...ADELINE I sat curled up on the couch, my arms wrapped around my legs as I buried my face in my knees. The dim glow of the lamp beside me cast long shadows across the room, but I barely noticed. My thoughts were a tangled mess, circling the same painful truth over and over again. The image of Vladimir getting tortured made me want to end my life in guilt for not being there for him but …… the pain i also felt for was …… myself and ……Luciano.For so many years, I had tried. I had fought for his love, endured his coldness, his silence, his indifference. I had stood by his side, hoping—praying—that one day, he would see me, truly seeme. That he would love me the way I had loved him.But after everything I had learned… after the truth had come crashing down around me like an avalanche, burying everything I once believed in, I could no longer see a future with him. I could not see …… myself with him. Not anymore. I lifted my head slightly, exhaling a deep sigh, my heart heavy wit
...ADELINE I laid sprawled on the bed, my fingers idly tracing the soft fabric of the sheets as my mind refused to rest. No matter how much I tried to distract myself, no matter how many deep breaths I took, I couldn’t escape him.Luciano.His name alone sent a shiver down my spine, and the mere thought of him had me body betraying me. I had needs and I wanted him. I hated that how much of an effect he had on me. My mind was occupied by him and my body …… craved him and it messed me. I could see him so clearly in my mind—those piercing blue eyes that always seemed to look straight through me, the sharp cut of his jaw, the way his muscles flexed beneath his crisp shirts, his powerful presence that both terrified and consumed me.I had spent so long fighting for his love, so long yearning for even the smallest sliver of his affection. And now, even after everything that had happened, even after all the lies and betrayals, …… I still wanted him.My breath hitched as a slow, burning
...AUTHOR’S POVAdeline exhaled heavily as she stepped inside Luciano’s grand mansion, the weight of her return pressing down on her like a vice. The air was thick with expectation, and even before she had fully crossed the threshold, she knew—they had been waiting and she was prepared to give them. It was as if the walls themselves whispered her name. Luciano’s men had already spread the word, and in a matter of seconds, the entire house was set into motion that she was here. The once-familiar halls no longer felt welcoming. The warmth she had once associated with this place had long since turned cold.She took another step, but the moment she did, the heavy wooden doors swung open behind her, and a rush of hurried footsteps filled the space.Adeline stopped.Aurora was the first to reach her, barreling toward her with tear-filled eyes, wrapping her arms around her in a desperate hug. “Adeline!” she breathed, holding her tightly as if afraid she would disappear again.But Ade
...ADELINE The room was filled with tension as the evening wore on. I sat on one of the plush couches and my posture poised, hands resting calmly on my lap. Vladimir, as ever, remained beside me, his dark presence an impenetrable wall of silence. His cold eyes scanned the room, offering nothing of warmth or invitation. His body language was unmistakable—he didn’t care about the people around him, nor did he make any attempt to hide his indifference. After what he’d been through, it was a sure outcome. Luciano, seated across from me, was unable to mask the simmering irritation in his gaze. He glared at me with intensity, as though trying to read the thoughts hidden behind my composed expression. I knew he had questions to ask and he could not do that in front of his family and it made me laugh. A man who can’t accept me in front of his family can do nothing. How could he be loyal. His eyes narrowed as they briefly flickered over to Vladimir, then back to me. The animosity bet
...ADELINEI took a deep breath, the cool night air filling my lungs as I placed a steadying hand on the open car door. The hard part was done now I had to face the hardest one yet I knew I could do it. The mansion loomed behind me, its towering structure casting a long shadow under the dim glow of the estate lights. The mansion I once called my home was nothing in my eyes now but a mere architect that I had to burn down. I could feel Vladimir’s eyes on me, his concern tangible in the air between us.“Where are you going?” he asked, his voice low but firm. His grip on my wrist was firm as If he hated to let go of me once again. I turned to face him, my expression unreadable. I wasn’t sure if it was the exhaustion settling in my bones or the storm of emotions swirling in my chest, but I knew one thing—this was the end of something.“I’m coming,” I said softly, nodding once, as if that alone could reassure him.Vladimir hesitated. His dark eyes searched mine, looking for something
...ADELINE I turned to leave, my heart pounding so loudly in my chest that I could barely hear my own footsteps. Every fiber of my being screamed at me to keep walking, to put as much distance between myself and Luciano as possible but my knees refused to listen. But before I could take another step, a strong hand wrapped around my wrist.Before I could even react, Luciano spun me around in one swift, forceful motion, pulling me against his chest. I barely had time to gasp before his arm tightened around my waist, locking me in place, trapping me against him.“Luciano—” I started, my voice sharp with warning. My eyes widened at his action and my heart racing at his touch and stubbornness. He didn’t let me finish.His lips crashed onto mine with a force that stole the air from my lungs.I froze. It was so sudden that I could not process what had happened. My fingers instinctively pressed against his chest, my entire body going rigid. The kiss felt too…… emotional that I could fee
...LUCIANO My fingers dug into the polished wood of the desk as I clutched my phone. My jaw tightening with each passing second. The absence of Adeline sending wave of loneliness through my whole body. My patience had worn thin, my mind clouded with a dangerous mix of frustration and unease. The moment Christian answered, his voice was sharp and commanding.“Get in here. Now.”The call ended abruptly, leaving the room in an eerie silence. Outside the tall windows, the city lights flickered, oblivious to the storm brewing inside my mind. Why was she doing this? And the hatred in her eyes sent chills down my spine as I refused to remember how painful it was. I turned away, inhaling deeply in an attempt to control the fury simmering beneath my composed exterior.The door to my office burst open, and Christian strode in, his brow furrowed with concern. He had known that my summons meant trouble, but the sheer intensity in my eyes sent a wave of apprehension through him.“What happen
...AUTHOR’S POVThe grand chandeliers overhead cast a golden glow over the venue, illuminating the polished marble floors that stretched endlessly beneath Adeline’s heels. She held onto Vladimir’s arm, her fingers light but firm, feeling the tension in his muscles. He was nervous—he always was in places like this, surrounded by wealth, power, and eyes that scrutinized every move. But Adeline? She thrived in it. The flashing cameras surrounded them like fireflies, capturing every second, every expression, every unspoken promise of power that dripped from her presence.She smiled, the picture of effortless grace, her features unreadable yet captivating. The press murmured amongst themselves as the flashes slowed, their whispers already spinning stories about her. A queen reclaiming her throne. A lioness stepping into the den of wolves.She didn’t need to acknowledge them. Instead, she simply stepped inside.The moment she entered, the atmosphere shifted. Heads turned. Eyes follow
...AUTHOR’S POV The golden morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting soft shadows across the bedroom. The air was thick with the remnants of last night—the faint scent of him lingering on the sheets, the warmth still trapped in the bed. Adeline sat there, her legs tucked under her, the fabric of his oversized shirt draping loosely over her petite frame. It was far too big for her, the sleeves slipping past her wrists, the collar falling slightly off one shoulder, exposing a hint of bare skin.She let out a soft yawn, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, still groggy from sleep. The bed beneath her was messy, the pillows indented from where they had laid, the blankets bunched up from their restless movements during the night. Her body ached in the best way possible, reminding her of everything that had transpired between them just hours ago.The sound of the bedroom door creaking open made her freeze.Luciano stepped inside, his tall, toned figure illumi
...AUTHOR’S POV The night was still, wrapped in the quiet hum of their steady breaths. The flickering candlelight cast soft shadows on the walls, painting their intertwined bodies in a golden glow. The sheets were tangled, barely covering them, and the air carried the lingering warmth of their passion. Yet, in this moment, it wasn’t hunger or desperation that filled Luciano’s chest—it was something far deeper, something heavier.Adeline laid curled up, her bare back facing him, the duvet draped loosely around her waist, leaving the smooth expanse of her spine exposed to his gaze. She looked fragile like this, peaceful yet untouchably distant, her breath slow and steady, her body barely moving except for the slight rise and fall of her shoulders.Luciano propped himself up on one elbow, his dark eyes drinking in every detail—the way her hair spilled over the pillow, a few strands brushing against her cheek, the curve of her shoulder, the delicate dip of her lower back. His gaze
...AUTHOR’S POV Luciano’s lips trailed lower, his breath warm against Adeline’s skin as he took his time exploring her, savoring every reaction, every shiver that ran through her body. His hands, firm yet gentle, slid down her sides, his fingertips grazing her soft skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.Adeline’s breathing hitched as he pressed an open-mouthed kiss to the inside of her thigh, the sensation sending a jolt of pleasure through her. Her fingers curled into the sheets, gripping them tightly as a soft whimper escaped her lips. Luciano’s dark eyes flicked up, watching her with a smirk, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her.“You’re trembling,” he murmured, his voice deep, laced with satisfaction.Adeline swallowed hard, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “Luciano…” she whispered, her voice breathless, filled with anticipation.He hummed against her skin, the vibration making her arch slightly. His hands pressed down on her thighs, holding her in pla
...AUTHOR’S POV Luciano’s lips were relentless, his kisses deep and consuming as he carried Adeline toward the bedroom. He moved slowly, deliberately, savoring every second their mouths were connected, as if afraid she would disappear if he let go. His hands held her securely against him, fingers pressing into her back, feeling the warmth of her body through the thin fabric of her clothes.Adeline’s fingers tangled in his thick, dark hair, pulling him closer, matching his intensity. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breath uneven as she surrendered to the fire between them. She felt weightless in his arms, but at the same time, she felt grounded—completely and utterly present in this moment, in his touch, in his kiss.The bedroom door nudged open as Luciano stepped inside, the soft flickering candlelight casting a golden glow over the space. The room was small, intimate, with a bed covered in dark sheets that looked impossibly inviting. A few candles flickered on the nights
...AUTHOR’S POV Adeline’s hands trembled as she scrolled through her phone, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps. The proof was there—staring back at her in the form of texts, images, call logs. Every single thing she had suspected, every single betrayal she had dreaded, was confirmed with cruel clarity. Her fingers shook so badly she almost dropped the phone, but she forced herself to hold on, forced herself to keep breathing.Her heart pounded as she turned the screen toward Luciano, her voice barely above a whisper. “See for yourself.”Luciano hesitated for only a second before taking the phone from her hands. His dark eyes scanned the evidence, his brows furrowing as he processed what he was seeing. The air in the room seemed to thicken, growing heavier with each passing second. His chest rose and fell slowly, deliberately, as if trying to contain the storm brewing inside him.Then, his fingers curled tightly around the edges of the phone, his knuckles turning white.
...AUTHOR’S POV Luciano’s grip was like iron—unyielding, relentless. No matter how much Adeline struggled, twisted, or pushed against his chest, he did not falter. His arms, strong and sure, locked around her as he carried her through the cool night air. The wind whispered against her skin, but the heat of his body, the power in his stride, made her pulse race with frustration. She kicked her legs, tried to shove herself free, but it was useless.“Let me go!” she hissed, wriggling in his hold.Luciano didn’t even flinch. His face was carved from stone, his jaw tight with silent determination. His boots struck the ground with forceful precision, each step taking her farther from whatever chance she had of escape.The house they approached looked small but sturdy, the kind of place meant for solitude—secluded, tucked away from prying eyes. The wooden structure was illuminated by the faint glow of the moon, its large windows reflecting the night’s darkness. It looked like the kin
...ADELINE’S POV The night was quiet, save for the faint hum of distant traffic and the occasional rustling of leaves as the wind swept through the empty parking lot. The cold air nipped at Adeline’s skin as she reached for her car door, eager to leave behind the tension of the evening. But just as her fingers brushed against the handle, a firm hand wrapped around her wrist.Her breath hitched, her body stiffening as she was yanked around with startling force. Her heart lurched in her chest, and before she could even process what was happening, she found herself face to face with Luciano.His dark eyes locked onto hers, unreadable yet brimming with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. His grip on her wrist was strong—unyielding but careful, as if he was holding her in place without actually hurting her.Adeline inhaled sharply, her pulse quickening. “What the hell are you doing?” she demanded, yanking her arm back.Luciano didn’t let go.“We need to talk,” he said,
...AUTHOR’S POV The grand hall shimmered under the golden glow of the chandeliers, their light casting elongated shadows across the marble floors. A soft murmur of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses filled the space, yet beneath the grandeur and the carefully orchestrated celebration, a silent war was unfolding.Charles extended his hand toward Adeline with a grace that spoke of confidence, of certainty. His fingers, long and steady, stretched out toward her, a silent invitation. Adeline hesitated only for a fraction of a second before placing her delicate hand in his. The warmth of his palm met hers, firm and unwavering. The moment their fingers interlocked, a wave of tension rippled through the room—not from the guests, who continued clapping and cheering—but from the two figures who watched them with barely contained fury.Luciano stood just beyond them, his gaze a storm brewing on the horizon. His dark eyes locked onto Charles with an intensity that could cut
...AUTHOR’S POV The grand hall was draped in golden chandeliers, the dim lighting casting a soft glow over the elegantly dressed guests. A hum of conversation filled the air, but it slowly began to die down as Sloane Lanstov stepped toward the center, microphone in hand. Her heels clicked against the marble floor with purpose, yet her grip tightened subtly around her brother Vladimir’s arm. He stood beside her, his expression composed, but she could feel the tension in him—the slight hesitation beneath his otherwise fearless exterior.Sloane inhaled deeply, scanning the faces before her. Bianca—her mother, the witch who had tainted their family name. Leonardo—the man her mother had betrayed them with. Isabella, Francesco, Christian, Aurora, Rose, Braxton, Aaron, Kiara, Angelina—the woman Adeline had pitied, clueless to the fact that her own husband had been sleeping with Bianca. Alessandra Morelli—the matriarch of the Morelli family, the mother of Luciano and Leonardo, sat wi