CHAPTER 112The flames started in the west wing.No one noticed at first. There was too much noise in the ballroom—guards restraining Luca, Isabelle sobbing, Vincent pacing with his hands clenched so tightly his knuckles were bloodless. The guests were herded out by confused ushers, their whispered speculations louder than their footsteps. But above them all, a scent had begun to creep in.Smoke.By the time Vincent realized it, it was already too late."What—what's that smell?"A scream came from the corridor.Then another.Someone burst into the ballroom, shouting, "Fire! The west wing is on fire!"Panic ignited faster than the flames.Chairs screeched back, people stampeded toward the exits, and guards scrambled to maintain control. The chandelier shook from the vibrations of chaos, the floor slick from spilled wine and shattered glasses."Get everyone out," Vincent roared. "NOW!"But his voice drowned beneath the cacophony. He turned to look at Luca, only to find his son had vanis
CHAPTER 113The news of Luca's arrest swept through the compound like wildfire, but nowhere did it hit harder than the heart of Isabelle. She stood in her lavish bedroom, dressed in a silk robe that had once made her feel powerful—now it felt like a flimsy veil barely holding back the storm inside her."What do you mean he's been arrested?!" she shrieked at one of the guards who stood stiff at the door, refusing to meet her blazing eyes."Ma'am... it was Alessandro. He ordered the arrest after the incident with the fire and—" "What about my father?" "He...we can't find him yet because we don't know...""What do you mean by you can't find him? Is this how you were trained? You betrayals! When things were going wild, why didn't you do anything, huh?! You guys are nothing but disappointments! Get the fuck out!" Isabelle threw the nearest glass vase against the wall, shattering it with a loud crash that echoed down the hall.She stormed back to her mirror, her chest heaving. Her
CHAPTER 114A full month had gone by.The storm had finally passed. The chaos, the close calls, the sleepless nights filled with fear and uncertainty… all of it now felt like a distant nightmare. The house was peaceful again. The sun poured into the kitchen like warm honey, slipping through the wide windows and stretching across the marble counters.But peace didn’t mean Alessandro’s mind was quiet.He stood before the stove, brows furrowed, eyes glued to the frying pan like it had personally offended him. A spatula in one hand, an open cookbook in the other, and a look of complete helplessness smeared across his gorgeous face.Amelia descended the stairs, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, her silk robe brushing lightly against her bare legs.“Good morning,” she said with a yawn. "Good morning, Princess." He replied. She froze halfway through the last step when she saw him. "What… are you doing?” she asked him. Alessandro straightened like a guilty schoolboy, dropping the spat
CHAPTER 115“What?” Tracy's voice shot up like a spark in a quiet room. “HE IS A MAFIA???”Her eyes widened with a blend of disbelief and horror as she stared at her sister, barely able to process what she had just heard. Amelia sat calmly on the edge of the bed, her expression soft but tired—like someone who had finally let go of a burden she’d carried for too long.Tracy jumped to her feet, pacing a short distance before turning sharply. “You can’t be serious right now. Are you telling me that the man you’re with—Alessandro—is part of the mafia? Like the actual mafia?”Amelia sighed, nodding slowly. “Yes. He is. But it’s not like that of the wicked Mafia. He’s different now, Tracy. You have to understand.”Tracy just blinked at her, her lips parted, but no words came out. When she finally found her voice, it came out in a bitter, breathless whisper. “Amelia... why didn’t you tell me this earlier? What if something had happened to you? What if you had died? How was I supposed to know
CHAPTER 116Laughter echoed through the vast dining room, soft music playing in the background as the aroma of rich Italian food mixed with the warmth of candlelight and clinking glasses. It was a rare moment—one filled with peace, love, and celebration.Mia had arrived that evening, dressed in a simple but elegant green dress that complimented her eyes. She hugged Amelia tightly, her heart full as she whispered, “You’re glowing.”Amelia smiled. “Thank you for coming.” "I somehow thought that I wasn't going to get invited though. I almost wrote your offense down." The two of them laughed and hugged each other again. "Alright ladies, listen up. Delivery is here." Tracy whistled as she walked in with Alessandro and Mike with drinks already in hand. The table was full of food, drinks, and an endless flow of laughter that only close bonds could create.“I still can’t believe this place,” Tracy said, spinning around with her glass of red wine. “I mean, wow. Is this a castle or wha
AMELIA’S 8: 00PM“Get out, we don’t ever want to see you in this company again,” My boss said icily, as the security escorted me out of the company. My mind couldn’t process what was happening, as I stared at my stuffs that were littered on the floor in disbelief. “Your services are no longer needed Amelia,” He said in a still, yet cold voice. “Why? What did I do wrong?” I managed to ask as soon as I got my voice, tears threatening to fall from my eyes. He just ignored me, and walked back into the company. I stared at his retreating figure and felt tears drop from my eyes. I crouched down to pick my things, packing them all into my handbag—before taking a final glance at the company. “What could have gone wrong in just five minutes?” I wondered deeply as my eyes stung badly. To be honest, I didn’t know why I was sacked from my job. I had just excused myself to get an Americano in a cafeteria down the street, just for me to come back to this. I walked back home, as my vision
AMELIA’S POVA week later:It’s been exactly a week since I lost my job… and the unfortunate encounter I had on my way back, and it was safe to say that I was still more than a little paranoid.I couldn’t go around without watching my shoulders as everywhere I went, I felt like I was being watched. I had tried to hide in the shadows, to hide and to wallow in self pity until today. I combed out my hair, humming a song under my breath as I prepped myself for a job interview. After I lost my previous one…I took another look at myself at the mirror, and a small smile crept on my lips. I was pretty. I was cladded in a sleek black corporate gown, which was tailored fitly. The dress was above my knees and It had a little embroidery on the Neckline. The sleeves were also long and fitted.I sighed slightly, as I packed my hair in a bun. I took out time to admire myself in the mirror, and I must say— I was captivated by my own beauty….After gazing at myself in the mirror, I knew it was time
Amelia’s POV. I widened my eyes, staring at him in shock as I found it difficult to believe it. “Follow me,” He said to no one in particular as he turned around and waltzed out of the office. I glanced at them in confusion until the young man that had just entered silently urged me to go and that was when the realization dawned upon me. I followed him till he entered a room I guessed to be his office, and to my surprise —it was larger than any office I had come across. He turned and locked eyes with me, sending chills to my body. “Look who we have here,” He said softly, yet huskily. “Good morning,” I greeted, and bowed slightly but he came towards me and made me stand upright. “You came for the job,” He asked, as he turned his back on me. “Yes sir,” “You’re hired,” He said and turned with the most charming smile I had ever seen as he stretched forth his hand for a handshake. Wait, what?!I couldn’t believe my ears as I stared at him like he had suddenly developed two heads.
CHAPTER 116Laughter echoed through the vast dining room, soft music playing in the background as the aroma of rich Italian food mixed with the warmth of candlelight and clinking glasses. It was a rare moment—one filled with peace, love, and celebration.Mia had arrived that evening, dressed in a simple but elegant green dress that complimented her eyes. She hugged Amelia tightly, her heart full as she whispered, “You’re glowing.”Amelia smiled. “Thank you for coming.” "I somehow thought that I wasn't going to get invited though. I almost wrote your offense down." The two of them laughed and hugged each other again. "Alright ladies, listen up. Delivery is here." Tracy whistled as she walked in with Alessandro and Mike with drinks already in hand. The table was full of food, drinks, and an endless flow of laughter that only close bonds could create.“I still can’t believe this place,” Tracy said, spinning around with her glass of red wine. “I mean, wow. Is this a castle or wha
CHAPTER 115“What?” Tracy's voice shot up like a spark in a quiet room. “HE IS A MAFIA???”Her eyes widened with a blend of disbelief and horror as she stared at her sister, barely able to process what she had just heard. Amelia sat calmly on the edge of the bed, her expression soft but tired—like someone who had finally let go of a burden she’d carried for too long.Tracy jumped to her feet, pacing a short distance before turning sharply. “You can’t be serious right now. Are you telling me that the man you’re with—Alessandro—is part of the mafia? Like the actual mafia?”Amelia sighed, nodding slowly. “Yes. He is. But it’s not like that of the wicked Mafia. He’s different now, Tracy. You have to understand.”Tracy just blinked at her, her lips parted, but no words came out. When she finally found her voice, it came out in a bitter, breathless whisper. “Amelia... why didn’t you tell me this earlier? What if something had happened to you? What if you had died? How was I supposed to know
CHAPTER 114A full month had gone by.The storm had finally passed. The chaos, the close calls, the sleepless nights filled with fear and uncertainty… all of it now felt like a distant nightmare. The house was peaceful again. The sun poured into the kitchen like warm honey, slipping through the wide windows and stretching across the marble counters.But peace didn’t mean Alessandro’s mind was quiet.He stood before the stove, brows furrowed, eyes glued to the frying pan like it had personally offended him. A spatula in one hand, an open cookbook in the other, and a look of complete helplessness smeared across his gorgeous face.Amelia descended the stairs, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, her silk robe brushing lightly against her bare legs.“Good morning,” she said with a yawn. "Good morning, Princess." He replied. She froze halfway through the last step when she saw him. "What… are you doing?” she asked him. Alessandro straightened like a guilty schoolboy, dropping the spat
CHAPTER 113The news of Luca's arrest swept through the compound like wildfire, but nowhere did it hit harder than the heart of Isabelle. She stood in her lavish bedroom, dressed in a silk robe that had once made her feel powerful—now it felt like a flimsy veil barely holding back the storm inside her."What do you mean he's been arrested?!" she shrieked at one of the guards who stood stiff at the door, refusing to meet her blazing eyes."Ma'am... it was Alessandro. He ordered the arrest after the incident with the fire and—" "What about my father?" "He...we can't find him yet because we don't know...""What do you mean by you can't find him? Is this how you were trained? You betrayals! When things were going wild, why didn't you do anything, huh?! You guys are nothing but disappointments! Get the fuck out!" Isabelle threw the nearest glass vase against the wall, shattering it with a loud crash that echoed down the hall.She stormed back to her mirror, her chest heaving. Her
CHAPTER 112The flames started in the west wing.No one noticed at first. There was too much noise in the ballroom—guards restraining Luca, Isabelle sobbing, Vincent pacing with his hands clenched so tightly his knuckles were bloodless. The guests were herded out by confused ushers, their whispered speculations louder than their footsteps. But above them all, a scent had begun to creep in.Smoke.By the time Vincent realized it, it was already too late."What—what's that smell?"A scream came from the corridor.Then another.Someone burst into the ballroom, shouting, "Fire! The west wing is on fire!"Panic ignited faster than the flames.Chairs screeched back, people stampeded toward the exits, and guards scrambled to maintain control. The chandelier shook from the vibrations of chaos, the floor slick from spilled wine and shattered glasses."Get everyone out," Vincent roared. "NOW!"But his voice drowned beneath the cacophony. He turned to look at Luca, only to find his son had vanis
CHAPTER 111The room was a cathedral of tension.The priest took his place between the two couples, slightly confused but too afraid to ask questions. In his decades of officiating weddings, this was his first time facing two grooms, two brides, and one room full of unspoken rage.He was, after all, in the middle of dignitaries who weren't just ordinary dignitaries but Mafias — people who weren't by what the law says,s, so he had to be very careful. Alessandro stood beside Isabelle.Luca stood beside Amelia.Their stances mirrored one another—two powerful men claiming love in the same moment, but only one held truth in his chest.The guests sat in hushed awe, some whispering, some pretending to sip from their champagne glasses while watching everything unfold with bated breath.Vincent stood at the far end of the room, arms folded, jaw tight. He had kept control for so long, but even he could feel the edges slipping. Why had Alessandro agreed so easily? Why had Amelia gone so quiet?
CHAPTER 110The estate had never seen a morning like this.Cars glided in one after the other—sleek, tinted, silent. High-ranking families, underworld tycoons, influential business moguls… all arriving in curated elegance, stepping out in tailored suits and shimmering gowns. It wasn’t just a wedding anymore—it was a political stage dressed in white silk and threat-laced promises.Guards lined the hallways. Their radios whispered and clicked with coded words. No one said it aloud, but everyone felt it: this wasn’t going to be a normal wedding. It wasn’t about love. It never was.It was about control.And somewhere inside the very heart of the estate, Amelia sat in a velvet chair with her hands folded tightly in her lap, the corset of her dress digging into her ribs like a warning. Her hair had been swept into soft waves, her makeup flawless—but her eyes… her eyes were hollow. Watching. Waiting.Two guards stood by her door.She watched the clock tick, minute by minute. In a few minutes
CHAPTER 109The morning sun streamed in through the heavily draped windows of Vincent’s estate, casting a dull, golden glow on the silent halls. But inside the grand ballroom, chaos was beginning to take shape—underneath the surface.It was such a wonderful day, after all, the moment that Vincent had been waiting for. Staff bustled in and out. Florists arranged bouquets of rare roses imported overnight. The chandeliers were polished to a blinding sparkle. Musicians tested strings and keys. Everything was being staged for what Vincent had boasted would be the “most powerful alliance in the city’s history”—the double wedding of his daughter and his heir. This was exactly what he had dreamed about. "We would not need to have stressed this much if only he had consented to it earlier." Vincent had said to himself while watching the activities happen below him. "Hopefully, he won't pull a string that would ruin everything, or else I will ruin his life." He added with a cold fac
CHAPTER 108Amelia paced back and forth in the dimly lit corridor, her fingers trembling as she clutched the cordless landline phone she had found tucked behind a dusty flower vase in one of the storage rooms.One of the maids had been so nice to let her know the house had a dusty landline phone not quite far away. Amelia suspected that her conversations might be tracked but she didn't mind. It was better than not trying at all. The house was unusually quiet, the silence feeding her anxiety as she dialed Mia’s number. It rang once. Twice.“Hello?” came Mia’s voice, sharp and worried.“It’s me,” Amelia whispered quickly, constantly glancing over her shoulder. “It’s Amelia.”“Amelia! What’s happening? I tried coming back but for some weird reason, I wasn't allowed in. I gave all the explanation that I could but they were not having it and rather insisted that I should go back.” Mia’s voice rose, panic dripping with every word. "Yeah, after you left that evening, Luca ordered that yo