My head tuned out for the rest of the conversation with the doctor. The only words that were stuck in my head were, “You're not pregnant,”. I didn’t know whether to be relieved or sad. Sylas and I had once talked about starting a family. I also thought it would be enough to make him love me but I was wrong. A part of me was relieved. After seeing what he and Taylor did to me, I realized that having his child wasn’t the best thing that would happen to me.
"I... I understand," I managed to reply, though my voice didn’t sound like my own.
The call ended with a professional reassurance that they'd review their processes to avoid future mistakes, but that was a distant hum in my mind. My hand fell to my side, my fingers barely wrapped around the phone.
"Lauren."
I turned, my gaze locking onto Enzo’s. His expression was unreadable, his cold eyes studying me with that unnerving intensity of his.
“What did the doctor say?” he asked, his voice calm but commanding.
I swallowed hard trying to hide how shaken I was, “It was a mistake. Some mix-up. Apparently, I’m not pregnant.”
Enzo went quiet and I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. Suddenly, something flickered in his eyes. Relief? Disappointment? It was gone before I could name it, replaced by that impenetrable mask he always wore.
“Good.” The single word hit me harder than I expected, but he didn’t elaborate. Instead, he leaned back slightly in his wheelchair, his focus shifting briefly to the shop around us. “That simplifies things.”
“Does it? Sylas and Taylor still took everything from me. Everything that I worked hard for. I might not be pregnant but that doesn’t simplify anything. I have nothing.” I said holding his gaze.
“You’re wrong.” His voice was calm and deliberate, and it stopped me in my tracks. “You have me.”
“You?” I asked scoffing at his words. I didn’t believe in fairytales.
“Lauren, the Riccardi family won’t leave you alone. The fact that you have taken back your shop means that they have lost a front for their business. They will most likely come after you.” Enzo said coldly holding my gaze.
Although he looked so cold and yet distant, there was something undeniably charming about him. He wasn’t hiding the truth from me. The fact that a whole mafia family could be after me because of Sylas made my stomach turn. This shop belonged to my family. I wasn’t going to give it up.
Enzo stared at me without saying anything. Suddenly, Enzo’s phone cut through the tension. Watching him stand up, my eyes followed him as he answered his call. His face was serious and his eyebrows were scrunched up as he talked to the person on the other side. Removing my gaze, I turned to see Enzo’s driver staring at me and I realized I had been staring. I turned around and headed to my office to grab a broom and something to pack the broken glass and sweep the place. By the time I returned, Enzo was still on his call so I immediately got to work.
“What’s going on?” I asked when I saw Enzo finally finish his call.
“I just got word from my people. The governor is hosting an auction tonight. The Riccardi family is going to be there. And so will be a painting.” Enzo said making my eyes narrow.
“An auction at the governor’s mansion?” I pressed, my mind already racing. “How am I supposed to get in there?”
Enzo’s lips curved into a sly, almost teasing smile. “Sweetheart,” he drawled, his dark eyes gleaming, “You’re coming with me.”
***************
The governor's house was nothing like I had expected. The place was huge, full of people and very very gorgeous. The gate opened for us and my eyes fell on the huge fountain as our car entered. Enzo didn't look fazed at all but I was. I was beyond happy to be at a place like this.
“Mr. Santoro, welcome.” A fat man in a black suit said smiling as he walked over to us.
Standing beside Enzo who was in a wheelchair, I watched as the governor walked up to Enzo smiling at him. The auction had not yet begun and I had no idea what painting Enzo wanted. Suddenly, my eyes widened as I watched Sylas enter the room with Taylor grabbed around his arm like a prize.
What were they doing here? Was he here on behalf of the Ricciardi family?
“Sylas is here.” I whispered to Enzo as he chatted with the governor.
Sylas's eyes narrowed as he approached me, every step radiating a cold arrogance that made him unrecognizable. This wasn’t the man I had married. The tailored suit, polished shoes, and gleaming wristwatch screamed wealth. A stark contrast to the life I’d been living. For five long years, I had scraped and struggled to keep our family afloat, all while he had secretly been living in luxury. The truth hit hard. He’d been hiding his fortune, likely showering Taylor with the riches he denied me.
The auction began and I sat down close to Enzo. I still had not seen anyone from the Riccardi family. Hell, I wouldn’t even know any of them if they were present right now. The Riccardi family, I had heard of them but never seen them even though our shop normally worked with the governor’s office. This was a private auction.
“That’s the painting,” Enzo said as some people carried a painting heading to the back.
My eyes fell on the painting. It was covered, so I couldn’t see it. Why would Enzo want a painting? If two mafia families were after a painting, it had to be important. I didn’t know what made the painting so special, but I didn’t want Sylas to get his hands on it first.
The room quieted as the auctioneer stepped onto the stage, his voice cutting through the murmurs. “Ladies and gentlemen, our next item is a truly remarkable piece of art. Let’s unveil it.”
The cloth covering the painting was pulled back, and my heart skipped a beat. The image on the canvas was striking, but it wasn’t the painting itself that made my stomach drop. It was what was hidden within it.
Faint lines and markings blended into the background, almost invisible to the untrained eye. But I recognized them. They were similar to the sketches my father had left behind, the ones he used to obsess over late at night.
“Enzo,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “That’s not just a painting. It’s a map.”
His jaw tightened, and his sharp eyes darted to Sylas across the room. Sylas’s gaze was fixed on the painting, his lips curling into a smug grin. He knew.
“Stay calm,” Enzo murmured.
But calm was the last thing I felt. Sylas wasn’t just here for the auction. He was here for the same reason we were. All of a sudden, the realization hit me like a thunderstorm. The painting. It was the Whispers of the Sea.
The auctioneer cleared his throat. “Shall we start the bidding at five million dollars?”
The game had begun.
ENZO“Five million dollars?” Lauren whispered catching my attention as she sat beside me. Her hands her hands curled into fists in her lap. She was trying to appear calm, but I knew better. Was it because of her ex-husband? I had seen what that bastard had done to her. How he had taken everything she had built and left her with nothing. Now, he sat across the room with his whore on his arm, acting as if none of it mattered. If he was here on behalf of the Riccardi family, there was no way I was going to let him leave with the painting.“Five million dollars,” The auctioneer announced.“Ten million,” Sylas said without hesitation, making the crowd gasp.He had doubled the price without hesitation which confirmed my suspicion. He was here for the Riccardi family. My eyes darted to Lauren and for the first time, I noticed how elegant and sexy she looked in the red dress she was wearing. Her silky vibrant red hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded over her shoulder. And that dress.
LAURENA soft gasp escaped my lips the moment that I fell into the arms of Enzo Santoro. My heart raced. He was dangerous. Too dangerous and I knew better than to let myself trust another man after what happened with Sylas. Staring at him as I remained sprawled up on his lap, it felt like the entire world had faded around us. Enzo’s eyes remained locked on mine and I could see a slight smirk at the corner of his lips. That broke the spell instantly. Pushing myself off his lap, I tried to stand stably but my legs gave out again making me fall back onto his lap again.“Careful, sweetheart,” Enzo said as he stared at me.The heat of his touch made me suddenly feel aware of how close we were. My pulse pounded in my ears as his fingers tightened just slightly around my waist, steadying me. His smirk deepened, his dark eyes glinting with amusement.“I’m sorry,” I muttered as I stood up silently praying that my legs wouldn’t give up this time.“Oh, sorry Lauren. I didn’t see you there. You a
The next morning, the sharp thud of a door closing downstairs jolted me awake. Even from my room upstairs, I could feel the faint tremor it sent through the house. My eyes fluttered open, drawn to the ceiling as sunlight spilled through the windows. I didn’t need to guess who had just arrived. It was Enzo. After last night, I tried to forget about what had happened but I couldn’t. Sleep wouldn’t come and I was forced to get myself a glass of milk. Getting out of bed, I headed to shower and took a quick bed before heading downstairs to fix something to eat.Walking down the stairs, I headed into the kitchen. The scent of freshly brewed coffee along with cologne told me Enzo had been here a few seconds ago. The house was as silent as before with not even a single sound being made. My stomach growled in protest as I swung open the fridge, scanning its meager contents. Despite the hunger gnawing at me, an unsettling feeling coiled in my chest, making it difficult to focus on anything. I g
ENZOI f**king got blood all over the place. Gripping my g*n tightly in my hand, I stared at the kitchen floor muttering a curse under my breath as I walked over to the sink. Dropping the g*n on the counter, I opened the water and let it run over my hands. At first, I had no intention of killing him. Being alone with Lauren had got me in a f**king good mood, and the idiot just had to ruin it. “ Take this traitor away. You know what to do.” I said turning to Stefano and the men. As they took him away, I ran my hand through my hair before reaching for the pack of cigarettes from my pocket. Pulling one out, I placed it between my lips before lighting it up, inhaling deeply as the familiar burn filled my lungs. The weight of the gun on the counter still lingered in my mind, but I ignored it. Turning slightly, I noticed Lauren standing frozen by the cupboard. Her face had turned white and I could see her hands clenched. She was obviously mortified by what had just happened. A part of me
LAURENJake Donovan has been my long-time friend since I can remember. Back in high school, he had been my first crush before I got to meet Sylas. When he got promoted to detective, I couldn't go and meet him because Sylas had been too jealous and I wanted to please him. However, I could use his help now to win Enzo’s favor. I swallowed hard, watching Enzo’s expression shift as my words sank in. His grip tightened around the glass in his hand, knuckles paling. His intense gaze locked onto mine, studying me. The last thing I wanted was for Enzo to think I was some sort of spy for the police. I needed to know the truth about his dealings with my father's paintings. “Yes, Jake Donovan. He is just a friend. He can help get your sister out without digging too deep. He'll do whatever I tell him to.” I said trying to sound confident even though I knew I would need much more to convince Jake. Enzo's eyes narrowed at me and I could tell that he was not fully sure about my story. Watching as
“Lauren, are you there?” Jake's voice echoed through the loudspeaker, making me tense up. The entire environment was tense and I could feel Enzo's eyes on me as Jake talked. The tension between us was already high as we sat down together. I hesitated, clenching my phone tightly. Clearing my throat, I answered,“I'm here,” I said as I glanced at Enzo. “I was just about to call you.” “ Oh? What do you need? Are you in trouble?” Jake asked making me shake my head. “ I'm not in trouble. However, I do need your help with a friend of mine.” I said glancing at Enzo as I spoke. Enzo’s gaze darkened with curiosity, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. He didn’t say a word, but I could feel the silent warning in his posture. “A friend?” Jake’s voice sharpened. “What kind of trouble is he in?”“ It's a girl. She was arrested yesterday at the club and I need your help. Can you help me? We are already near the station.” I said, my voice firm despite the unease twisting in my stoma
Jake’s hands clenched as he heard Enzo’s words.My womanThe fact that Enzo had said it so effortlessly made me stunned. Removing my hand from Enzo’s, I moved away a bit about to open my mouth when Jake beat me to it.“What are you talking about? Lauren is married. How can she be your woman? Mr. Santoro, it seems you have become delusional.” Jake said holding Enzo’s gaze.Enzo seemed calm but the tension between them was suffocating. Jake didn’t know about my recent problems with Sylas. It was normal that he was trying to defend my reputation being that he was my friend. Married? The words made my stomach turn as I heard them.Enzo let out a low dangerous chuckle as he titled his head, “Delusional? I’m afraid that’s hardly the case. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?” Enzo asked turning his gaze to me.I swallowed, feeling the weight of their stares. Jake’s eyes burned with confusion and protectiveness as if he was genuinely worried. Did he know Enzo’s real identity? The tension between th
ENZO“Drive!” I ordered, my voice lethal as I pulled out my gun.Staring at Lauren, I could see how frightened she was as she crouched down hiding. Motherf**kers. I was going to make them pay for ruining the mood.Carlos wasted no time stepping on the accelerator as bullets came at us. The windows were bulletproof but it didn’t stop them from shooting at us. Lauren screamed as the sound of the bullets hit the car window. They were doing their best to catch up with us. Staring at one of the shooters, my eyes narrowed as I searched for something I could use to identify him. Once I did, motherf**ker was dead. The city lights blurred past us as Carlos swerved through traffic, narrowly avoiding a collision. The car jerked, and Lauren let out a small gasp, her fingers gripping the leather seat. Her wide eyes met mine, filled with panic, but I had no time to reassure her. Not yet.“Stay down,” I ordered my voice firm, leaving no room for argument.I spotted another SUV in the middle of the r
“He said that? Enzo Santoro said that to you?” Jake asked before bursting out laughing. I nodded my head before reaching for my cup of coffee. I still had no idea where those paintings were and it was killing me. Enzo had not said anything either to me about what he found on the docks. He said he was in love with me but who knows if it was just a lie? “ What's wrong?” Jake asked noticing how quiet I had gotten. I sighed, staring into my coffee as if it held the answers I needed. “I just don’t know what to believe anymore,” I admitted. “He hasn’t said a word about what he found at the docks, and I still have no idea where those paintings are.”Jake’s amusement faded. “You think he’s lying?”I shrugged my shoulders leaning back. I had no idea what to believe anymore. My phone buzzed, and I reached for it, thinking it was Enzo. My eyes widened as I saw Don Alonzo's name at the bottom of the text. “ It's Don Alonzo. He says he wants to see me.” I said showing the message to Jake. “ D
LAUREN“Just a cat,” Enzo said sounding frustrated as he closed the door. Seeing him act so infuriated, I chuckled lightly covering my mouth the moment he turned to look at me. Reaching for one of the plates, I pretended to be serving some food. “Let's eat,” I said avoiding his gaze as he walked back to the table. ““If that cat wasn’t so cute, I would’ve shot it,” Enzo muttered, loosening his tie as he sat down.I rolled my eyes, placing a plate in front of him. “You really have a one-track mind, don’t you? Always ready to kill something.”He smirked, picking up his fork. “It’s a habit.”I sat across from him, twirling my pasta as the silence stretched between us. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it wasn’t exactly easy either. The weight of what had just happened. His kiss, the way I hadn’t pulled away, everything still lingered in the air. I wasn’t sure what it meant. Or if it meant anything at all.“You’re staring,” Enzo murmured, not looking up from his plate.I blinked, quickly ave
I arrived at the venue Dante had chosen. I wasn't afraid to walk into the lion's den alone or even the valley of death. Entering inside the private lounge, I glanced around spotting other people around. Nothing seemed out of place but I couldn't be sure. Dante was a slithering snake and his family were a bunch of psychopaths. Good thing, I was the king of psychopaths. I spotted Dante sitting at the corner. The place was dark just how he liked it. Dante liked to mess with people's minds. Just as I was about to go and meet him, I got stopped by one of his bodyguards. “ Is this how you treat the King of the Italian Mafia, Dante? Where is your respect?” I asked staring at him. Dante opened his eyes staring at him. Getting up, he walked up to me without a word and brought out a gun. I didn't flinch or show any sign of reaction at all. Suddenly, he aimed it at the bodyguard stopping me and shot. My eyes darted down watching as th bodyguard fell to the ground. “ Sorry for thinconvenienc
ENZO“I….I..” Lauren started as she stared at her hand. She was in utmost shock that she had dared to slap me. She was afraid. Walking towards her, I clenched my hand backing her until she fell on the couch. “ Did you just dare to slap me? Have I pampered you too much?” I asked. Lauren swallowed pressing her hand deep into the couch. Her silence irritated me. Leaning down over her, I used one hand to grip the couch while I fisted a bunch of her hair making her yell in pain. Her eyes held my gaze. I wanted to break that fiery gaze in her eyes. Seems like the soft approach was definitely not going to work anymore. “ Answer me!” Her breath hitched as I yanked her hair tighter, forcing her head back until her neck arched. A sharp gasp left her lips, her fingers digging into the couch.“ Next time you do this again, you won't like the outcome. Do you understand?” I asked staring into her eyes as if I was searching for something. Watching her nod, I let go of her hair turning my back
“What? You want me to go and talk to the Riccardi family? Are you f**king with me?” Rafael asked as he stared at both of us. I gripped Sam’s hand tightly. “You're a lawyer. Surely there is something you can do.” Rafael glanced at Sam. They had never met before but I knew he would help her. “ I think we should inform Enzo first. The Ricciardi's are not just people that you can go and meet. They are ruthless. If anything happens to you, I won't be able to explain to Enzo.” Rafael said. Sam sobbed catching my attention. Folding my arms, I sighed, frustration building in my chest. “Rafael, please. Sam’s family doesn’t have time. If Enzo finds out, he'll handle this his way, and we both know what that means.”Rafael’s jaw tightened. He knew exactly what I meant. Enzo didn’t negotiate, he used force. The Ricciardi's and the Santoro's have been at war with each other. A confrontation right now would be problematic. Sam wiped her tears, looking between us. “Please you have to help me. I'
Grabbing my coat, I slipped out of the house without telling Enzo. If he knew I was going out alone, he’d probably stop me, and I didn’t have the energy to argue. Walking out into the living room, I glanced around checking for Enzo. He was nowhere in sight. Heading to the glass table, I reached out grabbing one of the car keys and sliding it into my pocket. I arrived at the shop and switched off the engine. The shop was just in sight so I could walk down and quickly grab Sam's gift. Getting out of the car, I quickened my pace about you open the shop when a strong arm wrapped around my waist, pressing me against a solid chest. The scent of cologne was familiar, disgusting. “Lauren,” a voice rasped against my ear.My blood turned to ice as I heard the voice. Sylas.“Miss me, darling?” Sylas asked, his grip tightening around my hand. Panic surged through me immediately. I fought trying to free myself from his grip but he was stronger. A cold blade pressed against my ribs making me fr
LAUREN “Just kidding.” Enzo said playfully grabbing my hand. “Let's go back home.” A few days later, we stayed indoors while Enzo worked. He didn't leave the house for even a second and I could hear him whispering on the phone all day. Sometimes, he was frustrated while sometimes, he was just quiet. Sitting down in the living room, I could tell something was up. I just didn't know how to approach him. The first painting's encryption had been creaked. Soon, all the others would be creaked as well. By then, what happens? “ What are you thinking about?” Enzo appeared dressed in casual joggers and an old t-shirt. He was suspecting me, I knew. “ Just sorting all these taxes. Sam was supposed to do them but she is currently busy with her father’s birthday party and I don't understand a single thing. I just did the art.” I smiled. Enzo studied me for a moment, his sharp gaze unreadable. Then, he walked over and sat beside me on the couch, resting his forearms on his knees. “Let me see,
The night air was crisp against my skin as I stepped out of the wheelchair, phone pressed to my ear. Lauren stood a few feet away, watching me with a mix of curiosity and concern. I should be wary of her but right now, all I could focus on was Leonardo’s voice.“The encryption was cracked?” I repeated, keeping my tone even, though my pulse quickened.“Yes,” Leonardo confirmed. “It wasn’t easy, but we found something.”I gripped the phone tighter. “Explain.”“There was a set of numbers hidden in the painting,” Leonardo said. “At first, we thought they were nothing, but they match old nautical coordinates.”“Coordinates to where?” I asked.“A location tied to a smuggling route from decades ago. It was used by the Italian family in the 1900’s. Probably back when your grandfather was still active. The route was super safe until when the government discovered it.” A smuggling route. My jaw tightened. What could it mean? “ Have you sent people to take a look at it?” I asked running my han
ENZO “ Lauren,” Jake called out making Lauren turn to him. Annoying b**tard. I tried to keep my gaze neutral as the chatter around us went on but it was impossible to miss the way Jake was practically begging for Lauren's attention. I stared at Sylas instead. His wounds seemed to have healed. I would have loved to do more than scare him like I did last time but he had gone underground like a coward. “ Lauren, what's going on? Don't tell me that both men are here because of you. Isn't this your CEO boyfriend?” Taylor asked. Sylas's face betrayed his thoughts. He was jealous. I could see the way he was clenching his hand slightly. He still had no idea that I was Enzo Santoro. “ I have no idea what you're talking but so what if they are? You should be more concerned about yourself.” Lauren shot back. I glanced slightly at her. She had been about to leave when she bumped into me. Was it because of Taylor? I knew that she would have a difficult time but she had still assured m