Greenie's library

Greenie's library

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Rich imagination is my greatest quality✍️💚

Photos from Greenie's library's post 11/18/2025

I'm just seeing this message now and honestly I’m shocked. Someone actually has the nerve… the real nerve… to message me and insult me?
The same fool even asked if I’m the real owner of the book that was stolen
The book I wrote with my brain, strength and sweat?
It's like some people on this app are just daring me

Let me explain it clearly,

The idiot who stole my work and blocked me was reported to Facebook Help Center by me and Facebook restricted his page. He has been messaging my email, begging for forgiveness and asking me to tell fb to remove the restriction. Then when I didn't reply, he suddenly switched to insults and threats

If the idiot is reading this, hear me well:
Even if I beg Facebook to unrestrict your page, they will not answer me. Facebook is wild...once they restrict you, you're on your own.
So go and meet Facebook not me

And God will not punish me for doing the right thing. God is not wicked.
The same God that helped me by letting Facebook deal with you…
You think He will now turn His back on me?
Just dey play😆

And to the person who messaged me with threats, Gather whoever you want. Form any group you like to pull me down. But one thing about me, I can never be brought down, so buzz off

But let's be serious for a second...
How can the person who copied my work, blocked me, posted it and took the credit suddenly become the innocent one?

I even commented four times on his post with different accounts, telling him to remove my book from his page but he deleted every single comment
I reported him, Facebook restricted his page and Facebook removed some of the chapters of my book while he later deleted the rest himself

And now, I'm the villain?

Photos from Greenie's library's post 11/08/2025

Second time my book has been plagiarized. I don't even know what to say right now

Also, this is the idiot's Facebook account link
https://www.facebook.com/dan.m.daniel
Please report his damn account

Photos from Greenie's library's post 08/24/2025

Afternoon everyone, I hope you’re all doing well. Before I left FB, I was already posting Sold & Claimed on Webnovel, but I later stopped.

Today, I decided to check the app after a long time to check my book (Sold & Claimed) While searching for the title, I saw two results. I clicked one and immediately, I froze
Someone who has been reading my book here had the nerve to post it on Webnovel, erase my name and put theirs

She even had the nerve to change the lead's name, Change the nickname Cross gave Novella and mess with the some of the side characters' names too? The audacity!!

I'm saying this here so the rest of you won't try it. If you touch my work without permission, you'll deal with consequences you’re not prepared for
It might look like "just a book" but to me, it’s more... Stealing it is stealing me

If the one responsible is reading this, you have 24 hours to take it down and apologize. If not...what follows is on you.

Here's the link to the stolen book
http://wbnv.in/a/35jJ4Zj

06/30/2025

Ok, so lovely readers, here are the links:

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576899876600

Wattpad Profile: https://www.wattpad.com/user/GreenieJ_

For those of you who don't know about Wattpad...It's a large writing platform built specifically for writers and readers.

I know some people might say I'll lose readers on FB, but honestly, that's okay with me.
In this life, if you feel like an environment is shrinking you, don't be afraid to move somewhere else 🙂

06/30/2025

Good morning 🙂

I've been thinking about this for a while, and I've finally made a decision...

I want to shift fully to a proper writing platform...Wattpad (aka Watty)

Honestly, I don't feel the urge to post here anymore. I've gone through a lot on this page...engagement stress, complaints about requirements and sometimes I got ignored or even talked down to, just because I complained

I kept quiet, but don't mistake that for stupidity
If I ever replied the way I truly wanted to, e fit no end well

As a writer, I need joy and peace to pour my imagination into words.
Not stress.
Not constant thoughts like, "If I post this now, will they even meet my requirements?"
I hated that feeling.

And no, moving to Wattpad doesn't mean I won't face engagement struggles. I might.
But I actually welcome that kind of challenge.
It won't pressure me the way Facebook does.

So, I've created a new Facebook profile where I'll only post updates and promos of my stories.
All full stories will now be on Wattpad.

I'll drop the links soon..both to the new page and to my Wattpad profile.

Honestly, if just two loyal readers follow me there, it'll still be worth it 🙂

P.S.
If you're not really into my stories, please don't follow my new page.

And if you're planning to follow me to Wattpad, here's what to expect👇

I'll post 3 or 4 times a week
Each chapter will be 1500–2000 words

If you follow, I appreciate it. If you don't, that's okay too.

I know many of my readers prefer reading on Facebook and that's okay.
It won't affect you that I'm leaving— it's not like I'm the only writer on FB.

Thank you all so much for your support on this page, from the very beginning till now.
Thank you 💚

06/26/2025

🔒SOLD & CLAIMED🔒
(...Bound to the Devil…)

*

CHAPTER 115[FINALE]

By: Greenie J.

*

‼️DO NOT COPY OR REPOST ‼️

*LIKE,
*REPLY TO ALL MY COMMENTS,
*DROP YOUR LONG MEANINGFUL COMMENT, *AND SHARE MA–SSI–VELY.....✍️



2 HOURS LATER>
HOSPITAL – WARD

Novella lay on the hospital bed, a drip connected to her arm.

Her skin looked pale, her body was still, and her eyes were closed.
But there were no signs of burns or injuries.

Beside her, the doctor checked her vitals again...exactly as instructed.

Cross sat quietly on the couch, his gaze fixed on her.
He hadn't looked away in hours.

His own condition? Freaking serious.

The back of his shirt had melted into his skin when it caught fire. His hand...already shot by a bullet...was now raw from burns. Scratches ran along his jaw and cheek.

But he barely blinked at the pain.
It was like he didn't even feel it anymore.

The black hoodie he wore now came from his car since his shirt had been destroyed.

He knew right now he wasn't okay but did he care?

Hell no.
He cared more about the girl lying on the bed, looking so damn beautiful, even in her unconscious state.

"How is she?" he asked again, his voice low.

The doctor looked up, keeping her tone gentle. "She's stable. No burns or serious injuries. She just needs rest"

Her eyes scanned Cross.
How is he still breathing fine?

She looked back at Novella and a thought crossed her mind:
She's lucky to have a husband like him.

Cross stood up without a word and walked out of the room.

15 MINUTES LATER.

Novella stirred.

Her eyelids fluttered open but the bright lights made her wince, and she shut them again.

The sharp, sterile smell of the hospital filled her nose.
She opened her eyes slowly this time, blinking away the blur.

The ceiling. The white walls.

Where… am I? she thought, looking around till her eyes landed on the doctor, who was busy jotting notes.

Novella shifted and sat up.

The doctor turned at the sound of movement and gave a small smile.

"You're awake," she said softly.

Novella tried to sit up.
"Why am I here?" Her voice came out rough.

"You don't remember anything?"

Novella shook her head faintly, her brows furrowed as she tried to focus.
Then it hit her.
The fire… the restaurant…

"You were brought here just in time by your husband" the doctor said.

Novella's eyes narrowed. “My husband?”

The doctor nodded.

It took her a second.
Cross?

She sat up quickly and yanked the IV from her arm. The sharp sting left a thin cut, but she didn't care.

"Ma'am, please—don't move too much—"

"Where is he?" she asked, already climbing off the bed.

"He left a few minutes ago" the doctor said, walking toward her.
"He didn't allow us to treat him"

Novella stopped, her heart pounding.
"Wait, what? To where? Is he really hurt?"

"His condition is serious and I don't where where he is"

Her chest tightened. Her breath caught in her throat.

She didn't say anything, she just ran out of the ward.

LATER, HOSPITAL ROOFTOP***

She had asked almost twenty people if they had seen him, describing him to each of them.
Someone finally pointed her toward the rooftop, saying they saw him heading there.

She pushed open the rooftop door, the wind brushing past her face.

There he was.

Standing alone in the center. One hand was buried in his hoodie pocket. The other holding a cigarette.

Even in pain, he stood tall, calm...like nothing was wrong.

She ran toward him, her feet slapping against the concrete.

He heard her coming but didn't turn.

She stopped in front of him, panting.

"You're smoking? In your condition?" she snapped, eyes full of disbelief

He looked down at her and almost smirked. Or maybe he did, seeing how short she was in front of him.

"You think you should be running around like this?" he asked, his voice calm but firm, bringing the cigar to his lips.

Novella hissed and jumped to sn**ch it from him.
She threw it to the ground and stepped on it without hesitation.

Cross's eyes narrowed.

Her gaze was sharp as a blade when she met his.

"If you don't get treatment, that's on you," she snapped.

"And just because you pulled me out of a burning building doesn't mean I'll forget what you've done to me. The fact that you keep showing up around me? It's so annoying"

She took a breath, her eyes not leaving his.

Cross smirked. A slow, unreadable one.

"Don't risk your life for me again like you did today. I doubt I even resemble the lady you once loved for you to try risking it"

The amusement drained from Cross's face.

His eyes darkened.

"Where did you hear that?" he asked quietly, his tone low and sharp.

"Lady Elowen told me" she replied, gritting her teeth.

"Elowen?" he repeated roughly.

"Yes, what now? Gonna kill her for telling me? I know what happened to you when you were young. I know what turned you into this. But don't expect pity. I still hate you, and nothing will change that"

Cross didn't respond and just stared at her.

She held his gaze for a moment, then looked away.

"You should get treated," she muttered, stepping back slightly.

His voice came softer, but direct. "Don't you think you should treat me yourself?"

She blinked, confused. "Huh?"

****

Cross sat on the edge of the hospital bed. A doctor and a nurse were nearby.

Novella stood beside him, carefully applying ointment to the burn marks on his back as the nurse directed her.

Her chest tightened at the sight of his injuries.

His skin was badly scorched, angry red patches covering his back.

Yet he sat still. Not a flinch, not a sound since she started the treatment.

She glanced at his side.

2 DAYS LATER*

★CROSS' MANSION, LIVING ROOM (UPSTAIRS)★

The room was dim and silent.

Cross lay shirtless on the couch, one arm draped over his eyes. A cigar rested unlit between his lips.

His sweatpants hung low on his hips, the faint lines of his V-shape visible.

Silence filled the space until the downstairs front door creaked open.

He smirked faintly.

Minutes later, Footsteps approached, then later stopped beside the couch.

"Is he sleeping?" A whisper sounded

Novella leaned forward slightly, peeking at him.

She placed a small bag on the table, then cleared her throat loudly.

"Wake up. I know you're not asleep. Devils don't sleep" she said.

He didn't move.

She sighed.

"I should treat your wounds before they get worse"

Her eyes lingered on the faint scar on his stomach.

Cross slowly sat up, his gaze lazy as it swept over her.

"You didn't miss your way here" he asked in a deep voice.

"Why would I?" she replied, rolling her eyes as she remembered him telling her to come to his house to continue the treatment.

He had given her the address and the passcode.

Though, truthfully, she had missed her way at first.

She was still in thought when he reached for her wrist and pulled her between his legs, resting his hands lightly on her waist.

She stiffened, trying to wriggle free.

"How am I supposed to treat you like this?" she whispered, her voice barely steady as his hand held her waist.

He didn't answer.

She sighed again.

A LITTLE LATER…

She was already treating him in silence,, carefully avoiding his eyes.

When she finished, she packed the supplies into the bag without a word. But he kept watching her.

Why is she just getting more beautiful every time he sees her?

She caught him staring but didn't react. Pretending not to notice.

"I'm leaving" she announced, carrying the bag.

"I feel uncomfortable here," she added.

"Uncomfortable?" his voice held a dry smirk.

"Yeah, it's strange being here together. But I'm only here to treat you because you got hurt trying to save me. That's all. I just don't get why you'd save the same girl you once chased out.”

"You think I let you go cuz I wanted to?"

"Well because of the baby, since you hate kids" she snapped.

"I couldn't even stop f*cking thinking about you after you left. Every damn day, I ask myself what the hell you did to my head—what the hell you did to me"

Novella swallowed hard.

"Don't pretend," she whispered.

"Pretend? I could've ended you the moment I found out you were pregnant. But I didn't. And that’s what's driving me insane…because killing you would've felt like killing a part of myself”

He ran a hand through his hair like he couldn't believe his own words.

She stared at him, stunned.

Was this really the same man she knew?

But she stood her ground.
"All your words won't stop me from hating you" she said coldly.

A smirk curved his lips.
"Then I'll just have to fix that"

Her eyes narrowed. "Why would you?"

"Because I want to," he muttered.

"But I have a kid now. And you hate kids"

"I'll deal with it"

Her heart skipped a beat...too many, actually.

A voice in her head screamed: 'Don't forgive him easily. Let him suffer idiot'

Novella took in her lower lip.

[FOUR MONTHS LATER]



Zia stood in the corner, her eyes fixed on Dawn and Yugo.

Dawn was curled on his lap, laughing as she kissed his face again and again.

Zia's heart sank and she smiled sadly.

"Don't be jealous. Yours is coming" a voice whispered behind her.

She jumped and turned sharply.

"Who the hell are you?" she frowned.

"Lux. Stryker's girlfriend" Lux replied robotically.

Zia scoffed and walked off.

Lux chuckled, her eyes still on Yugo and Dawn.

"Almighty Yugo… turning soft. Getting peppered with kisses like that. What a beautiful sight," she grinned.

*

Ronan stormed toward his suite, Kyros keeping pace beside him.

"He's in London and I'm supposed to lead tonight's mission? Is he out of his mind?" Ronan snapped.

"You should calm down, boss" Kyros said calmly.

"I might kill you before your time," Ronan muttered.

Kyros wisely stayed silent.

Just ahead, Smokey walked alone, dressed just in a tank top that showed just enough cleavage, paired with cargo pants. She looked hot and she knew it.

Ronan slowed, spotting her

Kyros followed his gaze, then smirked.

"She's single" he said loudly.

Ronan turned, brow raised.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Before Kyros could answer—

"Good morning, boss" Smokey greeted with a bow and kept walking.

Ronan watched her for a second, then continued walking.

Kyros smirked knowingly behind him.

___________________

ALINA'S ROOM*

Alina paced the room, full of excitement as Lady Elowen packed her things in a suitcase.

"I can't believe this! I'm going to London," she said, plopping onto the bed.

Lady Elowen watched her with a small smile.

"This is the best thing ever! I have a baby sister! And Daddy… he said you should bring me to London. Do you think that means he doesn't hate me anymore?" she gasped, her eyes wide.

She suddenly jumped to her feet and twirled.

"And I have a new mommy too. That pretty lady...she's my mommy now!"

Lady Elowen smiled softly, remembering when she told Alina the truth about her surrogate mother and father. It had taken months for her to heal.

But she never once regretted being honest.

✓✓✓✓✓✓

Dawn walked down the hallway, headphones hanging around her neck.

Zia approached from the front. Their eyes met briefly.

Dawn bit her lip and tried to walk past without stopping.

But...

"Happy you finally got him?" Zia asked, her voice flat.

Dawn stopped.

"Yeah" she replied plainly.

Zia turned to face her, her expression unreadable.

"Good for you... bitch" she gritted and walked off.

Dawn hesitated, then said loudly,

"I missed us. Back when we were friends"

Zia didn't turn around. But her throat moved as she swallowed hard.

[CANADA]

A APARTMENT*

In a bedroom, Ellera lay beside her boyfriend on the bed, her head resting on his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat comforted her.

"You're serious?" he asked after she finished telling him her story. "Your husband died after just one week of your wedding?"

She nodded slowly.

"He got tangled with a dangerous Mafia clan. They murdered him and burned down his entire clan. They tried to kill me too but when they realized who my parents are, they backed off”

He held her tighter.

"Instead of returning home, I left Italy. My parents threatened to disown me, but I didn't go back. I've been hiding ever since"

She paused, her voice dropping. "I miss my brothers... especially Cross"

"You should visit him" he said.

"I've been saying that but I didn't" she sighed. "Maybe I will. For real this time"

"Should I come with you?"

She gave him a look. "Only if you have a death wish. That place is dangerous"

He chuckled quietly.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

LONDON✓

Novella stepped out of the café with Nova in one arm and her bag slung over her shoulder. Harry walked beside her, laughing at something she had said.

But her eyes went straight to the black car parked in front of the café.

She smiled.

Harry followed her gaze and noticed it too. Inside, Cross caught the sight of her and smiled faintly but it faded when he saw Harry.

His jaw clenched.

Novella waved goodbye to Harry and jogged to the car. She tried to open the passenger door but it was locked. She tapped on the window.

Cross rolled it down halfway, then unlocked the door.

She opened, climbed in, and closed the door.

"Afternoon" she said.

He responded with a quiet hum, his eyes focused ahead.

"Dada," Nova said, chewing on her fingers.

Cross glanced at her, and a rare smile touched his lips. Nova grinned her gummy smile.

Novella was busy exploring his face.

How can someone be this dangerously handsome?
She licked her lips.

As Cross started the car, he asked,

"Why was that guy so close to you?"

She knew exactly who he meant. She cleared her throat.

"He's my co-worker. A friend. Why?"

Cross kept his eyes on the road.

"Do I need to make his head roll down the road before you keep your distance?"

Novella laughed softly.

"Don't be jealous"

He only smirked.



🔷 CROSS'S MANSION

Novella was stirring the pasta on the stove when she felt a hand squeeze her @$$ from behind. She gasped softly.

"Cross…" she said, biting her lip.

"What are you making?" he whispered close to her ear.

"Pasta" she answered, still a bit breathless.

He wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed the side of her neck. She dropped the spoon with a clatter as he sucked on her skin, slow and firm, leaving a glaring hickey behind.

"Cross" she whispered.

He gave her a light kiss on her hair.

"You should be arrested for disturbing me like this," she said, turning to face him.

Her eyes locked on his.

Cross leaned in to kiss her but before his lips met hers, a loud cry echoed.

They both turned and saw Nova crawling toward them, crying her lungs out.

Cross groaned.

"Why don't you sedate this baby already?"

Novella laughed, muttering "You're insane"

He walked over to pick Nova up.

As soon as she was in his arms, Nova stopped crying. She looked up at him and gave a smile.

"Dada" she babbled.

Novella smiled and stepped closer. She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.

He turned around, still holding the baby, and gently pulled her into a kiss.

Nova started wailing again...this time even louder.

Cross pulled away with a sigh.

"Sedate this baby!"

Novella burst out laughing, playfully hitting his chest.

LATER THAT NIGHT

They were naked in the tub, the warm water rising around them. Cross leaned against the backrest, and Novella sat in his lap, his length inside her. She rested her head on his shoulder and his hand stroked her back gently.

"I'm thinking of telling my dad about us soon" she said quietly.

Cross glanced at her.

"I lied when I told him about you" she said with a small smile.

"What kind of lie?"

"I said you kidnapped me… forced me to replace your dead wife… and got me pregnant" she admitted.

Cross raised a brow. "He believed that?"

She nodded.

"He was furious" she replied, then kissed his neck.

He groaned.

"Don't tempt me"

She smirked, slowly moving on him.

"You're not going to walk for two weeks," he muttered, gripping her waist.

"Like I care" she whispered.

He leaned forward and pecked her lips. "Mia…"

"I love you" she murmured, biting her lip seductively.

“Ya tebya lyublyu, malýshka" he replied in Russian.

Her heart fluttered at his words. "Took you long enough to say that"

He smiled.

Novella closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Even if it would take time to forgive him completely, she knew one thing—she was glad they were here, like this.

*

*

THE END.

If you don't want to be blocked, avoid leaving rubbish comments like 'Interesting' 'Nice one' or ‘cool ending' 'hmm’....

This is the final chapter...the moment I'll truly know if you loved this story. If you've never left a comment before, now's the perfect time to start.

Share massively and don't forget to hit the like button too.

To everyone who supported me from the very beginning to the very end of this book...thank you so much 💚

06/24/2025

🔒SOLD & CLAIMED🔒
(...Bound to the Devil…)

*

CHAPTER 113🖤114

By: Greenie J.

*

‼️DO NOT COPY OR REPOST ‼️

*LIKE,
*REPLY TO ALL MY COMMENTS,
*DROP YOUR LONG MEANINGFUL COMMENT, *AND SHARE MASSIVELY.....✍️



It was a poisoned bullet.
But he had the antidote.

As if her senses kicked back in, she broke the kiss and leaned back, breathing hard.

Her eyes widened.
Did she just kiss him back?

She quickly wiped her lips with the back of her hand. Just as she lifted her hand to slap him, he caught it mid-air.

But she yanked it out of his grip and glared at him, fire in her eyes.

"Move" she muttered, her jaw clenched tight.

He didn't flinch. His gaze stayed on her face, intense and unreadable.

Her jaw tightened again as her eyes drifted downward…then stopped.

Right at the bulge pressing through his pants. She tilted her head slightly and gave a dark smirk.

Cross noticed her focus shift and followed her eyes.

Too late.

Her leg shot up fast, her shoe landing squarely between his legs.

"Ugh!" he groaned, eyes wide as he doubled over, his hands grabbing his groin.

He stumbled back, gasping

Novella didn't wait. She used that opportunity to escape, pushing him out of the way and grabbing her bag along.

She limped away quickly and rushed to the side of the road.

A taxi passed, and she waved it down. It pulled over.

She climbed in and slammed the door shut.

Moments later, it drove off, leaving Cross still crouched in pain beside his car.

"Damn it, little one," he hissed, teeth clenched.

[NOVELLA'S ROOM]

Novella paced the room, tapping her foot as she dialed a number on her phone. Her hair was messy and her breathing was still uneven.

She had come home instead of attending the sleepover. Her father was surprised when she stormed in, but she didn't stop to explain.

The caller's ID was displayed on the screen.

Lady Elowen

The call connected after four rings.

"Lady Elowen" Novella said, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Novella, how are you?" the woman's voice came through, calm and clear.

"How do you expect me to be fine when he's back?" Novella raised her voice.

There was a pause on the line.

"Cross?" Lady Elowen asked.

"Yes! Why is he here? Why now? He chased me out. He let me go with just my baby and now he suddenly wants to show up again?" Her voice cracked.

"You’re close to him, right? Please… tell him to go back to Italy. I don't want my child to know him. I don't want her to ever know who her father is"

Tears filled her eyes, and she wiped them quickly.

"When did he show up?" Lady Elowen asked softly.

"Yesterday... and today," Novella said.

There was silence again.

"Do you hate him that much?" Lady Elowen asked.

"Hate?" Novella let out a bitter laugh. "No word could describe it"

Lady Elowen chuckled lightly.

"You know he won't give up easily," she said.

"He only sent you away because he hates kids. You remind him of everything he had tried to bury. His dark past"

"His dark past?" Novella scoffed.

"Someone like him has a past? He's just a heartless beast who hates people"

"I know you're angry. Be as angry as you want. But that doesn't change the fact—you have his child now. You deserve to know more about the man who fathered your daughter"

Novella was quiet, her chest rising and falling.

"Do you want to know the truth about him?" Lady Elowen asked.

"What's so special about that devil that I need to know?" Novella whispered.

"Check your inbox in one hour" the woman said.

"Huh?"

"Just do it. And take care of Nova. And please... don't waste your tears on him"

The call ended.

Novella stood frozen for a few seconds before lowering her phone.

She sighed and sat on the edge of her bed, wiping her face with both hands.

TWO WEEKS LATER...

The door clicked open as Novella stepped into her house. She shut it behind her and walked down the corridor, heading straight to the kitchen.

She placed the shopping bags on the counter with a small sigh, then turned and made her way upstairs to her room.

"Hope my baby isn't crying already," Novella muttered as she hurried up the stairs, her heels clicking against the tiles.

A few minutes later…

She pushed the door open without bothering to shut it behind her.

But then—she stopped.

Someone was standing by the window, their back turned to her.

"Who are you?" she asked fearfully, her eyes quickly darting to the bed where Nova was wide awake, holding her toy with both hands and kicking her tiny feet in the air.

The baby babbled softly, mumbling in her own little language.

Novella quickly looked away, and took a few cautious steps forward to the person, her breath catching as the familiar leather scent hit her.

"Cross..." she breathed, stopping just a few steps away, recognizing the back.

Her chest tightened.

"Why are you here?" her voice rose, not believing her eyes.

"How did you even get in? How do you know where I live?"

He didn't move.

"Too many questions at once, little one" he replied, his voice low.

"Leave" Her tone was firm now.

He finally turned around, his eyes locking with hers.

"Is that supposed to be an order?"

“Yes. And I don't think you have any right being in the same room as someone else's woman" Her jaw tightened as she crossed her arms.

His eyes darkened.

"Someone else's woman?" he repeated.

"Yes. Got a problem with that?" she replied, lifting a brow.

Suddenly, he stepped forward, grabbed her wrist, and pinned her against the glass window. A gasp left her mouth.

"Hey!" she snapped, struggling as he pinned both hands above her head.

He leaned in, his breath brushing her cheek. She could smell strawberries, smoke, and the faint trace of whiskey.

"Don't you think this counts as harassment, sir?" she gritted out, trying to stay composed.

"Who's the man?” he asked coolly.

Deep down, he loves the way she lies with that small, stubborn mouth of hers.

She smiled coldly.

"You mean my sweetheart? My world?"

His lips twitched into a smirk.

"Trying to make me jealous?" he asked.

His grip tightened and she winced.

"Jealous? You flatter yourself"

His eyes swept over her face, lingering.

"You being bold like this... makes me hard in my pants" he muttered, his voice dropping lower.

"Damn you, bastard!" she snapped, her eyes burning with anger.

"You know who I am" he muttered, his tone now turning angry.

She scoffed.

"Of course I know. You're a Mafia boss who kicked out the girl he bought just because she got pregnant and now he's trying to get her back? As if she's his?"

His stare sharpened.

"You were mine the day you were sold, Piccola"

"Do I look like something you can own?" she said but he didn't say anything.

She sighed, trying to control herself.

"Why are you here?"

"For my girl"

"Or for my body?" she gritted her teeth.

He didn't stop smirking..

"For you"

Her breath hitched. For a second, her heart skipped.

What's with him?

She was still frozen in that thought when his lips suddenly pressed against her neck.

Her body stiffened, and a gasp caught in her throat as he started kissing her skin slowly.

But then his phone rang, cutting through the silence.
He ignored it and kept going.

"Mmm," she whimpered, her hands trying to push him away.

He didn't stop.

The phone rang again, louder this time. He paused, pulled away, and pulled out the phone from his pocket.

He checked the screen and saw the unknown number but he ended the call and looked up—but Novella had already turned her face.

He ran his tongue over his teeth.

Without another word, he walked out of the room.

She stood there, staring at the door long after he left. Then, slowly, she sank to the floor, her back pressed against the wall.

Her breath trembled as she let it out. Her chest rose and fell rapidly.

"What the hell just happened..." she whispered to herself.

How did he even know where she lives? She should've locked the front door before going to the market.

Though she refused to admit it, his nearness… his touches… the way his eyes lingered on her...it was driving her crazy. But she'd rather die than let him know.

She got up quietly and walked over to the bed. Climbing in, she slid closer to Nova, gently brushing her fingers against the baby's soft cheek.

"You didn't even cry," she whispered, smiling faintly. "Even when Mommy wasn't around"

IN THE CAR*

Cross sat in the driver's seat, his eyes fixed ahead as he adjusted the AirPod in his ear.

"There's a mission next week, you'll lead it. I'll send the full details to your email now" he said to Yugo.

Later, he took the AirPod out and dropped it on the seat beside him. Silence followed… until Novella's words came back to him.

"Someone else's woman?" he muttered.

His jaw clenched and he looked back at her house.

MILAN*

Smokey stepped into the garden and spotted Kyros sitting on the grass. She walked over and sat beside him, brushing the leaves off.

"Hey, Kyros," she said softly.

He turned to glance at her, then looked away without a word.

"How are you?" she asked, keeping her gaze forward.

No response.

"That's cold," she mumbled, smiling faintly.

Still silence.

After a while, she turned to face him.

"Do you know why Ronan and Cross never get along? I mean, everyone's been wondering"

It took a while before Kyros finally looked at her.

"Your crush hated Cross from the start. He thought Cross was made the main boss of this clan because he was better than him. Foolish thought, isn’t it?" he smirked

She frowned slightly.

"Why'd you say 'your crush' like that?"

He smirked. "Isn't he? You like him"

"You think he likes me too?" she asked, her voice low.

He let out a dry laugh.

"Another foolish thought. He only cares about sleeping with random girls. You're not his type. Don't get your hopes up"

She looked away, her expression falling.

"Thanks for the harsh truth," she muttered.

"He's not someone you should like" Kyros added. "He's a psycho"

"Okay'” she replied flatly.

He gave a small, knowing smile but said nothing more.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

RESTAURANT (NOON)

"Take care, ma'am" Novella said politely to the last customer as they left the restaurant.

She stretched her neck with a sigh, then made her way to the kitchen. As soon as she entered, a sharp smell hit her nose. She sniffed the air

She recognized the smell in no time.

Slowly, her eyes darted to the gas cooker. She rushed over and saw the k**b still slightly turned. A faint hissing sound came from it.

She gasped and turned it off immediately but the sharp odor still stayed.

Her phone rang. She grabbed it from her pocket and checked the screen to see an unknown number.

She answered. "Hello—"

A loud, angry voice cut her off.

"I've been waiting for my order for two hours! What kind of restaurant is this?!"

Novella blinked. She recognized the voice...it was the same woman who had called earlier.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am. You'll receive your order within an hour—"

The call disconnected.

Novella let out a breath and muttered, "Seriously?"

Shaking her head, she went to the fridge and opened it.

"Thank goodness the boss isn't around" she murmured.

(Minutes later)

Everything was laid out on the counter: vegetables, spices, and meat. Sweet potatoes. A large pot of water sat on the stove, ready to boil.

She grabbed a lighter, turned the stove on again, and struck the flame.

The moment the fire touched it, a loud BOOM erupted. The flames burst upward, throwing the pot away and it fell to the floor.

She stumbled back.

"Oh my God!" she shouted, wide-eyed.

Smoke filled the air and flames danced across the stove.

She grabbed a bowl of water and tossed it toward the fire.

BOOM!

The flames exploded again, spreading across the countertop.

"No, no, no!' she panicked, frantically searching for something else to use.

She reached for a towel and tried beating the flames, but the fire kept growing, creeping closer.

Smoke thickened around her.

Novella staggered backward, one arm shielding her face. Her eyes stung, her throat burned but she didn't run.

She couldn't.

She can't leave this place to burn down... She had to stop it.
With shaking hands, she grabbed another bowl of water and threw it at the flames.

A sudden boom sent her flying across the room. She hit the ground hard, pain shooting through her side. She groaned, coughing as thick smoke invaded her lungs.

The fire was raging, crackling, feeding on everything it touched.

Her limbs trembled. Sweat poured from her skin, but it wasn't just the heat...it was fear.
She tried to push herself up but collapsed again. Her vision was going blurry.

The fire occupied the whole kitchen.

"Nova…" she rasped, barely able to speak.

She blinked, trying to stay awake.

She can't die. Not now…
Her eyelids dropped,

"No…" she whispered.

Heavy footsteps echoed through, approaching her.

"My child.." she murmured.

A voice cut through the roar of the fire.

"You're thinking about a child while you're dying?"

Her eyes fluttered open, blurry at first.
"Cross…" she murmured, then went limp.

His jaw clenched and he didn't waste time scooping her up in his arms. The heat was unbearable and his shirt caught fire the moment he turned.

It peeled his skin instantly and he gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain.

*

*

TBC.

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