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A Bride For A Truce
A Bride For A Truce
Penulis: Veetoria

The Engagement

Penulis: Veetoria
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-24 21:39:17

SERAFINA’S POV

The black Mercedes pulled up smoothly to the front gates of the Vitale estate. I stepped out and walked towards the front door. My performance tonight was exceptional as usual,I loved the thrill that went through the crowd whenever I finished a piece. But as I approached the house, a rising sense of danger slowly encircled me. I shook it off and walked in.

I stepped into the foyer, glancing around. The extravagance of our family home always left me in awe. I heard footsteps approach me from behind.

“Signoria” came a soft voice. I turned to see Tessa, our family maid approaching with a soft smile on her face. Tessa has been with the family for as long as I can remember. Ever since we lost mum, she had been a constant.

“How are you, Tessa?” I smiled in return.

“I am fine Cara (dear). You’re home late tonight”, Tessa observed taking my coat and scarf that I was about to put up. She kissed my cheeks “You were amazing tonight as always” she gushed, her eyes shining with pride.

“Thank you!” I grinned back, basking in the warmth of her compliment.

“Your father is waiting for you in his study, he asked that you come up as soon as you get home” she stated.

My smile faded knowing that this couldn’t be good. My father only summoned me to his study when he had something very important to say.

“Did he say what it was about?”

Tessa shook her head in the negative “No Cara, but we know him well enough to know that this can’t be good” Tessa said in a sympathetic tone.

I did know exactly what she meant, my father’s study wasn’t for laughs or tea dates. I sighed and ran my hands down my dress.

“Thank you Tessa.” my lips curved into a forced smile “I'll go see what he needs” I responded before turning towards the hallway. The walk to his study seemed endless tonight.Maybe it was because i was dreading the upcoming confrontation.

I knocked briskly on the heavy oak door and waited for a response.

“Come in!” My father’s authoritative voice boomed from within. With a firm push, the heavy oak creaked open, revealing the dimly lit study.

There was a lingering smell of Cigar in the air, shelves lined with books,most of them first editions framed the imposing desk where my father sat.

His head was bent over some documents on his table, and he took his time to sort through them before glancing up at me, my eyes connect with his trying to read his expression but he looked away guiltily .

“Sit Sera” I rolled my eyes at the nickname he always used as I took a sit.

“A truce has been agreed upon with the Bratva”...My father's voice was calm but his gaze was unyielding..” You are to be married to Adriko Ivanov” my father said to me whilst leaning back in his chair and observing my expression.

I tensed instantly, his words hitting me like a slap.The type that stings long after it lands. For a moment, I couldn't breathe. Marriage? To the Bratva kingpin? The idea sounded like a cruel joke that for a moment I almost laughed but the look in my father's eyes told me otherwise.

I narrowed my eyes at him, panic spilling off me in waves. “You can’t be serious papa! I can’t marry Adriko, that is not what I want”

“Enough!”, he roared sharply, his fist slamming down onto the oak desk, silencing me instantly. He leaned forward, his dark eyes pinning me in place.” This isn’t up for discussion, Serafina,” he stated, his voice cold and absolute.“Don Marco has spoken, and so have I. You’re to marry Adriko Ivanov. It’s the only way to end this War!!”

I got up so quickly that the chair fell over, hitting the floor with a loud thud. I clenched my fists at my sides as I stared daggers at my father, my breathing harsh and fast.

“You’re offering me up like a lamb to slaughter, all because of your mistakes?” I shot back, my voice trembling with fury and restrained tears. Everyone knew how it was my father’s error that sparked the war in the first place.

He fixed me with a piercing gaze “I know this is hard for you to accept figlia mia (my daughter ) but my hands are tied” he said in a rueful tone

“ This is my burden to end, and this truce would be the only way to put a halt to all the bloodshed. The camorra will not bow to the bratva and they won’t bow to us.”

I looked down in an attempt to stop the tears that were threatening to spill down my face. I always thought I would be able to pursue my dream at The Metropolitan Opera, travel the world, and let love find me in due time but this was such a brutal slap to my face I felt the weight of my father’s words squeezing my heart. I decided to try again to make him see reason.

“But what about my life? My dreams? I asked, my voice breaking. “You know how much performing means to me, Papa. Why let me build this life only to rip it away? Just because your mistakes have come back to haunt you?”

He stood, walked around his desk, and approached me.” Mi dispiace,tesoro mio” (I’m sorry my darling) he pleaded with a hint of sadness in his voice.

I sighed realizing there was no way out of this. Even if I tried to bypass my father, I couldn’t bypass the Don.

“When is the wedding?” I asked in a resigned tone,deciding to accept my fate.

“A week from today, everything is being arranged. You don’t have to bother about anything.”

Like I would even bother, I scoffed inwardly as I watched him move back to his table and bring out a box. He opens it and a marquise-shaped diamond ring glinted under the study’s harsh light.

”This arrived from Adriko.” he informed.”You’ll wear it starting tonight.”

My breath hitched; It was beautiful, but a cruel mockery of the life I had dreamed for myself.

I snatched the box from him, ripples of barely controlled rage crawling across my skin. With nothing else to say to him, I turned and fled the room, the sound of my footsteps echoing down the hallway like the pounding of my heart.

Once inside my room, I slammed and locked the door, collapsing against it as tears finally spilled down my cheeks. My gaze caught my open window and I crossed the room in quick steps. The cool night air caressed my face as I leaned out, staring down at the lush garden and lake that once used to be an escape for me. With a surge of defiance, I hurled the box far into the darkness. The diamond caught the moonlight before disappearing with a distant satisfying plop—

As I made to turn away from the window, I had a distinct feeling that I was being watched. My pulse accelerated in fear. From the side of my eye, I saw a figure shuffle through the garden. I couldn't see who it was but I knew it wasn’t Tessa, and it wasn't one of my father's guards—

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Bab terkait

  • A Bride For A Truce   The Mistress Stays

    ADRIKO’S POV I stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of my Manhattan penthouse, the city sprawling below in its chaotic rhythm. Horns blared, headlights blinked like fireflies in the endless traffic, and faceless figures hurried along the sidewalks. Manhattan never sleeps, and tonight, its energy matched my restless thoughts. I sipped my vodka and watched, the view never got old. It however lacked the allure of Moscow in summer,its golden evenings and soft, warm breezes. Still, Manhattan had its rugged charm, though it was a poor substitute for home. I pushed the thought aside. Nostalgia had no place in my life here. Not with this wedding tightening around my neck like a noose. Sergei’s voice pulled me out of my reprieve. He’s seated on the other side of my large oak desk,tablet in hand, rattling off updates about shipments. I stride to my chair and sink in. “The shipment to the South Boston waterfront is set to leave at midnight,” he said, scrolling through the detail

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-24
  • A Bride For A Truce   The Wedding

    SERAFINA’S POV Sunlight seeped into the room, casting a luminous glow across the furniture as though it was trying to chase the shadows that lurked within. My stomach churned with nausea and I do my best to ignore it. The makeup artist wraps up quickly as she smoothes a brush over my lips. I stared at myself in the full-length mirror and can not recognize the woman looking back at me. I look beautiful. Too beautiful. The dress is a delicate off-the-shoulder white lace, long-sleeved mermaid dress, with thousands of beadings running across the bodice. The neckline plunges a bit, hinting at my voluptuous breasts. My fiery mane of auburn hair is tamed and wrapped intricately with a simple diamond tiara. ”You look so stunning, Fina” Diana gushed, her voice tinged with emotions as she moved to stand behind me, adjusting my tiara. She meets my eyes in the mirror and gives me a reassuring smile. I manage a small smile back, feeling grateful for the gift of Diana’s friendship and su

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-24
  • A Bride For A Truce   An Unwelcome Guest

    ADRIKO’S POV The presence of Viktor set off warning bells in my head, the air felt thick like a volcano was teetering beneath the surface. My hand twitches, itching for the familiar weight of my gun in my pocket but I can't make a scene…at least not yet. His lips curves into a slow deliberate smile as he strides forward, his gait too casual, too confident for a man walking into the lion's den. I know it is a strategy. Viktor never acted without a plan. “Adrik, hope i’m not late? ,I couldn't miss the history-making occasion”, the mocking smile spreading across his face. Seeing that look on his face took me back to memories I’d rather not dwell on, deals gone wrong, bonds broken. He had always challenged my authority and questioned my decisions. We hadn't crossed paths since I left Russia but this..him here, now was a veiled threat “You weren't invited,” I snapped, my tone sharp enough to slice through butter. Serafina’s gaze moved between Viktor and me. Her eyes were sharp w

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-24
  • A Bride For A Truce   The Price Of Peace

    SERAFINA’S POV The world shattered in an instant. One minute I was walking towards the Car, Adriko’s presence looming behind me. The next, the ground vibrated with a violent roar, cracking open as bits of asphalt and flame shot into the air. The force slammed me down hard, broken debris tearing into my side. I felt the weight of Adriko on top of me as mayhem broke out around us. A buzzing sound rang in my ear, making it hard to think. The harsh smell of smoke and burning metal filled my nose, choking me. I coughed, my chest aching with each breath I took, and my eyes watered from the effects of the smoke around me. Adriko’s voice floated into my hearing from somewhere around but it was muffled and distant. His grip tightened on my shoulders, shaking me subtly as he examined my face. His lips were moving but the ringing in my ears drowned out the noise. “Serafina!!” his voice finally floated in. I blinked at him, still too dazed to respond. “Are you hurt?” he asked, h

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-06
  • A Bride For A Truce   BELYE NOCHI

    ADRIKO’S POV The door clicked shut behind me and my eyes instinctively flickered to my phone screen.Sergei.My thumb Swiped the receive button, and I pressed the phone to my ear. “Speak” I ordered, my voice low and calm despite the fury simmering underneath the surface. “We found something boss” Sergei reported. I strode down the hallway, taking measured steps to my study. “Tell me”. “The detonator, it’s a high-class military piece. Someone went through a lot of trouble to get it”. I reached the end of the hallway and pushed open the doors to my office. The scent of leather and polished wood greeted me as I paced across the room. Shoving my hands in my pockets, I glanced out my study window, the city bustling below. “And the source?” I asked. “That's where it gets complicated. The parts were smuggled into the city months ago but it was assembled-” “Spit it out, Sergei”. “Well the markings on the piece seem to point to the Yakuza, but we ain't hundred percent ce

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09
  • A Bride For A Truce   Enemy Within

    ADRIKO’S POV. I lit my cigar and took a deep puff. I always love Cubans. They tend to calm me down. They brought him. The predatel (betrayer ) who thought he could get away with working with my enemies. Matvei was my head of security, he had been at my side for five years. I’d trusted him to guard my life and family but he has betrayed that trust. I pondered on the best way to punish him, that would send a clear message to the other members of my bratva. Don't want these people to think i’m getting soft. I pointed to my men. “Take him down to the basement and tie him up. I’ll be there shortly”. They drag him away as he screams for mercy. By the time I’m done, he won't be screaming. I take my time and finish my cigar, then make my way towards the basement in quick steps. The room is cold, its stone walls damp, illuminated by a single bulb swaying slightly from the ceiling. Sergei has my tools lined up and waiting. Pliers, a blowtorch, a hammer, and an assortment of

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-14
  • A Bride For A Truce   Shadows At The Door

    SERAFINA’S POV Two days later-Stamford Hospital New York. The first thing I noticed was that I had a headache. I winced as I tried to open my eyes, the overhead bulb burning into my eyes. The smell of antiseptic hit me and I scrunch my nose in disgust. I was in a hospital. “Serafina?” Adriko called in concern. My eyes moved to the side and there he was sitting on the chair beside me. His eyes locked onto mine, brows furrowed. “W-what…happened?” my voice was faint,barely above a whisper “You collapsed in the bathroom, and hit your head,” he said, his voice calm but tense. “You’ve been unconscious for two days”. Two days! My eyes widened as memories flashed through my mind. I had gone to use the restroom after the doctor left, I remember feeling dizzy before slumping and hitting my head against the sink. “I felt so weak”, I murmured, my fingers brushing the bandage on my forehead .”The room was spinning. I couldn't…” “You couldn't what?” his tone sharpened and I flinc

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-15
  • A Bride For A Truce   You're Safe With Me

    ADRIKO I was halfway through a meeting with Marco’s men, discussing the details of the next shipment. The club’s VIP room was dimly lit, clouds of cigar smoke curling around the table as glasses of vodka tinged. “We’re paying you for safe passage Ivanov”, one of them spat in heavily accented Italian. “But your end of the deal needs to hold, or—” I barely heard him, my phone vibrated on the table and I picked it up without thinking. Her name flashed on the screen. I froze, the conversation around me fading off as I read her message. “Please get here quick, there's someone here “. The air in the room shifted. My heart pounded against my ribs. The chair scraped against the floor as I stood abruptly, ignoring the startled looks around the table. “Meeting’s over” I snapped, my tone sharp and final. One of Marco’s men, a burly thug with scars tracing his cheek, leaned back with a smirk. “We’re not finished here, Ivanov “ I turned to him, the phone still clutched in my hand.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-22

Bab terbaru

  • A Bride For A Truce   Soft things

    ADRIK There are a lot of principles I live by and one of them is to never hit/touch a woman. But as I stared at Zlata who was tied up to a chair in the club’s basement, I found myself dangerously close to crossing that line.“I called Dr Lebedev.” I said keeping my voice even “We’re going to be running a pregnancy and DNA test to confirm your claim.” Her eyes widened slightly. She wasn't expecting this. “If it turns out that you're lying.” I pause for a second to let the weight of the words sink in. “Well Let’s just hope you're not.” She squirmed in her seat. “You didn't have to tie me up like some criminal. This is humiliating.” “You came to my house. In front of my wife, I reminded her coldly. You humiliated yourself the moment you did that. Now we play by my rules.” She scoffed. “Is that what she is now? Your wife? Don't tell me you're actually catching feelings Adrik.”I didn't reply. My silence was enough answer. She leaned forward, her voice dripping with bitterness. “

  • A Bride For A Truce   Mistress of war

    ZLATA’S POV My hands trembled with barely concealed rage as I fished my phone out of my clutch and placed a call through. “I’m coming over.” I spat.without waiting for a response, I hung up.“Take me to his apartment,” I instruct the driver as he sped downtown. That bitch. I thought to myself as I replayed Serafina’s words to me. She doesn't know him the way I do. She hadn't watched him lose it when the memories/nightmares hit. She hadn't comforted him when he spiraled after his mum's death. She hadn't waited in silence for years, letting him go and come as he pleased because deep down I thought he would choose me. I believed I was the only one who could handle all of him—his rage, his cruelty, and his rare softness. Adrik and I go way farther than New York. We had grown up together in Russia, our families closely knit, our father’s business partners. I had been hopelessly in love with him for years holding out hope that he would ask me to be his wife. But the only thing he had e

  • A Bride For A Truce   Buried Truths

    ADRIKO ☦︎ One week after the explosion☦︎ The days that followed were a blur. With one day fading listlessly into the next. Gio was gone—declared dead on arrival. Serafina hadn't spoken much since, not beyond whispered thanks or soft refusals. Gio’s death had triggered a raging type of anger within me, knowing that Sera was the initial target had made me more paranoid. I’d been burying my rage beneath the weight of security briefings, investigations, and logistics. It was a gray morning. Ironically it was the type that whispered of rain and also smelt like grief. The cemetery was quiet, except for the wind, blowing through the branches overhead. I stood beside Serafina, her hand clutched tightly in mine, though she hadn't said a word since we stepped out of the car. She wore black, as did everyone here.Her eyes…which were red rimmed and far away, never left the casket. Next to her stood her best friend Diana and Irina as well. Giovanni Morelli. Her manager and frie

  • A Bride For A Truce   Curtain Fall

    ADRIKOThe opera was packed full. I hated crowds, the reason why I usually stayed away from most events. I sat in the private box with Irina to my right.she had been chatting my head off from the moment i got here. My hands drummed lightly against the armrest. I have to admit, I was a little bit anxious to watch her perform. The memory of her flushed skin as I fastened the necklace around her neck hadn't left my head.A hush falls over the crowd as an announcement comes from the PA system. A welcome to the audience and a reminder to silence all devices. The curtains rose. And there she stood centerstage, the gold lights bathing her skin. She glowed in the champagne silk dress, my gift sparkling at her throat but it wasn't the diamonds that stole my breath away. It was her. She commanded the stage and owned it. Every emotion in her grey eyes said i belong here, this is my turf but i could tell she was nervous from the tightness of her shoulders. Her lips parted and the first note

  • A Bride For A Truce   Adorned In Diamonds

    SERAFINA ★2:45PM- Less than two hours to the show★ By the time we wrapped up the final run-through, my body ached and my throat was a bit raw. Thank God for my lozenges. Applause bounced off the empty theater from a few staff and stagehands but all I could think of was getting home in time to change and clear my head before the final call. Yuri opened the car door the moment I stepped out of the building. “Home?” he asked. I nodded, tugging my coat tighter. “Yes.” And step on it please..” The ride back home was quick and uneventful. I leaned my head on the window as I watched the city blur past as i mentally ran through every note of my aria.Occasionally my thoughts would drift to Adrik and how he had said my name this morning. By the time we pulled up to the penthouse, it was nearing 3:20pm. I had roughly an hour to transform myself from a tired woman to a soprano who would command the stage. Nadia met me at the door, hovering like a mother hen. “Hot tea is in yo

  • A Bride For A Truce   Rooting for you.

    SERAFINA I jolted upright as my eyes landed on the time—9:30am. “Shit,” I muttered as I scrambled out of bed, throwing off the covers and darting into the bathroom. The show might not start until 5pm, but rehearsals, fittings, and last-minute preparation meant I had to be at the theatre by 11. I couldn't afford to be late. After a quick shower, I towel-dried my hair and grabbed my phone from the counter where I had left it. Two unread messages were waiting. The first was from Diana. Diana: ‘Emergency surgery this morning. I’m so sorry Sera. Break a leg tonight, I’ll be cheering from the hospital.’ The second was from Irina. Irina: ‘Landing at JFK at 2:15pm. Can't wait to see you. Save me a front-row seat, my favorite diva’. A small smile tugged at my lips. Leave it to Irina to be dramatic. I had told her about today's performance weeks ago and she had cleared her schedule and booked a flight to be here in person. My thoughts drifted t

  • A Bride For A Truce   Claiming her carefully.

    SERAFINA Adrik helped me down from the counter but I couldn't look away from him. “If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll ignore the fact that I have a meeting in 20 minutes and fuck you right now.” My cheeks flushed in embarrassment as I bit my lip, looking away shyly. “Fuck, Malyshka.Don’t do that.” he cursed. My eyes darted back to him in alarm. “Do what?” “Bite your lip like that again and i’ll forget every ounce of restraint, i have,” he smirked. “But your first time with me?” He said tracing a finger down my cheek. “It won’t be rushed.” I clenched my thighs together as images of Adrik kissing and thrusting into me flooded my mind. At this point, I wanted him to have his way with me but I was too shy to admit it. My phone rings out from its position on the counter and I walk to it and see Giovanni’s name across the screen. “Hi, Gio. How are you this fine morning?” I greeted. From the side of my eye, I notice Adrik stiffen slightly. “Amore!” he called out

  • A Bride For A Truce   Heat in the kitchen 🔞

    SERAFINA My heart shouldn't be fluttering like this. This man makes me feel things I wasn't ready to confront yet, emotions that scare me and make me want to let loose all at the same time. My lips still tingled from the kiss, my body thrumming in anticipation of more. He held the glass of water to my lips as he stood between my parted legs, grinning like he had just won a Grammy and I was the trophy. “Open up sweetheart.” His voice sounded like honey. “After breakfast…I’m having you for dessert.” Heat coursed through me. Not just because of the words, but the way he said them, the words sounding like a promise. Like he’d already imagined the way my body would melt under his mouth and hands. And the worst part? So had I. I took a sip from the glass, focusing on the cool water rather than the mischievous look in his eyes. “You're a shameless flirt,” I muttered, pushing the glass away with a huff. “Only for you,” he murmured as his gaze roamed down to my mouth, lingeri

  • A Bride For A Truce   You for dessert

    ADRIKO The warmth beside me was gone. I blinked against the morning light as my eyelids fluttered open, stretching my arms against the space where Serafina laid snuggled up against me a few hours ago. The sheets still felt warm but she was gone. A frown pulled at my lips as i glanced around the room. “Sera?” I called out,my voice still gruff with sleep but there was no answer. She hadn’t slept well last night—even being curled up to me, she had found it difficult to fall asleep. I hadn’t asked questions or prodded to know what the nightmares were about but i could tell that they upset her. I’d stayed with her, whispering words of comfort in Russian until she drifted asleep, her fingers still holding me for comfort. The scent of something spicy drifted into my nose, luring me out of bed. I ran a hand through my hair, stepping into her bathroom to brush my teeth with the spare toothbrush I knew was there. My eyes scanned the bathroom sink as I took in the array of product

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