《From Frying Pan to Strange Fire》


 Dirty talk

    ¡°No way, Joan! This is ridiculous and uneptable. You have been married for three years. Three years is not a joke.¡± Grace eximed in shock, disbelief evident on her face at what she just heard.


    ¡°I mean it,¡± Joan affirmed, her green eyes doing nothing to hide the pain in her heart. ¡°Richard has not touched me since we got married.¡± She revealed, lowering her eyes and ying with her food.


    In the luxurious surroundings of the fancy restaurant, soft jazz melodies wafted through the air, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance.


    Crystal chandeliers adorned the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the well-dressed patrons engaged in hushed conversations.


    The chairs were plush and velvety, cradling diners infort, while linen-d tables enhanced the overall sophisticated ambiance.


    Joan Brandon, twenty-six years old, blonde, beautiful, withrge green doe eyes, was invited out by her best friend and colleague, Grace Everton, who noticed thetter was feeling lower than normal that day.


    It was a usual thing for the girls to treat each other to either brunch, lunch, or dinner. But today was special. It was the eve of Joan¡¯s birthday, and Grace decided dinner was taking ce in one of the fanciest restaurants in town.


    Just as she suspected, the burden in Joan¡¯s heart was not one to be overlooked. Not one she expected her friend to be carrying.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been married for three years, Jo. And you¡¯re saying¡­¡± Grace asked and Joan shook her head in response to the unfinished question, already knowing where it was headed.


    ¡°Not even one time. It doesn¡¯t matter what I do, how I dress, how many times Iin or try to seduce him. Nothing has worked.¡± Joan confirmed, and Grace¡¯s shock could not be contained.


    ¡°I would have asked if he was impotent, but considering how he flirts around and womanize, I believe his stuff works properly. Why didn¡¯t you say something? How can you endure this for three years?¡± Grace asked, annoyance coloring her face.


    ¡°I know he is only doing that to frustrate me, and I hoped, I mean, I desperately hoped he woulde around. But I¡¯ve given up at this point. I don¡¯t know what else to do.¡±


    Grace let out a sigh of defeat, and pulled her body away from the table. She leaned her back against the backrest of her chair as her fingers softly caressed the body of her wine ss.


    Twenty-seven years, chubby, dark wavy hair, and a face that showed she was created for the soft life, Grace¡¯s obsidian ck eyes revealed her disapproval of the way her friend was being treated.


    ¡°Let me get this straight, Jo,¡± Grace uttered with a serious expression. ¡°You made a little mistake after college and had to pay for your sins by marrying Richard just to save your family¡¯s name and business. He turned out to be a jerk, something none of us expected, and you stay faithful to him while he fools around with different call girls and college students, leaving you, his legally married wife, sex-starved for three years. Also, you can¡¯t divorce him because that, of course, would affect your family¡¯s business. Is that correct?¡± Grace asked, no hint of amusement on her face.


    ¡°Bring your voice down.¡± Joan reprimanded her, moving her eyes around to ensure no one was listening to their conversation, as Grace¡¯s voice had gone a little higher than normal.


    ¡°Is that correct?¡± Grace repeated the question, speaking in a hushed tone this time.


    ¡°You already know the full story. Why are you asking like that?¡±


    ¡°Because I got the solution to your problem,¡± Grace revealed.


    ¡°You do?¡± Joan asked, slight reliefing to settle on her features.


    ¡°I do.¡± Grace nodded in affirmation. ¡°Since you have decided not to take my offer and leave this country, then the only other solution is this. You need a guy on the side to satisfy your sexual needs.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Joan eximed in shock, her eyes stretching wide. ¡°You¡¯re joking, right?¡±


    ¡°Joking? Hell freaking no! I am very serious about this. No way I¡¯m standing by and watching one stupid boy in the body of a man torture you that way when I can do something about it. Or don¡¯t you miss being with a man?¡± Grace probed, and Joan, once again, darted her eyes around.


    ¡°Bring your voice down, Grace.¡±


    ¡°Answer the question.¡± Grace insisted, prompting Joan to let out a sigh.


    ¡°You know I do. I miss the security and thefort of being wrapped in the arms of a man.¡± Joan confessed, but Grace rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Not just the arms, girl. The entire package.¡±


    Joan let out a chuckle. ¡°Nah¡­ I have a truckload of the troubles, the stress, and the heartache at home, and I¡¯ve been getting overdosed for three years. It¡¯s the good stuff I don¡¯t have and terribly miss. Stop suggesting a side guy. If I¡¯m caught, Richard will have a good reason to divorce me, and I¡¯m not aiming for that.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t be caught. Trust me.¡± Grace dered with full confidence.


    ¡°I¡¯m not consenting to it. Whatever you do is of your own ord.¡± Joan uttered, and Grace nodded in agreement.


    ¡°I will dly take the me. I won¡¯t let you do that to yourself. I mean, you brought me to the wild side and you expect me to watch as you slowly turn into a nun? Never!¡±


    ¡°Grace¡­ stop. I can¡¯t allow my mum suffer for my sins.¡±


    Grace let out a defeated sigh. ¡°I also don¡¯t want your Mum to suffer. She is the only reason I have not arranged for your abduction and transportation out of this country.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. And you also know she is the reason I can¡¯t afford a divorce now. I can still manage. At least Richard doesn¡¯t bring his girls home, and I¡¯m not turning into a nun.¡± Joan dered


    ¡°Yes, you are.¡± Grace countered, frowning as she looked around. ¡°I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t even remember what a dick looks like anymore.¡±


    ¡°Grace!!!¡±


    ¡°What? Prove me wrong by describing it.¡± Grace fixed her serious gaze on Joan, but thetter just pped her forehead while shaking her head.


    ¡°Can you stop this dirty talk?¡± Joan asked.


    At that question from Joan, Grace let out an exaggerated gasp. ¡°You now call describing a dick dirty talk? Hah! Richard has done the worst.¡± She threw her hands in the air as if all hope was lost.


    ¡°Stop being overly dramatic.¡± Joan scolded, feigning annoyance.


    ¡°Girl, there¡¯s a hot guy checking you out from way over there,¡± Grace announced, fixing her eyes in one direction, switching so quickly from the previous topic as if she hadn¡¯t taken it so seriously just seconds ago.


    ¡°Oh god! Can you stop?¡± Joan asked with a tired tone, but Grace was not ready to stop.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious. He isn¡¯t even trying to look away. Maybe he is the lucky one. I should go strike a deal with him and discuss payment terms.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Grace!!!¡± Joan whisper-yelled, feeling embarrassed already.


    ¡°What?¡± Grace chuckled. ¡°Your face is so red. Alright. I¡¯ll let you off tonight because it¡¯s your birthday Eve, and also tomorrow because it¡¯s your birthday and nothing must ruin it. From the day after, we¡¯re finding a solution to your problems. So eat up. This food is getting cold.¡±


    Having let out the burden in her heart, Joan regained some of her appetite and downed the remaining food on her te. Her only wish was to be happy for the rest of the night, and the whole of the next day, being her birthday.


    But if wishes were horses¡­

 Kicked out

    After saying goodnight and parting ways with Grace, Joan returned to her house, slightly tipsy from all the wine she had at the restaurant.


    Entering her home with a light step, all of Grace¡¯s words and actions resonated in her ears, making her smile.


    As she walked into the sitting room, she was met with an unexpected sight  her mother-inw, seayed on the sofa, her eyes fixated on the TV screen.


    ¡°Mrs. Charles, you¡¯re here.¡± Joan greeted the older woman, her voice filled with warmth and a hint of surprise. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you wereing. How was your trip?¡±


    The woman remained engrossed in the television, seemingly ignoring Joan¡¯s presence and greetings.


    The woman had never liked her, not even for one day, and Joan knew it. But she always tried not to let it bother her too much.


    Undeterred, Joan tried again, ¡°Is everything okay, Mrs Charles?¡±


    A tense silence hung in the air for a moment before Mrs. Charles finally spared her a nce, her eyes narrowing. ¡°I don¡¯t need your small talk. I¡¯m watching something important.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay. Enjoy your show, Ma¡¯am.¡± Joan sighed and decided to retreat to her bedroom upstairs to avoid any further trouble.


    As she reached the staircase, her eyes caught sight of her luggage piled up at the foot of the steps, just by the side so it didn¡¯t block the way.


    Confused, Joan turned to Mrs. Charles, ¡°Why are my things here? Did something happen?¡±


    Mrs. Charles sighed, her gaze never leaving the TV. ¡°You¡¯ve been kicked out of the master bedroom. You¡¯re supposed to move your things to the guest bedroom downstairs.¡±


    Joan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°What? Why? What¡¯s going on?¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Finally tearing her eyes away from the screen, Mrs. Charles exined, ¡°Richard has decided to make some overdue changes. You should follow his rules as you are supposed to. No need for drama. Do as he has said. Move to the guest bedroom.¡±


    Disbelief etched across Joan¡¯s face, she stammered, ¡°Just¡­ like that? How can he do that randomly without discussing anything with me?¡±


    Mrs. Charles remained stoic. ¡°That¡¯s not my concern. He should have done it a long time ago. I wonder why he had to wait until now.¡±


    Angry and hurt, Joan stormed upstairs, determined to confront Richard and make sense of the situation.


    She flung open the bedroom door, only to be met with a sight that shattered her world  Richard, her husband, entwined in their matrimonial bed with his supposed ex-girlfriend from college. The sound of the door opening made them halt their activity.


    In all their years of marriage, Richard had never brought a woman home. He didn¡¯t try to hide the fact that he misbehaves outside. But he keeps it all outside, the reason why Joan could endure all of his atrocities.


    But what she would not swallow was his bringing his rubbish into their home. That would be thest straw.


    ¡°Richard, what is the meaning of this?¡± Joan¡¯s voice trembled as she demanded.


    Caught in the act, Richard neither looked remorseful nor tried to exin what was going on.


    Instead, his brows furrowed in annoyance. ¡°Are you sick in the head? Why will you barge into my room like that without first knocking?¡±


    ¡°Your room? This is our room.¡± Joan corrected, her head still trying to make sense of what was happening. What did he mean by his room? The same room they had shared for three years up till this morning when she went to work.


    Joan¡¯s gaze moved to Belinda, who already covered herself with a sheet. Just like Richard, there wasn¡¯t a single trace of guilt on her face.


    She only looked Joan over, then rxed back on the bed and looked away from the couple as if what was happening didn¡¯t concern her.


    ¡°Am I to believe that you were too blind to see your things downstairs? This room now belongs to me and Belinda. If you still want to remain here and remain married, then you should nevere into my room without knocking. Now, get out.¡± Richard pointed at the door to emphasize his point, but Joan was too shocked to react.


    ¡°Richard-¡±


    ¡°Out!¡± Richard cut her off.


    Before she could move or do anything, a hand pulled her shirt from behind with such force that she moved backward against her will until she was out of the bedroom.


    She only discovered the person who pulled her was her mother-inw after she was out of the room and the door was shut.


    ¡°Mrs Charles-¡± Joan started speaking with a shaking voice, but was instantly cut off by the older woman.


    ¡°Shut up. I always knew you were stubborn but was only pretending. After telling you that you¡¯ve been kicked out, you still had the nerve toe here and disturb my son with his new wife.¡±


    ¡°New wife?¡± Joan couldn¡¯t believe her ears.


    ¡°Yes. New wife since the old one is so useless and can¡¯t produce a child even though her entire family feeds off this household like pests.¡± Mrs. Charles affirmed, her face exuding fury.


    ¡°How is it my fault that I haven¡¯t had a child? You know what your son does and yet you me me? What kind of a mother are you?¡± Joan asked, tears already pooling in her eyes.


    ¡°The type who wants the best for her son. What man would reject a good and useful woman? It¡¯s because you are as useless as the K in the pronunciation of knife, that¡¯s why a full-blooded man will stay that long without touching you. The problem is not Richard. You are the problem.¡±


    Joan¡¯s heart clenched in pain as the woman¡¯s words tore into and shredded every piece of constion she was still holding onto.


    The door to the bedroom flung open and Richard walked out with Belinda trailing behind him.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, mom. Let her be.¡± He uttered.


    ¡°Yes, mom. She looks terrible already.¡± Belinda chipped in, eyeing Joan with fake pity.


    ¡°No. She has to apologize to you or I¡¯m calling thewyer right now.¡± Mrs Charles dered.


    ¡°Apologize for what? What did I do wrong?¡± Joan asked in incredulity, the tears she held back dropping onto her cheeks.


    ¡°For disrespecting my son and I.¡± Mrs Charles responded to Joan, and to all their surprise, augh was what they received from her.


    ¡°The only person that was disrespected here tonight is me. Apologize my foot.¡± Joan spat, then walked away from their presence.


    Infuriated, Mrs. Charles took out her phone and dialed a number. As soon as the person picked, she gave out an instruction.


    ¡°Prepare the documents.¡±

 Enough

    The tears flowed freely from Joan¡¯s eyes as she walked down the stairs. While walking away, she heard the dialing tone of her mother-inw¡¯s phone and she already predicted what was about to happen. But she didn¡¯t care anymore. She had it with them and everything they represented.


    For three years she had endured this sham of a marriage where she was starved of everything marriage was supposed to be about. Three good years of her life wasted on a man she foolishly loved and married oblivious to the fact that he was only pretending to feel the same way about her.


    But no more. She was done. whatever wants to happen should happen. She doesn¡¯t care anymore.


    On reaching the foot of the stairs, she halted as her eyes settled on her luggage. Wiping her eyes with the back of her palm, she grabbed onto the boxes and bags and moved them all to the guest room without hesitation. Just as she dropped thest bag, she heard her phone ringing and she fished for it.


    Her upper and lower teeth pressed hard against each other as she checked who the caller was and realized it was her father ¨C the very same man who was the originator of her misfortune, and the reason she couldn¡¯t find the courage to get herself out of it all these years.


    In annoyance, she ended the call and immediately dialed Grace¡¯s number.


    ¡°Joan?¡± Grace called her name the moment she picked up the call.


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way to your ce. Please keep the door open.¡± Joan spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯ste, Joan. What¡¯s going on? Should Ie to pick you up?¡±


    ¡°No. Don¡¯t bother. I¡¯ll take a taxi. I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Immediately after saying this, Joan ended the call, switched off her phone, and threw it into her handbag.


    She picked up a small bag and threw a few of her belongings which included her work uniform and toiletries inside. Once satisfied, she stepped out of the guest room with the bags, and headed toward the main door.


    Getting to the sitting room, she met the three devils who decided to ruin her night. They looked like they were deliberating on something, and at that point, she didn¡¯t care what it was. They all stopped speaking when she arrived at the sitting room, moving their confused gazes in her direction.


    Without sparing them another nce, she approached the door.


    ¡°What are you doing? Where do you think you¡¯re going by this time?¡± Richard¡¯s voice reached her ears, but she gave no response.


    ¡°I¡¯m talking to you, Joan. If you step out of this house, just know that this marriage is over.¡± Richard threatened, and this time, Joan halted her steps right before the door.


    ¡°You should let her do what she wants. She is an adult, after all.¡± Belinda chipped in, giving a nonchnt shrug, while Mrs. Charles only watched with contentment glimmering in her eyes.


    She had waited for this day so long that she could barely believe it was happening right before her eyes. The only pest in her family would finally be thrown out. It was like a dreame true.


    After hearing Richard¡¯s threat, Joan drew in a deep breath, and let it out slowly to calm herself down a little. A small smile appeared on her face as she turned around to face her tormentors.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°This marriage is over if I step out?¡± She scoffed, keeping her fiery gaze on Richard. ¡°You got it all wrong. This marriage ended a long time ago, and you just signed and stamped it by deciding to rub your infidelity in my face. Bringing a total stranger into our home and bed broke thest string binding us together. So I wonder what you are talking about.¡±


    ¡°Hey, watch your tongue. Who are you calling a stranger? I was in Richard¡¯s life before you came into the picture and tore us apart. If anyone is a stranger here, it¡¯s you.¡± Belinda fired back, triggered by Joan¡¯s words.


    It took a significant amount of self-control for Joan to ignore Belinda¡¯s words, ignore Richard and his mother, and actually turn again toward the door.


    ¡°You seem to be forgetting that you and your entire family are dependent on us. You are about to make the biggest mistake of your life.¡± Richard reminded her.


    ¡°No mistake is bigger than this marriage.¡± As soon as Joan said this, she pulled the door open and walked out of the house, ignoring Richard who kept calling her name.


    She gged down a taxi and jumped into it without a second thought, turning a deaf ear to everyone and everything around and behind her.


    As soon as she arrived at Grace¡¯s house, she met her friend standing outside with worry etched deeply in her features. A sigh of relief escaped Grace¡¯s lips on sighting her.


    ¡°What is going on? You left me worried. I was about to drive down to your ce.¡± Graceined, eyeing Joan as thetter approached her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Joan apologized, her voice and words breaking as all the pent-up frustration, anger and pain suddenly floated up to the surface.


    ¡°What the hell, Jo, what happened?¡± Grace opened the door for her to enter the house, her worry escting seeing her friend in that condition.


    Joan walked into the house without answering the question, and as soon as she sat down on the sofa, she broke down in tears.


    Grace quickly locked the door and rushed to Joan¡¯s side.


    ¡°Girl, what¡¯s wrong? Why are you crying? Did someone die?¡± She asked and was shocked when Joan nodded her head to the question.


    ¡°Somebody died? Who?¡± Grace asked, her eyes stretching in rm.


    ¡°Richard, his mother, Belinda, my marriage, everything that keeps me sane, I¡¯m losing my mind¡­¡± Joan listed, sobbing intensely.


    Confusion registered on Grace¡¯s face, but she refrained from asking any more questions or saying anything further. At first, when Joan began the list, she was shocked to hear that Richard died. But as the list went on, she knew something else must be the case.


    Plopping down beside Joan, she pulled thetter into her arms,forting her in silence.


    It took a while, but Joan eventually stopped crying, only gasping asionally as a result of the outpouring of her intense emotions.


    ¡°I think I am now ready to take your offer. I want to leave this country. I¡¯m done. I¡¯ve had enough.¡± Joan revealed.


    ¡°You know I¡¯ll do anything for you. I¡¯ll call my travel agent right now and they will begin to process the documents as soon as tomorrow¡­ But first, tell me everything that happened.¡± Grace spoke, never withdrawing herforting hug even for a second.

 Just feel, nothing more

    Grace opened her eyes the next morning to find that Joan was gone from the bedroom.


    Although her house was a three-bedroom detached bungalow, she insisted that Joan sleept in her room because of the state of her mindst night.


    But rm bells began to ring in her head the moment she looked around after waking up and did not find Joan in bed or the room.


    ¡°Joan?¡± Grace jumped out of bed, half running to the sitting room, hoping the one she sought would be there.


    To her relief, Joan was there. However, to her utmost dismay and confusion, the girl was seated at the bar, downing alcohol so early in the morning, dressed in her scrub.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Grace collected the bottle and ss from her, giving her a concerned look. Her eyes were all red and swollen, and her beautiful friend looked like a shadow of her former self. ¡°Don¡¯t do this to yourself, Jo. And what are you wearing?¡±


    ¡°What? I¡¯m dressed for work.¡± Joan responded, her speech slurring slightly. However, Grace noticed it.


    ¡°You took today off, Jo. Moreover, you can¡¯t go to work in this state. You are drunk for heaven¡¯s sake. Why drink so early in the morning? Richard is not worth this pain you¡¯re putting yourself through.¡±


    ¡°I changed my mind. I no longer want to take the day off. This is my worst birthday ever and I swear if I stay alone at home I¡¯ll fall into depression. If I don¡¯t go to work, I¡¯ll die. I need something to take my mind off this pain. I feel like my life is falling apart right before my eyes. All of my sacrifices, my patience, my hope, my family, my entire life is ruined. My mom will be so disappointed.¡±


    ¡°Mom will understand. The only person that will be disappointed is your dad and you know why. It¡¯s because he¡¯s using you to keep his business afloat without caring what you go through for that. If you are taken out of the picture today by any means, your dad will look for another means to keep his business running.¡±


    After Grace said this, Joan nodded her head as if she agreed with what was said. Her face even looked like she felt better after the small talk, and Grace was almost feeling relieved until a few momentster when the most unexpected thing came out of Joan¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°I lost my baby.¡± Joan started a fresh round of crying. ¡°Is it because I lost my baby that Richard and his mother decided to treat me this way?¡±


    And that was it. Grace just knew there was no way she was letting the girl stay home all by herself. She may just end up hurting herself.


    Getting pregnant with Richard¡¯s baby was what had led to the marriage in the first ce. However, Joan lost the pregnancy a few monthster, an event that left her broken beyond words.


    Touching the topic of her lost pregnancy meant she was already diving into regret and self-me for things she had absolutely no fault in.


    ¡°Alright, Jo. We¡¯ll go to work together. I just have to make sure you¡¯re not assigned any active duty today. Also, you need to sober up a little before we leave. Don¡¯t touch any of these again.¡± Grace pointed at the drinks in the bar to drive home her point. ¡°Let me get you breakfast and coffee to keep you alert.¡± Grace turned toward the kitchen and started walking in that direction.


    ¡°I already had breakfast. I made for you too. It¡¯s on the kitchen counter. Coffee would be appreciated. My mind was too preupied to think about that.¡± Joan confessed, and Grace nodded.


    She moved to prepare two cups of coffee and handed one to Joan while she moved to prepare for work.


    In a few minutes, she was done and ready to go. She sent a worried gaze to Joan, who was standing beside her.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re up to this?¡± Grace asked, and Joan nodded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll bepletely fine in a few hours. Also, the coffee helped. I feel more alert. I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Joan assured, and stretched her hand to ept the minty candy Grace was extending to her, which would help to mask the smell of alcohol in her breath.


    They climbed into Grace¡¯s car and thetter drove them to the hospital, where they both work as nurses.


    As soon as they stepped out of the car, a different nurse approached them in a hurry.


    ¡°Good morning, nurse Grace, nurse Joan.¡± She greeted them before focusing her attention on Grace.


    ¡°Good morning, nurse Amira.¡± Grace and Joan greeted her back.


    ¡°Nurse Grace, your attention is needed in emergency ward three. Chief nurse sent me to get you immediately.¡± Nurse Amira disclosed.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be there in a minute. Let me take care of a small problem first.¡± Grace responded, but Amira shook her head.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s an emergency. You need toe with me immediately. High profile people are involved.¡± Amira disclosed and Grace became torn.


    As a senior nurse, she had the power to influence the level and type of work Joan would be assigned to do and she wanted to use that power today to ensure her friend remain in a safe zone.


    ¡°Go on. I¡¯ll be fine. I promise.¡± Joan reassured her with a smile, already knowing why she was hesitating. After saying this, she started walking toward the main building, leaving Grace to attend to the emergency she was needed for.


    Her leg hit a small stone, making her lose bnce and almost fall.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± Joan spoke to reassure Grace.


    ¡°Umm¡­ Is she okay? She looks-¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t look anything. She¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s go.¡± Grace cut Amira off, stopping her from saying or thinking whatever wasing to her mind. She started walking toward the emergency ward and Amira followed her.


    As soon as Joan walked in, she was surprised to see the entire ce busier than she had ever known. What exactly was going on?


    ¡°Nurse Joan, aren¡¯t you supposed to be off duty today?¡± Joan heard someone speak behind her and from the voice, she knew it was the nurse in charge of her unit.


    ¡°Good morning, nurse Beatrice. I changed my mind. I¡¯ll take the break another day.¡± Joan answered, and a look of relief registered on the older woman¡¯s face.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re a lifesaver. There was a terrible ident today and we need more hands. Please join doctor Louis in room 408.¡± Beatrice instructed, and without hesitation, Joan nodded and moved in that direction.


    When she reached the room, the doctor was already done and was about to leave.


    ¡°Good morning, doctor Louis.¡±


    ¡°Morning, Joan.¡± The doctor responded, turning from the person on the bed. ¡°The patient is stable. He just needs cleaning as he¡¯s covered in blood which is not his. I¡¯ll be back in an hour to check on him. But should you notice any change in his breathing pattern, do alert me.¡± The doctor informed her before moving away to the next room.


    Joan advanced into the room and her eyesnded on the blood covered, shirtless, unconscious man on the bed.


    Shutting the door behind her, she proceeded to the attached restroom to get all the items she would need to do her job properly.


    Moving to the side of the bed, her eyes scanned the patient properly, and she needed no one to tell her he was one hell of an attractive man, even in her drunken state.


    His muscr chest was rising and falling, an evidence that he was breathing properly on his own, and the fact that the bed did not fully contain him already gave her an idea of how tall he was.


    But his face was a different story. She refused to guess until she cleaned that part of his body properly. And when she did, her jaw fell ck.


    If beauty was a person, the man she was staring at would be that person. He was drop-dead gorgeous. Sharp jawline, full, longshes, brown silky hair, a smooth skin worth envying. It looked like he had just been crafted by the best craftsman of all time, and was justying there waiting to recieve life.


    ¡°How can one person be as handsome as this?¡± Joan muttered, gazing at the heavenly face. ¡°If Richard was half as handsome as this, all the girls of this town would be in trouble.¡± She muttered again as she moved on to clean the man¡¯s body.


    When she finished her work, a sigh escaped her lips as she gazed at the perfect work of artying on the bed. The creator must be extremely happy the day he crafted this one because how can one person look so good?


    She turned away to return to her seat, but then she halted. Wouldn¡¯t it be a crime to ignore such beauty without at least knowing what his smooth skin felt like? While cleaning, she wore gloves. But now, she wanted to feel it with her bare hands. Just feel, nothing more. That is no crime, right?


    Before she could stop herself, she was back at the side of the bed, tugging at her glove to take it off. Soon, the barrier gave way, freeing her fingers.


    ¡°Go on, have your feel.¡± A voice in her head whispered. She wasn¡¯t sure if it was her drunken state pushing her or something else, but she knew she had no will or intention to fight or go against it.


    So she gently ced her hand on the side of his left cheek, letting out a sigh when it felt even better than the way she expected it would ¨C soft and electrifying, almost addictive. Was this a dream? His skin felt so different to the touch and so good.


    Moving south, she felt his neck, chest and advanced lower down to his navel area before she stopped herself,ing back to her senses.


    ¡°What are you doing, Joan?¡± She asked herself, withdrawing her hand.


    Turning away from the bed, she made to go get a sheet to cover him up, but Just as she took a step, a hand grabbed hers, startling her to the core and sending her spirit away from her body for a second.

 What had she done

    Unknown to Joan, the person lying on the bed was no ordinary being. The very moment she stepped into the room, a terrifying ck wolf roused from its deep sleep.


    Lazer, the ck wolf, opened it fiery red eyes to search for the one who¡¯s wonderful and addictive scent had woken him up but all he could see was ck. That was when he remembered that they had been in a terrible ident earlier, an event that knocked them outpletely.


    Unable to resist the scent of the person that just walked in, Lazer spoke. ¡°Roman, wake up.¡±


    His call seeded in waking Roman ¨C his human ¨C up. However, Roman only woke up in the subconscious, not physically.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you smell that?¡± Lazer asked, getting overly excited unlike his usual self. ¡°I told you she was the onest night but you were doubting me. Now she¡¯s so close and I can barely stay still. Do you believe me now?¡± Lazer added in a halfining tone.


    Last night, this very scent had wafted across their nostrils while they were at a restaurant for a business dinner. The scent had so disorganized them that Lazer urge Roman to go to thedy who was exuding such goodness. But Roman dismissed it as a false rm and they ended up only staring at her gorgeous side profile until she left the restaurant with her friend.


    ¡°What makes you think she is the same person?¡± Roman asked, taking deep breaths as he drew in more of her soothing scent.


    ¡°What are the odds that there are two people in this city with this same scent?¡± Lazer asked but Roman gave no response as he tried to recall what she looked likest night.


    Confusion and disappointment soon set in when she began to clean Roman¡¯s body. Theck of tingles from her touch only pointed to one thing. She was not the one they thought she was.


    Roman let out a defeated sigh. ¡°I told you it¡¯s a false rm. Her scent is just too good that we are thinking way ahead. She is just as ordinary as every other human.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    Disappointment registered on Lazer¡¯s face. Was this some sort of trick the moon goddess was ying on them? How could someone smell this good and not be the one they were promised?


    Although he was annoyed, he still realized that something was out of ce. ¡°Why don¡¯t I feel repulsed by her touch? I don¡¯t feel excited but it also doesn¡¯t make me want to puke.¡± he noted.


    ¡°That¡¯s probably because of your initial expectations and excitement. Don¡¯t read too much into it.¡± Roman answered the question, knitting his brows as he added his own question. ¡°Where is Trevor? Why am I still in a hospital being touched by some random woman?¡±


    ¡°He was in the same car with you. If you were knocked out, I wonder what would have happened to him.¡± Lazer¡¯s answer made Roman give him a bombastic side eye.


    ¡°What knocked me out was the poison and it only affects Lycans not werewolves. Trevor should be up already by now. Have you tried connecting with his mind?¡±


    ¡°His mind is blocked. He is still out. I hope you don¡¯t kill thatd one day with your reckless behavior.¡± Lazer shook his head.


    ¡°Look who¡¯s talking. Kettle calling pot ck. You call me reckless as if you are not the chief of recklessness.¡±


    This time, Lazer didn¡¯t respond. He just bent his knees, dropping into a lying position when thedy ended her cleaning session and took her hands away. A few momentster, the woman touched his body again and an electrifying feeling hit him and Roman so suddenly that they both widened their eyes in shock.


    ¡°What in f****** hell just happened?¡± Lazer asked, not sure how to react to the sudden switch from zero feeling to a 100% full current.


    ¡°She¡¯s the one!¡± Roman eximed in his confused state. ¡°She is the f****** one.¡± he repeated, his voice a mix of excitement and relief.


    ¡°Goddess!¡± Lazer eximed, shutting his eyes as he took in the feel of the hands exploring his body. ¡°I¡¯m in heaven. Now I want to see her face so bad. Try to wake up and open your eyes, Roman.¡±


    ¡°Not possible. I need a few more hours for the poison to leave my system. Only then can Ie to.¡± Roman responded, also shutting his eyes just as his wolf did, enjoying the wonderful sensation. ¡°I can¡¯t get enough. I want her to touch me everywhere and I¡¯m f****** hard already.¡± He added, noticing the fullness of his lower region.


    Another round of confusion was delivered when the hand was suddenly taken away from his body, breaking the contact and the feeling. This time, however, Roman and Lazer were not having it. As if they had previously nned it, both moved towards the hand at the same time with all the will power they could muster, and physically, Roman¡¯s hand moved to grab the woman¡¯s hand.


    Shocked to the bone, Joan turned her head to look at the hand and then at the patient. All her thoughts centered on the fact that she had been caught touching a patient inappropriately without his consent. But to her surprise, his eyes were still shut even though his brows were slightly drawn together.


    She became perplexed. If he was not awake yet, how did he move so fast and why did he grab her hand? She tried to withdraw her hand but that proved impossible. His grip around her wrist was as strong as iron.


    ¡°What now?¡± Lazer asked, not the tiniest bit ready to let go of that hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking.¡± Roman responded, already solving aplex form in his head. In no time, a smirk registered on his face as he found a solution. ¡°Get into her head and get her to do my bidding. She is sex-starved and I want a release. It¡¯s a win-win situation, even better for us.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Lazer eximed. ¡°Are you crazy? Have you forgotten the consequence of getting into her head without first marking her?¡± he asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Let¡¯s worry about the consequenceter. ¡°This is the only way to get her information and also get her to be ours. If you don¡¯t do it, we may never see her again and if we do, we may never get her to our side. So do as I have said. Get into her head.¡± Roman repeated, having considered the advantages and disadvantages of his decision.


    Left with no other choice, Lazer did as he was told, intruding Joan¡¯s mind and thoughts.


    At first, Joan was trying to get the hand to let go of her, but all that changed in a moment, and all her thoughts shifted towards one direction-to satisfy her sexual urge and bring release to the patient whose bulging member was visible to her.


    Before she could stop herself, she was already on the bed, riding his hardened cock with reckless abandon, seeking that sweet release and satisfaction she had been denied for years.


    As soon as she reached climax, shortly after Roman released his seed inside of her, Lazer exited her head.


    Only then did she realize the position she was in.


    Shaken and puzzled, she ran away from the room. What had she done?

 I’m so dead

    Meanwhile, in the second emergency ward, Grace met someone she didn¡¯t expect to see in their hospital ¨C Mr. Trevor Baliante, the king of the business world.


    She, and every other person conversant with the business world new him to be the CEO of the biggest multi billion dorpany in the country and the hottest, most sought-after bachelor.


    It was not news that Mr Trevor was single to stupor and was not ready to mingle yet. However, his hot physic and otherworldly facial beauty madedies gush whenever they set eyes on him.


    Grace was not an exception. Only, in her case, she told herself he was out of her reach seeing how he avoided women. For this reason, she made no real effort to get noticed by him.


    Seeing him there, Grace didn¡¯t need anyone to exin what Amira meant when she said high profile people were involved in the car crash. What she didn¡¯t understand was why they were brought to their small hospital when there were bigger and better equipped ones around.


    Dropping all her questions she got to work, already knowing what to do. Minutes passed as the doctors and a few nurses tried to revive one of the other men involved in the crash, who was a state official. Grace and Amira were left to put finishing touches on Trevor, who looked to be in less danger than the others.


    Just as theypleted their jobs and were about to leave his side, the man opened his eyes and pushed himself up the next second, disconnecting some of the attachments on his body and rming the nurses.


    ¡°Sir, please, don¡¯t move. You¡¯re injured.¡± Grace stopped him from making any further movements and she noticed the confusion is in his eyes at the mention of being injured.


    ¡°Huh? What are you talking about?¡± Trevor asked with a slightly gruff voice, looking down at his body. ¡°I can¡¯t be-Aahh! Where is my shirt?¡± He screamed in panic only just realizing that he was bare-chested.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to panic, Sir. You were in a car crash and you were badly injured. We had to take off your shirt to ascertain the level of your injuries and to clean off the blood stains on your body.¡± Grace responded in a calm manner, watching in worry and slight amusement how the man covered his exposed chest with his hands.


    She noticed, however, that instead of calming down, the panic in his eyes seem to be intensifying.


    ¡°Boss!¡± She heard him whisper, his eyes widening as if he just realized something. Before she could ask what he meant, he had jumped out of the bed disconnecting the remaining tubes attached to his body, and was about to start running away.


    But Grace was not having it. Suspecting he was still in shock, she sessfully intercepted him, blocking him from taking another step forward.


    ¡°Please, Sir, you have to stay calm. We are doing everything possible to ensure you remain in good health¡­¡± Grace started speaking to him but he shook his head.


    ¡°My boss¡­ I need to see my boss right now. Where is he?¡± Trevor probed, throwing Grace and the others who have approached them into confusion. He was the boss. What other boss was he looking for?


    ¡°Sir, I think you hit your head too hard and may have suffered a concussion. Please sit down so a doctor can have you examined.¡± Grace spoke again and Trevor felt his frustration heighten. He looked around the ward, scanning the people lying on the beds but the one he was searching for was not there and these nurses were blocking his way. He could easily force his way out of there, but that would only do more harm than good.


    ¡°What is going on here?¡± A deep, rumbly voice resonated from behind, effortlessly prompting all of them to turn around toward the direction the voice came from.


    Everyone, apart from Trevor, widened their eyes when they saw another powerful man standing by the doorway with a different group of nurses.


    ¡°Good morning, sir.¡± The nurses and doctors chorused.


    Williams Xander, the mysterious former chief advisor to the president, had a question on his usual stoic face as he looked from one person to the other, finally settling his gaze on Trevor.


    ¡°Thank goodness you¡¯re here, Sir Williams.¡± Trevor¡¯s voice hinted at his relief.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Roman?¡± Williams questioned, going straight to the reason he was there.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°He isn¡¯t here. I¡¯ve been trying to go find him but they won¡¯t let me. They think I hit my head too hard and may be saying nonsense.¡± Trevor exined, still covering his chest as he threw Grace an usatory look. ¡°Also, I can¡¯t connect.¡± Trevor added, returning his attention to Williams, who understood what he meant by hisst words.


    ¡°There was another man in the car with him. Where is he?¡± Williams questioned, shifting his gaze to Grace.


    ¡°Only five men were brought in. The other two are in the main building.¡± A doctor answered before Grace could say she knew nothing about the number of people in the car.


    ¡°Take me to them.¡± Williams demanded, and the doctor led them to the main building and into the first room where they found Roman.


    Grace followed them out of curiosity. She wanted to know the person who Trevor referred to as his boss, and who is important enough for Williams Xander toe after.


    ¡°This is him. Thank you. We¡¯ll be transferring him now.¡± Williams stated, pulling out his phone to make a call.


    In a short time, four men in suit walked into the room with a stretcher and swiftly transferred Roman out of the hospital to a waiting car.


    ¡°Take him home.¡± Williams said and Trevor nodded. They were now beside one of the cars and Trevor was buttoning up a shirt that was provided by the hospital for him.


    ¡°You are noting with us?¡± Trevor asked and Williams shook his head, turning toward his car.


    ¡°I have business to take care of.¡± He answered and climbed into his car.


    Trevor watched as the car drove away from the hospital. Knowing Williams, he didn¡¯t bother to ask how he found out about the crash or their location. He was just thankful the guy showed up on time. It saved him some extra stress and ensured Roman didn¡¯t spend more time in the hospital.


    Letting out a soft sigh, he signalled to the men to start driving as he jumped into the van holding his boss.


    Back in the hospital, Grace just stepped out of the room Roman had initially upied, still confused about everything that happened when she saw Joan walking toward her. She couldn¡¯t believe she almost forgot about her drunk and heartbroken friend.


    ¡°Hey baby girl, you don¡¯t look too good. Are you sure you are up to this? Sure you don¡¯t want to go home and rest?¡± Grace asked.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are you here?¡± Joan asked in rm, her voice slightly above a whisper.


    ¡°The patient here was just transferred. Turns out he¡¯s a big shot.¡± Grace answered.


    ¡°Big shot?¡± Joan probed, her eyes widening.


    ¡°Yeah. Williams Xander came for him, and Mr. Trevor Baliante calls him boss. I wonder why his face doesn¡¯t ring a bell.¡± Grace said, wearing a thoughtful expression.


    When she lifted her eyes, she was shocked to see Joan¡¯s face had turned white due to shock.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Grace asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m dead! I¡¯m so dead!! I¡¯m so so dead!!!¡± Joan responded, breaking into fresh tears.

 Beyond my control

    Grace couldn¡¯t believe her ears after everything Joan told her. It was not even up to an hour since they arrived at the hospital and so much has happened already. So much that they both knew trouble was already close to their doorsteps.


    At the close of their shift, Grace, determined to help her friend escape the mess she had created for herself, led her to the travel agency toplete all the necessary documentation needed for Joan to leave the country as soon as possible.


    While they were there, Joan couldn¡¯t sit still. She was physically trembling and her mind was a mess. She was yet to deal with one trouble and here she was trying to get out of another. She couldn¡¯t tell if this was just ill luck or if she was being punished for something she did in her past life.


    ¡°Rx, Jo. This shouldn¡¯t take too long.¡± Grace tried to calm her down, seeing how she was up on her feet and pacing about again for the fourth time since they arrived.


    ¡°I can¡¯t. What if he wakes up andes looking for me? What if he tells the whole world what I did? I¡¯m trying to escape one prison. I don¡¯t want to end up in another. I don¡¯t want to go to jail.¡± Joan cried out with a near whisper voice, her face showing how distressed she was.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be out of here before that happens. You won¡¯t go to jail.¡±


    ¡°I could swear he made me do it. I just can¡¯t prove it. He held my hand and he was talking inside my head.¡± Joan repeated what she told Grace initially, which added to thetter¡¯s worry.


    ¡°Stop saying that. He was still unconscious when we got to the room. How can an unconscious person make you have sex with him?¡± Grace probed, getting concerned about Joan¡¯s mental well being.


    ¡°I swear it. I can¡¯t prove it but something strange happened in that room. I didn¡¯t want to do it but something made me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the drink, Jo. It¡¯s the drink making you think that way. There¡¯s no way an unconscious man could have done all you said he did. But it¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s talk about it when you are far away from here and safe.¡± Grace let out a sigh and Joan plopped her butt down, also letting out a sigh.


    This was the first time she did something this stupid and she regretted it. She should have listened to Grace and just stayed home. But all she wanted was to take her mind off her problems. How would she have known that something like this would happen?


    ¡°It¡¯s ready. You¡¯re all set.¡± The good news they had been waiting for finally arrived when the agent approached them, handing Joan an envelope.


    ¡°Thanks Vince. I owe you one.¡± Grace shed him an appreciative smile which he returned with a wink.


    ¡°Anytime Gracie.¡± He responded before walking away.


    It was already 6 pm and great relief could be seen stered on Joan¡¯s face as she drove with Grace back to her house ¨C the one she shared with Richard ¨C which was soon to be her former house.


    The only reason she was returning there was to collect her belongings. Little did she know that she would meet more than she expected when she walked inside with Grace.


    Her father and mother were seated in therge living room, together with Richard, Belinda, and Mrs. Charles. The group of five turned their eyes in her direction when she walked in.


    ¡°The prodigal daughter returns.¡± Mr. Elvin, her father, uttered, eyeing her.


    ¡°Dad-¡± Joan started speaking but was cut off by her father.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Dad? Am I still your dad? You refused to take my calls, turned off your phone so I will not speak to you, while going about jeopardizing everything I¡¯ve been working for. Is that how you treat someone you call your father?¡±


    ¡°Dad, please. How can you just pick on me like that without even caring to know what happened?¡± Joan asked, surprised at how hurt she felt by the sudden attack from her father. He had never taken her side, not even once, and she should be used to it by now. But this strangely hurt her to the core. Every rubbish she had taken from Richard and his mother was because of him. Still, he had never for one day made her feel like she¡¯s worth something.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to hear anything from you. I already know everything I need to know and I demand you go on your knees and apologize to your husband and mother-inw right now.¡± The man said to her utmost surprise.


    Grace, who tried not to interfere, raised her brows and widened her eyes at the ridiculous thing she just heard. She has known Joan and her family for over a decade and knew the kind of person Mr. Elvin was. But out of all the foolish things he has done, this one made her want to jam her head against the wall.


    ¡°Apologize for what? I did nothing to them. They should be apologizing to me for disrespecting me.¡± Joan stood her ground, but her father was already fuming, although he was doing everything possible to hide it.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do something before you apologize. Haven¡¯t you heard the saying ¡°the wise woman builds her home but the foolish one destroys it?¡± Wisdom says you should find out where you have erred for your husband to decide to take another wife and apologize or make amends. But you are proving stubborn.¡± Mr Elvin stated, bringing a smile to Mrs. Charles and Belinda¡¯s faces.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re saying this, dad. But I¡¯m sorry to disappoint you. I want to be foolish for once in my life. I am done with this marriage.¡± Joan stated, shocking her father and mother.


    ¡°You will do no such thing, you ungrateful child. You owe your life and everything you are today to me and this is how you chose to pay me back? How dare you bring shame to me after all I¡¯ve done for you?¡± Mr Elvin red.


    ¡°Don¡¯t jump into hasty decisions, my child. You know how much your father has invested. Do this for the sake of family. Apologize so that we can move on from here. We can sort out other issuester.¡± Mrs. Elvin chipped in, her voice breaking in a way Joan hated to hear. Whenever she sounds like that, it usually breaks Joan¡¯s resolve.


    ¡°Mum¡­ I¡¯m sorry. You know I would always listen to you, but things have gone beyond my control-¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s not waste any further time. If you are tired of this marriage and family, the divorce papers are here. All you have to do is sign it and be free.¡± Mrs. Charles cut her off while pointing at the pieces of papers on the table, impatience dripping from her voice and tone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare do it, Joan. If you do, you cease to be my daughter.¡± Her father threathened.


    ¡°Please Joan, let¡¯s settle this amicably. Marriage is hard, I know. But things will get better. This is a minor issue we can solve without going to the extremes. Listen to me, Joan. I am your mother.¡±


    There was only one person Joan couldn¡¯t bear to see heartbroken. That person was her mother. She would have given in to her mother¡¯s plea, but recalling how twisted her situation was at the moment, she became confused as hell.


    In the heat of the moment, three knocks hit the door, distracting them all from their present predicament.


    Richard moved to answer the door. As soon as he opened it, the tip of a gun was ced against his forehead by a masked man, prompting him to take backwards steps while the masked man followed him into the house.


    ¡°Who are you? What do you want?¡± Mrs Charles asked in shock, fear written all over her face as she jumped to her feet.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be in your best interest to speak no more words. Your utmost silence can save your life.¡± The man uttered in a terrifying voice.


    Following the masked man were four others, heavily armed, who moved to stand at strategic positions. Mere momentster, another man walked into the house, one they were all familiar with.


    He was Mr. Trevor Baliante.

 Happy birthday, wife

    At the sight of thetest addition to the number of people in the house, a well-known kind of fear and curiosity hit everyone.


    There were a few people in the country that nobody dares to mess with or get into trouble with. One of the most feared ones was Trevor Baliante. Ironically, he was the most harmless looking one, and the biggest investor in the Brandon¡¯s business.


    No one knows how he does it, but all who got into trouble with him had somehow ended up badly, and the police had never found Trevor wanting. He, also, was one of the few businessmen allowed to have heavily armed guards for no apparent reason.


    So seeing him in their presence at that time and in that manner, signified nothing but trouble. Their fear was justified.


    Joan and Grace were worst hit. With their hearts pounding in their chests and their eyes stretching as if they were about to pop, they exchanged nces, knowing that what they fear the most had finally caught up to them.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Joan willed herself to calm down, but it seemed the more she tried to calm herself, the worse her anxiety gets. The devil was truly after her and he was determined to ruin herpletely.


    ¡°Mr. Baliante, to what do we owe such an unexpected visit?¡± Mrs Charles probed with caution and a faint smile, alternating her gaze between her son, who still had a gun pointed to his head, and the person she was speaking to.


    ¡°Pleasure seeing you again, Mrs. Charles Brandon.¡± Trevor greeted with a smile that contradicted the tense atmosphere his presence just created. ¡°Put the gun away, Julius. That is no way to treat our hosts.¡± He spoke without looking at the person he was referring to, and the gun was immediately withdrawn from Richard¡¯s head.


    ¡°Good evening, Mrs. Richard,¡± Trevor greeted Joan with a polite smile, noting how her heart was racing and skipped a beat when he put his attention on her. But another heart was pounding alongside hers.


    Joan couldn¡¯t verbally respond to the greeting because she didn¡¯t trust her voice to not betray her. So she simply nodded at him with a forced smile stered on her face.


    Trevor¡¯s perfect smile didn¡¯t waver as he shifted his attention to the second person whose heart was beating abnormally faster than everyone else.


    ¡°Hello, Miss Grace Everton,¡± he greeted Grace, taking note of the slight surprise that shed across her features for a second. ¡°The one who thought I hit my head too hard and suffered a concussion.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Baliante, I was only doing my job.¡± Grace responded, willing her racing heart to slow down. But the fact that he called out her full name got her thinking only the worst.


    ¡°And you did your job very well. Thank you for saving my life.¡± Trevorplimented before shifting his gaze to the third young woman in the room. She was the only calm person in the house and he wondered why that was. The fear on others¡¯ faces was missing on hers. Instead, she was staring at him with a kind of longing he knew very well.


    ¡°Hello, Miss or Mrs¡­¡± he trailed off, and just as expected, she went ahead to introduce herself.


    ¡°Belinda. Miss Belinda Wace.¡±


    Trevor gave her a curt nod then went ahead to address the house.


    ¡°Please pardon our manners and method of entry. That was done to ensure no one gets hurt here tonight. Believe me, we will all part ways happily if everyone of you cooperates. My boss is here. I strongly advise that no one pisses him off. He can do more damage than these guns. Thanks in advance for your cooperation, and may these men with guns put some fear in you to avoid bigger problems.¡±


    All the while he was speaking, Trevor kept that smile on his face as if what he was saying wasn¡¯t serious. As soon as he stopped talking, he took backward steps toward the door and gave a signal with his hand to someone outside.


    Knowing his boss, trouble was bound to break out and blood would spill should he meet any resistance to his mission. That was the sole reason why Trevor suggested he goes into the house first to prepare the ground and the people.


    ¡°Does this have anything to do with thepany, Mr. Baliante?¡± Richard summoned courage to ask, speaking for the first time since Trevor and his men arrived.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Rest assured, this is not a business visit, Mr. Richard. This is a personal visit.¡± Trevor responded.


    The man in grey suit outside, who received Trevor¡¯s signal, opened the door of the second of three cars parked outside, bowing his head as Roman stepped out of the car.


    d in a in, sky-blue shirt and ck pants, Roman walked majestically to the house, his steps fluid and determined.


    As soon as he stepped in, hiszy, ocean blue eyes sought for the one whose thoughts had upied his head and whose scent was currently driving him insane.


    Just as he locked eyes with her, one side of his lips curled up in satisfaction. She was everything he hoped and imagined she would be. She was just perfect for him. He could see the fear in her eyes. His ears caught on to the hard and fast beating of her heart. He knew he was the reason for that reaction and it strangely brought him joy because how else was he supposed to im this treasure before him?


    As if to add fuel to the already burning fire, he opened his mouth to speak, keeping the smirk on his face.


    ¡°Happy birthday, wife.¡±

 Five minutes

    For a brief moment, Joan forgot all of her troubles as her eyes feasted on the unbelievably handsome being that just walked into the house and was standing by the doorway with his mesmerizing blue eyes fixated on her.


    Nothing could have prepared her for that sight. This was the same man from the hospital, she could tell. But how was he now looking a hundred times better than he did a few hours ago?


    It couldn¡¯t be the clothes. He was dressed too simply to attribute the changes to his attire. Moreover, the change didn¡¯t only affect his physical looks. The aura surrounding him was strong, intimidating yet alluring, and dark.


    She didn¡¯t know how she knew these things because they were things she wouldn¡¯t notice about a person on a normal day. But she noticed and felt all of it as soon as her eyes met with Roman¡¯s.


    The bubble burst when she heard his voice and his words. He had the kind of voice that makes it easy for one to obey his everymand, but his words sent a wave of confusion to her head and everyone else present. Did he just call her wife?


    ¡°Huh???¡± Grace couldn¡¯t stop her voice from expressing her confusion. Her utterance sessfully got Roman¡¯s attention and he shifted his gaze to her.


    ¡°Ah¡­ It¡¯s the friend who wants to discuss payment terms.¡± Roman spoke, shing her a wide smile, and at that moment, it came rushing back to her. She realized he was the ¡°cute guy¡± staring at Joan in the restaurant. ¡°Grace, right?¡± Roman asked, but she couldn¡¯t respond. Roman chuckled. ¡°She is too stunned to answer. Don¡¯t worry, I am here to rescue her and I don¡¯t require any payment for it. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me, your friend needs my attention.¡± He turned away from Grace and faced Joan. ¡°Hello, wife.¡±


    ¡°I am not your wife.¡± Joan threw back instantly without hesitation, despite the guilt that was eating her up inside.


    ¡°You¡¯re not?¡± Roman looked taken aback, but the looksted only for a second before a crazy smile reced it. ¡°Of course, you¡¯re not my wife¡­ yet. But you will be in a few minutes. Get the priest, Trevor.¡± He ordered.


    ¡°Yes, boss.¡± Trevor gave a curt nod and turned toward the door. However, he halted and turned back to Roman, having worry on his face.


    ¡°Rx Trevor. I¡¯m in a good mood. No one¡¯s gonna die tonight. It¡¯s my wedding night. Not that I mind, but my bride might not like it.¡± Roman spoke, already reading Trevor¡¯s thoughts and emotions despite the fact that he was backing thetter.


    At those words, Trevor rxed a little. He started walking toward the door again only to halt one more time when his name was called.


    ¡°Mr. Baliante,¡± Mrs. Charles called out, having had enough already. ¡°What is the meaning of this? I demand an exnation. You can¡¯t juste into my house uninvited, with a stranger who keeps saying things no one understands. What is the purpose of your visit, please?¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Charles, we are not here for you. We are here to see Miss Joan.¡± Trevor responded to the woman, the initial smile on his face was now nowhere to be found.


    ¡°Did I hear you say Miss Joan?¡± Richard asked, stopping Trevor from uttering his next words. On his face was confusion and evident annoyance. ¡°The only Joan in this house is a Mrs. And she is my wife.¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Not for long.¡± Trevor said, then walked out of the house.


    Roman, on the other hand, was all smiles as he walked to the table and grabbed the papers, his eyes scanning through their contents.


    ¡°Are you ready to sign it?¡± He asked with his gaze and full attention on Joan, his hand pulling out a pen from his pocket.


    ¡°Sir, please, can we-¡±


    ¡°Tsk, tsk, tsk¡­¡± Roman cut Joan off, shaking his head in disapproval. He moved to stand before her, his gaze piercing. ¡°Don¡¯t call me sir. The name¡¯s Roman Graviel, but I¡¯ll prefer you call me husband.¡± He spoke seriously.


    ¡°You are not my husband.¡± Joan threw back.


    ¡°But I¡¯m going to be.¡± Roman spoke calmly, not the slightest bit affected by all her rejections. Instead, he seemed to be getting pleased by the second, something Joan found to be strange.


    ¡°Please, Mr. Roman, can I talk to you outside?¡± Joan asked, deciding to ignore his words and behavior.


    ¡°Why?¡± Roman whispered, taking a step to the side and walking around only to stop right behind her. He lowered his head to whisper in her ears. ¡°To tell me how sorry you are and beg me not to take the matter up?¡± He asked in a whisper, his eyes moving to settle on Richard.


    Intense satisfaction settled in Roman¡¯s heart when he saw how pained and confused Richard looked while watching them.


    Richard had his gaze fixed on Joan, a deep furrow settling between his brows. He wanted to do or say something, but the look his mother gave him, and the awareness that there were armed men around them made him hold his peace.


    ¡°No need, baby. Even though I have the power to, I won¡¯t be sending you to jail for what you did.¡± Roman continued to whisper, his words bringing relief to Joan¡¯s heart for a moment.


    She was d he was whispering, and his words could only be heard by her, but the closeness of his lips to her ear, his warm breath fanning her skin, and his voice were doing things to her mind and body.


    ¡°You are too beautiful to spend the rest of your days in Jail, so I¡¯vee up with a simple solution that will benefit both of us.¡± Roman spoke, moving his head to the opposite ear, loving her subtle reactions to his actions, which he alone noticed. Also, her scent was driving him crazy and he wanted to get more without actually physically touching her neck.


    ¡°What is the solution?¡± Joan found herself whispering back, and only started wondering why she did that after she already did it.


    ¡°Simple. Marry me.¡± Roman revealed and Joan stepped away from him in shock, turning to look at him. Was he crazy to ask that of her?


    ¡°What?! Marry you? I don¡¯t even know you.¡± She blurted out loud and instantly regretted it because everyone now knew the content of their discussion.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know me? Maybe I should refresh your memory about how, where, and when we met.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Joan eximed with pleading eyes. ¡°I remember now. But this is too sudden. Can you at least give me time to think about it?¡± she asked, deciding to y along as she didn¡¯t want any situation that would bring her crime to light.


    ¡°Of course. Take your time, my love.¡± He said and Joan was beginning to feel relieved only to hear him add, ¡°You have five minutes.¡±

 I will marry you

    ¡°What?! Five minutes? That¡¯s too short-¡±


    ¡°Your time starts now.¡± Roman cut her off, and Joan was about to protest again when her father¡¯s voice broke through.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this man, Joan, and what business do you have with him?¡±


    ¡°And who¡¯s asking?¡± Roman asked, turning away from Joan to face Mr. Elvin.


    ¡°I am her father.¡± He answered.


    ¡°Her father? The one ordering her to kneel and apologize to her oppressors?¡± Roman probed


    ¡°How did you know about that?¡± Joan asked, surprised because they had not arrived when her father told her to do that.


    ¡°Sweetheart, he wasn¡¯t whispering when he said it. I was right outside the door.¡±


    ¡°What I say to my daughter and how I correct her shouldn¡¯t concern you. She is my daughter, not yours.¡± Mr. Elvin said.


    ¡°Is she?¡± Roman asked, narrowing his eyes as he took slow steps toward the man. ¡°Tell me, Mr. Elvin Connor, is she really your daughter? Because I see not even the tiniest bit of resemnce.¡± Roman uttered, catching sight of the shock that registered on Mr. Elvin¡¯s and his wife¡¯s face.


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Mr. Elvin asked, his countenance quickly switching from one of shock to anger.


    ¡°Do you want me to go deeper? Because I can, and I will if you just say the word.¡±


    Mr. Elvin said nothing despite how angry he was. He didn¡¯t know who this person was and he was trying his best not to attract more trouble than he could handle.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought. For someone who subjects a child he is supposed to protect to shame and ridicule just because of what he will eat, I don¡¯t expect you to even speak when or where I speak.¡± Roman stated, a triumphant smirk forming on his lips.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to my father like that, Mister. You know nothing about him.¡± Joan interfered, stopping Roman¡¯s smirk from fullying alive.


    Instead, he clenched his teeth, keeping his attention on the man.


    Just then, Trevor returned with a well known priest following behind him. Sensing a hostile atmosphere and seeing Roman standing before Mr. Elvin, he panicked.


    ¡°Boss?¡± Trevor called, and Roman lifted both his hands in a surrender gesture, taking a step back.


    ¡°No aggression, Trevor.¡± Roman assured, turning away from Mr, Elvin to face the priest. ¡°Wee, Father Edward.¡± He greeted politely and the priest responded by smiling and giving a nod.


    Roman returned his attention to Joan immediately after, his countenance serious this time. ¡°Sorry to burst your bubble, my dear, but I know a lot of things about the man you call father. I know how he is ever ready to sell you to the highest bidder. I know exactly how much I¡¯ll offer and he¡¯ll unhesitatingly sell you off to me. I also know about Tristan and Kelvin.¡±


    At hisst words, Joan¡¯s eyes stretched wide in shock and disbelief. ¡°H-how did you¡­¡± she stuttered, unable toplete her question.


    ¡°Your father¡¯s business feeds off a business I am feeding. You don¡¯t expect I wouldn¡¯t know a thing or two about him now, do you?¡±


    Silence reigned for a moment as Joan reflected on what she just heard. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t know her father was using her. She was aware but she didn¡¯t want to give the knowledge room to make her see him in a bad light.


    He had always reminded her that she was his investment, and the reason his business went downhill. She didn¡¯t know how that was possible, but with the constant reminder, she only thought it wise to pay back what she was given just as he wanted her to.


    But hearing it from Roman¡¯s mouth just made her realize how bad her situation was. She had been living in denial.


    ¡°Five minutes is almost up. You have a minute left. Dedicate that one minute to a better life with me. It¡¯s better than a small, dark cell, with a tiny bed and one type of outfit for the rest of your life.¡± Roman whispered again to Joan¡¯s ears, then took several steps away from her so she could make a decision.


    ¡°I wish I could know what she¡¯s thinking.¡± He spoke in his mind.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Well, you already ruined that chance by making me force myself into her head and manipting her thoughts. That¡¯s the consequence of your actions. Deal with it.¡± Lazer responded in a pissed manner. ¡°Why is the omega staring? I think she is hiding something.¡± He added.


    Roman looked to his left and caught Joan¡¯s mother staring. She instantly lowered her eyes the moment he looked at her. She had not said anything since he arrived and Roman knew why. Omegas can¡¯t talk in his presence unless he asks them to. They couldn¡¯t even stand in the same space with him if he was in a foul mood. But even as an omega, she was still a level higher than humans. He wondered why she was putting up with a human as terrible as Elvin. Also, he wondered why she was staring at him.


    ¡°Time¡¯s up.¡± Roman dered, ignoring the omega, and Joan shifted her attention from Richard to him.


    She had taken thest one minute to look at everybody, beginning from Grace, who had worry written all over her face, to her mother, then father, then Belinda, then Mrs. Charles andstly Richard.


    She looked at Richard the longest, and all the time she had her eyes fixed on him, she recalled how much he had hurt, embarrassed, ridiculed, disrespected and disregarded her when all she ever did was love him.


    Even though she knew she had no choice but to ept Roman¡¯s terms, she decided to do it in a more dramatic manner than she would have normally done. After all, it was only fair to let him experience just a little of what he put her through when he decided to take a new wife.


    So when she heard Roman say time was up, she moved her gaze away from Richard and settled on Roman.


    ¡°The papers, please.¡± Joan requested and Roman¡¯s lips curled up in triumph.


    ¡°Joan!¡± Richard called out her name in shock.


    ¡°Shut it, Richard.¡± His mother shot him a frown, happy that her son and family would soon be free from the clutches of the gold digger and her family.


    ¡°With all pleasure.¡± Roman responded to Joan¡¯s request, then majestically walked over to her side and handed the papers to her, extending his pen as well so she wouldn¡¯t need to look for one. He watched with joy as she signed the papers one after another until thest one.


    Once she was done signing, she pulled out her ring and held it out in front of her while facing Richard. ¡°Thank you for the rollercoaster journey. It was hell while itsted. I hope you get as much joy as you have given me for the rest of your life.¡± She said, then let go of the ring, watching it hit the marble floor and bouncing severally until it rolled toward a corner and finally settled.


    ¡°And yes. I will marry you, Roman Gavriel.¡± Joan added, returning her attention to Roman.

 Unintentional

    It all felt like a dream and everything happened so fast  the joining, the exchange of rings which Roman surprisingly provided, the signing of the marriage certificates. Everyone was left dumbfounded at the speed at which a marriage was conducted and concluded.


    Although the groom looked like he was having his best day, the bride still looked confused as if she still wasn¡¯t sure she wasn¡¯t dreaming all of it.


    Now sitting in the back seat of one of the luxury cars driving away from the house she once called home, she let out a loud sigh, then turned her head to stare at the man who turned her entire world upside down in less than thirty minutes.


    He was seatedfortably beside her, his eyes closed and his head thrown back against the headrest. He looked so peaceful and possessed more than everything she desired in a man.


    Strange as it was, in only a few minutes, he had made her feel better than Richard had made her feel in three years, but she still couldn¡¯t get rid of that nagging feeling that something was off somewhere.


    His eyes snapped open just then and he turned his head to meet her gaze. They stared at each other for a while in silence until he broke it by saying, ¡°you¡¯re beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Joan asked, ignoring hisplement. Much as it sounded pleasing to her ears, she had other things bothering her to let that throw her off track.


    ¡°Doing what? Taking my wife home?¡± Roman asked, feigning ignorance of what she was talking about about.


    ¡°Why did you insist on getting married to me? To someone you barely know? To the person who drunkenly took advantage of you in your vulnerable moment?¡± Joan asked straight to the point this time.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious already? It¡¯s because I love you.¡± Roman answered in a manner that suggested she should already know the answer to her question.


    But his answer left Joan in more confusion than she earlier was.


    ¡°Love?¡± She let out an incredulous scoff. ¡°Do you even know what love is? How do you love someone you don¡¯t know?¡± She asked, unable to believe her ears. Was he crazy or something?


    ¡°Have you not heard of love at first sight? Haven¡¯t you heard of soulmates? You think these things aren¡¯t real? Some people know their soulmates from the very moment they set eyes on them, or touch them¡± Roman leaned toward her, almost yielding to the temptation to touch her.


    However, he quickly reminded himself not to, and leaned away from her, rxing into his seat. ¡°I fall into that category. I knew we were meant to be together the moment I saw you. And I¡¯m not one to wait for things to happen. I make them happen. You can rx. You are in safe hands. I won¡¯t hurt you.¡±


    Joan let out a disbelievingughter. ¡°This is insane. How did I get myself tangled in such a mess? How the hell did I even get here?¡± She asked herself out loud. ¡°I want a divorce.¡± She stated, and Roman let out a chuckle.


    ¡°We just got married, my dear, and you are already talking about a divorce? Two divorces in one day. Do you want to break a record?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. I don¡¯t know what I was thinking agreeing to this, but I want out. This is absurd.¡± Joan uttered, at the verge of breaking down.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I will give you anything you want, anything at all. You only have to ask. I will even burn down a city for you. But these two things I will never grant. A request to hurt you, and a divorce.¡± Roman revealed.


    ¡°Then I will hand myself over to the police and confess everything I di-¡± Joan started speaking but couldn¡¯t finish her words as the air in the car suddenly became too stuffy, she couldn¡¯t breathe properly. Confused as to what was happening, she ced her hand on her chest as she wheezed forck of air.


    Confusion registered on Roman¡¯s face. Her words had hit a nerve, stirring up a pissed emotion inside of him. What he didn¡¯t expect was that she would suddenly have trouble breathing. He was familiar with that reaction and it only happens with omegas, when they are in the same space with an angry Roman.


    For the first time in his entire existence, Roman tried to quickly switch his mood back to the happy one. Seeing her suffer that way dealt a hard blow to him and knowing he was the cause of it made it even worse.


    When he couldn¡¯t immediately switch his mood from anger to the happy one, fear and panic set in, seeing how Joan was turning paler by the second with tears trailing down her cheeks.


    However, as soon as his emotions switched to fear, the stuffiness in the air cleared up and Joanne realized she could breathe again. Without wasting much time, she drew in deep and quick breaths to make up for the oxygen she has been deprived of for some time.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Roman asked, moving slightly farther away from her to give her more room to breathe in unpolluted air. How was she an omega and he couldn¡¯t sense she was a werewolf?


    Upon hearing his voice, Joan opened her eyes, still taking in as much air as she could. Although he wasn¡¯t too close to her, she still shifted in her seat away from him. A chill instantly ran down her spine. She could swear she saw specks of red forming in his eyes just before her air supply got cut off. But looking at him now, his eyes were clear ocean blue. Was it just her imagination?


    ¡°You need to rx. You¡¯ve had a hectic day. Stop increasing your stress levels. I already gave my word that I wont hurt you.¡± Roman reassured, adding ¡®not intentionally, at least¡¯ in his mind, realizing he just hurt her unintentionally seconds ago. He leaned his back against his seat and shut his eyes afterward, pondering on what just happened.


    Joan wanted to say something but she forced herself to swallow the words. She was still trembling slightly from theck of air incident and her suspicion about something not being right had doubled. She needed to think of a way to escape this man and she needed to do it fast.

 Latest husband

    Another 30 minutes of traveling and the car slowed down as they approached a small hill on which stood a gigantic white mansion.


    Joan¡¯s eyes widened when she caught sight of it. Judging from the direction they were driving and the fact there were no other houses around, she knew that was where they were headed. Could that be his house?


    That part of the city was reserved and upied by the wealthiest and most influential people in the country. She had been there once for special duties but never imagined that something as grand and extravagant as that mansion existed there. Probably because it was farther away from the other houses in the area.


    As they approached, a grand wrought iron gate adorned with intricate scrollwork swung open, weing them into the realm of opulence.


    The architectural grandeur and meticulous designs of the mansion¡¯s exterior left her in awe. Majestic columns, Marble-framed windows, lush, well-lightened gardens, fountains, and sculptures. The roof features borate turrets and gargoyles. Every aspect of the surroundings screamed wealth and sophistication, a symbol of luxury and timeless beauty.


    ¡°Wee home, darling.¡± Roman¡¯s voice reached her ears, reminding her that she wasn¡¯t alone in the car. She turned her head to catch him sh her a soft smile.


    Home. Why did he use that word? He should have just said wee to my house. That would have been better.


    She had always wanted a home, one simr to what most of her friends had. One simr to what Grace had. She had been friends with Grace for more than a decade and was no stranger to the kind of love and adoration her best friend¡¯s parents showered on her.


    Joan had always wanted that. A home where she could return to at any time of the day and feel loved, cherished, protected, and above all, not feel the need to pay back for the life she was given.


    And here, a total stranger was offering her a home. If he knew what that word means to her he wouldn¡¯t have used it.


    The car doors on her side and Roman¡¯s side were opened at the same time and Roman stepped out. Joan stepped out too only to be met with another handsome face smiling delightedly at her.


    He looked to be in histe teenage years and had an innocent and handsome feature, something all the people surrounding Roman had inmon.


    ¡°Wee, Madam.¡± He greeted her with a pleasant voice. It was so easy to smile back and reciprocate his positive energy but due to the state her mind was in at that time, Joan only gave him a nod before Roman arrived at her side.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go in.¡± He urged, gesturing with his hand toward the main door and she followed him without question.


    As they passed the two guards outside the towering oak doors, the gigantic barriers swung open by another pleasant looking stoic man, who like the guards outside, bowed his head to Roman.


    ¡°Wee, boss, Madam.¡± He greeted them.


    ¡°Thank you, Cody.¡± Roman responded, walking further into the house.


    Joan was transported into a world of unparalleled luxury and refinement when sheid eyes on the interior of the mansion. The foyer weed her with a grand sweeping staircase, its banisters adorned with intricate carvings and its steps d in the finest marble.


    While Joan feasted on the beauty she was beholding, catching a glimpse of some other parts of the house from a distance, she realized that Roman suddenly stopped walking. Trevor and the pleasant young man who were following them also halted their steps.


    She turned around just as they did and looked toward the entrance door which they were also looking at. There was nobody there except for Cody, the door man. What was going on? What were they looking at? Was this some kind of a ritual?


    These questions whirled around in her head for a few seconds before she saw Cody move his hands to the doors and pulled one side open.


    Williams Xander, someone she had only seen on TV during interviews, walked into the house, however he was not alone. In his right hand was a bulky, lifeless looking man, who he held by the nape and dragged along with him.


    Blood drained from Joan¡¯s face instantly. The sight would have been less shocking but for the red liquid which she knew was blood trailing the sides of the neck of the man being dragged and dropping on the off-white marble floor.


    Williams¡¯ expression shifted from the initial unreadable one to a frown when he set his eyes on Joan. Until he dropped the man¡¯s unconscious body before Roman¡¯s feet, he kept his gaze on her and Joan couldn¡¯t fathom why. He gave off some serious scary vibe even without saying a word that she wanted to take a step away.


    And she did just that, however, it wasn¡¯t because of Williams, but because the air, once again became unbreathable, making it feel like her lungs were blocked.


    When she started to wheeze, Roman shifted his attention to her, worry overtaking the initial anger that roused in his heart on sighting the person Williams brought to his presence.


    ¡°Breathe, Joan. Breathe.¡± He said to her, lifting her head so he could see her face. He managed a ghost of a smile when she opened her eyes and started breathing properly again. This was going to be a problem. How could he not get angry in his mate¡¯s presence? His life was filled with chaos and chaotic situations that always made him angry. Infact, just thinking about this whole situation, he was getting pissed. However, unlike him in the past, he was trying to keep it down so it wouldn¡¯t affect her.


    He soon realized how difficult it was to keep his emotions down. Seeing it was already bubbling to the surface, he moved his gaze to Trevor.


    ¡°Show her to her room.¡± Roman instructed and Trevor moved, wiping all emotions from his face so as not to make Joan feel ufortable.


    ¡°Pleasee with me, Madam.¡± Trevor said.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Joan reluctantly followed him up the stairs, but said nothing in protest. However, she turned back twice to look at Roman and Williams, who still hadn¡¯t taken his eyes off her. The second time she turned around, she saw two men standing at the right side of the house, bearing cleaning tools. They looked like they were waiting for the duo to finish up so they could clean up the mess.


    Intense fear gripped Joan. What exactly had she gotten herself into?


    Roman kept a smile on his face as he watched her go until she disappeared from his line of sight. The smile stayed on for a few more seconds and finally disappeared when he was sure she was out of hearing range. He turned around without warning and with his right leg, he stepped on the head of the unconscious man, pressing down until the sound of cracking bones echoed around the ce, and blood sttered on the floor.


    ¡°What the hell, Rome? I brought him here for questioning.¡± Williams spoke, shocked at Roman¡¯s action.


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s dead now. Punishment for making me hurt my wife.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? What wife? When did you get married? And who¡¯s the human?¡± Williams asked in incredulity.


    ¡°I got married today and the human is my wife.¡± Roman answered, then shed Williams a delighted smile. ¡°I¡¯m thetest husband in town. You should respect me more now. Until you find your mate, we are not on the same level.¡±


    Williams rolled his eyes internally, but wore a serious expression on the outside. ¡°You touched her. Does that mean the curse is broken? She is your mate?¡± He asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Roman responded with a prideced voice and expression.


    ¡°How is that possible, Rome? Your mate is supposed to be a Tribrid. That woman is human.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure why that is and I intend to find out.¡±


    ¡°Something is wrong somewhere. This must be the witches¡¯ doing. She could be an imposter. I have to speak with her.¡± Williams made to move toward the staircase but Roman blocked him.


    ¡°I forbid it. Not even you are allowed to stress her tonight. You want to make any findings, you know where to go for that. I won¡¯t let you make her feel ufortable in her house.¡± Roman dered, shooting a warning gaze at Williams, tensing up the atmosphere as thetter also narrowed his eyes dangerously.

 I forbid it

    Joan¡¯s legs grew heavier with every step she took as they walked further into the house. Moments ago, she was admiring the wonderful work of art disyed in the building. But that admiration was dissolving into something else  the heavy feeling that she had been brought to her ce of death.


    But she didn¡¯t stop following Trevor, who was moving a step ahead of her. Maybe if she was cooperative, they would let her go without harm.


    They arrived at the top floor and walked a little further to the right of the rather quiet hallway until Trevor stopped in front of a shut door.


    ¡°Here we are. This is your room, Madam. I hope it meets your taste.¡± Trevor spoke, moving his hand to the door handle to open it.


    ¡°You too are calling me Madam?¡± Joan asked in a soft voice and Trevor turned to her. She looked into his eyes and realized he was the same man who used to call her Mrs. Joan Brandon whenever she had the opportunity to meet him in the past. Now he was calling her Madam and acting like there wasn¡¯t a dead or almost dead person lying on the floor before his boss¡¯ feet downstairs. Who are these people?


    ¡°You don¡¯t like it? Do you prefer I call you bossdy instead?¡± Trevor asked.


    ¡°None. You know my name, Mr. Baliante.¡±


    ¡°Indeed I do. However, you are now my boss¡¯s wife and it is only right for me to address you in the proper manner befitting your new status. Also, you can just call me Trevor.¡± He shed her a smile and proceeded to open the door


    Joan walked into the room without another word and was once again left speechless. It was beautiful andvishly decorated. If she hadn¡¯t heard Trevor say it was her room, she would have believed they were expecting a princess.


    In a normal situation, she would have been all excited and jump around like a little girl as all her childish fantasies came alive by mere looking at the room.


    ¡°We got all we could to make youfortable. But as men, we may not know everything you need. If after looking around you see that there are some thingscking, please don¡¯t hesitate to call my attention by pressing that bell beside the bed.¡± Trevor informed her.


    Joan turned to the bed and indeed there was a small device on the bedside stool which she wouldn¡¯t have known was a bell if he hadn¡¯t said it.


    ¡°Also, you can now text your friend the list of things you want her to get for you.¡± Trevor shut the door softly and walked away after hisst words, leaving her alone in the room.


    Now that he mentioned it, Joan fished for her phone in her handbag. Bringing it out, she dropped the bag and therge file containing the travel papers, which were the only things she was allowed to take from Richard¡¯s house.


    After they were dered husband and wife by the priest, Roman insisted they leave immediately. When she brought up the issue of her belongings still in the house, he suggested she text Grace a list of the things she will need, which must not include anything Richard got for her. He had Trevor give Grace his card so she would be directed to the house to drop off the items.


    Joan immediately dialed her number, and on the first ring, Grace picked up.


    ¡°Hey, Jo, please tell me you¡¯re okay because I¡¯m freaking out and losing my mind here.¡± Grace¡¯s voice rang out from the other end of the phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m also losing my mind here. For now I¡¯m physically okay, but I don¡¯t know how long that willst.¡± Joan whispered for fear that someone may be outside the door, listening to her conversation.


    ¡°What do you mean? What¡¯s going on? What are they doing to you?¡± Grace panicked.


    ***


    ¡°Rome-¡± Williams started to speak, but¡­


    ¡°I forbid it, Liam. You are not allowed to interrogate her concerning this issue. End of discussion.¡± Roman cut Williams off, his brows pulling together.


    ¡°What if she is a witch?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she supposed to be one?¡± Roman asked back, his brows arching.


    ¡°Well, she is, but I don¡¯t sense it.¡±


    ¡°Neither do I sense a werewolf. But she reacts exactly the way an omega would react when I¡¯m angry. Hers is even worse. I don¡¯t need to be furious. Just a slight shift in my mood toward the angry side and she runs out of breath.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about about, Rome. She might be pretending. I don¡¯t trust her one bit.¡± Williams insisted.


    ¡°When did you begin to underestimate me, Liam?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t underestimate you. I¡¯m only concerned about your safety.¡± Williams revealed.


    Roman smirked. ¡°You worry too much. Even if she¡¯s pretending, a little witch can¡¯t kill me. I am more of a danger to myself than anyone is to me. You know that already. I wonder what you¡¯re working yourself up for.¡± Roman shifted his eyes to the dead man on the floor, then looked at the waiting cleaners. ¡°Clean this up.¡± He ordered and they moved instantly while he proceeded to walk toward the dining room.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Williams relented. ¡°Does she know what you are?¡± He asked, following Roman.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°I highly doubt that. She¡¯s human, remember?¡±


    ¡°Meaning it¡¯s safe for me to say she doesn¡¯t feel the mate bond. How then did she agree to marry you?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s say I gave her a reason to, although I don¡¯t believe she would have easily agreed if the mate bond wasn¡¯t at y.¡± Roman answered thoughtfully, a sly smile on his face


    Williams narrowed his eyes in suspicion. ¡°What did you do, Rome?¡±

 It’s a miracle

    It felt like part of the burden in her heart had been taken away after Joan ended her over thirty minutes call with Grace. If there was one thing in her life she was grateful for, it was the fact that she had a friend like Grace. The girl had always been her pir, listening ear, adviser, partner in crime, and defender since high school.


    Letting out a long sigh, she looked around the room again, then moved to the bed and plopped her butt down on it. The mattress moved slightly under her weight, signifying it was the perfect bnce between soft and hard.


    She sent Grace a text with a list of things she would bring whening with her the next day. Knowing she would get to see her friend soon, if she survived the night, gave her some relief.


    After sending the text, she dropped the phone on the bed and stood up, deciding to explore the room. The bathroom which was the first ce she checked didn¡¯t disappoint. It was one befitting of the house and room. The closet, which she checked out second, surprised her the most. It was filled with clothes, female clothes, and they were all brand new judging from thebels still attached on them.


    Her hand moved to take one of the dresses, but before she could touch it, a knock echoed around the room, startling her. Without thought, she shut the door of the closet and turned around sharply, fixing her eyes on the door.


    When the person knocked for the second time and did not make an attempt to open the door, Joan moved to the door and opened it. Her brows creased slightly when she saw the smiling young man from earlier. And even then, he had a smile on his face.


    ¡°Its me again, Madam.¡± He said as if reading her mind.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Joan simply said, wondering what he wants and why he was there.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to inform you that dinner is served and boss wants me to escort you to the dining room.¡± He stated his reason for being there.


    ¡°Thank you, but kindly tell him that I¡¯m not hungry.¡± Joan refused as her mind instantly suggested that she might be poisoned if she eats anything they offer.


    Right on cue, a rumbling sound was heard and it came right from her stomach as if it was protesting her decision.


    The young man, who was already wearing a worried expression returned the smile to his face. ¡°I think your stomach disagrees, Madam. Also, I can¡¯t leave here without you. Boss will not be happy and he might take out his anger on us. The kitchen staff, who put all their effort in preparing a wonderful and enjoyable wee buffet for you will be disappointed to see their efforts go to waste. So you see, you have to listen to the voice of your stomach. It means well¡­¡±


    Different expressions passed through Joan¡¯s features as she heard him talk. Before she could settle on one or ask any question, he was already saying something else that elicited a different expression. He spoke so fluidly and gave off a friendly vibe, a total opposite of the other three men she had met. His voice was so pleasant, she wouldn¡¯t mind listening to him speak all day.


    ¡°¡­ Food is good for you. You need it for strength, energy and nourishment. What am I even saying? You already know all this since you are a nurse.¡± Hepleted his speech and pressed his lips together. Joan wasn¡¯t sure if he did that as a habit or if he was trying to stop himself from speaking any further.


    ¡°What is your name?¡± Joan asked him.


    ¡°I¡¯m Daniel, Madam. Daniel Frazer.¡± He answered.


    ¡°Well, thank you, Daniel. You¡¯ve managed to lecture me on the importance of food. How old are you?¡± Joan probed again.


    The question caught Daniel off guard and aplicated look shed across his eyes whichsted for only a second and disappeared before Joan could decipher what it meant.


    ¡°I¡¯m 21, Madam.¡± He answered.


    ¡°You seem to be quite close to your boss. Would it be okay if I ask you a question?¡± Joan asked, suspecting she would get something from him judging from how much he talks.


    ¡°Of course you can ask me anything. I¡¯ll answer your question.¡± He answered, nodding in an assuring manner.


    ¡°Do you know why your boss married me?¡± Joan asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s because he likes you a lot, Madam.¡± Daniel answered in a breath without hesitating or thinking. He answered it so casually that Joan almost believed it. But who would believe such nonsense?


    ¡°That¡¯s not true. You can¡¯t like someone you don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t even know him. How can he like me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the answer to that question. What I do know and am sure of is that boss really likes you. I¡¯ve never seen him smile so much and as genuinely as he has done this evening. He is like a changed man. It¡¯s a miracle.¡±


    Joan let out a soft sigh. She couldn¡¯t believe it. No one would believe it. It¡¯s impossible. They must have nned everything including Daniel¡¯s responses.


    Her stomach let out a louder rumble again, and she wished she could tell it to shut up.


    ¡°Shall we go now?¡± Daniel asked.


    ¡°One minute.¡± Joan answered, recalling that the envelope containing her travel documents was in in sight. She rushed back into the room, shut the door behind her, and hid the envelope under the sheets.


    She came back out and followed Daniel as he led her downstairs toward the dining room. Her breath hitched when from a distance she caught sight of Williams at the table with Roman and Trevor. Why was he still there? Does he live there? She wanted to ask Daniel, since they were still a distance away, but she decided against it.


    ¡°You took quite some time, Daniel. Is there something I should worry about?¡± Roman¡¯s voice reverberated when they arrived at the dinning and Daniel shook his head, bowing.


    ¡°All is well, boss.¡± He answered, pausing his steps for a bit before advancing to the chair beside Roman.


    ¡°Come, my darling wife. Come sit beside your king.¡± Roman gestured for Joan, who paused a short distance away from him, to sit on the chair Daniel pulled out beside his chair by the right side of the table.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Joan swallowed and nodded. She took one step after another toward the seat and halfway there, her eyes diverted to Williams, only to catch him staring at her in an unsettling manner.

 Idea

    ¡°Good evening, Mr-¡± Joan decided to greet him, thinking the weird look was because she hadn¡¯t acknowledged his presence by greeting. However, Roman didn¡¯t let her finish the greeting before he interrupted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t greet him. Don¡¯t give him a reason to talk to you. Don¡¯t look at him either. He isn¡¯t important. Keep your attention on me.¡± He said, leaning toward her and turning her head in his direction with his index finger.


    Despite his arrogant, stupid, and unreasonable attitude, Joan still found his touch electrifying and pleasing, so much so that she wanted to lean into it. It was the same with his voice. That was something she couldn¡¯t understand. And did he just say Williams is not important? Williams Xander, not important?


    From the corner of her eye, she saw Williams finally look away from her, as if agreeing to what Roman said. He picked up his cutlery and started eating.


    Joan returned her full attention to Roman and realized he looked displeased by what she had just done. She forced a sweet, nervous smile, and felt relieved when he returned the smile.


    ¡°Eat now. You must be famished. You can start with this. I requested it specially for you and dished it myself too. I know you love steak.¡± Roman told her, pushing a te of steak to her side.


    Joan stared at the mouth-watering steak as the aroma started to mess with her better judgment. It was true that she loved steak and almost couldn¡¯t resist it. But in this case, where she felt her life was at stake, she took a longer time to decide what to do with the te of temptation staring her right in the face.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why aren¡¯t you eating? Do you want me to feed you?¡± Roman asked, smirking.


    ¡°What?! No!! Umm¡­¡± Joan trailed off, not knowing what to say or how to respectfully reject the food.


    ¡°She¡¯s scared, Rome. She thinks the food is poisoned.¡± Williams cut in without looking at her. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Mrs. Graviel?¡± He finally looked up at her to catch her shocked expression.


    Apart from shock, Joan became even more suspicious of Williams. Did he just read her mind or was he just that good at guessing?


    ¡°Is that true?¡± Roman asked, and Joan shifted her gaze to him, trying to normalize her expression while not knowing what to say in response.


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s true. After what you did, you don¡¯t expect her to trust you or your intentions, do you?¡± Williams chipped in again.


    ¡°Shut up, Liam.¡± Roman shot him a re, and Williams smirked before returning his attention to his food.


    ¡°Why would you think that? I won¡¯t poison you. You¡¯re my wife.¡± Roman said, sounding hurt that Joan almost believed it. ¡°Alright. Let me take the first bite. Give me a slice.¡± He requested, prompting Trevor and Daniel to look at him like he had gone nuts. Williams, however, remained engrossed in his food and paid them no more attention.


    Joan stabbed a slice with the fork and extended it to him. But instead of collecting it with his hand, Roman leaned toward her and opened his mouth.


    Taken aback, Joan unconsciously leaned away, her brows flying up in surprise. Was he expecting her to feed him?


    Roman tilted his head ever so slightly, waiting for her to do what she was suspecting he wanted, his gaze unrelenting.


    Realizing he wasn¡¯t joking and neither was he giving up, Joan let out a soft sigh and put the slice in his mouth.


    He smiled widely as he straightened and chewed, never taking his eyes off her face. He could see her cheeks reddening and he was sure it was due to embarrassment but that didn¡¯t make him love it any less.


    Joan proceeded to eat after he took the first slice. She ate in silence, fully aware that one pair of eyes was fixed on her. He made sure to take the first bite off every meal she had until she was full.


    ¡°Thank you for the meal. It was delicious.¡± Joan smiled, bowing slightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you enjoyed it. Time for your birthday present.¡± Roman uttered, and Trevor approached him with a wrapped box and a small envelope. ¡°Happy birthday, again. If I had known before now, I would have prepared properly for it and celebrated you in a way no one had ever done.¡± Roman handed her the items.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Joan said, not sure how to react since she wasn¡¯t expecting that.


    ¡°Go on. Open it.¡± Roman urged and Joan obliged. She unwrapped the box and opened it to find a beautiful neckpiece that had a heart-shaped crystal pendant, inside of which her name was written in bold and floating. There were matching earrings and a bracelet together in the box.


    Joan¡¯s lips parted. That was the most beautiful thing she hadid her eyes on in a very long time.


    ¡°Why?¡± She whispered, lifting her eyes to look at him. She didn¡¯t understand what was going on anymore. Why was he doing all this?


    ¡°Because you¡¯re worth it. Do you like it?¡± Roman answered, excited.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful. I love it, but I can¡¯t ept it.¡± Joan shook her head and closed the box.


    ¡°Of course you can and you will because it¡¯s yours already. There¡¯s no debating it. Open the envelope.¡±


    Joan proceeded to open the envelope which contained a flight ticket to one of her choice vacation locations. Confused and speechless, Joan lifted her questioning eyes to look at him. He was smiling. Why was he smiling? What was going on?


    ¡°I figured you would need a vacation to recover from all the stress you¡¯ve been throughtely. You can either go alone or bring someone along with you. Anyone you want.¡± Roman exined.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say,¡± Joan uttered.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to say anything, sweetheart. Just enjoy your new life. Come on, let me escort you back to your room.¡±


    Williams, Trevor, and Daniel watched the couple walk away from the dining room.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    Like Joan, Williams couldn¡¯t believe his ears. He looked at Roman as if the guy had grown a second head. What the hell?


    He stood up and started walking away with a frown on his face.


    ¡°Alpha-¡±


    ¡°Not now, Daniel.¡± William cut the young man off and walked away without turning around.


    Daniel turned to Trevor. ¡°Is it just me or is boss behaving kind of weird?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s called love, Daniel. You¡¯ll understand when it¡¯s your turn.¡± Trevor answered.


    Joan uttered no words and neither did Roman until they reached the front of the room designated to her.


    ¡°Here we are. Rest well, my darling. Your flight is in three days so I¡¯ll need the name and details of the person you want to travel with tomorrow.¡± Roman informed her, then turned around to leave.


    ¡°Why did you give me a separate room?¡± Joan asked, needing an exnation for one of the things that still confused her. She had thought he would make her share the same room with him.


    ¡°You sound like you don¡¯t like the idea. You are wee to stay in mine. It¡¯s big enough and thepany will be appreciated.¡± Roman answered, turning to look at her with a flirty smile on his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡­ Nevermind. Can I lock the door?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Still scared?¡± Roman chuckled. ¡°You can do whatever you want with the exception of trying to escape. Although your attempt will be unsessful, it will make me mad. And I don¡¯t want to be mad at you. Have a good night.¡±


    Joan watched him walk away with his hands in his pockets. Everything looked and felt too good to be true, and she knew that when something felt that way, it most likely was just that ¨C too good to be true.


    They must be treating her like a chicken. Feeding her to make her fat only to feast on her at the end of the day. But they were mistaken if they thought she had not seen through their plot. She was no chicken, and she wouldn¡¯t end up on anybody¡¯s te. Whatever it took to escape this situation, she was going to do it.


    Her eyes narrowed slightly and a smile slowly appeared on her face as an idea popped into her head.

 Keep wishing

    The fresh, cool, morning breeze was what usually greeted Grace whenever she opened the door in the early hours of the day. But something was different that morning. In addition to the morning breeze, an unexpected visitor was at the door.


    ¡°Mrs. Elvin?¡± Grace called out, surprised.


    ¡°Good morning, Grace.¡± The woman greeted, wearing a smile.


    ¡°Good morning, ma¡¯am. I hope I didn¡¯t keep you waiting? How long have you been here?¡± Grace probed, wondering if the woman had been knocking and she didn¡¯t hear.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t stress. I only just arrived.¡± Mrs. Elvin responded, bringing Grace some relief. ¡°I see you are on your way out. Not to waste your time, I came to ask a favor.¡±


    ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am. What can I do for you?¡±


    ¡°I need to see Joan but I don¡¯t have the address or phone number of Mr. Baliante. I was hoping I could get the number from you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sure.¡± Grace made to retrieve the card from her bag, but paused halfway and returned her gaze to the woman. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to ask, but Mr. Elvin was given the card also. Why didn¡¯t you get the number from¡­ umm, nevermind.¡± Grace dropped the question halfway, already having an idea why the woman couldn¡¯t get the number from her husband. There was no need making her feel ufortable trying to exin. Joan was her daughter so she had every right to see the girl.


    She retrieved the card, handed it to the woman, and thetter copied the number into her phone.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Mrs. Elvin said, handing the card back to Grace.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m actually on my way to her ce now. If you want, we could go together. I¡¯ll only make a short stop at the Brandons¡¯ ce to take a few of her things left there.¡± Grace offered.


    ¡°I appreciate your kind gesture, but I¡¯m not prepared for it at the moment. Do extend my greetings to her. I¡¯ll see her very soon.¡± Mrs. Elvin politely refused, bid her goodbye and turned around to walk away.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am,¡± Grace called out, making the woman halt and turn around. ¡°Please be careful with them. Mr. Baliante and the others, I mean. ording to reports and stories, they are dangerous people.¡± Grace advised, keeping back the part where she wanted to ask why the woman didn¡¯t oppose or speak against the man marrying Joan even though her husband was cool with it.


    After everything Joan told herst night over the phone, she became scared for her friend. That led her to ask her father about Mr. Baliante and Roman, and the things she heard put her on edge.


    A strange smile which Grace couldn¡¯t read suddenly appeared on Mrs. Elvin¡¯s face. Grace couldn¡¯t tell if it portrayed sadness, pain, suffering, or regret. It was confusing andplicated.


    ¡°If someone needs that warning, I assure you, Grace, that someone is not me. I know them and yes, I know how dangerous they are. But it¡¯s not Mr. Baliante you should worry about. It¡¯s the one that married my daughter. Be careful.¡± Mrs Elvin returned the warning, then walked away.


    Grace watched her go, wondering why she didn¡¯t ask her to extend the warning to Joan. Doesn¡¯t Joan need to be careful also? And if she knew all these, why did she not oppose the marriage?


    These questions danced around in her head even as she drove to Richard¡¯s house. Last night, she had taken Joan¡¯s luggages which had been packed and kept in the guest bedroom two nights ago, to her ce. However, there were still a few important documents left in Richard¡¯s house that Joan needed her to retrieve.


    ¡°Good morning-¡± Grace greeted Mrs. Charles when she opened the door, but was rudely cut off by the older woman.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Easy, madam. I¡¯m not the reason behind your frustrations. Don¡¯t take them out on me.¡± Grace responded to the rude question.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to my mother like that. And yes you are the reason behind our frustrations, evil friend.¡± Richard barked from inside the house,ing to stand beside his mother. ¡°No wonder you aren¡¯t married. Youck the skills to keep a marriage.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know it requires skills to keep a marriage. Howe you have the skills and couldn¡¯t keep yours?¡± Grace retorted, getting increasingly annoyed.


    Richard fumed. ¡°You s-¡±


    ¡°Shut it, Richard.¡± Mrs. Charles cut him off.


    ¡°You want to ruin me? Hahaha¡­ You fail, Grace. I¡¯ll ruin you both first before you get the chance.¡± Richard threatened.


    ¡°You can¡¯t threaten me. I¡¯m not Joan. I hope you remember that. Now go to your bedroom and get me all of Joan¡¯s documents from thest drawer beside the bed, so I can leave this godforsaken ce. Your presence disgusts me. I believe I don¡¯t need to remind you that nothing should be missing.¡±


    Mrs. Charles pulled Richard in and shut the door. A whileter, she reappeared with the file and handed it to Grace. ¡°Don¡¯te back here, you disrespectful child.¡±


    Grace held back on responding and just walked away. She had a lot to say, but maybe that was not the right time. She climbed into her car and turned on the ignition, only for someone she recognized to knock on the ss by the shotgun seat. She wound the ss down to reveal Belinda¡¯s smiling face.


    ¡°Hi Grace. I¡¯m Belinda.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Grace said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve had the chance to get to know each other properly. Can Ie in?¡± Belinda asked.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m kind of in a hurry and heading somewhere important. Also, I don¡¯t think your husband would appreciate your talking to his enemy.¡± Grace responded.


    ¡°Who? Richard? Haha¡­ Don¡¯t worry about him. We¡¯re not married, and what we have is not even that serious.¡± Belinda dismissed, waving her hand. ¡°I see you¡¯re not dressed for work. Are you perhaps going anywhere close to Mr. Baliante?¡±


    ¡°What do you want, Belinda?¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s cut to the chase. I need Mr. Baliante¡¯s contact. You see, he¡¯s been my idol for a very long time and I¡¯ve been wishing¡­¡±


    Grace wound up the ss the moment she heard what thedy wanted, and without hesitation she stepped on the gas and sped off.


    ¡°Keep wishing.¡± Grace muttered.


    She drove for a few minutes before she brought the car to a stop. Taking out her phone, she dialed a number.

 Bad reputation

    In exactly 30 minutes Grace arrived at the head office of Xylonica group ofpanies. Following the directions Trevor had given to her, she moved to the 58th floor and approached thedy behind the receiving desk, who she believed to be the secretary.


    ¡°Can I help you?¡± Thedy asked, eyeing Grace.


    ¡°Yes. Good morning. I¡¯m here to see Mr Baliante.¡± Grace exined and the secretary looked her over in a way Grace considered demeaning and condescending.


    ¡°What for?¡± The Secretary asked after a while of staring. ¡°What do you want to see him for?¡± She repeated with a challenging tone.


    Grace didn¡¯t know if she woke up on the wrong side of luck or if someone had ced a curse on her day because what was with all these confrontations? First it was Richard and his mother and now it was this woman who supposedly was Trevor¡¯s secretary.


    ¡°He¡¯s expecting me. Please tell him I¡¯m here.¡± Greece responded, keeping her annoyance in check.


    ¡°Yeah, they all say the same thing. Desperate young girls who should be working hard to make their parents and society proud alle here and say the same thing. Why? Because they are looking for an already made man. None of them seeded. What makes you think you will seed?¡± The woman probed, eyeing Grace with distaste.


    ¡°I beg your pardon-¡±


    ¡°Dont beg my pardon. Answer the question.¡± The woman cut into her words.


    ¡°Listen Madam, I didn¡¯te here to be insulted by you. I already told you the reason I¡¯m here. I expect Mr Baliante should have told you I wasing and if not, then do your job and call him to confirm instead of being rude and asking me irrelevant questions.¡± Grace said, unable to keep it in anymore. She had seen and met rude people, but this one was very shocking to her as she didn¡¯t expect to encounter such an unprofessional person in a big establishment like this. And worse, she was supposed to be the CEOs secretary.


    ¡°Are you trying to teach me my job?¡± The woman stood up from her seat, annoyance stered on her face. ¡°Do you know how long I have been working here?¡± The Secretary asked, her nose ring in annoyance.


    ¡°I don¡¯t question-¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡± The woman cut her off.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°What?!¡± Grace couldn¡¯t believe her ears.


    ¡°Out, I said!¡± The Secretary repeated, louder this time.


    Having had enough, Grace turned around to walk away but she halted her action when she saw Trevoring toward them with another man beside him.


    ¡°What is going on here?¡± Trevor asked, slowing down as he approached the women.


    ¡°Sir, thisdy just walked in here iming she has an appointment with you and needs to see you urgently. I tried to ask her a few questions to ascertain her identity, but instead of answering me, she was being rude.¡± The Secretary wasted no time to exin, an exnation that made Grace widen her eyes in disbelief. Before she could object, Trevor beat her to it.


    ¡°Anna, I believe I already told you I was expecting her.¡±


    ¡°Sir, you said you were expecting a prettydy by the name Grace Everton. I didn¡¯t know she was the one because she didn¡¯t introduce herself and she isn¡¯t even that pretty.¡± Anna stated with a frown and this time it was Trevor¡¯s turn to widen his eyes.


    He knew how Anna treated and kept his unwanted, pesky, female visitors away and he approved of it, the reason why she was still working with him. What he didn¡¯t understand was why she treated Grace the same way despite knowing he was expecting her. And he couldn¡¯t believe she just said Grace was that pretty.


    Trevor wore an apologetic smile, shifting his attention to Grace. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the misunderstanding. Pleasee with me.¡± He gestured for her to follow him into his office and offered her a seat when they stepped in. ¡°Give me a few minutes to finish up and we can leave.¡± He added and she nodded with a forced smile.


    Grace sat on the plush sofa while he went ahead to sit behind the desk, dishing out instructions to the man that came with him.


    Moving her eyes around the expansive and exquisitively furnished office space, Grace was impressed. For the CEO of thergest corporation in the country, she expected nothing less. However, she wasn¡¯t so sure he was the CEO anymore seeing how he called Roman his boss and was always ready to do his bidding. This made her remember what Mrs Elvin said to her earlier that day ¨C Mr. Baliante was not the problem. The one who married Joan was.


    Grace shifted her gaze to Trevor and caught him staring at her while still dishing out orders to the other man in the office. She looked away when he adamantly refused to do so and wondered why he was looking at her.


    He soon dismissed the man and stood up, grabbing his jacket.


    ¡°Miss Everton, are you working night shift today?¡± He asked, approaching her.


    ¡°No sir. I took the day off.¡± Grace answered, standing up when she saw himing toward her.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ you must really love your friend. She¡¯s lucky to have such a friend as you.¡± Trevor noted, stopping right before her.


    ¡°It¡¯s mutual I consider myself lucky to have her as a friend. She will not hesitate to do what I¡¯m doing if I was the one in trouble.¡±


    ¡°You think she¡¯s in trouble?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she?¡± Grace asked back.


    ¡°Rest assured she isn¡¯t. She is in safe hands.¡± Trevor assured but Grace was not ready to believe it.


    ¡°I highly doubt that, Mr Baliante, considering how she was snatched and forced to marry someone she doesn¡¯t know or want.¡± Grace revealed and Trevor let out a sigh.


    ¡°I am aware that my boss¡¯s method was unconventional but believe me when I say it¡¯s all with good intentions and for good reasons. If we wanted to hurt her, do you think you would be allowed anywhere near the house let alone bring her things over?¡±


    Grace refused to believe it, but she said nothing to counter his word.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to believe me. I must have a very bad reputation.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that.¡± Grace defended herself.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to. Your face and bodynguage already did. Nevertheless, I am not offended.¡± He widened his smile, but not too wide to look crazy to her. ¡°Shall we? Your friend must be dying to see you already.¡±

 It makes no sense

    Joan roused from sleep earlier than she normally would because she had trouble sleeping deeply despite the perfect nature of the bed.


    Utmost disappointment set in when she realized that she wasn¡¯t dreaming everything that happened the night before. Her eyes traveled to the door and relief washed over her when she saw that the table she set behind the door was still in ce.


    Pushing her body to a sitting position, she grabbed her phone and tried to call Grace only to realize the device was dead due to low battery. Joan let out a frustrated groan, mmed the phone against the mattress and fell back on the bed.


    Gazing at the pattern ceiling, all her life decisions for three years until that moment shed before her eyes and she realized how foolish she had been to endure that hell of a marriage with Richard. But what could she call the situation she was in right now? Was this not another foolishness on her part?


    She didn¡¯t know how long she remained in that position until a knock brought her back to reality.


    She took some time to drag the table away before finally opening the door for whoever was knocking, only to find another strange face staring at her.


    ¡°Good morning, Madam. My name is Jerome and I¡¯m the Housekeeper.¡± He greeted and introduced himself with a barely noticeable frown on his face. Joan, however, noticed it.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Joan responded, wondering why he was frowning. Did something happen?


    ¡°I came to inform you that breakfast is ready and being served. Also, I couldn¡¯t help noticing that you seem to be having some trouble with the furniture setting. I can help you rearrange if the current arrangement is not suitable or to your liking.¡± He offered.


    Confused at first, Joan wondered why he would think that. She couldn¡¯t ask because it soon dawned on her that he must have heard her dragging the table.


    ¡°Oh, no. The arrangement is fine. About breakfast, I¡¯ll be down shortly.¡± She dismissed him and he bowed, taking a step back. However he didn¡¯t walk away, which was what she expected him to do.


    ¡°Is there something else you want?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Not at all. I¡¯ll just wait for you right here.¡± He responded to her query.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to wait. I think I¡¯m already familiar with the ce. I can find my way down.¡± Joan informed him but he put on an apologetic smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Madam, I would do as you requested but I was giving a direct order which I have to carry out to the letter. I don¡¯t mind waiting. Please, take your time.¡±


    Joan gave up and returned inside the room, shutting the door. In a few minutes, she stepped out of the room again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± She said, shing a smile but he didn¡¯t reciprocate. Instead, he threw her a hesitant look. He didn¡¯t know why she was still dressed in the same clothes she came withst night when there were lots of dresses in the closet.


    ¡°Something wrong?¡± Joan probed, catching the frown on his face but he shook his head and straightened his expression, refraining from making anyments.


    When they arrived at the dining room, there was no one there and the table was set for one.


    ¡°Where is everybody?¡± She asked, looking around only to find three men who were dressed exactly like the one that came to call her. One was serving the table and the others stood at the far end of the room.


    ¡°Boss and the others are out for an emergency business.¡± He said, pulling out to the chair for her.


    Joan eyed the food suspiciously. ¡°So who¡¯s going to taste the food before I eat?¡± She asked, only realizing after the utterance that she had spoken out loud and not in her mind as she wanted to.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°It¡¯s not poisoned, Madam. I made sure it was prepared with fresh and high quality ingredients. but if you need proof, I¡¯ll taste it with your permission.


    Normally, Joan would have refused but knowing hertest n involved being extremely careful and not to die, she agreed and made sure he tasted everything before she ate.


    In the process of tasting thest one, a voice echoed behind him, catching their attention.


    ¡°What is going on here?¡±


    The fork fell off his hand out of share fright and they both shifted their attention to the entrance where the voice echoed from.


    ¡°Sir Trevor,¡± he called out letting out a relieved breath.


    ¡°Grace!¡± Joan jumped off her seat and moved to hug her friend who just arrived with Trevor.


    ¡°What were you doing, Jerome?¡± Trevor approached the servant who bent down to pick the fork he initially dropped.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sir Trevor. Madam wouldn¡¯t eat because she needed someone to taste the food for poison and I offered to do it.¡± Jerome exined with his head lowered.


    Trevor let out a sigh and shifted his attention to the women.


    I miss you,¡± Joan revealed, causing Grace to chuckle.


    ¡°We were together almost the whole of yesterday.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t understand, Grace.¡± Joan uttered then moved to whisper to Grace¡¯s ears. ¡°This ce is like a prison. You don¡¯t know how happy I am to see you.¡±


    Trevor¡¯s brows furrowed when he heard her called the house a prison. However, he refused toment on it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave youdies to catch up. Please call me when you¡¯re ready to leave so I cane pick you.¡± He said to Grace then walked away from there.


    Joan invited Grace to join her for breakfast but thetter insisted she was full and couldn¡¯t take in anymore food. With that, Joan abandoned the food since she had eaten something reasonable and led Grace back to her room.


    ¡°This ce is crazy, Jo. I mean, my dad is rich but this house is insane. These guys are beyond rich.¡± Gracemented, surprised at what she was seeing. It felt like she just stepped into a dream.


    ¡°I know, right? I reacted exactly the same way. No! I think mine was worse.¡± Joan held her hand and pulled her toward the bed.


    ¡°Yeah. You said you have something to show me. What is it?¡± Grace asked, fixing her eyes on Joan, who revealed the gift box fromst night.


    ¡°His birthday present for me.¡± Joan uttered.


    Grace opened the box and her eyes circled. She lifted the neckpiece, bringing it to her eye level to give it closer look and her lips parted in awe.


    ¡°This is beautiful¡­ and confusing.¡± Gracemented.


    ¡°Not as confusing as this one.¡± Joan extended the envelope and Grace checked its content.


    ¡°A ticket to Camparo?¡± Grace gasped, lifted her head and set her disbelieving gaze on Joan. ¡°You two are traveling to Camparo?¡± She questioned.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s a ticket for one and I can bring anyone I want along.¡± Joan rifyed but that only surprised Grace the more.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be real, Jo. It doesn¡¯t make any sense. Why would he give you this and how did he know you wanted to go to Camparo?¡± Grace queried.


    ¡°How he knew? I¡¯m not sure. But why he gave me this? The only reason I can think of is he¡¯s probably giving me a way to escape.¡± Joan uttered.


    ¡°What?! Why would you think that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s what I feel. Maybe this marriage is fake and he just did it to make me sorry for my mistake and right now I am very sorry for what I did. Maybe he is giving me a chance to start all over again, you know, go and sin no more?¡±


    ¡°You are not making any sense, Jo. These people are not people you cross and get away from. You can¡¯t escape them easily. I¡¯m already having a bad feeling.¡± Grace pressed her lips together.


    ¡°I won¡¯t know unless I try. I can¡¯t cope with this sudden marriage to a total stranger. I don¡¯t even want to be entangled in marriage with anyone again until I¡¯m ready. This is my chance to escape and disappear. I¡¯m taking it and you¡¯reing with me.¡± Joan stated.


    ¡°What?!¡± Grace eximed.


    ¡°Not the escape part. We¡¯ve always wanted to spend a vacation together at Camparo. Our wish just came true and I want you to be a part of it. Don¡¯t worry, you are not escaping with me, neither will you be affected in any way. I have a perfect n.¡±


    ¡°And I have a bad feeling. This is not good. Can I know what this n is?¡± Grace asked and Joan moved her lips to Grace¡¯ ear to whisper.

 Suspicious

    ¡°It was right here. Williams Xander dropped him right here. The man was all bloody and he wasn¡¯t moving. I don¡¯t know what they did to him because I¡­¡± Joan trailed off, narrowing her eyes as something urred to her.


    The sun had gone down and Grace was ready to leave the house. They came down the stairs together and when they arrived at the door of the staircase, she pointed to the spot where the unconscious man was droppedst night, telling Grace in a whisper exactly how it happened.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Grace asked, noticing how Joan stopped speaking withoutpleting what she was saying initially.


    ¡°Something has been happening to me. It has happened twice since we left the housest night. I initially didn¡¯t take it as something serious but now that I think of it, it¡¯s quite strange.¡± Joan revealed, only now realizing that it didn¡¯t feel normal.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Grace asked with a concernden tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how best to exin it. I kind of suddenly ran out of breath and found it difficult to breathe even though I wasn¡¯t doing anything strenuous. It felt like I was going to faint the next second, but all of a sudden, everything became normal and I could breathe again.¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Grace frowned, unsure if she understood what Joan just exined. However, before Joan could exin further, the door opened and Trevor walked into the house.


    Grace had called him earlier when she was ready to leave. Since she came in his car on his insistence, he had toe pick her up from the house, a task he found no problem with.


    ¡°Ladies, I hope I didn¡¯t keep you waiting for too long.¡± He uttered,ing to stand before them.


    ¡°Not too long. You arrived earlier than I expected.¡± Grace responded.


    ¡°Where is your boss? I¡¯ve not seen him since this morning.¡± Joan asked, knitting her brows.


    ¡°He embarked on an urgent trip and would be back tomorrow or next. Are you missing him already? Trevor asked, mischief dancing in his eyes despite the serious front he put on.


    ¡°You can dream all you like. I only miss people who are nice to me, but your boss has been nothing but selfish.¡± Joan confessed, then told herself mentally to stop talking to avoid saying what she didn¡¯t want to.


    ¡°Pardon me if I misunderstood you, Madam.¡± Trevor lowered his head slightly, missing the rapid blinking of Grace¡¯s eyes due to the way he addressed Joan. ¡°If you aren¡¯t missing him, why then did you ask his whereabouts?¡± Trevor asked, looking confused.


    ¡°He wanted the details of the person I¡¯ll be traveling with. How do I give it to him if he¡¯s not in town?¡±


    ¡°You could call him¡­¡± Trevor gave a suggestion and when he saw her face already rejecting the offer even before her lips could say anything, he added, ¡°Or you could drop the details with me and I¡¯ll get the ticket ready. Is it Miss Everton? Will she be apanying you?¡±


    ¡°Should I call that a lucky guess?¡± Grace probed, surprise evident on her features.


    ¡°Considering how close you two are, it¡¯s not that hard to predict,¡± Trevor answered, then shifted his attention to Joan. ¡°I¡¯ll get the details from her and the ticket will be ready by tomorrow.¡± He assured her.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Joan uttered, turning to Grace. Goodnight. I¡¯ll see you in two days.¡± She hugged her friend, who whispered ¡°be careful¡± to her ears.


    The nk of heels against the marble floor had them knitting their brows as they pulled away from the hug. Turning to the door, they saw a woman approaching them from the door.


    Dressed in a long, tight-fitted, orange-colored dress, her every step exuded confidence and determination. Brte with sharp, brown, cat eyes, her face matched the energy her aura was giving off ¨C beautiful and confident.


    ¡°Irene,¡± Trevor called her name as she paused right before him.


    ¡°Hello, Trevor. Where¡¯s Roman?¡± Irene probed, straight to the point.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say you wereing.¡± Trevor reminded her, and she let out a light scoff.


    ¡°When have I ever required your permission or informed you beforeing here?¡± Irene fired back.


    ¡°Roman hates unexpected and uninvited visitors and you know that. Moreso, it¡¯s not yet time for you to show up.¡±


    ¡°Stop lecturing me and just tell me where he is. This is important.¡± Irene spoke in an annoyed tone.


    ¡°He¡¯s not in town,¡± Trevor responded and she narrowed her eyes.


    ¡°Are you lying to me?¡±


    ¡°Listen, Irene, I have better things to do with my time. You think I¡¯m lying? Go and check. I¡¯ll be waiting right here.¡± Trevor answered, wearing an irritated frown.


    At his response, Irene looked away from him, shifting her attention to Joan and Grace, who made no attempt to interfere in the discussion. She slowly shifted her gaze from one to the other, eyeing them in a condescending manner.


    ¡°Who are these and what are they doing here?¡± She asked without looking away from the duo.


    ¡°When did you receive the right to ask such questions? Roman is not home. You should leave.¡± Trevor voiced, but the one he was talking to didn¡¯t seem like she was paying him any attention as she continued to scrutinize Joan and Grace.


    Without warning, she moved from where she stood toward the duo, but Trevor moved as well,ing to stand between her and Joan, adequately blocking thetter from Irene¡¯s view.


    ¡°Leave, Irene.¡± Trevor insisted, and Irene narrowed her eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re acting suspicious. Why are you covering her? I only wanted to take a closer look.¡± She uttered, and when Trevor refused to move or show any sign of relenting, she eyed Grace for a few seconds before she stepped back. ¡°Tell Roman that I¡¯ll be back. And I don¡¯t care if he decides to f**k creatures worse than humans, but he owes me and it¡¯s time to pay up.¡± She stated before turning around and walking out of the house.

 Time to go

    Trevor furrowed his brows as he watched Irene leave. His head immediately went to work trying to figure out the best way to exin what just happened to the two women behind him, already suspecting they were going to ask.


    The moment she stepped out and the door was shut, Trevor let out a silent breath.


    ¡°Cody,¡± Trevor called out to the door man.


    ¡°Yes, Boss,¡± Cody responded, turning away from the door and giving his full attention to Trevor.


    ¡°No more visitors. And until Roman returns, Irene or anyone in that category is not allowed into the house unless they are with Sir Williams.¡±


    ¡°Noted, boss.¡± Cody gave a nod.


    Trevor finally stepped away from Joan¡¯s front, turning around to face her, and her face was exactly the same way he had imagined it will be. Same with Grace¡¯s.


    Confusion and questions were dancing in her green eyes as she peered fearlessly into his. But although Grace had a simr expression, hers was topped up with a slight look of suspicion.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that.¡± Trevor apologized.


    ¡°What was that about? Who is she and why¡­¡± Joan trailed off, not knowing how to exin the part where Irene was approaching and he had to block her froming close as if she was some kind of contagious disease.


    ¡°She is nobody. Don¡¯t worry about her.¡± Trevor dismissed, but neither Joan nor Grace looked convinced.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t look or sound like nobody to me.¡± Grace pointed out


    ¡°If she¡¯s nobody like you said, why the drama?¡± Joan added.


    ¡°Well, nobodys are usually troublemakers. And this particr one is full of trouble as you witnessed. She has no business with you and I had to ensure it remained that way. Please don¡¯t stress. She won¡¯t be back to bother you or anyone.¡± Trevor assured with a smile. He then shifted his eyes to Grace, ¡°Shall we, Miss?¡± He said, gesturing toward the door with his head.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll see you soon, Jo.¡± Grace shed a smile and walked away with Trevor.


    Time seemed not to be moving fast enough for Joan. However, despite the long wait, or so it seemed to her, the next day arrived.


    Already tired of being holed up in the house, and feeling unexinably different to arge extent that morning, she went downstairs and walked straight to the doorman.


    ¡°Good morning, Madam.¡± He greeted her, unsure why she approached him with a frown, and in her pajamas.


    ¡°Good morning. Where is Mr. Baliante?¡± Joan asked.


    ¡°Still in his room, I believe. Is there something you want?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I want to see him. Can you get him for me?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Cody gave a bow and moved, while Joan walked to a sofa and plopped her butt down to wait.


    In a short while, Cody returned with Trevor trailing behind. He looked like he was already preparing to go out and his ck hair was still wet and ubed.


    Joan found herself unconsciouslyparing his good looks and that of Roman. Trevor was one hell of a good looking man, but she couldn¡¯t help admitting that Roman took it a notch higher. The smoldering look in his eyes and the vibration in his voice didn¡¯t even help her judgment. Roman was the kind of guy she would have fallen face-t in love with if things had happened between them the normal way. But she had too much going on in her life right now to believe or settle for whatever this was that was happening between them.


    ¡°Good morning, Madam. You sent for me. Is there something you want me to do for you?¡± Trevor asked, multitasking by trying to fix his cufflinks while paying attention to her.


    ¡°Yes. I need to go to the hospital.¡± Joan said, and Trevor put on a confused and worried look.


    ¡°The hospital? Do you feel sick?¡± He asked.


    ¡°No. I work there.¡±


    Trevor became even more confused. ¡°I thought you agreed that your friend will do everything on your behalf. Why do you need to go there?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m tired and bored, and hate to be holed up in one ce. I need to clear my mind.¡± Joan responded, bing tired of the questions. She realized she was more irritated that morning than usual.


    Trevor seemed to read her mood so he let out a soft sigh. ¡°Alright. Isn¡¯t it too early to leave?¡± He asked as it was just 6am.


    ¡°Not now. Maybe by ten.¡± Joan revealed the convenient time.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. I have a meeting in forty minutes so I¡¯ll be leaving the house soon. I¡¯lle back to pick you by ten. Is that okay by you?¡±


    Joan frowned. ¡°Why you? Can¡¯t someone else drive me there?¡±


    ¡°The only other person that can do it is Daniel, and he traveled with Roman. Moreover, I¡¯m notining.¡± Trevor informed her.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡± She agreed and started toward the stairs without turning around.


    Trevor watched her go, his brows knitting in the process. Something was off with her, but he couldn¡¯t ce his finger on it.


    He ignored it and went back to his room. Four hourster, he drove back to the house and made his way to her room. After releasing a series of knocks on her door, she opened up.


    ¡°Yes?¡± She asked when she saw him, her eyes red from sleep.


    ¡°It¡¯s 10am, Madam. Ready to go to the hospital?¡± He asked, and Joan shook her head.


    ¡°Nah. I changed my mind. I¡¯m not going anymore.¡± She answered inly.


    Trevor couldn¡¯t believe his ears. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call to inform me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have your number.¡±


    ¡°You could have asked any of the servants for it.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have the energy. Sorry. I need to get back to my sleep.¡± She said right before shutting the door.


    Trevor became dumbfounded. He looked around in disbelief, then looked back at the door, narrowing his eyes.


    Joan went straight to the bed andy down on it, drifting off to sleep in a few minutes. Something seemed to be wrong with her, but she was too weak and sleepy to think about it.


    The strange cloud that overshadowed her was no where to be found the next day. She woke up energetic and excited since it was the day she would be going to Camparo with Grace.


    Trevor watched her go about her business as if she hadpletely forgotten what happened the previous day. Even while he was driving them to the airport, he nced at her several times as she chatted cheerfully with Grace, who returned her energy effortlessly. But being the observant person he was, he noticed Grace seemed to be more aware of his presence than Joan was.


    Just before boarding the ne, Joan was startled by a hand that suddenly wrapped around her waist, pulling her backwards until her back hit a solid mass of muscle.


    She turned her head and her breath caught in her throat when she saw Roman¡¯s handsome smiling face.


    ¡°Trying to leave without saying goodbye, huh?¡± He spoke very close to her ear, and Joan opened her lips to respond but he shushed her. ¡°It¡¯s time to go. Don¡¯t try to escape.¡± He whispered to her ear before letting her go.


    When Joan heard his words, she couldn¡¯t help wondering what he meant. Was this him telling her in a non direct manner to escape? It must be, right?

 Finishing touches

    The atmosphere surrounding the girls dampened after they boarded the ne. Their initial chatty and happy mood switched to a strange mncholy once they were seatedfortably beside each other, lost in their thoughts.


    ¡°This is risky.¡± Grace broke the silence, speaking with a low voice, knowing that one of Roman¡¯s men boarded the ne alongside them to provide extra security. Although he sat a distance away from them to afford them privacy and space, Grace still had the need to speak in an almost whisper tone.


    ¡°I know it is.¡± Joan responded in the same tone of voice, shutting her eyes.


    ¡°Then can you not try to escape? I think it¡¯s better he lets you go himself instead of you getting into trouble for doing exactly what he said you shouldn¡¯t do.¡± Grace advised in a pleading voice.


    ¡°I still think he mentioned that I shouldn¡¯t escape because he actually wanted me to. If I don¡¯t take that offer, I¡¯ll be med foring back to him.¡± Joan insisted and Grace let out a frustrated sigh.


    ¡°You¡¯re intentionally misinterpreting his words and gestures to suit your desire. But this is not the time for that. This is the time to thread with caution. Think about it. Why would he send a guard with us if he wanted you to run away? The hotel we are going to stay is his so there¡¯s a possibility our movements will be monitored. I don¡¯t want you to get hurt, Jo. I don¡¯t want to lose my best friend.¡±


    Joan slowly opened her eyes and turned to look at Grace only to smile when she saw her helpless expression. ¡°You won¡¯t lose me.¡±


    ¡°Really? Does that mean you won¡¯t try to escape anymore?¡± Grace asked, feeling reliefing on strongly.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that.¡± Joan frowned, killing all of Grace¡¯s hopes. ¡°You see, the reason I am eager to leave is not just because I¡¯m not okay with marrying someone I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s also not just because I want my freedom so bad from the troubles of men. It¡¯s because I feel there¡¯s something wrong with those people.¡± Joan exined, and Grace tilted her head slightly to the side with a questioning look on her face. However, before she could say anything, Joan continued. ¡°Havent you noticed anything strange about them?¡±


    ¡°Well, everyone says they¡¯re dangerous even though they don¡¯t look it. And Roman¡¯s presence always puts me on edge. That could also be because of what I¡¯ve heard about him. Other than that, nothing.¡± Grace shook her head, curiosity still dancing in her eyes when she noticed her response didn¡¯t fully satisfy Joan.


    ¡°That¡¯s not just it. I have been having strange experiences ever since I encountered them, and that of yesterday was even worse.¡±


    ¡°What happened yesterday?¡± Grace probed, knitting her brows.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s hard to believe, but I woke up feeling like a different person. That¡¯s not all. I thought it was just depression about my situation, so I decided I would go to work and I even told Trevor toe pick me up. But as soon as I went back to the bedroom, sleep came over me overwhelmingly and I couldn¡¯t fight it. When Trevor came to pick me up, I told him I was no longer interested because I couldn¡¯t find the strength and I still wanted to go back to sleep, which I did as soon as I got on the bed again.¡± Joan exined, and Grace didn¡¯t know what to make of the story.


    ¡°So you slept throughout yesterday?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes. I only woke up for lunch and dinner, and immediately after, I would go back to sleep. Now, I wouldn¡¯t be too worried if it was just sleep. I kept having weird dreams of being chased. And I saw things I¡¯ve never seen before in my dream. Worst of all, I was killed by a headless person just before I woke up this morning. I¡¯ve never had such dreams before. Why now if something isn¡¯t wrong somewhere?¡± Joan asked, and Grace let out a sigh.


    ¡°What if it¡¯s just a dream? Maybe you saw those things because you were scared?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I¡¯ve been through stuff and I¡¯ve been in scary situations. This has never happened before.¡± Joan dismissed.


    ¡°This isplicated.¡± Grace let out a long breath. ¡°Did your mome to see you?¡±


    ¡°No. Why?¡± Joan tilted her head, not sure what her mother has got to do with their discussion.


    ¡°Nothing, really. She told me she would and I was hoping she would have. I know I¡¯m here for you, but her presence would benefit you in many ways mine wouldn¡¯t. You married someone she considers dangerous. She should have been able to offer you some kind of support or advice.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need her support or advice.¡± Joan uttered with a pained expression. ¡°She couldn¡¯t do it when I was with Richard. She won¡¯t do it now either. I just want to love her from afar until she separates from my dad.¡±


    ¡°Why are you saying this, Jo?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t count the reason for my misfortune and not include her. She didn¡¯t do anything directly. Her only crime was sticking with that monster despite all of his atrocities, and doing everything not to offend him even when it concerns my happiness and well-being. My life wouldn¡¯t be this messed up if she had summoned a little courage and left him.¡± Joan¡¯s voice broke toward the end.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Jo. It¡¯s okay. Don¡¯t ruin this trip with your sad tears. This is the vacation of our dreams. Let¡¯s enjoy it and while at it, put perfect finishing touches to your escape n, alright?¡± Grace reassured, and a relieved smile crept it¡¯s way to Joan¡¯s face.


    ¡°I knew I could count on you. Thank you.¡± She uttered, visualizing her freedom already. It was so close, she could not wait to extend her hand and grab it. It was time to take control of her life.

 Good, bad, and worse

    It was already night when they arrived at Camparo, and eventer when they arrived at their hotel. Grace couldn¡¯t contain her shock when she realized that they would be staying at the penthouse.


    ¡°Holy smokes, Jo, this is massive!¡± She eximed, looking and walking around the ce.


    Joan couldn¡¯t respond because she was even more shocked than Grace. For a moment, she almost believed and epted that she did misinterpret what Roman said to her. Because, why would hevish such a huge amount of money to give her the vacation of a lifetime if all he wanted was for her to run away?


    ¡°Woah¡­e look at this view.¡± Grace¡¯s voice broke her thoughts, bringing her back to the present.


    Joan shook her head to rid herself of what just slipped into her mind, and she went to meet Grace. Standing before the floor to ceiling window, the view did not disappoint. It was a majestic view overlooking a picturesque scenery.


    ¡°Are you sure this guy doesn¡¯t love you?¡± Grace suddenly asked, her eyes not moving away from the beauty she was beholding at that moment. Despite the fact that it was night, the many lights in the city made everything look magical.


    ¡°Love? Have you forgotten how I met him and what happened between us? How can he love someone who did that to him? This is just him showing off and throwing money around like rich people do to prove a point.¡± Joan concluded and Grace frowned.


    ¡°What do you mean? My dad is rich but he doesn¡¯t throw money around unnecessarily. He only spoils his family and friends when needed. Not all rich people are like that.¡± Grace countered, offended.


    ¡°Your dad is an exception. Others are like that.¡± Joan uttered.


    ¡°Stop generalizing. There are a whole lot you don¡¯t know because they don¡¯t show off.¡±


    ¡°Fine. This one called Roman is like that. He is only trying to show off.¡± Joan insisted and Grace let out a tired sigh.


    ¡°If you think so.¡± She resigned. ¡°Let me check the other ces.¡± Grace moved away from the window, leaving Joan to her conflicting thoughts.


    Even though she stopped Grace from talking further about it, Joan couldnt stop her mind from thinking about the possibility of Roman liking her, even though she knew it was near zero.


    She remembered the first day when he said it was love at first sight and that she was his soulmate. How was that even possible?


    Unconsciously, she wrapped her arms around her stomach when a soft, cool breeze hit her skin from the window. As soon as she did that, she remembered the way Roman had wrapped his arms around her waist just before she got on the ne.


    She still didn¡¯t understand why he affected her so much especially when any part of his skines in contact with hers. The feeling was addictive and she always never wanted it to end. She always yearned for more even though she knew she shouldn¡¯t.


    Could it be that¡­ No! She immediately stopped herself from indulging in that thought that was already poking it¡¯s head. Instead, she made herself believe that it was because she had been starved of the touch andpany of a man. Even if it was anything else, she refused to believe it.


    ***


    ¡°Boss,¡± Trevor called out to Roman while they were walking toward thepany¡¯s private garage. ¡°Mrs. Elvin just called me. She wants a meeting with you.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Roman asked as the name didn¡¯t ring a bell.


    ¡°Madam¡¯s mother. She said she needs to speak with you and it¡¯s urgent.¡±


    ¡°What does she want to talk about?¡± Roman questioned, climbing into his car.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But I think you should see her.¡± Trevor answered and Roman frowned at him.


    ¡°Why do you think so?¡±


    ¡°Well, she¡¯s Madam¡¯s mother and I hear they have a good rtionship. I think it¡¯s normal for her to want to speak with you considering the way everything happened. Also, I think Madam would appreciate it if you have a good rtionship with her mother.¡± Trevor exined to the best of his knowledge, hoping Roman would not bring up another question.


    ¡°Arrange a meeting at home. I¡¯ll see her in the morning.¡± Roman agreed, turning away from Trevor. But his words made Trevor put on a small frown.


    ¡°At home? What about the office? I think the office would be better.¡± Trevor suggested. However, Roman only shut his eyes.


    ¡°The office does not have my wife¡¯s scent.¡± He simply said and Trevor gave up trying to change his mind. He climbed into the shotgun seat and they drove away from thepany.


    They reached the mansion and walked in, only to be greeted by Williams presence. His presence wouldn¡¯t have bothered them if he wasn¡¯t dressed like someone who just escaped the lion¡¯s den. His shirt was torn in several ces and the material, which was originally white was now officially brown with blood stains scattered everywhere on it.


    ¡°Alpha Williams,¡± Trevor gave a small bow with a frown on his face while Roman just eyed the guy with distaste before continuing his journey upstairs.


    ¡°We need to talk, Rome.¡± Williams uttered, following Roman.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you have good news for me.¡± Roman said, not slowing his steps one bit.


    ¡°I have good, bad and worse news.¡± Williams revealed and Roman let out a sigh.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°At least dress up properly, Liam. You are lucky my wife isn¡¯t here. If she was here, I would have locked you up in the dungeon until you find something decent to put on.¡±


    ¡°This is important, Rome.¡± Williams spoke in exasperation, wondering what has gotten into Roman. He was talking something serious and¡­ Urrgh!


    Roman didn¡¯t respond anymore until he reached the floor where his and Joan¡¯s room was located. Instead of moving to his room, he moved toward the other side and paused outside the door. A momentter, he opened it and stepped inside. ¡°Don¡¯te in here.¡± He said to Williams before closing the door.


    Left alone, he drew in a long breath, basking in the blissful feeling her scent was giving him. He needed this to calm his head because he knew whatever Liam was about to tell him would not go well with him.


    His eyes traveled to the bed and even though Joan wasn¡¯t physically there, his mind painted a beautiful picture of her lying there and smiling at him invitingly.


    Williams waited for a while outside, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. His brows remained tightly furrowed as he thought of how best to present what he wanted to say to Roman.


    Some timeter, his eyes flew open when Roman stepped out of the room and came to stand before him.


    ¡°Spill it.¡± Roman said.


    ¡°Good news, Jorell didn¡¯t send the one that attacked your convoy three days ago. He had nothing to do with it. Bad news, Casper is still alive. He was behind the attack.¡± Williams paused to let Roman digest the news.


    ¡°Casper is not dead? Interesting.¡± Roman nodded, a thoughtful expressioning to settle on his face. ¡°How did he survive?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. But he has been ina and only woke up a few days ago. I think he remembered everything that¡¯s why he came for you. Also, he is gathering an army of rogues.¡± Williams exined.


    ¡°I now have two people after my life. It¡¯s getting interesting. That shouldn¡¯t bother you, Liam. They can¡¯t kill me. Even I have been trying for years and it didn¡¯t work. So rx.¡± Roman smiled, patting Williams on the shoulder.


    ¡°You think so because I have only told you the good and the bad. You haven¡¯t heard the worse one.¡± Liam revealed.

 She has to die

    At the tone of Williams¡¯ voice, and the look on his face, Roman knew he was not going to like what he was about to hear. So he didn¡¯t even bother to utter a word. Instead, he raised a brow, waiting for Williams toplete what he wanted to say.


    ¡°The key to killing you has been found, Rome. And it is buried inside of the woman you married.¡± Williams revealed, pausing for a moment when he observed Roman¡¯s countenance changed slightly. ¡°Elena saw tragedy in your future, avoidable tragedy and she advised we act fast to avoid it. You are too important to the werewolfmunity, Rome, so the only way to avoid losing you is to eliminate your wife.¡±


    Immediately thest line of the sentence dropped from Williams lips, a deadly punch came flying toward his face, one which he barely avoided by moving his head quickly to the side. The wall behind his head received the brunt of the attack as the impact left a depression on it as the surface broke down.


    Williams widened his eyes in surprise.


    ¡°Say it again.¡± Roman uttered, his face and voice hard with anger.


    ¡°Rome-¡±


    ¡°Say that rubbish one more time, Liam.¡± Roman cut him off, moving closer to him threateningly.


    Williams knew better than to say anything when he was so close, so he put some distance between them.


    ¡°Calm down, Rome. You are angry and therefore not thinking straight right now.¡± Williams pointed out, and Roman let out a wickedugh.


    ¡°You think I¡¯m not thinking straight?¡± Roman asked, his eyes holding a level of wildness Williams recognized and wasn¡¯t ready to deal with.


    At that point, Trevor arrived at the top floor and approached them, wondering what the noise was all about. When he surveyed the atmosphere, he stopped himself from going any closer to the two fighters.


    ¡°Boss, what¡¯s going on?¡± Trevor asked, but received no response as Roman¡¯s full attention was fixed on Williams.


    ¡°Calm down, Rome. Let¡¯s talk about this in a reasonable manner. I need you to see reason with me.¡±


    ¡°Talk about what in a reasonable manner? You want me to join you in the discussion of how to k-¡± Roman couldn¡¯tplete the word as he clenched his jaws. Only thinking of it was getting him riled up to no end. ¡°You know what, Liam? I am not in a very good mood right now so I¡¯ll advise you to leave my presence and do well not to bring this up again.¡± Roman turned around and started walking toward his room.


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving, Rome. We have to talk about this and act fast.¡± Williams said, making Roman halt his steps.


    ¡°Alpha Williams, I think you should leave as he said.¡± Trevor inputted, not sure what had gotten into Williams. He seemed to be looking for death.


    ¡°Quiet, Trevor. Stay out of this.¡± Williams shot Trevor a frown.


    ¡°Stay out of it?¡± Trevor refused to back down. ¡°Look at the wall.¡± He spoke in incredulity, pointing at the broken wall where Roman¡¯s fist had been lodged earlier. ¡°If you two start to fight now, you will destroy the entire house. Can you, please not provoke him any more than this?¡±


    ¡°You should join me in trying to convince him because if anything happens to him, we are all going to be affected.¡± Williams said to Trevor, then immediately shifted his attention to Roman, whose back was facing him and Trevor.


    ¡°She has what it takes to kill you, Rome. I would have let this go if you had married her because you both are in love. But considering the way you married her, and the fact that she doesn¡¯t love or trust you one bit, she is a threat to your life. Even if we chose to ignore her, hoping she wouldn¡¯t do anything, just imagine what will happen should this information get to Jorell or Casper. Either way, she has to die. It¡¯s either her or you, and your life is one I cannot joke with. I need you alive. The entire werewolfmunity needs you alive. It has to be her.¡± Williams dered, and in a blink of an eye, his back hit the wall violently with Romans fingers still wrapped around his neck, keeping him glued to the wall.


    ¡°Her life is more important than my own and the entire werewolfmunitybined. So if you care about themunity, then make her safety your number one priority. If a drop of her blood touches the earth, then you can kiss the werewolfmunity goodbye.¡± Roman growled, his eyes switching from blue to bright red, and at that point, Williams knew not to take his words lightly.


    When Roman released his neck, he swallowed every other thing he wanted to say, watching as thetter walked away without looking back and shutting the door violently after he stepped into his room.


    With Roman out of the way, Williams shifted his attention to Trevor. ¡°When did she leave?¡± He asked and Trevor widened his eyes.


    ¡°What-why are you asking me that? Don¡¯t put me in trouble, Williams, and you should do well to stay out of it yourself.¡± Trevor quickly dodged the question.


    ¡°Nevermind.¡± Williams walked away from there, leaving Trevor, who fixed his annoyed gaze on the second damaged part of the wall. Williams was stubborn. He had never met someone as stubborn and reckless as Williams Xander. Infact, he was beginning to believe the guy was a masochist because who in his right senses would have the guts to challenge Roman, knowing the pain that would follow such an endeavor?


    Much as he faulted Williams¡¯ recklessness, if what he said was true, then there was going to be a big problem. The werewolvesmunity would have fallen apart if not for Roman¡¯s existence and inability to be killed. The humanmunities would have been turned upside down by werewolves if not for Roman. He was as important to the werewolves as the air they breathe, being the only Lycan alive, the only one every werewolf feared, and the only one keeping the peace they were enjoying.


    It would be a huge problem if anyone found a way to kill him.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

 Witchcraft

    ¡°I thought you left,¡± Trevor said, wearing a slight frown when he saw Williams standing beside Roman¡¯s door. Williams was leaning against the wall, not making any attempt to knock on the door. It looked like he was waiting for something or someone.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Am I not allowed toe back?¡± Williams probed, his expression remained the same ¨C stoic and unreadable.


    ¡°I never said that. I only asked a question.¡± Trevor responded tiredly.


    ¡°That was not a question. That was a statement.¡±


    Trevor looked like he couldn¡¯t deal anymore, so he refrained from saying anything further. He instead, focused on his mission, which was to inform Roman about the presence of Joan¡¯s mother.


    The woman had been waiting for some time and he expected Roman to be out of his room already. But when he waited a little more and the guy didn¡¯te out, he decided to go remind him since reaching him through the mind link had proved abortive. Romanpletely blocked his mind from everyone.


    Moving to the door, Trevor was about to knock, but the door was opened from the inside before his knuckles could touch it.


    ¡°Boss,¡± he stepped away from the door and lowered his head slightly. The air around Roman was still thick and that was something Trevor hated. Apart from being a ticking time bomb whenever he was in such a mood, the atmosphere around the house would be somber and gloomy since no one would want tough, smile, or misbehave unnecessarily.


    Roman said nothing. He only stared at Trevor for a moment, before shifting his gaze to Williams, who in turn lowered his head slightly.


    Without a word still, Roman walked away, and the two of them followed him from a distance. Trevor moved faster to open the door to the home office, already knowing that was where he was headed. As soon as Roman stepped inside, Williams followed, a move that Trevor frowned at. However, he didn¡¯t protest. If Williams wanted to die, he could go ahead.


    ¡°Mrs Elvin is here, boss. Should I send her in?¡± Trevor asked after Roman took his seat.


    ¡°Send her in,¡± Roman responded, and Trevor left, shutting the door behind him.


    Just as Trevor walked out, Williams sat down on one of the receiving chairs facing Roman. ¡°You look like you are calm now, Rome. Can we talk?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Roman responded without thinking.


    ¡°Do you want to die?¡±


    ¡°Is that supposed to be a question?¡± Roman frowned at Williams. ¡°You are no stranger to the many ways I have employed to end my miserable long life. Don¡¯t ask me stupid questions, Liam.¡±


    ¡°I mean, now that you have found something to fight for, do you still want to die?¡± Williams corrected the question.


    ¡°If I¡¯m meant to die by her hand, then so be it. No one touches her.¡±


    Williams let out a wicked chuckle, his expression hardening. ¡°You¡¯re joking, Rome. You better do everything you can to stay alive. That is the only way I can protect her. Because if you die, you¡¯ll be surprised how quickly I¡¯ll send her to the afterlife.¡± He threatened, standing up from the chair when he heard the door open. ¡°That is a promise, Rome.¡± He added before walking toward the door.


    He walked past Mrs Elvin, who just entered the office. He needed no one to tell him the woman was an omega wolf, and he wasn¡¯t interested in knowing why she wanted to see Roman. However, he halted his steps right before the door, his brows meeting each other in the middle.


    ¡°Good morning, your Majesty, the great leader of our time. It is an honor to be in your presence.¡± Mrs Elvin greeted, not raising her head even once.


    Roman raised his brows, his attention divided between Williams, who suddenly paused by the door without turning around, and the woman who just greeted him in a way hest heard more than a century ago before he disappeared from public space.


    Werewolves have a long lifespan, but the woman standing before him didn¡¯t look like someone who was more than a century old.


    ¡°You know me,¡± Roman noted and she nodded. ¡°Interesting. Sit down.¡± He pointed to the chair Williams just vacated and she sat, finally lifting her head, but not looking at his face. ¡°Something wrong, Liam?¡± Roman asked, seeing how Williams turned around and fixed his narrowed gaze on the woman¡¯s back.


    ¡°Yeah. I just realized the meeting I wanted to attend will be starting by 12 and this is just 10 am. There¡¯s no need to hurry. I¡¯ll just wait here.¡± Williams answered, sauntering back to the chairs and taking the second one right next to Mrs Elvin. ¡°You can continue with your guest. Just pretend I¡¯m not here.¡± He added, looking the woman over and noticing the change in the way her heart was beating.


    ¡°Is something wrong, Mrs Elvin?¡± Roman asked, catching the shift in her countenance and heartbeat.


    ¡°Not really, your Majesty-¡±


    ¡°Roman. Call me Roman, not Your Majesty.¡± Roman corrected and Mrs. Elvin¡¯s eyes stretched as she shook her head.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare to call you by your name. Forgive me, my leader, but I can¡¯t.¡± Mrs Elvin pleaded.


    ¡°Well, technically, I am now your son-inw and I don¡¯t feelfortable being addressed by that title anymore. So unless you don¡¯t want us to have a conversation, you have to call me by my name.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Mrs Elvin agreed, throwing a side nce at Williams, who was scribbling something on a piece of paper, looking like he wasn¡¯t paying attention to what was happening around him. But she knew better.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to befortable with Williams¡¯s presence.¡± Roman pointed out and Mrs. Elvin instantly switched into a pleading mode.


    ¡°Forgive me. I don¡¯t mean to offend. It¡¯s just that, what I want to talk about is a personal and family matter. I am notfortable sharing such in the presence of outsiders.¡±


    ¡°Williams is family. You don¡¯t have to feel ufortable in his presence. And I¡¯m pretty sure he is interested in whatever you want to say. But if you insist, I¡¯ll tell him to leave.¡± Roman revealed, a smirk ying on his lips when he saw Williams¡¯ rapid change of expression.


    ¡°Pardon me, Alpha Williams, but I have to insist on this one.¡± Mrs Elvin said, still not making any effort to look at the people she was talking to.


    ¡°You heard her, Liam. Wait for your meeting outside. You cane back in when she leaves.¡±


    Williams looked surprised, but he still got up. ¡°Fine. Here¡¯s your design.¡± He pushed the paper he had been writing on toward Roman, and walked out without another word.


    Wondering what the paper contained, Roman looked down at it and saw the word ¡°WITCHCRAFT¡± written in bold.


    He shifted his gaze to Mrs Elvin the next second, making sure to keep his expression unchanged.

 Gutsy omega

    ¡°Why did you want to see me, Mrs Elvin?¡± Roman probed, watching the omega keenly. He wondered what Williams meant by the note. The woman was clearly a werewolf and had no trace of witch blood running in her veins. However, Williams was no ordinary wolf. If he had suspected something, then Roman knew there has to be something. Williams was never wrong, especially when it came to any matter involving witchcraft.


    ¡°I came to you because I am too ashamed to see Joan. I have wronged her in more ways than I can count.¡± Mrs Elvin started, lowering her eyes as she spoke, only lifting them asionally to stare briefly at him. ¡°I can¡¯t face her and I don¡¯t think she will ever forgive me fully. But it¡¯s time for me to do the right thing and I think you are in the best position to help me out.¡± She paused.


    Recalling that Trevor had earlier told him that he could win Joan¡¯s heart by winning her mother over to his side, Roman was tempted to ask her what she wanted him to do for her so that he could make it happen. However, before he could utter a word, the urge to question her came over him so strongly that he couldn¡¯t resist.


    ¡°What are you doing with a human husband, one of the worst of his kind, when you and I know you can do better?¡±


    Mrs Elvin wore a frown. ¡°That is part of the things I want to discuss with you.¡±


    ¡°What happened to Joan?¡± Roman threw another question, one which confused the woman.


    ¡°How do you mean?¡± She asked, looking confused.


    ¡°She is supposed to be a Tribrid. But I sense only her human side. No wolf, no witch. What did you do to her?¡± Roman threw yet another question and the frown on her face deepened.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything to her.¡± She answered, and before she could say another word, Roman was speaking again.


    ¡°Mr. Elvin is not her father. That much I know. What I¡¯m not sure of is if you are her mother.¡± Roman revealed, and noticed how her eyes widened slightly in surprise. ¡°You are a human-werewolf hybrid, so the witch is definitely her father. She must have gotten her eyes, hair, and some of her beautiful features from him. Who is he? I need answers and I believe he has them.¡±


    Mrs Elvin wished she could tell him to stop throwing questions at her as if she was a criminal. But she couldn¡¯t. She was an omega, and he was higher in rank than an Alpha. There was something about his aura thatmanded andpelled her to answer his every question.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know who her father is.¡± Mrs Elvin answered.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Did you sleep with a random guy and get pregnant?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Are you her biological mother?¡±


    Silence reigned for a while before Mrs. Elvin answered, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Who is?¡±


    ¡°My twin sister.¡±


    ¡°Where is she?¡±


    ¡°She is dead.¡± Mrs. Elvin answered and silence reigned once more as Roman ceased throwing anymore questions. By this time Mrs Elvin was already breathing heavily because of her concealed annoyance. ¡°She died when Joan was just one month old and I adopted her as my daughter. I¡¯ve been taking care of her since then. I also know nothing about why her other parts are concealed. It has been like that ever since her mother died.¡±


    ¡°What was it you said you wanted me to do for you?¡± Roman asked, recalling that was where she stopped before he decided to ask questions.


    ¡°Two things, if you don¡¯t mind. First, I need you to send apologies on my behalf to her. She has gone through a lot because of me and I want to let her know that I am truly sorry. If I could turn back time, I would definitely do better. I have endured Mr. Elvin long enough and I realize that it¡¯s time for me to end it all and disappear.¡±


    ¡°And what is the second request?¡± Roman asked, seeing no big deal with the first one.


    ¡°After today, she may never see me again, so I won¡¯t get the chance to give her this. Can you please extend this to her for me?¡± Mrs Elvin fetched a small, brown envelope from her bag, stretching it toward Roman.


    Roman set his eyes on the envelope, then shifted the pair back to her face. He repeated the eyes movement two more times, never making an effort to ept the extended envelope.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± He finally asked, breaking the tense silence.


    ¡°It¡¯s a letter from her mother. She wrote it on her dying bed and made me promise to give it to her daughter on her 27th birthday. I couldn¡¯t give it to her that day because of the troubles that marred the celebration, and I won¡¯t be able to give it to her after today.¡± Mrs Elvin responded in a calm voice.


    Roman nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll give it to her, but I¡¯ll need you to first open it and read its content out loud.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that.¡± Mrs. Elvin retracted the envelope, shaking her head. ¡°It is a personal letter from a dying mother to her daughter. It¡¯s content is not meant to be consumed by either you or me. If Joan deems it fit to let you in on its content, she can do that after she has already read it.¡±


    ¡°I would have believed you, but since you¡¯re not her mother, I don¡¯t trust you.¡± Roman revealed.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. I guess I¡¯ll have to find another way to give it to her.¡±


    Roman let out a low chuckle. ¡°Come in, Liam.¡± He suddenly uttered, confusing Mrs Elvin. The door was opened five secondster and Williams walked in,ing to stand beside her.


    rmed, Mrs. Elvin made to throw the envelope into her bag, but Williams caught her hand.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing? Let me go.¡± She protested, her heart beating like crazy and her eyes blinking just the same way while she stared at the hand holding hers in a tight grip.


    ¡°You have onest chance to say what exactly is in that envelope.¡± Williams said, throwing her a fierce look.


    Roman rxed and watched, waiting for the big reveal.


    ¡°I already said it¡¯s a letter. What¡¯s this harassment for?¡±


    ¡°Were you there when this letter was written and packaged? Are you sure this is not something else?¡± Williams asked again.


    ¡°Yes. I was there when she wrote it and I saw her package it. It has been in my possession since then.¡± Mrs Elvin confessed, and Williams snatched the letter without warning.


    ¡°Give it back. You have no right to take my letter.¡±Mrs Elvin yelled, jumping to her feet to snatch the envelope back.


    Williams grabbed her neck, stopping her advance toward him. Squeezing tightly, he blocked her airways, depriving her of air.


    ¡°You know, for an omega, you certainly do have guts.¡± Williams spoke, giving her a disgusted look. ¡°One gutsy, little, and weak omega. But you chose the wrong ce to disy your courage. Tell me why I shouldn¡¯t snap your neck and send you to the ce where you so seek to be?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t kill her, Liam.¡± Roman, who had not moved from where he sat, spoke, seeing the omega struggle fruitlessly against Williams grip. ¡°What is in the envelope?¡± He asked, watching as Williams released the woman¡¯s neck, letting her fall to the floor and heave for breath.


    ¡°Trevor!¡± Williams called out instead of answering Roman¡¯s question, and when Trevor showed up inside the office, he handed him the envelope. ¡°Open it.¡± Williams ordered, and Trevor, despite being confused about what was going on, proceeded to open the letter.

 Die single

    At this point, Roman¡¯s curiosity was at its peak. Whatever was making Williams this agitated was definitely going to be worth it. For a moment, he nced at Mrs Elvin and caught her ring fiercely at Trevor.


    He shifted his gaze to Trevor, who was already opening the envelope. Somehow, even though the guy was moving at a normal pace, Roman still felt like he was moving too slow, and that was because of his heightened curiosity.


    The envelope finally gave way, leaving the small piece of paper that it contained. Trevor opened the paper only to find nothing on it. He turned it to check the other side and it was the same.


    ¡°It¡¯s nk.¡± He revealed, lifting his confused eyes to Williams, who didn¡¯t look surprised. However, as soon as the words left Trevor¡¯s lips, his face contorted in pain, and he staggered backwards, letting out a groan as he bent over and fell on his knees.


    Roman sprang to his feet. ¡°What is happening to him?¡± He asked, ring at Williams.


    ¡°Exactly what would have happened to your wife if she had opened that letter. Only, unlike Trevor, she wouldn¡¯t survive it. She would be dead in less than three minutes because this was made with her in mind. The paper is coated with axantrifa, and the reason she wants you to deliver it is so that you can watch her die.¡± Williams exined.


    In no time, Roman was before Mrs Elvin, his pheromones zing due to how angry he was. Unlike the other time when she fought Williams hand on her neck, this time she couldn¡¯t do much fighting when Roman pulled her up from the ground harshly and grabbed her neck. At that point, even the air she was breathing in that office space was against her.


    ¡°Boss, please. Don¡¯t kill her. She is Madam¡¯s mother. Madam will not be happy.¡± Trevor spoke in between groans, and Roman threw him a dirty look, catching him shaking his head in disagreement.


    ¡°No! Go ahead and kill me, you monster. If you escape this one, you will not escape the next one, I promise you.¡± Mrs Elvin forced herself to say, ring fiercely at Roman.


    It took all the self control he had learned and mastered for a long time for Roman not to tighten his grip and end the miserable life of the omega. Knowing again that Joan had some kind of love for the vile woman made him keep his blood thirst tamed.


    He let go of her neck and immediately grabbed her hands as he dragged her away from the office. Williams followed him, wondering what was running through his mind.


    His brows slowly rose when he realized Roman was taking her to the underground dungeon attached to the house.


    ¡°You think this will save you? Locking me up will not save you. You will never be happy, and neither will you have any form of peace in this life, Roman Gavriel.¡± Mrs Elvin yelled when she was thrown into one of the cells and the door was shut. She grabbed the iron bars and shot a dagger look at Roman, who was already walking away after locking the door. ¡°Whether you kill me or not, you will never have Joan. She will soon find out the monster you are and she will walk away from your life and someone else will kill her without fail. It is certain. Mark my words, bastard.¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Roman turned around when she mentioned that someone else would kill Joan, but he stopped himself from going back to her. Williams, however, who had been leaning on the opposite wall from her, moved to the ce Roman kept the key and retrieved it.


    He unlocked the cell and walked in, thennded her a p that knocked her out instantly, shutting her up. She fell to the floor and passed out.


    ¡°She¡¯s not dead. I just needed her to shut up.¡± Williams exined, catching the questioning look on Roman¡¯s face.


    Roman turned back around and walked away from the dungeon, going back to the office. He met Trevor trying to stand up when he arrived. Trevor was no longer groaning, but that didn¡¯t stop him from throwing the the guy a concerned look.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, boss.¡± Trevor answered the unspoken question before moving his attention to Williams. ¡°I am not a test monkey, Alpha Williams. Why would you use me to carry out your experiment? Do you know how painful that was?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t die, did you?¡± Williams asked, going to sit right opposite Roman.


    ¡°So what if I didn¡¯t die? Why didn¡¯t you open the letter yourself?¡± Trevor threw back.


    ¡°I wanted to, but the crazy woman didn¡¯t let me.¡± Williams answered.


    ¡°Then you should have found someone else.¡±


    ¡°No one was closer to this ce but you. Now stop whining like a little baby, will you?¡± Williams scolded, fixing his attention on Roman, who hadn¡¯t said anything for a while. ¡°You stopped yourself from killing her. You never think twice about killing someone you already moved to kill. Your wife sure has a huge influence over you. Do you know what that means, Rome? You now have a weakness.¡±


    ¡°Have you heard from Daniel?¡± Roman, instead of responding to Williams, asked Trevor.


    ¡°Yes, boss. He calledst night. They arrived at Camparo and the hotel safely.¡± Trevor answered, giving the report he couldn¡¯tst night because of the fight between Roman and Williams.


    ¡°Send more men to Camparo and make sure they all stay out of her sight.¡± Roman ordered.


    ¡°Yes, boss.¡± Trevor nodded, taking out his phone and walking out of the office.


    ¡°I am still confused about something, Rome. Why did you allow her to travel with public transportation if you care so much about her safety?¡± Williams probed, feigning thoughtfulness.


    ¡°Make yourself useful, Liam. Go find out why her other sides are concealed.¡± Roman said.


    ¡°Elena is on it already.¡±


    ¡°Then find something else to do instead of bothering me.¡±


    ¡°Bothering you gives me joy. Why would I do anything else? That¡¯s why I can¡¯t let you die. Who will I bother if you¡¯re not here?¡± Williams asked.


    ¡°Go find your mate and bother her.¡±


    Williams let out a sigh. ¡°Unfortunately that is not possible. I already gave away my right to have or meet my mate.¡±


    ¡°Good then. You should die single since your first line of thoughtst night was to kill my wife.¡± Roman stood up and walked away from the office, leaving a smile on Williams¡¯ face.

 I have to do this

    Joan woke up with a start, only to discover she was sweating profusely even with the AC turned on. Her brows knitted as she wondered why the strange dream she had the day before came back to her.


    A knock interrupted her thoughts and Grace¡¯s voice filtered in. ¡°Jo, are you up?¡±


    Before she could respond, Grace opened the door and walked into the room, frowning when she set her eyes on her friend.


    ¡°You look terrible. Have you been crying? And why are you sweating?¡± Grace asked in one breath, concerncing her voice and features.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡± Joan rolled off the bed and headed to the bathroom. She was taken aback when she saw how red her eyes were through the mirror. That was when she understood why Grace had asked her if she had been crying.


    ¡°Jo, are you okay?¡± She heard Grace ask from the bedroom and she let out a sigh. She didn¡¯t even know if she was okay or not anymore.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She responded from the bathroom. ¡°I¡¯ll be out in a minute.¡± Joan went ahead to wash up before returning to the bedroom. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Grace. I only had a terrible dream. You don¡¯t have to worry.¡± She assured Grace, who was looking at her with a worryden expression.


    ¡°What was it about?¡±


    ¡°The headless man chasing me to kill me.¡± Joan responded, frowning as she thought about it again.


    ¡°Again?¡± Grace probed.


    ¡°Yeah. Still think it¡¯s just a random dream?¡± Joan asked, fixing her gaze on Grace, who had a thoughtful look on her face.


    ¡°I can¡¯t even get myself to imagine what a headless man chasing you looks like. Maybe you should stop thinking too much about everything and the dream will go away. Come, let¡¯s go get something to eat.¡±


    Joan let out a sigh as they walked away from the bedroom. Stepping out, they met the guard Roman sent with them standing beside the main door.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Good morning, Madam. This came for you.¡± He greeted them extended a sealed envelope to her.


    ¡°From?¡± Joan asked, collecting the envelope.


    ¡°It¡¯s from boss. He said to make sure you enjoy yourself.¡± He responded, bowing again.


    Joan turned to give Grace a look, and thetter gave her a ¡°go ahead, open it¡± look.


    Curious, Joan opened the envelope, to find a ck credit card, and a paper on which the pin was boldly written.


    Grace¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°He gave you a ck card?¡± She asked, unable to believe it. Before Joan could say a word, Grace pulled her toward the elevator and they stepped into it. When she realized that the guard did not attempt to follow them, she let out a sigh. As soon as the door shut, Grace turned to Joan. ¡°This is a bad idea!¡± She whisper-screamed, shaking Joan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Running away is a bad idea. This guy will find you. I¡¯m scared.¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Grace. You are being paranoid now.¡±


    ¡°Paranoid? He just gave you a ck card. Do you know what that means?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to use it.¡± Joan revealed. ¡°You can rx.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t rx. I swear I want to help you, Jo. You know I would stand by you and support you no matter what. But this matter is tooplicated for this your escape n. I don¡¯t want to lose you. Do you know how heartbroken your mum will be should anything bad happens to you? Think about it.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I won¡¯t run away anymore.¡± Joan revealed and Grace almost choked.


    ¡°What?! Are you serious?¡± Grace couldn¡¯t believe it so she didn¡¯t let out a relieved breath yet. This was what she wanted but why would Joan just agree so casually? Did she perhaps think about itst night?


    ¡°I¡¯m serious. I don¡¯t want you to get into trouble because of me, and this card just made me realize I may have interpreted his words incorrectly. I think it¡¯s better I cooperate and beg him to let me go.¡± Joan assured and Grace finally let out that breath.


    ¡°Oh, dear Lord. You don¡¯t know how happy I am right now. You just took a huge load off my back. Thank you.¡± Grace continued to breathe out through her mouth, releasing the pent up tension and anxiety.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I put you through that stress. Let¡¯s enjoy this vacation alright. I¡¯ll sort my issues with Roman when we return to Apex Dominica.¡± Joan said and at the same time, the elevator door opened when they arrived at the ground floor.


    They moved to the restaurant to eat, and afterward to the spa to get some pampering.


    When evening came, they decided to spend their time partying in the private pool inside the penthouse.


    This went on for three days and Joan never brought up the issue of running away or escaping any longer. She enjoyed herself as they toured the beautiful city, tried different wonderful dishes and drinks, met amazing people, and visited all the ces she had dreamed she would whenever she got the chance. However, she made sure not to use the ck card, not even for one transaction.


    On the fourth day, Joan had more wine and partied harder than usual and as a result, she went to bed earlier than she normally would.


    That night, she woke up before dawn, and began to dress up. Checking the time, it was a little past 4 am, the perfect time to execute her ns. So she picked up her phone and booked a ride.


    The past days they had toured the city, she used the opportunity to learn the different routes out of the city and transport systems working there. After gathering all the information, she mapped out a perfect n.


    Looking at the beautiful room, she let out a sigh. This was a dream life, but it wasn¡¯t for her. She had let other people control her life for too long. It was time for her to take the driver¡¯s seat.


    She picked up her documents and other necessities, and stuffed them into the inner pockets of the big jacket she bought for that sole purpose. After that, she walked out of the room, moving to Grace¡¯s room. She opened the door silently to find her friend sleeping.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Gracie. I have to do this.¡± She whispered before shutting the door and finally walking away.

 Attack

    Outside the main door, she paused as she came face to face with the guard assigned to provide them security.


    ¡°Is everything alright, Madam?¡± He asked, looking at her quizzically. He couldn¡¯t understand why she was all dressed up and out so early in the morning.


    ¡°Um, yes. I just want to grab coffee downstairs. I¡¯ll be back.¡± Joan answered his question, but he wasn¡¯t satisfied.


    ¡°It can be delivered to you up here, or I can go and get it myself. You don¡¯t have to go through that stress.¡± The guard suggested, and was about to move when she stopped him..


    ¡°No, don¡¯t bother. I need the walk to clear my head. I will be fine.¡± She didn¡¯t wait after she finished speaking. She went straight to the elevator, knowing from the buzz of her phone that her ride had arrived.


    When the elevator door closed, she let out a sigh, seeing that he made no move to follow her. However, with the door now blocking her view, she didn¡¯t notice that he brought out his phone and made a call as soon as the door closed.


    The cold wind hit her face as soon as she stepped out of the hotel building. She sighted her ride and walked hastily toward the car, climbing in without hesitation.


    This was it. She was leaving and never turning back. Although her heart was squeezing tightly inside her chest because of guilt, she steeled her mind. She wouldmunicate with Grace when she arrived at her destination, and she believed Grace would understand. As for Roman, she hoped he would never find her. Even though she had turned a deaf ear to Grace¡¯s warnings, somewhere in her heart, she was kinda scared he would hunt her down.


    The farther the car drove from the hotel, the less her heart panicked that she would be caught. She slowly regained some peace as no one seemed to notice or follow them. By the time the guard would notice, she would be long gone.


    With that thought in mind, she turned on a soothing music in her phone, which she listened to via earbuds. Finally rxing against the back rest, she shut her eyes.


    The journey progressed smoothly until five minutester when the car screeched to a halt, forcing Joan to snap her eyes open. She sat up instantly, knitting her brows.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± She asked, looking at the driver through the rear view mirror.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. A car just drove out of nowhere and blocked the road.¡± The driver responded, watching the car with confusion on his face.


    Joan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She looked ahead and saw two men in ck alight from the car, and walked toward her ride.


    ¡°What do they want? Are they police officers? Were you over speeding? Or did youmit an offense?¡± Joan asked without breaking her words, leaving no room for the driver to answer any one of them.


    The driver didn¡¯t know whether to reverse or wait, seeing the men approach his car. Trying to be on the safe side since he wasn¡¯t sure what they wanted and he knew he had notmitted any crime, he waited, winding down the ss on his side of the car so he could ask them what they wanted.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    However, before he could say a word, a gun was ced to his head and the trigger pulled.


    Joan screamed in terror when she saw what happened. She wanted to run, but where would she run to when the killers were already at the doors on her left and right?


    She did the first thing that came to her mind, pressing down the door lock, while she tried to call Grace.


    The ss came crashing in when the men punched them at the same time.


    She sessfully dialed Grace¡¯s number, but dropped the phone trying to stop the hands from opening the door. But to her utmost shock, the man, instead of reaching for the lock, pulled the door off its hinges, leaving her utterly terrified and frozen.


    He lowered himself and stretched his hand to grab her. He didn¡¯t seed because something pulled him away from the car with such force that Joan couldn¡¯tprehend. Her ears picked up sounds of snarls and growls, and she made to see what was happening, forgetting her second attacker.


    A chloroformced piece of cloth was ced over her face by the second attacker, and just before she would pass out, he was also pulled away from her, leaving her struggling to stay awake.


    But she couldn¡¯t fight the effect of the gas she inhaled. However, before she passed out, she saw a familiar face approach her. He had blood on his shirt and worry on his face. When did he get there? Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be with Roman?


    ¡°Are you alright, Madam?¡± Joan heard him ask when he reached her, but everything turned ck the next second.


    ¡°Is she hurt?¡± The guard at the hotel asked, approaching the car after dealing with the second attacker.


    ¡°No. She just passed out.¡± Daniel answered, frowning and looking around with narrowed eyes.


    ***


    Two hourster, Grace woke up from her slumber, and the first thing she checked was her phone. She believed she had heard it ringing earlier but was too sleepy to pick it up. To add to that, it had only rang once.


    When she saw Joan¡¯s missed call notification, a frown appeared on her face. Why would Joan be calling her when their rooms were just a few meters apart? Was she alright?


    Grace moved unhesitatingly to Joan¡¯s room and found that she wasn¡¯t there. Did she go out? Grace proceeded to dial her number, but no one was answering.


    Worried, she went outside to ask the guard where Joan went. Meeting the guard¡¯s absence, she didn¡¯t know what to think anymore. Did she go to buy something and took the guard along?


    When forty minutes passed, Grace couldn¡¯t take it anymore as her worry had escted. She tried calling Joan¡¯s line again, and this time, a man picked up and was about to say something when the call dropped. Grace tried again multiple times to no avail. The phone was switched off.

 A little more time

    As the phone rang, Grace paced about the living room, waiting for Trevor to pick up the call. She had decided to call him after searching for Joan and the guard without any positive results. If the guard was with Joan, then Trevor would reach the guard on the phone since she doesn¡¯t have his number.


    He didn¡¯t pick up the first time, so she called again.


    ¡°Miss Grace?¡± Trevor spoke when the call connected.


    ¡°Mr. Baliante, sorry for bothering you so early in the morning. I can¡¯t find Joan. And I can¡¯t find the guard either. I thought he may have escorted her somewhere but I¡¯ve searched everywhere and didn¡¯t find them, and it¡¯s been an hour now.¡± Grace poured out her reports and worries the moment she heard his voice, without giving him a chance to speak. ¡°I¡¯m not saying she¡¯s missing, but her phone is switched off and I don¡¯t have the guard¡¯s number. Can you call the guard to find out where they are? I¡¯m dying of worry here.¡± Grace finally stopped talking.


    ¡°Your friend is fine, Miss Grace. She was attacked this morning-¡±


    ¡°Attacked? How? Where ? By who?¡± Grace cut into Trevor¡¯s words, stopping him from finishing his sentence. She had  already breathed out in relief when he said Joan was fine, only to hear him say she was attacked.


    ¡°Calm down. She¡¯s fine. She¡¯s already on her way to Apex Dominica.¡± Trevor announced, surprising Grace.


    ¡°What?! Apex Dominica?¡± She eximed. Why would Joan go home without her?


    ***


    ¡°Why hasn¡¯t she woken up yet? Are you sure it¡¯s only chloroform?¡± Roman asked, looking worriedly at Joan, who he justid on the bed after they arrived at the mansion.


    ¡°Yes, boss. I have the cloth here.¡± Daniel extended the piece of cloth that was used to cover Joan¡¯s face. ¡°We arrived at the scene right on time so I¡¯m sure nothing else was given to her.¡± He exined as Roman took the cloth from him to examine it.


    Standing next to Daniel was Trevor. Behind the three of them was Williams, who stood outside the door. He had a slight furrow on his forehead as he fixed his intense gaze on Joan¡¯s unconscious form.


    When Roman turned to him after confirming the cloth wasced with nothing else but chloroform, Williams looked up at him and spoke before any questions could be asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why she isn¡¯t waking up, Rome. Something isn¡¯t right with her and I don¡¯t know what it is.¡±


    ¡°Who did this?¡± Roman asked, the aura around him getting darker.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Rome. I was with you the whole of yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you finding out already?¡±


    Williams let out a sigh. ¡°Daniel,¡± he called.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± Daniel responded, turning to face him.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± Williams ordered, and started walking away that second.


    Daniel bowed to Roman, before following Williams. Although Williams was his Alpha, Roman was the King and he had pledged eternal loyalty to him. Should Roman order otherwise, he would have no choice but to obey.


    When the duo left the room, Roman turned again to face Joan. He warned her not to escape. Why didn¡¯t she just listen? What made her think she could escape him?


    Now he wasn¡¯t just angry because she tried to run away. She had been attacked and was almost killed by people he didn¡¯t know. To make matters worse, she was making him extremely restless by not waking up.


    ¡°I think we should give her a little more time, boss. If she still didn¡¯t stir, then I suggest we visit the hospital.¡± Trevor said, breaking the tense silence that fell in the room.


    ¡°Start making arrangements with the hospital.¡± Roman instructed and Trevor moved out of the room, fishing for his phone in his pocket.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Initially, they had decided not to take her to the hospital because they thought she would eventually wake up after some time. But Roman was bing desperate.


    It would have been easy to know what was going on with her if he hadn¡¯t invaded her mind that first day. Now, as a consequence of what he did that day, he waspletely blocked from her mind, unless and until he marked her, which, again, as a consequence of his actions, can only happen on a certain day of the red moon.


    Apart from her issues, his ability tomunicate with Trevor and Daniel via mind link was affected too. Although he didn¡¯t tell them about it, he knew they would have already noticed, but thought he was intentionally blocking his mind. Lazer, his wolf was not spared. The ck beast was no longer as free as it used to be, as it was also imprisoned in its human¡¯s mind. It would take a lot of energy for Lazer to speak to Roman, and the beast wanted to save its energy.


    Roman let out a frustrated sigh, moving farther away from the bed. Going to stand at the other end of the room, he leaned his body against the wall. His fists clenched and unclenched when his mind thought again about the strange people that attacked her. Daniel and Josy ¨C the guard ¨C had killed the attackers, but Roman felt like killing them again and again by himself. Only then would this anger inside of him be quenched.


    He shut his eyes as he rested the back of his head against the wall. The very next second, his eyes snapped open when his ears caught on to the sound of the soft rustle of the sheets.


    His eyes met with Joan¡¯srge, green ones, and relief washed over him. At first, her expression was nk, but he saw it slowly change into confusion.


    He rushed toward her but halted halfway there because she suddenly let out a scream while looking at him with a terrified expression.


    Confused, he just stared at her, not knowing what to do. He wanted to ask her why she was screaming when she suddenly stopped.


    Thinking it was over, he approached her again, but her next words made him frown.


    ¡°GET OUT!¡± She yelled, pointing to the door.

 Restrategize

    Roman made no effort to move another step toward her. He just stared at her after hearing her yell at him.


    ¡°What?!¡± he asked, surprised.


    ¡°This is my room, right?¡± Joan asked after sitting up, her tone calmer this time.


    Roman didn¡¯t know why she was asking that, but he still answered. ¡°Yes, it is.¡±


    ¡°Good. Get out of my room.¡± Joan repeated, again with a calm tone, ring daggers at him.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Roman asked, still not moving. He didn¡¯t know what to think about what was happening. He expected her to be asking him about the attack but she was instead telling him to leave her room. Did she perhaps think that he was behind the attack? Was that why she was this angry at him?


    ¡°Do I look okay?¡± Joan asked, annoyed. She felt she was going insane, and the dreams she had been having were not helping matters. It was no headless man this time. Rather, there were strange looking people who continuously whispered things she didn¡¯t understand into her ears until she finally found the will to break free from their hold.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t look okay. You look like you enjoying getting yourself in trouble and dangerous situations.¡± Roman answered, finally taking bold steps to cover the distance between them. As much as he was worried about her, he was also pissed. ¡°What made you think you could run away from me? You almost got yourself killed, remained unconscious for more than 12 hours, and the first thing you do when you woke up safe and sound was to yell at me to leave your room? For what? For saving your ass?¡± Roman threw the questions one after another, gritting his teeth.


    He was now standing by the edge of the bed, ring down at her. He knew she wouldn¡¯t have gotten into trouble if he had not dragged her into his messed up life, but damnit, if she had listened to him and not tried to escape, she would have been fine.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Joan was ready to retort, but she held her tongue because, once again, she began to feel the need to find clean air as the one she was currently breathing had be polluted. She narrowed her eyes as she shot him a suspicious look, believing as she had previously suspected, that he was responsible for what was happening to her.


    To further confirm her suspicions, she could see his eyes slowly getting darker, having a few specks of red. This made her believe what she saw the first day in the car was not her imagination.


    ¡°What are you?¡± She managed to ask, willing herself not to panic and to keep breathing. ¡°What are you doing to me?¡± She asked again, realizing that staying calm helped a great deal with her breathing, but not with the sudden chills running down her spine and the need to move away from this man.


    Noticing her distress and hearing her question, Roman moved slightly away from her andposed himself. He was quite surprised she didn¡¯t start wheezing like she did the previous times. Still, her question made him panic slightly.


    ¡°You¡¯re stubborn. You don¡¯t want to know what I do to stubborn and defiant girls. Stop tempting me and behave.¡± He uttered before backing off and going toward the door.


    His words didn¡¯t sit right with Joan so she knitted her brows. Much as he scared her, he also brings out a strange boldness and audacity from within her. However, she decided not to counter yet again because her breathing was gradually returning to normal as he moved away from her.


    Roman walked away, snatching the key from the inner part of the door, and shutting the door after he stepped out. Joan widened her eyes, seeing what he had just done. Was he nning to lock her in? Or did he take the key because he didn¡¯t want her to lock the door?


    Roman turned around and inserted the key into the lock, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to turn it. He tried to force himself to do it. That was the least punishment he could give her for trying to defy him and do exactly what he said she shouldn¡¯t.


    In the end, he ran his fingers through his hair and let out a frustrated sigh. This was a small thing. Just for a few hours and he would open the door again. Why the hell couldn¡¯t he do it? Why was he struggling this much over something as simple as this?


    ring at the door, he felt like releasing some of his frustrations by punching it, but simply knowing that she was in there made him shift his attention to the adjacent wall instead.


    Without hesitation, he moved to his target and punched the wall so hard, Joan shook on the bed out of fear.


    Her heart started to beat wildly, but she willed herself to stay calm as she fixed her eyes on the door, waiting for what would happen next.


    A few secondster, the door was opened to reveal a fuming Roman. Joan had never seen him look that pissed, even though she had only seen him a few times. Strangely, his anger seemed to bring her some joy and satisfaction. She shouldn¡¯t be the only frustrated one.


    Roman stated at herrge green eyes which appealed greatly to him, and almost made him forget the reason he was angry in the first ce.


    He returned the key to its original position and turned around to walk away from there. Trevor stood a distance away from him, giving him a look, and Roman raised a brow at him.


    ¡°Her meal is ready.¡± Trevor reported, understanding the look Roman gave him.


    ¡°Good. Serve her then.¡± Romanmented, walking toward his room.


    ¡°Me?¡± Trevor asked, widening his eyes. Before Roman could say a word, Daniel, who just arrived at the scene, spoke up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± He said and when Roman shot him a look, he added, ¡°I think I can handle what Trevor is scared of.¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡± Roman asked.


    ¡°Her temper, boss. I have very good people skills.¡± He assured, and Roman walked away without saying a word more to either of them.


    He had thought he had it all figured out and that after everything he had done, Joan woulde around. But now, it was obvious he needed to restrategize.

 Company

    Joan remained on the bed, the image of what happened that morning refusing to leave her mind.


    She didn¡¯t know who those people were or why they came after her, but the driver was innocent. He was only doing his job, looking for his daily bread. Why did they have to kill him?


    The more she thought about it, the more guilt ate at her. If she hadn¡¯t booked that ride, that man would still be alive. It was her fault he was caught up in this and died in the process. The thought broke her down to the point where tears began to flow from her eyes.


    She heard a knock, but refused to respond. She sat still, staring at the door with a depressed expression until the knock echoed again.


    ¡°It¡¯s Daniel, Madam. I brought your food. You haven¡¯t eaten anything for a long time so I know you must be very hungry. Can Ie in?¡± Joan heard the words filter in and she sniffed, wiping her tears with the back of her palm.


    ¡°Come in.¡± She said, but was forced to repeat it when she realized her voice came out raspy.


    Daniel, however, already proceeded to open the door before she couldplete the words the second time since he had heard her clearly the first time.


    He walked in with another man, who pushed and handled the food trolley. The man bowed to her, then went ahead with his job without saying a word.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Joan stopped him from dishing the food as she preferred to do that herself. Seeing that his job was done, Daniel spoke.


    ¡°You can leave. I¡¯ll let you know when you¡¯re needed.¡±


    The man left, but Daniel stayed back, however, he stood at a distance away to give her some space.


    ¡°I know you have questions, Madam. I¡¯m here to answer them. But I¡¯ll suggest you finish your meal before asking. Don¡¯t worry, you can take your time. I¡¯ll wait. Or if you want me toe backter, I can do that also.¡± Daniel said, seeing how she shot him a questioning look.


    ¡°Did your boss send you to do this?¡± Joan asked as she eyed the food set out before her.


    ¡°No, Madam. He doesn¡¯t even know I am doing this.¡± Daniel responded.


    ¡°Why are you doing this without his consent?¡±


    ¡°Because I know you have questions that you may not want to ask him.¡± Daniel answered, then added, ¡°Do you need me to taste the food?¡±


    He noticed she wasn¡¯t eating yet and was just staring at everything. After witnessing what happened the first day she joined them to eat at the dining, he suspected she still believed the food was poisoned


    ¡°No. I might as well just eat it and die.¡± Joanmented as she began to eat.


    ¡°You won¡¯t die. You can¡¯t, in fact. Not now at least. Please don¡¯t talk about dying anymore. Boss would be pissed if he heard it.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Joan asked with a full mouth, only now realizing how hungry she was and how delicious the meal was.


    ¡°Because you are his world. The very essence of his life. You don¡¯t believe it yet but it¡¯s true when I say boss loves you. There is nothing he wouldn¡¯t do to make you happy and keep you safe. Even if you ask him to go to the ends of the earth for your sake, he would do it if it makes you happy.¡± Daniel exined enthusiastically, but still keeping his voice low.


    His words made Joan remember what Grace told her the first day they arrived at the pent house. But she still couldn¡¯t fathom how someone could love another without prior meeting.


    ¡°Where is my phone? And how is my friend?¡±


    ¡°Your phone is downstairs. I¡¯ll get it for you after your meal. Your friend is already on her way back to Apex Dominica. She should arrive this evening.¡±


    ¡°Who were those people and what did they want from me?¡± Joan asked after a moment of silence.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know yet. But an investigation is ongoing. I will keep you updated if you want.¡± Daniel shed her a smile to ease her worry.


    Joan nodded her head. The image of the driver getting shot in the head shed in her mind again, and she instantly lost appetite. She dropped her cutlery and fixed her attention on Daniel, narrowing her eyes.


    ¡°Howe you were there?¡± Joan asked. ¡°Thest time I saw you was at the airport. Why am I finding it hard to believe this whole thing was not nned by your boss because I was trying to escape?¡±


    ¡°nned?¡± Daniel asked, surprised. ¡°No! Boss would never do anything to hurt you. I was on the same flight as you, but my job was to protect you while staying out of sight. I saw you leave the hotel and I followed just to ensure your safety. I also wasn¡¯t expecting the attack, but it¡¯s good I was there because if anything had happened to you, this ce would have been hell for everyone, especially me. Boss will kill all of us and kill himself.¡± Daniel answered, adding thest part in a whisper.


    Joan was about to ask why he said that when the door opened and Roman walked in. She frowned at him, but his eyes were fixed on Daniel, who had pursed his lips.


    ¡°What are you still doing here?¡± Roman asked.


    ¡°Madam asked me to stay back to provide herpany while she ate.¡± Daniel answered without hesitation and Joan¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. When did she ever say that?


    Roman turned his face toward Joan with a brow raised, and saw her frowning at him. He didn¡¯t even get a chance to ask her if what Daniel said was true or not before she spoke.


    ¡°What? Am I not free to havepany again? Or have you made me a prisoner in my own house?¡± Joan threw the questions at him, indirectly backing Daniel¡¯s im up while not answering in the affirmative.

 Make things right

    Roman didn¡¯t know how to feel about what she had just asked. Hearing her im the house to be hers brought him immense satisfaction. However her eyes still held so much spite for him.


    He shifted his gaze to give Daniel a look and no one needed to tell thed to disappear from the room at that instant.


    With Daniel gone, leaving just the two of them, Roman moved to the bed and sat down beside Joan, eyeing the left-over food on the tray before shifting his attention to her face.


    She had a ss of juice in her hand and she was sending him a wary gaze. Thankfully she didn¡¯t move away when he plopped his butt down on the bed beside her.


    ¡°If you wantpany so badly, my room is right next to yours. You could have sent for me or juste to me.¡± Roman said, his eyes zeroing in on the area right below the side of her lips where a stray drop of juice rested. Seeing how she wasn¡¯t bothered about it or trying to wipe it off meant she wasn¡¯t aware of its presence.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want yourpany.¡± Joan retorted.


    Instead of responding or changing his expression, Roman moved his hand towards the exact point on her face where the stray drop was.


    rmed, Joan moved her head away with the intention of going farther from his reach, but she wasn¡¯t fast enough. He caught her chin, making her freeze.


    ¡°W-what are you doing?¡± she stuttered, stuck between trying to force her chin away from his grip or enjoying the strangely wonderful feel of his hand against her skin. In the end, she decided thetter was better. The first day she had touched him, his skin felt so good that she didn¡¯t want to stop. She wanted to hold him forever. Why that was, she couldn¡¯t tell.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    Roman didn¡¯t respond to her question. He, instead, kept his eyes on her, observing how confused she was, and feeling that heavenly sensation that could only be felt when one touched their destined mate.


    It wasn¡¯t this hard with his first mate. In fact, she had been over the moon when he found her, and pleasing her came easy for him since they were both into each other and the feelings were mutual. But her death had brought him lots of misfortune, turned him into someone he wasn¡¯t and didn¡¯t recognize, earned him a curse and hundreds of years of celibacy.


    Only for him to get another mate and she doesn¡¯t even want to have anything to do with him. He knew his method of getting her to his side was not the best. To be honest it wasn¡¯t even good. But who would be in his position, suffer all he had suffered, and just let his second chance mate slip away when he could do something about it?


    ¡°Your eyes are beautiful.¡± hemented out of the blue, only now finding the chance to say it even though he had been enthralled by the pair since the first day he set eyes on them.


    Taken aback, Joan knitted her brows. What was he doing? Why was heplimenting her eyes? Not that she hated it. He wasn¡¯t the first person topliment her eyes but his sounded different to her ears. Was he expecting her to say thank you?


    Just as that thought crossed her mind, Roman shifted his gaze to her lips, then farther down to the spot where the juice drop was. His thumb moved to wipe it off in such slow motion that made Joan shiver. He let go of her chin when he was done, turning his thumb around to show her the liquid, and then moved his thumb to his lips to lick off the liquid.


    His actions surprised Joanne. He could have just told her about the spill and she would wipe it off herself. Why did he decide to do that and why lick it? Wait! Was he trying to seduce her? Because if that was it, then he sure as hell was seeding. Her body, unfortunately, was reacting positively to that simple action, and his sitting close to her, looking into her eyes and looking all gorgeous, was not helping matters.


    ¡°You are a married woman, Joan.¡± Roman started speaking, his expression abruptly switching to a serious one, snapping Joan out of her day dream.


    ¡°And your husband is one hell of a jealous bastard. I don¡¯t appreciate my wife craving another man¡¯spany when I am not dead or unable to perform my duty.¡± Roman said, and immediately added ¡°Shhhh,¡± when he saw she wanted to retort again.


    Joan swallowed her words, even though she really wanted to say them. It was surprising how he was able to make her do that by just shushing her in a soft tone.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether you want it or not. It¡¯s my job as your husband and I am going to do it.¡± Roman continued. ¡°I know we got off on the wrong foot. That is why I¡¯m here to make things right. Give me a chance to make you happy. That is all I want.¡± Roman revealed.


    ¡°You want to make me happy?¡± Joan asked.


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll do and give anything you ask.¡± Roman affirmed.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you start by letting me go first? That is what will make me happy.¡± Joan said and Roman let out a sigh, already predicting that was what she would say.


    ¡°As impossible as that feels and sounds, I would have granted that request and courted you properly, then married you the right way. But that option is now impossible. My enemies have identified you with me and will stop at nothing to hurt you knowing how much that would hurt me in return.¡±


    ¡°Why would hurting me hurt you?¡± Joan asked, confused.


    ¡°Because right now, nothing else in my life matters as much as you do. Nothing and no one is as important as you are.¡±

 Delusional statement

    Already tired of hearing the same reason over and over again Joan decided not to ask why.


    She just stared at the man promising her heaven on earth, and she still couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that something just wasn¡¯t right with him.


    ¡°You knew you had enemies, yet you involved me in this mess, knowing they woulde after me and you im to love me? How am I supposed to believe that?¡± Joan asked, swallowing the question about his identity, which she initially wanted to ask.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have enemies?¡± Roman asked and Joanne frowned.


    ¡°I don¡¯t. I am not a troublemaker. I don¡¯t engage in things that bring the wrong kind of attention toward me.¡± Joan defended herself.


    ¡°Are you sure about that? Are we forgetting how you caught my attention?¡± Roman probed, arching a brow, and Joan felt like pping herself. However, before she could utter another word in her defense, Roman continued. ¡°And did you say you don¡¯t have enemies? That would be the most delusional statement of the century. You know why? Because almost everyone you were surrounded by before I met you were your enemies. Only one person cared about your well-being. The others could not wait to dance on your grave. I¡¯m surprised how you could be so blinded and endure all the shit they threw at you, only to act so unmodating to the person who saved you from their grasp and wants nothing but the best for you.


    ¡°Because you married me without my consent.¡± Joan blurted, annoyed at hisst statement.


    ¡°Without your consent? How? Did I kidnap you? You gave me your consent, Joan.¡± Roman pointed out in incredulity.


    ¡°Because I didn¡¯t have a choice. You gave me no choice.¡±


    ¡°You had two choices. You picked the one most beneficial to you with milder consequences.¡± Roman reminded her, but Joan was not ready to let it go.


    ¡°You could have given me a third choice. I made a mistake and I regret my action. I apologize for my foolishness. I was drunk. You could have forgiven me and let me go.¡± Joan spoke, this time, her tone was calmer and she looked sober.


    ¡°How?¡± Roman asked, confusing her for a second. ¡°How could I have let you go when your touch brought life back into my body? You can¡¯t deny you don¡¯t feel it because I know you do, and if you still need proof as to why I said you are my soulmate, then that is one of them. I promise you will never feel that way with another person. I know and admit that my approach and method was wrong. That is why I want us to start again. I don¡¯t mind courting you from scratch even though we are married, and after the courtship, I will marry you again, properly this time. Just give me a chance.¡± Roman asked and Joan finally looked away from him.


    ¡°I gave Richard a chance. Look where itnded me.¡± she uttered, and a look of disgust settled on Roman¡¯s face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t everpare me to that irresponsible little boy.¡± he said.


    ¡°Little boy?¡± Joanne asked. ¡°He¡¯s 30 years old and I don¡¯t think you¡¯re much older. He might even be older than you.¡±Joan added, looking him in the face once more to confirm how true her words were by his facial features.


    Roman wanted tough and ask her if she knew how old he was but he held his tongue. She wasn¡¯t ready enough to handle any information about his true identity yet.


    ¡°Anyone who behaves like a child is called a child. It doesn¡¯t matter how old the person is. He is lucky I didn¡¯t end his life for putting you through the kind of stress you suffered while you were with him.¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Joan frowned at his words and would have not taken it so seriously if she had not seen what she saw the first day she arrived at his house.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he has done anything that deserves death. Just leave him alone, please.¡± She pleaded, notfortable with what he said.


    ¡°You finally requested something from me and it¡¯s in favor of another man. You don¡¯t seem to understand how jealous I am. Now I want to kill him.¡±


    Panicked, Joan sought to change the topic and luckily a suitable recement dropped to her mind.


    ¡°You said you want to court me, right? And you want me to give you a chance?¡± She asked, and didn¡¯t wait for his response before agreeing. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll give you a chance. Let¡¯s see if you can manage to convince me that you truly love and care about me.¡±


    Roman said nothing. He watched her with narrowed eyes, already knowing she was trying to divert his attention from what he had said earlier. He thought she wasn¡¯t smart but she had just proved him wrong. Something, however, still didn¡¯t sit right with him.


    ¡°Do you still love him?¡± he asked, watching as Joan¡¯s eyes widened for a second before she shook her head in response. ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me, Joan.¡± Joan heard him say, and a certain kind of chill ran down her spine.


    ¡°I don¡¯t love him. I stopped loving him a long time ago. I just don¡¯t want him to die for my sake. And that goes for any other person. My life is already a mess. I don¡¯t want it to get messier than this.¡± She confessed in all honesty and sincerity.


    The frown on Roman¡¯s face slowly faded when he heard what she said. He donned a smirk and pushed himself off the bed.


    ¡°Rest now. Tomorrow will be a good day.¡± He said, then walked away from the room.


    Joan let out a soft sigh, then climbed off the bed. He had asked her to rest, and it was already evening. But she felt like she suddenly had all the energy in the world. She moved to the bathroom to freshen up, changed into one of her pajamas, then walked out of her room. If she was going to ept this new life which she had been made to know was not ending anytime soon, then she probably shouldn¡¯t be cooped up in her room all the time. It was time to know her surroundings and find out all she could about these people who forced their way into her life.

 Prisoner

    Roman was all smiles when he walked back into his room. Before going back to Joan¡¯s room, he had thought of different ways to make her submit to his will, and was at first surprised when the first thought that popped into his head was to follow her gently.


    He fought the idea initially, and tried toe up with a less soft way to approach the matter, but every method he thought of didn¡¯t end well in his head. They would only make her fear him, and that wasn¡¯t what he was aiming for. There were already enough people who harboured the fear of Roman Gavriel in their hearts. He didn¡¯t want to see that fear in Joan¡¯s eyes. The fact that she could even talk back at him was already satisfying. He didn¡¯t want that to stop.


    So in the end, he decided to go with the gentleman approach. Seeing it work out partially in his favor, he felt ecstatic. He had never had to win a woman¡¯s love in the past. When he was younger, he waited patiently until he found his mate. After her death, women became an abomination. Instead of getting excited by their looks or touch, he became intensely repulsed until he met Joan. Trying to win her love now felt like a challenge, one he was determined to ovee.


    But there was just one problem. He knew nothing about courting a woman, especially one he was already married to.


    ¡°Lazer, can you hear me?¡± He asked in his mind, calling out to his wolf. He had tried to reach the beast earlier, but received no response.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Despite their constant squabbles, Lazer was his best friend and number one confidant. They had kept each otherpany even when the entire world was against them.


    Now he needed to talk to the wolf, but thetter was not avable. Lazer was bing distant, and Roman couldn¡¯t me him. It was a result of forcing his way into Joan¡¯s head and messing with her thoughts. The red moon was still months away, so he had to resort to a temporary fix to speak with his wolf.


    Roman grabbed a bottle of wine, and without a ss, he started to drink directly from the bottle. It was a very strong wine, strong enough to get him drunk in a couple of minutes. If his human form became vulnerable enough, he would be able to speak to Lazer in the subconscious.


    But his ns were halted halfway when his phone rang and he checked to find it was Williams calling. Recalling that he gave Williams an assignment, he picked up.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Roman asked for the identity of the culprit.


    ¡°It¡¯s not Jorell and it¡¯s not Casper. I think the witches are on to you. I¡¯m in Monero. You should get here as quickly as you can. I¡¯m still trying to find the culprit, but I sense they know I am onto them and they are prepared. I may not be able to handle them alone.¡± Williams reported.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there soon. Keep me updated.¡± Roman said, then ended the call and dropped to the bed, shutting his eyes. The drink he just gulped down was already affecting him, and although he didn¡¯t didn¡¯t drink up to his intended quantity, he had taken enough to destabilize him. He would need an hour or two to regainposure.


    ¡®Monero!!!¡¯ He thought. The town of witches. His archenemies, simply because they were the major reason he had so many problems. They had to have been monitoring him to know he had found her, and to know her exact location. He couldn¡¯t wait to get his hands on the one who tried to abduct her.


    ***


    Joan took her sweet time to walk down the stairs, admiring, once more, the beauty of the house. This time, however, she was doing it with a feeling different from the one she had on the first day.


    When she arrived at the ground floor, there was no one there as usual. She instantly thought they must be in the dining room since she could hear faint voices andughtering from that direction.


    Deciding she wasn¡¯t interested in whatever they were doing or the identity of the people there, she fixed her gaze on the main door and moved toward it. Cody, the doorman, was standing there as usual. This made her wonder if he ever sits down or leaves that position. Does he even eat? Howe everyone was eating and he was standing like a statue beside the door?


    ¡°Good evening, Madam. Is there something I can help you with?¡± Cody asked, bowing his head after the greeting.


    ¡°Not at all. I¡¯m good. Just open the door.¡± Joan shed him a polite smile. Just then, Daniel walked out of the dining room and seeing her talking to Cody, he approached them, but didn¡¯t go to close.


    ¡°Why¡­ I mean, where are you going?¡± Cody asked, a small frowning to settle on his features. He was aware she had tried to escape that morning, and was attacked in the process. Was she trying to do it again?


    Joan raised a brow, then wore a displeased look. His face didn¡¯t look like he was asking with a demeaning intention, but his tone of voice suggested otherwise.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to my room.¡± She answered inly, inviting confusion to Cody¡¯s face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure your room is upstairs, ma¡¯am.¡± Cody responded, and Joan wore a surprised look.


    ¡°Upstairs? For real? Are you sure this door doesn¡¯t lead to my room?¡± She probed, feigning ignorance.


    Finally catching up to what she was doing, Cody let out a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ma¡¯am. It¡¯s just that Boss didn¡¯t inform me that you would be going anywhere.¡±


    ¡°Did he inform you that I am now a prisoner in my house?¡± Joan probed, her tone and face giving away her annoyance.


    ¡°Open the door, Cody.¡± Daniel spoke out loud, and Cody moved immediately. He opened the door, but Joan didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Ma¡¯am.¡± Cody apologized, but Joan still didn¡¯t move. She stood there for a few more seconds, looking at him with narrowed, angry eyes, then suddenly turned around, going back into the house instead of outside.


    Seeing that, fear settled in Cody¡¯s features and he was not alone. Daniel shared the same feeling as he widened his eyes in surprise.

 Daydream

    rmed Daniel moved to block Joan¡¯s way making her halt and stopping her advance to the staircase. Cody moved from the door also, following her with the intention of apologizing properly. However, unlike Daniel, he didn¡¯t go to stand in front of her. When she stopped, he waited behind her for the right opportunity to speak.


    He had known Roman all his life and had been working for him for many years. Not once had he had any problems and he didn¡¯t want to start now. All he tried to do was to avoid being used of letting her out of the house and facilitating her second escape attempt. Little did he know that his attempt to avoid trouble was going to invite even bigger trouble. He was no stranger to how werewolves treated their mates. Roman was a powerful lycan who had done the unthinkable in the past because of the death of his mate. Cody didn¡¯t want to be put in that position.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Joan asked, frowning at Daniel. ¡°Are you also going to stop me from climbing the stairs?¡±


    ¡°I dare not.¡± Daniel responded, shaking his head and knitting his brows. ¡°I thought you wanted to go outside.¡±


    ¡°I changed my mind.¡± Joan uttered, folding her hands across her chest.


    ¡°So you want to return to your room now?¡± Daniel asked again and Joan nodded her head.


    ¡°Yes, but only after demanding and getting an exnation from Roman as to why an order to restrict my movement exists in the first ce.¡± Joan answered.


    The moment Cody heard that, he knew he was in trouble already. Without another second wasted, he hastily moved to stand beside Daniel in front of her and bowed his head deeply in regret.


    ¡°There is no such order, Ma¡¯am. I¡¯m very sorry for what I did. It was foolish of me to question you the way I did. I plead for your forgiveness. It will never happen again.¡± Cody apologized and Daniel added, ¡°Please forgive him. He won¡¯t do it again,¡± wearing a cute pleading expression and pouting his lips so slightly, it was barely noticeable.


    Joan wanted to say something but he started speaking again, beating her to it.


    ¡°You may not know it yet, but the weather is so lovely this evening. It is just perfect to take a walk in the garden or rx by the poolside. I could show you around if you like. There are horses too if you fancy horse riding.¡±


    At the mention of horse riding, Joan¡¯s eyes lit up. It wasn¡¯t because she had ridden on a horse before or even knew anything about it. The reason was that she had been obsessed with horses from a young age but hadn¡¯t seen one in real life yet. This, coupled with the look on Daniel¡¯s face, forced her to relent.


    She looked at Cody and saw that he still had his head lowered and his eyes staring at the floor. Never in her life had she been a fan of treating anyone in a condescending manner and she had never been in a position where people serve her or fear to offend her. Seeing a big man like Cody apologize to her while bowing his head felt strange.


    ¡°I forgive you, Cody. Now can you open the door?¡± Joan asked and Cody raised his head.


    ¡°Of course, Ma¡¯am.¡± He breathed out in relief, walked back to the door, and set his hand on the handle in readiness to open it for her.


    ¡°Over to you, my tour guide. Show me around.¡± Joan said to Daniel and he curtseyed.


    ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure, Madam. Pleasee with me.¡± He began to move toward the door when he heard Joan¡¯s voice echo behind him.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten how you lied against me earlier. Rest assured, I am going to pay that gesture back.¡±


    Daniel froze and turned around with widened eyes. He was about to protest when she added ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t get you in trouble, and there¡¯s nothing you can do to change my mind. I¡¯m only informing you so that it will note as a surprise. Let¡¯s go.¡± She walked to the door and Cody moved to open it.


    However, she stopped him, wondering if the door was as heavy as it looked. She went ahead to try to open it by herself, confirming that true to her suspicion, the barrier was a solid, heavy mass when it didn¡¯t budge. The urge to try again using both her hands and all of her strength hit her. But knowing there were two men behind her who may or may not be giving her funny looks, she gave up that desire.


    ¡°You can open it now,¡± She gave way for Cody to do his job, and surprise shed across her face when she saw how effortlessly he opened it. Joan made noments though as she walked out, weing the cool air that embraced her in the open.


    ***


    The buzzing of his cellphone pulled Trevor¡¯s attention away from the television. When he checked who the caller was and realized it was Grace, he picked up without the slightest hint of hesitation.


    ¡°Miss Everton,¡± he called her name, suspecting she must be calling to inform him that she had arrived at Apex Dominica.


    ¡°Good evening, Mr Baliante. I am outside the gate and the guards won¡¯t let me in. I need to see Joan. It¡¯s urgent.¡± Grace¡¯s voice echoed over the phone.


    Trevor sprang to his feet, a small frown settling on his face. Was it that she didn¡¯t believe him when he told her that her friend was okay? Was that why she came to confirm it herself thatte in the night instead of going home after such a long flight?


    He headed to the gate and ordered the security personnel to let her in. When they did, she came rushing inside, paying no attention to anyone as her eyes quickly scanned the entire area beforeing to settle on him.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Instead of focusing on the panic in her eyes, Trevor¡¯s mind drifted to how her size, her voice that seemed to have the power tomand, and her daunting approach were turning him on. His thoughts and imaginations got even wilder the closer she got, and he expected her fearless self to be standing before him any second.


    But his expectations were cut short when Grace looked toward the garden and saw Joan walking out with a man she hadn¡¯t seen before.


    ¡°Jo,¡± Grace diverted, going towards Joan and snapping Trevor out of his daydream.

 Missing person

    Guilt instantly registered on Joan¡¯s face when she sighted Grace. She knew she had offended her friend by attempting to run away and also ruined their dream vacation by cutting it short to give days instead of seven.


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re alright.¡± Grace pulled Joan into a hug, letting out a relieved breath. ¡°I was so worried.¡± Grace added, and the guilt in Joan¡¯s heart heightened.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Gracie. I wasn¡¯t thinking. I only wanted to try to get away from everything.¡± Joan exined, receiving the hug with a heavy heart.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll talk about thatter.¡± Grace said, her expression shifting to a serious one as she pulled away from the hug. ¡°What happened to your mom?¡± Grace asked, looking intently at Joan as if searching for the answer to the question in her eyes.


    Puzzlement clouded Joan¡¯s features. ¡°My mom?¡± She asked, wanting to be sure she heard correctly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Grace nodded her head.


    ¡°Nothing. Why?¡± Joan asked, still not getting it.


    ¡°Nothing? When was thest time you heard from her?¡± Grace asked, at the same time she opened her bag to fetch something from inside.


    ¡°I¡¯ve not heard from her since that day.¡± Joan answered in a slightly dejected tone, thinking that was the reason Grace was asking about her mom. Still, she couldn¡¯t help the growing curiosity in her mind at what Grace was searching for in her bag.


    ¡°What are you looking¡­¡± She started to ask but decided not to finish the question when she saw that Grace brought out a folded piece of paper, which seemed to be what she was seeking.


    She unfolded the paper with knitted brows, then handed it over to Joan.


    Shock was an understatementpared to what Joan felt when she saw the content of the paper. Her mother¡¯s picture with a ¡°MISSING PERSON¡± title written in bold on top of it. Joan couldn¡¯t believe what she had just seen. She lifted her eyes, which had circled in  disbelief, making the pair even bigger than they already were, and set them on Grace.


    ¡°Where did you get this?¡± She asked, her heart already beating twice as fast.


    ¡°On my way here. I even thought it was the reason you left the way you did.¡± Grace said, and Joan shook her head.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know about this.¡± She turned to Daniel, who was silently watching and listening to them with his brows furrowed. ¡°Did you know about this?¡± Joan asked him and he shook his head.


    ¡°No, Madam. Just like you, I¡¯m seeing this for the first time.¡±


    Trevor, who was also listening to their conversation from afar, knew he would be the next to be questioned. To avoid that from happening, he moved his phone to his ear, pretending to be on a call with someone, as he started walking back into the house.


    ¡°Where is my phone, Daniel?¡± Joan shifted her attention from a retreating Trevor.


    ¡°It¡¯s in the house. I¡¯ll go get it.¡± Daniel started to move even before he ended his sentence.


    Joan, however, could not wait. She followed him, while Grace followed behind them.


    Trevor¡¯s initial n was to go and inform Roman about the recent development. He had once again tried to connect to Roman via mind link but it didn¡¯t work. So he decided to deliver the message directly. That , however, proved abortive when he approached the staircase and saw Roman climbing down the stairs, dressed in all ck.


    Roman looked like a deviling down from his throne to deliver judgment. His eyes were red from the wine and the aura around him reeked of bloodlust. Trevor instantly knew something was wrong. He contemted whether to deliver the message or not.


    Before he could fully make up his mind, Daniel, Joan, and Grace, walked in. Just like Daniel and Grace, Joan paused when she saw Romaning down the stairs in all ck. He gave off this ¡®baddest boy in college¡¯ vibe, and his disheveled hair did nothing to hide his devilishly handsome features.


    ¡°My phone, Daniel.¡± Joan said, her mind taking her back to the issue at hand.


    ¡°Yes, Madam.¡± Daniel started walking away, a small frown on his face. Seeing Roman on all ck meant trouble.


    ¡°Good evening, Mr Gavriel.¡± Grace greeted when Roman finally reached them.


    ¡°Evening, Grace.¡± Roman responded then shifted his attention to Joan, already sensing from the look in her eyes and her abnormal heartbeats that something was wrong. ¡°What is it?¡± He asked Joan, drinking in her appearance.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    This was the first time he had seen her in a sleepwear, and although it was nothing sexy, his mind made it look so. His imagination already outlined all of her curves as his eyes swept over her body.


    ¡°My mother is missing.¡± Joan answered and a furrow formed between Roman¡¯s brows.


    ¡°What makes you think so?¡± he asked, and Joan stretched the paper toward him.


    Roman¡¯s expression remained  unchanged as he epted the paper and scanned through its content.


    At the same time, Daniel returned with the phone and handed it to Joan. She went ahead to dial her mother¡¯s number. Pin drop silence reigned in the house as she waited for the ringing sound only to get a ¡°not reachable¡± message in the end.


    Her shoulders dropped and she shook her head in response to Grace¡¯s expectant gaze.


    ¡°Call your dad.¡± Grace suggested, and Joan went ahead to do just that. Another disappointment hit her in the end because although the man¡¯s phone was ringing, he wasn¡¯t picking up.


    ¡°I have to go home.¡± Joan decided.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a littlete to go out?¡± Roman asked, seeing how she was already moving towards the stairs.


    ¡°Late? I just found out my mother is missing and you think it¡¯ste for me to go find out what¡¯s happening?¡± Joan asked back, pausing to give him an incredulous stare.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯ste. Going in the morning will be best.¡± Roman insisted.


    ¡°How do you expect me to sleep tonight without getting information on my mother¡¯s welfare?¡±


    Just then, Romans phone buzzed, and without looking, he already knew it was Williams. The guy had been waiting for him. He picked up the phone, while looking in Joan¡¯s irritated eyes.


    ¡°Where are you, Rome?¡± Williams¡¯ irritated voice echoed over the phone and Roman didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry seeing how he was stuck between two angry people.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be a littlete. Something came up.¡± Roman decided that Williams¡¯ wrath was bearablepared to Joan¡¯s.


    ¡°What?!!¡± Williams eximed in shock, but Roman ended the call before he could say another word.


    ¡°Go dress up and meet me outside.¡± He told Joan, then turned around and walked out after she started up the stairs without wasting any time.

 Still alive

    Surprised at how easily Roman agreed to Joan¡¯s request, Trevor¡¯s lips parted. He watched thetter walk away before turning to look at Daniel, who looked to be in the same dilemma.


    ¡°You should go after him. He may have forgotten.¡± Daniel said to Trevor and as if suddenly woken up from his slumber, Trevor followed Roman out.


    Grace, who didn¡¯t understand what the men were on about, simply watched Trevor leave before setting her gaze on Daniel. She couldn¡¯t help noticing his handsome features, which she had been too agitated to notice earlier. It seemed all the people surrounding Roman were specially carved by the creator.


    Daniel shed her a smile, and she didn¡¯t hesitate to return it. ¡°Please tell Madam not to worry too much. Her mother will be found.¡±  He said, hoping to ease the tension and break the silence. He would have gone with Trevor, but he knew that Roman would not want him to be involved in anything happening that night.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°Thank you, Grace responded, appreciative of his kind words.


    Meanwhile, outside the house, Trevor walked up to Roman, a hesitant look on his face.


    ¡°Boss,  are you really going to take out tonight?¡± he asked, looking worriedly at Roman, who was leaning against the car.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Roman simply answered, having a faraway look in his eyes.


    ¡°Tonight is the widows¡¯ night.¡± Trevor said, thinking that Roman may have forgotten, even though he doubted it. Roman never forget events, especially one as important as this.


    ¡°I know.¡± Roman responded, confirming that he didn¡¯t forget. However, his response only confused Trevor the more. The widows¡¯ night was a night of mourning. Every year on that particr night, one of the werewolvesmunities marked the mass killings of their entire warriors, one of the many heinous crimes Romanmitted in the past. After the killings on the battlefield, themunity was left with mostly women and young pups, who would have died also if Roman had not been stopped. Every year after that, they marked the widows¡¯ night quietly. Only recently have they begun to set traps to either capture Roman or kill him. Although all their attempts ended up futile, they continued to do it.


    ¡°You know, and you still want to go ahead with It?¡± Trevor repeated the question.


    ¡°I have no choice, Trevor. We still have an hour before the cockroachese out, and I have to meet Liam at Monero.¡±


    Trevor frowned. ¡°Monero? What happened there?¡±


    ¡°Joan¡¯s attackers were witches. Take the other car, you¡¯reing with me. Her friend will ride with you.¡±


    Trevor wanted to ask why, but he changed his mind and just decided to do as he was told. He went back inside to get Grace and led her to his car just moments before Joan arrived.


    Roman, who saw Joan walk out of the house, opened the door of the car before she got to where he was standing. Joan got into the car and he shut the door. Only after she was inside did she realize there was no one else apart from her in the car.


    ¡°Where is my friend?¡± She asked when Roman climbed in.


    ¡°She¡¯s in Trevor¡¯s car. They will ride behind us. Buckle up,¡± he said, giving her no chance to ask further questions.


    Joan let it go and grabbed the seat belt. Her mind was already in too much distress, so she didn¡¯t let the issue bother her.


    Roman started the car. It was a sweet, lovely, and normal ride from the garage to the gate. She was about to ask him why he was driving by himself when the ride changed from the sweet, gentle one to a very dangerous one. Roman stepped on the gas and began to elerate at an unbelievable and rming speed that it felt like they were flying.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Joan asked, her eyes widening in fear.


    ¡°Driving.¡± Roman answered without slowing down. He kept a serious expression on his face, his eyes looking in all directions, and his ears sharpened to catch even the slightest sound.


    ¡°What sort of driving is this? Do you want to get us killed?¡± Joan asked in an almost yelling tone, her anxiety spiking by the second.


    ¡°No one¡¯s dying today. Going any slower than this is what will get us killed.¡± Roman responded and Joan didn¡¯t know whether to worry more for her life that is at the moment hanging on a bnce, or for his warped way of reasoning.


    With her heart beating like she was already on her way to heaven, her hands held on to the seat for dear life. Her life had never really been sweet, but this was not how she nned to die. She wanted to live to a very old age and be surrounded by her children and grandchildren.


    ¡°Close your eyes if you are scared.¡± She had Roman say, and she shot him and incredulous look.


    ¡°How is that going to change anything?¡± She asked in annoyance.


    ¡°You won¡¯t see how fast I¡¯m going if you do.¡± Roman answered and Joan decided not to engage him anymore because she may end up going insane trying to find sense in his words.


    Meanwhile, behind them, Trevor was matching Roman¡¯s speed. Although Grace was confused as to why they were over speeding, she didn¡¯t look as rmed as Joan. Their car was silent as Trevor focused on the road, and she refrained from questioning him so that he wouldn¡¯t be distracted.


    In a short while, they arrived at the Elvins¡¯ house and the two cars pulled to a stop. Joan didn¡¯t move immediately. She took some time to appreciate the fact that she was still alive, before shooting a re at Roman, who was smiling while staring at her. He climbed out of the car and moved to open the door for her but she opened it and stepped out before he could do it.


    She hurriedly walked to the front door and pressed the bell severally, but no one answered the door.


    ¡°Try calling him again.¡± Grace, who joined her at the front door, suggested, and Joan called her father¡¯s phone again with no sess.

 Punish me

    ¡°Boss, it¡¯s almost time.¡± Trevor said, bringing down his arm after ncing at his wristwatch for the umpteenth time. His face held a deep frown, unlike his usual demeanor. Inside, he was a panicky mess.


    If it were just him and Roman out there by that time, he wouldn¡¯t be worried. They could very easily handle anything thrown at them. But having Joan with themplicated the issue.


    ¡°I know that.¡± Roman answered, his eyes fixed on Joan and Grace. He was seated on the top of the bo of his car, while Trevor stood beside him. It¡¯s been over thirty minutes since they arrived at Joan¡¯s parents¡¯ house, and the man was nowhere to be found, neither was he taking his calls. If he didn¡¯t know how worried she was at that moment, he would have suggested they leave. But he didn¡¯t want toe off as uncaring.


    Trevor let out a long sigh, running his fingers through his hair, a move that Grace¡¯s eyes caught just when she moved her attention to his direction.


    ¡°She is gonna freak out.¡± Trevor concluded, knowing there was no miracle that could stop Joan from knowing what they really were that night.


    And that was one thing Roman didn¡¯t want yet. Having absolutely no idea what she was, she wouldn¡¯t take that knowledge well. Roman knew she would eventually find out, but he wanted that to happen when he had already uncovered the truth about her hidden identities.


    ¡°Once they are ready, take her friend home, then meet me at Merry fields. If all goes well, she wouldn¡¯t find out a thing.¡± Roman instructed, and Trevor let out another sigh.


    ¡°Why have you been blocking your mind? I can¡¯t reach you?¡± Trevor asked, realizing from his calctions that they would need tomunicate via mind link should anything go wrong.


    ¡°It¡¯s not blocked. The connection is broken, and it can¡¯t be fixed until the red moon.¡±


    ¡°What?!!!¡± Trevor¡¯s eyes circled. ¡°How?¡±


    Before Roman could answer, his phone buzzed and he checked it to see a message from Williams which read: ¡°What is this something that came up?¡±N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Roman sent a text back in response: ¡°Wifey found out her mother is missing. She needs her husband¡¯s support in such a trying time. I¡¯ll be with you soon.¡±


    A few minutester, Joan decided she had waited enough. She didn¡¯t know where her father had gone to thatte at night. She had no idea why he wasn¡¯t picking up his calls. Having gone to a few neighbors, who imed to have seen him leave the house that evening, she decided to wait for him. But seeing how she was keeping Grace, Roman, and Trevor out by that time, she decided not to wait any longer.


    If not because her mother was involved, she wouldn¡¯t have bothereding out that night. But all of her efforts were now wasted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can wait anymore. Let¡¯s go back to the house.¡± Joan said to Roman, and he nodded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. Your mother will be found. No harm wille to her, I promise.¡± Roman assured, jumping down from the bo and walking around to open the door for her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drop you home, Miss Everton, if you don¡¯t mind.¡± Trevor said to Grace, and she shed him a smile.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Grace uttered, then turned to Joan. ¡°I¡¯ll see you in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Thanks Gracie, and sorry once again.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologize until you tell me everything. Goodnight, Mr. Gavriel.¡± Grace said before walking over to Trevor¡¯s car.


    Trevor waited until Roman moved before he did. And just like the first Journey, he was driving at a high speed, howbeit, not as fast as the first time.


    Grace, who had suspected that would happen, didn¡¯t wait for him to tell her before she buckled up her seat belt. Again, she didn¡¯t say anything to him. He was a skilled driver, she observed,  but she still didn¡¯t want to distract him.


    It surprised her when he pulled up right in front of her house without asking for directions.


    Trevor checked the time after he pulled over and realized he still had two minutes to spare. So he turned to Grace.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to be scared of dying in a car crash. Tell me, Is there more to you that I need to know? Do you perhaps have more than one life? Or maybe superpowers?¡± He asked, seeing how calm she was throughout despite how fast her heart was beating.


    ¡°I am not Catwoman if that¡¯s what you¡¯re asking, Mr. Baliante. And I was scared I must confess. However, I do love the adrenaline rush.¡± Grace answered, turning to face him. ¡°May I know why the hurry, if you don¡¯t mind?¡±


    ¡°My boss has to be somewhere and he has to be there early. It¡¯s a matter of life and death.¡± Trevor answered, and Grace nodded.


    ¡°I understand. But it¡¯s dangerous. You could lose your life in the process of driving at such speed. Not just that, you could kill other people as well.¡± Grace lectured, but a different thing entirely was running through Trevor¡¯s mind hearing her speak.


    ¡°I know that, and I¡¯m sorry for endangering your life.¡± Trevor apologized, his brows knitting as he lowered his eyes. ¡°I deserve a punishment.¡± He lifted his eyes again to look at her, and Grace didn¡¯t know what to say. He looked extremely remorseful, like a child being scolded for his sins. And what the hell was he talking about?


    ¡°A punishment? Stop kidding.¡± Sheughed out loud, but stopped when she saw he wasn¡¯tughing or changing his expression to a yful one.


    ¡°I¡¯m not kidding. You should punish me for being bad and putting your life in danger. I may not learn my lesson if you don¡¯t.¡± He said with all seriousness in the world and Grace didn¡¯t know what to make of the situation anymore.


    ¡°You want me to punish you.¡± She repeated.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Trevor responded almost immediately.


    ¡°Okay¡­ What kind of punishment do you want?¡± Grace asked, trying to understand what was going on.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ept anything youe up with. You can take some time to think about it.¡± Trevor answered, trying his best to keep his eyes on her face and not let them roam about the ces they wanted to.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Grace wore a smile, then nodded. ¡°I will think about it and get back to you. Goodnight, Mr Baliante.¡± She wished him, then opened the door and stepped out.


    ¡°Goodnight, Miss Everton.¡± Trevor wished her back, finally letting his eyes feast on her perfect figure before driving off.


    He knew she didn¡¯t understand what he meant, but he didn¡¯t regret saying it. He had held himself for so long. Since the first day she put herself in his way to stop him from leaving the hospital, he knew he would not rest until he did this. He would have waited a little longer, but she scolded him. That one act made him lose all control.

 Mad man

    Roman¡¯s car zoomed off with the same speed as they came. This time, Joan kept her mouth shut even though her heart was hanging in her throat.


    He made a sudden, sharp, and dangerous turn, causing the tires to make a screeching sound, but that was not all that got Joan extremely agitated. He was driving toward a very tall grass barricade which led to a farm, and he was driving at a high speed.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Joan managed to get the words out of her mouth. Despite being secured by the seat belt, her hands searched for something to hold on to as she imagined her lifeing to an end already.


    Instead of responding to her questions, Roman kept his gaze and focus ahead, already sighting danger around them. He was thankful for the fear in Joan¡¯s heart because that was the only reason she kept her gaze forward. If she had managed to shift her attention to the side, she might have caught sight of the fast moving creatures in the shadows following their car.


    The field he was aiming to break into wasced with a werewolf repellent substance that was strong enough to keep his followers away, but had no power over him.


    In no time, he ran into the barricade, breaking open the silver gate hidden by the tall grass, then brought the car to a stop once he was inside the field.


    Joan¡¯s eyes, which had initially been shut tight when she was sure this was going to be the end, snapped open when the car came to a halt.


    She stayed silent for a while, trying toe to terms with the fact that she was still alive and also normalize her breathing. When she was calm enough, she wordlessly moved her hand to the door and opened it.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Roman asked, knitting his brows as he watched her step out of the car.


    When he received no response, he let out a sigh and also climbed out, walking to catch up with her. As soon as he did, he held her hand to stop her from taking another step.


    ¡°I asked you a question, Joan. Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Roman asked, his voiceing out in a low rumble. The deep frown etched on his face deepened even more, but he tried to control his emotions so she won¡¯t have another breath-ceasing attack.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to find a taxi.¡± Joan yelled her answer, pulling her hand forcefully in order to free it from his grip, but to no avail. He didn¡¯t let her go. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you want to die. Just don¡¯t pull me along with you.¡± She spoke in a soft tone this time, her voice shaking as if she would break down any second. ¡°Let me go, Roman.¡±


    Roman wanted tough. She just said she didn¡¯t want to die, yet she was asking for him to let her go. He knew she had no idea what he was saving her from, but it still sounded so ridiculous to him.


    ¡°Trevor will be here in a few minutes. He will take you home.¡± Roman informed her, but she shook her head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to ride with Trevor either. I want to take a taxi.¡± Joan insisted.


    ¡°You are still not getting it. You are the wife of the most powerful man in Apex Dominica. No wife of mine will ever travel in a taxi when I can afford any type of car she desires.¡±


    Joan narrowed her eyes, momentarily forgetting her problems as something he said just didn¡¯t sit right with her.


    ¡°No wife of yours? How many are you nning to marry?¡± She asked before she could stop herself. ¡°Nevermind.¡± She added, frowning when she realized what she just asked.


    For a moment, Roman wanted to smile, sensing the jealousy in her tone. But knowing what she suffered in the hands of her baby husband, he kept his expression serious.


    ¡°Get back in the car if you don¡¯t want me to carry you there myself.¡±


    ¡°You are a mad man.¡± Joan fumed, shooting him a re.


    ¡°I take that as apliment, baby. Shall we?¡± Roman shed a smile, then tugged her hand lightly so she would start walking with him toward the car.


    Joan had no more words. She was exhausted. She could as well say herst prayers and kiss her life goodbye.


    ¡°What are we doing here?¡± Joan asked, finally reaching the car but not going in. She rxed her body against the side of the car where she sat earlier, her eyes looking around the vast farnd they ran into.


    ¡°We are here to admire the beautiful field.¡± Roman answered casually, his face holding no sign of a jest. ¡°What do you think? Isn¡¯t it beautiful? Have you been here before?¡±


    ¡°I need to lie down. I¡¯m tired. My head is a mess.¡± Joan said instead of providing an answer to his ridiculous questions.


    ¡°Trevor will be here in about five minutes. He¡¯ll take you home safely.¡±


    Joan gave up. She peered into his eyes for a moment, then looked away from him.


    Seeing the pain in her eyes hurt Roman more than anything. But he knew that was the only way to save her life. If only she had listened to him and waited till morning beforeing out, they wouldn¡¯t be in this situation.


    When she looked away and said nothing further, he let out a silent sigh. Standing directly in front of her gave him ess to all of her features, and most importantly, her scent. He needed lots of strength for the fight waiting for him outside the gate, especially now that Lazer was in a weakened state. Her scent seemed to be doing the magic.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Just as he said, about five minutester, a loud tire screech reached Joan¡¯s ears, making her heart race again when she realized she would soon be in the same car as the one driving.


    While she was still processing the thought, her eyes widened when other banging and crashing sounds reached her ears. She turned to Roman, who had a deep frown etched on his features, and had turned toward the open gate.


    Shifting her attention to the gate too, she waited in trepidation for the car to drive into the field, knowing it was still moving.


    It took a few seconds for the car to finally show up. But Joan couldn¡¯t believe that was the same car that drove away from her parents house with Grace inside.

 Nightmare

    Joan stood frozen, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of the damaged car. The front was crumpled, the windshield shattered, and the tires looked like they had been wed. She couldn¡¯tprehend how anyone could have survived such a wreck.


    ¡°How did you¡­ how did you survive this?¡± she stammered, looking at Trevor with a mix of disbelief and fear. ¡°And Grace? Was she hurt?¡±


    Trevor shook his head, his expression calm. ¡°No, your friend is fine and at her house already. She wasn¡¯t in the car when it happened.¡±


    Joan¡¯s mind raced, trying to piece together what could have caused such destruction. She was still reeling from the sight when Roman pulled Trevor aside, speaking in a low, urgent tone.


    ¡°Take her home,¡± Roman instructed. ¡°But wait ten minutes before you leave.¡±


    ¡°Boss, they are too much. This fight is not one you should confront alone.¡± Trevor spilled, his frown deepening.


    ¡°When did you begin to underestimate me?¡± Roman probed, narrowing his eyes at Trevor.


    ¡°I would never do that, boss. I¡¯m only speaking based on the fact that you said Lazer is weakened. How do you n to face them without Lazer?¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Don¡¯t worry about that. Just take her home.¡±


    Trevor nodded, understanding the seriousness in Roman¡¯s voice. Roman then walked back to Joan, his face softened with a reassuring smile.


    ¡°Trevor will drive you home,¡± he told her in a gentle voice. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everything will be fine. We¡¯ll find your mother.¡± He assured her and led her to the car.


    Joan climbed into the car, though her mind was far from settled. Apart from the fact that her mother was missing, she couldn¡¯t overlook the feeling that something was happening and she was being kept in the dark. These people were hiding something and she could feel it.


    As Roman walked out of the gate, sounds of growls reached her ears, sending a chill down her spine. It was a sound she recognized all too well, one she had heard the night she tried to run away.


    She turned to Trevor, her eyes pleading for answers. ¡°What was that? It sounded just like-¡±


    ¡°Security dogs,¡± Trevor cut her off with a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°They can be pretty intimidating.¡±


    Joan wanted to press further, but she stopped herself from doing so, doubting she would get the truth or any further exnations from Trevor. So she reluctantly epted his exnation, even though her instincts screamed otherwise.


    Ten minutester, true to Roman¡¯s instructions, Trevor drove them away from the field. The car moved at a ¡°close to normal¡± pace, the silence between them filled with unspoken questions.


    When they finally arrived at the mansion, Joan climbed out of the car, feeling more drained than ever. Trevor restarted the engine, ready to leave.


    Her brows arched in question as she set her gaze on Trevor, who was about to drive off.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to pick up Roman,¡± Trevor answered her unspoken question before driving off.


    Joan turned towards the mansion, her steps heavy with exhaustion. As she approached the door, she saw Daniel standing there with a woman she recognized- the same woman who had visitedst time looking for Roman.


    ¡°Wee back, Madam.¡± Daniel greeted, his voice friendly but tense, knowing from her facial expression that everything didn¡¯t go well.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Joan answered, shifting her gaze from him to the woman. At that moment when their gazes met, Joan felt something she never thought she would feel again, especially not with Roman. The woman was beautiful, no doubt, but that was the very reason why Joan became upset.


    She wondered what business Roman had with the woman to make her keeping over to see him. Having dealt with Richard¡¯s unfaithfulness, she didn¡¯t think she could do it again.


    Just when she was about to say something to thedy, the door swung open and Cody stepped out, offering a bow. ¡°Wee madam.¡±


    Realizing it was no use engaging the woman, who also didn¡¯t bother to engage her, Joan simply walked past them, heading inside. The events of the day had sapped her strength, leaving her in no mood for a fight.


    Just as she walked out of sight, Irene, the visitor, frowned deeply. ¡°Why is she allowed to go in and I¡¯m not? Who is she? And did I just hear you call her ¡®madam¡¯?¡±


    Daniel¡¯s face hardened, his tone firm. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business. Don¡¯t stick your nose where it doesn¡¯t belong.¡±


    ¡°You have grown guts, I see. The Roman effect. ¡± Irene nodded, eyeing Daniel in a condescending manner. ¡°But you know I am not one to be disrespected. So don¡¯t even think about it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about. We have instructions not to let you in,¡± Daniel said. ¡°It would be wise for you to leave.¡±


    Irene smirked, shifting her gaze to Cody for a while, before settling them on Daniel again. ¡°I will be back in the morning. I better see Roman or else, the entire family will be here with me on my next visit.¡± She threathened, then turned around elegantly and walked away.


    Joan could hear their voices fading as she moved deeper into the house. She wanted to copse into bed and shut out the world, but questions gnawed at her mind.


    She felt like she was in the eye of a storm, with chaos swirling around her, yet unable to grasp any of it. Her steps finally brought her to her room, and she sank onto the bed, her body aching with fatigue.


    In a short while, like a ck hole pulling someone in, she was soon pulled into sleep, however, her rest was not a peaceful one. She opened her eyes in dreamnd to find herself running yet again, and the man without a head chasing after her intensely.


    Tired of running, she decided to stop and face her pursuer. Only at that moment did she realize she had been holding onto a head -his head- all the while she was running.

 Nightmare-2

    Joan lifted her eyes to find the headless man standing right before her. The sight was too much for her. He was dressed in an attire she knew to be worn hundreds of years before she was born, his clothes tattered and worn out as if he had just stepped out of an ancient painting.


    He stretched his hand in silent demand for his head, his fingers were long and skeletal, trembling with impatience.


    Terrified was an understatement of how Joan felt. Her heart hammered in her chest, every beat a painful reminder of her confusion. She extended the head toward him, her hands shaking so violently she feared she might drop it.


    The head felt heavy and unnaturally warm against her palms. As she held it out, she felt a strangepulsion to look at it, as if drawn by an unseen force. Against her better judgment, she turned the head around and a gasp escaped her lips.


    It  was alive. The bright green eyes were open, staring at her with an intensity that cut through her soul.


    Joan frowned. Those eyes¡­ they looked so familiar, it felt as if she was staring into her very own eyes. Only, the face was obviously a man¡¯s.


    The eyes held a depth of hostility and the area between the brows held a deep frown that made her knees weak. Joan¡¯s breath caught in her throat, a scream trapped in her chest. She didn¡¯t know how she was still holding on to the head because in her mind, she had dropped it already.


    The headless man snatched the head from her hand with a swiftness that left Joan breathless.


    She watched in horrified fascination as he ced it on his neck and the two separate entities fused together right before her eyes. It was as if time itself rewound, stitching the man back together with an eerie precision.


    Soon, aplete man stood before her, his presence more imposing and chilling than before. He opened his lips to say something, and Joan braced herself for the sound of his voice, anticipating what he had to say to her.


    But before he could get a word out, an inexplicable force yanked her away, tearing her from the scene with an unimaginable speed. The ground beneath her feet opened up, and she was plunged into an abyss.


    Joan¡¯s scream was swallowed by the darkness as she fell at an unbelievable speed. She shut her eyes tightly, the wind whipping past her in a frenzied howl.


    When her back hit a solid, hard surface, the impact knocked the breath out of her. Pain radiated through her body, and shey there, stunned and disoriented. She opened her eyes to find herself enveloped inplete darkness. The air was thick and oppressive, and she could hear incoherent chantings from whispering voices surrounding her. The whispers were sinister, crawling under her skin and filling her with dread. The fact that she could not see anything, added to her anxiety.


    She tried to push herself up from the ground, but before she could seed, she felt something cold and slimy wrap around her ankles. Vines began to crawl around her body, their grip tightening with each passing second.


    Panic surged through her as the vines pinned her to the ground, their rough texture scraping against her skin. They coiled around her arms, her legs, her torso, constricting her movements and threatening to snuff the life out of her.


    Joan struggled desperately, her heart pounding in her chest. The vines seemed to have a will of their own, tightening their grip whenever she tried to resist. She could feel them squeezing the breath from her lungs.


    Tears streamed down her face as she fought against the suffocating tendrils, the whispers growing louder and more chaotic, drowning out her thoughts. Her vision blurred, the edges of her consciousness darkening as the vines continued their assault.


    At the edge of giving up, Joan knew she needed to fight. The vines had tightened their grip, one of them already snaked its way around her neck, constricting her breath. Panic surged through her, but so did a fierce determination. The strange chantings grew louder, but amidst the chaos, a sudden, desperate will to live and escape ignited within her.


    With every ounce of strength she had left, Joan gathered her resolve. Something deep within her, something primal and powerful, stirred to life. She opened her mouth and let out a loud, guttural scream, the sound echoing through the darkness. At the same time, she straightened all her ten fingers, as if channeling the raw energy coursing through her body into the very tips of her hands.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    In that moment, the chantings ceased abruptly, as if they were silenced by an unseen force. The vines that had been strangling her released their grip instantly, retracting and falling away like lifeless ropes. A blinding, bright light enveloped her, flooding her senses and washing away the darkness. Joan felt herself being lifted off the ground, her body floating in the radiant glow.


    With a sudden jolt, she sat up with force, her eyes snapping open. She was back in her bedroom, sitting on her bed, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. The familiar surroundings of the room were a stark contrast to the nightmarish abyss she had just escaped. She blinked, disoriented, her heart still racing.


    But the fact that she was only dreaming was not all she woke up to discover. The moment she opened her eyes, she caught sight of something impossible. Items in her room-books, amp, even her slippers-were hanging in the air, suspended as if by invisible strings. They hovered there for a moment, defying gravity, before crashing to the ground with a loud thud the moment she realized what was happening. The sound startled her, but also confirmed they were not her imagination.


    Joan¡¯s mind raced, trying to make sense of it all. At that moment, a knock echoed, startling her yet again. She climbed off the bed and moved to open the door, only to find a bloodied Roman standing by the door.


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