CHAPTER 20

⚠️ Warning!!! this chapter may contain nudity and other sexual contents. Reader's discretion is advised

Daniel

After everything that went down at the station, I just couldn't deal with anything else. At the end of the day, it's my fault that Felicity was dead.

Whomever hates Livy so much as to want to frame her for Felicity's death must really have powers in high place, because without a doubt Livy would have spent a night or two in jail if Markian hadn't showed up.

So for that, I was grateful. Today, it didn't matter if it was me or Markian that saved the day, the main fact was that she was out of that horrid place.

My phone vibrated in my pocket so I fetched it out to see an email. I opened to see what it was, it read; some evidence that shows not all that glitters is gold.

And with it were some files and a video too. I opened the video and I froze as I saw Livy in it.

Who sent these and how did they get hold of it? It's no longer a speculation that someone was out to ruin Livy and I need to find out who it is.

I quickly made a call to my private investigator in Minnesota, to find out all he can about the Luthel family and be descrete about it.

For all I know, it might just be an enemy she inherited from her mother, and Judy wouldn't take it lightly with anyone poking their noses around in her business.

Sophia was already dead and if they are the same people who pinned Felicity's death on Livy, it means they were involve in killing Felicity too.

It's very likely they are dangerous and could easily harm Livy if they wanted to, but I won't let that happen.

I poured myself a glass of brandy and thought about everything that happened today. I still can't believe Felicity was dead, and to thing that she was just a pawn in some lunatic's plot was just disheartening and sad.

Since I heard the news of her death and Livy being at the station, I've been blocking all other emotions by keeping busy trying to get Livy out instead of grieving or finding out who really killed Felicity.

But now that Livy was out, the feelings I've try to elude are finally hitting hard. I stood in front of the vanity mirror but for some reason my legs couldn't hold me up again so I staggered to the bed and sat on it.

After Felicity, I never thought I could love again. The sacrifice I made years ago was one of the sacrifices I have lived to regret the most.

Markian was 2years older than me, but we always acted like twins. Since I was a smarty pants, I entered High School together with him and we were known as the Winfrey duo back then in High School.

We practically did everything together, from partying to studying, and even had lunch together. You can't invite one of us to a party and not the other, but that wasn't hard to do since we were very handsome, rich and popular, everyone wanted to hang out with us.

Felicity transferred schools and joined us in 11th grade, but soon flowed with everyone in school as she was every guy's dream.

She was beautiful and the hottest girl in school then, but what attracted us to her was her boldness and confidence.

She had picked a fight with Markian and had called him an egocentric moron in front of the whole school because, he rudely turned down a prom-posal from a very shy girl then in our class who had a crush on him.

Markian swore he would get her back for the public insult and made her life in school unbearable. He bullied her for a while but that seemed not to work because she was so confident.

As always Markian had ways of going overboard with little quarrels, and his tempter gets the best of him, so I decided to stand aside and let him cool off by doing whatever he wanted to do to her.

But she was strong and didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her bow down, and that was when she caught my attention.

Markian decided to break her pride, so he prepared a grand prom-posal and asked her to prom. She accepted and I knew I should have told her how bad that decision was, but I didn't want to upset Markian.

When he decides to do something, nobody could stop him, you can only try but then you'll become an enemy too.

At the prom, Felicity waited for her date and so did the entire school. Markian finally showed up but he wasn't alone.

Turns out he had asked Taylor to be his prom date too- the most popular girl in school then and her parents were also very wealthy so they were a perfect match.

During that time, Felicity's family business was having some financial set backs and she depended on her scholarship in other to remain in our school.

She was orphaned so she was staying in Minnesota with her Uncle who was managing the rumpled up business her father had left behind.

She had got her dress and shoe for the prom on installment and was already working 2 part-time jobs to cover the cost.

So, when Markian had showed up with Taylor that night, it was devastating for her and for the first time, I saw her break-down in tears.

She ran out of the dance room in tears and I knew how upset she was, she shouldn't be alone in that frame of mind so I followed her.

I finally found her inside the dark gymnasium crying, so I walked up to her, crouched down and embraced her.

"Did you know? ...Sniffle... Did you know that he was planning to stand me up?" She asked with a broken voice.

"Yes." was all I could answer.

She raised up her head and gazed directly at me with her soul piercing green eyes.

"So, you must be happy too, right? You both have succeeded in breaking the strong and brave Felicity Marshall after all, congratulations" she said and that broke my heart.

She was wrong, I wasn't happy about any of these and I know I should have told her what Markian had planned to do, but I couldn't and for that I was upset with myself.

"Do you know the most upsetting part of all these? I had a feeling that something like these would happen, but deep down I hoped that maybe he wasn't such a cold hearted demon. Maybe he wanted to stop hating me, maybe he started liking me like I started liking him, maybe he wanted us to become friends. I was a fool right? I believed what I wanted to believe." She confessed.

Turned out that she started having feelings for him and was excited about today, but now she was heartbroken.

I stood up and stretch my hand toward her and said, "Sometimes believing what we want is all it takes, but it doesn't mean you are a fool. It only means you are brave enough to follow your heart even though all the possible outcomes are frightening. Com'on, we can't let this beautiful dress, shoe and makeup go in vain now can we?" She looked up at me and then back at my outstretched arm and smiled as she shook her head and took my hand.

I waited for her outside the female bathroom as she freshened up and we both went back to the dance room together holding hands.

Obviously that pissed Markian off, but for the first time in my life I didn't mind him as I dance with Felicity the rest of the night.

The next day I told him how I felt about Felicity and he practically exiled me from every social gathering in school including having lunch at the cafeteria.

We fought for almost a year until Felicity and I broke up after I found out she still had feelings for Markian.

When I left Minnesota, I wanted to let her know at least but it didn't take long for me to be gone so they could finally hook up.

I guess Markian never forgave me for my betrayal and I haven't forgiven him for a few things too.

I took a sip from my drink but it wasn't making me any better, I was still hurting as I thought back to the fact that Felicity was no longer here.

Her death was a wake up call, that even though I told myself I did the right thing by letting her go, I regretted it the most, so I won't make the same mistake with Livy.

Livy has the last shred of emotion I can ever muster again, and if I can't keep her safe, then nothing else in this world would matter.

Livy

I woke up reminiscing everything that had happened yesterday.

I looked beside me and saw Markian still sleeping peacefully. Everyday it get harder and harder to describe him with words.

My mind went back to yesterday when he entered the questioning room, I swear my heart skipped several beats in celebration to his declaration, and my eye danced in joy at the sight of his awesomeness.

My husband really was great and i couldn't help but think that him in all his glory was all mine. Even when I completely lose faith that he would be by my side, he surprises me by showing up just in time.

But he doesn't hesitate to hit me with the cruel reality that our relationship wasn't going to be one of romance or love but of convenience and business.

Yesterday I realized this fact and though it's been hard for me to accept it, I have to start learning how to stop loving Markian.

Like Felicity said, he is only bound by his obligations of being my husband, and yesterday he was there to save his face and reputation than to save me.

This realization is slowly eating me whole, because all my life I have loved this man alone, but none of that matters if all he sees each time he looks at me was a traitor.

I could see my vision getting blurry as my eyes became teary, so I slithered down the bed carefully as not to wake him up.

I don't know where this will all lead to or how far I'll go for Markian, but I do know one thing and that is finding the goth who tried to ruin my name.

I took a shower and got dressed right before Markian woke up. I still wasn't feeling cheerful so I didn't say a word to him even as we had breakfast together.

It was the most uncomfortable meal we've ever had together and I knew it was because we weren't ready to address the elephant in the room. I was almost losing my appetite because the tension was becoming unbearable, when he finally spoke.

"About yesterday..."

"I didn't mean to drag you into all that mess yesterday, I'm sorry I had to put you in that position." I interrupted.

The last thing I wanted was to fight with him today, so I had to clear the air at least.

"I'm going to the dockside in an hour time and I was going to go alone, but you can tag along if you want." he stated casually.

"What?" I asked trying to make sure I didn't hear wrong. Am I dreaming or did Markian just asked me out?

"I said that I'm..."he tried repeating himself but I interrupted.

"I heard what you said, I guess the question I meant to ask was, why? Are you perhaps asking me out on a date?" I asked letting out what I was actually thinking.

"Clearly, I can't leave you on your own without you getting into trouble, so you'll be going with me to the dockside in an hour time. Get dressed." He commanded and with that he stormed off.

I can't believe my ears, Markian Winfrey wants to go out with me? This is the best day of my entire life, better than when I finally got my first puppy or when I passed my SAT exam.

My husband wants to be seen in public with me? I felt like is was so good to be true, maybe I was still sleeping so I pinched myself and winced from the pain.

No, it's really happening, and I couldn't contain myself, so I got up from the breakfast table and danced to an invincible choir singing sweet dreamy harmonic rhythm.

I had to stop when I remembered I still need to pick out the perfect dress to wear on my first official date with my husband.

Once Markian was done getting ready, he left to go wait for me downstairs at the lobby of the hotel.

He wore a chambray lightweight suit with no tie and a brown shoe. His hair was let down in a thick angular fringe which did justice to his face but left very little room for those his gorgeous aqua blue eyes to sparkle and I hated it.

He needs a hair cut soon, but I'll let it slide just for today I thought as I smiled ear to ear excited about what the day would bring.

I was done putting on my makeup, and as usual I decided to go with light but perfect nudes. I wore a pretty Bohemian white lace gown that was way above my knee and a peach strappy heels with matching small handbag.

I let my hair down and grabbed a white large brim straw hat to go with it. One last look at the vanity and I was out to join my husband downstairs when I got an email from an unknown address.

At the dock we boarded a cruise yacht just the both of us and the captain. I was right, this was a date after all. I'm so happy and grateful, I think I'm going to cry anytime now.

We still had 4days left to stay here and if they will be like today, I can forget all about the other horrible 9days.

He kept trying to remove his hair from his face as the wind kept blowing it across his face, so I lended him a helping hand.

I stood in front of him and held his face steady with one hand, and with the other hand I carefully brushed back his hair with my fingers.

"Where did you get that shabby kids plaything from? he asked confusing me.

What was he talking about? I wondered as I followed his eyes to my hand which held my wrapper ring.

This 'plaything' has been my pacifier, ever since I can remember I've always had it. Whenever I was scared or worried about something, it helps keep me calm.

My memory as a kid is all scrambled, so I can't give a detailed account of how I got it or who gave it to me.

"This?" I ask pointing at my finger that wore it, making sure it was what he was asking about, and he nodded.

"I've always had it, kinda. It may be a child's plaything, but it has helped me throughout my years growing up." I answered thoughtfully.

"I often get panic attacks, so I take it with me almost everywhere I go." I included. Wow, way too much information Livy, i cusses.

Markian and I have been making small talks since we boarded this cruise, but the look on his face right now held more than his question was giving out.

"Why do you ask? Do you recognize it maybe?" I questioned playfully trying to ease the sudden tension surrounding us.

"Actually, yes. My mom taught me how to make that when I was younger and it was the only thing I knew how to make with wrappers or paper." he answered surprisingly, and went dead silent.

Even though we've been talking for almost 3hrs now, he never answers any of my direct questions especially if it has to do with his past, so this replied question took me by surprise.

"Markian, do you hate me less now? I mean, all this is beautiful and you can't imagine how much of a dream come true this is. I just want to know if this means we are now friends?" I asked letting the cat out of the bag.

I looked up at him when I didn't get a reply but his face was blank, complete with no expression whatsoever.

Good job Livy, you just had to ask him this now?f Why can't You just leave somethings unspoken?

"Our marriage contract." he replied.

What?...What does that mean?

"I don't understand," I stated.

"I almost faulted the other day, I made a mistake that would have costed me my company." He replied, confusing me further.

"What?" I asked again needing clarity.

"Section 2 paragraph 4: both parties will celebrate each other's special days willfully or the defiant risk losing the ownership of 5% company's shares to the other party. You clever drab. You didn't think you could beat me to it, did you?." he commented sending me into a frenzy.

What? How...I mean why would he think that I cared about what our prenup stated?

"So, this was all to satisfy a clause in our marriage contract?" I asked with teary eye as I watched him nod his head in affirmation.

"Of course. There is no way I'll let you drag me to court for a stupid mistake you made." He replied.

He thinks I want to take his company? Why? Why does he only think of me as despicable and evil? What else can I do?, because I've tried everything I can.

I don't think I can take anymore of this, I need to get away from this man before I lose my mind. So with slow shaky legs I went inside without saying a word.

I laid on the bed to calm my pounding breaking heart that was hurting so bad while the rest of me went numb.

I smiled at my reality, that every time I think I've reached a breakthrough with Markian, I just end up being pull right back to square one. This feeling was exhausting and painful, I don't want to feel anything anymore.

We docked as we arrived at the village we wanted to visit. I didn't want Markian to come get me, I got up and straightened my dress then headed outside. I found him waiting for me with his hand held out to help me down but, I ignored it and held onto the captain's arm as I got down instead.

A couple were waiting to show us around the village that looked promising and beautiful.

The people here were very pleasant and friendly too, so much so my sadness slowly dissipated and I was starting to feel a bit cheerful again.

This village is so blissful and a perfect place for relaxation. The way the sunset decorated the ocean made this place look like it was drawn from someone's fantasy island, and it smelt so wonderful.

Anwela, our female tour guide said the village smelt so lovely because of the wild roses that found home almost at every inch of their village.

A little girl ran towards Markian when we got to their marketplace and stretched her hand to give him a bundle of different beautiful flowers.

My heart melted as I watched him kneel with one knee to accept the flowers from the cute little girl, and she gave him a soft kiss on the cheek before running away shyly.

I felt jealous at how Markian smiled at that little gesture. I've never been able to make him smile that sweetly before.

He stood up and handed the flowers to me, but as I was about to accept them he withdrew his hand embarrassingly, causing me to blush as everyone watching started laughing.

I was surprised when he plucked out a sunflower then handed me the rest of the flowers. My heart began to beat very fast as he stood in front of me, so close I could feel his breathe on my face.

He took my hat off and tucked my hair behind my ear, then carefully pinned the sunflower onto my hair close to my ear.

As his hand mildly brushed over my sensitive earlobe, it sent shivers down my spine mesmerizing my brain and turning me into a dummy.

I came back to reality only when I heard the bystanders cheering with whistling and clapping.

Oh Markian, what have I ever done to you to deserve such hostility from you. Because now I was feeling even more embarrassed than I was that I was finding it hard to even move, so Markian held my hand and led me away from our spectators.

Anwela and her husband finally brought us to a beautiful resturant that outlooks the ocean.

Mateo, Anwela's husband carefully explained each dish on the menu to us so we could carefully place our orders and I was already salivating because I was very hungry.

I also found out we would be spending the night here in the village and that our things were already prepared for us in our lodge.

The meal was delicious and I couldn't help but eat a little too much. Later on, we ordered a fruity cocktails as Mateo and Anwela told us different tales and stories of the village, some magical, some beautiful, and some totally absurd, but we had a nice time all evening.

⚠️ Warning!!! may contain contents of nudity.

Markian

Anwela and Mateo showed us to our lodge which was well prepared and decorated like a typical honeymoon suite.

They left us with few instructions before retiring for the night.

It was a lovely day, and I could tell Livy had so much fun, because she couldn't stop smiling and laughing at all the jokes and stories Mateo and Anwela told.

She went into the bathroom first to freshen up before and when she came out she was wearing a white bathrobe hiding whatever it was she was wearing underneath.

Disappointed, I asked her for the bathrobe since it was the only one they kept for us in the bathroom.

Funny enough, I've become accustomed to looking forward to what she would wear each night.

"Livy, let me have the robe I need to take a shower" I said trying to sound intimidating, but she wasn't buying it.

"There is a towel in the bathroom, I didn't use it, I left it for you to use." She replied coldly.

Oh, I think I know what was going on here. She is still upset because of what I said on the cruise, but I can't help it.

I spent almost all night yesterday thinking of what could be her reason, why she didn't tell them the truth about our marriage, why she called Daniel instead of calling me her husband and that's when it all clicked.

It was one of the clauses in our contract, she can't revile the truth about our marriage to anyone who isn't family.

My birthday she wanted to celebrate was also a clause in the contract she was trying to fulfill. I knew she was smart but I was almost deceived by thinking she was just being caring and I almost let down my guard.

I won't do that anymore, I'll have be vigilant from now on before I lose my life's work to a woman.

I left her so I could undress before entering the bathroom. I intentionally stripped off completely behind her and was stack naked.

Before I entered the bathroom I took a glance at her and saw her reflection through the vanity she sat in front of, her cheeks were burning pink of embarrassment which meant I succeeded. So with a smirk, I went into the bathroom feeling proud of my little victory.

When I got out of the bathroom I was tying only a towel with nothing underneath. I first looked towards the bed to see if she had already fallen asleep, but she wasn't there.

I then looked over at the balcony and there she was socking in the beauty of the night. Even her silhouette did justice to her very sexy figure.

It's not like the thought haven't crossed my mind what life would've been like if I had married Livy first.

The truth is, mere looking at Livy she seems so innocent but deep down she is the most conniving and ferocious of the Luthel sisters.

I know that Sophy isn't the best human being in the world but at least she doesn't fake it unlike Livy. So even if we had been together first, I would not have fallen for her because she isn't an honest person.

I walked up to her after putting on my sleeping pants, and hugged her from behind surprising her.

She knew I was out of the bathroom and was getting dressed, so I guess what shocked her was the intimate back hug I just gave her.

She wanted to turn around but I held her in place bringing us very close that my member slightly rubbed against her buttock. I could feel her stiffness at this point and I was proud that I had that kind of effect on her.

I went further as i withdrew one of my hand and used it to tuck a part of her hair that riled on her face behind her ear, then I sent the end of it from one shoulder to the other exposing her delicate neck.

I could feel her softly gasping for air and with every single one of my touches she responded according.

I tugged at the collar of the bathrobe she still had on and brought it half way down one shoulder slightly exposing a small fraction of her shoulder and back.

Her scent already filled me as the soft wind blew the fragrance of her body lotion and hair shampoo right into my nostrils. I was starting to lose control.

This was suppose to be torture for her or a little teasing, but why does it feel like I'm the one being tormented?

I tried to control myself, distract myself somehow, but nothing seemed to be working. Like a robot being controlled with a remote I gently kissed her exposed back that looked very enticing.

One kiss wasn't going to harm me I tried to convince myself, but I didn't stop there. From a kiss I migrated to several, caressing and massaging any and every part of her body my hands could find.

When I got up to her neck I found peace as I stayed and nibbled on her sensitive skin, leaving a hickey after another as I proceeded to nibble just behind her earlobe.

With every touch, every kiss and every hickey I left, sent waves of pleasure down my groin, causing my member to harden in excitement to our little exploration.

Markian, you need to...

and I took a little piece of her skin between my teeth and gently bit down on it, not hard enough to leave a mark but enough to get a sweet moan from Livy.

Damn, I love to hear the sounds she makes when I touch her,

no Markian, stop...

I tugged at the rope of her robe and got it untied as i quickly helped her out of it, it was hideous anyway.

Markian, don't do these...

I moved away slightly to take in her figure in all its glory, damn, was she hot.

She wore a strap chemise v neck lace lingerie that left very little to the imagination, no wonder she had the robe on, and surprisingly I wanted to take that off to.

I pulled her close to my chest so I could carry her bridal style onto the bed and laid her down carefully.

I climbed on top of her, careful enough not to crush her with my weight because she is quite petite.

I almost laughed when I looked up at her and saw her eyes shut tightly, she looked so cute I couldn't help but kiss her nose.

I pulled the strap of her gown halfway down her shoulder, then did the same to the other shoulder.

Markian, stop!!!...

with my index finger I trace her body from her chin down her neck slowly, then down to her chest, then in between her cleavage and tugged at the piece of fabric below her cleavage.

Damn! her moaning, her soft gasp, the movement of her body to my touches were all inviting, making me want to go wild with pleasure and to drown the voice in my head discouraging me to continue.

I was about to pull down the fabric below her cleavage to expose her breast that looked so enchanting,

Markian, think about Sophia...

what about Sophia? I tried to think as I put my action to a pause but instead brought my lips back to Livy's neck, leaving sweet kissings and soft bites.

What about Sophy? I tried to remember but nothing came up.

I couldn't remember anything concerning Sophy, because my mind was occupied.

Think about Sophy...

How?! How do I do that when all I could see was Livy?

She was everywhere, in my head and even on my bed. I was being deceived but I'm willing giving in, why am I giving in?

Damn all consequences, if I'll perish then...

I pulled down the fabric but just in time as a small soft trembling hands held mine from completing the action.

I looked down in surprise and saw the hands that just put a stop to my damnation, how dare she?

I looked up at her and our eyes locked in a deep gaze. They were watery, why was she about to cry?

I couldn't handle those eyes so I looked down on her reddish pink lips, these lips, why does it feel like it's the first time I'm noticing them.

They immediately drew me, begging to kissed. They've begging me once before, that evening on our way to the party.

But finally today, I'll oblige. So I draw closer to devour them, but those same trembling soft hands were now placed on my bare chest stopping my action yet again.

I was getting upset now, why is she stopping me? I don't want to stop, I never want to stop so I went ahead still, but she applied more force to my chest, hindering me from claiming my victory yet again.

With frowned brows I could only mutter one word, "Why?" I asked.

"Because you don't like me, neither are you in love with me," she replied shocking me to the bones.

I was already frustrated and my member was already aroused, so damn whatever tries to stops me tonight.

"Livy we are married, ain't we?" I questioned, not willing to waste any more time.

"Then if we do these, does it mean I can now have my rightful place in your heart and in your life?" She asked.

There it was, the real Olivia Luthel have finally shown her true self.

Just like her mother, she knows how to pick on people's weaknesses at the right time, and she sets her trap while waiting patiently for her prey to get caught in it.

I just got saved, so I slithered away from above her and turn to back her as I sat on the edge of the bed.

"Sophia is the only woman that would ever have a place in my life and in my heart. She was your sister, and I was her husband, of all the people I thought you would understand that better!" I replied disappointed.

"Markian, she is dead! If she wasn't I would not have been here, but I am! I am your wife now, I shouldn't have to be competing with a ghost! What do I have to do to make you create even a tiniest of space in your heart for me, hmm?" she questioned.

Is she joking? I f$&@ing know that Sophia is dead, which was the main reason why I never wanted anyone else in my life.

But she connived her way through to become Mrs Markian Winfrey and now she dares to ask for more?

How low is she planning to get in order to make me completely hate her?

"How about we get that divorce you asked for?" I replied in anger and complete agitation.

"Markian, I'm..." she tried to speak but I interrupted.

"You asked me what you can do, right? And I just told you, let's get divorced. That is all you can give to me now that would mean the world to me."

"I can't do this anymore... everyday, I present my whole being to you, and everyday you find ways to leave me in pieces, making me a shell of who I am. But I'm done." She sanctioned crying as she grabbed her robe which I left on the floor and left the room.

I didn't stop her, clearly she's upset and so was I, but I must admit that this is the first time she have ever spoken to me with such boldness and bravery.

Of course she was done, there is no way she would have been able to keep up her charade longer than these.

I can't work with people who are on disguise, but at least now I know exactly in what form my enemy is taking, and I no longer feel like I'm in the dark.

Thanks for reading yet another chapter, I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know how you think you will handle this conflict between Markian and Livy if you were in their shoes? Send your answers in the comments, and don't forget to vote. Pls do well to follow if you haven't already, and don't forget to

And please, Don't forget to Read my other book; A Letter To Rose & His Heart: My Mafia.

Stay Safe always.

You're the best ❤️ ❤️ ❤️