Vasílissa mou

21

Cristiano's office

"Ensure the investors feel at home in my hotel, or I swear you'll regret it," he warned, terminating the call with a sharp click.

A sigh escaped his lips as he turned to the portrait of his late wife adorning the wall. His gaze hardened. "You should have simply listened. But like everyone else, you favored Giovanni, leaving your son without a mother. He took you from me. Had he given me the mafia, this tragedy could have been averted. Now, you're reduced to a ghost."

A timid knock interrupted his reverie. "Come in," he commanded, his voice a low growl.

The head maid's daughter, a picture of innocence, entered. He almost felt a pang of guilt at her predicament. "Come, my love," he murmured, patting his lap invitingly. She blushed and sat down, providing a momentary distraction from his troubles.

As she began to unbutton her blouse, she hesitated. "There's something I need to tell you," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

He raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance. "What is it, kitten?"

"I'm... I'm pregnant," she stammered.

A wave of shock washed over him. "You're pregnant?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

She nodded, her eyes filled with hope.

He forced a smile. "Wonderful news, my love. I can't wait to meet our child." He kissed her hand. "Beautiful."

"What about my mother?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Don't worry about that now. I'll handle it myself. Don't say a word." She smiled and began to undress again.

He stopped her. "My love, I'm too tired. Perhaps later." She nodded, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. This child, a reminder of his late wife's betrayal, would be a constant thorn in his side.

.
.Andreas' POV

As they returned home, a heavy weight settled upon Andreas. Nuel had retreated to his office, leaving her feeling guilty and alone. She tossed her bag aside and sank into a chair, her mind racing.

She'd been feeling drowsy for days, and she wasn't sure why. After freshening up, she decided to confront Nuel in his office. She had to talk to him, no matter how difficult it might be.

As she entered the office, her anger momentarily overshadowed her guilt. "What the hell are you doing in my house?" she demanded, her voice filled with fury.

Jane, dressed in a provocative manner, was sitting on Nuel's desk. To her relief, Nuel wasn't there.

Jane rolled her eyes. "I wasn't expecting to see you. Where's Nuel?"

She snorted. "Knowing him, he's probably hiding from you. Your stench is overwhelming."

Jane laughed. "Funny, he invited me here."

Andreas knew Nuel was angry with her, but after everything they'd been through, she couldn't bring herself to judge him again.

"Get out of my house, Jane," she said sternly. "Leave while you still have some dignity. Nuel will be furious when he gets here."

"Don't be so sure about that," Jane replied, a smirk playing on her lips.

Andreas tried to remain calm. "I tried to be civil." She moved closer to Jane and gently pushed her towards the door.

Before she could open it, Nuel entered, his face a mask of shock. Andreas was about to explain the situation when a gunshot rang out. She looked up, her heart pounding in her chest.