"You should get rid of her sooner, you cannot trust her. With what she did, she is capable of doing anything. Lei può distruggerti!" [She can destroy you!]Sergio turned around to face her. His right hand held a glass of gin, while his left was behind his back. He took a sip from the glass, his metallic eyes pinned on her. He didn't utter a word but she already felt goosebumps across her skin.Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself, wondering why he was staring at her that way. Did Rosana tell him the truth? She wondered. Or did he find out that she was the one behind everything?The thought of that made her tremble but she managed to keep a calm facade. She had to act strong and be ready to deny whatever he was going to throw her way. Besides, she wasn't the one that added sedatives to his coffee and tried to escape. Sergio stared intently at her, his gaze sharpening. It was the same way he looked at powerful men and caused them to tremble at his feet without words. He didn'
•••Next Morning••• Very early in the morning, the maids rushed in and prepared a warm bath for Rosana. Carmencita had instructed them to take care of her because she was still sick and couldn't take care of herself. "Your bath is ready, My Lady!" One of the maids announced and she sat up on the bed, rubbing her eyes. She couldn't sleep the whole night because she kept having nightmares. She only pretended to sleep so that Carmencita would go and have some rest too. No matter how much assurance she gave to her, she wouldn't go away. The older woman had been determined to stay with her until she fell asleep. Rosana got down from the bed and slowly walked into the bathroom to meet Viola waiting for her. Everything had been prepared for her bath. She just had to strip and Viola would wash her hair and body. "You do not have to..." "You are still weak, My Lady. Please, let me take care of you" She sighed and gently took off her nightgown. Then she got into the bathtub and sat as Viola
Rosana couldn't eat any longer. Rather, she kept sipping wine and glaring at Sergio. What does he think he is? She wondered. And why does he affect her so much even after everything he had done to her? Deep down, she had so much revulsion for him but there was a little part that flushed whenever he was around her. And the worst part was that she couldn't control it no matter how hard she tried to. But why should it be that way? She wondered. This man was ruthless and didn't care about anyone, no matter how big or small the person was. If he could lock her in the freezing room for hours and also lock her in a white cell where she almost lost her sanity, then he was worse than the devil. And instead of loathing him so much for everything he had done to her, she was... Getting turned on by just hearing his deep voice and being close to him. What the hell was wrong with her? She didn't acknowledge when he stood up and started walking away until he paused in front of Munika who was sti
"Here, we have all the books you need," Carmencita informed as they stepped into the library. It was filled with books of all kinds. "All you have to do is search closely" "Wow, this is... This is surprising. It is bigger than I thought" "Yes. The Don loves it down here. He loves books and reads a lot too" Rosana was shocked and speechless. How was it possible that a man like Sergio loved to read books? She wondered. It sounded so absurd. He was a ruthless man who did nothing but kill and inflict pain on poor people. What business did he have to do with books? "I am sorry but I do not believe you" She walked off and started checking the books, shelf by shelf. "I understand but it is the truth, my dear. Sergio, your husband is a very intelligent man" "Of course, I know that. He is very intelligent in hurting and killing people. And oh... Little children too" Rosana picked a book from one of the shelves and stood to look at it. She wasn't really a book fan but she loved to read a
Carmencita had been right. She didn't know anything about her husband despite being married to him for three months. But how could she? They didn't even share the same bed and he was mostly away. Not that she cared about that. Sometimes she also wished he never returned.She only knew a few things about him and his family. He had a mother who didn't trust her and wanted her to leave at all costs and a Mistress whom she never met. Sergio was a ruthless Mafia Lord who was feared by everyone, including her. But what she still couldn't figure out was why he married her. He had never tried to lay with her and carry out the marital rites which was mostly done on the wedding night. Not that she wanted any of such. She was even grateful he never for once tried to have intercourse with her. But what was the main purpose of the marriage? Did he marry her just to keep her in the room, far away from the outside world?Men in the Mafia only got married because they wanted to acquire something. Ei
"My Lady, are you alright?" Viola asked once Rosana stomped into the room and bounced the door hard. She looked all red and angry."Yes, I am fine, Viola. Prepare my bath""It is all done, My Lady"She immediately took off her clothes and walked into the bathroom to take a shower. Viola noticed she was not looking okay. She was always sad and wore a gloomy look but this time was different. She was boiling in anger and it terrified her.That low-life godforsaken b#tch! Rosana muttered. She still could not believe Vicenta had raised a hand on her. And she retaliated pretty fast. She was never a viølent person. She couldn't even hurt a fly. But Vicenta had gotten so much on her nerves already. It didn't end there. She also slapped her across the cheek!What point was she even trying to make when she introduced herself as Sergio's Mistress? Why did she even feed her with her useless duties and how he could never do without her?Rosana never cared about whatever they did or didn't do. She
Rosana looked from Enzo to Carmencita, surprised by his question. "How hard?" She thought. Of course, the slap had been pretty hard, it left a painful ring in her left ear. But it was nothing compared to the two slaps she returned."I... I slapped her back on both cheeks""How hard?" Enzo asked again. He still wore a soft smile on his face."Um... Very hard, I guess""Doesn't sound hard enough for me" He responded and started walking away. Where was he going? Rosana wondered and turned to look at Carne. "Did you tell him, your husband?"How could she have told him when she didn't get to see him again after dinner the previous night? He didn't even join her for breakfast in the morning. Not that she cared. At least she ate her meal in peace.Before Rosana could utter a word, Carmencita cut in. She suddenly looked troubled and scared. "No, please. That would be the end of her!""She should have thought about that when she raised a finger on her Master's wife, the Donna"Donna?Is that wh
"You sent for me!" Rosana uttered and went to stand in front of Sergio's desk. She could vividly remember what happened the last time she was there. The memories were still fresh in her mind. He has trusted her, only for her to crush it to the ground. What if the powder was some sort of poison? She wondered. She had not even stopped to ask Munika what it was before following up with the plan. And then, what could've happened after that? His men would've found her and killed her, or maybe not. They would've sent words to Enzo about his brother's demise and how he was poisoned by his wife who tried to escape afterward. Rosana could only imagine Enzo smiling and making her laugh until she unknowingly danced inside the grave he had dug for her. And before she would realize it, she was six feet under the ground and dead already. "My brother must have told you about the introduction" Sergio started, his cold voice jerking her out of her thoughts. "You must be ready" "I do not wish to t
EPILOGUE>>PART 2After the handshake, they stood side by side in silence. The unexpected turn of events still shocked Alberto as he couldn't believe everything had gone smoothly, and he was now standing beside the one person he least expected to make amends with.As they stood, a question that had been nagging in his mind popped in and he couldn't resist asking. "About the scar on your chest... Did I do that? During the fight, I mean"More than once, he had caught glimpses of the scar when Enzo trained shirtless. And due to the depth, Alberto couldn't help but wonder if he was responsible for it."Nah. A girl." Enzo replied curtly.Alberto had not anticipated a response, but then, a girl??? Who could she be? What was her relationship with Enzo? The scar seemed too severe to be inflicted by someone Enzo didn't have a deep connection with. Alberto was curious, but he knew better than to pry even when the question still lingered in his mind. Just as they resumed standing in silence, Lucr
EPILOGUETWO YEARS LATER... The lavish table was set with fine china, crystal glasses, and silverware. Golden candelabras adorned the center, casting a warm glow over the spread of meat, steaming dishes, salads, desserts, and fresh fruits. The family had gathered for a grand Thanksgiving celebration with Ville, Carmencita, Lucretia, Alberto, and Alfonso in attendance. The twins, now 7 years old, burst with energy and raced around the dining room, pursuing Enzo. "I'm gonna catch you, Uncle Enzo""And why do you think so?" Enzo asked, breathing heavily as the twins continued their relentless pursuit."Because I'm the fastest""No, you're not," Vincenzo countered, trying hard to overcome his elder brother."I am""You're not!""I am"As the kids kept competing against one another, Alberto watched the commotion with a warm smile on his face, while sipping his whiskey. He hadn't expected an invitation from Sergio and was shocked when he received one. That was the first time he was dinin
Chapter 190Sergio's eyes locked on Rosana's as the air between them crackled with anticipation. It had been far too long since they'd last been intimate, and the tension was undeniable."Rosana." He called out and took a step closer to her. She stood frozen, her heart racing, as his fingers traced the curve of her spine. He gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and that sent shivers down her spine. With his eyes never leaving hers, he leaned in and grazed the curve of her neck with his lips. Rosana's eyelids fluttered close as she tilted her head, inviting him deeper. Just as she craved, he trailed kisses along her skin, each one igniting a spark that nearly engulfed her.Moaning quietly, she raised her hand to his chest and felt the warmth of his skin beneath his shirt. She tugged gently and Sergio's lips curved into a smile as he obliged, shedding his shirt to reveal the chiseled contours of his torso.Their eyes met once more, the connection between them wild and electri
As Rosana stepped into the house, she was immediately surrounded by the warm glow of twinkling candles and the sweet fragrance of fresh flowers. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in the breathtaking sight before her. What could be the occasion? It wasn't the twins' birthday nor was it their marriage anniversary."Welcome home, Mammà!" The twins chimed in unison, their faces lighting up with excitement. They stood in the entrance of the hall, each holding a bouquet of colorful flowers."Oh, thank you, my sweet knights," Rosana responded, her heart swelling with love and gratitude as she knelt to hug them. She then got the flowers and inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet scent."Welcome home, Amore mio. The kids wanted to surprise you. They've been working on this all day" Rosana's eyes met Sergio's, and she felt a flutter in her chest. He was now standing behind the twins with a warm smile on his face and deep down, she knew that this was more than just a sweet gesture from the
Chapter 188A MONTH LATER•••"Things have been getting better. Sergio is slowly putting the past behind him and doesn't avoid me anymore. My favorite time of the day is when he comes home to us."Lucretia's face lit up with a warm smile as she sipped her lemonade. "Oh, that's awesome. I'm thrilled to hear that, Ana, you deserve it."Rosana's expression turned thoughtful, and she inhaled deeply. "I still quiver thinking about how close I came to losing him.""Well, I'm glad you came to your fucking senses and made things right"The two friends lapsed into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts, reflecting on the twists and turns their lives had taken over the past few years. Lucretia's thoughts drifted back to the rough months that had passed. She remembered the pain and the fear, the sleepless nights and the endless tears. But most of all, she remembered the realization that had hit her like a ton of bricks—Enzo was still alive.She hadn't seen him again since that nig
FEW DAYS LATER>>> AT THE CAPITALThe Mafia men stepped out of the meeting room, dressed in black suits that fitted their muscular bodies perfectly. Their faces were expressionless, hidden behind dark sunglasses as they stepped out of the Capital, disappearing into waiting black vehicles. As the rest of the men left, Alberto hung back, helping Ville and Enzo with some tasks. Within the past few weeks, he had gotten along with Ville and Alfonso, but things were tougher with Enzo. No matter how hard he tried, Enzo either ignored him or gave him a menacing glare that left him shaken. Still, Alberto refused to give up. He was determined to make amends for his past mistakes and earn forgiveness and acceptance, especially from his half-brothers Sergio and Enzo."You should head back home," Ville said to him three hours later. "I'll finish up from here""Yeah... About that... I've got nothing else to do. I'd rather finish up with you than return to that cold empty house"Ville chuckled and l
Sergio paused in front of the bedroom door, his hand hovering over the door knob. He had timed his entrance perfectly, believing Rosana would be fast asleep and he would be spared the agony of avoiding her. Instead, he conjured up an image of watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest while she slept peacefully. He longed to caress her hair and cheek, planting soft kisses on her forehead.Taking a deep breath, he turned the knob and pushed the door open. His expectations were shattered once he met with Rosana standing on the other side, her blue eyes wide and wary. She wasn't asleep, because unlike him, she had been waiting, ready to confront him and have that conversation he had been avoiding. "Bambolina!" Sergio's low and gentle voice washed over her like a gentle caress, triggering a flurry of emotions that left her breathless. Her lips parted, but there were no words. She just stood frozen, staring at him with wide eyes as though he had just emerged from thin air. Time seem
Ville raised an eyebrow, his skepticism, evident. Choosing not to pursue the matter further, he steered the conversation back on track as though there was no interruption. Sergio, too, didn't press for more information because he knew his brother's stubbornness all too well.Feeling thankful that they hadn't pushed the issue, Enzo lowered his gaze in an attempt to avoid Sergio's scrutiny. The truth was too raw and too painful. No matter how hard they pushed, he couldn't bring himself to share it, not now, not ever. He knew the consequences of revealing even a fragment of it and wasn't ready for that. For now, they would remain locked away, hidden behind his stoic facade until he was finally able to erase her and memories of their past. *****Rosana stood at the bedroom window, cradling a glass of wine as she gazed out into the night sky. The evening breeze carried a soothing calm, silencing her mind.She had just finished dinner with the family and Enzo. Seeing that the twins were s
Rio's sleepy eyes fluttered open, drawn to the soft sobs and sniffles that pierced the night air. He spotted Lucretia huddled on the windowsill and immediately scampered off the bed, rushing to her side. "Mammà, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Lucretia lifted her head, her puffy, teary eyes meeting Rio's concerned face. She hadn't realized he was awake. Quickly wiping away her tears, she forced a fragile smile and pulled him close."It's nothing, amore. I was just... thinking,"Rio's brow furrowed. "Are you hurt, Mammà? You fell on the floor and wouldn't open your eyes.""Oh, that..." Lucretia's voice trembled as she sniffled once more. "I'm sorry, I scared you. I was very tired and just... It will never happen again, I promise."Rio's small arms wrapped tightly around her, offering comfort. Then, suddenly, he pulled back, his eyes widening with curiosity. "Where's Uncle Enzo?"Lucretia froze. How did he know Enzo? "I can be friends with him because he's not a bad man, right?" R