Chapter: Chapter 59Alora's POVIf someone had told me that on the day I discovered some of my family's deepest secrets, I'd also lose my life, I’d never have accepted it. I’d have laughed in their faces and told them to get a life.But here it was happening right in front of me. I couldn’t save myself. I couldn’t even scream because Alfonso’s large hand was placed firmly over my mouth, muffling my cries. I tried to bite, but his grip was so tight I could barely feel my teeth.“Shhh, don’t scream. I like my girls screaming only when I’m buried deep inside them, my darling Vittoria. So be quiet, honey.”I froze, my eyes filled with unshed tears, bulging wide open. Vittoria? He just called me Vittoria. I couldn’t have made a mistake. What in the world is going on?“Oh darling, I love how you’re quiet now. Very obedient. Very nice. I’m going to take my hand off your mouth, okay? Promise not to scream?”I didn’t respond, still in too much shock to grasp what was going on. Alfonso didn’t like my silence becau
Last Updated: 2025-01-30
Chapter: Chapter 58Dante's POVAs the cars disappeared in the distance, I turned to Marco, whose eyes I had noticed on me the whole time. Vittoria was standing by him too, both staring at me with twisted faces."What?" I asked in an annoyed tone, feeling frustration biting at my chest.They both exchanged a glance before turning to me. Marco cleared his throat. "Don, I don't know what to say, but I don't feel too okay about this."I quirked a brow, nodding for him to explain himself."What Marco is trying to say is that, um... well, do you think Alora is lying? What if she isn't?"My gaze drifted to Alfonso, who was standing and talking with some of the men in a corner. I observed him for quite a while, as if I could decipher if he was guilty from just looking at him.As if noticing my gaze, he turned towards us, and his usual stoic expression transformed into a smile—a rare sight he only showed to his close friends."Hello, everyone. What's going on?" he asked, moving to place a hand over Vittoria's sh
Last Updated: 2025-01-29
Chapter: Chapter 57Alora's POV"You were looking for me, Don?" Alfonso muttered, strolling towards where I stood with Dante, an aura of authority radiating from him. I think the only people who weren't fazed were Dante, Vittoria, Marco, and me.The rest of the men bowed their heads and stepped backward to make way for him to pass through. Uh-oh. This means he's a highly respected mafia man. Will they believe me if I tell them the truth?"Where were you, Alfonso? I sent you to be with Alora for her protection, and yet you left her alone? How could you be so reckless?"Alfonso glared at me before bowing his head. "I'm sorry, Don. I had an emergency and needed to use the restroom. I pleaded for her to wait for me, but she ran off by the time I came outside."What the hell? He's lying so confidently. Such a stupid lie, I know nobody's gonna believe him.Or maybe I was wrong. Because Dante's head snapped to my face, his eyes growing darker. "Alora, why would you do that? Your brother is missing, and you go a
Last Updated: 2025-01-28
Chapter: Chapter 56Alora's POVMy heart was pounding, my palms getting sweaty. I tried to scream but was stopped by the man's hand landing on my mouth."Shhh. You don't want to attract the wrong attention now, do you?"My eyes, which were closed due to fear, snapped open, and a smile broke out on my face as I looked into the eyes of my brother."Luciano, what the hell? We've been looking everywhere for you. Are you crazy? Disappearing out of the blue. Come on, let's go. The others have been worried sick for no good reason. Don't try this again, brother. It's hella annoying."The words spilled out of my mouth faster than I could control. I was relieved, knowing that my brother wasn't kidnapped and probably being tortured somewhere."Alora, listen. I have a lot to tell you."Luciano whispered, cutting off my words. He sounded worried, and my doubts were confirmed when he moved towards the open window and pulled the curtains together, causing the room to descend into pitch darkness."Luciano, what's going
Last Updated: 2025-01-27
Chapter: Chapter 55Alora's POVDante didn't look okay. Whatever had been said to him on the phone had made him pale before letting out a string of curse words while tugging at his hair. When he and Luca exchanged glances and then stared at me, my heart lurched.Whatever had happened, it involved me. Cautiously, I asked, "What's going on, Dante? You don't look okay."He didn't immediately respond but held me by the waist and pulled me towards him. Once I was wrapped in his warmth, he uttered the words that had goosebumps erupting along my skin as a shiver crept down my spine."Alora. I want you to be calm, okay? We are going to handle everything, and all will be well.""What do you mean by that? Why should I be calm? I'm already very calm. Is there a reason for me not to be?" The questions tumbled out of my lips as I detached myself from his arms and gazed at him with curiosity etched on my face."Just know that all will be well, okay?"I hated this, going around in circles instead of just saying what wa
Last Updated: 2025-01-26
Chapter: Chapter 54Dante's POVIs it possible for a man to feel butterflies in his stomach? Because if not, then I need to see a doctor as soon as possible. The minute our lips touched, I felt a warm simmer in my veins, taking my breath away.Even though I was the one who initiated the kiss, I froze for a few seconds before moving against her lips. All her struggles ceased as she lost herself in the moment—a moment I didn’t want to end.I bit her bottom lip, trying to assert dominance, and Alora let out a moan that sent a rush of heat to my groin. Fucking hell. Even Bianca could never bring out a response from me like this. What is this little nurse doing to me?After a minute, I reluctantly pulled away from her but leaned my forehead against hers, her warm breath hitting my face.I used my finger to pull away some strands of her hair from her face, then in a swift movement, lifted her to sit with her legs on both sides of me. She gasped, her legs hitting m
Last Updated: 2025-01-25
The Betrayed Heiress And The Billionaire
“So what do you plan on doing?” he asked, simply, “I want revenge. I want them to pay for everything they’ve done,” I replied in a determined voice.
“Revenge, huh. What if I help you?” he asked, feeling so proud of himself.
My eyes snapped to his. “Help me… how?”
“Well, you told me you’re broke, right? What would you say if I gave you all the money you need for your revenge plan in exchange for something?”
My breath hitched as I considered his offer. He’s clearly rich, and that would mean enough money to start up my plan.
“In exchange for what? I have no money. I don’t have anything to give unless you want me to pay you back in the future, but I don’t think—”
“Marry me.”
…..
Astrid’s world was turned upside down when she was betrayed by the people she loved the most. Feeling utterly lost and defeated, Astrid's life took an unexpected turn when the enigmatic Damien Starkov proposed marriage to her, ostensibly to aid her quest for revenge.
However, as Astrid delved deeper into Damien’s motives, she began to suspect that his emotions were far more complex than they initially seemed. She discovered that his past was shrouded in darkness, a mystery he kept hidden from everyone, including herself.
This revelation raised doubts in Astrid’s mind about the morality of their revenge plot, and she couldn’t help but wonder if she had misjudged Damien’s true nature, which seemed to be characterized by an aura of foreboding d-a-r-k-n-e-s-s!
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Chapter: 31Astrid's POVThere are new sides to Damien I have been seeing lately. The humble side of him that cared so much and spoke calmly to his workers on the phone. And then there was the other side, the charming side of him that hadn’t stopped teasing me the whole time in the car.As we alighted from the vehicle, he quickly went around and opened the door for me, holding out his hand for me to take, which I did with a smile.I guessed what I was yet to see from Damien was a smile on his face. I really had married a rock. Maybe Luke was right—he would never smile, and I would have to live with that. But my husband was already very attractive. I imagined how he would look if he smiled. Thinking about it made me blush.Trust Damien to bring me to one of his restaurants. It made me wonder—did he really own every place in this city? No wonder he commanded such respect. It was a beautiful restaurant on the hilltop, with the most fascinating view of the city below.The high-end restaurant was fanc
Last Updated: 2025-01-30
Chapter: 30Damien's POVAstrid thought she could really hide her plans from me. For goodness' sake, she has been using my name to carry out her revenge scheme. There is no way I wouldn’t know what she was up to.I have to admit, though, the girl is pretty smart and sneaky.I had ordered for all her movements to be shown to me, just for her protection and to be sure she didn’t get herself into trouble. Or maybe not, a little voice in my head whispered. Maybe because you wanted to be sure she was not approached by any men.It was true, though. I even got her a female bodyguard. Damn, I’m losing it.When I met her early this morning, all dressed up, looking like the beautiful angel she is, with those curves calling out to me, I had barely restrained myself from taking her into my room and making her mine.It is no doubt anymore—I am developing feelings for my wife.I like this woman.This clumsy, silly, beautiful princess who makes my heart giddy with just a smile.To think I swore never to love an
Last Updated: 2025-01-29
Chapter: 29Astrid's POVFiona shot up from her seat like she had been sitting on hot charcoal. “What do you think you are doing here, Astrid?” she asked, glaring daggers into my face.“What do you think I’m doing here, Fiona?” I retorted sharply, rolling my eyes. “I’m here for the interview as well. I was invited.”She turned, fast as lightning, to glare at Eliza, who hid her smirk immediately behind a poker face. “What do you think you are doing, Mrs. Edison? This is supposed to be our wedding interview.”“Oh, I’m sorry, ma’am. This wedding interview is being conducted by the company. And while we thought it would be good to have the families of the couple present, the family of the groom and your father were reluctant to attend, so the only member of the family who could attend was Mrs. Sta—Ms. Astrid…”She caught herself immediately, but I still glared at her for the almost slip-up.It was not time for the big reveal yet.“Well, I don’t want her here, Adrian. Let’s go,” Fiona said, grabbing A
Last Updated: 2025-01-28
Chapter: 28Astrid POVToday was the day Fiona and Adrian were appearing before the media for an interview before their wedding.I had told Eliza countless times that we could look for a different way to do this since her job and reputation would be on the line, but she told me she didn't mind and that if she got fired, she would spend the rest of her life taking vacations and trips with the money her husband was being paid by mine.That girl is stupid, I know.But well, the thrill of doing this ran through me, making me shiver in delight. The fact that they had embarrassed me in front of a huge crowd meant that this was their moment too.It has always been said, do not repay evil for evil, and I often felt bad doing what I was doing. But then, I am still going to do it either way. I will not take betrayal lying down."Oh God, how do I do this?" I whispered to myself, thinking about how I would manage to convince Damien to come with me. I hadn't spoken to him since the day of the towel incident.
Last Updated: 2025-01-27
Chapter: 27Astrid's POVDang it, my face was still red. How is this possible? I'd washed it so much it should be white by now and no longer its exaggerated tanned color. Eliza is going to know something is up. Shit, I didn’t want her to figure it out.After running from Damien’s presence and locking myself in my room, I stayed there the entire day without stepping out—not even to eat. Okay, maybe that’s a lie. I did step out, but it was late at night when I was sure he’d be sleeping. At least, I thought he was, since the light in his room was off. I tiptoed so carefully past his door that I was certain he had no idea I was still awake.I still can’t believe I’d been so stupid to go downstairs in nothing but a towel. I was just so excited to eat that I didn’t even realize I’d just finished taking a bath when the delivery arrived.Now I’m not sure which was more embarrassing: giving the delivery woman a clear view—a bad one, apparently, judging by the glare she gave me before grabbing her money a
Last Updated: 2025-01-26
Chapter: Chapter 26Damien's POVSelena has feelings for me. My little sister has feelings for me. No.I still can't bring myself to believe it. I always thought we had a normal sibling relationship. Ever since that bitch who called herself my mother had done what she did, and then disappeared, I had been alone.Until Mom and Dad took me in as their own son, giving me the love I never thought I'd experience. Selena was only 6 while I was 12. Now, 16 years later, we have been the closest siblings ever. At least from my own point of view.If only I had known that my being the best big brother would cause my sister to develop feelings for me. I'd have kept my distance as much as I could."Shit," I growled, kicking the edge of my bed. The action sent a jolt of pain up my foot, but I didn't care. Pain made me forget. It was like therapy. However, I couldn't forget that just a few minutes ago, my youngest sister's lips had been on mine.Selena had wa
Last Updated: 2025-01-25
Chapter: Chapter 62Elara's POVTwo months later.How time flies when you're CEO of the biggest oil manufacturing company in the country. I'm pretty sure my hair is greying already. Or maybe my face has so many wrinkles. I wouldn’t know, as I barely have time to check myself out in the mirror before coming to work.“If we sell it at this price, I believe we'll have the upper hand,” the arrogant Director of Sales and Marketing says, his voice hoarse from all the alcohol he has consumed over the years.When he's done, he places a hand in his pocket and gazes at me intensely. His posture makes his potbelly stand out, but it seems like he doesn't notice, seeing as he's constantly throwing himself at anything in a skirt that passes by—including me, his own boss.He's one of those who tried to oppose my takeover, saying a woman could never manage a company like this and that I'd do better managing fashion brands.When the board approved me, he made it his plan to ruin all my project ideas. Unfortunately for hi
Last Updated: 2025-01-28
Chapter: Chapter 61Lorenzo's POV"Hello, Lorenzo. Long time no see," Sophia, in all her fullness, says, her beautiful smile I could never forget over the years etched on her face."So... Sophia," I muttered, barely able to find my words. "You're alive?"She chuckles, the sound filling the room. My dad and Victoria are quietly watching our exchange."Yes, I am alive."When I turn to look at my parents to confirm my doubts, what I meet with has me staggering backward. There, standing right beside them, is a little boy—an exact replica of me when I was about seven or eight—gazing right at me.My eyes widen, and I take two steps back, clutching my chest and my head as if trying to wake myself up from a dream. Is this....is this real?"What is going on here? Is this some sort of prank? Are you a hologram?"I walk closer, expecting my hands to pass through, but they land directly on Sophia's shoulder. Her gaze follows my hand, her eyes lighting up, before laying her soft, warm ones on mine."It's no dream, Lo
Last Updated: 2025-01-28
Chapter: Chapter 60Lorenzo's POVShit, what is wrong with me? How could I be so stupid and let my anger get the best of me? When I heard that Elara's dad had been shot, it felt like the air was knocked out of my lungs. The overwhelming urge to protect her hit me when I overheard her uncle talking on the phone about a note that had been left by the shooter.Apparently, Elara was the target. But since we were in my home that night, they couldn't get to her. So to pass a warning, they went for her dad first. The fact that Damien didn't want her to know but wanted her to stay there managing the company like nothing was wrong infuriated me more.“Why didn't you just tell her? Maybe she would have agreed?” Nicolas asks, twirling around on my office chair like he owned the room.“I thought about that, but I couldn't bear to make her even more terrified than she was already. And by the way, her father is her priority. She wouldn't have agreed either way.”He nods and begins humming a tune. “But let me be honest
Last Updated: 2025-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 59Elara's POVShot. Shot. My dad's been shot. That is the only word that registered in my head from what Uncle Damien was saying. No. This can't be."Hey, hey baby. Don't cry, okay? It's all going to be okay." Lorenzo tells me softly, pulling me into a warm embrace. In his arms, I break down, my tears flowing freely and staining his shirt. I grip his dress tight in my fists, holding on for support since my legs feel like they're giving up on me.All the while, he keeps whispering soothing words in my ears while leading me to a chair by the wall. When I finally calm down, I notice Uncle Damien's shadow over us. He stands with his hands in his pockets, casting a worried glance at me."I'm sorry, Bambina. But we have to pray for your dad to be fine. I'm sure the doctors will try their best."I don't respond. He sighs and moves to the other side of the hallway, placing his phone on his ear and barking out orders."Lorenzo, will my dad be okay? Please tell me he'll be fine. He can't die now.
Last Updated: 2025-01-17
Chapter: Chapter 58Elara's POV The chilly wind blows in the garden of Lorenzo's mansion, hitting my skin and causing me to shiver. Soft music plays from the speaker Lorenzo connected in the garden after I rejected his offer of hiring people to play and serve us. This is our moment. I’d appreciate the privacy. "So, you've won again. Not fair!" Lorenzo grunts, throwing his hands in the air while laughter bubbles from my throat, rippling through the air. "Just admit it, Mr. Russo. You’ve got nothing on me in this one. I am the champion," I reply smugly, chuckling when he just rolls his eyes and rolls up his sleeves as if we're about to fight. We are playing a game of chess and, unsurprisingly, I’ve beaten Lorenzo five times already. He had bragged about being the master of his game before we started, saying as a CEO he knew what to do and could never be beaten. Unfortunately for him, I was making him bite back his words. Hard. "Okay, fine. You’re a better chess player. But I’m still the best at other t
Last Updated: 2025-01-14
Chapter: Chapter 57Elara's POVThree months later.I step out of my office, stretching my muscles to relieve them of the stiffness from sitting in one spot for almost five hours. Today is one of those days where I overwork myself because I want my afternoon free. I plan on sleeping and getting enough rest so I don’t fall sick."Hello, ma’am, are you ready to leave? Can I call your driver?" Sonia, my PA, walks up to me, her hair wrapped in a ponytail while her glasses lay a little low on her nose. She is a 35-year-old woman who was hired for me by Dad, despite me arguing that I had no need for a personal assistant and that I’d be fine. But he knew better and insisted that I would thank him later, which I did because the workload in this training isn’t easy at all.No, I am not yet the CEO, but I'll be given the post in a week's time, I think. I just can’t wait to be done with it. I know being the CEO will bring more responsibilities, but then again, whenever we succeed after going through tough times, we
Last Updated: 2024-12-22