Forbidden By Fate

Amelia's POV

As I stood at the reception, exchanging forced smiles and polite conversation, Anna's voice cut through the din. "Congratulations, Amelia!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of joy and concern. I pasted on a bright smile, trying to match her enthusiasm.

Today was my wedding day, after all. The day I would commit to spending the rest of my life with a man my parents, Reginald and Catherine Gerard, had chosen for me. They were wealthy and influential, with a legacy that spanned generations. At 85 and 82, respectively, they were determined to see me settled with a man of their approval. A man I couldn't imagine ever truly loving.

As I glanced around the crowded room, my gaze collided with an intense stare. Ricardo Gonzales, my cousin's son, stood across the room, his eyes burning with an unnerving intensity. I felt a shiver run down my spine as our gazes held, the air thick with unspoken tension. I broke eye contact, and a stream of congratulations from my parents' friends followed. After they dispersed, I discreetly scanned the reception, searching for him. But he was nowhere to be found. I turned my attention back to my husband, forcing a smile as we continued with the festivities.

As the wedding celebration came to a close, my parents pulled me into a warm hug. "Be good to your husband," my mom whispered. I nodded, smiling, and hugged them both tightly. I bid farewell to my friend Anna, who whispered a mischievous comment in my ear: "Make sure you lose your v-card tonight, old lady!" I burst out laughing.

After hugging Ethan's parents, we slipped into our car. As we drove away, I couldn't shake off the image of Ricardo's intense gaze. It had left me with an unsettling, yet unexplainable connection – one I'd never felt before.

Ethan turned to me, concern etched on his face. "Are you good?" he asked. I forced a smile, nodding. "Yes." But deep down, I wasn't so sure.

Guilty thoughts swirled in my mind like a vortex, threatening to consume me. I was married now, bound to Ethan Thompson, a man I didn't love. The weight of my decision settled heavily on my conscience.

Ethan, in his late forties, was one of the richest men in the country, with a business empire that spanned the globe. His gentle demeanor had initially put me at ease, but there was something about him that didn't quite add up. A nagging feeling I couldn't shake, but tried to brush it off, convincing myself he was nice, and that was all that mattered.

He was a man of few words, his silence often leaving me wondering what lay beneath his reserved exterior.

But despite my efforts to focus on my new husband, my thoughts kept drifting back to Ricardo – a man who was not only a distant family member, but also seemed younger than me. The memory of his piercing gaze lingered, making my heart skip a beat.

The fact that my parents had chosen Ethan for me, controlling every aspect of my life, only added to my resentment. And now, I found myself torn between the obligations of my arranged marriage and the forbidden allure of Ricardo. The turmoil brewing inside me threatened to spill over, and I didn't know how much longer I could keep up the charade.

Ricardo's POV

Amelia looked breathtakingly beautiful in her wedding gown, her porcelain skin glowing in the soft light. I couldn't tear my eyes away, my gaze drinking in every detail. I'd known her for ten years, but at this moment, she seemed like a stranger – a stranger who stirred something deep within me.

My jaw clenched as I watched her exchange vows with a man who didn't deserve her. She was meant to be mine, and the realization ignited a fire within me that I couldn't ignore.

As I drove away from the reception, I couldn't shake off the feeling of frustration. Why did I always react this way whenever I saw her? I was angry at myself for still harboring these emotions.

I remembered the first time I laid eyes on her, at a family dinner. I had fallen deeply in love with her that very day. But she never noticed me, treating me like a distant family acquaintance. And that's exactly what I was – a distant family friend, invisible to her.

Years had passed, but my feelings remained, hidden beneath the surface. Tonight, seeing her exchange vows with another man, had awakened those dormant emotions, leaving me feeling restless and unsatisfied.

I stepped into my apartment, my mind still reeling with thoughts of Amelia. Sleepless nights had become my norm, with visions of her haunting my dreams.

As I walked in, I knew I had to take drastic measures. I need to get an apartment very close to her husband's house, so I can keep seeing her. I don't think I can live for a day if I can't see her for a day. The thought alone was suffocating.

I pulled out my phone and called one of my men, Jeff. "Get me an apartment close to Amelia's," I instructed him. "I don't care about the cost or the logistics. Just make it happen."

Jeff's affirmative response was all I needed to hear. I ended the call, feeling a sense of determination wash over me.

I headed to the bathroom to freshen up. As I stood in front of the mirror, my imagination took over. I pictured Amelia standing beside me, her presence so vivid I could almost feel her.

My body reacted instinctively, and I found myself stroking my desire. The tension built up, and I couldn't help but whisper her name as I reached my climax.

The release was fleeting, but the ache in my heart lingered. I was trapped in this vicious cycle of longing, and I didn't know how to escape.

As I gazed at my reflection, I realized the truth: I've never felt this way about any woman before. Amelia is my everything – my world, my soul, my reason for being. I crave her presence, yearn to hold her close, and claim her as mine for all eternity. The thought of anyone else touching her, loving her, is unbearable.

She is my unhealthy obsession.

"Amelia," I whispered, my voice barely audible, "you will be mine soon. Very soon."

Amelia's POV

I woke up to an empty bed, Ethan nowhere to be found. Maybe he'd already left for work. A wave of relief washed over me; I was grateful he hadn't touched me.

As I lay there, I couldn't shake off the feeling of shame. At 40, I'd never been touched by a man. My focus had always been on work, building my parents' companies after they retired. I was now in charge of everything.

But I knew I couldn't keep my virginity forever. Ethan would eventually want to sleep with me, and I couldn't avoid it.

After my morning routine, I prepared for work. Downstairs, I met the driver, Greene, who would be taking me to the company. We exchanged greetings, and then we were off.

Upon arriving at the company, I was met with my worst nightmare: Ricardo Gonzales. I'd been trying to avoid him, and yet, here he was. What was he doing here?

I pretended not to see him and walked towards my office. But he followed me, calling out my name. I ignored him until we reached my office.

"Good morning, Mr. Gonzales," I said, trying to sound calm. "What brings you here today?"

He smirked, his intense stare making me feel hot. "I need something," he said, his voice low.

I tried to maintain my composure. "This is an office, Mr. Gonzales. I'm not sure what you're insinuating."

He took a step closer, his eyes locked on mine. "I think you know exactly what I'm talking about, Amelia," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "I need something from you. Something that will break and ruin you for other men." Before I could say anything he kissed me fiercely, and I couldn't resist. We both started fighting for dominance. My brain was telling me to stop, but my body said otherwise. After a moment, I came to my senses and pushed him away. He was smirking, like he hadn't done anything wrong.

"Get out, Ricardo," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

He chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I love your fierce look. Getting hard to get, are we?"

He held me by the cheek, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "Just know that I own you, and I'm the only one who gets to touch you."

With that, he released me and walked out of my office, leaving me feeling shaken and disturbed.

As I stood there, trying to process what had just happened, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Ricardo's kiss had left me breathless, but it had also made me feel vulnerable and exposed.

I couldn't believe I had let him kiss me like that. I had always been in control, always been the one to call the shots. But with Ricardo, I felt like I was losing my grip.

As I tried to make sense of my feelings, I couldn't help but wonder what Ricardo wanted from me. Was it just sex, or was there something more to it?

As I sat at my desk, trying to focus on my work, I couldn't shake off the feeling of Ricardo's kiss. It lingered on my lips, a constant reminder of the way he had made me feel.

I tried to push the thoughts aside, telling myself that I was being ridiculous. I was a grown woman, after all. I shouldn't be letting a simple kiss get to me like this.

But as I looked around my office, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Ricardo's presence still lingered in the air, a reminder of the way he had taken control.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. I needed to focus on my work, not Ricardo's games. But as I looked down at my papers, I couldn't help but wonder what he had planned next.

Would he show up again, unannounced and uninvited? Would he continue to push my boundaries, testing my resolve?

I didn't know, but I was determined to be prepared. I would not let Ricardo get the best of me. I would take control of my life, no matter what it took.

Ricardo's POV

I couldn't sleep throughout the night, my mind was consumed by her. After my morning routine, I drove to her company, knowing she wouldn't be in the office yet. I waited for her, my eyes fixed on the entrance. Thirty minutes passed, and then I saw her - my woman.

She pretended not to see me, but I followed her upstairs anyway. I reveled in the way my presence affected her, her subtle trembles and avoiding gaze. I couldn't wait to claim her.

I told her I wanted her, and she knew it. She wants me too, but she's trying to avoid it. Her lips felt like heaven when I kissed her. I knew she'd never resist me.

She tried to stop me, and for a moment, I relented. But I had to make one thing clear: "I own you, and I'm the only one who gets to touch you." I left her thinking, the memory of our kiss still burning between us.

I called Jeff to dig up some dirt on Ethan Thompson. Something about that old man didn't sit right with me. He's got a business empire spanning multiple countries, but I still can't shake off the feeling that he's hiding something.

I recall the way he looked at Amelia during the wedding. It made my blood boil. I'll destroy him if he ever lays a hand on her. And I'll make it crystal clear to Amelia: nobody touches her except me.

As I walked out of Amelia's office, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I had made my move, and now it was up to her to respond.

But as I drove away from the office, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I had only scratched the surface. Amelia was a complex woman, full of secrets and contradictions. And I was determined to uncover them all.

I thought back to my childhood, growing up on the streets of Naples. I had always been driven to succeed, to make a name for myself. And I had done just that, building a business empire from scratch.

But despite all my success, I had always felt like something was missing. And then I met Amelia, and I knew exactly what that something was.

I wanted her, body and soul. And I would stop at nothing to get her.

As I pulled into my driveway, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I knew that I had set something in motion, something that would change everything.

For a 40-year-old woman who's never been touched, her reaction was... intriguing. It only makes me crave her more.

And I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

Chapter Three

Amelia's POV

After Ricardo left my office, I couldn't concentrate on my work. I decided to call my friend, Anna, and explained everything to her.

"How did you allow that to happen?" Anna asked, her voice filled with concern.

"So, you finally gave out your first kiss?" Anna teased.

"Anna, stop," I said, feeling a mix of emotions. "I'm married, remember? I don't know what to do."

"You need to stay away from him," Anna advised. "Forget about Ricardo and focus on your marriage."

I nodded, even though Anna couldn't see me. We talked for a while longer before ending the call.

I still needed answers about Ricardo. I decided to call my mom, hoping she might know something.

"Hi, Mom," I said, trying to sound casual. "Do you know if Ricardo is staying in the US?"

My mom's tone changed, and she sounded cautious. "Ricardo shouldn't be in the US. He's usually in Italy, where his family is from."

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "It's nothing, Mom. I just saw him at work."

My mom's voice was laced with concern. "Amelia, what's going on?" I quickly ended the call, not wanting to worry my mom.

I was baffled by Ricardo's presence in the US and his sudden interest in me. As I sat in my office, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was in trouble.

I needed to forget about Ricardo and focus on my marriage. I couldn't let my feelings for him ruin everything.

When I finally left the office, I told my driver to take me home. As I walked into my house, I saw Ethan sitting on the couch, his expression intimidating and scary.

"What was Ricardo doing at your company?" Ethan asked, his voice low and menacing.

I tried to play it cool, but my voice trembled. "Nothing, Ethan. He just stopped by to say hello."

Ethan's grip on my neck tightened. "Don't lie to me, Amelia. I know he was there. What did he want?"

I was scared, and tears welled up in my eyes. Ethan's behavior was frightening me. How could he change so much in just a few weeks of marriage?

As soon as Ethan noticed my tears, he let go of my neck and stormed upstairs. I was left standing alone, my heart racing with fear.

As I stood in my living room, trying to process what had just happened with Ethan, I couldn't help but feel a sense of shame and guilt. I didn't know why I felt that way, but I couldn't shake off the feeling.

I thought about telling Anna or my mom about what Ethan had done, but something held me back. I didn't want them to know, didn't want them to worry. I felt like I needed to handle this on my own.

But as I looked around my living room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Ethan's behavior was getting scarier by the day, and I didn't know what to do. I felt trapped, like I was stuck in a situation that I couldn't escape.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. I needed to focus on finding a way out of this situation, not letting my emotions get the best of me. But as I looked around my living room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. What would happen next?

Ricardo's POV

I watched Amelia leave her house, her expression troubled. I wondered what could have caused her distress. If that old man, Ethan Thompson, had anything to do with it, he would regret ever crossing me.

I instructed one of my men to keep a discreet eye on her and report back to me. Soon, I received a call informing me that she had visited a friend. I hoped she was seeking comfort and guidance, but a part of me wished she had come to me instead.

Just then, Jeff called to tell me he had gathered information on Ethan Thompson. I told him to submit the file to my office. I was eager to learn more about the man who had captured Amelia's hand in marriage.

As I sat in my office, waiting for the file to arrive, my mind wandered back to Amelia. I recalled the way she had looked at me, the way her lips had felt against mine. I couldn't shake off the feeling that she was meant to be mine.

I've expanded my business empire globally, but since discovering Amelia was in the US, this country has become my second home. I'm not leaving until I take her with me to Italy.

Mi Amor.

Ethan's POV

As I thrust into Anna, she screamed, "Oh yes, Daddy, right there!" I gripped her hips, my release building. Finally, I let go, my body shuddering.

Anna's eyes locked onto mine. "You won't believe who came to see Amelia today," she said, a sly grin spreading across her face.

I raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"Ricardo," she replied. "And he kissed her."

I shrugged, feigning indifference. But inside, a spark of anger ignited. Ricardo was a threat, one I couldn't ignore.

Some of my business ventures were on the brink of collapse, which is why I strategically approached Amelia's parents. I knew they were eager to secure a suitable husband for their daughter. I married Amelia for one reason: to gain control of her family's vast empire. As the wealthiest and most influential family in the US, their legacy was the key to my financial salvation.

Anna had facilitated my introduction to Amelia, and through cunning manipulation, I convinced her parents to arrange our marriage.

But now, with Ricardo in the picture, things were getting complicated. I needed to keep a close eye on Amelia, make sure she didn't get too close to Ricardo.

I smiled to myself, a plan forming in my mind. I would do whatever it took to keep Amelia by my side.

I thought back to our wedding day, how Amelia had looked so beautiful and innocent. I had known then that she was the key to securing my financial future.

And now, with Ricardo threatening to ruin everything, I knew I had to act fast. I would do whatever it took to protect my interests, to keep Amelia and her family's empire under my control.

Anna's voice broke into my thoughts. "Ethan, what are you going to do about Ricardo?"

I turned to her, a cold smile spreading across my face. "Don't worry, Anna. I'll take care of Ricardo. He won't be a problem for much longer."

Anna's eyes locked onto mine, a look of concern flashing across her face. But I just smiled, reassuring her that everything would be okay.

And as I looked at her, I knew that I would do whatever it took to keep my secrets safe, to keep my grip on Amelia and her family's empire.