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Curtain Fall
Last Updated:
2025-04-19 20:47:47
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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
Last Updated : 2025-04-21A 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
Last Updated : 2025-04-24A 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. “
Last Updated : 2025-04-24A Bride For A Truce The Engagement
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
Last Updated : 2024-12-24A 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
Last Updated : 2024-12-24A 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
Last Updated : 2024-12-24A 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
Last Updated : 2024-12-24A 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-06
Latest chapter
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
