Duvalier.
I stood by the massive window, my gaze fixated on the sprawling cityscape below. Anna, my wife, approached me, her voice cutting through my thoughts.
"Ready to head back?" she asked, her eyes filled with a mix of excitement and concern.
I turned to face her, a wry smile playing on my lips. "Yes, let's just hope Theo hasn't turned our house upside down," I replied, a hint of amusement in my voice.
Anna chuckled, her laughter filling the room and warming my heart. "We would have heard that from the news if he did that," she reassured me, her hand gently sliding around my neck.
"We really needed this vacation. Can you believe it's been twenty years since we were married? It feels like yesterday," she mused, her voice brimming with nostalgia and affection.
I planted a kiss on her temple, memories of our unconventional beginnings flooding my mind. "You didn't want to marry me. I remember how you were kicking and fighting my men when they brought you to my house," I recalled, a mixture of amusement and fondness in my tone.
"I had heard some scary things about you. I was so afraid you would turn me into pulp," she confessed, her vulnerability shining through.
Our love story had its roots in an arranged marriage, a transactional union with strategic benefits. I sought to expand my business, and Anna's father's company presented a valuable opportunity. Our initial encounter was far from conventional, with Anna being kidnapped and brought to me against her will.
But as time passed, she began to see beyond the surface, beyond the fearsome reputation I carried. We got married in less than a month, and gradually, she accepted our union and started to love me. We even had our son, Theodore.
However, like any marriage, we faced our share of challenges. My relentless focus on work and my responsibilities as the Alpha of the Storm pack left little time for nurturing our relationship. Unbeknownst to me, Anna sought solace in the arms of another, a betrayal that shook me to the core.
I discovered her affair when I came home unexpectedly, witnessing her with another man in our bed. The feeling of betrayal cut deep, but she pleaded for my forgiveness. Reluctantly, I chose to give our marriage another chance, not wanting to bring shame upon her or our family.
We embarked on the arduous journey of marriage counseling, attempting to rebuild what was broken. I can't say I forgave her completely, nor can I be certain if the love I once felt for her still resides within me. Love has always been an elusive concept to me, and I've never considered myself capable of truly experiencing it. I prefer control, dominance, and detachment—love weakens people, and I refuse to be weakened.
Anna and I have taken baby steps in mending our relationship. I've made changes, rebranding our staff to ensure a professional environment at home. People should know their roles and focus on their work, rather than turning our house into some chaotic theater.
"What are you thinking of?" Anna interrupted my train of thought, her voice gentle and curious.
"Business," I replied, masking my true emotions behind a facade.
She smiled knowingly. "You love to work," she remarked, her hand grazing my cheek.
"If I didn't, we would all sleep hungry, and we wouldn't want that, would we?" I replied, my touch lingering on her face, a blend of tenderness and responsibility in my actions.
The counseling had helped to some extent, allowing Anna to express her reasons for straying outside our marriage, seeking solace in the arms of the gardener
. She claimed that my absence, my preoccupation with work, had left her feeling neglected and unseen. Though our physical intimacy remained intact, I failed to nurture the emotional bond between us.
As for myself, I have never strayed and have no intention of doing so. No other woman could compare to Anna's beauty, and perhaps I am too old for such indulgences. My commitment lies with my family, regardless of the complications we face.
Maybe one day I will find it in my heart to forgive Anna fully, to rekindle the love we once had. But for now, we take small steps towards rebuilding our shattered trust. A vacation to the place where we spent our honeymoon seems like a good starting point.
There was a knock on the door, interrupting our conversation.
"Come in," I said, my voice commanding yet inviting.
Travis, my trusted right-hand Gamma, entered the room, his expression serious and purposeful. He knew the weight of my responsibilities and the secrets we held.
"Everything is ready, Sir," he informed me, his voice carrying an undertone of urgency.
"I'll take the bags," Anna chimed in, giving me a peck on the cheek before leaving.
Once alone with Travis, his gaze locked with mine. There was no need for unnecessary words between us. He was my confidant, always by my side, even when his presence seemed unnecessary.
"I have received word that Nolan is in the city. What should we do?" he inquired, his voice filled with determination.
A smirk danced on my lips as I contemplated our long-standing pursuit of that wretched bastard. Nolan had bombed my city, leaving countless lives in ruins. Revenge was long overdue.
"We only have one chance. You know what to do," I instructed him, my voice laced with an icy resolve.
"Understood," he replied, his unwavering loyalty shining through.
Nolan would finally face the consequences of his actions, and I would ensure that his pack leader received a befitting parcel as well. Justice will be served.
Before Travis left, I posed a final question, seeking confirmation. "Were the replacements made?"
"Fiona hired a new maid for Theodore, but for the gardener, we are still in the process of interviewing potential candidates," he informed me.
"How old is he?" I asked, slipping into my jacket, a glint of concern in my eyes.
There was a momentary pause, and Travis blinked, hesitating before responding. "It's a she," he finally replied.
A flicker of annoyance crossed my face as I emphasized my preference.
"I thought I made it clear; it has to be a man. Theodore has a way with women, and we can't afford another heartbroken soul trying to blackmail him because he fed her with sweet nothing lies. Until we find out who his mate is, he can't be surrounded by young, impressionable women."
A pang of guilt washed over me as I recalled the repercussions of my own youthful actions, the hearts I had broken. The previous maid had fallen for Theodore's lies, only to be left shattered. Her failed attempt at blackmailing us had led her down a tragic path, one I couldn't shake off easily.
Let's hope the next candidate is older, more mature, like a wise old grandmother. Theodore has my charm, and I don't wish to see him suffer the same mistakes I made.
With a final nod, Travis left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. As I prepared to embark on our journey, I couldn't help but wonder if my son was my karmic reflection, a reminder of the pain I once caused. Only time would tell if he would break hearts as I did, or if he would learn from my mistake.