Vera's POV. Since I've known David, both as my former ward and now a lover, this is literally the first time I've taken the liberty to tour his company. THE TRUMAN EMPIRE. True to its name, it isn't just a company, no. It's an empire, one where every damn corner drips wealth. As I take a walk around the building, marveling at the finely crafted art, paintings, desks, and walls, my heart blooms. Most of the offices here have rustic designs that provide comfort in the littlest way.Did I talk about the hundreds of thousands working here? Oh, that's really a true definition of a throng of people. How in hell does David manage them? I think to myself, waving and sending a cable of greeting to those I pass by. Some look at me in wonder, as if I'm an alien. Hushed whispers feather into my ears as I pass by most cubicles, some of their words getting to my ears. "Who is she?" "She looks beautiful, is she an employee? A new one?" "I don't know but if she ever is one, that means the
Vera’s POV.Charlie makes way for me to step out before he does. Then he walks me down a round of staircase. "Are we really going to climb the stairs?" I ask in bemusement, watching what appears to be twenty staircases. "Yes, darling. Don't give up just yet." I grumble before nodding. Charlie and I take the stairs, wheezing a breath until we land on the last one and Charlie tugs open a door that leads into a new world. "Oh, my God!" I yelp in utter shock as I step out onto the rooftop, my eyes dancing around the various buildings in the streets. I didn't know it was already nightfall until now, and the beaming lights across the buildings and streets contrast with the night sky, creating a perfection that only makes my mouth gape. I've never been to a rooftop, especially not for a skyscraper like this. "This is amazing, Charlie." I beam, taking in the city vista, drinking in the beauty that makes it up. "I knew you'd like it." He says. I barrel toward the ledge, holding the
120. Vera's POV.Two days have gone by and David is still not back from his trip to Miami. When he announced that at first, I had this tentative feeling inside me. That maybe once David leaves he'll never come back the same. I just don't fucking know why that's happening. The strings of thoughts have denied me adequate sleep since he left. Oh, aside from that, I keep feeling super tired, it's hard for me to move my limbs. Yeah, that's another reason I've cooped up in my bed, not moving for the past two days. I feel so cold without him here. I wish he was offering me some baby treatment and whispering sweet nothings into my ear. Maybe that will make this unease I feel go away. I feel pains slinging through me as if my heart is being pulled from the inside out. It hurts. Not hearing his voice.Not seeing his face. Not feeling his touch. "Why hasn't he called me?" I mumble under my breath, wincing. Why do I feel so insecure like he's out there cheating on me? God, I can't
121. David's POV. "Oh, wow, Mr. Oliver, so you can play golf?" I ask in wonder, stepping up to the older man as he holds his golf club tightly with his two hands. He's wearing a cap over his face— a faded white cap that matches his faded white pants. His sneakers are black, contrasting the whiteness of his pants and cap. Covering his chest is a light blue short sleeve Tshirt, revealing his wrinkled arms. Sensing my presence, he turns a bit and beams at me. "That's my favorite, David Truman. I played golf a lot in my youth." He says. Before I can respond, another voice comes up behind us. "My dad is a perfect golf player, don't even dare him when it comes to that." Claire comes into view, wearing a short black skirt that stops mid-thigh and a black camisole. The way her boobs jiggles with every step she takes tells me she isn't wearing any bra on the inside. Just like her father, she has a black cap on over her ponytailed hair. Her lips gleam red under the setting sun. "Hi
122. Third Person POV. Andrei had been constantly checking up on Vera since David's trip to Miami. He would always find her grousing in her bedroom or sleeping. It had worried the man but he preferred that to having Vera go out. And for obvious reasons too. Peter and the Sokolov twins were in town. So, Andrei goes on and off in Vera's apartment. His was just down the hallway.About three hours ago, he surreptitiously came in and checked on Vera. There he found her with her friends. Andrei took a sigh of relief and went back to his apartment. Inside his apartment, he took his cigarettes, lit them up, and relaxed his body on the lounge chair, smoking and drinking. Of course, not without his gun present. He had gotten a good teacher for David and was briefing David on the basics of being a mafia. It marveled Andrei how David had cooperated, putting aside his reputation. In the whirlwind of thoughts, Andrei fell asleep unknowingly. Hours later…He propped up from the lounge chair
123. David's POV. After such a long trip with Mr. Oliver, I make my way into the mansion with practiced ease. My driver rushes over and takes my bag from me. Irene comes also and greets me, asking what I'd like for dinner. "I think some spaghetti bolognese will do," I tell her. She inclines her head and mutters 'good' before she turns to leave. On her way into the kitchen, I call her. "Irene." She stops and gazes at me from over her shoulder. "Sir?" "I'd love fresh juice too. Make one for me." She nods again and prances away. I strut into the living room and sink onto the sofa, turning on the TV. Clutching the remote control in my hand, I tune in to the sports channel, taking in the football match playing. The solitary reprieve allows me to relax my corded muscles as I perch my legs over the coffee table before me. The football doesn't hold my interest. I need to hear from Vera and call people who will help in organizing this gala I'll be hosting. At that, I emerge on my
124. Vera's POV. "Are you sure you're okay, Vee?" Corbin asks, worrying his lips as he leads me outside of Days Dream. "Yes, I am. Trust me. The dizziness is because of the stress I passed through. I guess." I press his hand into mine, wanting to reassure him. God! Even as I'm saying that my cramped bones barely let me walk in proper gait. And the wave of dizziness is a constant slap to my consciousness. Corbin is worried sick about me so I dare not reveal that to him. I can't. But seriously what can be the cause of this back-and-forth illness? I think to myself, mindlessly pressing my assistant's hand, unaware of his winces of pain. "Vera…could…loosen your…" I brittle from my dazed state and stare up at him. I see Corbin gesturing at something and bringing my eyes down, I find out I'm strangling his fingers into mine. Embarrassed, I detach my hand from his and smile awkwardly. "I'm sorry…" "It's…okay." He waves me off with a smile of his own. God, did I mention how I kep
125. David's POV. All evening I've been tense, worried sick to my bones. The event, my problems with Vera, the viral pictures of me and Claire, and how to make things work out between Vera and I all race through my head, I nearly lost it. While the guests were coming into the ballroom, I move away, wanting somewhere quiet to get my shit together. I can't stop worrying about her. Vera. I fucking want to know if she's going to come over but calling her on the phone will be a dead end because she won't ever respond to the call. Secluded in one of the hotel rooms upstairs, I undo some of my buttons after removing my suit Jacket, cracking the bones of my neck. I make sure I come up here with a bottle of whiskey and I quickly uncork it and begin to drink directly from the bottle. I don't know what to think again. What to feel, so I let all sorts of emotions swing through me, emotions I can't define. Amidst all, that tiny voice in my head keeps telling me Claire knows something. Fu