Second Marriage, The Billionaire's Planned Love novel Chapter 223

223 Chapter 7 Threatening Shadows

Gemma’s POV

“Oh Mom, I hate that I can’t come with you to grandma’s birthday celebration,” I said while we shared lunch at our usual diner in the safer part of town, far from the Thorne family’s collection territory where I worked.

“I understand, sweetheart. But she’ll absolutely adore your gift, and work comes first. You know responsibility has always been our family priority, Gemma,” my mother responded with that familiar strength in her voice that had carried us through every hardship.

My mother raised me single–handedly after my father abandoned his role. He was the kind of man who appeared sporadically, claiming he wanted to see me, but really just stirring up trouble with my mother and bringing dangerous street connections to our door. Once I reached adulthood, I cut him out completely. I refused to waste energy on a father who only showed up to create chaos and had zero genuine interest in his daughter’s survival.

“How long will you be gone?” I asked, knowing the neighborhood grew more unpredictable when I was truly alone.

“Several days. I took vacation time and plan to enjoy every moment. There’s something wonderful about being pampered by your own mother again,” she smiled warmly, and I couldn’t help but mirror her expression. “You’ll manage alright without me in that dangerous area?”

“Absolutely, Mom. I’ll be fine.” I hoped I sounded more confident than I felt about navigating Thorne territory solo.

“Now tell me what’s happening in your world. How are things at that boutique?” My mother and I shared everything with each other. When my ex–boyfriend betrayed me, she offered to support me if I wanted to quit, but I knew I had to handle my own responsibilities, especially in our precarious financial situation.

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“Same old struggles with the protection fees and territorial tensions, but nothing I can’t handle,” I replied. “Oh Mom, I forgot to mention something incredible. Yesterday, while shopping for grandma’s gift, this completely arrogant man wandered into the religious goods store.” I recounted the entire encounter, describing how this obviously wealthy and dangerous stranger had stumbled into the shop like he owned the entire district. By the time I finished describing his bewildered expression when confronted with religious artifacts, my mother was laughing until tears formed.

“I cannot believe you actually left that prayer card for his mother, Gemma. You’re absolutely fearless!”

“Maybe next time he’ll think twice before acting like he controls everyone around him. Though I have to admit, he’s devastatingly gorgeous despite his terrible attitude and obvious connections to dangerous people!”

“Really? That attractive and intimidating?”

“He could easily grace magazine covers while probably ordering hits. Seriously Mom, this man is physically flawless with an aura of absolute menace. I’ve never encountered someone so strikingly handsome yet terrifying in my entire life.”

“This stranger certainly made quite an impression on you.”

“Unfortunately, yes. Too bad he’s like a shooting star in our world – the probability of crossing paths again without ending up dead is basically

nonexistent.”

“But didn’t you mention he was incredibly arrogant and dangerous?”

“Oh absolutely, but there was something magnetic about his authority. Not that I’d ever want to deal with whatever criminal empire he represents!” We both dissolved into nervous laughter.

After lunch ended, I hugged my mother goodbye, knowing days would pass before seeing her again. Walking toward the boutique in Thorne territory, I was almost there when Nick, my obsessive ex–boyfriend and local street

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dealer, intercepted my path.

“Beautiful Gemma, my darling!” Nick approached with arms extended, attempting to embrace me while clearly high on something.

“Stay back, Nick. Don’t you dare call me beautiful or darling.”

“Come on, Gemma. We absolutely need to have a conversation about us getting back together.”

“There’s nothing left to discuss between us,” I said, trying to step around his blocking form while scanning for any Thorne family soldiers who might

intervene.

“Gemma, you must give me another opportunity. I ended things with Vanessa, and being with that junkie was completely idiotic. Come back to me, Gemma. We shared incredible years before I started dealing seriously.” Nick wore that pathetic expression that ignited fury in my chest.

“How convenient that you forgot about those years when you had your dick buried in Vanessa’s throat while running drugs behind my back,” I snapped with venom.

“I made a terrible mistake, alright? But my feelings for you are real, and I’m making good money now.”

“Listen carefully, Nick. Enough of this nonsense! If you dumped Vanessa, that’s entirely your problem. I’m never reconciling with you. Move forward with your pathetic criminal life.” I attempted to pass him again, but he seized my arm roughly with hands that reeked of violence. “Release me immediately!”

“Things don’t work that simply, Gemma.” Nick’s demeanor shifted completely, the dangerous edge of a street thug replacing his fake remorse,

During our relationship, Nick frequently displayed aggressive tendencies fueled by his involvement with local criminal elements. He never struck me directly, but his temper would explode inappropriately when deals went wrong. He’d shout and grab me forcefully during arguments about his

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increasingly dangerous lifestyle. My mother witnessed several incidents and despised him, feeling relieved when I finally ended things. I convinced myself it was just the stress of street life, but deep down knew he was becoming genuinely dangerous.

“Nick, let go or I’m calling for the Thorne family’s protection!” I hissed through clenched teeth, and he reluctantly released his grip, knowing the local crime bosses didn’t tolerate freelance harassment in their territory.

“Fine, I’m only backing off because your shift starts soon. But this conversation isn’t finished, Gemma. We’re going to resolve this, and my new connections won’t be as patient as I am.”

“Nick, we broke up recently. You cheated with Vanessa while dealing drugs. This makes absolutely no sense. Just forget I exist before you bring serious heat down on both of us!” I sighed heavily and walked away from his threatening presence.

“We’re definitely going to talk, Gemma! And next time, I won’t be asking nicely!” I heard him shouting behind me with genuine menace.

Entering the boutique, I discovered the usual trio of troublemakers had assembled. Vanessa, Sabrina, and Lia were clustered around the cash register, with Vanessa dramatically sobbing about her breakup.

“Are you satisfied now, Gemma?” Sabrina marched toward me with pure confrontation in her voice. “Nick dumped Vanessa because of you, claimed you are reconciling because he still loves you. Vanessa is completely heartbroken and now she’s back to turning tricks.”

I exhaled slowly, facing her with exhaustion. I was beyond tired of these women and their dangerous associations. Walking past them toward the stockroom, I simply stated,

“How amusing. When he was my boyfriend and I discovered that junkie with his dick in her mouth, nobody seemed concerned about my feelings or safety.” I released a bitter laugh. “But you pathetic addicts can relax. I want nothing to do with this situation. I have zero intention of reconciling with

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that dangerous moron.”

I pushed through the stockroom door and headed to the break room, storing my purse in the locker. Finding another job outside Thorne territory had become absolutely crucial for my survival.

The shift dragged on endlessly as Vanessa’s crew continued their toxic drama in the main store. Every customer interaction felt strained, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that Nick’s threats weren’t empty posturing. When closing time finally arrived, I was relieved to see Lila waiting outside, her familiar smile providing the first genuine comfort I’d felt all day.

“You look like hell, Gemma,” Lila said, immediately wrapping me in a warm hug. “Rough day?”

“You have no idea.” I quickly filled her in on Nick’s confrontation and the ongoing drama with Vanessa’s crew as we walked toward the small coffee shop that stayed open late for the night shift workers.

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