"Sevariano, ANSWER!" Mr. Andriano's voice boomed again, making Sharlynn's nerves instantly shrink. However, she didn't know what was going on. Richie had never told her his true identity. She could only guess that Mr. Andriano was the man's grandfather. Richie exhaled roughly, "What do I have to explain again, Grandpa? You already know," Richie replied as he stared at his grandfather, but in his heart, he cursed Dante. His brain went straight to suspecting the personal assistant who had leaked all his secrets. Andriano Del Vecchio nodded in understanding, "Oh, so you admit that Sharlynn is your wife? And you intend to leave her at the airport?" Richie was still staring at his grandfather as if he was confirming Andriano's words, even without any answer. Sharlynn found Richie's gaze so cold on her, suddenly freezing. "Sir, we're not compatible; that's why we're choosing to end the marriage immediately," Sharlynn said tremblingly, looking at her grandfather with a tight smile. And
Sharlynn felt confused as Richie grabbed her arm firmly and pulled her out of the main room. Her mind in turmoil, she tried to make sense of what was happening. In the midst of her confusion, one of the servants suddenly informed her that Richie's room, the young master, was neat and ready. In fact, it was always tidied every day, even though Richie hadn't been in the house for years. The great master Andriano, behind his stern and strict figure, was still very fond of his grandson. "Why did Richie pick me up like this?" asked Sharlynn silently, feeling curious and a little scared. "Richie, explain to me. What is this all about?" urged Sharlynn with an indecisive face.Richie, without answering her question, pushed Sharlynn into the room while holding back the anger on his face. Sharlynn was stunned, looking around the luxurious and spacious room that resembled a room in a palace, which was filled with mosaic paintings and Baroque-era decorations. 'Is this room the reason why Ri
The sound of the door opening made Sharlynn instantly open her eyes. She blinked a few times to adjust to the surrounding light. The ceiling filled with baroque style paintings made her almost forget that she was in Richie's room. "Get ready, I'm going to take you outside the mansion." Someone's baritone voice made Sharlynn turn her head and see Richie stepping into the room. The woman only realized she had fallen asleep when she felt tired all over her body. She jumped up and sat on the edge of the bed. Sharlynn still had no reaction other than just staring at Richie. She seemed to be still unfamiliar with her surroundings. "Are you tired?" asked the man who stood towering over Sharlynn. "I'm already much more refreshed. I'll be ready soon." Sharlynn moved from the edge of the bed, her hazel eyes darting around, it turned out that the man's private room was larger than her room, twice the size of the rooms in the Eisenhauer family mansion. "The bathroom is over there." Sharlynn
After a lunch full of heavy conversation with Andriano's grandfather, Richie took Sharlynn out of the mansion. It was quiet in the car, with only the sound of the engine breaking the silence. Sharlynn, who seemed to be lost in her thoughts, occasionally looked at the view of Milan through the side glass of the car. The distinctive old buildings and the streets filled with people passing by made her momentarily forget about the situation.Richie noticed Sharlynn's silence, finally breaking the silence. "Where do you want to go?" he asked, his voice soft, trying to break the ice.Sharlynn was surprised by the question. She turned her head, looking at Richie with an incredulous expression. This might be her first and last chance, she thought. "I want to go to the Duomo in Milano," she replied without hesitation.Richie nodded as if the request was perfectly natural to him. "Alright, Duomo di Milano."A few minutes later, they arrived in front of the magnificent cathedral, a historical
In the Civil Registry Office courtyard, the atmosphere was quiet, attended only by a few members of Andriano's grandfather's extended family. It was quite a contrast to the important moment that was taking place. Among them was a young man who didn't seem to like the wedding very much, especially not Sharlynn. His sardonic gaze, as if to convey an unspoken message, made the atmosphere a little tense.Sharlynn noticed the look, tried to remain calm and reminded herself of her promise not to give up easily. "I didn't see Dante coming. Does he still remember his young master?" asked Richie in a half-joking tone.Grandpa Andriano, with a smile, pointed at a black car that had just arrived. "That's him," he said with a chuckle.Richie frowned, immediately realizing that the figure he had been waiting for. Dante had arrived, albeit with a slight delay. Dante hurriedly approached them, a look of regret on his face. "Sorry I'm late," he said, almost breathless.When Dante noticed Sharlyn
Grandpa Andriano banged his cane on the table. Creating quite a shocking thumping sound. "Cut the crap! You should disperse and go home if you can't appreciate Richie and Sharlynn's happy day!" The DeVille family matriarch's stern and domineering tone was enough to make their guts shrink. Finally, the banquet went smoothly without anyone daring to bother Sharlynn anymore.The tension in the air suddenly dissipated with the crack of Grandpa Andriano's cane.Everyone's eyes immediately fell on him; some faces looked surprised, while others looked down, feeling guilty. The air seemed to tremble under the unrivaled authority of the DeVille patriarch."You should all be ashamed," Grandfather Andriano continued in a firm, calm voice. "This day is about Richie and Sharlynn, about our family welcoming new members with open hearts, not about creating divisions or demeaning anyone."Grandpa Andriano looked at Sharlynn, gazing at her with a gaze full of warmth. "Sharlynn, don't ever feel alone
Meanwhile, the commotion outside the mansion gates did not affect the warmth of Sharlynn and Grandpa Andriano's conversation. Nothing was covered up; Sharlynn briefly recounted how she came to marry Richie back in Berlin; she didn't even know the man's true identity. "What kind of father treats his daughter like this!" Grandpa Andriano's voice sounded stressed and angry as he banged the tip of his cane on the floor. "You have nothing to worry about, my granddaughter. You are already part of the DeVille family. Only children born from your womb will I recognize as Richie's children. Not those born from other women, let alone those with no ties to the DeVille family whatsoever!" Richie seemed to turn away from looking at Sharlynn while smiling wryly. He still thought that she was trying to get his grandfather's attention. The reluctance building up suddenly collapsed, and she assumed that she was no different from any other woman. "Born of any woman, if that child is truly my flesh
In the silence of the night, accompanied only by the slow ticking of the wall clock, the atmosphere in Sharlynn and Richie's room was filled with profound awkwardness. They were lying on the same bed, yet their distance felt like an ocean. Richie, who had been sleeping with his back to Sharlynn, slowly opened his eyes. The room's darkness was only slightly brightened by the moonlight that sneaked in through the gap in the curtains.Not knowing if he had just woken up or if those eyes had never closed in the first place, Richie carefully turned his body. He changed his position with an almost inaudible movement, not wanting to disturb the tranquility that had been created. His gaze then fell on Sharlynn, who lay peacefully, her regular breathing signaling that she had sunk into a deep sleep.The soft moonlight shone on Sharlynn's face, creating shadows that emphasized the softness of her facial features. Richie transfixed for a moment, gazed at that innocent face. There was a soft
“DAMMIT!” cursed Aurora as she slammed the cell phone in her hand until it split and its parts scattered to the floor. Romeo, who was surprised by her impulsive behavior, frowned in surprise and went to her. “Aurora, what happened?” he asked. “We've underestimated that little bitch too much!” she swore as her breath hitched in anger. Romeo narrowed his eyes, not knowing what she meant. “What does she mean?” he asked. Aurora replied that Sharlynn had paralyzed her men. Meanwhile, the car used to take Sharlynn and Andriano was now at the police station. Romeo was completely shocked and couldn't believe it. “We have to leave immediately. Sevariano must have known about this kidnapping. Especially since we dared to kidnap that old fart!” Aurora said frantically.Romeo nodded his head in understanding, “We have to go. Prepare everything, we'll take Danny first and then we'll go escape to a safe place until Sevariano gives up searching.”“I agree,” Aurora said with a small nod.Not wan
Sharlynn, who was still awake in the captivity, tried to wake up Grandpa Andriano. “Grandpa, wake up!” she shouted at the old man beside her three meters away, in the same position as her, both hands tied. Aurora forgot that Sharlynn was clever enough for that. Her unbound legs struggling to move, the woman bent over while her hands were tied to the wooden chair and approached Andriano's grandfather. Sharlynn was forced to step on the old man's foot after getting close to him. Grandpa Andriano was startled and instantly woke up from his stupor, his eyes blinking, trying to figure out what was going on. “Where are we?” grandpa Andriano asked. “Grandpa, we're being held by Aurora. We need to get out of here and contact Richie,” hearing the name Sharlynn mentioned, made Grandpa Andriano's expression instantly furious. “That woman, I knew it,” he said. But as he scanned the two of them, the old man seemed unsure if he could get out of there. Soon, the door creaked and a burly man w
The sound of banging outside the car could still be heard repeatedly. Sharlynn and Andriano's grandfather were getting more and more panicked, the driver of the car still stayed in place without opening the car window. The pounding of the heart inside Sharlynn's chest grew louder as she saw the mysterious men brandishing firearms and shooting at their bulletproof car. “I feel more and more guilty, I shouldn't have forbidden my men from escorting us,” grandfather Andriano said in between his panic. Meanwhile, Sharlynn, who still looked timid, was still trying to contact Richie. The dial tone began to be heard, almost she could contact Richie but something made her even more surprised until her cellphone once again fell when the car from behind deliberately hit the car she was riding in. Sharlynn suddenly screamed, now their car was being pushed forward until it moved. “Tell them we're giving up!” exclaimed Grandpa Andriano who couldn't bear to see Sharlynn so tense and scared. “Bu
During the ride in the car, Sharlynn seemed to be just speechless sitting next to Andriano's grandfather. I remember what Richie said this morning. Her heart began to doubt and falter, she really wanted to usurp her rights as Richie's wife, but she was reminded of the boy's existence. Sharlynn feels like the worst person to separate a child from his father.Sharlynn sat quietly next to grandfather Andriano, her eyes occasionally drifting out the window, staring at the passing scene without a clear focus. His mind continued to drift into unresolved inner struggles.'With Aurora and her son among us, what should I do?'his mind, trying to find answers in the midst of indecision.'Do I have to give up' his inner rage. 'I couldn't have lived apart, Richie would have preferred Aurora and her son.'His hands clasped, reflecting the anxiety that crept into his heart. In his mind, questions and doubts raged against each other, creating a chaotic mess that was difficult to unravel.Grandfather
It was a hot afternoon when Richie entered his headquarters, an old building located on the outskirts of the city, hidden from the crowds and public view. The man looked tense, his jaw set, signaling the importance of the purpose of his arrival this time. With quick, decisive steps, Richie approached one of his men, a stocky man with short hair who looked alert.“Show me where they are,” Richie said in a tone that didn't allow for any rebuttal. The man nodded, understanding that the situation was critical, and led Richie to a room at the back of the headquarters.When the door to the room was opened, the atmosphere was tense. Inside the room, there was a long and tall aquarium in which several venomous snakes were swimming. The hissing sound of the snakes was accompanied by the weak screams of three men who were suspended above the aquarium. Their hands hung above their heads while their feet hung just above the surface of the water, making them look extremely vulnerable to the bit
Sharlynn looked at Richie with sad eyes. It made Richie even more heartbroken by the expression on the woman's face who was in his arms. “Richie, do I hurt all over? What happened last night after we had dinner?” Sharlynn asked innocently. Richie swallowed his saliva roughly, he wanted to explain everything to Sharlynn, but he still decided against it. Richie was sure Sharlynn would be completely shocked by that. He led her into the bathroom and put Sharlynn's body into the bathtub without removing the blanket that was still wrapped around her body. “Richie, why are you silent?” repeated Sharlynn, while Richie was still busy opening the faucet and pouring water into the bath.Richie gently adjusted the temperature of the water, making sure it wasn't too hot or cold, trying to provide comfort for Sharlynn who looked in desperate need. He stole a glance at Sharlynn who looked weak, her sweet eyes holding confusion and fatigue.“Richie, please, I really don't understand what's going
Richie clenched his fists, feeling a deep sense of frustration as he faced Andriano's grandfather who chuckled in a mocking tone. His face showed disappointment and his gaze sharpened.“But it's not like this, Grandpa,” Richie protested in an emphatic tone, clearly rejecting what he felt was unfair treatment.“Everything's already happened, no matter how much you want to protest, Sharlynn is already your wife. You didn't do anything to hurt her, did you?” asked Grandpa Andriano in a tone that seemed to seek justification for his actions.Grandpa Andriano's loud, cynical laugh made the situation even more tense. Richie could only shake his head in disbelief, feeling abused and betrayed by the man who was supposed to protect him.“Grandpa, what you're doing is not right. What happens if Sharlynn or I can't accept this situation? What you're doing is manipulation, not help,” Richie said, his voice filled with unstoppable disappointment and anger.Grandfather Andriano sighed, observing hi
Richie could not stop the uncomfortable feeling in his body. He decided to get out of the bathroom after splashing his body with cold water. He walked past Sharlynn's body lying on the bed writhing. When he arrived at the door of the room, Richie did not waste any time trying to force open the door handle repeatedly. “Shit!” cursed Richie. As he looked confused by his failed attempt to open the door, he heard Sharlynn's hoarse voice. “Richie, why does my body feel weird...hot...I want some water,” Sharlynn whispered, forcing Richie to turn around. Unfortunately, he saw Sharlynn's hips moving so beautifully, bending her knees and her thighs rubbing together. Seeing that very erotic scene, Richie began to feel something arousing. He tried to get closer to Sharlynn, seeing that the dress attached to the woman's body looked even more messy, revealing a long neck and smooth shoulders that looked sweaty. “Sharlynn, what are you feeling?” The stupid question suddenly came out of Richi
That night, the dining room of Andriano's mansion was filled with sparkling crystal chandeliers, creating a warm and luxurious atmosphere in one corner of the mansion. The long dining table was spread with a crisp white tablecloth and tableware neatly arranged, waiting to be used for the dinner that was about to take place.Sharlynn, in her elegant dress, stepped gently into the dining room, a sweet smile gracing her face. “Good evening, Grandpa,” greeted Sharlynn in a soft, warm voice. She gracefully pulled out a chair and sat down, her demeanor full of elegance and politeness.Grandpa Andriano, who was already seated at the end of the table, returned the greeting with a heavy but loving voice. “Good evening, Sharlynn,” he said. His sharp eyes momentarily searched for someone else behind Sharlynn's figure. “Where is Sevariano? I heard his voice on the way to the dining room?”Sharlynn, who was already quite familiar with her grandfather's concern for Richie, gave a wry smile. Her