“Tonight has certainly been surprising, wouldn't you agree, Primo Semion, Miss Celeste?” General Basque displayed an uncomfortable smile in front of Semion and Celeste. “Just recently, Primo Semion was considered another top bachelor—without any rumors circulating about the woman he was courting.”Semion responded with a smirk, full of arrogance. “Most likely, many will try to meddle in our relationship if I openly court Celeste. Not to mention how many women are vying for my attention.”“Ah…” the old general grimaced. “Indeed. Unfortunately, it seems the heir of the Allegra family has taken a negative view of your relationship. It's only right to remove him from this gathering early before the disturbance escalates.”“He'll surely be bitter after this,” Semion didn't hide the sour expression on his face. “Celeste's right, some dogs just don't know when and where to bark.” When Semion glanced at Celeste, her expression softened. “My wife-to-be is so brave. I'm falling even more in lov
After Semion and Celeste's solo dance, other couples who wanted to dance started to take to the dance floor."Semion, I just need to talk to someone for a moment, entertain your friends for a while," Celeste said as she released her hold on Semion's arm."Huh? Where are you going?" Semion asked with a furrowed brow, reaching out for her hand.A mischievous smile played on Celeste's lips. "I'm just going to see my friends.""Oh," Semion realized what Celeste meant from the conversation he overheard earlier from the wireless earphones. "Sure, have fun. I'll be over there if you need me.""Okay." They parted ways.At that moment, Veron, Ranina, and Anetta, who had been silent since Celeste left them standing at their stand-up table, couldn't find the words to describe the series of events that had unfolded tonight. They were all stunned.Veron, who had been leading the insults and teasing against Celeste, now felt a flutter of nerves in her chest. She had wanted to leave this place and g
"Luca, where's your brother and Celeste?" Isabella, Luca's mom, furrowed her brow as she approached the table where Luca was seated.Luca, who was eating pasta and had been observing the events inside the ballroom, responded promptly. "They went up to the third floor, probably to their room.""Oh? The party isn't over yet; they still need to say goodbye to our guests since they're the hosts here. Have they been gone for long?""About thirty minutes ago. Maybe they're feeling sick because they drank too much. I heard they had several shots of the strongest alcohol in the world," Luca added, pondering. "I wonder when I will taste it too?""What?" Isabella's eyes widened. "How did that alcohol end up at their party? And how will they end this if they suddenly disappear?""I don't know why you're asking me, Mom? You and Dad are here. You can take over."Isabella let out a sigh. "Alright, I'll go check on them. Your dad is tired too, and he's been resting since earlier. I don't want to fac
At Allegra's Residence...Darson received a strong slap from his father, Demetrio. He clenched his fists and kept his head bowed, unable to withstand his father's piercing gaze."Idiot! Do you even realize the trouble you've brought upon the entire family?!" his father bellowed in anger. "What possessed you to cause such a scene in that place? Who are you to order around your former wife like that?! You've shown everyone how you can just treat her however you want! Surely, people sympathize with her now!"He bit his tongue forcefully, restraining himself from retorting to his father, knowing he'd just end up getting beaten again."Yes, I know it's surprising that a great woman like her sided with the heir of Lombardi! But it was totally wrong of you to react like that! What?! Do you have feelings for her and it's affecting you?!" his father almost shouted, veins bulging with rage.Darson's eyes widened, his tongue bleeding from the bite as he calmly looked at his father and replied. "
The sun's rays peeked into the room where Semion and Celeste lay entwined on the bed. Both of them were naked, a bit sticky but very comfortable in that position.When Celeste moved and attempted to turn over to face Semion, he didn't allow her to move, instead, his arms tightened around her body."Mmm," Celeste complained in her sleep, trying to figure out what weight was pressing on her and preventing her from moving.Not only that, she felt her body as if it had been run over by a truck, particularly her private parts. Sticky and uncomfortable, she wanted to take a shower to feel refreshed."Don't move, sleep more," a soft, sleepy voice whispered in her ear as her face was nuzzled into a firm chest and a heavy leg was draped over her side."Uhm!" Celeste couldn't breathe properly and finally became aware. "I-I can't breathe! It's heavy!" She tapped on the man's chest, arms, and back."Hm?" Because of that, Semion also opened his eyes and loosened his embrace on the woman slightly.
Celeste had already eaten several hotdogs and eggs before she noticed the eyes fixed on her at the dining table. Her Aunt Isabella, Uncle Alessandro, and even Val were smiling at her."Is there something you want to say?" she asked shyly."Oh, nothing, nothing," Aunt Isabella waved it off. "You seem tired from last night, so go ahead, eat some more!" Her smile lingered, hinting at something. "Selya! Bring more dishes so Celeste can eat.""Yes, Seniora~""Um, I'm already full, Auntie, I might not be able to handle more!" she declined, not used to eating a lot. In fact, she was accustomed to eating only what was in front of her at the dining table, following etiquette. But now, she was being offered foods that were unfamiliar to her."You eat so little, dear," Primo Alessandro spoke up. "You won't get full like that. Look how skinny you are. You need some flesh and muscles like Valentina.""Daddy, she looks fine with her body type, maybe she's just not chubby or muscular," Valentina ret
"Formal invitations for our wedding have been sent out one by one." Semion stated with a blank expression. "The Allegra family is included. Here's the list of invitees. Do you have anyone else you'd like to add?"Celeste read through the pieces of paper containing the names of the guests invited to their wedding. Her fake friends were there, as well as the people who had once looked down on her when her family fell apart."Um, Semion, if it's possible, I'd like to invite a few more people to the wedding.""Sure, who are they?" Semion leaned back on the black couch in the living room."They're farmers from our family. Because I've been mourning so much in the past years and months, I haven't been able to check on them. I don't want them to think that the Costas have completely disappeared while I'm still here. They're almost like family to us, so I want this wedding to be more than just a show." Celeste explained."Hmm, sure. Should I send them an invitation letter as well, or do you w
"Is this your province, Celeste?" Valentina asked her, stuttering.They gazed upon a place that had been almost stripped of trees and plants. The once lush landscape was now bald, with only patches of grass and rice paddies. The beauty of the buildings that once stood there was also gone, with most of them now abandoned.Celeste hurriedly headed towards the riverbank where the beauty of the place used to be showcased. But she was surprised to see piles of garbage littering the surroundings. There were metal barriers blocking their way to the riverbank, making it seem like a private bathing area had been set up."What happened here?" she couldn't believe what she was seeing. The beauty she had expected from their province was nowhere to be found.This was the land of the Costa family, registered under Celeste's name. So she knew it couldn't be easily taken away by their relatives, especially while she was still alive."Come on, let's go visit Mama Lordes!" she hurriedly said, leading th
Anna quickly turned around, pulling Danica away from the dangerous scene. They ran as fast as they could, her desperate need to escape the forest pushing her forward. The faint light ahead told her they were nearly out—the low clouds overhead slowly beginning to disperse.But even as they moved, her mind swirled with confusion. Killian’s words kept echoing in her thoughts, and she couldn’t make sense of them. How could he be willing to kill to save her life? Tears welled up in her eyes. She had been wrong. She had misjudged him. Killian wasn’t like Primo Alessandro. Just because he was a Lombardi didn’t mean he was an enemy. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, blood-curdling scream: "UNCLE, NO!!"Without thinking, Anna stopped running and turned. She knew exactly who the voice belonged to.But before she could even react, a loud gunshot echoed through the air. A searing pain ripped through her shoulder, and she stumbled, feeling the blood begin to trickle down her arm. She ba
"No! No, no, no!!" Danica’s voice broke with desperation as she dropped to her knees in front of her. "No, Anna, I won’t do it! I—I can't!" Her gaze shifted to Primo Alessandro, filled with defiance, as she stood up. "Who the hell are you to do this?! Do you really think I’ll play your disgusting game?!""Danica," Anna called out firmly, standing up beside her. Her voice was steady, but the uncertainty that gripped her heart was clear in her eyes.Primo Alessandro stood up abruptly, his sudden movement sending a chill through the air as he swiftly pulled out a gun, aiming it directly at her. Anna’s eyes widened as she instinctively took a step back."Primo," KIllian’s voice rang out, his grip firm as he seized his uncle’s arm, halting him mid-action."What!" Alessandro snapped, grabbing Killian’s arm in turn, but Killian didn’t even flinch.Their actions drew the attention of everyone in the room. Killian's gaze, full of intensity, was locked on his uncle. He gripped Primo Alessandro’
"Déjà vu." Primo Alessandro's smile was maddening.Anna could hear every beat of her heart, so loud it felt deafening. The wind’s chill brushed over her hands and feet, sending a strange shiver through her body. Her skin prickled, refusing to settle, as she stood frozen, her eyes wide open and fixed on him. Her breath was heavy as she stared into his eyes, and memories of seventeen years ago came rushing back.The pounding in her chest screamed with fury, a fury born from his murder of her parents. The memory of his men beating her mother was still fresh in her mind. The sound of the gunshot that ended her mother’s life echoed in her ears."We've met again," Primo Alessandro said, his smile dripping with the promise of death.Anna couldn’t speak. Her tears had dried up, but the sharpness of her glare remained, piercing through him. If her glare were made of knives, his head would have been severed from his neck by now.He hadn't changed at all in appearance or posture. But the gray in
The loud commotion pulled her out of a restless sleep. Anna's eyes snapped open, her head pounding and her vision blurry. It took her a moment to realize she had fallen asleep on the cold, hard floor of her room the previous night.Her sluggish thoughts were quickly jolted into clarity by an ear-splitting explosion that shook the entire mansion. The tremor was so violent it felt as though the earth itself had shifted beneath her.What’s happening?She bolted upright, twisting the doorknob and stepping out into the hallway. Her ears rang with the deafening sound of gunfire, and her breath hitched as she peered down the staircase. Smoke engulfed the mansion like a suffocating shroud.Her eyes widened in horror. Men clad in all-black tactical gear swarmed the premises—uncannily similar to the Lombardi’s men. She froze on the spot, watching as the Costas guards exchanged relentless gunfire with the intruders.“A-are those…?” She covered her mouth, a trembling hand betraying her growing p
Decades ago, when she was only six years old, Anna vividly remembered the night her life changed forever.It was late evening when she arrived home from school, walking alone because she had assumed someone would pick her up. Innocent and unaware, she returned to find their house in chaos.Scattered belongings littered the floor, shards of broken glass crunched under her small shoes, and droplets of blood painted a chilling path across the ground. Still clad in her uniform, her bag slung over her shoulder, she froze in the doorway, her voice trembling as she called out.“Mama?”“Mama? Mama!” Her cries echoed as she searched the house, growing more desperate with each unanswered call. The sound of a baby’s wailing drew her to one of the rooms. There, she found her infant sister, Danica, locked inside a wardrobe.“Danica!” she gasped, her shock momentarily paralyzing her. Without hesitation, she scooped her into her arms. The baby babbled incoherently, managing only, “A... A!”—her attem
"Can you please just stop?!"After an hour of non-stop crying from the baby, Chiarra couldn't handle the frustration anymore. She clutched the infant in her arms even tighter, which only made the baby wail louder."Enough! Enough! Stop it!" Overwhelmed by the incessant noise, she nearly dug her fingers into the small, swaddled body of her child. Her eyes filled with tears, no longer sure what to do to make the crying stop.The exhaustion from sleepless nights spent caring for her baby, combined with the constant arguments with Darson, left her drained and on edge every day. Because of this, all her pent-up anger and frustration were taken out on the maids in the mansion—and on her own child."I told you to stop already! I can’t take this anymore! Please, just give me a break!" Chiarra pleaded tearfully, her voice shaking with both rage and desperation as she yelled at the baby."M-Madam… I'll take care of Chrystal for you. Please, just get some rest—""If I could, I already would have
Celeste woke up the next morning feeling like she had just competed in a championship sport the night before—her body was sore and battered.She rubbed her eyes, stretching and turning her gaze to the man beside her, who was holding her tightly.Sunlight was streaming onto his handsome face. It was no longer the early morning peek but rather noon.She lifted her weak arm to smooth out Semion's thick, disheveled hair. Her eyes traced his prominent brows and long eyelashes. She ran her fingertip down his high nose and over his thin lips.Then she realized Semion was awake, as he couldn’t suppress the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile. His cheeks also rose, trying to fight returning to their usual state.Unable to help herself, she smiled and closed her eyes. “S-Se…” She stopped, her voice hoarse, likely from all the shouting and cheering from the previous night’s joy. “Are… um, have you been awake for a while?”“No.” His eyes remained closed.She tried to remove Semion’s heavy a
Celeste leaned back against the wall as she sat on the low cabinet. The items that were neatly stacked there earlier were now scattered across the floor.Her heartbeat was as rapid as her breaths as she watched Semion’s head between her parted legs.This was the second time he had lowered himself like that in front of her. She was used to seeing Semion with his head held high, as if he never bowed to anyone. But now, the scene before her was the complete opposite.There was something in her feelings she couldn’t explain, despite the darkness enveloping the room and the single dim light providing scant illumination.He was torridly kissing her intimate parts, just like how he had kissed her lips earlier. Hungry and thirsty for her essence.“Ahhh… Ummm, ahhh!” The heat was overwhelming. She was leaking slick fluids that mingled with Semion’s lips and tongue. The addicting sound only ignited every muscle in her body.She gasped for air as Semion spread her long legs further apart. The on
“S-Semion…”Celeste gasped as Semion’s soft lips descended on her neck. Biting her lower lip, she dug her nails into the luxurious fabric of his black coat.“Mmhhmmp!” She couldn't help but moan at the sensations coursing through her.The room was dark, perhaps because as soon as they entered, Semion had seized her with a kiss, like a thirsty stranger.Her plan to shower and change into comfortable clothes was quickly forgotten due to what Semion was doing to her body.His large hand slid up her dress, moving toward her underwear. Semion’s fingers pressed down on her lower body with a mixture of intensity and possessiveness. Celeste felt it acutely when he suddenly bit her neck!“Ahh!” She cried out in pain, her throat dry as she gasped for breath.“My wife,” Semion’s warm breath invaded her ear, making her shiver and raising the hair on her arms. “I want to mark you as mine…” He kissed the spot he had bitten. “Just for me…” He licked the mark. “All mine.” His teeth brushed against he