Novels by olowoeyoeniola

_Emilia's POV_I stood there, frozen in place, as Marco walked away. What did he mean by "playing with fire"? And who was I supposed to be careful around?I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs. I had to focus on finding out the truth about my family's past and their connection to the De Lucas.I turned and walked back to my room, my mind racing with questions and theories. As I entered my room, I noticed a piece of paper on my bedside table.I walked over and picked it up, recognizing the handwriting as Maria's."Meet me in the garden at midnight," the note read. "Come alone."I felt a shiver run down my spine. What did Maria want to talk to me about? And why did she want me to come alone?I looked at the clock and saw that it was already 11:45 PM. I had to make a decision quickly.I decided to go to the meeting, my curiosity getting the better of me. I made my way to the garden, trying to be as quiet as possible.As I entered the garden, I saw Maria waiting for me. She was dre

_Emilia's POV_I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. Maria, the maid, had helped me get ready for the party, styling my hair and applying makeup to my face.I looked... different. More polished, more refined. But underneath the surface, I was still the same person. Scared, uncertain, and trapped.I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I had to get through this night, no matter what.As I turned to leave, I caught sight of the necklace glinting in the light. Marco's token, his reminder of the debt my father owed him.I felt a surge of anger, but I pushed it down. I had to play along, for now.I made my way downstairs, where Marco was waiting for me. He looked... stunning, dressed in a tailored tuxedo that accentuated his broad shoulders and chiseled features."Emilia, you look beautiful," he said, his eyes roving over me.I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, but I tried to play it cool. "Thanks," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.Marco offered me his arm, an

_Emilia's POV_I spent the rest of the day exploring my new surroundings, trying to get a feel for the layout of the estate. I discovered a beautiful garden, a private movie theater, and even a swimming pool.But despite the luxuries, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was trapped. Marco's words kept echoing in my mind: "You'll be safe here. I promise you that."Safe? I didn't feel safe. I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't understand.As the sun began to set, I heard a knock at the door. I opened it to find a woman standing in the hallway, carrying a tray of food."Dinner, Miss Rossini," she said, smiling. "Mr. De Luca thought you might be hungry."I took the tray from her, feeling a pang of gratitude. "Thank you," I said. "What's your name?""I'm Maria," she replied. "I'll be taking care of you during your stay."I smiled, feeling a sense of relief. Maybe having Maria around would make this whole experience more bearable.As I ate my dinner, I couldn't help but wonder what the rul

_Emilia's POV_Marco's words hung in the air, leaving me feeling stunned and confused. Insurance? What could he possibly mean?"I don't understand," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.Marco leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "Your father, Emilia, has something that belongs to me. Something of great value."I felt a surge of fear. What could my father have possibly gotten himself into?"What is it?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.Marco smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, Emilia. You're going to have to wait and see. Let's just say that your father's... indebtedness to me is quite substantial."I felt a chill run down my spine. My father was in trouble, and I was the pawn being used to ensure his cooperation."What do you want from me?" I asked, trying to keep my voice firm.Marco leaned forward, his eyes locking onto mine. "I want you to stay here, with me, until your father pays his debt. You'll be my... guest, shall we say."I felt a sur

_Emilia's POV_I stepped out of the coffee shop, sipping on a latte and checking my phone for any messages. It was a typical Wednesday morning, with the sun shining down on the bustling streets of New York City.As I walked down the sidewalk, I noticed a black SUV parked by the curb. The tinted windows made it impossible to see inside, but something about the vehicle seemed out of place.Suddenly, the door slid open, and two men in suits stepped out. They were big and imposing, with a menacing air about them."Emilia Rossini," one of them said, his voice firm and commanding. "You're coming with us."I felt a surge of fear as I realized what was happening. I tried to run, but the men were too quick. They grabbed me, holding me in a tight grip as they dragged me towards the SUV.I struggled and kicked, but it was no use. I was thrown into the vehicle, the door slamming shut behind me.As the SUV sped away from the curb, I caught a glimpse of the coffee shop disappearing into the distanc