Dear Ex-Wife, You Are MINE!

A forbode

VICTORIA’S POV

While sipping my blue pea tea, I stared at the night sky. Though I wasn’t much of a tea lover, it had a unique flavor, something learned from someone special in the past.

My hand fell to my stomach, stroking and caressing. How I wished things were different. I wanted to be with Alessandro, especially through the pregnancy. But I couldn’t.

I had given him three years. Most people even grew to care for animals they didn’t like if they lived with them that long. But I had been his wife, and he had never grown to care for me. I didn’t know how he would react after hearing about the baby. But I didn’t care anymore, not for him or his arrogant family.

This child was mine, and I was its mother, end of discussion.

“Penny, for your thoughts?” Antonio’s deep voice caught my attention. I peered at him in the porch entrance, leaning against the door with his brow raised. My, he looked handsome. And he was incredibly understanding. The woman who landed him would be awfully lucky.

I smiled, shaking my head. “Nothing. Just this and that.”

He sighed, not hiding his concern, then joined me inside, sitting on the sofa. “I only have one sister, and I always want your happiness, even over mine. I know leaving Alessandro isn’t easy, but I hope you stand your ground.”

“Don’t worry, Ant. I’ve had enough of him,” I replied truthfully. “So? How is everything?” I asked, feeling we needed to catch up. It had been a while since I had last spoken to my brother on a regular basis.

of tea from the tray next to me. “Fine. E. Shine is

but chuckle. “It doesn’t matter to me anymore,” I said with a dismissive wave. “So? Found a date for the

uncomfortable. “Why don’t you come back to

my gaze questioning his obvious dodge. But I supposed he had his reasons, and I didn’t want to press him. So I just went

You’ve always been a talented designer. Besides, the company isn’t mine

right. But... let’s not announce my identity to the public. Not

said, “People die for

I shrugged.

benefit—no

****

ALESSANDRO’S POV

the evening of E. Shine’s jewelry launch, I donned a black tie with silver lining, matching my suit. I couldn’t help but think of Victoria as I added the black stone cufflinks while wishing I didn’t have to attend. But being a public figure often required attending parties and events, whether or not I

Antonio Edwards, though we weren’t friends. But he was about my age and a

finished getting ready, I strode down to the hall with one minor concern. I had no female companion for the evening, and it was unseemly for a man of my stature to attend such a party alone. But what could I do? It wasn’t like I could ask Victoria or produce a date

the door in

a female companion this evening. Is there anyone better than me?” She posed with a hand on

and I had to admit she was attractive, even sexy. Still, she was no match for

that Victoria