I had always thought my life was forever going to be rosy having been married to the man of my heart, how dumb could I be? My world came crashing unexpectedly when my husband decided to constantly ditch me over some ordinary woman. No, maybe I underestimated her because she wasn't ordinary. A woman who could easily control Keaton Gebbert who's the dreaded Mafia Don, is no simple woman.
When I lost my baby, it was no ordinary accident. Keaton's car had crashed into mine while he was chasing down one of his enemies to save Lacey who claimed she was abducted by them. I knew too well she had made it up but he didn't even let me presume that.
“Don't say nonsense about Lacey. She's not too petty to want to get my attention like you," he scoffed. And with that, he had left the house a while ago.
Now, unable to crawl out of the car in my ugly state, I watched his car disappearing down the road. He barely stopped, barely looked. I was left slumped over the wheel, my stomach clenching with pain, my white dress soaked in blood. My eyes were rolling in my socket, I felt entirely weak.
About 30 minutes later, as I tried to make sense of what was happening, his car approached and slowed down briefly. I saw him through the window, his eyes hard, calculating.
He got me into the back of his car and then, as if I was just another obstacle on the road, he shielded the woman beside him—Lacey Mark, his assistant—and muttered, "Bad luck. Don't look." And then he sped off.
That same night, back at the estate, I was in our room, folding clothes. I was trying to stay composed, trying not to think about the dull ache in my heart. As I reached for a pair of jeans, my fingers brushed against a delicate piece of fabric—a lace bra, shoved carelessly into the corner of the closet. It wasn’t mine. My chest tightened, but I just closed the closet door, swallowed the bitterness, and dialed a number.
"Mr. Romano, it's Alissa Gebbert. I've made up my mind. I can leave here next week and start at your firm."
"That’s fantastic news, Mrs. Gebbert! We’re thrilled to have you on board," he said cheerfully.
The second I ended the call, Keaton walked out of the bathroom. His black hair was still damp, and beads of water glistened on his tattooed chest. He used to take five minutes in the shower. Lately, he’d been taking half an hour, always with his phone in hand.
"Who were you talking to?" he asked, not even looking up as he dried his hair with a towel.
"Mr. Romano," I replied, forcing my voice to remain steady.
"Ah," he said, distractedly checking his phone. He didn't ask why I was talking to a business mogul, didn't care enough to probe. And for once, I didn't feel angry. I just felt... done. I began drafting my resignation letter from his company in my head, something I never thought I’d have to do.
Keaton reached for the whiskey glass on the nightstand, expecting the amber liquid to be there, waiting, like I always had it. When he found nothing, he finally glanced at me.
"I spoke with Dr. Keane about your X-rays," he said, his tone casual, almost bored. "He said it was just a minor injury, nothing to worry about. Just keep the stitches dry."
I nodded, still typing on my phone, not even bothering to look up. "Alright."
“Next time, you should be careful and just mind your business too. If you had just stayed out of my business, then at least you wouldn't have had that accident,” he bluntly said, giving me an awful look.
“Is that really what you're going to say?" I demanded, my voice strained.
“What else do you want me to say?" He shrugged.
“Keaton, you crashed my car and abandoned me to go after Lacey and then you blame me…?”
"Yes. Lacey's life was in danger.”
"And what about mine? I almost lost my life and I also lost our…” I stopped myself, my tears rolling out in beads.
He scoffed. "Stop acting like you want the world to revolve around you because you're Keaton Gebbert's woman. It's pathetic.”
He walked past me, almost shoving me aside. “You didn't die. You're still alive so don't cry me a river like you lost another life," he added grumpily.
That afternoon, I had eight stitches in my abdomen from the accident. Worse, I'd found out I was four weeks pregnant... and already showing signs of miscarriage. The doctor had apologized, saying that if I'd been brought to the hospital sooner, the baby might have been saved.
Keaton’s cold indifference stung, but nothing compared to the sight of him now. When he realized I wasn’t hanging on his every word, he frowned and started walking over, but then his phone buzzed, lighting up his face with a smile I hadn’t seen in months. Without a second thought, he turned and disappeared into his office.
As soon as he was gone, I unlocked my secret phone, the one he didn’t know about. Sure enough, there it was—a new post on his private feed on Instagram. One visible to everyone... except me.
“To the sweetest assistant in the world—sorry for making you wait ten minutes. Promise I'll make it up to you. Don’t work too hard, Lacey.”
I double-tapped it, liked it, and at that moment, I received a notification from Mr. Romano. The contract. I clicked the link and signed the document without a shred of hesitation. I had made my decision.
Chapter 2The next morning, Keaton was up before dawn. He returned with a box of pastries from a bakery I’d always wanted to try. For a moment, I thought he’d bought them for me, but when I reached for the chocolate croissant, he slapped my hand away.
"Those aren't yours. You like the plain ones, right? I got one just for you," he said, his voice absent of any warmth.
I froze, the reality crashing down on me. The chocolate croissants weren’t for me; they were for Lacey.
I couldn’t take it anymore. "We’ve been together for 5 years, and you still don’t know I’m allergic to plain croissants?" I said, my voice cracking.
Keaton’s expression darkened. He stood abruptly, tossing the pastries onto the table. "Stop making a scene. Eat or don’t. I don’t care."
As he prepared to leave, I walked to the closet and grabbed a bag. "When you see Lacey today, make sure you give this to her."
His brow furrowed, but he took the bag. When he peeked inside and saw the lace bra, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. He opened his mouth, probably to explain it away, but the cold, indifferent look on my face silenced him. "I'll make sure she stops leaving her things around," he said, almost too casually.
"Good," I whispered.
For a second, Keaton hesitated, his eyes trying to read my expression. Then he offered, "I can give you a ride to work today."
Five years, and not once had he offered to drive me, even when I was seriously ill, even when it rained so hard the roads were almost flooded. Work and personal life were always separate. But Lacey? On her first day, she’d been chauffeured around by the Mafia Don himself.
I shook my head, grabbed my keys, and brushed past him, trying not to let the tears spill. I had one foot out the door when I heard Keaton's phone ring. "Alissa, wait—"
I stopped, my breath catching, thinking maybe he would apologize. Maybe he would ask what was wrong. Maybe...
But he answered a call instead. "Lacey, yeah. I'll be there soon. Just wait for me."
I didn’t look back as I stepped outside, into the bitter morning air. But as I walked to my car, I heard the faintest echo from inside.
"Oh, is Alissa upset?" It was Lacey, her voice tinged with that fake sweetness, dripping with mock concern. "Maybe you should talk to her, Keaton."
I turned to see Keaton now standing next to her at the entrance of the house.
"No. Let her be," he said, his voice dismissive. "She didn’t want to come with me anyway."
I slipped behind the wheel, my hands trembling as I gripped the steering wheel. My vision blurred as I backed out of the driveway, but through the rearview mirror, I saw him standing by the front door, his phone still pressed to his ear as he answered another call.
This was it. I was done playing second to his dangerous games, his careless disregard, and Lacey’s coy smiles. I was leaving this world, this life, and him. Let him chase after Lacey. Let her be his world. But as I turned the corner, I caught one last glimpse of him, and for a second, it felt like he saw me.
But then he turned away, and I was gone.
I arrived at Gebbert Enterprises, Keaton's company, and the sight of the towering building made my stomach churn with a mix of anticipation and dread. I’d quit a great job a few months back just to be here. Keaton had insisted that I shouldn’t be working for another company when I could help him out at his own. So, I’d taken a position as an administrative assistant, one of the lowest ranks, hoping it would bring us closer. But it was becoming clear I might have misjudged everything.
When I reached his office, I hesitated at the door, hearing Lacey’s loud, bright laughter spilling through the crack. I pushed it open to find her perched on the edge of his desk, chatting animatedly. Keaton was laughing, a deep, hearty sound that made my chest tighten. Neither of them noticed me standing there.
I cleared my throat loudly, forcing them to look my way. Lacey's grin barely faltered, while Keaton’s laughter died down. He glanced at me, but there was no warmth in his eyes.
“You ought to be working, Lacey, not chatting. It’s inappropriate,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. I turned to Keaton, expecting some sort of support, or at least a nod of agreement.
But instead, he leaned back in his chair, his expression hardening. “If you’re such a great staff member, Alissa, shouldn’t you be at your desk right now?” His tone was dismissive, almost indifferent.
My mouth fell open, stunned. “I—”
“Get back to work, Alissa,” he cut me off, barely looking at me, his focus shifting back to Lacey as if I’d never even spoken. It felt like a slap. My heart sank as I realized my attempt to assert myself had only shattered whatever fragile authority I thought I had.
Swallowing the bitter taste of rejection, I turned and walked out of the office, feeling the sting of his indifference. As I reached the elevator, I heard Lacey call out behind me.
“Oh, Alissa, I really don’t like it when you piss Keaton off, you know,” she said, her tone dripping with fake sweetness as she caught up to me.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I snapped, barely managing to keep my composure.
She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with an almost gleeful mischief. “He’s not just attached to me but tied to me. So if I get hurt, he will too. Respect that. You can’t change it.”
“Really?” I said, my voice sharp.
“Yes.” She stepped closer, her smile widening. “You know, Keaton adores me. He’d move mountains for me, but I can bet he wouldn’t do much for you.”
Her confidence, veiled under a fake, lovely expression, irked me to no end. I took a step closer, my gaze narrowing. “Do whatever you want, Lacey. I know you well. But you will never get in between Keaton and me.”
“Haven’t I already started doing that?” she said, her tone playful, as if this was all just a game to her. She chuckled softly, the sound grating on my nerves, and before I could think of a response to counter that bitter truth, she stepped into the elevator and left, leaving me standing there, feeling smaller than ever.
Chapter 3I thought about how I could make things right between Keaton and me. For a moment I thought maybe our relationship was worth saving. It’s been five years since we got married. At the beginning, everything was wonderful. Keaton was warm, caring, and attentive. But now, he had become distant, cold, and stoic, all because of her—Lacey. I don’t know much about Lacey, except that she used to be a C-class model, someone who was barely known. But somehow, she’s managed to turn my marriage upside down.
“Lacey wasn’t even that famous,” I muttered to myself, gripping the steering wheel as I waited outside Keaton’s company building. “How did she manage to get her claws into him?”
It was like she came into our lives out of nowhere, like a storm that refused to calm. I had noticed Keaton’s change from the moment she appeared, always hovering around him, whispering things that I couldn’t hear. Whenever she was around, he would be more distracted, less interested in whatever I had to say. I had tried to ignore it at first, thinking maybe it was just a phase. But now, it was clear—Lacey was more than just a friend or an employee to him.
I remember the day I fell in love with Keaton. It was after he saved me from a group of thugs who had tried to rob me. He was like a knight in shining armor, except his armor was a sharp suit, and he was known to be a ruthless Mafia don, hiding under the guise of a reputable CEO and business tycoon. The city of Florida respected and feared him, and that dangerous edge was what drew me to him. I knew who he was, but I still loved him. He had a way of making me feel safe, like nothing could ever harm me. I wanted to be the one who made him feel that way too. But now, everything seemed to be slipping away.
As I waited outside his company, I saw Keaton step out. Relief washed over me, but then I noticed Lacey right beside him, her hand lightly grazing his arm, leaning into his space. She was talking animatedly, her face bright with a smile that he returned. It was as if I was watching them from behind a glass wall, unable to reach through.
I gathered my courage, stepped out of the car, and walked up to him with a smile. “Hey, Keaton,” I said, trying to sound cheerful. “I was hoping we could go home together. My car is having some issues, and it’s been a long day.”
Keaton opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, Lacey cut in. “Keaton, my legs are so sore,” she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. “I’d really appreciate it if you could drop me off. It’s on your way anyway, right?”
I stared at her, stunned, waiting for Keaton to refuse, to tell her that he was going home with his wife. But instead, he nodded. “Of course, Lacey,” he said. “I’ll drop you off.”
“Keaton,” I said, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. “I really need a ride. My car isn’t working, and it would be nice if—”
“Come on, Lissa,” he interrupted, sounding exasperated. “Just book a ride or get a taxi home. Our house is only ten minutes away. I’ll see you at home.”
He turned away, and I watched as he helped Lacey into his car, the door closing with a finality that made my heart sink. I felt like I had just been dismissed, like I didn’t matter. They drove off, leaving me standing there, feeling more alone than ever.
I checked my purse. I didn’t have enough money to book a ride, and I was too embarrassed to call anyone for help. I decided to walk home, cutting through the alleys that would take me through a few quiet streets. It wasn’t the safest route, but I just wanted to get home and forget about this evening. As I walked, the streets grew darker, and a strange feeling crept up my spine. I felt like someone was following me.
I glanced back a couple of times, but I couldn’t see anyone. The streets were deserted, but the feeling wouldn’t go away. I picked up my pace, trying to shake off the paranoia, but just as I was about to turn another corner, a hand clamped over my mouth, and a rough bag was shoved over my head. I screamed, but the sound was muffled. I struggled, but my arms were pinned, and I felt myself being dragged away.
Chapter 4It felt like an eternity before the bag was pulled off my head. I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the dim light of a vast, empty room. The walls were bare, and there was a faint smell of dampness in the air. I heard footsteps, and a potbellied man with a greasy smile stepped forward.
“Well, hello there, Mrs. Gebbert,” he said, his voice thick with a foreign accent. “My name’s Viktor. You don’t know me, but I know your husband very well.”
I didn’t recognize him, but there was something about his eyes that sent a chill through me. “What do you want?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“Oh, it’s not about what I want,” he said, chuckling. “It’s about what I need. You see, I have a little vendetta with your dear Keaton. He’s wronged me, and I need to settle the scores. And you, my dear, are the perfect bait.”
I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes. “I won’t call him. I won’t get him involved.”
Viktor’s smile faded, and he leaned closer. “You will, or things might get unpleasant for you, Mrs. Gebbert. Let me explain something—Keaton is not just a businessman. He’s the Don of one of the most powerful Mafia groups in this city. He’s ruthless, and he knows how to handle problems. But even he can’t ignore a call from his wife, especially when her life is on the line.”
My hands trembled as I clutched my phone which he handed to me. I didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want Keaton to be in danger because of me, but Viktor’s cold, unforgiving eyes told me I had no choice. I dialed Keaton’s number, praying he would understand the urgency.
He answered on the second ring. “Lissa, what is it?”
“Keaton,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady. “I need you to come here. I’ve been taken… they want to—”
“Lissa, I’m with Lacey right now,” he said, cutting me off. “She’s pretty shaken up, and I need to be here for her.”
I felt like my heart stopped. “Keaton, my life is in danger! I’m telling you—”
He sighed. “Look, I’ll check on you later, okay? I’m sure you can handle whatever’s going on.”
The line went dead. I stared at the phone, disbelief washing over me. My husband, my protector, the man I thought would move heaven and earth for me, had just told me that he was too busy keeping Lacey company to care that I was in danger.
I looked up, my hands shaking, and saw Viktor smirking at me. “Well, well, Mrs. Gebbert,” he said, his voice dripping with mockery. “It seems your beloved husband doesn’t care as much as you thought.”
I felt something break inside me, a searing pain that cut deeper than any wound. Keaton was choosing her over me.
Viktor’s men started closing in, their laughter echoing around the dimly lit room. “Maybe we should teach this one a lesson,” one of them sneered, his grin revealing a row of yellowed teeth. “Make sure Keaton learns not to mess with boss Viktor again.”
Viktor, lounging against the wall with a cigarette dangling from his lips, nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah, sounds good. She’s pretty, but I don’t make out with married women.” He took a drag from the cigarette and exhaled the smoke lazily. “Let’s just give her a little disfiguration. Her face will be perfect.”
A chill ran down my spine, and I shivered with disgust. My heart hammered in my chest, but I clenched my fists, trying not to let them see my fear. “Go ahead, try it,” I taunted, forcing a smirk onto my face. “Keaton’s going to come after you all, and you’ll wish you were never born.” I didn’t believe my own words, but I had to stall, to do anything to make them hesitate.
One of the men stepped closer, his hand twitching as if itching to follow through with Viktor’s order. He reached out, and I instinctively stepped back, my pulse racing. But then, a calm, steady voice broke through the murmur of threats and jeers.
“Touch her, and I’ll break every bone in your body,” the voice said, cold and commanding.