Esmeralda's POV
I woke up to a loud bang on the door-It was Gustavo. He was accompanied by two maids as they made their way into my room. I jerked from my slumber as I rubbed my tired eyes.“Rise and shine pretty face. We’ve got some important guests to visit today. The maids will get you ready,” he declared, before sauntering away from my room."Jerk," I cursed under my breath. He always had a way of bending me to his will.After the birth of my triplet sons, he took them away from me, holding them as ransom, in case I tried to escape from the hell which he created for me.I sighed as I made my way to the bathroom. The maids adorned me in all kinds of makeup, with a red gown that clasped my petite stature. Looking at the mirror, I was stunned by my sudden transformation. But deep inside, I was a wrecking mess.“You look beautiful Carinó,” Gustavo said, complimenting my outfit when he walked into the room. I ignored his compliment, as I sat on the exquisitely designed dining table.“Didn’t you hear me praise you or are you plain deaf?” he growled at me as he smashed his fist against the wall.“Your compliment means nothing to me, Gustavo. I'm no different from one of your slave girls,” I said, with irritation echoing through my words. He sprang at me, his muscular arm grabbing my neck firmly as I gulped.I tried releasing myself from his grip but failed. I was almost running short of air and I could see the rage flickering in his eyes as he smiled wickedly at me.“You are supposed to kiss every ground I walk in. If not for my kindness, you would have been rotting in the streets,” he growled into my ears, while I scratched my nails against the wall.“I'm sorry,” I replied with a feeble voice, almost a whisper.“Good girl,” he said, releasing his strong grip around my neck while I fell to my knees gasping for air. A wicked smile creased his lips as he continued. “Now let's get back to the business of the day,” he added, sticking a cigar in his mouth as he gave me details of the day's events and everything that was expected of me.He was tall and devilishly handsome no doubt. His dark-colored hair cascaded down his shoulders, forming a perfect frame of his face. He had a strong jawline, with piercing blue eyes. He was truly every woman’s desire. But beneath all that handsome-ness, was a beast, a monster.“Master, the chauffeur is here,” a tall, bald man walked in on us.“Time to go, love.” He smirked, yanking me by the arm.As we drove to the venue, the atmosphere was quiet. He buried his gaze into his phone and caressed my lap roughly with his free hands without looking at me. I was his wife on paper and in the presence of his business partners. But at home. I was no different from his slave girls. He would rape me whenever he felt like, more like I was only in the mansion to satisfy his every erotic desire and make babies for him.“Don’t do anything to make me look stupid” He said, without sparing me a glance."Freak," I cursed under my breath as we walked into the hall. We were led into a dimly lit room by some armed men. The looks on their face portrayed, they meant business.It was a gathering of the major mafia cartel leaders with Gustavo Castilago as the leader of them all. Everyone in the room stood up to pay respect to my husband as we both walked in. He surveyed the assembled faces of his gang, with a cold, unyielding gaze. As he motioned them to sit. Gustavo’s reputation as a ruthless mafia boss was etched into his steely countenance.“Gentlemen,” he began, his voice a low menacing growl that filled the room. “ We stand on the precipice of greatness. Our hold on this city tightens as our rivals cower at the whisper of our name,” His eyes scanned the room, each member of the gang held captive under the weight of his authority. “It's time we expand our dominance into the neighboring countries and beyond.” The room was cloaked in silence as he maintained a stoic expression. “Tonight, I'll finalize the deal that will solidify our dominance in this city. We will ship the largest consignment into the country from Venezuela. With this, no rival gang will be able to stop us,"As Gustavo laid down the details of the upcoming event, he reveled in the fear and submission that his words inspired. The room buzzed with a tense energy, a potent mixture of respect and terror.It was time for me to meet up with his business partner as agreed. To deliver the regular to him. Gustavo had men planted in every corner of Medellin. Street kids had cell phones, enabling them to communicate information across the city.“Greetings. Nice to meet you Ms. Castilago, my name is Macron Alexius,” A dark, tall man greeted me as I walked into the VIP section of the dinner party.The room reeked of tobacco and expensive wine. He was a French man, and I could tell from his accent. He had a scar on his left cheek with amber-colored eyes and sleek blond hair.“I believe you have the product,” he asked and I nodded in affirmative.“Do you have the money with you?” I asked, with my brows furrowed.“Ah, already straight to business. I like you,” he grinned at me. My expression remained stoic, as Gustavo chided me to never engage in lengthy conversations with clients.“So tell me, how is it that a woman like you is involved in a business like this?” he asked. “ I find it hard to comprehend,” “ I'm not here to discuss my life’s business with you. Pay up so I can leave,”He pointed to a bag beside him. A smirk creased upon his face. I gestured to one of the guards to count the money while Pablo, my husband’s most loyal man, was watching everything from the stairs above. Ready to eliminate Macron if things go south.After a successful transaction, I walked back to meet up with Pablo.Everything alright madam? What did he say to you?” Pablo asked in a steady voice. “Nothing of importance” I replied, giving out a heavy sigh before entering the SUV car parked in front of the hotel.This work might be the end of me!Esmeralda's POVThoughts of a happy marital life flooded my mind but I was trapped in this mansion that had become my new prison. I found myself in a different world. The opulence that surrounds me is both captivating and overwhelming. My days were no longer filled with the hustle and bustle of the streets and how I would run errands for Aunty Martha. Instead, I am held captive in this gilded fortress. My every move is being watched by his ruthless men. “I'll be traveling for a business meeting to Peru. I’ll be gone for a day or two. Don’t miss me much and if you behave nicely, I might consider letting you see the boys,” he said with a smirk on his face, as he buckled his pants. He was done taking me by force again. This was my new life, he never touched me like a normal man would, he always grabbed me by force, molesting me at every chance he got. I had no one to cry to, no one to help me. The maids, and his men all turned a blind eye to my plight. Like I was invisible to all of t
Esmeralda's POVI haven't laid my eyes on Gustavo since he returned from his business trip and I hoped it would remain that way. I left my room which was also my prison to grab a glass of water. The hallway was quiet with no guards standing on guard. Just then, I heard soft moans emanating from the study area, just down the hall. I tiptoed to the scene, hoping it was one of the guards and the maids. I couldn't believe the sight before me. Gustavo was pants down in the study with Lucia circling her legs around his waist as he grabbed her naked bum. “Lucia?” I screamed in disbelief. I felt my chest tighten as deep anger coursed through my body. "I thought we were friends," I muttered to myself, finding it hard to believe the scene before me. I've known Gustavo for such an act but not expecting it to be with Lucia. “What are you doing here?” Gustavo’s voice thundered, reverberating across the entire room. I felt my entire world crumble before me as hot tears streamed down my face. I
Esmeralda's POV His mocking laughter suddenly changed to a growl when his phone rang out. Who dares interrupt his fun? He stepped back a few meters away from me to pick up the call. The contour of his face changed visibly as he stormed out of the basement. Rolling to my side, I felt something sharp, It pricked me making me winch in pain. Taking a closer look at the object, it was his key. He had dropped it mistakenly as he was overwhelmed with making fun of me. Every time I tried to give up, hope always made sure to find its way to me. I cross-checked the keys and saw that the ones to my chains were there as well. I quickly removed the key to my chain and hid it in my bra. I knew he would come back for the keys. I devised an escape plan for myself along with my kids. Feeling motivated, I unlocked the chains on my hand and leg and a new feeling of freedom graced me, yet the uncertainty that waited for me above was far greater than the feeling of freedom. It felt like a trap, but
Esmeralda's POVMy heart was pounding heavily as the guard was still on call.What if Gustavo had been found and he made a warrant to catch me?The call ended and his eyes were still fixed on me. Fortunately, the gateman opened the gate. I quickly drove inside to pick up my boys. “The boss didn’t tell us that you will be coming to take the children,” The guard said. He looked menacing in his muscular build and tall figure. He wore only a jacket to cover his trunk. A dark dirty-looking jean trouser wrapped his waist and legs. I could see a pistol attached to a side-hold and something that looked like an AK-47 was dangled by the side, held by a strap attached to his shoulder. He was still holding the phone in his right hand.“Does the boss need permission from you to pick up his children or to ask anyone to pick them up?” I pursed my lips.Despite the pain in my leg, I managed to sound convincing. The look on the guard’s face shifted from shock to confusion. Satisfied, I matched to
Gustavo's POVEverything was blurry around me when I woke up. I felt this strong ache around my head. The electrocardiogram was beeping so loudly beside me. All I felt was pain all over. My hands were stretched over to my head as I groaned in pain. It was covered with a bandage.I was furious as thoughts of how I ended here flashed through my memory. That bitch did this to me!She won't get away with thisPablo entered the room alongside a cook who dropped some fruits and food on the table before she left.“You are awake boss,” he greeted as he stood beside the bed.“How long have I been bedridden?” I asked sharply. I was not in the same outfit I had planned to go out with that fateful day before Esmeralda shot me.“Three days,” Pablo, a man of few words hardly says much. He just goes straight to the point, having worked with me for a long time to gain my trust.One special thing I love about him is his swiftness and intelligence. “How did you find me?” I persisted “You were in th
Gustavo's POV Esmeralda was nowhere to be foundShe escaped with my valuables- documents, money, and babies. One thing she did not know was that no one escapes with my money“Please I am telling the truth,” the young man in whose house we were in, coughed out blood as he pleaded.“Boss, the window on the other side was broken,” Xavier reported.I paced up and down, the room was hot inside. All on my mind was to end everything. The headache again. This time it was severe. I could hardly hear anything, just a siren sound in my ear that kept ringing.I nearly collapsed but my men held me. Nothing again made sense to me. They helped me to a couch and before I settled them I grabbed a gun from one of my men and shot the damn Martins. He doesn't deserve life.He dropped to the floor and was yelling in pain. That was when I realized that I had missed it. I shot him again and he went tranquil. That was the only relief I wanted. The room felt like it was closing in around me. In my mind,
Gustavo's POV"Urrrrgggh" I groaned as I sipped the last content of alcohol on the glass mug. The morning was cold and I needed something hot to warm my inside.My thoughts were all over the place on what to do.The week hasn't been easy and I was steadily recovering. Quickly, I put on my black shirt.Someone needs to shave.I thought as I stared at the mirror while I buttoned up. I had to slick my wavering hair backward. My eyes scanned through the room, checking if I had forgotten anything.Of course nothingI grabbed my phone and gun and headed downstairs."We are ready boss" Pablo reported as he stood next to the car. The boys were all standing outside. My eyes scanned the number waiting for me."I just need a convoy that's okay for me""Sir?" Pablo stood speechless."I know Pablo but do as I said" I hopped into the jeep while the door got shut."Boss, what's the direction?" Pablo asked as he entered the vehicle."Drive, I would guide you," I told the driver.The engine spurred to
Gustavo's POVThe Rolls Royce pulled up in front of the famous Las Vegas Bay–a popular hotel in South America, known for hosting people of class and caliber in society.There were lots of expensive cars of the latest models parked alongside mine. I stepped out of the car, full of myself as I was dressed in my black Tom Ford suit.My full hair was slicked back, accentuating my looks. With my hands in one of my side pockets, I stepped forward to enter the building.Some of my men waited outside, while the rest, Pablo included, followed me inside. We headed to the west wing of the hotel and approached a door.Two heavy men in black guarded the door.“Pass key?” The one with full beards asked. “Gotham,” I replied confidently.My men and I were granted permission and we continued moving along the corridors.Everywhere was calm as we heard echoes of our footsteps when we walked. We got to the point of going down the stairs till we arrived at a door with a key card lock.I used my digital c