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2024-06-07 18:57:02Giovanni woke with a start, the morning sun slicing through the gaps in the heavy curtains. His arm instinctively reached out to the other side of the bed, expecting to find Gabriella's warm body next to him. Instead, his hand touched cold, empty sheets. A surge of panic gripped him, sharp and suffocating.
"Gabriella?" he called out, his voice rough and edged with desperation.
Silence. His heart pounded, each beat like a hammer in his chest. She couldn't have left him again. Not after last night. Memories of her sudden departure seven years ago crashed into him, intensifying his fear. He couldn't go through that again. Not now. Not ever.
"Gabriella!" he shouted, louder this time, his voice trembling with a mix of rage and dread.
The room remained silent. A growl of frust
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Cruel Attraction 67
Gabriella stirred, feeling a gentle but insistent tug on her hand. She opened her eyes to see Giovanni's face inches from hers, his eyes alight with excitement."Wake up, bella," he said, his voice a mix of eagerness and tenderness. "We have a big day ahead of us."She groaned softly, still half-asleep. "Giovanni, it's so early. What are you up to?"He grinned mischievously. "It's a surprise. Come on, get up."Before she could protest, he pulled her out of bed and handed her a blindfold. "What's this for?" she asked, raising an eyebrow."No questions," he replied, tying the blindfold around her eyes. "Just trust me."Despite her curiosity, she felt a thrill of excitement as he led
Last Updated : 2024-06-08Cruel Attraction 68
GabriellaIn my dream, Giovanni's voice was a whisper in the dark, a soft caress that sent shivers down my spine. He held me close, his breath warm against my ear."I love you, Gabriella," he murmured, his words filled with an intensity that made my heart ache. "I always have, and I always will."I wanted to believe him, to lose myself in the comfort of his arms. But the reality was always there, lurking just beneath the surface. The betrayal, the lies—they couldn't be erased by words alone.I stirred, the dream slipping away as consciousness pulled me back. The warmth of Giovanni's embrace faded, replaced by the cool, empty space of my own bed. I opened my eyes, the harsh morning light filtering through the curtains. I was alone.I sat up, running a hand through my hair as I tried to shake off the lingering remnants of the dream. It was a new day, and I had made my choice. There was no going back now. I had to focus on my duties, on reclaiming my place as the leader of my clan.After
Last Updated : 2024-06-13Cruel Attraction 69
GabriellaThe abandoned warehouse had an eerie stillness, the kind that sent shivers down my spine. Giovanni and I had been holed up here for hours, preparing for the mission that could change everything. It felt surreal, standing side by side with him, our fates intertwined once more.I glanced at Giovanni as he meticulously checked his gear. His movements were precise, confident—everything I had once admired about him. He caught me looking and smirked."Enjoying the view?" he teased, his voice low and playful.I rolled my eyes, fighting a smile. "Just making sure you haven't lost your touch.""Trust me," he said, stepping closer, "I haven't."I turned my attention back to my own gear, strapping a knife to my thigh and tucking a small pistol into the holster at my side. The black, form-fitting outfit we wore made us look like shadows, ready to slip into the night unnoticed. Giovanni handed me a mask, identical to the one he wore."Ready to become invisible?" he asked, his eyes gleami
Last Updated : 2024-06-13Cruel Attraction 70
GiovanniThe rhythmic thud of fists hitting leather echoed through the gym, a familiar and comforting sound. Ace and I were in the ring, sparring. It was our way of blowing off steam and keeping sharp. Ace moved with the speed of a cheetah and the power of a freight train."You're getting slow, boss," Ace teased, dodging a punch and landing a jab to my ribs.I grunted, retaliating with a swift combination that made him backpedal. "You're just getting cocky, Ace."He laughed, circling me. "Can't a guy have a little fun?"Ace had been with me through thick and thin, and he knew more about my life than most. He was the only one I could talk to about Gabriella, the divorce, and our current predicament. As I dodged another punch, my mind wandered back to the night before. Gabriella had been hiding something, I was sure of it. There was a tension in her eyes, a hesitation in her voice that I couldn't shake. My mind was racing, and it pissed me off not knowing what she was keeping from me. B
Last Updated : 2024-06-13Cruel Attraction 71
We headed to the locker room, the silence between us comfortable. Ace knew when to push and when to back off, and for that, I was grateful. We showered quickly, the hot water soothing my aching muscles.After getting dressed, we made our way to the living room. The house was quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos that usually surrounded me. My eyes landed on the wedding photo that still hung on the wall, a painful reminder of what once was."Still got that up, huh?" Ace said, nodding toward the picture."Yeah," I replied, my voice rough. "Can't seem to take it down."Ace's eyes narrowed as he looked at me. "So, after longing for her for the past seven years, you're just gonna let her off the hook? Just like that?"I clenched my fists, the anger boiling just beneath the surface. "It was her idea, Ace. The divorce. If it were up to me, I’d never let her go. But I love her enough to let her do what she thinks she needs to do."Ace scoffed, shaking his head. "Love her enough to let her run
Last Updated : 2024-06-13Cruel Attraction 72
GabriellaMy heart pounded as I recalled the figure in the shadows from the night before. The golden lighter, the unmistakable sense of familiarity—it haunted me. Giovanni had squeezed my hand, asking if something was wrong, but I couldn’t tell him. I wasn’t even sure myself. Could it really be him? Alive? The possibility gnawed at me, a mix of fear and hope twisting in my gut. I needed answers, and I needed them now.That's why I was standing in front of Giovanni's father, the man who despised me but held the keys to the secrets I sought. The dimly lit den smelled of cigar smoke and old leather, an atmosphere thick with power and danger. I couldn’t afford to show any weakness."Well, well, well, look who's here? To what pleasure do I owe you being here, mi hija?" His voice dripped with condescension, a predator eyeing its prey.I straightened my spine, meeting his gaze head-on. "I'm here for answers."He leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Answers, huh? And what makes you thin
Last Updated : 2024-06-13Cruel Attraction 73
GabriellaIt had been five days since I last spoke to Giovanni. Five days of dodging his calls, canceling our plans, and moving on my own. The guilt of doubting him gnawed at me, but the fear that he might have betrayed me was stronger. He tried to talk to me, but I kept turning him down. This was better. I had too many things on my mind.I sat at the kitchen table, trying to focus on the mundane task of eating breakfast. Allistori was there, too. He had come early to check on things and to talk. Despite my lingering suspicions about his behavior, I let him in for old times' sake. But he was acting strange, his demeanor making me uneasy. He looked at me like he was up to something, and it sent a chill down my spine."So, Allistori," I said, trying to break the tension. "What brings you here so early?"He gave me a tight smile, his eyes never leaving mine. "Just wanted to see how you were doing. It's been a while since we've had a proper chat."I nodded, taking a sip of my coffee. "Yea
Last Updated : 2024-06-13Cruel Attraction 74
GiovanniThe tension in the room was palpable as we sat around the dining table. Everyone who had witnessed the argument outside was now awkwardly trying to focus on their lunch. Ace, Kenzo, Alana, and the others were all there, shifting uncomfortably in their seats. Gabriella and I sat at opposite ends of the table, not speaking, the earlier intensity still lingering between us.The clinking of silverware and the occasional cough were the only sounds breaking the uneasy silence. I could feel everyone's eyes darting between us, wondering if another explosion was imminent. I picked at my food, my appetite long gone.Gabriella's voice cut through the room, sharp and clear. "I went to see your father."The room fell silent again, everyone turning to look at her. My grip tightened on my fork. "What?"She met my gaze, her eyes unwavering. "I went to see Giovanni Sr. alone. I had questions that needed answers."Anger flared up inside me again. "You did what? Without telling me?""I needed t
Last Updated : 2024-06-13
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Cruel Attraction 86
I feel calm, more collected than I have in weeks. Killing Mia was the right choice, and I didn’t lose a second of sleep over it. That bitch thought she could crawl into my life, mess with my husband, and get away with it? Not in my world.I hear Giovanni’s heavy footsteps behind me before I see him, the sound echoing through the room like a storm about to break. I don’t turn around. He’ll be pissed, but that’s his problem.“You think you’re untouchable, don’t you?” His voice is sharp, dripping with anger. I can feel the heat radiating from him, even though he’s not close enough to touch me yet.I glance at him in the mirror, my eyes cold, unbothered. “She was a problem, and I handled it.”“You killed her, Gabriella. Just like that. No discussion. No fucking respect.” His voice rises, and I watch his fists clench by his sides. “I told you I’d deal with it.”I roll my eyes, turning around to face him fully, leaning casually against the vanity. He looks furious, but it only fuels that sm
Cruel Attraction 85
I storm down the hallway, heels clicking against the marble floor like the sharp edge of a blade. Giovanni fucking Dela Vin. My hands are still shaking, my breath tight in my chest. He thinks I’m stupid. Thinks he can play me for a fool.Every damn time, it’s the same. Some cheap little slut thinks she can come into our life, take what’s mine, and Giovanni just lets it happen. He swears it’s nothing, but I’m not blind. I’m not some pathetic, lovesick wife who’ll turn a blind eye.I’m a Dela Vin. I built this life with him. Fought for every piece of it. And now? He’s risking everything for what? For her? For that?My fingers curl into fists. If he thinks I’ll stand by and watch him throw everything away, he’s dead wrong. I’ll burn it all down before I let anyone—**anyone—**take what's mine.“Mom?”I freeze. Rover. His voice is small, uncertain, and when I turn, he’s standing in the doorway, wide eyes staring up at me. My heart lurches, but I keep my expression cold, controlled.“Why we
Cruel Attraction 84
“Talk,” she demanded, her voice sharp enough to cut through the silence. “But don’t you dare insult me with a lie, Giovanni. Not tonight.”I swallowed hard, trying to find the words, but everything sounded like a pathetic excuse. “It’s not what it looks like, Gabriella,” I began, but she didn’t let me finish.Her laugh was hollow, bitter. “Not what it looks like? Really? You think I’m stupid?” Her voice rose, simmering with fury. “I walk in here, and that thing is sitting on your lap, dressed like she’s auditioning for some sleazy strip club, and you want to tell me it’s nothing?”I flinched at her words. “Gabriella, I swear, it wasn’t like that.”She shook her head, pacing in front of me like a caged animal, fists clenched at her sides. “I should’ve known. I should’ve seen this coming. You’ve been distant for weeks, Giovanni. I thought it was the business. I thought maybe the pressure was getting to you.” She paused, her gaze darkening. “But no. It’s always about something—or someone—
Cruel Attraction 83
I was sitting in my office late at night, the only light coming from the tablet showing Gabriella pacing back and forth in our living room. She looked upset, taking deep breaths, clearly bothered by something serious. It was hard to watch. Knowing I was part of her stress made it worse. Annoyed and frustrated with myself, I slammed the tablet down."Enough of this," I muttered to myself, pushing the tablet aside to tackle the stack of paperwork on my desk. But before I could get started, Mia barged into my office. She was wearing one of those flashy, cheap dresses that screamed for attention."Not now, Mia," I snapped, hoping she'd turn around and leave. But Mia wasn't the type to take a hint.Ignoring me, she walked up to my desk with that too-confident smile. "We need to talk, Gio," she insisted, her voice too casual."Mia, seriously, I'm not in the mood for games," I said, trying to keep my voice calm but firm.She just laughed and, before I knew it, she sat herself right down on m
Cruel Attraction 82
"Mommy, why are you sad?" Rover asked, gazing up at me through his long lashes as we walked near the playground of his boarding school. The war between Giovanni’s past and our present might have quieted down, but the battle inside me hadn’t ceased. Despite everything, the idea of pulling Rover out of this school never crossed my mind. It was his sanctuary as much as it was my place to find fleeting peace.I forced a smile, crouching down to meet his eye level. "I'm just thinking about some grown-up stuff, buddy. Don't worry about it." The innocence in his eyes made me wish I could shield him from the complexities of adult burdens forever.He seemed to consider my words, his small hand reaching out to touch my cheek, a gesture filled with more empathy than one would expect from a seven-year-old. "Is it about Daddy?" he whispered, his voice barely a breeze but heavy with intuition.The question took me aback, but I masked my surprise with a nod. "A little bit, yes. But everything's goin
Cruel Attraction 81
As I yanked the steering wheel, the city lights were a blur. The words kept hammering in my head: “Mia was never just Giovanni’s friend. They were deep in some real dark stuff...”It made my stomach twist. Giovanni and Mia, really? It gnawed at me, a mix of jealousy and betrayal that felt like it was burning a hole right through me.I slammed the car door and stalked towards the house, heading straight for the gym out back. The light from inside spilled out onto the grass. I pushed open the door and there he was, Giovanni, hammering away at a punching bag, his face set hard, lost in thought."Really, Giovanni?" I snapped, unable to hold back. "Mia? After everything?"He stopped, gloves mid-air, his brow furrowed as he turned to face me. "Gabriella, it’s not what you—""Don’t!" I cut him off, feeling my heart pounding against my chest. "I can't even look at you right now!"Giovanni dropped his gloves, the thud echoing around the room. "You think I'm happy about this? About her coming b
Cruel Attraction 80
Gabriella's POV The soft morning light hadn’t yet fully filled the room when I awoke to an unsettling quiet. Giovanni's side of the bed was empty, a fact that tugged at my unease. Slipping out of bed, I padded softly down the hallway towards the kitchen, drawn by faint sounds that shouldn’t have been there at this hour.The aroma of freshly brewed coffee grew stronger as I approached, mixed with the low hum of conversation. Pausing at the doorway, my heart squeezed painfully. There was Giovanni, his back to me, pouring coffee into two cups. Beside him stood Mia, exuding an effortless elegance that seemed out of place in the early morning. Her laughter, light and intimate, floated across the room, and it struck a nerve. That was a laugh I had never heard directed at anyone but me.“Good morning,” I announced my presence, not able to keep the ice out of my voice. They both turned, Giovanni with a flicker of surprise that quickly smoothed into a practiced smile.“Gabriella, you’re up ea
Cruel Attraction 79
Third Person's POV The drive to the venue was quick, the streets of New York blurring past as they discussed their strategy for the evening. "Remember, tonight's about solidifying connections. We need to reassure our current allies and maybe even draw a few new ones into the fold," Giovanni instructed, his tone now all business.Gabriella nodded, her mind already running through the list of guests. "I’ll handle the Hendersons. They've been waffling since the last shake-up. It’s time to secure their loyalty.""And I'll take care of the Martins. They've been too quiet lately. I want to know where they stand," Giovanni added, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the potential threat.The car pulled up to the opulent venue, the grand entrance illuminated by elegant lighting that cast long, dramatic shadows. They stepped out, immediately greeted by the flash of cameras and the murmur of the high society gathered there. Their arrival had not gone unnoticed, and as they walked in, t
Cruel Attraction 78
It had already been days since I last connected with the outside world. Giovanni insisted on keeping me confined within these walls for my own safety, but the isolation gnawed at me relentlessly. Each night, I heard the door click shut as he ventured out into the dark, leaving me to imagine what godforsaken deeds occupied his hours. I knew all too well the streets he roamed were ruthless, yet fear stifled my voice, keeping my questions unasked, my fears unvoiced.But one night, the weight of silence became unbearable. As he prepared to leave yet again, his figure cloaked in the darkness of our bedroom, something within me snapped.“Where do you go every night, Giovanni?” My voice, though quiet, cut through the stillness with a sharpness I hadn’t intended.He paused, his hand on the doorknob. “It’s not your concern, Gabriella. You’re safer not knowing.”“But I need to know!” I insisted, my voice rising. “I can’t keep sitting here, wondering if you’ll come back, or if one night, it’ll b
