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Cruel 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 : 2024-06-13Cruel Attraction 75
GiovanniThe underground headquarters felt like a pressure cooker ready to explode. I slammed my fist on the table, scattering the maps and documents. “We need to move now!” I roared, glaring at the men around me. “My father has had control over us for too long.”Ace, standing nearby, nodded. “We’ve located his main operations. We hit them all at once.”I cut him off. “No mistakes. If anyone screws this up, they’ll answer to me.”The room fell silent. They knew better than to cross me when I was this mad. My father’s grip on us wasn’t just a threat—it was a stranglehold, and I was ready to break it.“Ace,” I growled, “I want the traitors found. Now. I want names.”“We’re working on it,” Ace replied, trying to stay calm.“Work faster,” I snapped. “I’m done playing games.”As the men scattered to prepare, I stayed behind, my mind racing. The image of Gabriella, locked in our mansion, wouldn’t leave my thoughts. She was beyond furious with me, and I knew she would be pacing the room, rea
Last Updated : 2024-06-22Cruel Attraction 76
Giovanni’s POVThe next few days were a blur of meetings and strategic planning. The leaders who had been loyal to my father were called to a council meeting, where I would have to assert my dominance and secure their loyalty. As I walked into the room, I felt the weight of their stares. They were sizing me up, questioning my right to lead after killing my own father.The council room was filled with smoke and tension, a suffocating mix of power and danger. These men were the bosses of the underground, each one more dangerous than the last. I could see the skepticism and thinly veiled hostility in their eyes.“Gentlemen,” I began, my voice smooth and confident. “We’re here to discuss the future of this organization. My father’s reign is over. I’m in charge now.”Murmurs of dissent rippled through the room. One of the older leaders, Vincenzo, stood up, his face etched with skepticism. “You killed your own father, Giovanni. How can we trust you not to turn on us?”Before I could respond
Last Updated : 2024-06-22Cruel Attraction 77
I couldn’t sit still. My study was a cage, the damn clock on the wall ticking off every second like a countdown to hell. Every tick was a reminder of the precariousness of my new position, every tock a whisper of the danger lurking just outside. My mind raced, but one image burned through the chaos—Gabriella, locked up upstairs for her own damn safety. It was a mess, but hell, it was the only way.The meeting earlier that day had scared the shit out of me. Not for myself but for her and also for our son. It’s all a mess. I killed their king, but they won’t accept me that easily as his replacement. How come my father still has influence even after his death? My blood boiled at the thought. I kicked a chair, watching it crash against the wall."Damn it, Gabriella," I muttered, frustration lacing my words. Why’d she have to be so headstrong? Last time, she nearly got herself killed, thinking she could negotiate with those backstabbers who pretended loyalty to my old man.Enough. I had to
Last Updated : 2024-07-04Cruel 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
Last Updated : 2024-07-04
Latest chapter
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
