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.

smiled, taking a cup of tea from the tray next to me. “Fine. E. Shine is holding a jewelry lunch function tomorrow.” He

anymore,” I said with a dismissive wave. “So? Found a date for the

uncomfortable. “Why don’t you come

his reasons, and I didn’t want to press him. So I just went along with the change in topic. “I haven’t done jewelry design for years,” I said, feeling hesitant about the

mine alone. It’s yours too. Make

announce my identity to the public. Not yet. I want to live a

die for fame, and you

I shrugged.

your married name has at least one benefit—no one

****

ALESSANDRO’S POV

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

we weren’t friends. But he was about my age and a successful heir of the company, and I respected

unseemly for a man of my stature to attend such a party alone. But what could I do? It wasn’t like I

still fiddling with my cufflinks, the sound of a lady’s high heels clicking on the floor caught my attention. I looked up and saw Camilla walking through the door in a

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

dragged over her body, and I had to admit she was attractive, even

that Victoria was