...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
...ADELINE I stood in front of the small house which was supposed to be my home. I stood there not caring about the rain pouring on me. I was cold and drenched , soaking in water but nothing could be compared to what I was feeling right now. It had been two years since my father passed away. The man I truly loved and the man I was proud of. I was his princess and he was my everything. The best father I could ever imagine. The cool dad I could ever have. It was already late night and I wanted to spend this away alone. I did not want anyone to interrupt me or come in my memories with my father. I was also aware that my family would be searching for me but I also knew, no one was aware of this place. It was a secret between me and my dad. He gifted me this place on my sixteenth birthday and we would always come here on my every birthday till last year. I took a deep breath and walked towards the front door. Unlocking it with my fingerprint, I stepped inside as the whole house li
...ADELINE I could feel his intense dangerous gaze on me making me tremble in shame and fear. My hand reached out and grabbed the duvets and pulled them covering my body. He stood there with no expression but darkness radiated from his aura. I was so ashamed caught like this that I could not lift my gaze to look at him. My heart was pounding in my chest like a drum. My face was flushed and I tried to cover my body not wanting any inch to be seen. Suddenly, I felt him walking towards me and I closed my eyes ready to get the worst scolding and embarrassment. “ w-why are you-you here? “The words escaped my lips as soon as I felt him next to the bed. I slowly opened my eyes and noticed his fists clenched tightly making me close my eyes once again tightly. I was scared of the reaction and I couldn’t not predict anything either. “ I-I am s-sorry- I just- ““ do you have any idea how worried everyone is? “I opened my eyes and slowly looked up at him and now I could see very clearl
...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
...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 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
...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 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
...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
...AUTHOR’S POV The tension in Luciano’s study was suffocating. The air was thick with his rage, his frustration, his desperation. Two days. Two fucking days since Adeline had disappeared, and he was unraveling by the second.His usually calculated mind—his greatest weapon—felt clouded with a storm of emotions he couldn’t control. He had spent years mastering the art of dominance, of always being three steps ahead. But now? Now he felt like he was walking blindly into the unknown, and it was driving him insane.His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white, his pulse a violent drum against his skin. He couldn’t eat. Couldn’t sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was her face—the way she looked at him the last time he saw her.Furious.Determined.And then she was gone.Luciano exhaled sharply, his chest rising and falling with barely restrained fury. He turned his gaze to William, his right-hand man, who stood rigidly near the desk. William had already
...ADELINE Charles led me through the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps unhurried, his presence commanding. I watched him from behind. He was indeed a powerful man. His aura executed horror and dominance, someone you’d never want to come face to face with. I followed, my expression blank, though inside, my mind was racing. Charles was a man of power, but more than that, he was a man of calculation. He didn’t do anything without a reason. I had searched about him but nothing seemed suspicious. He was a powerful and famous man of France. So why was he helping her?As we entered his office, the rich scent of leather and aged whiskey filled the air. The space was grand, yet minimalistic—dark wooden shelves lined with books, a large mahogany desk, and deep brown leather chairs that exuded wealth and control. The only source of light was a dim chandelier hanging above, casting a soft glow across the room.I let out a sigh and eased myself before I took a seat on the couch, crossing my
...AUTHOR’S POV The morning air was filled with the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee, warm butter, and crisping bacon. Sunlight filtered through the large kitchen windows, casting golden hues across the marble counters. The atmosphere felt light, peaceful—almost as if, for once, everything was normal.Adeline stood at the stove, humming softly as she flipped pancakes onto a plate. A rare, genuine smile curled on her lips. It had been so long since she had felt this—this warmth, this sense of home.It wasn’t much, just breakfast, but it was hers. A moment of simplicity in a life filled with chaos.She wanted to give a happy life to Vladimir and she could go to any extent to keep that smile on his face. As she arranged the plates on the long dining table, she heard approaching footsteps. She turned just in time to see Vladimir entering the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, his hair a mess from just waking up.“Adeline,” he called, his voice groggy but laced with af