Chapter 52: The Ultimatum
The next morning, Marisa was awakened by the gentle rays of sunlight filtering through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. As she stirred, she attempted to shift her body on the bed, only to find herself unable to move. A strong arm was wrapped around her waist, holding her in place.
With a mixture of confusion and curiosity, Marisa managed to turn her head and saw Alejandro lying beside her, his features softened in sleep. His dark hair tousled slightly, framing his chiseled jawline and sculpted cheekbones. Even in slumber, there was an air of intensity about him, a magnetic presence that drew her in.
As Marisa gazed at his handsome face, she couldn’t help but admire the way the sunlight played across his features, casting delicate shadows and highlights. His full lips were parted ever so slightly, his long eyelashes brushing against his cheeks as he slept.
Lost in her reverie, Marisa found herself captivated by Alejandro’s presence, her eyes tracing the contours of his face with fascination. She couldn’t deny the undeniable allure of his features, the way they seemed to hold a myriad of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Suddenly, Alejandro’s eyes fluttered open, catching Marisa in the act of staring at him. A fleeting moment of embarrassment washed over her as she quickly averted her gaze, feeling caught in the act.
For a brief moment, the two of them locked eyes, a silent exchange passing between them. Marisa’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized she had been caught admiring Alejandro while he slept. Quickly, she looked away, hoping to conceal her embarrassment behind a veil of nonchalance.
Marisa’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she shyly greeted Alejandro, her voice barely above a whisper. “Good morning,” she murmured, her eyes fixed on the bedsheet beneath her.
Alejandro’s lips curled into a smirk as he observed Marisa’s flustered demeanor. “Good morning to you too,” he replied, his voice tinged with amusement.
Marisa’s heart raced as she felt Alejandro’s gaze lingering on her, the weight of his scrutiny making her feel more self-conscious than ever. She swallowed nervously, desperately trying to maintain her composure in the face of his teasing.
“You were admiring me, weren’t you?” Alejandro said, his smirk widening as he teased her.
Marisa’s cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of red as she struggled to find the right words. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she stammered, avoiding his gaze.
Alejandro chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “It’s okay, Marisa,” he said, reaching out to gently brush a stray lock of hair from her face. “I don’t mind being admired.”
Despite her embarrassment, Marisa couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement at Alejandro’s playful banter. As she met his gaze, she found herself drawn to the warmth and sincerity in his eyes, a feeling of connection blossoming between them.
With a shy smile, Marisa finally met Alejandro’s gaze, her heart racing with a mixture of nerves and anticipation. As Marisa and Alejandro gazed into each other’s eyes in silence, a sense of awkwardness settled between them. Marisa could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment as she struggled to break the tension that hung in the air.
Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, Marisa cleared her throat nervously. “Um, we should probably get ready for the DNA test,” she said, her voice slightly shaky.
Alejandro nodded in agreement, his expression unreadable. “Right,” he replied simply, though Marisa detected a hint of disappointment in his tone.
With a sense of relief, Marisa quickly wrapped her naked body in the duvet, concealing herself from Alejandro’s gaze. She hurriedly climbed out of bed, her hair disheveled from sleep, and made her way to the bathroom, eager to escape the awkwardness of the moment.
Once inside the bathroom, Marisa took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. She knew that the upcoming DNA test would bring about a whole new set of challenges, but for now, she focused on the task at hand: getting herself ready for the day ahead.
Marisa stepped into the shower, letting the water cascade over her body, washing away the remnants of sleep and uncertainty. The soothing sensation of the water helped to calm her nerves, allowing her to focus on the task at hand.
With gentle strokes, Marisa lathered her skin with fragrant soap, relishing in the sensation of cleanliness and renewal. The steam from the shower enveloped her, creating a cocoon of warmth and comfort.
After what felt like an eternity, Marisa finally emerged from the shower, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. She wrapped herself in a fluffy towel as she stepped out of the bathroom and into the bedroom.
As she entered the room, her gaze fell upon Alejandro, who was standing by the window with his back turned towards her. With a hesitant breath, Marisa cleared her throat, hoping to gain his attention.
Alejandro turned to look at her, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down Marisa’s spine. A stick of cigarette dangled from his lips, the tendrils of smoke curling upwards in lazy spirals.
Marisa’s heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of the smoldering look in Alejandro’s eyes, a dark intensity that ignited a spark of desire within her. Despite her best efforts to maintain her composure, she couldn’t deny the magnetic pull that drew her towards him.
For a moment, they stood locked in a silent exchange, the air thick with tension and longing. As Alejandro’s gaze roamed over her, Marisa felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks, her pulse quickening with anticipation.
Unable to tear her eyes away from his, Marisa found herself captivated by the raw desire that flickered in Alejandro’s gaze. In that moment, she knew that their connection went beyond mere coincidence.
With a silent understanding passing between them, Alejandro took a step closer to Marisa as he puffed out smoke from his mouth.
As Marisa stood before Alejandro, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of vulnerability under his penetrating gaze. Alejandro, towering over her with his height, looked down at her with a mixture of curiosity and intensity, his presence commanding the space between them.
Feeling suddenly self-conscious under his scrutiny, Marisa found herself unable to meet his gaze. Instead, she shifted her gaze downwards, focusing on her feet as a wave of shyness washed over her.
Noticing her hesitance, Alejandro’s lips curled into a knowing smirk as he reached out to gently raise her chin with his hand. His touch sent a jolt of electricity coursing through Marisa’s veins, causing her heart to race with anticipation.
With a soft chuckle, Alejandro spoke, his voice low and husky. “You look ravishing as always, Marisa,” he said, his words laced with genuine admiration.
Marisa felt her cheeks flush with warmth at his compliment, a shy smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Despite her attempts to conceal her feelings, she couldn’t deny the flutter of excitement that danced in her stomach at his words.
As Alejandro’s hand lingered beneath her chin, Marisa’s mind raced with conflicting emotions. She couldn’t deny the undeniable attraction she felt towards him, the way her heart fluttered at his touch. But was it love, or was it merely the heat of the moment?
Lost in her thoughts, Marisa struggled to make sense of her feelings. Was she truly in love with Alejandro, or was it just a fleeting infatuation? She couldn’t deny the magnetic pull that drew her towards him, the way his presence seemed to fill the room with electricity.
But as she gazed into Alejandro’s eyes, searching for answers, she found herself grappling with uncertainty. Was it possible to fall in love with someone so quickly, or was she simply caught up in the intensity of the moment?
Unable to find the words to express her inner turmoil, Marisa remained silent, her gaze locked with Alejandro’s. In that moment, she realized that perhaps love was a complex and multifaceted emotion, one that couldn’t be easily defined or dissected.
As Alejandro continued to gaze at her with warmth and affection, Marisa felt a sense of peace wash over her. Whether it was love or lust, she knew that she was drawn to him in a way she couldn’t explain.
As Alejandro leaned in, Marisa felt her heart skip a beat in anticipation. Their lips met in a soft, tantalizing kiss, sending a rush of warmth coursing through her veins. Closing her eyes, Marisa surrendered to the sensation, her lips moving against Alejandro’s with a fervent desire.
The kiss deepened, becoming more intense with each passing moment. Marisa lost herself in the sensation, her hands instinctively reaching up to tangle in Alejandro’s hair as she pulled him closer.
But just as the kiss reached its peak of intensity, Marisa suddenly broke away, her breath coming in short gasps. Alejandro gave her a questioning look, his eyes searching hers for an explanation.
“We should go and get Jeffery for the DNA test,” Marisa said breathlessly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alejandro smirked in response, a knowing glint in his eyes as he nodded in agreement. With a final lingering look, he turned and disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Marisa alone in the bedroom.
As the sound of running water filled the room, Marisa let out a soft exhale, her chest rising and falling with the rapid pace of her heartbeat. Touching her chest, she could feel her heart racing beneath her fingertips, and that was a tangible reminder of the intensity of the moment they had just shared.
Marisa quickly busied herself with getting dressed, selecting a simple yet elegant dress from her suitcase. The dress was a deep shade of burgundy, hugging her curves in all the right places. She paired it with a pair of black heels that added a touch of sophistication to her ensemble.
As she finished buttoning up the dress, Marisa moved to the mirror to brush her hair, her mind still reeling from the intensity of the kiss she had shared with Alejandro moments before. Lost in her thoughts, she was startled when she heard the bathroom door open.
Turning her head, Marisa’s breath caught in her throat as she caught sight of Alejandro stepping into the bedroom. His tall, muscular frame was adorned with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, droplets of water glistening on his skin.
For a moment, Marisa found herself unable to tear her gaze away from him, captivated by the raw masculinity he exuded. The sight of him, so vulnerable yet undeniably alluring, caused her heart to race with a mixture of desire and uncertainty.
As Alejandro’s eyes met hers, Marisa felt a flush spread across her cheeks, heat pooling in the pit of her stomach. Despite the sudden rush of arousal that flooded her senses, she forced herself to look away, her cheeks burning with embarrassment at being caught staring.
With a soft exhale, Marisa turned back to the mirror, focusing her attention on finishing her hair. But the image of Alejandro, standing before her with water dripping down his sculpted chest, lingered in her mind.
As Alejandro began to dress, Marisa couldn’t help but steal glances at him, her heart racing at the sight of him in the white tuxedo. The crisp fabric hugged his muscular frame, accentuating his broad shoulders and chiseled features.
With each movement, Alejandro exuded an effortless confidence, his every gesture commanding attention. Marisa found herself captivated by the sight of him, her gaze lingering on the way the fabric draped over his form, emphasizing his masculine allure.
Despite her attempts to focus on her own preparations, Marisa couldn’t shake the feeling of anticipation that simmered beneath her skin. The undeniable chemistry between them crackled in the air, a tangible reminder of the intensity of their connection.
As Alejandro finished dressing, he turned to look at Marisa, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “Ready to go?” he asked, his voice husky with anticipation.
Marisa nodded, feeling her heart race as she locked eyes with Alejandro. With a shared understanding, they left the room and walked to the dining area. As they entered, they were greeted by a table overflowing with delicious dishes.
Marisa’s eyes widened with delight as she took in the feast spread out before them. There were plates piled high with savory meats, bowls brimming with colorful vegetables, and trays of tempting desserts. The aroma alone made her mouth water.
With a smile of appreciation, Marisa and Alejandro took their seats at the table, ready to indulge in the culinary delights laid out before them. They began eating, and as they ate, Marisa couldn’t help but wonder why Alejandro’s twin brother and Blade didn’t join them for breakfast. Nevertheless, Marisa was grateful that Blade didn’t join them for breakfast.
After finishing their meal, Marisa and Alejandro stood up and headed out of the house. They were greeted by a contingent of guards as they made their way to the car shed. With precision, two guards opened the backseat doors of a sleek white car for Alejandro and Marisa. They settled into the plush seats, and the engine roared to life as the driver started the car.
As they pulled out of the expansive compound, Marisa glanced out the window, noting the cars filled with guards that followed closely behind them. Despite the security detail, she couldn’t shake the feeling of excitement and anticipation coursing through her veins. Today was the day they would finally get answers about Jeffery’s paternity, and she was determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
As the car pulled up in front of her apartment building, Marisa’s heart fluttered with a mix of emotions. She couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief wash over her as she gazed at the familiar sight of her home. After the events of the previous day, she had feared she might never see it again.
With a soft exhale, Marisa stepped out of the car, flanked by the two guards who had opened the door for her and Alejandro. As she stood on the sidewalk, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for being back in familiar surroundings.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
Looking up at the building, Marisa felt a surge of happiness swell within her. This was where she had built a life for herself and her son, where they had shared countless memories together. And now, after what felt like an eternity, she was finally home.
With a determined stride, Marisa made her way towards the entrance, Alejandro at her side. She couldn’t wait to see her son and her best friend Clarabelle. Stepping inside the house with Alejandro, Marisa was expecting to see her son or Clarabelle but she found no one in the living room.
“Jeffery? Clarabelle? I’m home,” Marisa said as she moved through the living room.
Alejandro glanced around the room with his right hand buried in his pocket. Marisa went to the bedroom to look for Clarabelle and Jeffery but she didn’t find them in the bedroom. She started panicking as she searched all over the house for them but she didn’t find them.
Marisa’s heart raced with panic as she frantically searched every corner of the apartment for Jeffery and Clarabelle. With each passing moment, her anxiety grew, and she felt a knot tightening in her chest.
Returning to the living room, Marisa’s eyes widened with fear as she approached Alejandro. “Alejandro, I can’t find Jeffery and Clarabelle!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling with worry.
Alejandro’s brow furrowed with concern as he listened to Marisa’s frantic words. “Stay calm, Marisa. We’ll find them,” he reassured her, his voice steady despite the urgency of the situation.
“Umm… please lend me your phone so I can give Clarabelle a call,” Marisa said to Alejandro, her voice tinged with urgency.
Without hesitation, Alejandro handed his phone to her, concern evident in his eyes as he watched her dial Clarabelle’s number. Marisa’s heart raced with anticipation as she waited for the call to connect, her fingers tapping anxiously against the screen.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Clarabelle’s voice echoed through the phone, breaking the tension that had settled in the air.
“Hey, Clarabelle, it’s Marisa speaking,” Marisa said, her voice tinged with urgency.
“Hello, Marisa. I guess you’re currently at home, right?” Clarabelle asked, her tone betraying a hint of concern.
“Yes. Is Jeffery there with you?” Marisa inquired, her worry palpable.
“Jeffery is with my boss,” Clarabelle replied cryptically, hinting at a deeper connection.
“Your boss?” Marisa questioned, her confusion growing.
“Hold on, my boss wants to speak with you,” Clarabelle interjected, signaling a shift in the conversation’s direction.
“Hello, Marisa Russo,” a masculine voice boomed through the phone, commanding attention.
“Hello? Who is this?” Marisa asked, her curiosity piqued.
“I’m Clarabelle’s boss, and just like Clarabelle said earlier, your son is with him,” the man on the other line stated matter-of-factly.
“What’s your name? And why is my son with you?” Marisa demanded, her tone edged with concern.
“Pardon my manners. My name is Salvador Morello,” the man replied smoothly. Alejandro’s eyes widened in shock when he heard Salvador’s name.
“I’ve never heard of that name,” Marisa admitted, her confusion evident.
“You might not know who I am, but your boyfriend does,” Salvador replied.
“My boyfriend? Who?” Marisa asked, her mind racing to connect the dots.
“Alejandro Gambino knows who I am, so ask him,” Salvador revealed, dropping a bombshell.
“I don’t care about who you are. All I want to know is why my son is with you,” Marisa asserted, her focus unwavering.
“I am not much of a talker, so if you want to see your son again, tell Alejandro Gambino and his twin brother to come to the location which I will send to this number after this call. I’m giving you just twenty-four hours, so make sure you bring the two leaders of the Gambino family, and make sure they don’t bring their mobsters or guards when coming. Goodbye,” Salvador explained tersely before abruptly ending the call, leaving Marisa with a sinking feeling in her chest.
Marisa’s heart pounded with fear and confusion as she listened to Salvador Morello’s ominous words. She couldn’t comprehend why her son was with him or what he wanted with Alejandro and his twin brother. Turning to Alejandro, her eyes wide with worry, she relayed the chilling ultimatum they had just received.
“Alejandro, we need to find Jeffery,” Marisa said urgently, her voice trembling with fear. “And we need to do whatever it takes to bring him back safely.”