Sharlynn looked at Richie with a timid expression. The man's face in front of her looked cold as if Sharlynn was staring at an iceberg that couldn't melt."If I don't do something, I might freeze to death here," she muttered.Sharlynn glanced at the overturned baking sheet with the dough lying on the floor, still covered in dried flour. Her nosy idea kicked in, and she unintentionally smiled. "Why are you smiling?" Sharlynn blinked and turned back to Richie, still staring at her coldly. However, it was the man's cold stare that Sharlynn could not forget. "No...maybe you're looking at it wrong," Sharlynn complained as she shifted her body and squatted to brush her hands across the flour spill. "What are you doing?" Richie glared in annoyance when he saw the woman's flour-soiled palms. Sharlynn smiled and showed him her dry, flour-covered palms. No words were spoken; Richie did not realize the quick movement of Sharlynn's hand that touched his face. As a result, the flour was trans
Pordenone, Italy.The sound of coughing in a spacious, luxurious room was intense. It was accompanied by the warning voice of a family doctor who had often dealt with the grandfather's illness."Great sir, it's time for you to rest or perhaps to hold a great-grandchild," the handsome middle-aged doctor with his firm jawline said with a charming smile."You're right; maybe when Sevariano comes back here, I'll force him to get married to give me a great-grandson," said the white-haired old man with a wrinkled face half-lying on the king-size bed."I'm sorry, I'm not interfering in the Del Vecchio family's affairs, but perhaps it would be better for the young master to return to Milan and assist you," the doctor interrupted. The older man just nodded in understanding. There was a twinge of guilt as he kicked out his grandson and blocked Sevariano's facilities. Eventually, though, after two years, he opened one of his grandson's cards.After putting all his equipment into a black leather
Inside the dimly lit wooden hut, the sunlight filtering through the cracks in the old boards, Richie and Dante stood face to face, accompanied by the wind blowing through the leaves outside. Richie didn't seem to budge. He shook his head slowly, his sharp eyes looking directly at Dante. "No, Dante," he said in a low but firm voice. "I don't want to bring Sharlynn to Milan, and I don't want to introduce her to Grandpa either. I don't want things with Sharlynn to get any longer and more complicated."Dante looked surprised by the answer, but he did not express his objections. He knew Richie, the man he had come to know, was fiercely independent and stubborn in his decisions."I need to settle this on my own terms. Sharlynn does not need to get involved in the Del Vecchio family affairs. Let alone introduce her to grandfather. That will only make things more complicated," Richie continued.Richie's voice had a protective tone, showing his deep concern for Sharlynn. Although his feeling
"I am increasingly suspicious of Odette's behavior. It looks like I have to secure the villa certificate immediately," muttered Julian, who seemed to be walking hurriedly in the hallway to his private room.With the sound of the door opening, he immediately rushed inside after locking the door tightly. "I forgot where I last kept that dam," muttered Julian, suddenly annoyed with himself.He began to walk towards the file drawer but still could not find the object he wanted. While remembering, he began to spin around in a slightly dim room due to the lack of sunlight penetrating the glass window with the curtains open.Julian looked restless and frustrated. The room felt more and more cramped with every step of his pacing. The dim light in the room added to the tense atmosphere that was already messy due to Julian's activities. He continued rummaging through his room's contents, looking for something very important to him.The walk-in closet in the spacious room looked chaotic. Clothes
Richie skulked in the doorway, his heart pounding as he stared at Sharlynn, who was busy arranging the flowers. His breathing was heavy as if he was unable to express his feelings. "I want us to part ways soon," Richie murmured. "I don't want to jeopardize your life. But why is it so hard for me to let you go right now?" Meanwhile, Sharlynn felt that someone was watching her. She saw Richie's agitated figure from the corner of her eye. Carefully, she turned her head to confirm that it was indeed Richie. "Richie, what are you doing there?" asked Sharlynn softly, trying to calm her pounding heart. Richie was startled, his body staggering forward as his grip on the door leaf slipped. Unintentionally, he kicked a nearby flowerpot, causing it to break and the soil to clutter the floor. "Richie, you broke my flowerpot!" exclaimed Sharlynn, her expression sad and angry. Richie, realizing what had just happened, felt extremely guilty and anxious. His face turned pale. His mind immedi
"The land here is really fertile. I wish I could stay here longer," the woman murmured.The bright sunlight illuminated Sharlynn's face as the woman engaged in gardening. She lowered her head, focusing on the soil in front of her, a small smile on her lips. Her wide-brimmed hat that had been shading her face was now lying on the back porch chair. Her thick, wavy brunette hair shone in the bright sun.Richie, standing a few steps away from her, looked at Sharlynn with a beaming face. He was unconsciously smiling widely, mesmerized by Sharlynn's rosy cheeks that were even more dazzling in the sunlight. This was a rare moment for Richie, seeing Sharlynn so happy, as if carefree.Sharlynn, although accustomed to the practicalities of life in the city, was skilled at gardening. She had even said that she wanted to eat the produce of her garden. Richie, who was momentarily transfixed, decided to take the initiative.He walked slowly to a chair on the terrace, picking up Sharlynn's wide-bri
"Shit!" Odette paced back and forth while fiddling with her cell phone. She had tried to contact Richie almost a dozen times, but none of her calls had gotten him to answer. "Richie is such a jerk! I'll be chopped to pieces if Julian finds out the certificate is missing!"The woman appeared to be in the room of her apartment. Odette's hand was holding a cell phone, while the other was on her waist, indicating she was distraught. Her mouth could still be heard grumbling. Her attempts to contact Richie had been fruitless. It was even more frustrating when she stared at her cell phone screen with burning eyes, disappointed that she didn't get the response she expected."How could this happen?" muttered Odette, her voice loud and full of emotion. "I gave Julian the title to the villa as part of our agreement. Richie can't just disappear without explanation!"The living room filled with silence now echoed with Odette's high voice. She returned to pacing, her steps fast and full of anxiety
Sharlynn walked out of the bathroom, her hair still wet, indicating she had just finished washing her hair. She wiped her thick dark brown hair with a white towel that was big enough to absorb the water droplets but not wide enough to cover her entire head. Her body was wrapped in a pink bathrobe, the length of which only reached above the knee, adding a feminine and soft feel to her appearance coming out of the bathroom.Her steps stopped as she stood in front of the large window of her bedroom. Her hazel-colored eyes were immediately drawn to the garden where she and Richie had been planting seeds together. Hope and longing were in her gaze, a desire for the moment they had just shared to become a sweet memory.For a moment, Sharlynn stopped the movement of her hand running through her hair. She paused, her mind drifting to all the memories that had been made with Richie. However, just as quickly, she shook her head as if to banish Richie's shadow from her mind. "No! I have to be
“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