In the cutthroat world of high fashion, Vera McCartney's destiny was forged in fire. At 15, she survived a brutal attack, only to face shame, betrayal, and a pregnancy that threatened to destroy her future. But Vera refused to be defeated. With her grandmother's unwavering support, she rose to claim her birthright as heir to the McCartney fashion empire. Now, at 28, Vera's success is tempered by the loss of her child and the weight of her family's secrets. Then, Leonard De Luca, a ruthless mafia don, explodes into her life, demanding a contract marriage that will safeguard his empire - and threaten everything Vera holds dear. As Vera navigates treacherous alliances, hidden agendas, and deadly rivalries, she must confront the darkness of her past and the demons that haunt her present. Will Vera's resilience and determination be enough to overcome the evil forces closing in? Or will the very secrets that made her a queen destroy everything she's built? Dive into a world of glamour, danger, and deceit...
Chapter 1 ✨
prologue
You're such a disgrace to the McCartney family, Vera".
The cousins spit, each filled with jealousy.
"A child when you could barely survive? You thought you had it all, right?".
Elizabeth, one of the cousins mocked.
"But none of you wanted to accept the fact that I was raped, it wasn't my intention to have a baby now".
Vera cried.
"Oh, really? But why didn't you speak when it all happened then we would have believed you?".
Emily, a cousin spit out in disgust.
Vera was shattered.
"But Grandma, you believed me, right?". She asked all hopes on the aging woman.
Grandma Margaret McCartney sighed and left the room, she was obviously disappointed.
Vera knew her dreams were ruined, she was supposed to be her grandmother's heir but she's in a mess.
Her mother, Emeline McCartney rose and in tears and helped her daughter up from where she was kneeling and took her to the room.
While they were alone in the room at night, Emeline turned off the light and faced her daughter.
"Vera, you're only fifteen. Now tell me everything that happened...".
CHAPTER 001
Vera looked out the window of her office as she heard the limousine pulled over and Anthony Rye, her kids driver came out and held the door open as two children, a boy and a girl came out skipping excitedly to see their mother after a long day at school, Vera smiled a fulfilled smile.
Vera stood at 5'4 with a slender yet athletic build.
Her rich brown hair falling in long waves down her back.
Her bright hazel eyes sparkled with creativity, framed by high cheek bones on a heart shaped face. Her style was eclectic blending blending trendy pieces with vintage finds reflecting her artistic personality.
In her own design, Vera favored bold colors, experimental textiles and modern silhouettes. Her clothing was feminine yet androgynous empowering women to express themselves confidently.
She went back to her seat now as the kids ascended the stairs with Anthony who was struggling to keep them together, they were a noisy bunch - the twins.
"Mom! Mommy!!". Marlowe screamed seeing her mother and rushed to hug her.
"How was school today honey?". Vera asked them.
" Mom, I hate Miss Anne". Mauve, the boy sulked.
"And why is that, honey?". Vera asked thoughtful.
"She's always giving us stupid homeworks". Mauve replied.
"It's worth it, she needs to give us homeworks or else you'll be playing video games till thy kingdom comes". Marlowe said with a grin.
Mauve sucked his teeth.
"Homeworks are for losers". He muttered under his breath.
Vera could sense something coming between the two so she turned to Anthony who was standing by the doorway.
"Anthony, would you please take them to the lounge and help them with their homeworks?". She asked.
Anthony understand.
"Yes ma'am"he nodded.
"Mauve, Marlowe. You'll go with Anthony and when I'm done, we'll all go for dinner. Alright?"Vera asked.
"Yes, mom". Marlowe said excitedly while Mauve dragged his feet along still sulking about the homework issue.
The doorbell rang and Vera hurriedly sat down and arranged the papers on her desk.
"Come in". She voiced.
A lady with red hair and down to the toes skirt and wide collared shirt entered holding a pad and a vintage scarf on her head, she was her assistant.
"Ma'am, you have an appointment with Dolce and Gabbana in thirty minutes". The red haired lady announced.
"Alright then, prepare them to come in as soon as possible, Meghan". Vera said as she continued sorting out files on her desk.
The twins were really making a scene in the lounge as customers stared but Vera's office walls were soundproofed so she couldn't hear them.
Chapter 1 ✨
07/12/2024
Chapter 2 ✨
07/12/2024
Chapter 3 ✨
07/12/2024
Chapter 4 ✨
07/12/2024
Chapter 5 ✨
07/12/2024
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