luxurious? I gulped driving to the gate and my surprise, I was allowed in without asking for my ID or anything. I didn’t think so much about that, I used the opportunity to take my car where Mari took hers only to be instructed to park somewhere else.

I followed the rules, the parking space was larger than anything I have ever seen with expensive cars that I never thought I would see face to face “Miss this way” A guy instructed just as I got out of the car, he was dressed in a casual black suit but a gun in his pants made him more dangerous than he looks.

‘Why did they all have guns?’ I questioned myself as I gulped “Um, I was just…searching for someone who has come in here”

“Can I know their name?”

“Mari…um Marina Gold” I stuttered, the guy looked unharmful but the people who have just entered looked dangerous and rich with guns. Right now my heart was having an attack, I needed to get Mari out of there. I have never seen this many guns in one place in my life

“You will meet Ms. Gold in a few minutes just this way,” He said dangerously politely. I nodded not wanting to waste more of his time plus he seemed annoyed by my presence at this time. I followed the path he said and I noticed how underdressed I looked. The way everyone was dressed screamed power and money. I walked as quickly as I could in that direction and was met by a mass of people.

All seated in their seats chatting away, it looked like some kind of ceremony with all the decorations themed green and white. Everyone was dressed to kill and I noticed how everyone here had a gun on them like some kind of accessory “Excuse me, the bride is here” Someone from the top of the podium called getting everyone’s attention.

At the top, there was a guy in a light green suit with grey hair that is well trimmed. He looked old but strong with his massive bicep showing through his well-tailored suit “Miss” Someone called touching my shoulder. I turned to them “Stand here” He guided me behind some kind of plant that was in the distance and away from everyone.

I know I looked confused and seemed out of place but there was no need of hiding me “No, I am not here for the ceremony, I am searching for someone Mari. Maybe you can guide me towards her” the guy just pointed ahead without saying a thing as if I was supposed to be enjoying the ceremony. I turned back to the ceremony when the song that is supposed to bring out the bride started, this was not why I am there.

I wish them happiness but I don’t- my eyes widened when Mari came out with a well-dressed young man holding her hand. She was still in the clothes that she had on when she left my place, a smile came to my lips as I raised my hand ready to call out for her but the guy who hid me behind this plant held my hand down right as Mari’s eyes met mine. Just like the first day we met, she held eye contact and I noticed the cigarette between her lips.

What is she doing with that killer stick?

She took it out and stomped onto it then continued to walk toward the podium with the guy. I felt hurt that she didn’t tell me about her brother getting married today, I know we haven’t reached that stage in our relationship where we meet the parents but she should have informed me about it.

I sighed ‘I had to wait until this was over to talk to her because I am not going anywhere before doing so’

Once they reached the podium she whispered something to her brother right before she climbed up. I frowned when she stood right in front of the guy who I assume is the groom. Her brother took a seat in the front row and she remained up opposite the groom.

‘She can’t be getting married’ I wondered, yes she is in the place where the bride should be but she isn’t dressed like one. Everyone looked extravagant plus the guy opposite her was in a well-trailered suit looking rich and she was dressed like…well my Mari. Tight mid-rise jeans with a black belt, a red bra with a black leather cropped jacket. That is not how a person who is getting married dresses.

The guy opposite her leaned down and whispered something, Mari replied and by the looks, she seemed angry.

The priest cleared his throat “Today we are gathered here to unite Mr. Ethan Long and Ms. Marina Gold as one…” No, no, no what? This can’t be happening. She can’t…she is with me, she-we, she’s with me.

She’s with me and I won’t be letting some dude take her away from me. I took a step forward to go and beat the shit out of this Ethan guy. She was not going to take what was mine….. “Don’t move or make a sound” The guy behind me threateningly voiced out.

“But, there is a misunderstanding, she shouldn’t be getting married she-she’s with me. I need to stop them Ma-” I didn’t get to finish calling her name when the guy held the gun to my back with his hand on my mouth.

“Make a sound and I shoot” he growled lowly next to my ear, I whimpered doing my best to not cry out.

I have never been held at gunpoint and feeling that metal on my sides was making me dizzy. I could die right now while watching the love of my life get married.

That is the worst way to die yet dying wasn’t my worst fear. Seeing her get married scared me more than the gun on my skin “Ethan Long do you take Marina Gold as your lawfully wedded wife”

“I do” Ethan spoke with a voice full of command his eyes on Mari who was looking directly at him with a look in her eyes that showed not admiration but something else. She didn’t look at him the way she looks at me.

“Marina Gold do you take Ethan Long as your lawfully wedded husband” My breath got caught in my chest as I waited for her reply. Of course, she has to say no, she’s with me. Mari will say no. She is my girl, she has been mine for six months. I tried thrusting out of my captor’s hands, I wanted her to look at me, she won’t do this if she looks at me and remembers what we have.

“I said don’t move” The guy pushed the gun into me making me whimper but I still tried to call out to Mari until her eyes connected with mine even without hearing my silent cries for her.

It’s like she knew I was desperately calling out to her.

I wanted to jump and hold her in my arms. I wanted to stop her from being there, she didn’t want to and I know it. She wouldn’t have been with me if she wanted this Ethan dude, She was mine she- I shook my head showing her to say no, she is not supposed to be with him ‘Please say no’ I thought as tears fell down my face. Her eyes were sad, she didn’t want to do-

“I do” She replied while staring into my eyes like she was directing her words to me and I wish she was but she wasn’t. I screamed behind the hands of my captor wanting her to take back those words, they were not meant for him. They should have been mine when the time came, for me….they…my world started getting dizzy as I watched them exchange rings.

‘No, no, no, she’s mine’ yet her lips were kissing another

I have never felt the world stand still as it did at that moment. As everyone cheered and celebrated, I was feeling a pain in my body that I have never felt before the world went blank

Author’s note

Well a new journey is starting, I hope you guys enjoy Mari and Oriana as they are through a journey of love and betrayal.

Love you guys

🫶

Chapter 1

3 months later

Oriana’s POV

I did something crazy

I have just butchered my future. The worst and most confusing part is that it wasn’t accidental but well planned out. I planned something that could jeopardize both my life and future.

This was dangerous, dangerous enough for me to know that I should back out but was I going to back out?… No. I will not back out because I am in love. Not the best excuse to risk your life but that is what I have, I am in love.

They used to say love makes you do crazy things and when I fell in love I knew it was true. I knew the love I felt will make me do crazy things. I just didn’t know how crazy but I was dangerously, madly, and tenderly in love. I can’t deny it and I know I can never lie to myself about it. I love her, I am in love with her I can’t think about anything but her. She is my drug, I lose focus at the thought of not having her.

I want her, every inch. I want her in ways that scare me yet excite me. After losing her I realise I can ruin my life for her, I didn’t think twice when I saw the opportunity. I dived in because I love her.

I love her

I love her.

And I am in that kind of love where I am willing to risk it all for that one girl that dumped me, got to the alter, and said I do while staring into my eye.

I remember just emptiness. I don’t remember how I made it home but my world crashed. The day that had started great had become the shittiest day of my life, she was married the rings had slid on. I don’t remember much about what happened next but I remember waking up in my bedroom untouched.

I remember not believing it, I remember going back to that mansion and finding the same man that had held me at gunpoint. He had pulled the gun out again and threatened to kill me if I ever went back there. He was rough with me as I begged to talk to her, I just wanted to see her and maybe get it from her. Prove that this wasn’t a dream but I was not allowed in.

I cried.

Yes, I cried, I have never experienced pain that bad.

I don’t know how I survived on my own because I was a mess. This was a heartbreak that happened out of the blue and the thought of it burned, it burned in my chest. It was killing me.

She was married, the woman I had just confessed my love to was married to another in the next like five minutes. It couldn’t be true, I couldn’t believe it. I remember calling her phone, every second. Leaving voice messages, and texting. I did everything to get in touch with her.

I tried going to her apartment but it belonged to someone else.

It was like she didn’t exist, she was gone and everything that I knew was gone with her except in my heart she was still there. She didn’t disappear from me even if her phone was out of service.

In my heart I believed she will contact me, I believed she still cared for me like I did for her. I don’t know if it was me trying to comfort myself but it worked because from there this stupid idea came to me.

To get to know her husband, I searched. I used my internship to get information. I got nothing, just a past scandal that got mopped under the rug after finding zero evidence of him dealing with weapons.

I knew something was off, I was at that wedding and everyone there was either a dealer or a client. There was no in-between. My Mari being dragged into this was physically hurting me, she didn’t belong with such people.

And I know She didn’t want to marry him, so the only explanation had to be…he either spotted her out in public and made it his mission to get her or Maybe threatened her or something. I just had to find out more when I get into the house.

So I…..I became the new maid.

Crazy Idea but what is love without a bit of crazy?

I basically called for a dead year, quit my paying internship, and came here to become a maid.

I am not going to let my girl stay with people of Ethan’s caliber. That Ethan guy has to be trouble, why need these many armed men to surround his house yet he is no politician? Let’s not forget the fact that he was once accused of weapon dealing not so many years back. Even if the entire thing was never proven I still hold my doubts.

I know he lies, why need so many guards if not dealing with something fishy? I just know I hate him, Ethan Long should know he earned himself another enemy on his list when he stole my girl from me… And nothing is keeping me away from her.

Not even marriage, she’s mine. She has been mine for the last six months and will always be mine until we are old and dead.

Only death is going to keep me from her, or if she doesn’t feel anything for me which I highly doubt coz I know she feels something for me. She just wasn’t given a chance to express it but I don’t care, I am willing to fight for this love.

Ethan might walk with armed men and might be a strong opponent but neither of those is going to keep me from getting Mari out. I am willing to do whatever is needed to get her back, Mark my words.

Whatever is needed

I took in a deep breath as I reached the gates of his house or rather mansion. My heart literally thumped harshly because I know I am here in an illegal way. I did something illegal to get into something illegal, yes I am blaming love.

Security stopped me and I lowered my window “May we know the business of your visit” the guy with insanely crazy tattoos and deadly eyes asked.

“Oh um…I’m the new maid, weren’t you informed about my arrival” I added with a gulp, I don’t think I will ever get used to being in the presence of these many guns

“Maid?” I nodded and his eyes trailed to my chest then whistled “Many are going to like you, Go on then” ‘I know’ I thought to myself, my chest is pumped but it matches my body. He is not the first one to give a reaction but I prefer when it is driving Mari insane. So I acted nonchalant until the guys checking under my car retracted and I drove in. Just like last time I was directed about where to park this time away from where I parked last time. Still, many expensive cars filled the large compound. However less crowded than the last time.

“Ms. Oriana this way,” A guy told me as soon as I got out of my car slightly startling me since I wasn’t expecting his presence. I nodded following him into the back of the mansion, he pulls the door open letting me in first as we passed through the massive corridor with walls filled with paintings of guns and men with swords. Complete violence spread all around to showcase what they stood for.

It was a long walk till we got into the kitchen, I made sure to take in every sight I saw just in case. The guy took me to a lady in a maid uniform who handed me her hand  “Hi, I’m Carol the head maid”

“Oh, I’m Oriana” I shook the hand she had presented me “Nice to meet you” The kitchen was huge with chefs busy, it smelled like a ceremony around the place.

“Likewise, let me show you where you should work and get you a uniform” She didn’t bother to introduce me to the rest as she led me out and I was glad everyone was busy enough to not mind me. She first led me into the uniform room where I changed out of my clothes and into the maid uniform and as soon as I got out she said “Rule number one-” her stern voice startled me a bit “What goes on in here stays here” I nodded and she started walking as I followed behind “Rule number two respect everyone especially Mr long and his wife. Rule number three all your work ends on the second floor, never-” she stopped walking and took a threatening step towards me “Go beyond the second floor ever”

“Yes,” I stammered out.

“Good now follow me” She led me into the storage room “Get the cart….come on chop chop” I hurriedly held the cartwheeling it outside following her behind. She walked like three rooms from where we were and led me inside “I want you to clean this room until it’s spotless”

If the room was dirty I would have understood the assignment but the room already looked spotless. I looked at it then at her and back to it trying to show her what I was seeing, I was seeing a really clean room “Make it spotless” She ordered again, I pulled on the gloves to start the assignment. I wasn’t planning on losing this job when it was a hassle to get it and the money I put into it.

I am practically broke, I can never say I have ever hit rock bottom this much in my entire life. Now I don’t think I will still be able to pay for my fancy apartment anymore. I will have to evacuate soon and if my parents find out about me calling a dead year they will be so disappointed but that is a problem for the future.

Right now all I need to know is why Mari left me.

I knew Mari for just six months, not years she was practically still a stranger but not to me. To me, she had become my life-

“I didn’t believe it when they told me you’re here” Her voice no matter how seething it was paralyzed me in place. I could feel my heart alt before starting to pump hard in my chest. This was the first time in months we were in the same room and as I lifted my eyes toward her I couldn’t help but fall harder for her.

She was worth going broke for, she was worthy of being a disappointment to my parents. She was worth coming into this house and now seeing her again…I felt in me that this was the greatest decision I have ever made in my life.

I just can’t let her go.

Chapter 2

Oriana’s POV

“What are you doing here Oriana?” She questioned in a panicked voice while closing the door but my eyes stayed on her, how she hasn’t changed at all…she has lost a bit of weight but I can get her to eat again. She has a low appetite and most times I have to force her to eat a real meal or she can go with just a snack or smoothie and call it a day. Now that I am not around to keep track of the food she takes in I feel worried.

I knew he can’t take care of her, she requires attention. Even if she still looked gorgeous as always, I can’t help but worry. I took in her pink hair that fell on her jaw, her eyes were flailing with anger and it should have brought me out of my trance but it couldn’t when she was in front of me at last.

Showing off her tight lean stomach in her off-the-shoulder crop top, black jean shorts, and ankle boot heels “Oriana what are you doing here?” She was closer than I had imagined but that was like a force that pulled me, three months without seeing her and it showed in the rate of my heartbeat. It showed in how wet my hands had become and how dry my mouth had become. The way she called my name was just icing on top “Oriana what the fuck are you doing here?” Her voice was now angry.

“Uh…um, working?” I replied unsurely that it came out as a question

“Oriana-”

“When you call me like that it turns me on baby” She should be forbidden from saying my name because it rolls differently than anyone else

“I am fuckin serious, what are you doing in my house?”

“Working” she glared at me but I wasn’t taking it. I stepped closer while taking off my gloves “I missed you” I admitted. The heels might have added a few inches to her but I still managed to look into her eyes. My hand moved up to touch her neck but she pushed it and then took a step away.

“I need you out of this house right now-”

“I am not going anywhere until you tell me why you left me without a word” I argued cutting her off “I need an explanation”

“I told you not to look for me”

“So you can get married in secret” I hissed in anger “You threw us away in a matter of seconds like we never happened”

“I told you to pretend I never existed”

“But you did exist Mari Gold, or is it, Mari Long”

“Don’t you dare?” She hissed getting into my face, her figure pointing at me “You don’t know me”

“And he does” I pointed at the door as if Ethan was there “Did he know you were with me thirty minutes before your wedding”

“Shut up” She seethed holding my uniform “You and I had a fuckin fling get over it” She let go with a push that sent me sitting on the couch my eyes still on her, it wasn’t a fling. We had something, it was six months. We were girlfriends, and that was not a fling “I want you out of my house before the day ends got it, Vega”

She stormed away almost running into Miss Carol who was also getting back in the room. I hadn’t even noticed she wasn’t there but I quickly picked up the gloves and the brush then resumed scrubbing as I bit my trembling lip fighting the tears from spilling “What did Mrs. Long want?” Just hearing her call Mari by that name physically hurt to no end

“I don’t know” I tried to make my voice strong “She just walked in and then out” Like it didn’t matter, I scrubbed as my eyes blurred from the tears. I wiped them hard sniffing lowly to not alert the other party of the struggle I was having right now, I have started regretting coming here if she takes us as a fling yet I saw her as my everything.

Now she is acting like someone else, she wasn’t the sweet girl that I loved. Maybe I had read all the wrong signs and we were just a fling but how could all of our dates, the way she asked me out the first time as she was bent on calling me Cinderella until I told her my name?

When I did, she smiled and tasted it out, that day I knew I wanted her to call my name every day. When she asked me out I couldn’t find a bone to say no though I played it hard.., kinda. The memory made me chuckle.

I remember I said no but she said…..

“Don’t be like that Cinderella” I glared when she called that name but all that she did was laugh and add “I don’t know the size of your shoe, how will I find you from this crowd”

My face heated up as the smile I tried to fight came to my lips “Will you stop referring to that movie, I hate it” even when I said that I couldn’t control the smile. She pouted leaning on my car window and giving me the cutest face.

“Is it because I will remember the size of your shoe, is it eleven” I gasped in horror before falling into fits of giggles.

“I am a seven and a half, but feel free to search the entire school searching for that size. I bet no one is seven and a half” I added an eye roll, that movie was really stupid. Feet might be different but you can’t tell me no one else here is seven and a half. I know so many people will fit in my shoe “If you remember my face that could be better” I added before averting my eyes feeling embarrassed, that sounded cheesy.

“Well then grant me a date so that I could memorize it better”

“First give me your name” I wasn’t going to say no, she already had me, and I was done playing hard to get. What if she goes to someone else, I couldn’t handle that at all.

“My name for a date?” I raised my finger with a groan, oh boy she had me. I do badly wanted to know her name. I wanted to put a name to the face.

“Okay”

“Marina Gold but you can call me Mari”

And that is when I knew I was fucked, I knew I would forever want to hear her speak. That I would forever want to hear that laugh, see that smile, look at that face, smell touch her. Love with her, cry with her, hold her. Know everything about her and vice versa.

I knew she was my all, I knew she was my future wife.

I always planned our wedding, and how we will pick out the dresses. The decorations, I knew it would be the best day of my life and I was looking forward to it but all in all…

I guess I forgot to plan hers without me.

Chapter 3

Oriana’s POV

After my interaction with Mari yesterday you would think I regained my brain cells and decided to get back to my life but wrong. I finished my entire day without getting a glimpse of her anywhere in this fuckin large mansion and then I decided to come back today.

My judgment is poor but I would rather think I am closer to her than be somewhere she isn’t, that is until I get a chance to get an explanation of what the fuck is going on because I want my girl back and I am willing to do just about anything to try and get her back…if possible

I walked into work like she didn’t tell me a thing yesterday and started working. The routine I had yesterday had been altered, every day they assign new places to clean, and with this place so big everyone gets a wing that needed to be cleaned. I have noticed that Ms. Carol and Florence are the only ones who clean the third floor.

The rest of us remain on the lower floors but you pass men with guns just walking throughout the house as if it was normal. Don’t even get me started when they start looking at my ass and chest when I pass by, I had to endure that a bit yesterday but today I am saved that my wing didn’t consist of any of them.

When they crowd in a place and start smoking weed, ugh yuck. There is a part of this house that you can’t stand, they say if a place is bad you can never make it clean and that is true coz they are all thugs and they made sure to make the first floor as bad as they are “Hey, hi I’m Louisa” I was about to open my mouth and introduce myself but she cut me off “I heard, everyone, is talking about you” My eyes held a question as I slowly let go of her hand.

“Talking about me” I laughed nervously while pulling a strand of my hair behind my ear “I have only been here just one day”

“First of all you’re pretty, you obviously going to take attention,” She said with a roll of her eyes and I wondered if I should be flattered or worried “So the guys are seeing you as meat, and the girls as competition”

“Oh they shouldn’t worry, I am no one’s competition. I am here to work and that is it”

“What?” She gasped, we were both in the east wing cleaning. She approached me out of nowhere yet I was doing my best to ignore her. I am suspicious of everyone around here “You’re the only maid who comes here to just “work” she quoted the word.

“Aren’t we all?”

“No” She snickered but I gave her a questioning look “Listen” She held my elbow lightly tugging me along to the window “Look down there” My eyes were already there and I was staring at a big backyard with a shiny garden. The place that held Mari’s wedding. There was a small house that I couldn’t see clearly due to the distance between it and the mansion “Do you know how many expensive people have stepped foot on that ground”

I was here at the wedding and indeed the place was filled with people that looked to be from high places “I bet a lot”

“And they throw money” She made a gesture of throwing money “Leave these useless guards that act all tough, they are just good with sex but those guys know how to fill a wallet”

“That sounds like prostitution”

“Well duh” My eyes widened, is she comfortable with just saying that?

“I wasn’t told about any of that” When I applied there was nowhere it said I had to do that.

“No you don’t have to but I bet you will want to when a loaded don hands in his money. You’re lucky Mr. Long is taken, he used to be the most expensive one” Now that was a topic that interested me.

“How much are we talking about with him?”

“Girl don’t even think about it” I am not, I just need more information about him.

“I am not, just curious”

“Well, I slept with him once” She whispered her voice lower than before “He is a beast, I am so jealous of Mari” I couldn’t help the scrunch in my nose when I heard that, the topic no longer interested me now “He is so good, those rich guys just know how to give money but not how to fuck but him, he could even leave the money and just fuck me for free”

“It sounds like you have a crush” I half-heartedly teased

“Don’t we all”

“We?” I know I don’t fall in that boat, for a fact I want to be in his place and be with his wife. He can fall in a ditch for all I care.

“Everyone, even some guys” She added with a laugh as if in disbelief.

“Why is that funny?”

“Because it’s nasty, can you imagine a guy on guy? Yuck disgusting they should be ashamed, I know Mr long is hard to resist but I know he would never go there… Not with women like us anyway” She is indeed beautiful I won’t refuse to give her that but her mentality is disturbing.

Homophobic people are not my kind of people and since I am bisexual I have had so much hate. When I date a man then I am straight, a girl, and I am gay it’s exhausting honestly “Well I find guy on guy hot, and honestly speaking you ain’t straight if you don’t”

“They are disgusting, it has nothing-”

“Your ego, that a man would never prefer another man when you’re there is disturbing coz sweetie, you’re beautiful but not everyone’s type” I tried to make it a friendly smile so that I seem civil “We should get back to work”

“I am eve-Ohh, Dee is staring” She suddenly said while fixing her hair, I glanced in the direction of her eyes to find a guy that looks like a crackhead smiling up at her. They made hand gestures, and I rolled my eyes with a scoff ‘if that is her type then yes she is everyone’s type’ I decided to get back to work and ignore her “I swear the poor ones always know how to give some dick, see I am everyone’s type”

“Um hmm” I hummed wanting to stop the conversation but then decided against it when I realized I didn’t know anything about Mari and I wanted to know more “So, do you know Mrs. Long that well”

“She’s a bitch I can tell you that” She whispered under her breath though I heard it since she was close to me.

“Is it because she took Ethan” I suddenly have a dislike for that name due to that bitch, taking what isn’t his.

“No, because she had to make Ethan beg for her pfft like we all didn’t know she wanted him all along. Playing hard to get, I am surprised Ethan played it that long and then married her. I don’t know what he saw, she is a fuckin twig that dresses like a stripper” I pulled her by the shirt and made sure our faces were close.

“If you ever say those words about her I will reach down your throat and pull out every kid you have ever swallowed”

“What is wrong with you bitch?” She pushed me back roughly “Don’t you ever talk to me like that bitch, I will bitch slap you into tomorrow you hear me cunt” She was in my face again looking down at me, the tension was rising, and honestly I wanted to yank her by the hair and slam her in the ground for what she said.

Who is she calling a twig, dressed like a stripper at least she doesn’t hate on others just because they didn’t get the man “You want to try me out” I warned

“Get out of my face you cunt” She held my hair and yanked it back with her nails digging into my shoulder. I fought trying to get out of it before getting a hold of her fake hair and yanking it just as hard. She was yelling and I was yelling but we both didn’t stop pulling until we fell back down on the bed with me under her.

She let go of my hair and slapped me across my face, I felt her nails dig into my skin. I held her hair again pushing her down and this time we landed on the ground with me up and I started slapping her just as hard. I heard some kind of commotion as the bitch’s voice screeched louder than ever almost breaking my eardrums with her hands trying to protect her face from my attacks.

“Pull them apart” A voice ordered right as I got pulled back hands wrapping around my waist. The wing was now filled with so many people making a circle around us.

“She attacked me” Louisa yelled holding her cheeks fake crying.

“Oh bitch you started it” I seethed back, the rest were laughing like this was some kind of comedy “You disrespected Mrs. Long, why don’t you tell them what you said” I was fuming trying to shrug out of the person’s hands that were holding me to push out to this stupid chick

“I didn’t say anything” She denied glancing at all the eyes that were on us and her words only managed to piss me off even harder than before.

“Maybe if I bitch slap you, you will remember what you said huh” I tried-

“Alright, cut it out” Miss Carol interjected clapping her hands and sending everyone away “Get back to your positions” The crowd dispersed but not before I got whistles and stupid eye-raping looks on me ‘Disgusting, utterly disgusting’ these crack heads are a handful “Louisa, come with me Oriana go get back to work”

I nodded and even if Louisa sent me a middle finger I snarled at her while getting back to work grumbling under my breath ‘What a cunt?’

Chapter 4

Oriana’s POV

After the long day of practically avoiding anyone that breathes because of my bad mood and the fact that I didn’t see Mari anywhere for an entire day…I was just glad the day was over.

I didn’t care about what everyone thought of me, I might get called a snitch because there is no place where the employees don’t talk crap about their bosses but that isn’t going to be the case. With me they better not run their mouths like that about Mari, I know they got the message from all the eyes that were sent my way throughout the entire day.

They can talk about Ethan all they want but not Mari, even though I have noticed the admiration most had for that evil man that stole my girlfriend. I leaned back on my seat with a big exhale as I finally decided to get out of my car making my way to my apartment.

My heels hurt, and my cheek was still stinging even after I disinfected it, who knows what that bitch had in those nails of hers. I don’t want to imagine where they have been throughout the years.

I locked the door behind me and then shrugged off my heels. I groaned massaging my neck and shoulder blades that felt stiff from all the work “Oh Jesus Christ” I yelled almost running out when I noticed a figure standing right next to my curtains. I held my heart that had almost fallen out of my chest, I was still shaking even if I know who it is but just finding someone inside your apartment is scary enough even if you know the person.

“I thought we were used to getting inside each other’s houses without the other’s knowledge” Her voice was deadly and I noticed how she didn’t look happy, her sharp jaw was clenched hard with her gray eyes boring into mine like she was planning my murder in different ways.

I took a step back as she got closer to me with those scary eyes on hers. Her hands were behind her back, her v-neck black crop top with spaghetti straps showing off her sexy shoulders with her gorgeous collarbone that I wanted to dig my teeth into. Her lean stomach, the way it moved with every step she took towards me, deadly or not this woman was hot and I wouldn’t mind if she was to kill me.

A strangled noise came out of my mouth when she held my chin tilting my head. I didn’t know what she was doing until I noticed her eyes on my cheek, her eyes were no longer deadly but rather crowded with various emotions that made my heart swell. The way she always looked at me when I got hurt, was the same look. The look of her in pain, was like she could feel my pain as hers “I’m okay” Her eyes connected with mine and they darkened as her jaw clenched even harder.

“I told you to never come back in that house”

“It’s my job”

“I told-” She gritted her teeth her nose flailing up as if taking in strongly needed breaths to help her from lashing out “Why did you get into a fight?” I bit my lip leaning onto the wall, I didn’t want to tell her but I also hated the way she was looking at me like it was a fuckin mistake “Vega” I held my hands over my chest ignoring how she called my name, she uses that when she is really pissed off

“She talked shit I didn’t like”

“She talked shit you don’t like do you know what could have happened Um” Her head was tilted as if she wanted to get to my level even if she wasn’t that tall, without my heels, I happen to be shorter and her heels were making her so much taller right now, something I always enjoyed. When she towered above me like that, it is fluttering and it gets me butterflies “You in that house fighting people you know nothing about- what if she had a gun and shot your ass. Those people are not like you and you don’t deserve to be among them what don’t you understand”

“Then why are you among them” I hissed hating her tone, I am not a child. I am the girlfriend she left without an explanation.

“Because I am just like them” Her tone was much lighter now as she stepped back walking towards my couch and taking a seat “Vega, just-” She pushed her hair back but it ended up falling back in her face “That house is dangerous for you, those people- me, you don’t need….you should be far away from it all please just listen to me just listen please”

I shifted on my feet as my heart pulled like it was on a string that was yanking it in all the wrong directions. I didn’t mean to make her worry for me, honestly, I wasn’t thinking fine, I was all on about getting her back and I didn’t try to understand why she left in the first place. Why she didn’t want me involved in it…but I need an explanation.

I moved on my feet taking a seat next to her, her head didn’t move and I hesitated to take her hands but finally did. The softness yet roughness in her hands always managed to make me warm, holding her hand like this was always something I strived for more in these three months that we have been apart “I’m sorry”

“No don’t apologize” She pulled my hand onto her lap holding it between both her hands. The warmth flowed into me as I leaned my head onto her shoulder enjoying the simple moment of being this close “I was wrong, I shouldn’t have started this- I should…” she trailed off as if lost with words.

“Should have resisted my charm?” I finished for her while holding onto her hand taking in her smell.

“Yeah,” She exhaled turning her head towards me while she pushed her hair behind her ear showing that strong jaw that I wanted to pass my finger on “Could you not go back” the way her finger tapped on the back of my hand as if she was nervous made me glanced into her pleading eyes.

“I could” I leaned back retracting my finger and fighting off the goosebumps that took over my body “But I can’t because” I made sure not to look into her eyes as I continued “I quit my job and called a dead year at college so that maid job is all I have”

“What!?” Her voice growled, “You did what?” I looked at my feet, I know it was stupid I shouldn’t have done it “Vega?”

“I know, I know but I don’t know I didn’t think okay”

“You didn’t because if you did you would have known how stupid that is” I know but her pointing it out like that hurts

“Well sorry for being so stupid I tried to look for the girl that lied to me, made me fall then said I should pretend we never met” I argued getting up

“If I knew you would do something this stupid maybe I-”

“Maybe what Mari, you would have not led me on” I cut her off “You are such a liar and you shouldn’t stand here and lecture me for the mistakes I made thinking I was searching for someone I knew. Someone who was mine, someone who I thought was mine only for her to go and get married. I don’t know if you were cheating on me with him or him with me- Do you know how much that hurt, do you have any idea how hurt I was because of you-” my voice cracked as tears poured out.

I took a seat again unable to stand on my shaking legs “You hurt me” I whispered balling my shaking hands. Her hands lifted my head and found her kneeling between my legs “You hurt me but I will leave your house and you will never hear from me again”

“I’m sorry”

“If you were really sorry you would be with me” I snapped getting away from her creating distance. I held in a sob trying to act tough even if this was killing me “I hope you keep yourself safe, eat three meals a day, and-” I turned towards her “Don’t smoke again, I don’t want you killing your insides like that” She never even smoked, I don’t know how she has begun that stupid habit, I bet it was those disgusting people.

“Or-”

“Goodbye Mari-Gold” I stormed out of there when I felt my dissolve bursting, I got into my room and broke down in tears cursing the day I met her, the day she smiled at me, the day she talked to me but worst the day she made me fall for her

Chapter 5

Oriana’s POV

I spent days in my bed stalling the day when I had to go back to college and fix my life again because going into Mari’s house proved not worth it. I had to get my life back on track but all the memories I shared with her just couldn’t get out of my head, it was hard to pretend she was not there when she was, she was at one time the source of my happiness.

And she is the reason why I am sad right now, missing her laughs, her eyes. The way they looked at me, that daring look in them as she came to pick me up for our first date…

“Good thing I took a good look at your face, I wouldn’t have recognized you while dressed like that” She joked holding a hand over her chest as if so stunned by the way I was dressed. It wasn’t anything special… like did I spend the entire day planning it out…yes but still it wasn’t anything special. I was in a yellow spaghetti crop top that sat right on my mid-waisted cuffed jeans and heels.

“Stop being so corny” I laughed taking in her wavy pink short hair that fell onto her jaw, her light pink lips stood out looking irresistibly kissable. My eyes trailed down to her collarbone as they landed on the curve between her boobs that were held well in the tight bra she had on ‘small boobs privilege’ Her pants hung low on her waist with a jacket falling on both sides showing off her line abs.

Her look was everything to die for, I bit my lip letting my eyes trail back up to her face to find a smile that showed off her white straight teeth, a smile that I could look at all day “Okay I will stop, how are you, Oriana?” She greeted giving me a tiny hug with a peck on the cheek that left it tingling while turning bright pink. The way my name sounded so evil coming from her was fluttering.

“Fine and how are you Mari Gold?” I wanted to finish it all because it sounded sexy.

“Super” She added with a click of her tongue, I hid my face behind my palm hiding my red skin. That simple action managed to destroy every fiber of my body “Shall we” She held her hand up for me. I took it with a small thank you as I took the last step getting down, we made it to the sidewalk and she asked “How is college?”

“Tough”

“What are you studying?”

“Law, tough but I enjoy it. Being a lawyer has been a dream of mine since I can remember so…” I shrugged as if it was no big dream but becoming a lawyer was such a big dream to me.

“So how did this dream of yours come to be?”

“Well as you can see the law is unfair to those that are poor or of color and I guess I want to be a part of the change. And being a lawyer, willing to defend and help those in need might make a change, no matter how small. Even a single life matters”

“That is-go girl” I giggled at her answer as she opened the door for me, a small action that made my heart stutter, and I lost all of the air inside of me “Hope you like the cold”

“Ohh I hate the cold”

“Don’t worry, my jacket is yours” She replied ordering skating shoes for us. She ordered mine without asking for my shoe size, I remembered how I broke my heel and that was how we met in the first place. Guess she still remembers the size of my feet.

We took a seat on the bleachers pulling on our shoes already feeling cold. When I was done Mari’s hands were up offering to help me get up and as I steadied myself on my feet she let go taking off her coat and putting it on me “No, I think you need it more than I do” She is half dressed.

“I am not afraid of the cold” She smirked helping me right onto the ice. I screamed when I almost landed on my ass but luckily she held me up “Don’t know how to skate?” I shook my head no “Then hold onto me, we will move slowly” I wrapped both my hands in hers as we started skating lightly, a conversation boomed up between us with casual screams when I almost land my ass on the ice.

After about fifteen minutes we were off the ice, we found a truck and had some food since she was hungry only for her to eat about two bites. I didn’t know if she was on a diet or something but I was worried, saying you’re so hungry one minute, and then after two bites you’re full.

I knew that wasn’t the conversation to dive into since it was the first date and we didn’t need to go that deep. I let the conversation light and joyful even if I was worried about her.

“So you’re telling me you used to beat each other up”

“Yeah” She affirmed and I almost lost it, she was telling me about her brothers. Two of them and how they used to fight, I thought they fought just like normal siblings do as I have heard. I am an only child so I wouldn’t know but that sounded dangerous “I’m telling you, having brothers is the worst thing in the world and if you don’t fight back they step on you”

“You’re making me appreciate never having a sibling”

“You wished to have siblings”

“Yeah, like so many times. I even prayed about it every night wishing for a kid to fall out of the sky” I remember the nights but never, my mom was always like I am not getting another kid when you have just grown out of that disturbing stage, I am not doing it again and my dad was on board

“Is that what your mom told you, that kids come from the sky?”

“Yes, God sends them”

“Lucky much, my brother told me they come from me. That one day it will be ripped out and I will bleed to death” I gasped in horror

“How old were you?”

“Five” I choked, that is so evil like beyond evil. Who would do such a thing “I had nightmares for months until Dad explained it better but since then I knew I will never have children, no one was coming out of me”

“You don’t want kids”

“I want them but I am not carrying anything, this oven is out of bounds”

“Well, what if your partner can’t have them too,” I asked secretly asking for me because I would want to know her better. I hoped this would lead to a second date and a third maybe a fourth and a fifth.

“There are a thousand ways to get kids” She replied wrapping her hands around my waist and pulling me closer to her “Well I had fun tonight” I smiled after hearing that

“Me too”

“Second date?” I wrapped my hands around her neck

“If you promise to kick your brother’s balls” She smiled with a light chuckle that went through my chest to my stomach.

“I would kick him for no reason, for a second date? he will be getting it hard” I giggled pecking her cheek as I said yes to the date “Do I get a goodnight kiss?”

“Let me think about it” I made a thinking face but ended up smiling as I brought my lips closer to hers “Yes” I whispered, and her lips met mine in a tiny kiss. I have wanted to taste her lips all night, feel them on me, to know how they will taste like on mine. Her hand trailed from my waist to the side of my neck as she licked my lip asking for entrance.

I granted it and our tongues met, no battle just a soft massage that was electrifyingly good. A soft moan escaped my mouth, her other hand trailing from my waist and into my hair, as our lips moved in a perfect rhythm.

The hand in my hair was making me dizzy, sending shivers through my back and to my center. Our breath mingled, her taste was wonderful, and my first kiss with her was the best thing in the world. It was the one best thing that was added to the best night and I dreamed of it until our second date, it was implanted into me.

The way our mouths moved, the feeling, the connection, I knew I wanted her. I needed her, I craved her, and she was it. I wanted to know her and I did, little by little. Step by step, we built something together.

I learned that she doesn’t eat that much, and I needed to feed her to make sure she had something. I enjoyed that, playing with her hair every time she lays her head on my lap or chest. Messing with her just to see her pout, seducing her just so I could see that sexy look on her. Hold her when she cried, how we solved our arguments. She had built on me and I wanted to do everything for her… For us

Now being here without her hurt like hell when I knew from the first date that she was all I wanted.

Not knowing that six months later she will be someone else’s wife.

The short buzzing of my phone made me stretch my hand out to take it, I scrunched my eye not liking the light that hit my eyes swollen eyes. It was a text from a new number, I opened it. The message was from Miss Carol and it read ‘Mr. Long wants to meet you tomorrow at noon, be at the house’

I rubbed my eyes sitting up on my bed as I re-read the text with a pounding heart with one question.

‘We have never met before, why does he want to meet up with me?’

Chapter 6

Oriana’s POV

I am sitting inside Ethan Long’s house or to be precise in his office. So you know, I contemplated a lot about whether I should come here or not. I had decided to quit and resume my life but then he asked for me. One part didn’t want to come but the other part wanted to meet this man face to face and here I am like a lost puppy waiting to meet the man who stole my girl away from me.

My stomach sunk in, I am angry to be meeting him. I hate him more than words could ever describe, he is the reason I have been in my bed crying my eyes out for two days. Yes, I hadn’t called in to quit because I expected Mari to tell them since it was her decision for me to leave the house but to my surprise, Ms. Carol contacted me first.

I didn’t even know Ethan knew me, I have never talked to him or even been six feet away from him. It has always been in a distance and you can say I am the enemy he doesn’t know about and with the guards on his house it shows he doesn’t know many of his enemies which gives me an advantage to maybe kill him.

I shook my head, I am no murderer and I don’t wish something like that on anyone even him. Mari married him for a reason and even if it hurt me that she chose him I have to accept the fact that she decided to take his ring.

The door got pulled open and I instantly turned while trying to get out of my chair. It was none other than Ethan Long in a tailored suit without his tie this time, it held his bicep bringing out his big chest and muscles. I guess he wanted it that tight so that he leaves nothing to the imagination, I can see why everyone would die to have him.

His grayish hair shows his years yet his face says otherwise. It shows someone who takes care of themselves better than his men who have yellow teeth. His eyes landed on me and I realized then how fuckin tall he is, having an enemy that you have to look up to is kind of degrading in some way.

‘God I hate him’ I even hate the air he is in, he is a disgusting girlfriend stealer “Oriana Vega” My name rolled off his lips in a horrible way. I wanted to throw up or demand he never calls my name, I wish I could change it at this point.

“Ethan Long” came out with a hiss I wasn’t expecting, I thought it will stay in yet it came out. Even if I preferred this guy to know how much I distaste him, that isn’t how I wanted it to be known.

His deep chuckle made me lift my eyes to his wishing I could grow a few inches so he has to look up at me instead “Do I have to be worried?” He questioned while stepping behind the desk taking his chair and leaning back as if he was the boss, gosh he makes me wish I was the boss so I can look across at him in this chair. Now I didn’t feel like sitting back down just so as not to give him the satisfaction of me being small.

“About?” God my voice was coming out meaner with every word. At this point, I should just stop talking.

“It feels like you want to kill me” He laughed, is that a joke? I want to kill him and it is good he can see it. I was about to open my mouth and say some bullshit I would have regretted but I was saved when he said something before me “Is it about your job, you weren’t fired. One fight with another employee doesn’t get you fired”

“Oh,” I was surprised, to say the least.

“Yes and take a seat, there are things I want to discuss with you” I slowly took a seat feeling on edge, his eyes were not soft nor were they hard so it was hard for me to find out what he was thinking exactly. I just knew there was something dangerous, he had that dark aura on him that scary one. It might be to terrify me but I won’t back down “You should come back and work, everything has been taken care of”

“What has been taken care of?” He moved his hands on the desk and opened a brown long square box getting out a big cigar. He lit it up without asking if I was okay or not ‘rude’ I don’t want to die from second-hand smoking.

“No one talks about my wife and stays alive,” he said with a cigar between his teeth while shrugging off his coat and resting it on the side of the table.

“Stay alive?”

“I don’t deal with disrespect very well” he mumbled resting his hand on the desk while exhaling. He looked like a buff man taking over the entire office and I felt like a mouse that might get squashed any second “Do you know why I chose Mari out of everyone?” Because she is hot, a good kisser with a very nice caring personality. Her presence leaves an impact on everything, she is worth it and shouldn’t be compared to any other woman because she is one of a kind…

I can go on and on when it comes to Mari Gold “I don’t know sir” I added balling my hands under the table.

“She is fierce, fearless, and confident. She doesn’t need to compete, her presence can’t be matched. With her presence, you are forced to focus on her” I gulped with a nod, I guess we both see the same thing then “So my focus stayed on her, and vowed to make her mine, which happened four months ago. I took her” the way he was looking down at me scared me

I gulped, does he know?

“No one can take her now” Even if he was boosting, I feared that was the truth, she chose to marry him so I guess he wins “So when I found out what that maid said I had to kill her” my eyes almost escaped their socket.

“You-”

“What she said was disrespectful we can both agree” Well yes but killing her? “But she wasn’t wrong either?” now what??? “My wife dresses like a stripper” Oh, this bitch. I wish I could google ways to jump across the table and beat up a big person who can break me like a twig in seconds “I thought she will change after I made her mine but as you can see she didn’t and I don’t appreciate fronting my things around like that”

“It’s her body” I gritted my teeth

“Before she married me” I opened my mouth to argue yet he raised his palm to stop me “You fought for her honor but now I want you to get her in line”

“Get her in line?” He just keeps on getting worse the more he opens his mouth. Some people shouldn’t be allowed to speak.

“She doesn’t have friends, everyone is scared of her” he laughed like that was funny as he pressed the cigar hard on the desk blowing the air out, the room is already filled with smoke and I am barely holding on from coughing “No one would dare tell her anything, I want you to change her”

“She likes her clothes”

“This is not her choice anymore”

“Just because she married you” I argued while getting up “She doesn’t lose her right, she is her person who likes to dress however she wants and you get no say just because you put a stupid ring on her finger”

He leaned back with a hand on his chin “Fighting for her honor again”

“Yes from stupid men like you who think you can change a woman just because of some papers. It doesn’t give you a right to change her because you want to, she is not a property for you to control with your shallow-minded brain”

“Do you know who you’re talking to?”

“Yes,” I firmed glaring at him “A man who hasn’t evolved from the fifteenth century and thinks that a ring earns them control over someone’s body…” my voice trailed off when he pulled out a gun and slowly rested it on the table with a silent warning. I wanted to say he doesn’t scare me but he does and having a weapon is even scarier.

“Sit down” I did my eyes moving between the gun and his eyes “In this place what you say gets you killed more than what you do” I gulped squirming in my seat, this is the second time being threatened with a gun. I don’t like how it feels “Saying less is best yet, in this case, it is good for me. Now I know where I stand with you, Ms. Vega. It wasn’t hard to figure out depending you talk more than you should”

“Are you going to kill me?” I worriedly questioned

“No” he picked up the gun and I felt on edge for a second before he put the gun away “At least not today” I scrunched my face in disgust as I turned my face away from his ugly one

“Is it because you still need me to change your wife”

“No Oriana” he leaned forward “It’s because you’re the first person who has ever defended my wife as your life depended on it” It does.

“So saying more saved my life” I snarked, I guess I never learn and at this point, I don’t know if it’s stupidity using me.

“They say keep your enemies closer” he sounded like he was thinking out loud like his words weren’t directed yet somehow directed towards me “I just don’t know what kind of enemy you are Ms. Vega and how much threat you bring to the table” his lip twitched angrily.

“Huh?”

“Do you want to know what happens when people become a threat to me”

“You kill them”

“Do your job and you won’t find out”

“And what job is that” I gritted out, my tone just can’t help it. If I hated him before now I loathe him.

“Get my wife out of those stripper clothes and I will forget your disrespectful behavior today” I didn’t reply but I huffed in anger, I don’t even know if I am trying to infuriate him even more or something cause at this point even I know that my behavior is bad “Do you have something to say?”

“Oh no…” I wanted to shut it but I couldn’t help it since he asked “It just baffles me how you went for a woman who dresses like a ‘stripper’ when you could have gone with those who dress the way you want” I lifted my head to look him in the eye “It’s like wanting a quiet place yet going to a club, don’t you think you’re the problem, Mr. Long”

At this point, I am convinced I have a death wish.

He suddenly stood up and to say I got up so fast I almost got a muscle pull would be an understatement. I mean even my hands got up thinking he was going to do something and I needed to protect myself yet nothing came.

Seconds passed and I took my hands from my head to find him towering over me with both his hands in his pocket. His eyes didn’t show any sign that he was about to murder me but I was still scared as I took a step back “Let’s go” He walked towards the door with this thing that showed the world belonged to him. That thing of ‘you should bow down or I will kill you all’ gosh he was scary and I knew I was walking to my death if I followed yet I still did follow him.

I followed like a kid and I have never felt this small in my life “Mari” He called opening up another room that turned out to be another office. Mari was seated in her chair seeming busy “My wildflower” he called. What kind of pet name is that plus the way he smiled with his hands up as if Mari will jump into his hands yet she stayed in her chair her eyes on mine with shock in them.

It took a few awkward seconds before Mari got up but still didn’t go into Ethan’s hug. I almost laughed, he was left standing until he pulled her by the hand and she landed into his arms “How are you doing?” He pecked her temples with his hands engulfing her all around her.

I bit my lip and then locked in my fingers feeling dread in my entire body. Why was he holding her like that, with his disgusting hands “Good” She mumbled while trying to get out of his hold, why wasn’t he letting her go when she clearly doesn’t want to be held?

She glared at him, their stare was intense and it took a few seconds until Ethan let her go with a laugh “This is Oriana Vega, your assistant”

“I don’t need an assistant” She seethed not impressed at all.

“Everyone needs-”

“I told you, Ethan, I don’t need you meddling in my life”

“You told me not to try and change you, I am not trying to change you. I am trying to be a caring husband and give you someone who can help you out”

“You didn’t think to pass this through me first before making such a ridiculous decision”

“This is not up for discussion” Ethan’s tone got dangerously low with finalization in it. He didn’t even wait for Mari to say anything back before he walked passed me with big footsteps, it showed in the way he walked that he was pissed off. My eyes followed him until he was out of the door.

I jumped a bit when something fell, my eyes moved back to Mari and she had her hands on her waist biting her lip with her jaw clenched as if ready to burst

“Give me one gaddamn reason, one gaddamn reason why you’re here!?”

Chapter 7

Oriana’s POV

“Give me one gaddamn reason, one gaddamn reason why you’re here?!” She yelled so loud that I was startled, she was fuming more than I have ever seen her. My mouth gaped, I wasn’t here by choice, all of this just fell on me. I didn’t even know I was going to become her assistant, all of this was new to me too.

Her husband is the problem.

The blaring of her phone lessened her look at me, she glanced at it for a second before pushing it into her jeans then walked past me and back into the hallway. I was left stranded trying to breathe again because I think I forgot how, I shouldn’t have stepped in this house, to begin with, because now I feel like I might have made the wrong decision coming back “Follow me gaddamn it” She yelled, I gasped closing the door after getting out

“Mari, where are you going?” Ethan’s voice boomed, I ran getting down the stairs where the two were but Mari didn’t stop as she stormed towards the door after giving Ethan a middle finger “You’re taking Ms. Vega with you” Ethan yelled after her even if it was clear she would care less about what he said

I passed him awkwardly only for him to hold my hand “Tell her to change her attitude coz I won’t keep up with it for so long” Change her attitude? What the fuck is going on here, are they having marital problems this early in their marriage? I gulped down the bubbling happiness but nodded to show I understood yet deep down I felt a spark of hope. He hates how she dresses, hates her attitude…I just have to convince Mari to divorce him.

I smiled to myself and the moment Ethan let go of my hand I ran outside. The back seat of Mari’s car was opened with the guy who held a gun to my sides at Mari’s wedding seated in the driver’s seat.

I reached the car not knowing if I am even wanted in there “Get your ass in” I quickly got in making sure we don’t even brush each other’s skin because I don’t want to piss her off even more “Funny how now you listen” She scoffed as if she thought I will not get in, I kept my mouth shut glancing to the side seeing as we have started moving now. Her eyes were out with her hand on her chin, she seemed to be in thought sometimes messing with her hair with inaudible words as if cursing.

I knew she was cursing out at me, for being stupid and coming back yet she had told me not to. I wanted to apologize, maybe tell her I will leave but my mouth was stuck as if I didn’t have the air to speak. Like they were glued together or it was the fact that their marriage is not good, I don’t know the details but from what I have seen it’s not very good “Miss we are here-”

The driver didn’t get to finish his words before Mari jumped out. He did the same and I wasn’t going to be left inside so I followed, The place we were at looked like a manufacturing warehouse. I tried to look up and see what they deal with but it was just a building with no posters or names just plain blue.

Mari yanked the door open, the guy followed and the door closed behind him. I tried to pull it as easily as Mari pulled it but that seemed hard because I fought to open the door, it took all my energy and a few minutes for me to be able to open it and when it did I ran in before it slammed closed again with a bang. I was heaving so hard I had to hold my knees when another loud bang caught my attention and this time not from the door.

The guy we came with was shooting at people, they were running for their lives trying to shoot back. I ran in the opposite direction to find cover and search for Mari hoping that she is fine. My heart was in my throat, I didn’t know what was happening but instead of saving myself by running out, I was searching for Mari through all this intense noise that made my ears ring “Mari” I called passing through the big metals and white bags lined up in patterns. Cries and gunshots made it hard to pass in fear of being shot at but I had to find Mari “Mari” I knew she couldn’t hear me yet I didn’t stop calling her despite that fact.

I just hope she’s safe, I needed to find her and get out of this place. It’s not safe for her. I frantically looked around when finally my eyes caught her “Mari thank goodness”

“Ma-” My mouth went dry when I saw her slit a guy’s throat. The muffled gasps from the guy came as he held his throat trying to glue it together with his hands. The noise was seizing down and I could hear the gasps from the guy as he took in his last desperate breaths “Oh my god” I held my hands over my mouth in horror as the guy finally fell with wide-open dead eyes. My eyes moved back to Mari and I found her looking at me while holding another guy by the neck.

Her eyes were on mine, she knew I could see her as she held the guy by the hair and then slit his neck clean open. An inaudible gasp escaped me watching blood spurt out of the guy, she kept him held up and then pushed the knife into the guy’s neck over and over even if the guy was already dead. I don’t know how long that happened but eventually, she threw him down with a thud like he was trash.

This was something I have only seen in movies, never thought I would be seeing it in real life. Face to face, as if it was a show made just for me to watch coming from the person I love dearly. Her eyes were dark, she had the look of no mercy, blood covering half of her face, her toned stomach, and some on her shoes.

She looked different, she didn’t look like an angry Mari. She looked like a murderous person, who isn’t afraid to kill or be killed in return. That sharp knife in her hands, they weren’t shaking showing she didn’t feel an ounce of fear about what she did, and if she did she didn’t show it.

I was scared and that image was replying in my head yet my feet lifted me like I was in hypnosis, I closed the distance between us that felt so stretched yet so close. I stood in front of her, she looked at me as if waiting for me to say what I think of her, how murderous she is but I wasn’t going to do that.

I know I am the justice kind of girl, I care about the laws. They are there for a reason, to save us from criminals some might be bad or wrong but still, some rules are to protect us not against us.

But then something in her eyes reminded me of the day she married Ethan. She wanted me to see it, but she didn’t know how to say it to me so she showed it to me in hopes it will break me enough to let go but I was too stubborn.

Right now she is trying to scare me away so that I can leave. She showed the worst parts of her but as scared as I was before, I am not. She has her worst, I didn’t know about it but I am willing to help her with it. I am willing to learn what brings out this side, love isn’t about seeing the good.

Yes we all want the good but I want both, it makes her whole. It makes her Mari Gold and I am willing to learn to know everything. I brought my hand up and she tilted her head as if I was about to hurt her, that made my heart clench because I will never hurt her.

This might make me an accomplice to murder but I don’t care, I lowered my hand to hers. I slowly took the knife from her hands. Blood getting on my fingers but I didn’t care, this time her head lifted to look at me with a question in them. She thought I will judge her or hate her but I won’t.

I lowered the knife next to the dead body and taking a close look my throat constricted as if I wanted to throw up. I took in a deep breath as I got back up “Are you hurt?” I asked softly while my eyes moved all over her, she had blood and it was hard to differentiate whose it was.

“No” Her voice was low and if I wasn’t close I wouldn’t have heard anything she said.

“Good, let’s go home” I held her hand and jumped over the bodies with her close by. I reached the door that gave me trouble coming in, Mari helped me pull it back and we both got out to find the guy already leaning against the door.

“I have informed Mr. Long about what happened,” He said while opening the back seat for us. Mari got in but I didn’t.

“Can you take us to my place?” I asked hoping he will say yes, his eyes moved inside as if asking for permission that Mari granted with a single nod, I gave him the address while I got into the back seat as he started the car again, my eyes stayed on Mari who had her unmoving eyes to the front seat. I wanted to hold her in my arms but always remembered we had company.

By the time he got to my house, I couldn’t thank the heavens any better. Mari stepped out and I did the same, I walked inside with my eyes darting back constantly to make sure she was following me. I opened my apartment door and she slipped in before me “Go take a shower” I said cutting her off from whatever she was going to say.

She nodded and showed herself into my bedroom. I got into my kitchen and washed my hands taking off all the blood with shaky hands. I held in my tears, I didn’t need to be crying, I needed to be strong for her. I admit that was both scary and unexpected. Seeing someone die was… I held my hand over my lips and lightly sobbed.

I wiped them away, I didn’t need to be like this at this moment. Good thing she won’t be going to jail, I can’t believe I am saying it’s a good thing when two lives have been taken. It just sounded like they do this every time, the way the driver said the clean-up will be arriving shortly after we left blew the air out of me. I don’t know how they will do it but I am glad they are going to do it.

As long as she doesn’t get involved in this I am fine plus there has to be a reason why she killed them, maybe they were her enemies…this kind of life has so many possibilities so I won’t judge until she tells me about it. I am just glad that she is alive. Nothing else matters.

I took in a deep breath, I started cooking a tuna noodle casserole. My eyes dart from my bedroom door and back to what I am cooking constantly expecting her to come out any time.

I made a chocolate smoothie with milk and protein powder and blueberries. She always loves that, her favorite drink. I learned the first time she spent the night at my place… how time has changed.

I can’t imagine believing the girl I have come to know and love can kill. I guess that is the side I never saw or she hid from me, I wonder what else she has hidden from me.

Chapter 8

Oriana’s POV

After what felt like forever, I was already done with my casserole when she finally came out wearing one of her bras. She can’t wear mine because my chest is packed more than hers, so I guess she found some of her clothes that remained here plus some jean shorts that she didn’t zip in the front giving a glimpse of her black pantie.

And no she is not trying to seduce me, that is always how she dresses after her showers. Does it turn me on? Yes, does she do it unconsciously? I will never know because she always denies it.

Her long sexy legs looked so fuckin hot, the way they moved. Her wet hair clinging to her face made her look like she was a mermaid that had just come out of the water with a white glow in them. She looked like a model ready to pose yet she was just out of the shower and managed to look like that.

Her sexy lips were wet and dirty thoughts came into my mind. You can’t believe she has just killed two people. Those were not the thoughts I wanted to be with “Take a seat, you must be hungry” I moved to get her a glass pouring in her shake “Thought you might need it” I rested it in front of her. She seemed and looked like the Mari I know.

“Thank you” She replied with a smile, this brought out so many memories. I cook, and she just messes me up until I give her a shake, and then she sits down like a good old puppy waiting for food. I giggled to myself as I bent down to get my casserole “Why are you giggling?”

“What? No?” I denied it

“Did you put something on my face?” I burst out laughing, she is still cautious about that. I picked up my casserole to find her in the micro oven glass checking her face.

“I didn’t put anything” I assured her

“I don’t trust you” She shouldn’t, I remember that day she was making a mess and I told her to stop. I knew she had to leave early so I put a flour stain on her cheek then let her go home with it still on her cheek. She has never trusted me since then, I remember she called me to whine that her ‘boss’ had seen it and asked what it was.

The entire conversation was awkward, some thought she had sniffed some cocaine and now that I know her life they were supposed to think it like that, I cleared my throat to take out all of those bad thoughts of her killing “Well I didn’t” I affirmed serving her plate as I served mine as well before resting the leftover in the microwave just in case anyone needed more which is unlikely because she won’t.

I took the stool opposite her, the silence that sat between us was not awkward but not calm either. I know she expected me to ask questions, and I wanted to but I don’t think I am ready for it right now plus she also needed to have some food in her. God knows how long she has gone without a proper meal “Uh” I got her out of her thoughts with my fork on her lips.

“No, I’m-”

“Are you really going to leave me hanging?” I pouted sadly while I brought the fork to my lips but she held my hand mid-way and directed it to her lips instead. I giggled to myself as she scrunched her face not liking my tactics, I rolled more on my fork “Here have some more” She shook her head but opened her mouth and I fed her, it was the only way for her to finish a meal. She is not a food person and it is hard for her to finish a meal but luckily I am here to force her to eat more by feeding her.

I really never get tired, even if she is someone else’s now. I still want to take care of her. I picked up a napkin and leaned over wiping her mouth, taking away all the grease that spread on her before rolling more noodles on my fork and directing it to her mouth again “You’re not eating”

“I can eat later” I put more into her mouth as I rolled more noodles on the fork once again directing it to her mouth and this time she held my hand.

“Yours is gonna get cold, you eat I-”

“You need it more than me, I bet you haven’t had a decent meal in…” I didn’t want to specify but I know she hasn’t had any homemade meal or finished any meal for that matter. She can live off of smoothies if I don’t force her to eat and I know Ethan wouldn’t care if she finished her meal or not.

“Why do you still care?”

“Open up” I decided to not reply to that, just because we broke up it doesn’t mean that my heart stopped caring. I still do care, even if she has just killed people.

“Oriana” She stood up, and I let my hand fall “You should hate me…be disgusted by me. You have just-”

“Seen you kill two people” I finished for her as I laid the fork down “You want me to be afraid of you Mari, but I am not” She hung her head holding the counter tighter as if in frustration while shaking her head. I got up and held her face in my hands “It’s okay if you don’t want me in your life, I just want to help you. To be here for you even if as a friend, someone you can lean on. Someone who understands”

She burst out in tears, I held her close to me feeling my eyes water too. I knew and I could feel her pain deep in my chest, I wished I could wipe it away. Be her emotional support, carry the baggage she is holding “Lay it on me, and I will help you carry it. Whenever you’re ready” I pulled back and wiped her face. She clearly wasn’t ready to tell me anything so I let it go “Let’s go to bed” I turned off the lights and led her into my bed even if it was like 3 in the afternoon. I didn’t care.

As she climbed in I climbed right after and pulled her in my arms once again. Silence consumed us, her head on my chest with her arms wrapped around me. I lightly played with her hair, fixing it and then messing it all up just like I used to do. She likes it so I didn’t stop plus I missed it so much “Stop doing that” I held her fingers, I didn’t know if she was doing it unconsciously but the trailing of her fingers on my collarbone was a huge turn-on.

She lifted her head and glanced at me “Doing what?”

“What you were doing earlier” I cleared my throat, having her this close was messing with my head “With your fingers” I added while biting my lip. It has been so long since we have been in bed together and I admit I missed more than cuddles. I wasn’t willing to force her into anything more, I was fine with her just being around.

Her thumb moved to my lips, the action took me by surprise as she pulled my lip from between my teeth

Her thumb lingered on my lower lip, my eyes were on her face but her eyes were on my lips. I took my tongue out swiping it right onto her thumb. Her eyes snapped to mine in a flash. I leaned in and wrapped my lips around the tip of her thumb and massaged it with my tongue

She pulled back quicker than I could blink, then glanced at her thumb for a few seconds as if it was another creature. I held her chin and made her glance back at me, I leaned in closer so that our lips were inches away “You are a temptation to my being” I really wanted to just attach our lips and touch her but I tried to hold myself back.

This wasn’t the time, no matter how much I need her I am not willing to go where she doesn’t wanna go….she has other thoughts though coz as soon as I leaned away she pulled me back and deeply kissed me. It took me by surprise but I wasn’t going to think about it too much. Mari was kissing me, that’s all the consent I needed.

She pushed herself on top without breaking the kiss, my hands were around her shoulders while her fingers pushed through my shirt caressing my belly. I was getting crowded by lust and desire. They all coerced through my body like melting lava. I flipped us over and wasted no time kissing her again.

I moaned kissing her with need, I needed her. Her lips tasted heavenly, the heaven I have missed so much. She held my hair pulling me down to deepen the kiss as our tongues danced together in a sweet rhythm. I held her hand directing it towards my wet area, I needed her- “Wait” She said while taking her hand away and pulling herself into a sitting position as I straddled her lap.

“Did- is something wrong?”

“I slept with Ethan”

Chapter 9

Oriana’s POV

“I slept with Ethan” She blurted out, I knew she was someone else’s but it didn’t help that I got mad. I slowly and embarrassingly got off of her and sat at the edge of the bed trying to process where the fuck that came from.

“Did you really have to say it right now” My voice came out in a brittle way, I didn’t want to cry but I was already crying “Did you have to remind me how you’re no longer mine?” I was both sad and angry.

“Oriana-”

“You started it” I stood up “I just wanted to cuddle and comfort you but you kissed me. If you wanted it to stop you could have said so, I wasn’t forcing you. Stop trying to hurt me” I made my way into the bathroom slamming the door shut as I slide down the wall crying to myself. I felt stupid and pathetic.

I knew she slept with him, she has been married to him for four months, of course, they have done something I just didn’t want to be reminded of that right now. I just wanted to leave in the fake moment where I had her with me, where she was mine and no one else’s where we were pleasing each other.

Why did she have to go ahead and say it, I know what goes on between wife and husband. I didn’t need to know what goes on between her and her husband. She could have spared me the details in a time like this. She could have kept me in that fake world… I wiped my eyes and stood up getting in front of the mirror, getting the same scene again.

Me being sad.

I washed my face a couple of times until it was less puffy before deciding to leave the bathroom. I found the bed empty “Mari” I called checking the entire apartment to find nothing. What did I expect to find? her…waiting for me to stop crying when she had a husband to…please.

I went into my kitchen got myself a bottle of alcohol and a glass then made my way back into bed. Her warmth still in it hit me like waves, I hummed taking my first glass in a gulp and then pouring my next, her scent was filling my senses and got me hot once again.

My hand traveled down to my parts wanting to touch myself as the memories went through my head. I wanted to recall what it felt like having her in my arms but the fact that she is back in her husband’s arms destructed my arousal. I drink instead trying to drown down every emotion and thought

I don’t remember when I fell asleep but I woke up with my phone ringing loudly. I groaned picking it up and resting it on my ear “As Mrs. Long’s assistant you should have been here at eight” Miss Carol’s grumpy voice said. I moved my head with my half-closed eyes glancing at the clock to find it was almost noon.

“I’m on my way” I hung up holding my pounding head. Ugh, should probably regret last night but I don’t at all. I needed a drink and I had one, I can face the aftermath. I walked like a zombie into my bathroom and after looking in the mirror the term was the right one. I indeed looked like a zombie.

After cleaning up enough to look like a normal person I took some painkillers and made my way to work while sipping on my iced coffee which was really helping out a lot.

By the time I reached it was already thirty minutes past noon and I ran right towards Mari’s office. With one knock she told me to come in “I’m sorry I’m late”

“Oriana?” She said with surprise as if she wasn’t expecting me as she stood up. The air got knocked out of my lungs and I am sure I drooled the coffee right onto my clothes while staring at her. She looked hot, sexy, breathtaking, and irresistible. She wore blue suit pants that held her long legs showing off how fuckin sexy she is, then a mock neck black crop top with a blue coat.

Her hair was still wavy yet with pins to the side pulling out more definition on her head. Her lips were brown making them perkily sexy and gosh how I wished to kiss them but she wasn’t mine, she belonged to someone else. All of her “Yes” I tried to smile but I know it came out as a frown making me look awkward.

I was already feeling awkward, I felt underdressed in my green dress that reached my knees and low heels. So low you would think I am wearing flat yet here she is wearing hot sexy heels looking like the goddess she is.

“What are you doing here?”

“I am your new help remember” Did I confuse yesterday, isn’t that the job that Ethan bastard gave me?

“I talked to your boss, at the law firm he is willing to give you the job back” Why did she do that? Is she indirectly trying to throw me out of her life or something?

“I think you didn’t have to and I will not be taking the job” It’s going to take more than ‘I slept with Ethan’ to get rid of me.

“Why you gotta be so stubborn” She hissed holding her hand on her forehead as if irritated yet tired. The door opened up behind me and as I took a step to the side Ethan walked in wearing a black tailored suit that fit the core.

Well, we can say he will make girls’ knees weak, not mine he was just okay. I just didn’t like the fact that he looked better than me right now, he should be the downgrade, not the other way around as it feels right now “You’re wearing a suit” He sounded surprised or something

“Oh, I didn’t know” Mari fake gasped and I wanted to laugh but decided to take a sip of my drink and act invisible as she picked up her tiny cross bag, the strap long enough for it to lean on her hip.

“You’re wearing a suit” Ethan gritted his teeth this time roughly yanking her by the hand. I set myself ready for anything, waiting to step in at any time and willing to fight with him even if it ends in my death “Didn’t you see the dress I told the maid to put up for you”

“I saw it and then threw it in the trash” Ethan licked his lips clearly not as pleased as I was, that’s my girl…I mean his girl. His girl… “I can stay if you don’t want me there” She challenged

“Of course, I want you there my wildflower” He smiled yet it didn’t reach his lips “But- you know what, you look beautiful. Shall we leave” His compliment was as flat as the floor, what a dick head? The woman is looking like that and all you could say is ‘You look beautiful’ and do not mean it. If I was given a chance to describe how she looked the world might end before I am done.

Too bad, not many words exist.

He held out his elbow for her to take, she rolled her eyes and walked out by herself passing right next to me and I smelled a whiff of her perfume. It smelt new, she has never used something so seductress like that before. My eyes trailed down her back, that firm butt held nicely in that tight pantsuit matched with long legs.

I looked into the sky ‘Why do you hate me so much?’ God really couldn’t let me keep her. She had to have a man, speaking of men, I turned to find Ethan boring his eyes into the door even if Mari had already left “Mr. Long” I called passing my hand over his face even if it ended by his chin, the bitch is too tall.

I knew he wasn’t checking out Mari so it had to be anger, his eyes snapped to me making me step back scared. He passed me while fixing his coat and moving his neck around as if it was stiff. I followed closing Mari’s office, I ran to the door and found five cars parked, the guy that was with Mari motioned me to get into his car.

“Hey, I don’t think I caught your name”

“Luis” he held out his hand and I took it “Nice to officially meet you”

“I wouldn’t call it nice when you put a gun to my back the first time and the second time”

“Those were direct orders, ma’am”

“Oriana, I am not old enough to be called ma’am” he nodded apologizing, he was polite that’s for one. He didn’t look like a crack head so that was a relief “Where are we going?”

“I am not supposed to say, Ms. Gold will have to give you that information”

“Ms. Gold?” He was the only one that refers to her as that, ever since I came into this house everyone calls her Long. Gold was better, it rhymed better than long. What ass name is Long, I bet it was because of his useless height and that is why he took that stupid ass name.

Luis didn’t reply but focused on the road, I decided to text my parents while at it to keep them updated on the new fake life. They still think I am at college and my life is great, what they don’t know is that it is sucking and I am chasing over a married woman…

At this point, I really don’t know what I am doing

I glanced outside watching the outside world and wondered what the hell am I doing there. Should I be here, my job is practically waiting for me yet here I am involved with scary people, all because of a woman who makes my knees weak every time I get a glimpse of her.

‘What did you do to me, Mari?’

You have done enough for me to hate you yet here I am still in love with you as if all the wrong is invisible.

It’s like hypnosis, I get angry at her but then she looks at me, talks, walks…she just exists and I am in love with her even more than anything even if I know that she is married.

Why did she marry Ethan?

She is obviously not interested but why

Why Mari, why?

Chapter 10

Oriana’s POV

We reached our destination about thirty minutes ago, the place looked so executive like only VIPs’ are allowed anywhere near the place. At first, it seemed like a party, all executives gathering around to have fun. I recognized some like our mayor Mr. Dominic and one judge Timothy

Judge Timothy, is said to have a great reputation without any prejudice. If he is dealing with these people then I doubt he is as good as his reputation because anyone who deals with Ethan Long has a deal with the devil himself and I know not to trust them.

Bad things walk in teams, they all stink of one thing ‘criminals’ I should be giving all these people in but I have no evidence. I only have my heating rage towards Ethan that grows every single day, the more I look at him the more I hate him.

He is a useless tree, those tall legs of his should be cut off a few inches so he could be down to earth. He thinks being so tall gets him into heaven, he holds his head up as if he is a god, with such a dangerous ego I bet he thinks he can move mountains, he is so full of crap.

The way he keeps holding onto Mari’s waist as if trying to show who she belongs to. He is disgusting, doesn’t he see how uncomfortable she looks? I feel sickened to my core for this, he is trying so much to show his boundary even when he knows the girl is against it, insecure bitch.

“Are you Oriana?” Some dude dressed as a waiter approached me and I nodded “Don Ethan wants to speak with you” I frowned turning my eyes towards him, he was engulfed in a conversation with one of his colleagues still a hand wrapped around Mari.

He didn’t seem like he had called for me plus we weren’t allowed anywhere near their party. We could only watch from the sidelines, I hated it, I wanted to sway all around this dance floor with my girl… I sighed ‘his girl’ he doesn’t deserve her.

I approached slowly making sure I end up on Mari’s side. Her eyes didn’t even glance at me, I felt kind of hurt. Her eyes used to follow me like no other, it always felt like it was just us in the room yet I feel invisible to her “Oriana you’re here, wildflower go with her” His words were directed towards Mari.

“And why would I leave when the meeting is about to start” Mari argued.

“You’re not going to be in it, Oriana will keep you company” Mari held onto his wrist not allowing him to leave.

“You’re not going to treat me like this, I am not just a picture you get to be seen with and then throw away when the important stuff begins”

“Mari not now”

“Then don’t treat me like crap or I will embarrass you in front of everyone here. I am not just your wife, I am a Gold and you don’t get to treat me as if I am nothing” Mari hissed her voice low, the music could mangle the voices from the rest of the people who were at the party.

“You should start to learn your place, Mari”

“I will start to learn my place when you start to learn yours” She took a step back and stormed away, Ethan held his waist with the clenching of his jaw before motioning to me.

“Go and make sure she doesn’t do something stupid” I nodded running after her, I already wanted to know how she was doing. I didn’t need to be told what to do. I maneuvered through the crowded place of laughing men getting outside, the weather was so sunny and an intense heat bit my skin, I missed the coolness inside.

I got a glimpse of Mari in her suit turning a corner. I ran after her, and by the time I got there she was seated on a bench with angry eyes and that killer stick between her lips, I snatched it from her lips and threw it as far away as possible “Not in the mood Vega” She hissed without even looking at me while pulling out another one that I shrugged out of her hands again.

She didn’t say anything and tried to get another one but I did the same thing “Vega?”

“You promised not to smoke”

“You promised not to come back” She replied lighting up another stick. I sighed giving up as I took a seat next to her. I was itching to pull it out of her hands and chuck it away like the rest but I felt like she will just do what she’s been doing, get another one.

“Since when do you smoke” She used not to, if she did I would have known but she wasn’t a smoker. It has to be a new habit that she picked up after our break up.

I bit my lip watching as that smoke escaped her lips. This was dangerous, I grew up with a mother who is a doctor and I have heard enough stories to scare me from getting next to a cigarette but that killer thing being between her lips felt like I was the one smoking it.

I snatched it from her fingers and without thinking so hard I put it between my lips and inhaled…wrong move “Vega” I choked trying to breathe but I think I swallowed the smoke. I fell into a fit of dry coughs feeling like I had just been suffocated, a hand was on my back patting me hard “Breath, baby just breath”

My breath hitched hearing the pet name, stupidly I forgot to breathe again and the coughing came back however this time lighter, I think stopping to breathe kind of helped “Let me get you some water” I held her wrist stopping her from leaving.

“You called-” I couldn’t even speak, my neck was so dry. My eyes were all blurry I couldn’t see anyone.

“Miss here is the water you requested” I tried to blink away the tears to find Luis standing next to us with a bottle of water held out.

“Thanks now go” I wiped at my eyes while sniffing “Here” She held the bottle to my lips and helped me drink a few sips “How are you feeling? Any better or should we go to the hospital?” her hand was moving up and down my back in a soothing way. I missed this caring side of her, it was comforting to see, and it made me feel like nothing has changed between us.

“I think I’m good” My voice was scratchy it hurt to talk, I wasn’t going to die from inhaling the smoke.

“I don’t think so, let’s go get you checked out”

“No, really I’m good”

“Still let’s go” She pulled me up and held my hand leading me off the bench and into the parking lot “Luis, the keys” Luis was quick to hand them over. Mari opened the passenger seat for me.

“What should I tell the boss”

“Tell him I left” She got into the driver’s seat and drove off, a few coughs escaped me but were not as dangerous as earlier “Take more water” She handed me the opened bottle.

“Thank you” I chugged on it hard trying to heal my throat “Should you have left just like that,” I asked after calming down, her hand moved to my forehead as if checking if I am sick “Will you stop it, I am fine” no matter how much I loved her caring attitude I also hated it, I wasn’t dying for goodness’s sake.

“I will have to take you to the hospital just to be sure” The way she looked, worried that she puffed out her cheeks. I giggled liking that face on her…

“God you’re so cute,” I said before I could hold myself, my eyes widened and I turned to look at the front feeling hotness climbing onto my cheeks as I took more water.

“You almost died and you think this is a joke” She hissed holding the steering wheel hard “Why in the world would you do something as reckless as that”

“Because I was stressed out” My reply made her open her mouth but no words came out. She glanced at me and then back at the road with a shake of her head “And I want to try again” the car squealed as it came to an abrupt stop.

“You will what?” She asked turning her full body towards me “Do you know how reckless that was, you almost died”

“I’m sorry I should have asked for directions before I tried it, will you teach me”

“Why would I do that?”

“Oh, then I guess I will find someone who ca-”

“Don’t you dare”

“So you want to teach me” I questioned, she clenched her jaw and turned towards the road as she started the car once again.

“I will quit” She didn’t sound happy and as much as I hated not making her happy this was good for her.

“You don’t have to”

“I said I will quit Vega, knock it off” She interrupted as she roughly pulled out the packet of cigarettes throwing it out the window. Well was that so hard ‘Guess you still care after all’ I smiled with a warm heart “Now we are going to the hospital”

“No-”

“I wasn’t asking”

Chapter 11

Oriana’s POV

After being forced to go to the hospital because I inhaled a little bit of smoke we finally left after finding out that there was nothing wrong with me. Smoking doesn’t kill you in one day it builds out like a bug until you just feel it take effect.

She obviously didn’t want to take the risk, either way, I was glad we visited because in that case she was given some chewing gums for her smoking problem and a patch to put on her hand. I was going to make sure she follows everything the doctor told her, so visiting ended with us discussing how smoking is a problem which she didn’t appreciate at all.

It was really great either way and I enjoyed it to the core. Her with me in a hospital acting as if she was my wife, how I wished she was mine once again.

At this moment I couldn’t wish for it more than I am wishing for it right now. After leaving the doctor’s office I complained about being hungry, having not had anything to eat since last night.

She took me to a fast food place, I ordered, received my meal and she drove to the beach. I don’t know why she brought me here but I know she has a lot on her mind and the ocean might be getting her mind off of some things. I tried to not disturb her and try to enjoy my hot dog but seeing such a face on her just makes me lose my appetite to the point that all of my hunger disappeared.

“Hey,” I called softly while turning my entire body towards her. She just hummed but kept her eyes on the sunset “You seem sad, what’s wrong?”

“Just eat”

“Don’t dismiss me, that’s rude” I was just trying to find out what is wrong maybe I can help.

“Sorry,” It came out flat like she wasn’t putting neither her mind nor her heart into it. It was like I was not there and she was in a world of her own, it hurt. I was her world once, the place she came to disappear from all her problems yet here I am and she is just in her world.

I held my hot dog tight while pulling my dress up. She didn’t notice my motion and by the time her eyes snapped toward me I was already on top of her lap “What are you doing?” She questioned her hands automatically holding my waist as if to steady me, the motion bringing back memories and feelings of what it feels like to be held by her, something I miss every day.

“Trying to get into your world” I smiled while holding her shoulder “Now you can’t ignore me, come on take a bite” I held the hot dog onto her lips but she shook her head turning away “Mari, take a bite or I won’t let it go”

“If I take one bite you will ask for more until I finish it all. You need it more”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I questioned with a raised eyebrow while taking a bite of my hot dog, for real I was hungry.

“You know what I meant”

“All I heard is ‘Oriana you’re fat’” She sighed leaning back with her hand under her head looking sexy as fuck that I forgot how to chew almost choking.

“I meant you were hungry but I wouldn’t mind the extra meat, I will have more to sleep in than your boobs” My breath hitched, is she flirting with me. She is or else what would that mean? She will have more to sleep in? Does she want to sleep next to me again, sleep in my boobs like we used to do, our bodies tangled up, my hands messing with her hair?

I didn’t know what she meant and I was also scared to ask in case she was just playing. I bit my lip while resting my hand on the side of her waist, she didn’t say anything her eyes were still on me as I started moving it all over her firm stomach already feeling the tingles all over my palm and my body.

I held in a moan as I trailed my hand up to the fine line between her beautiful boobs but that was when she held it “Don’t” My eyes moved to hers, looking into them like this made me feel like I was on fire hell my entire body felt like it was on fire. Melting lava inside of me and there was only her that can turn it off.

I threw the remaining hot dog back into its packing as I leaned down hovering above her face my hair falling onto hers. I pulled one side behind my ear as I traced my thumb on her neck and collar bone “You can’t say something like that and expect me to stay sane” My voice came out in a pleading tone, how is she expecting me to stay sane when she just exists. I slowly moved my hips onto her, her eyes darkened with lust and desire making me smile “Touch me”

I whispered moving my hips lightly onto her trying to get her in the mood just like I was. I wanted to have her like I used to, for her to become mine and no one else’s. To feel like I used to when I was with her like the world didn’t matter. Just us, me and her in bed doing what our bodies craving to do, mingle together like one- “I need to take you home” Her words made me snap my eyes back to her eyes so fast.

That lustful look was already out of her eyes, I opened my mouth to protest. I needed her so bad it hurt, not only emotionally but physically too, my middle throbbed for attention. I closed my eyes while biting my lower lip and nodded just as I got off of her. I didn’t want to push more so I moved back in my seat pulling my dress back down my hot dog already forgotten.

The sun was already down and as she drove through the night my mind and eyes were still on her, the need not slowing down. It felt like forever since I had her, is it wrong to want her close to me, to want to feel her even if she is no longer my girl?

Is it wrong for me to not care that she is married, is it wrong to want her just the same? She was mine then out of the blue she wasn’t, I wasn’t ready for the change and I still crave her “We are here”

“Come in with me” My voice was begging, I didn’t care how pathetic I sounded. I know how pathetic I seem but I need her so much that I don’t mind embarrassing myself “Just for a drink or something”

“It’s late”

“Um,” I puffed out the air feeling dejected “Okay, I guess see you tomorrow” I couldn’t even look at her, I know I will die inside knowing I am leaving her to go back to someone else. I felt it deep in the pits of my stomach and I hated the feeling, I opened the door to storm out and go cry in my bed alone like I am used to doing when a hand held my wrist.

I stopped in my tracks but didn’t move to look at her, I know the tears that I am keeping in will try to flow out if I dare to look at her “I guess…..um it’s not so late for a drink” I perked up with a smile glancing at her.

I felt my lip curl up as my face starts getting red from embarrassment “Okay, come in” To say my mood was happy again from just a few words would be an understatement. To have her in my apartment just the two of us, I bit my lip thinking about things that I know will not happen but it still doesn’t mean I won’t think about them “Do you need wine or something?”

She chuckled while pushing her hands into her pants “I’m getting worried about something but I will take the wine” I giggled while pulling out two glasses of wine and then a bottle pouring the same amount in both. I moved back to her and handed her one “Thanks” I nodded taking a seat a few inches away from her watching as she took her first sip my eyes watching every move forgetting about my drink, I am just so horny for her “Did you put something?”

“What?” I asked when she got me out of my thoughts.

“The drink, did you put something in it”

“Why would I do that?” I frowned kind of offended by her question “I am not that low Mari” I rested my glass down getting up, what the fuck does she take me as.

“I was just joking” She defended getting up too but I was already angry, I pulled the glass from her hands and took enough sips to make sure she sees that I didn’t put something in her drink “I was just joking”

“Well it wasn’t funny, you may leave” She pulled me into her hands not allowing me to storm out.

“I’m sorry” I turned my head, I know I am being angry over a petty reason but I am also angry at the fact that she doesn’t want me anymore “Oriana” Why does she have to call me like that? Her hand pushed my hair back revealing my neck and I felt like I was on fire once again “I’m sorry”

“Why do you do this to me?” I asked finally glancing up into her eyes, mine were glossy from the unshed tears that were welling to fall any minute “Why do you make me want you like this, why do you make my heart feel like this” I held onto her cheek as the tears finally flowed down, every drop indicating the pain I feel because I can’t have her “You make my heart feel like it’s floating, yet you hand it back the closer you get. The worst is it still yearns for you. Still thinks of you, want you like I used to have you even if I know you’re no longer mine. Why does it get hard to let you go with every passing second”

I cried walking away and getting into my room, I sat down and cried while holding my legs closer to my chest cursing the day I met her.

If I knew it will be so hard to let her go I would have avoided her at all costs. If I knew I was going to lose her.

I don’t want to feel like the world only for it to crash like this.

Chapter 12

Oriana’s POV

I got up and moved into my bathroom shrugging off my dress in need of a hot shower. I didn’t bother to go back into the living room to check on Mari, I know she is already gone. I don’t know if I should be sad or glad or both.

I don’t know if I can still handle this pain, I am starting to doubt my decision to go into her house. Maybe I should have pretended she didn’t exist.

I held in a sob as I stripped down to nothing before getting into the shower and letting the warm water flow down my body. I thought it will help me from the pain but it only brought it back harder than before, it can touch my skin but she can’t. I can’t even think of her as mine, I sobbed doing my best to hold in my cries even if I knew no one could hear me.

Why do I feel like this?? Why does it hurt like this?

The images of her killing those people are still fresh in my mind yet here I am still crying over her. It’s all confusing.

Love has never hurt like this.

I hate it, I hate this feeling.

Like someone is pulling out my heart while I am wide awake. I was already suffocating that I had to turn off the shower and breath normal again…I gasped when I felt a hand on me “Shh it’s okay” She whispered behind me. I calmed down for a second. Her body was pressed on mine and that feeling was deliriously messing with my head. It was the best feeling in the world, her body on mine.

The fact that her body is being pressed on mine is supposed to be forbidden and wrong. That makes her words far away from the truth because nothing is okay, everything was not okay. Only if she was mine again if we could go back to that time when none of this was real.

“Nothing is okay” I sobbed, it was far away from the truth. She slowly turned me to face her. My eyes connected with her naked body and I forgot how to breathe once again, seeing her like that in all her naked glory, her perky boobs right next to my face. Her sexy face and eyes looked at me like that “You’re not mine Mari” I confessed trying to fight the urge to jump her “And that is not okay” my voice wavered, she closed the small gap between us as her fingers trailed my cheek while leaning down.

“Is it okay if I’m yours tonight” She held my hand bringing it to her chest, my heart pounded as she moved it to her perky breasts.

“Mari” I warned taking my hand back and looking her in the eye “I don’t need pity, I don’t need you to be mine tonight because you feel guilty-” she tilted my head upwards and attached our lips, she held them firmly for seconds then let go. Those seconds felt like the best shortest seconds of my life. Anticipation shot through my veins, I wanted her lips on mine again.

“Please don’t do this to me” That second reminded me of what I have been missing all this time. She held the side of my face and did it again “Don’t make me weak and then hurt me once I give in” Her thumb caressed my cheek.

“I won’t”

I was dizzy and when I glanced into her eyes I was lost, I knew resistance wasn’t meant for me when she exists “You make me weak” I moaned before pulling her down again and kissing her with need.

She knows what she does to me, she knows how much her lips drive me crazy in ways I can’t explain.

My hands snaked around her neck with my fingers in her hair. I was standing on my tiptoes, there were zero inches between our bodies and it caused heat. Heat only she can help me with, the starvation I have heard for her all came out in these few seconds, I was both overwhelmed and excited, and the kiss aroused the familiar wantonness in me that could only be turned down by her.

My hands pushed into her hair pulling her in more to taste every part of those tempting lips. Her hands were on my ass groping it and I moaned into her mouth but I didn’t pull back, I enjoyed the sensation even when I was losing my breath. I couldn’t let go. I didn’t want to lose even a second to catch my breath, I was scared that if I lose those lips now I might lose them forever.

Her fingers connected with my nipple flicking it and that was when I broke the kiss leaning back and heaving. Her finger kept at it but our eyes were still directly staring at each other, she licked her lips while pushing her body on mine her thigh connecting with my middle area “Let us recreate our first night” She breathed out while cupping my boob massaging it.

I held her chin bringing her closer to me “On our first night I wanted to know how you tasted like” I replied softly my finger tracing along her jaw “Tonight I know how you taste like, I have just been starved for so long that I want to kiss every inch of you and make you hot and sweaty while trembling in shear ecstasy. I want my hands on you and your mouth open to my kisses all night, I want to drink you in fast and slow until you fall in my hands”

“In here or the bed”

“Both” I pulled her down and took in her irresistible lips one more time as I walked her back until her back hit the cold tile. My hands held both her boobs and massaged them while flicking her hard buds. Her breath was heavy while I moved my lips into her neck licking and tasting every skin. The pleasure that washed over me made my pussy flood.

The sexual ferocity on her face made me kiss her collar bone sucking as hard as she bruised. She held my hair breathing heavily while glistening with sweat, her eyes following my every move “Open up for me baby” I ordered lightly while my hand moved between her clenched legs.

“I’m open for you” Her legs were already parted as my fingers found her moist flooded core. She creamed on my fingers and I couldn’t help but moan while resting my head on her neck. The pleasure of pleasing her made me slick and wet. It made me dizzy with a desire that I hugged her while moving my fingers along her core rubbing hard but slow “Oh fuck”

She hugged me back her lips on my neck then I felt her fingers rubbing my core opening me up to even more pleasure. As I pushed my fingers into her wet core hers pushed into mine making me gasp holding onto her. Harder. Our rhythm matched up, and I was trembling. The feeling I have missed so much, her hands on and in me.

She released an ecstatic cry when I rubbed her clit and held me with trembling hands as her walls closed onto me squeezing my fingers. I pulled from the hug and looked her in the face, she could barely breathe. Her hair was a mess, eyes filled with pure ecstasy as she pulsed in my hands. Her face was coated with red, lips slightly parted making a sexy cubic that I waited for zero seconds before attaching mine to hers once again.

My speed increased getting her to lustful cry out as she involuntary convulsed onto my fingers. I rubbed until she was done and directed my fingers to my lips licking off every juice that came from her.

She pulled me by the neck and kissed me so rough while pushing me back into the wall, she knelt down and rested my leg onto her shoulder then her tongue connected with my throbbing clit. She moved it flat on my clit a move she knows always destroyed me that I was already shaking and panting shallowly.

Her fingers pushed into me and she kept rubbing me by the tongue, pleasureable tremors tore out of me with each stroke on my tender lips. The flesh’s long and firm upward and downward strokes kept my brought my resolve closer and the quicker they became the harder I buckled my hips to meet both her fingers and her tongue.

She sucked and swirled around my pleasurable button and I moaned holding onto her head and the wall behind me and she kept rolling and driving me closer to my climax. She sucked down on my clit and I shattered while buckling my hips onto her face my orgasm tearing through me hard and fast.

I took in deep breaths as she came back to my face, and we looked at each other. I had been completely shattered by her lips that I had no words or actions to give.

All I know is I had fuckin missed this so bad that just looking at her I was already getting wet again. I missed how she touched me like that, how she knew my body like no one else. I raised my hand and she immediately took it “Let’s go to bed”

We walked out with our hands still together and once we got to the bed I pushed her down onto it before getting on top. Her fingers automatically moved to my boobs taking them into her lips and sucking.

I pushed my hair back while glancing down at her already moist once again. She moaned while flicking, rubbing, and sucking. I clenched with need as she tortured me slowly, then moved to my other boob.

Before I knew it she flipped me onto the bed on my back. She laid on my side and went back to sucking on my boobs and my nipples swelled further and further as she tormented my taut nipples “Mari…oh fuck” As if hearing my silent cries her hand moved to my core and started rubbing but her lips stayed to torment me further.

The heat melted to my core and the more she did that the faster I felt myself get to my reach. Her finger rubbed my clit and that was it for me, I buckled with the crushing wave of my orgasm tore through me.

She glanced up and me with her finger still flicking my bud and leaned down to kiss my lips slowly. There was a silent message in the kiss because in a short while she pulled back and glanced me in the eye then did it again.

She cupped my boob and rubbed “Is everything okay?” I questioned, she left kisses on my chest while moving up to my jaw.

Her tongue licked in between my boobs and then around them, she was turning me on once again. She gave my bud a firm upward stroke that made me tremble once again “I’m okay” she said between kisses then lingered in my neck leaving soft wet kisses.

“But you seem worried” I held her jaw to make her look up to me “Why?”

“I’m fine”

“Mari, I know you” I know when she is worried and when she is not “Talk to me” I pleaded while caressing her jaw and looking into both her eyes. She leaned in and gave me a sad kiss “Mari baby”

“I want you so much” She cried while kissing me deeper “I… I’m sorry” I pulled her into a comforting hug. I pulled the duvet over us and let her cry in my chest, the little she has said was enough to let me know there have been reasons behind her actions lately.

There is something she isn’t telling me but I felt like right now was not the moment to ask. Her crying in my chest was enough to feel closer to her, her feeling comfortable enough to admit that she was weighed to me was enough and I am willing to be here as long as she wants me to.

I will be the fighter, I am willing to fight for us. Whatever is holding her back I am willing to wait and fight it off.

Chapter 13

Oriana’s POV

A body shifting in my arms made me snap my eyes open to find Mari trying to get out of my arms “I didn’t mean to wake you up but you were holding me so tight”

“Sorry,” I smiled while giving her a peck. Then leaning onto her shoulder “When we slept you weren’t alright, how are you feeling” I lifted my head to look at her face. It was still dark outside and I know if we had been sleeping it had to be for two to three hours at most.

“This has been the best night in so long” She confessed making me smile

“Yeah, me too” I wrapped my hand over her torso after resting my head on her chest feeling her heartbeat. Her hand wrapped around my back as she kissed my forehead “I just don’t want it to end, I wish I can be here forever”

“We never get what we wish for”

“What do we get?”

“What we don’t wish for” Her eyes met mine and I could see the sadness through her eyes I thought she will let me in but instead she closed her eyes once again. She cried a few hours back saying how much she wants me, I admit I want to know more.

“Why did you marry him?” I found myself asking, I just need an answer. I want to try and understand more about her life, living in the dark isn’t the best place when I want to know her more than anything. She kept her eyes closed and it looked like she was not ready to reply “He does not deserve you”

“I don’t deserve a lot of things”

“That’s-”

“Your boss is ready to give you your job back” She opened her eyes “You should go get it and stop ruining your life”

“Leave him and I will stop ruining my life” She held me tighter but once again she didn’t reply but instead bid me goodnight “What we had meant something right?” I asked just to confirm.

“Something? No” She opened her eyes once again as I pushed myself up with worry on my face “It meant everything”

“Then why was it gone as if it was nothing”

“Because it was not meant to last”

“I know something happened, what was it?” I calmly asked trying to get at least one answer from her “Mari you need to talk to me”

“Go get your job back” She dismissed me and I felt my heart break.

“If-if you involve me I can understand this better, I can help you-” she unwrapped her hands from me and swung her legs off the bed, and stood up “Mari please” I held her hand not letting her go “You don’t need to tell me, just stay with me tonight” I begged, the minute she sat back down I hugged her from behind terrified of losing her.

“I don’t like it when you beg, you don’t need to go through this because of me you deserve better”

“I don’t care I want you”

“Don’t, don’t want me. I am not worthy of it. I am a murderer, you have seen me kill. I am not involved with those people I am one of them-” I held her face and turned her to look at me.

“I will not stop wanting you, I don’t care if you have killed or you’re one of them and it is for me to decide if you’re worth it or not” I helped her back onto the bed “When I find out you’re not worth it I will leave your life which is never…because baby you’re worth everything okay”

“You’re stupid” She cried falling into my chest ‘I know’ I agreed inside my head as we laid down and I held her. I am stupid but all I know right now is that she is worth it. Until I feel otherwise I am not leaving.

The thought of her thinking she is not worth it hurt me, why would she think like that when I am willing to do anything for her? I wouldn’t if she wasn’t worth it, she is worth more than she tells herself.

It didn’t matter if we are together or if this is the last time we have sex. All that matters is I get to see her every day, the rest I don’t care. Sleep soon took over and even after what transpired this was the calmest I have slept in three months

My night was filled with happy memories but when I opened my eyes the woman I slept holding through the night was no longer in bed with me. I yawned pushing myself up “Mari” I called picking up a shirt while glancing at the balcony, a place she usually stood every morning but she wasn’t there. I glanced at the watch and it was just seven in the morning.

I searched the entire house yet she was nowhere to be found. I released a disappointed sigh ‘I guess my night is over’ I leaned onto the counter and thought of everything. Every thought I zoned out last night now was swimming into my head as a reminder of every single thing I have done these past few days.

She wants to push me away but also wants me around. It’s like she is conflicted with herself, maybe scared for my well-being as I am of hers.

All I know right now is that our night together opened some doors for me, she wants me around and she is insecure and I need to show her how worth it she is.

I knew exactly what I had to do, I could never turn my back on her unless I am sure she is safe and the way I see it, safe is the last thing to expect from Ethan Long. I knew I had to be there for Mari even if she didn’t want me there.

I decided to cook something for her just in case she had nothing to eat and after cleaning up and packing everything I made my way into the bathroom. After taking a shower I chose a red over-the-knee dress, a black coat with black heels. I packed everything and on my way there I got myself some coffee before driving into the mansion that hold secrets about my girl that I would want to find out

My car was checked at the entrance and when I was allowed in I found a parking spot before making my way into Mari’s office. I passed other employees but we have bad blood, calling me a snitch for saying on Louisa. I just shrugged them all off as I passed. I climbed up the stairs and knocked on Mari’s office entering when she said to come in “Morning” I greeted but her eyes didn’t move from the computer as she lazily greeted me back “Are you busy?”

“Yes”

“I can help, where should I start” I questioned getting my head ban to tie my hair up when she finally lifted her head to look at me. Something flashed into her eyes as they traveled down my body.

“I don’t need your help, you can just go home”

“But it’s my job-”

“And I said I don’t need you here” She seethed while angrily tapping her computer.

“I don’t need you here either but I guess we don’t get what we wish for” She stood up with her hands gripping the table.

“This is not about wishes, it’s about your fuckin life being in danger”

“Are you trying to scare me away” I held the other end of the table “It’s not working Mari because I am staying. We either leave together or no one is leaving this place and I would prefer to leave in a body bag than walk out when you need me”

“I don’t need you”

“You don’t know you need me” I passed my hand to hold hers and her eyes followed it but she didn’t pull away “I will stop pressuring you to tell me anything but I am staying-”

“Well soon you won’t have a choice because Ethan wants you to move in”

“What?”

Chapter 14

Oriana’s POV

I know that is a bad thing, living inside the house with Ethan but why is my heart happy now I will have every excuse to be next to her every second of the day.

I know that will have its consequences since she will be with her husband at night but maybe we can meet in the middle of the night when we are both out of our rooms for a sip of water and then have a heart-to-heart conversation that will leave us melted for the next day.

Or maybe she can sneak into my room and cuddle up with me all night, have a laugh, or even do more than sneak back out when it’s almost morning. Pretend we didn’t see each other all night the next day with eyes that communicate otherwise like a secret language… That sounds fun “Why are you smiling?”

“Oh um…no, I am just worried” I cleared my throat getting back in the real world. Obviously, none of that will happen and this might end up bad for me where I have to see them constantly make out while I am on the sidelines, don’t get me started on the possibility of them banging in here or his office that will wreck me “I don’t think that is a great idea” I confirmed coz yes, it’s not a good idea.

“Coming into this house was never a great idea to begin with but you never listen” I wanted to get you back, I yelled in my head. Everything I have done so far is to get her back “And now you’re getting yourself in the heart of it all” Getting myself…oh no she got us in the heart of it all but not being open on what was really going on.

“Maybe if you were truthful I wouldn’t have gotten myself into it all,” I said with a little shrug, it is kind of her fault why I am here in shit I don’t even know about “It is just a thought” I added with a low voice when I saw the look she was sending my way. I hate when she looks at me like that like she is planning on which part of my body to take and NOT in the fun way “I brought you breakfast” I changed the topic pulling out the lunch box with a bottle of her favorite drink.

Her eyes darted from the food in front of her to me then back and forth for like an eternity “What? You don’t like it? It’s your favorite and it’s still warm try it” I urged while picking up the fork and the knife to cut her a piece trying to forget what she has just told me about moving in. I directed it to her mouth with my hand under it so as not to spill on her outfit, her mouth opened with her eyes on mine “How is it?” I questioned while shaking her drink and then inserting a straw.

“Is the door locked?”

“Um..” I glanced at it and then back to her not knowing why she would ask that “I don’t know but I can check” I handed her the drink and then moved towards the door to check and it wasn’t when an idea struck “Aww you don’t want…” My words caught in my chest when her body slammed into mine and she kissed me hard.

I struggled to steady myself for a second before I started kissing back wrapping my hands around her neck matching the intensity. I moaned when she pulled my thigh wrapping it around her while her hand travelled up and down it getting me even more heated.

By the time she broke the kiss I was gasping for air and in pleasure that flowed through my body “I-thought you didn’t want people to see me feeding you,” I said through gasps “But this is better” I pulled her into another kiss my hands pushing into her crop top and gasped when I held right onto her boob “No bra…Baby” I whined in pleasure, does she want to fuckin kill me.

I breathed hard while she moaned the more I played with her boobs. She held my ass cheek and lifted me off the ground, I held onto her tight as the kiss became sloppy with hard breaths and moans filling the room. My ass landed on her desk my dress now already around my waist revealing the thong I had under it “At work” She questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“I swear I didn’t know this was gonna happen” I defended myself, I thought I was only getting a night, this was unexpected.

“Sure” She teased her hand meeting with my already wet front “You didn’t think I will want to fuck you after acting like a caring wife” The word wife made my heart beat faster, the sound of it was better when she said it than in my head.

“I didn’t know that was a kink” I breathed out honestly, I didn’t make that thinking about this. I made it because I knew she hadn’t had anything to eat and I don’t want her starving herself.

“Do you know how you look while doing that?” I moaned while shaking my head grasping the edge of the table hard her finger driving me nuts the more it rubbed up and down my front “It makes me want to wife you and put you in my house and fuck you every night-” Her fingers pushed the panties to the side and the anticipation flowed in as I pushed my legs far apart to give her more access when the doorknob started jiggling.

She retracted her finger and rested it between her lips sucking on it as if someone didn’t want to get in. My eyes followed every action with an open mouth, she helped me off the table and pulled my dress down

“Mari, open the door” Ethan’s voice came, I panicked wanting to hide. I know I looked like I was gonna get fucked right now and she looked just the same though her frown made her more relaxed.

She fixed her hair, pushed her crop top down then walked towards her chair while wiping her fingers like nothing happened like she didn’t just lick my juices off of them. “Open the door” She ordered while starting to eat her food. I cleared my throat and moved to the door pulling it open the big man stood there, his eyes didn’t shift when he saw me “What do you want Ethan?”

“I can’t see my wife when I want to” He smiled walking in as I stepped aside still feeling flustered, I was about to get fucked on that desk.

“I have a meeting in a few minutes” Mari had all her attention on the meal without looking at Ethan and I smiled, she likes the pancakes I made for her. Maybe I should start making her breakfast every day.

“And you closed the door why?” His eyes moved towards me before getting back to her wife as he took a seat on top of the desk.

“I don’t think privacy is a new term to you is it?” She finally lifted her eyes while pushing her chair back aggressively picking up her coat that fell over her crop top ending right where her cut jean shorts stopped which is below her ass, she looked so freakin hot  “I have a meeting to get to”

Ethan pulled her between his legs wrapping his hands around her and I almost gagged. What a bitch? “If you’re going to front my things to everyone the least you can do is give them to me”

“I’m not in the mood”

“When will you be in the mood?”

“When I am in the mood” Mari seethed pushing herself out of his hands but he pulled her back. I saw the way his jaw clenched like he was about to blast but suddenly stood up with a creepy smile.

“I guess I can wait” His statement sounded like it had hidden meaning. He pulled her into a kiss, I scrunched my face clenching my fists that my nails dug into my fresh from the pressure I used, seeing his lips moving on hers made me feel like I wanted to hit his head with a bottle, take her hand and run into the sunset “I love you wildflower” he can shove his love into his butt and get away from my woman.

He pecked her cheek before walking past me like I was invisible. I closed the door behind his back with a groan of disgust “Let’s go”

“No wait” I held her hand while picking up a tissue, I held her face and started cleaning it making sure to take away all of his disgusting saliva off of my girl’s lips, that bastard.

“What are you doing?”

“You just had something but now it’s gone” I pulled her down and attached my lips in a kiss slower than the first one, if any lips will be last on her it will be mine “Now we can leave” her eyes searched my face as if she knew what I have just done but didn’t say anything while a smile tried to creep to her lips “What?” I feigned innocence.

“Nothing, let’s go”

Chapter 15

Oriana POV

Why is it that everything she does is just fascinatingly beautiful? Just the way she walks, how can that turn me on to this point? She is a masterpiece that has put my head into turmoil, she is just so fuckin perfect even if she isn’t…she is just perfect to me like…I am so in love with everything that is her.

She has just walked into the meeting room filled with just men wearing clothes that make her look…unprofessional…like most would say however she walked in with confidence and ignored their judging eyes. The way they were unable to speak just from her presence is just a dream worthy even if I am not inside I know she is going to ace whatever she is in there to do.

She didn’t allow me in, I stayed right outside but as soon as I found a crack in the glass that could allow me to see what is inside I took the chance to follow her every move. She is just seated but that just alone looks sexy, the way her lips moved when she talked whatever she was talking about…I was able to capture a few words here and there from the movement of her lips but it doesn’t make sense so I decided to just admire the way her lips moved.

And knowing I was the last to kiss her before she got inside made me want to taste those lips again. She is just fascinating, you know they say the clothes you wear define you but like, you can dress the way you want to and still be a professional. Too bad the world we live in is not like that, I remember this one time I was taught about what a lawyer should put on.

Instead of teaching me about how to win a case that is the first thing you want me to do yet no matter how I dress, I will still be sexualized what is the point “What are we looking at?” A voice startled me making me jump away from the glass I was peeping at.

“You scared-you look familiar” I voiced out while trying to figure him out. Tall and lean with short curly black hair, his grey eyes seemed familiar to a similar person, and his face, jaw, and nose all had a resemblance to someone even if he is quite more muscular

“Maybe we met in your dreams before baby” I scoffed.

“I think I know who would be in my dreams so don’t flutter yourself, honey”

“Woah” He gasped dramatically holding his chest “If I can’t be in your dreams at least I can start with being your reality” I chuckled but it came out like a giggle. I have to agree that was smooth “Can I know your name sweetheart”

“Oriana Vega” I smiled shaking his hand when his face finally clicked, he really had a resemblance to my girl…I mean Mari-shit she is not mine…anymore “You look like someone I know, do you know Mari, Mari Gold”

“My sister” Oh, now that made sense “Her younger brother Mason Gold, how do you know her?”

“Oh she is just my new boss” I lied acting like it was no big deal and kind of relieved he wasn’t the eldest brother. Mari told me he was the worst character in the universe and I don’t think I am ready to meet him.

“I hope she is treating you nice, I wouldn’t want her ruining my future potential girlfriend”

“She doesn’t have to ruin anything, it’s never gonna happen” I turned him down flat when a sound came from the room. I ran back to my peeping hole and found Mari with her heel on top of some old guy’s chest, she looked pissed and the guy under her looked like he might piss his pants but most of all she looked so fuckin hot doing it. Those long legs taking a stand from whatever that guy said or whatever…I just know he deserved it. Her heel on his chest like that, that skin, that look in her eyes, the way her throat was tight…“She can ruin me and I wouldn’t mind”

“What?” I got startled once again

“What?” I threw back the question, I had forgotten he was still there and was that close to me.

“You said she can ruin you and you wouldn’t mind”

“What? Noooo, I-I didn’t say that…didn’t say that” I stuttered trying to deny what I said exactly. Why was he close to me anyway “I said….I said…” I had no lie.

“You said?” She encouraged yet he knew I had no way out “You know you’re thoughts can get you killed” his face changed into a stone-cold one as he pulled out a gun, I stumbled back and ended up sitting on the bench glancing up at him in fear “Is she the one in your dreams” he squat down his gun right close to my face and I felt like I was going to lose my body “She is the wife of don Ethan how can you think…Ow,” He whined when a slap landed on the back of his head.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Mari questioned with an annoyed look. Mason laughed nervously as if he had been caught doing something wrong which is right coz he was just threatening me.

“I was just playing” My eyes almost bolted out of my eyes when she twisted his hand and pushed him into the wall with his hand on the back “Ow, Mari I was just playing with her. I swear I didn’t hurt her, you can ask her”

“I don’t care, you know the gist, go ahead” Mari ordered, Mason’s face scrunched in pain and fear.

“I’m sorry for messing with you Oriana”

“Do you forgive him?” The question was directed to me, I felt small as I nodded while biting my lip. Was she fighting her brother because of me? I am sure at this point even silly things impress me “If she didn’t your ass would have been dead and since you obviously don’t know when to pull out your gun I will be taking it”

“No” Mason objected but Mari had already taken the gun while letting go of his hand. He held his shoulder with his face scrunched in pain “I am not young anymore you can’t just take my gun from me”

“Are you sure?”

“I am twenty one”

“You’re grounded”

“Mari?” He called with wide eyes and I am with him, isn’t he a little too old to be grounded “You can’t do that, I am not a kid”

“Do you want me to make it a month”

“No” he grumbled like a defeated child.

“Good, now I need you at my place in an hour so that I can keep my eye on your ass”

“But-but… Mari!”

“What is going on?” A new voice interrupted, I turned my head to the new voice and it was an older guy. Taller than Mason and had a slight resemblance, he had eyes like Mari but that was it. His subtle beard shaped his face differently though I think he is the one from the wedding.

“Mari is grounding me, tell her she can’t do that”

“You’re on your own buddy, I don’t want to be grounded too” I laughed quietly, he had to be the eldest brother, the one Mari told me was the worst character ever. He seems funny. “How have you been sis?” He pecked her cheek with a light hug.

“I see you still can’t get him in order,” She said pointing at Mason without replying to his question.

“He is only scared of you, with me he is rebellious” Keagan replied while tapping Mason’s back.

“Keagan, do you want her to kill me” Mason complained and Mari gave him a look that I am sure could make an earthquake “I will go pack” Mason walked away in fear.

“I need to speak with you, Oriana I will be back” Keagan turned towards me and I think it was the first time he was seeing me, he hasn’t glanced in my direction.

“And who is this?” Keagan asked with his hand coming down to my face but before they could reach Mari held his hand “I wasn’t going to do anything”

“Did she allow you to touch her”

“No but Ow…okay sorry, let go my fingers” Mari squeezed them hard that I gritted my teeth when Keagan yelled in pain right before she let go “It is reason like this Mason is scared of you, sometimes even I am scared of you jeez” He grumbled while shaking his hands out before walking away.

“It will take a second,” she said

“Okay and thank you for…” defending me from your brothers. I couldn’t finish that because even I didn’t know what has just taken place.

“No need to worry and if they try anything like that again just call me”

“And you will kick their asses” I questioned with a soft laugh.

“Exactly” I was left with a goofy smile, fuck she makes it hard not to love her more.

Chapter 16

Oriana’s POV

“So Um Mari, Sweet sister of mine” Mason started while leaning between our seats, I was in the passenger seat with Mari in the driving seat and he was in the back. She had been quiet since we got in the car after she had a conversation with Keagan, it looked like it didn’t go well for some reason because she came out angry.

I tried to talk to her about it but it ended in her telling me to get in the car with Mason who had his bag packed while grumbling about how he is old enough to be careless without her breathing down his throat “Can I take your assistant on a date?” Mason finished, I turned to him with a roll of my eyes, he thinks he stands a chance with a sister like this.

“Take a close look at her,” Mari said not flinching at her brother’s words. Mason’s eyes moved to me piercing in me as I kept mine on her, what does- “Did you find any word, any poster that said she belongs to me”

“Well no but-”

“Then shut your ass up and sit back” She slapped the wheel startling the both of us “Sorry, gaddamnit” She screamed before stopping the car and storming out after closing the door aggressively.

I didn’t know if I should follow or not, does she need some alone time? My eyes moved towards Mason “Don’t look at me, I am not facing her when she is angry” I scoffed unbuckling my seat belt and going out. I followed where she had gone and found her pacing around with her hands on her waist while mumbling something to herself.

At first, I kept my distance before slowly getting closer announcing my presence “Do you want to talk about it?” I know she wouldn’t but it doesn’t hurt to try “I am always here, I will always be here” She still didn’t react just glanced away from me, I got even closer and gently engulfed her into a hug “You can always lean on me baby okay, whenever you’re ready”

“Brothers are assholes”

“Why do you say that?” I questioned holding her face without separating our bodies, I needed her body warmth and I know she needed mine just as much.

“No, let’s forget it”

“If it’s Mason it’s not going to happen, I would-”

“You think I would be jealous of Mason, have you met him” The way she said it was like it was the most absurd thing in the world.

“He is handsome and lean, obviously he works out with nice hands”

“So you checked out his hands” I knew she was teasing me but I couldn’t help but feel flustered as my face started burning.

“Okay he is not my type but Keagan can be” The teasing aura escaped from her “Hey it’s not like I would go there or anything like I wouldn’t he is just too…not my type at all”

“No, you don’t need to explain it is just…you know what” She breathed in “You can date whoever you want, I am no one to try and get in your way”

“I am not into your brother and you’re not a no one, you are someone very special to me, more than you could ever imagine only if you could let me carry some of your burden for you. It hurts me to see you like this, it hurts to see all these walls standing between us”

“How I wish I could just disappear with you” She leaned her forehead on mine “But you’re way too right for me, I will just drag you down with me-”

“Drag me down” I cut her off “Mari…it doesn’t matter where you drag me I will always be here”

“Oriana” My heart melted even if she stepped back ruining the moment “It will never be like it was in those six months”

“I know”

“Then why are you still here” The surprise in her voice hurt me a little bit “When you know we will never have what you talked about, I will never be your wife. I will never be the girl you take lunch to when lunch hour hits, I will not be the first face you look at every morning because I will be in someone else’s bed. You will never have me by yourself you will always be sharing or not even have me at all”

“I know, I know, I know and I know” I shrugged feeling my eyes blurry but I fought back the tears “I know all of that Mari, hell I even know how it feels like to be sharing you but guess what I am still here” I sobbed sadly while wiping the escaped tear drops “It’s not about having what we used to have, it’s about the fact that even if you are taken I can be here. Even if you’re not mine I can still know what you had for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s not much but it is to me, to know what you did in a day, if you smiled or cried or did something that made you free. It’s not about you falling asleep in someone else’s hands, it’s about me holding you when you need me. It’s about me doing something that makes you smile if everyone pissed you off it’s…”

“He doesn’t make you happy Mari” I continued “And-and as much as I hate the fact that you married him instead…instead of me- even if YOU CHOSE HIM INSTEAD OF ME I STILL FUCKIN LOVE YOU MARI” I scream cried “A-” words got stuck in my throat.

“I didn’t choose him”

“You did, you looked me in the eye and you said ‘I do’ You chose him-”

“I didn’t fuckin choose him”

“If you didn’t it would have been me you were marrying!”

“If it were up to me it would have been you I was marrying” I took a step back a little bit shocked “But guess what Vega, life isn’t about peaches and roses. In the real world….no, in my world, the mafia world you pay a gaddamn debt even if it is a trillion years old and you have a family that is constantly pushing you into a gaddamn hole”

“Mari-” Now I was worried for her.

“And now, I have you to protect because you put yourself into the heart of a mafia group. See how fuckin hard it is to choose where you’re stuck in life” She passed me walking away but I couldn’t even follow her, I was too dejected to follow her that my legs gave out as I landed on my knees tears streaming down my face.

I didn’t know why I was crying, was it for her? For her to be dealing with all of this or was it for me to have added more pressure on her? I just knew one thing, I was hurting. It felt like my pain but it wasn’t and it hurt more than I thought it will “Oriana” a hand landed on my shoulder “Mari is waiting for you so that we can leave” and go where in that big ole mansion that is filled with nothing but sadness and heartache.

I can’t handle the little she has told me, how is she handling the rest that she had bottled up?

Chapter 17

Oriana’s POV

By the time we got back to the mansion, Ethan had already set up an outing with Mari. She had no idea about it but he just told her to get ready so that they could leave and within less than an hour they were out the door with me watching the road hoping they would come back or something.

I had to go back to my place and choose everything that I needed so I could move into the mansion. Mason offered to ride me to my apartment since he still thinks I am not fine.

I didn’t have a reason to worry about him so I let him drive me back and as we got inside I told him to feel at home. I went into my bedroom to start packing everything I would need because I was not planning on leaving Mari alone in this. I will be there until the end “Need any help” Mason offered leaning against my bedroom door.

“It’s just clothes, no need but thanks” I smiled, but it didn’t reach my eyes as I am still not over the last couple of hours that are still replaying in my head over and over.

“You know I heard what you said” He suddenly started talking again as I emptied my closet throwing everything onto the bed “Are you sure you don’t need any help” he questioned eyeing all the clothes that I needed to fold into my suitcase. I couldn’t leave anything behind since I had no money to pay rent anymore.

“You can help” I agreed while getting into the bathroom getting some painkillers drowning them with sink water before going back into the bedroom to resume packing.

“I heard what you said about Mari, that you love her”

“I don’t want to talk about that right now” I groaned massaging my head already feeling a pounding headache coming in.

“I know I just wanted to tell you…thank you”

“For what?”

“Honestly I don’t know, it is just rare to see her not gloomy and I guess deadly” His voice was on edge, like…I don’t know-

“It sounds like you’re scared of her?”

“You’re not?” I raised my eyebrow, of course not why would I be “Then maybe you haven’t seen her when she is like over the board pissed or angry like, so murderous”

“I have seen her murderous side but I don’t think there is reason to be scared of her”

“I have reason to be worried especially if I ever piss her off like I did that day,” My eyes asked a question needing more information. Mari complains about her brothers but she would never kill them “I was stupid back then, I don’t even know if I should tell you this. She might kill me”

“Don’t worry I am here she won’t” I comforted wanting to hear more as I gave him my full attention.

“Well Dad was having a hard time paying off a debt, things were rough and she was the one who was supposed to take care of me while Keagan and Dad went out to solve it. She wanted to go with them so badly but I was there and I couldn’t be left alone, mom had just died so…” He threw one of my clothing into the suitcase and picked up another, meanwhile, I was not doing anything “We were alone and she was pacing constantly worried. About like one hour in, one of my friends called me and told me there was a party, I admit it was a shitty move at that moment but my head was all about getting wasted and getting girls”

“So I sneaked out, ran to the party, and started enjoying. I was supposed to be there for a couple of minutes and then go back before she noticed but just thirty minutes in she arrived at the party flaming, her eyes were darker and it matched her aura…I have never seen her like that and without saying a word she kicked me to the ground… threw me into the wall… It was bloody. The music was off everyone was out of the way and she hit me like…..” he stopped folding clothes as his hands started shaking with teary eyes…

“She was yelling saying ‘I thought you got kidnapped, we have enough problems for you to become one too’ and like- I kept on apologizing and begging her to stop but I-she was just not forgiving. I was bleeding everywhere, my friends tried to help but they were all kicked away and… I remember being so weak and on the verge of passing out but I was saved when her phone rang. She immediately ran out of the party….I…” He sighed holding his head in his hands then he turned his face to me “She was supposed to be back up in case something went wrong with Keagan and Dad but because of me she was late and Dad died”

“I-” I didn’t know what to say.

“I was sad that dad died but I was more worried about what she would do to me… since I was the cause…yet she only apologized, took on the family business, and never did she blame me for it. She even took care of me, she tried to get everything back to normal and I tried to not be scared of her but… I still can’t fight that small voice in my head that always tells me that one day she will finally snap and kill me”

“I don’t think she will” he lifted his eyes to me “I don’t want to justify her actions but I don’t think she will snap like that again and I bet she regrets it every day”

“You don’t know half of the shit she went through after my mistake, you don’t know how she looks at me. She will snap, she will and I will be at the receiving end of it because it was my fault” I didn’t know what to say. I understand his fear, Mari traumatized him I know but I also know she can never repeat that same action after seeing the damage she had caused. Suddenly his hand came to hold mine “Thank you, for loving her, she deserves it”

“She deserved more but she doesn’t know” I squeezed his hand “I’m sorry for what happened to you, you didn’t deserve that either and I suggest you talk to her about it to clear things up”

“Never gonna happen”

“I know she regrets what she did, you just have to talk about it and get her to understand that what she did still affects the relationship you two have”

“I will try but no promises”

“That is good enough for me” I smiled as I sat back to continue packing everything.

“I can see it in your eyes that you care for her”

“More than anything” I accepted, she is my life

“How long have you known her?”

“Nine months but we were together for six months before she went and got married” I shook my head trying to drown out the wave of sadness “Three months later I am still trying to figure out why she did that while falling for her more with each passing day”

“Keagan used to say that Mari sleeping with girls was just a phase and I kind of believed him but after hearing how you talk about her I am starting to doubt”

“Keagan seems like a piece of work”

“I believe he is just old-fashioned” I shrugged but I kind of understand why Mari said he is a piece of work. Why would he call girls who like girls a phase “Are you planning on being the side chick?”

I sighed, I didn’t know at this point but “If needed to be” I felt my throat tighten from that answer. It’s not what I wanted but if it’s what I can get then so be it.

“She is going to get pregnant” I paused and looked at Mason “That’s what I heard Keagan say, she has to give birth. She hates it when I get involved in her life so I don’t know much”

“She doesn’t want to get pregnant”

“I mean I don’t know I just heard-”

“No…like she hates to even think about getting pregnant, you made her not want kids”

“I did,” Mason asked in horror.

“No, no that came out wrong. Keagan told her this stupid story when she was young and since then she hated anything that had to deal with pregnancies. She said no bug was getting in or getting out of her” I was the one who was supposed to carry our future kids, I had no problem with it since it would be an honor carrying our kids for us.

“I don’t know, it’s just what I heard plus Ethan needs an heir, and since he married her…”

“She won’t get pregnant, she hates it” I didn’t know who I was trying to convince, me or me. I know that is what is supposed to happen in a marriage but Mari doesn’t want to get pregnant. She can’t be forced into something like that… But tonight they went out with Ethan, is that why he took her out? To get her pregnant without her consent, that bastard I am going to kill him.

“By the way” Mason captured my attention once again “You should be careful, Ethan has killed many to get her, and I don’t think he will hesitate to kill more just so he could keep her”

“Why is he obsessed with a woman who doesn’t want him”

“Why are you obsessed with a married woman” There was only one word to describe everything.

“Love” but I doubt Ethan loves her as much as I do

Chapter 18

Oriana’s POV

Ever since I moved in four days ago I have wanted to ask Mari if she was going to go through with getting pregnant. I haven’t because she told me she would never get pregnant multiple times in our relationship and coming out of the blue to ask her about it doesn’t seem okay or something…because she made it clear but still she is a married woman and- Maybe I was just not ready for the answer, I know that if she gets pregnant then it’s just her and her kid with her husband.

What will I be then?

No one, just someone she slept with for six months that stayed even after they broke up and she will be a family woman with a life that was meant for us yet she is gonna have it with another. I know this marriage wasn’t a choice and I may not have been able to find out why or what forced her into doing it which I hope it’s not what I think because after Mason told me that story I tried to piece pieces together.

The debt, their mom died, dad died and they all blamed Mari so what if that is why she married Ethan? For them to forgive her…she already said ‘Having brothers that push you down a hole’ so that gotta be Keagan because Mason doesn’t know shit about his family. I have tried to force him to ask her if she is planning on getting pregnant but since he is scared of her he gave me a flat no. We have become friends, like close friends even if he still doesn’t tell me anything about Mari.

He is so worried Mari might kill him if he told me something she didn’t want me to know. So now our friendship consists of talking about who will have the courage to speak with her first. I knew I would win, Mason would rather die than catch that conversation with her sister…. and I don’t want to force him into something he is not ready for.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when Mari got up and ran into the bathroom that was attached to her office. I heard her wheeze and it was like a wake-up call, I followed to find her throwing up everything that she had had for lunch.

I held her hair while soothing her back letting her finish, she has been silent ever since the night out with Ethan. She barely goes out, she went out once a few hours after that date but after that, it’s just her room and then her office. I handed her a tissue “Thanks” She flashed getting up to rinse her mouth.

“Are you pregnant?” For some reason, it just burst out before I could stop it. It has been on my head for so long it was driving me nuts.

“I am just not feeling well”

“That is a sign of pregnancy” I insisted, I just need to know. A few days ago I had no reason to ask but she has just thrown up, that is reason enough. She fully turned to me with her hands over her chest.

“Is that why you have been looking at my stomach these past days” I felt my face heat up, so I wasn’t as subtle as I thought I was. I think I stared long enough to come out as a creep.

“Yes, are you?”

“No” she picked up mouthwash and gurgled it through her mouth before spitting out, “I told you how I feel about that”

“But you’re a married woman” I followed her out of the bathroom and back into her office.

“So?”

“You have to get pregnant”

“What is this all about?” She lightly snapped while massaging her head.

“I can get you some pain killers but I think you shouldn’t take anything just in case you’re pregnant”

“Oriana I am not pregnant” She argued and I was about to argue back when she continued “I will never be pregnant okay, that will never happen because I don’t want it. I would rather die than ever get a kid in me” She took in a deep breath “I am obligated to have them but I won’t, never” She sounded lost.

I moved behind her chair and made her lean back as I started lightly massaging her temple “Don’t get pregnant if you don’t want to”

“You don’t understand” She stormed out of the chair “I am the Donna, I don’t want to do it and I won’t but there will be consequences. It will be like I did all of this for nothing, it’s…I just want to disappear, I just want to disappear or fuckin die. Is that too hard to ask?”

“Mari don’t say that” A knock on the door made her walk back in her chair fixing her stance as if she wasn’t on the verge of tears. I am still wondering how she does that.

“Mari…I-can we talk?” Mason called from outside, guess he got the confidence to finally come and talk to his sister but I feel like she is not in the mood for that kind of talk. I opened the door and he smiled at me worriedly as he looked at his sister “Did I interrupt something?”

“Just say what brought you here and get it over with” She sounded mean, maybe she does hate him. I closed the door and helped Mason take a seat opposite Mari, he looked hesitant to say what he wanted to say “I am not a fuckin painting, say what you want to say”

Mason flinched glancing down “Um Mari, can you please not scold him or-” her eye snapped at him in a look that would terrify anyone. As if saying ‘Speak now or I will murder you in the next two seconds’

“I didn’t do anything” Mason quickly defended himself, Mari’s eyes didn’t back down she looked like she wanted to murder him “I-I just…I want to say I love you and admire you a lot for…everything and that I am… sorry for running away that night-”

“Shut up” Her tone didn’t hold any hidden anger and her eyes softened while looking down. However, she first gave me a slight glance then glanced back at his brother with a look that I couldn’t decipher.

“No, I don’t want you to keep on secretly hating me for what I did just say it-”

“Mason shut up” she hissed

“That I was the cause of Dad’s death-”

“I said shut up!” She yelled getting up and we both immediately followed “You never listen Mason but for once shut up” She clenched her jaw while holding the table, Mason took a step back in fear and as he was going to run away I held him.

“Mari, you should let him talk”

“And say what” She huffed in pain while holding her stomach. She sat back down and I could feel Mason’s bones relax a bit as if feeling like he was no longer in danger “I am not feeling well right now” she glanced at Mason “And I hope you never bring up that kind of conversation again”

Mason slowly took my hands off him and he took a step forward “I know you hate me” he said while taking another step “And I am tired of you silently hating me, why don’t you let it out like you did that night? I know it was my fault dad died that everyone in the family hated you thinking it was your fault-” Mari kicked her chair back with a crash, and Mason jumped back “I deserve whatever you’re going to do because I got dad killed-”

“I almost killed you” She seethed not out of anger but rather sadness and pain “Then I was late to save our dad. You think I hate you…Mason, you think I hate you!” She turned away from us while holding a hand on her forehead “I don’t hate you, I have never hated you” she said in a brittle voice “I get why you think I would hurt you again but Mason that day everything was going wrong and then I messed it up even more because I am a terrible person” As she turned to us tears were streaming down her eyes and so was I “there is nothing that could justify what I did because I could see the damage I had done. I knew I had ruined the only normal person in our family” she wiped her eyes while picking up her chair “So no Mason, I don’t hate you but I hate me”

Silence consumed the room, Mason was crying softly to himself. I didn’t know what to say, I just didn’t like the fact that Mari despised herself, and the way she held her stomach as if in pain was concerning “You’re lying!” Mason suddenly yelled “I see the look in your eyes when you look at me. I know you blame me, just say it…say it”

“I know what you want to hear but that is far away from what this is” She sighed with a hiss of pain, I moved closer to ask if she was okay but she continued “After I apologized and started treating you I could still see the fear from you. You were afraid, I would just raise my hand and you would flinch waiting for me to hurt you every single time. I had caused enough damage and I knew I wasn’t going to be able to repair it so I used it to try and get you to not turn out like us and for the most part it worked. You didn’t quit school because I said so, you never got involved with the family business, you were back home in time, never held a gun and all because I said so. You were so afraid of me that you followed every rule until Keagan happened”

“Keagan saved me”

“From me but he threw you into the lion’s den”

“He saved me!” Mason screamed with tears “I was living in fear with you, I was so scared of you I started getting panic attacks. I would lose control of my bladder just from hearing a door close hard or just from your fuckin voice getting a little high”

“Mason…hate me, I am a terrible and angry person. I hurt people, I know nothing is going to fix this but I’m sorry” It’s like she knew sorry won’t mend it “I’m sorry”

“I lived in horror Mari because I wanted you to forgive me, I was so desperate to get your love back yet…You disgust me right now-”

“Hey Mason don’t say words out of anger” I know he will regret them

“I….you’re the worst person in the world” Mason cried before storming out of the room. I turned my eyes back to Mari who was staring into space with tears flowing down her face. I moved closer to her but she took a step back and landed on the ground.

“Mari!” I called running towards her “Mari, Mari what’s wrong” I cried while patting her cheek to wake her up “Someone-” She put her hands on my lips stopping me from yelling for help.

“Don’t call anyone”

“But you’re not okay, we need to get a doctor”

“No” she hissed out as she tried to sit up but failed “I don’t need Ethan to find out…he can’t….” And she passed out in the middle of the sentence. I tried calling for her but she was out, I needed a doctor but she didn’t want anyone to know.

“If you don’t wake up I am calling a doctor” I rested her head down before running into the bathroom damping a towel in water before running back. I picked up her head lightly and started wiping her forehead “Mari, wake up” Her eyes opened slowly “How are you feeling?”

She drowsily looked at me “Why are you still here?”

“Because I will always be here” I pushed the hair out of her face “But for me to do that I need you alive so will you please tell me what’s wrong, you’re scaring me”

“Mason hates me” she smiled “I made him sick, don’t you hate me for what I did to him”

“I will never hate you”

“I took out my uterus” Her words blew all the air out of my body “I had a hysterectomy, two days ago. I went in and they took it out. Now I have to make sure I don’t get a check-up from Ethan’s doctors or he will find out…”

“Oh my god Mari, why didn’t you tell me?” I was both scared and worried “Did you get enough help? Was it successful, does it hurt? Who held your hand while doing it? Should you even be out of the hospital yet?”

“You don’t hate me?” She cried

“Why would I? It’s your decision. I just hate that you had to do it alone” Her weak hand wrapped around me.

“I couldn’t get pregnant. I don’t want it, I can’t-” I held her head. She was looking paler by the second and I was worried if she had any complications since she left the hospital early and all the stress she is enduring.

“I understand, you don’t need to explain okay” I leaned and pecked her forehead “I am going to be here for you, I am going to make sure you feel better and no one will know”

“Please don’t ever hate me”

“I can never” I affirmed “You have nothing to worry about” I am here, always.

Chapter 19

Oriana’s POV

I am beyond hurt that she felt the need to take such measures to not be forced into doing something she loathes.

That alone makes me loathe this world, it makes me loathe Ethan even harder because of it. No one should be forced into something as sacred as carrying a child they are not ready to have or aren’t willing to carry. Now look at all the pain, she has been bleeding due to stress.

Why suffer like this?

In the first days, she was in pain, the process was successful yet the pain she was in made me doubtful. What if something went horribly?

I have been strong for her but every time I leave all I do is cry, I was worried and kept on trying to get ways to get us out of there. If only she can accept and we go, this is too much for me to handle and worse for her to go through.

I wiped my eyes and then knocked on her bedroom door before pushing it open even without getting a reply. It has been days since the office scene and I have made sure she doesn’t leave her room to do anything since she was still weak. She needed time to recover and it was a great thing Ethan was away, don’t know where since I am never informed of such information but I am glad I could take care of her without him around.

I make sure she eats the right meals so that nothing goes wrong. I made sure to check up on everything and what she needed after such an operation, she had a vaginal hysterectomy and it was a success, she had a little bit of bleeding but now it was gone and she seemed better than she was days ago.

“Your lunch is here” I announced resting it on the side of her bed, she was laying on her side with the duvet covering up almost her entire weak body.

“You mean my wife is here to force me to eat food that is too much for me” The word flutters my heart

“Good thing you’re not a comedian coz you’re not funny” She just smiled pushing herself up and leaning into the pillows. I pecked her lips as I brought the food closer to her lap.

“Good thing you’re not a chef, you’re not a good one”

“Now that is what I call treason in this marriage” I pointed making her lightly chuckle. It is moments like these that make me want to kill someone, and that makes me feel like I failed in protecting her. She deserves more than to be going through such horrors.

“Treason for pointing out facts, that’s ruthless”

“Maybe I should let you starve and make you wish you had my food in you. Then that will be ruthless”

“At least I know you’re not that cruel”

“No, I can never be that cruel” I replied while helping her push her hair to the side “How are you feeling?”

“Good” I know she was lying but didn’t want to force her into telling me more

“Eat something then, so that you can get your energy back” She picked up the spoon and took small bites, I wanted to hide my tears. She has lost a lot of weight it was terrifying. I got up getting into her closet to get what she would wear “What mood are you in for?”

“Something warm, I feel cold in my stomach”

I turned to her worried, is that how she is supposed to feel “Maybe I should get you more tea” or a doctor

“Maybe you could just cover me up” I stepped away from the closet and pulled the covers over her, they seemed enough so I tried to fix them up and make sure she was warm enough “With your body”

I sighed taking a seat next to her “Mari if you’re not feeling better maybe we can try talking to my mom. She can take care of you and no one will know about it”

“I just want to rest with you, I’m fine” She rested the plate aside and opened up the side of the covers “Get in with me” I sighed but slide in as she pulled the covers onto us. “Thank you for these past days” I lifted my body and glanced down at her.

“If you want to thank me tell me the truth, how you’re feeling?”

“I feel like I don’t regret meeting you”

“What?” That was so abrupt and definitely not what I asked. She pushed strands of hair out of my face.

“I don’t regret meeting you” She repeated with sadness in her voice “I have hurt you and I would change everything I did to hurt you but I wouldn’t change anything throughout our time together” I felt a tiny smile come to my lips as she held my chin tilting my head upwards a bit “It was the best time of my life, getting to know you Oriana was the greatest gift this life could have given me and I am so sorry, so sorry for ever hurting a kind heart like yours, so sorry”

“Mari” I held her hand as I wiped away the teardrops that had escaped her eyes “Baby, it’s okay”

“No, it’s not, I have done you so wrong”

“You didn’t have a choice”

“I did” I felt taken back “I had a choice to not lead you on, to not pretend like we had a future together. I was selfish and I was being selfish when I let you move in-” I pushed myself into a sitting position and she did the same while taking my hand in hers.

“What do you mean when you have just said you don’t regret-”

“And I don’t but it hurts to see you hurt like this and what I did…” She breathed in hard while rubbing her forehead “What I did is going to have its consequences, I have done so much to you to get you involved. That’s why-” her voice cracked, her eyes on our intertwined fingers “That’s why I need you to leave- don’t pack anything. Just get in a car and go…go to your parents and start-”

“No-”

“Oriana”

“No Mari, no” I got up with anger, I can’t believe she wants me to leave.

“You need to listen to me, you need to leave. Now more than ever, I am just trying to keep you safe. I would die if something happened to you-”

“I am not going anywhere unless you are with me” I snapped shutting her up.

“I will find you” her voice was sad and low, she got off the bed and walked closer to me “I just have something to fix but after that, I will find you. If you leave right now, in seven days we will see each other again and this time baby it will be forever”

“How?”

“I want to run away with you baby, if you leave now and I follow in seven days no one will suspect anything and we will get to live that life you always wanted, don’t you want that”

“I do” I sniffed crying, I was so happy I was crying “I want everything with you…everything” I wrapped my hands around her neck and attached our lips in a slow kiss, the saltiness of our tears got mixed tasting salty but neither of us pulled back, this felt like a dream.

“Now you have to go”

“But I can’t, you’re still sick”

“I am feeling good, I can find you in seven days if you leave now” I nodded but this was too quick. Has she thought of everything before doing something like this? I don’t want us to have regrets afterward.

“But what about Mason, will you leave him?” They haven’t talked since that day plus Mason moved back in with Keagan. When he left he told me he will come back when he is calm enough and ready to look at her again.

“I will talk to him” She held my face “But you need to get to safety first okay”

“I don’t like this Mari, I can’t leave with you still in this house. What if something goes wrong-” She held my face telling me to breathe.

“Nothing will go wrong”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I am sure” She smiled while pulling me into a hug, I could feel her hands shake a bit as she took a strong hold on me “Think of what we are going to have once we leave, it will pass you through these seven days”

“Are you sure about this Mari? I know there is a reason that scares you not to leave. Will it not get you in trouble?”

“I took out my uterus, I have already fucked up more” Her lip trembled with a look of sadness “I have never been so sure in my life, I am tired of this life, I am just tired and this time I am ready to leave it all behind for you. You don’t deserve this and the more I stay the more I will hurt you and I don’t want to stay” She pulled me into a deep kiss.

“I am ready for whatever happens as long as you make it to my side. Mari if you don’t come I will come back”

“I know” she sobbed while pulling me into a hug “But I will make it in seven days, at your parent’s place”

“In seven days Mari if not I am coming back”

“I will make it, you just gotta trust me. I will be at your doorstep knocking on your door in seven days” she smiled sweetly. I didn’t like this but if it is the step we need to be together then we gotta take it. However much I don’t like the idea of leaving her behind maybe if I leave then she will have a better chance of escaping.

I rested my head on her forehead and took in a deep breath “Be safe please”

“I will, be safe too” She pulled away pecking my cheek “See you in seven days,” She said with tears.

“I’m going to miss you”

“It is just seven days, then we will have forever”

Chapter 20

Oriana’s POV

After our goodbye I left the mansion, I didn’t take anything as she had ordered. I took my purse and booked a train back home, my parents would be surprised to see me after so long of being far away with minimal time to meet due to college.

I always made it on holidays and made sure we spent it as a family. I know they will not be expecting me since it’s not a holiday or anything. It is a nerve-wracking day though since I won’t be seeing Mari in seven days, it’s an easy price to pay if I am going to be able to see her every day after seven days maybe forever

However, I couldn’t shake off this bad feeling in my chest, like something might go wrong. I have been feeling it since yesterday when I left the mansion, today it has been worse and as I sat here waiting for my train to arrive I couldn’t help but feel even more worried.

I know I worry a lot when it comes to Mari but how could I not when she is married to a mafia and is planning on running away? Maybe he caught her and I might be far away from doing anything if I board the train. I will have to hear from her in seven days and by then if something bad happened I wouldn’t have known and it would be too late.

Just when I am questioning my decision of whether I should stay or leave the train arrives. What if I stay and wait for her here, in case of an emergency I will be close but then what if she manages to escape and go to meet my parents only to not find me there? What if I am kidnapped if I stayed and she had to come back to get me and she gets in trouble that might end in us being dead?

That thought alone made me pick a decision, I will board and wait for her. As I was about to stand shoes appeared in front of me, instantly my skin crawled and I dreaded finding out who it was. I glanced up and found the guys I knew very well from the mansion standing in front of me with their guns tucked away inside their pants but still visible “Boss wants to see you”

I felt like I couldn’t breathe, why would Ethan want to meet up with me? Did he find out about our plan? Is Mari fine? I got up hesitantly and they stepped aside to let me lead the way as one directed me out of the subway. I watched the train still loading people, I contemplated running in but what about Mari? If they found me then I don’t think she is fine.

I followed them quietly until we got into the car and it started driving. I knew my bad feeling was for a reason, it’s like I knew this plan wasn’t going to work. I wanted to ask and know if Mari was fine but I remembered that they hate me after I snitched on Louisa and she got killed.

The ride to the mansion was dreadful but what was more dreadful was the fact that once we passed through the gate we didn’t stop in the parking. The driver continued driving until he reached the small house that I used to only get a glimpse of from inside the mansion. I have never been anywhere close to it at all and when they parked outside it I knew something was wrong.

“Go in” they urged as soon as I got out, one dared to push me towards the door pulling it open and pushing me inside right before locking it behind me. I felt dread all over my body “Go on” the guy pushed me towards the corridor, the house was smaller compared to the mansion. It didn’t seem like a house though as it didn’t have any furniture although it looked new and well cared for.

He stopped at one door and knocked then pushed it open “Boss here she is” he addressed me while I entered. The room was blindingly white, with a long glass window on the side. A table with two chairs right in the center, honestly looked like an interrogation room. I gulped down when Ethan stood up with Keagan close to him, both men wearing suits as they towered over me.

Ethan made a motion that dismissed the guy who brought me in. The moment the door closed behind me I felt like crying as I clutched my cross bag as if it would save me from this situation “Nice to meet you again Miss Vega” Keagan smiled taking my hand despite myself, I didn’t feel safe at all and that was making me dizzy.

He pecked my hand and I had to rub it off as soon as he let go “Take a seat” Ethan commanded as he pulled out one of the chairs taking a seat. I had to walk to the opposite end of the table to sit down even if my legs felt like jello. I pulled the chair out and made sure it made no sound before sitting down, an ashtray was closer to Ethan though I felt grateful that he wasn’t smoking “I bet you have an idea as to why you’re here”

I didn’t, I might kind of know but I am not sure so I shook my head “Turn on the lights” As if on cue the lights came on in another room where the glass is. I couldn’t see anything still, it was empty “Get closer” I dreaded his words, if he wanted me to see something then there was indeed something horrifying to see.

‘Mari’ I ran towards the glass wishing for my instinct to be wrong but it was worse. A cry tore out of me at the sight “Mari, oh my god Mari!” I called knocking on the glass that didn’t even budge at all. I tried searching for the door but there was none “No, no Mari! MARI” I yelled but she wasn’t reacting or saying anything back.

She was in the shirt I left her in yesterday, blood all over her legs and face “Get her out, get her out please” I cried banging the window as hard as I could “Mari!”

“She can’t hear you and I need you to sit back down”

“You can’t do this to her, she is gonna die,” I said ignoring his words, he can’t put a sick woman through something like this.

“If you sit down this will be over soon,” Keagan said as if he didn’t see his sister lying down in that room all bloody beaten up.

“She’s your sister, how could you stand here and watch her be treated like this”

“She chose this” How can she- “You know what she did, she knew the consequences of her actions. Ethan here is being lenient with her after what she did”

“You…DISGUST ME” I have never hated someone so much in one second “You’re both supposed to be protecting her yet here you are treating her like she isn’t human”

“ Sit down“ Ethan growled startling me a bit, he had been quiet and when my eyes met his face he didn’t look like he was in the mood to be pissed off but guess what I wasn’t also in the mood.

“Fuck you” I seethed holding the table “She wanted to leave your useless ass and now you’re punishing her proving how much half of a man you are” I expected a reaction, anger to be precise but his face didn’t shift at all

“You say she wanted to leave, are you sure?” It was a rhetorical question so I didn’t reply “Or did she want you gone so you don’t get to see her die”

“What?” I breathed out

“She knew the consequences of her actions, a Donna who can’t give birth gets killed” All the air got whipped out of my lungs “Funny, she didn’t tell her mistress that” He knew, I took a step back in fear

“You-you can’t kill her, she didn’t mean to” I defended now all my anger morphed into fear.

“She crossed the line”

“It’s her body!” I yelled

“My kindness gave you wings” His voice was still calm “But nothing goes unpaid for, I would advise you to sit down and keep your mouth shut” I gritted my teeth but took a seat my glare was deadly, I swear I was thinking of ways to burn this entire thing down and burn his ass to a crisp then get a stick and smash him until nothing is left of him.

He made a motion with his hand and two men entered Mari’s room picking the already weak woman up “What are you going to do?” I asked while getting up once again my eyes on Mari.

“Remember when you disrespected me, she’s going to pay for it” The guys inside started punching and kicking her.

“She didn’t do anything please stop, please Mari!” I yelled tapping the glass “Stop it, stop it!”

“Don’t you just love the sight” Ethan mocked standing beside me.

“You’re a sick bastard”

“Tell them to add more” the sick bastard ordered and the kicks became even more brutal.

“They are going to kill her please stop, please no please please, tell them to stop please” I cried begging him to stop, I even tried running towards the door but I was held by Keagan “Please stop hurting her, please…please-”

“Tell them to cut it out” The guys stopped and I ran back to the glass, she was left on the ground bleeding everywhere. Her once white shirt was now bloody, I cried clutching my stomach.

“ARGHHH, my baby…Mari baby please answer me…MARI!” I knew she couldn’t hear me but I was losing my mind, she could be dead or close to it after that beating yet I was on this side.

“What are you willing to do to not see her like that”

“Anything” I cried holding the mirror like it was her “Please let me go see her”

“You’re the only one who can save her” I turned towards him, and he was holding onto the mirror too “All you have to do is bear my child” I felt like I couldn’t think. I sobbed in a cry as I felt like cursing the day I decided to come into this house. Ethan held my chin tilting my head towards him “It’s simple, you’re only the carrier. She will be the mother”

“I-” I didn’t know how I felt about that, I wasn’t ready to carry a child, and even if this looked like I didn’t have a choice I didn’t want to do it.

“If you don’t want we can go for the second option” I glanced at him asking ‘which is it?’ With my eyes “I kill her and get another wife, after all, she is useless to me now” I sobbed holding my hands over my face as tears flew down my face rapidly.

“She is not useless” I cried

“She is” he squats down next to me “But one thing she has is guts. I have never wanted to rip someone apart as much as I want to rip her apart rib per rib until all we are left with are just tiny scrubs of her”

“Please don’t” I sobbed “I…”

“You what Oriana, are you going to make her useful or not” I cried turning away from him but he held my jaw making me face him again “Do you want to keep her alive Oriana choose now or she die” I cried yet

One thing passed through my eyes, her… just her.

Even if she knew that she was going to die I can’t let it happen. If she is dead I don’t know how I will live without her, how can life move on without my future existing? She is all I want, I love her. She might be ready to die but I am not ready to lose her.

I got up and glanced towards her, she was still alive. I could see her chest move up and down but I didn’t know for how long she would be fine.

I started unbuttoning my shirt. Ethan got up and stepped back his eyes curiously watching what I was doing. I moved my eyes towards Mari as I took off my jeans “She is much more useful than you will ever know and carrying a child for her is nothing compared to what I am willing to do for her” I threw the jeans off staying in my matching bra and panties as I took a step forward.

“I accept”