--Cassie--It was time to step into the church. My heart raced, thumping painfully in my chest, but I knew this was my last chance to run. Yet, deep down, I knew I wasn’t going to. I wasn’t that ungrateful, not after everything they had done for me.Hailey and Michelle stood infront of me, their smiles wide and eager, as if this was the happiest moment of their lives. Dad's grip on my hand was firm, steady, as he prepared to lead me down the aisle. His fingers, warm and comforting, seemed to anchor me in that fleeting moment of doubt.“This is our moment!” Hailey whispered, her voice barely audible over the rising swell of music. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, her cheeks flushed, as if she had been waiting for this day for years.Dad gave me one last look, his smile full of pride and tenderness, and then the massive wooden doors creaked open. A rush of light poured in, revealing the church, so grand and imposing, with its towering columns and stained-glass windows that bathed the
--Cassie--I couldn’t believe what had just happened. My lips still tingled, the sensation foreign and unfamiliar, while around us, people were applauding, their smiles bright and eyes full of excitement. Some, however, looked less pleased, casting sharp glances our way, their discontent thinly veiled. But it was the words of the priest that echoed in my ears, sending a shiver through me: "I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. De Luca."The reality of it all crashed over me like a wave. This was my first kiss—stolen without my consent, in front of all these people, at a ceremony I could barely believe I was part of. I hadn’t chosen this, not really. The kiss felt like the symbolic surrender of my innocence, something precious that I had always imagined saving for someone I truly loved. Yet here I was, and the one thing I was certain of in that moment was that I wouldn’t be giving him any more than what was already taken. Not willingly, at least."Cassie." A voice called my name, snapping
--Cassie--As I stepped into the reception, I was struck by the grandeur of the place. The decor was breathtakingly elegant, every detail meticulously crafted, as if they had spared no expense. I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of satisfaction."Look at your husband," Hailey teased, her voice a bit too loud, causing several heads to turn our way. Embarrassed, I tried to shush her, but her words made me blush nonetheless. I cast a glance at Alessandro—my new husband. He was standing across the room, speaking with a few guests, his demeanor as composed and distant as ever.Suddenly, an elderly man began to approach, his gentle smile and warm eyes catching my attention. He looked distinguished, carrying himself with the sort of confidence that came from years of experience. Dad appeared beside him, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder as we exchanged glances."My dear Cassie," the man greeted, his voice soft yet resonant. Dad gave a small nod and said, "Cassie, this is Alessandro’s
--Cassie--“Cassie, Cassie,” a voice called my name, gentle but insistent, pulling me from a foggy haze. Slowly, I opened my eyes, blinking at the bright lights around me. As my vision cleared, I saw familiar faces gathered close—Aunty Sophia, my dad, and my friends, Hailey and Michelle. Relief washed over their expressions as they saw me stir.“Oh, she’s awake!” one of them exclaimed, smiling.I looked around, taking in the room. We were still in the grand reception hall, its opulence now dimmed by my disoriented state. Everything felt surreal, like waking from a strange dream. “What…what happened?” I asked, my voice coming out in a whisper as I tried to focus on their faces.“You fainted,” someone said softly, but the murmurs and hushed voices around us made it difficult to pinpoint who. I noticed the way people looked at me with a mixture of concern and curiosity, their eyes heavy with questions."I bet she’s pregnant, that’s why she fainted," someone whispered from a distance, tho
--Cassie--It was time to say goodbye. My bags were packed, and I was ready to leave. I had tried everything to contact Alessandro, but every attempt failed. His phone wouldn’t connect, and the pilots were already waiting at the airport. I was running late—an hour behind schedule, with eyes swollen and red from crying. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I could hear Dad and Aunt Sophia talking softly, their voices barely reaching me as I stood by the door."I don’t want to speak to you, Dad. You lied to me that you did not know that I had to go stay in Italy but you did," I choked out, my voice filled with betrayal. "I asked if you knew, and you lied." With that, I walked out of the house, my two best friends beside me, helping me carry my luggage.I paused for a moment, taking one last look at the house where I’d grown up. Memories of my childhood flooded back—the laughter, the joy, the moments with my mother. My mother… I could still feel her presence in the walls, in the air.I hurri
--Cassie--“We will be landing in twenty minutes,” the pilot announced through the speakers, his voice steady and calm, but it only heightened my nerves. I took a deep breath, trying to settle the thoughts whirling inside me. This new reality, the weight of it, was beginning to sink in as we neared Italy.Stephanie, the flight attendant who had stayed by my side throughout the flight, gave me a warm smile. She’d done everything to make me comfortable, offering snacks, pillows, and even sharing stories about her own life. Despite her kindness, I hadn’t told her much about my own situation. Even though she seemed genuine, I kept the truth of my predicament close to my chest. But her sincere, gentle approach made me feel like I could trust her, and that comfort was something I’d desperately needed today.“Are you feeling okay?” she asked softly, sitting down beside me. “Landing can be a bit intense, especially after a long journey.”I smiled back, though it felt a bit fragile. “Yes, I’m
--Cassie--We had been driving for over two hours, and an uneasy feeling was building in my chest. I shifted uncomfortably and finally leaned forward."Mr. Blake?" I called out to him, my voice catching slightly.“Yes, ma’am?” he replied, glancing at me through the rearview mirror. His expression was steady, as if he already knew the question I was about to ask.“Where exactly are we going?” I asked, looking out the window. All I could see were endless rows of trees, stretching as far as I could make out.“We’re on our way to Mr. DeLuca’s estate, ma’am,” he answered, his tone serious and calm.“Are you sure?” I pressed, glancing at the trees around us, my nerves on edge. “It’s been hours, and we’re just surrounded by trees.” A sliver of doubt crept in—what if these people weren’t from Alessandro? What if they’d been lying to me all along?A pang of panic started to rise. My thoughts ran wild with every possible scenario, my heart pounding faster. I glanced at the cars behind us, part
--Cassie--My luggage was carried out of the car, and I watched as an older woman approached me with a warm smile.“Welcome, Mrs. De Luca,” she said graciously, her voice steady and soothing. I smiled politely, my eyes darting around to take in the scene. The place was breathtaking, almost unreal. Every corner radiated wealth, luxury, and elegance. How could anyone be this rich?“Mrs. De Luca,” Blake’s voice brought me back to reality. “Emily here will take care of you and ensure you have everything you need.”“Hello, dear,” Emily greeted me warmly, stepping forward. “I’m Emily, and I’m here to assist you with anything you require.”Before I could respond, a group of maids hurried out of the mansion toward us. Emily gave them a quick look, and they stopped in their tracks as if silently instructed. Then, turning back to me with the same kind smile, she said, “Let’s head inside, shall we?”Blake nodded briefly. “Mrs. De Luca, see you around,” he said before disappearing back into the c
"I was busily eating my food, savouring every bite. I was enjoying it so much. When I felt a sharp pain sear through my abdomen."Ahh!" I screamed, dropping my spoon as I clutched my belly."Why, what is wrong?" Alessandro came to my side immediately, looking all scared with fear as well as concern written all over his face."I feel so much pain," I said to him as the pain became more and more unbearable as I struggled to find my breath."Let me get the doctor." Without looking at me, he ran out of the room."Hailey and Michelle rushed to my side while Auntie Emily told me to breathe in and out as everyone looked scared of what was about to happen. ‘’Breath in and out, dear,’ Aunty Emily said, despite the tension in the air.The door opened and a nurse rushed to my side. "Can you please raise your legs? I would like to check", the nurse said to me Sensing the tension in the room as wellI obeyed, wanting to have this baby out of me soon."You are now eight centimetres dilated," she
--Cassie--The massive doors of the mansion swung open, and Alessandro drove through the entrance, the car gliding smoothly over the stone-paved driveway. The house stood in silent grandeur, its towering structure bathed in the soft glow of moonlight.As I stepped inside, I noticed the eerie stillness that had settled over the place. It seemed like everyone was already asleep. Not wanting to disturb anyone, I made my way straight to the kitchen, determined to prepare my meal myself. The hunger gnawed at my stomach, urging me to move quickly.I gathered the ingredients I needed, placing them neatly on the counter. With a flick of my wrist, I turned on the stove and cracked an egg into a sizzling pan, the rich aroma instantly filling the air. The gentle hum of the toaster and the quiet bubbling of the oatmeal on the stove created a soothing rhythm in the otherwise silent kitchen."Amore," Alessandro's deep voice called from the hallway."I'm in the kitchen!" I yelled back, keeping my fo
--Cassie--“Bambina,” he murmured, his voice low and rough, thick with restrained desire. The husky timbre sent a shiver down my spine, making my breath hitch. My heart pounded against my ribs, a frantic, unsteady rhythm that mirrored the sudden heat surging through my veins.His dark eyes roamed over me, devouring every inch as though he were memorizing the sight, branding it into his soul. There was something primal in his gaze, a possessiveness that made my stomach tighten and my knees weak. Slowly, deliberately, his fingers reached behind me, brushing the curve of my back as he deftly unclasped my bra. The whisper of fabric against my skin sent a fresh wave of anticipation coursing through me. The delicate garment slipped away, leaving me completely exposed beneath his heated scrutiny.A sharp gasp escaped my lips as I took in the intensity of his expression—raw, hungry, reverent. The evidence of his own desire pressed insistently against the fabric of his boxers, a silent testame
---Cassie--I am officially nine months pregnant, and honestly, I feel like a whale."Cassie, what have you been eating?" Aunty Emily exclaimed when she saw me.I just smiled at her, unable to find the words to explain that it wasn’t just cravings—it was hunger that never seemed to end.Aunty Sophia and her mate had just returned from a cruise after being away for about three weeks. This was the first time they'd seen me in all this time. Today, we were having a family dinner at her house, and she had invited Aunty Emily, Hailey, Lorenzo, Marco, Alessandro, Stephanie, Lalia, and me."The babies are both four kilos each," Alessandro said, his voice tinged with awe as he looked at my swollen belly."Are you serious?" Aunty Emily laughed. "Then they already weigh more than you did, Alessandro."Everyone chuckled, and I couldn't help but smile, though I could feel the weight of the truth in her words. I was carrying a lot of extra weight, but it was for a good cause. "Hello," her mate s
--Cassie--A sudden knock at the door broke the comfortable silence in the room."Someone’s knocking. Check who it is, Alessandro," I murmured, nudging him lightly.He groaned, stretching lazily before getting up from the bed. We were both curled up under the covers, waiting for the extra bed the nurse had promised to bring in an hour. Until then, Alessandro refused to leave my side, insisting he needed to be close to me.I watched as he made his way to the door, his steps slow and reluctant."Come in, Aunty Emily," Alessandro said, pulling the door open."You’re awake!" Aunty Emily’s voice was filled with relief and joy as she stepped inside."Yeah, I am," I replied with a small smile, watching as she made her way over to the sofa."I brought you some chicken soup, rice, and fresh fruit," she said, setting a bag down and beginning to unpack the food. The aroma of the soup instantly filled the room, making my stomach growl in anticipation."Thank you, Aunty Emily," I said sincerely, w
--Cassie--We couldn't stop staring at the nursery. Everything had been put in place yesterday, and the room now felt complete. The soft pastel walls, the carefully chosen decorations, and the neatly arranged furniture created the perfect space for our baby.I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward Dennis—he had been a tremendous help, making sure everything was set up just right.The rocking chair was positioned beside the crib, a cozy spot for late-night lullabies. The changing tables stood just beside the chair, creating a seamless flow between the essentials. In the corner of the room stood the wardrobe, already filled with tiny outfits I had carefully folded and placed inside. Each little onesie and blanket held the promise of the moment I would finally meet them—our babies.A warm smile tugged at my lips as I ran my fingers over the soft fabric of a baby blanket. But before I could fully savor the excitement, a sharp pain shot through my abdomen."Ugh!" I groaned, doubli
--Cassie--The sharp trill of my phone broke through the quiet, drawing my attention away from the half-eaten toast in front of me. I glanced at the caller ID. Genevive.“Hello, Genevive,” I said, pressing the phone to my ear.“Cassie! Tell your bodyguard to let me in,” she snapped, frustration coating her tone.I frowned, confused. “Blake?”“No, it’s someone else. I’ve never met him before. And, honestly, he’s driving me crazy!”“Okay, give me a minute. I’ll sort it out,” I replied, trying not to laugh at her exasperation. I hung up and turned to Juliet, who was setting plates on the dining table.“Juliet, who’s on duty at the gate today?”“A new guy,” she replied without looking up.“What? Where’s Blake?”“He has gone to hospital appointment with Marcy,” Juliet answered, placing a glass of orange juice beside me.I let out a sigh. “Can you tell him to let Genevive in? She’s waiting at the gate.”Juliet nodded and moved to the intercom at the far end of the room. Her voice was calm a
--Cassie--Today, Alessandro decided to start setting up the nursery since the baby would be arriving soon. I eagerly offered to help, but he insisted that he just needed me there to guide him on where I wanted things placed."Bambina," I heard him call from the nursery."I'm coming!" I responded, quickly slipping into my pants before stepping out of our bedroom.The nursery was right next to our room, and as I walked in, I noticed that Alessandro hadn't started yet. He stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed, surveying the empty space."You haven't started yet?" I asked, raising an eyebrow."I was waiting for you," he said with a small smile. "I want to know where you think the wallpaper should go."I walked further into the room, imagining the layout in my mind. "The crib should go here," I said, pointing to the far wall. "So, I definitely want the wallpaper behind it. Something soothing, maybe a starry night theme."Alessandro nodded thoughtfully. "And where will you keep the
--Cassie--It’s already twelve o’clock, and guests will start arriving soon. “Go and get ready,” Aunty Sophia said, heading towards the kitchen.“Looks like I’m right on track,” Lalia remarked, following me.We entered the elevator together and rode up in silence. Once inside my bedroom, I sank onto the plush sofa, Lalia sitting beside me.“Alessandro still hasn’t arrived?” she asked, glancing at the time.“No, I was just about to call him,” I replied, reaching for my phone resting on the sofa cushion. Just then, Alessandro walked through the door.“Sorry I’m late, Bambina,” he said, his voice laced with exhaustion. “There were rogues around, and we had to take care of it.” His usually neat hair was disheveled, a clear sign he had been running his fingers through it in frustration.I offered him a small smile. “I understand.”“I’ll get ready in the next room,” Alessandro said, heading into the closet to grab his pink shirt.Lalia shot me a puzzled look. “Why is Alessandro wearing pink