Simon smiled as his gaze stared at the velvet box in his hands. He can’t wait to give this to his beloved wife. He wanted to please her, and as much as possible he wanted her to be proud of him. It was their wedding anniversary today and he wanted to surprise her with his present. It may not be expensive like those she had in her jewelry box, but this one came from his heart.
He looked at the clock mounted on the wall of their spacious apartment; this apartment was given by his wife’s grandmother as a gift for their wedding.
He frowned when he saw that it was past five o’clock in the afternoon, and Ash should have been home by now. They agreed to celebrate their wedding anniversary with a simple candlelight dinner in a restaurant. She's late.
Simon called Ash but she was not answering his calls. He dialed her number a few times again but still, no one answered.
Simon bit his lower lip as his heart hammered inside his chest. He's worried! He waited for another minute, then tried to call her again, but it was still the same. No one answered. It's almost six in the evening!
Simon decided that it was best to go to her workplace. He couldn’t stand to wait for her in their apartment. Every second he was getting worried and he wanted to make sure that she was fine.
He drove to the Diamond Hotel where his wife worked. Diamond Hotel was owned by his wife’s family, the Steele clan, and he couldn’t be any prouder that he had a very successful wife, not to mention that she’s gorgeous and intelligent. A man like him should be called lucky for having her as his wife. In fact, he considered himself to be the luckiest man on the planet!
The drive to the building was short but edgy. Simon sat in the driver’s seat restlessly. The lights of the city started to sparkle as the sun was about to set. The dark sky only made him nervous, he wanted to reach the hotel immediately so he could check on her. He stepped on the gas and sped his way to the hotel.
He parked the car just outside the entrance of the building and frantically went straight to the door. Just when he was about to enter, the guard stopped him.
“Good evening, sir. Do you have any reservations for tonight?” he asked him, but Simon could see how he scanned his looks from head to foot, and there was a ghost of disgust on the guard's face. The guard surely looked down on him.
Simon looked down at his own outfit, and he winced when he saw that he wasn’t able to change his pants into a more formal one. He was still wearing his tattered and faded jeans partnered with a faded black shirt. He looks like shit.
He understands now why the guard stopped him. He doesn’t look like one of those filthy rich customers of the hotel who wore insanely expensive clothes.
But he’s the husband of Ashley Steele, surely the guard must know him!
“Didn’t you recognize me? I’m Simon Scott, the husband of Ashley Steele. I’m sure you knew my wife since her family owns this building.” Simon tilted his head as he proudly announced that to the guard. He’s proud to be part of this family.
Instead of letting him pass through the entrance, the guard scoffed as he had just said the most ridiculous thing on earth. He smirked at Simon like he knew what dirty secret Simon was hiding.
“That’s more reason why you should not enter this place. You don’t belong here! Just go back to where you belong because there’s no way I will let you enter this building.” The guard raised his head, not backing off.
Simon was shocked. “What?!” Simon’s voice took over the place. “Are you serious? I needed to check on my wife. She's not answering any of my calls, and I’m worried about her. This will not take long, I will just check if she’s still in the office.”
Simon remained calm despite the guard’s insulting words.
Some curious employees peaked at the commotion outside the building, and they laughed when they saw their boss’ husband trying to get inside. They thought he was a hopeless case. Their eyes stared at him, and they all had this disgusted look on their faces.
The guard blocked the entrance, making it hard for Simon to pass through. “I needed to talk to my wife, please. I need to see her! She might be in danger, and you’re blocking me from going to her.” Simon’s voice reverberated through the lobby, snatching the attention of important guests.
The guard grew more irritated at Simon.
“I told you. You are not allowed to enter this building, it’s a command from the higher-ups, and look at yourself.” The guard looked at him from head to his feet. “You look like a beggar, you’re going to ward off important guests in this building, and I will be held responsible if I let you in!” The guard shouted, which made Simon utterly shocked.
His mouth gaped open as he looked at the guard with pure disbelief. He knew that he looked rubbish in his clothes, but couldn’t they consider for one second? And he’s the son-in-law of the owner of this building. Surely, he has all the rights to enter his wife’s building.
Simon released a heavy breath and remained composed. Time is running for him; he wants to know if his wife is in good hands.
The guard was scowling at him now, his temper grew thinner by the minute. He would not let this poor man get his way through the building. The guard hated that their beautiful boss needed to marry this shameless and penniless man. He does not deserve to be respected.
“If you ever try to get inside again, I am going to call the police! You are harassing this place!”
The guard threatened Simon, but he did not care about the police. He needs to talk to Ash, whether this guard will permit it or not.
Simon closed his eyes for a second. When he opened his eyes once again, his aura changed. His eyes blazed with authority. His presence now demands attention, and the guard cowers at his domineering aura. He stepped closer to the guard and towered over him.
“Let me introduce myself once again. I’m Simon Scott, the husband of Ashley Steele. My wife is not answering any of my calls, and as I told you, she might be in danger right now. Just let me in so I can check on Ash.” Simon’s voice was low but full of authority.
His eyes looked down at the guard since the guard was shorter in height than Simon.
The guard’s eyes widened and he was utterly speechless at the man’s display of authority. He didn’t expect that one.
Simon saw how intimidated the guard so he tapped his shoulder. It's just right that he had to use a little intimidation.
He was about to enter the building when his phone’s ringing tone exploded making him halt.
He immediately fished his phone out of his pocket, and his heart jumped when he saw that it was his wife calling him. He swiped the screen frantically.
“Hello, love. Where are yo –
Simon was not able to finish the sentence when Ashley shouted from the other line, obviously angry.
“I’m home. Where the hell are you?”
Simon drove back to their apartment as fast as he could. He was relieved that Ash was fine, and he was excited to give her his gift. It’s the least that he can do to make his wife happy. He wanted to give her everything, and he's making it happen step by step since he’s not yet that capable. Soon, Ash would be proud of him. He’s been a subject of insult from the Steele family, and he knew that Ash was embarrassed every time his financial standing would be brought up. But everything is about to change. He parked the car outside the premises of their luxurious apartment and volted to their unit. His steps were frantic and his heart rammed inside his chest. Upon opening the door, his eyes scanned their apartment, in search of his wife. His heart skipped a beat when their eyes locked. “Ash, I was so worried about you. You were not picking up my calls, I thought something had happened to you.” Simon wanted to hug Ash, but he chose not to. Simon found Ash seated on one of the expensive
Simon just stared at the retreating back of Ash. The moment that she was out of his sight, he went to the nearest chair and sat exhaustedly. He rubbed his face a few times, in the hopes to get his mind to think straight, but he was totally confused and distracted by their arguments. Did she really went on a date with Gregory Holt? He knew the man. He was one of the richest bachelors in the country. His reputation as a playboy exceeds him. He couldn’t understand why Ash would want someone like Gregory. He's trash. There are tons of scenarios floating in his mind. And he refused to be bothered by those. Does his wife love that man? Gregory Holt was a very capable man, in terms of money and power. Something that he doesn't have. Yet. “No, I won’t allow this.” He needs to talk to Ash to clear things out. He knew she didn't love her anymore. Or did she ever love him in the first place? What they had was just an arranged marriage, she was just forced to marry him because her gran
Simon groaned as he shifted from the bed. His head hurts and he was nauseated. With eyes half-closed, he looked at the window only to find that the sun was already high in the sky. He overslept and he has a hangover. He remembered himself last night getting more alcohol than his body could tolerate. As he struggled to sit on the bed, images from last night came into his memory like an avalanche. Their arguments, the insults, the divorce papers he refused to sign, and the reality that his beloved wife had sex with another man. Simon was once again devoured by the pain of what Ashley did. He realized that he was such a loser for being cheated on like this, not to mention the discrimination he endured from her family. He got drunk last night because he can’t handle the pain and humiliation. He needed to erase that from his memory, he needed an outlet and alcohol was the easiest way. He struggled to get out of bed, he felt like his surroundings were spinning. “Damn, hangovers
Simon packed his things with a heavy heart. This apartment has been his home for almost five years. Yes, they were married for five years, and he realized now that within those five years as a son-in-law of the Steele family, they never really cared for him. On top of all, he was insulted for being penniless and discriminated against for looking shabby all the time. Looking at the empty apartment one last time, Simon left. He still can't go back to his father's house, not until he commands him to go back. Until then, his real identity should be hidden, and he has no right to reveal himself for who he truly was. He will need to look for another apartment to stay in. But first, he needs money. He only had a few coins in his pocket, not enough to sustain himself.Simon took a cab going to one of the biggest banks in New York City, The Bank of New York. “Take me to the Bank of New York.” The cab driver’s eyebrows raised mockingly at Simon. But Simon didn’t mind the insulting smirk
Simon was out for almost five hours looking for a new apartment, but he hasn’t found one yet. All the owners of the apartment he inquired about showed hostile attitudes toward him, and he knew why. Simon looked down at his clothes. They were presentable at some point, but they looked worn out and old-fashioned. Maybe those owners thought that he can’t afford to pay for the monthly rent. Simon decided that he’ll look for an inn to stay for the night if he can’t find an apartment. Luckily for him, he found one just in time. The owner was an old lady who treated him a little bit more civil than the others. “You need to pay the monthly rent in advance.” She opened her wrinkly palm in front of Simon. “It’s one thousand dollars, if you can’t afford it, don’t waste my time.” She told him frankly. Due to exhaustion and hunger, Simon immediately pulled a handful of dollar bills from his backpack and handed it silently to the owner. ''Here it is, a thousand bucks.'' Mrs. Smith look
“Are you the manager of this store?” Gregory asked Willis. Willis recognized Gregory Holt when his mouth gaped open as he stared at him. Simon knew Willis never side with him. With Gregory and Ashley, he’s almost sure Willis will not listen to any of his explanations. “He’s a criminal, he tried to steal my wallet. Do you have any idea how valuable my wallet is?” Ashley hysterically cried. She even held onto Gregory’s arm like she was really traumatized. “I’m so sorry for the trouble, Mr. Gregory, Miss Steele. Simon here is a new employee, On his behalf, I want to apologize. And I will make sure this will never happen again.” Willis turned to the crowd, “Again, I’m sorry for the trouble. “I want that man behind cold bars! I can’t believe someone as lowly as him would try to harm me!” Ashley hysterically said. She feigned shock and fear in her eyes. “God, why did they hire that man? He looks like a criminal!” “I will never shop here again. I can’t believe they hired a psychoti
The Morelli family mansion is a magnificent modern Italian-style mansion. It was situated above a manmade cliff making it look more majestic. In front was a Greek-style fountain, and there was a garden full of different kinds of colorful flowers. The land stretches up to fifty acres of land, and the mansion premises itself occupies one-quarter of its total vast. It’s private property with a high-security setup that would only allow access to authorized personnel.The property has its own helipad, a golf course, and a training ground for their private armies, and inside the mansion houses an armory full of guns and high-powered weapons. Surveillance cameras were installed in every corner of the land to ensure tight security. The control room was situated on the underground level of the mansion. The sky was getting dark as they arrived at the mansion. The remote-controlled gates opened as they enter the mansion’s premises. Butlers, housekeepers, and guards lined up in front of the ma
Simon could feel the warmth in his father’s embrace. He couldn’t remember when he last hugged his father like this. Having Emiliano Morelli for a father was hard enough, being the most feared mafia boss in the city, his father had to maintain a stiff personality and not show even an ounce of tenderness because it will be seen as a weakness. And having a weakness in the underworld means downfall. “I’m so glad you’re here now, son.” His father, Emiliano tapped his cheek and went back to his table. “It’s good to see you back home, Salvatorre.” Federico, the underboss of the clan, stood behind his father’s desk, and both hands were on his back. The man looked dangerously handsome, he was the same age as his father but the difference between the two was so obvious. He looked serious but there was a hidden smile behind his stiff appearance. Simon took a careful step as he went inside the office. It’s been ages since he last entered this room, and the feeling was almost foreign for Sim