CHAPTER 58.AMELIA'S POVThe sound of the piano playing softly from downstairs echoed through the quiet house. It was Alessandro’s idea to bring it into the room, even though I had refused to touch it for the past few days. Somehow, he figured out that I liked playing piano. It'd been a while since I played one and because I didn't personally have one, I neglected playing. He had arranged it carefully and placed it next to the large window in my bedroom, where the sunlight would filter in during the day.Yeah, I had my very own bedroom now, but it didn't feel private enough because I still had him intruding on my space. I could feel his presence even when he wasn’t in the room with me, his care almost suffocating me, making me more confused about my life. I was still trying to adjust. Adjust to the fact that I was trapped in his world. Trapped in his house and, perhaps more terrifyingly, in his life,e, I was going nowhere anytime soon. I didn’t want to acknowledge how much I noti
CHAPTER 59AMELIA'S POV.I sat stiffly in the plush chair across from the woman who introduced herself as Maria. She had kind eyes and a soft smile, but I wasn’t fooled. Alessandro had sent me to her, and that alone made me wary.The memory of our earlier conversation was still fresh in my mind.[FLASHBACK]Alessandro had walked into my room that morning with his domineering presence. He was dressed in all black, as usual, his shirt unbuttoned at the top, revealing a hint of the tattoo inked onto his skin. "What is it?" I calmly asked him. "I booked a session for you with a therapist,” he had said, his voice measured.I paused and then let out a cold laugh, shaking my head. “A therapist? I can't believe it. You must really think I’m mad.”His jaw tightened, but he didn’t snap at me. “That’s not what I think.” "Then why? Why would you do that if not because you think I appear foolish to you?” I folded my arms, leaning against the pillows. "Amelia, please don't twist my wor
CHAPTER 60.AMELIA'S POV.The moment I saw my phone sitting on the nightstand, my heart nearly stopped.It hadn’t been there before.For weeks, I had been disconnected from the outside world, my only interactions limited to Alessandro and the people in his house. But now, my phone was here, as if it had never been taken in the first place.Swallowing, I picked it up, my fingers trembling slightly as I unlocked the screen. My breath caught when I saw the missed calls—dozens of them.All from my younger sister.Before I could hesitate, the phone rang again, vibrating aggressively in my hand. I didn't even have to look at the caller ID. I knew it was her.Taking a deep breath, I pressed answer and barely had the chance to say anything before her voice exploded through the speaker. "AMELIA, YOU DAUGHTER OF...!" She paused. I could feel the heat of her anger coming from the other side. "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!”I flinched, pulling the phone away from my ear for a second.
CHAPTER 61AMELIA'S POVI was standing in front of the mirror, holding my bag and checking my outfit for the last time as I prepared to go and see Maria for what seemed to be our last meeting as she needed to attend a friend's wedding. I could say that I was starting to recover and starting to get used to this kind of life that had forcefully barged itself into my life. I had no choice but to face it. Just like Maria had said, even though none of what had happened was my fault, however, my reactions or choice of what to do in response to what has happened alongside the results that come out of choosing to do such is totally my responsibility. I got a new journal like she recommended and got down to writing about my feelings. The more I wrote about them, the more I was beginning to have clarity in my life. Some things are just above our control so when we discover that there's nothing we can do about it to change things around, we simply have to change our mindset to paint things g
CHAPTER 62.ALESSANDRO'S POVThe night is too quiet.I stand by the window of my study, the city stretching out below me, the glow of streetlights flickering against the glass. Normally, I find comfort in the darkness, in the silence that comes with power. But tonight, all I can think about is her.Amelia.She’s here, under my roof, but she feels farther away than ever. I keep my distance, knowing she doesn’t want me near, but every time I close my eyes, I see her face. The look of betrayal in her eyes still lingers like a scar I can’t erase.I run a hand through my hair, exhaling heavily. I’ve never felt like this before—this gnawing need, this damn ache inside my chest. I thought wanting a woman was simple. But she’s anything but simple. She’s fire, and I walked straight into the flames without realizing I’d burn.Watching HerI saw her today.She didn’t know I was watching when she stepped into the office and back to work like nothing had happened. But I knew better. I could see th
CHAPTER 63.Mia’s loud gasp echoed through the phone. "SO YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT YOU’VE BEEN WITH A MAFIA BOSS THIS WHOLE TIME?”Amelia winced and held the phone away from her ear. Mia—” "No, Amelia! Do you understand how crazy this is?” Mia’s voice was laced with shock, concern, and just a hint of betrayal. “I was going out of my mind, worried sick about you, and now I find out you’ve been tangled up with—”Amelia sighed. “I know. I should have told you sooner. I also didn't realize it until the whole situation just happened. "Sooner?” Mia scoffed. “Girl, you should have told me the moment you got caught up in this mess! I mean, I understand that there was no way, but still...What if something happened to you? What if—” She paused, her breath shaky. "I shouldn't have had this conversation with you on the phone. You’re really safe, right? You are not just lying to me, are you?" "Yes. I am safe.” Amelia’s voice softened. “I promise.”Mia exhaled. “I swear, you’re
CHAPTER 64. "I know that I have asked this before, but I..." she exhaled and then continued while clenching the spoon in between her fingers, "How many people have you killed?” Amelia’s voice was barely above a whisper.Alessandro didn’t flinch. He set down his glass, his fingers tracing the rim as he held her gaze to give her an honest answer. “More than I can count.”Her stomach twisted, but she didn’t look away. "I don't do so willingly or for fun,” he admitted. “I was born into it and for me to survive and protect the ones I care about and those that have been working for me, I have to do it. Moreover, in this world, there's no right or wrong. No one is innocent. If you don't attack first, prepare to defend. That's the rule.”Amelia searched his face, looking past the cold exterior. There was something deeper there—exhaustion, maybe even regret. "I understand,” she finally said.For a brief second, something soft flickered in his eyes.Amelia wasn't interested in prea
CHAPTER 65.Amelia stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the collar of her blouse. She barely heard Mia’s voice over the phone, teasing her about the date. Her mind was still stuck on last night—the way Alessandro had kissed her, the way he had held her like she was something fragile yet precious.She swallowed hard as heat crept up her neck. Why was she blushing?Shaking off the thoughts, she grabbed her purse and stepped out of the room, only to be met with the sight of Alessandro already seated at the dining table. A warm, knowing smile tugged at his lips as he leaned back in his chair, watching her every move. "Good morning, amore," he greeted, his deep voice laced with amusement.Amelia rolled her eyes playfully but couldn't stop the flutter in her stomach. "You're up early." "As usual, I couldn't miss the chance to have breakfast with my girlfriend."She paused mid-step and raised her brows at him. "Girlfriend?"Alessandro stood, walking toward her with a slow, deliberat
CHAPTER 72AMELIA'S POV "You can come out now," Mike announced immediately after opening the door for me. I stared at him for a while, but knowing that I was likely to get no explanation from him as to why that was done to me, I let it be and went for someone who could possibly give an explanation for what had happened.The moment I saw Alessandro, frustration bubbled inside me. My feet moved before I could think twice, and I stormed toward him, ignoring the sharp look Mike sent my way. "Why did you have Mike lock me in a room? What happened?" I demanded, arms crossing over my chest as I stood in front of him. "And don't even try to avoid the question. I want the truth, Alessandro."His gaze was steady, unreadable, but I didn't miss the way his jaw clenched slightly. "It was for your safety." "For my safety?" I let out a dry laugh. "I was inside the house, Alessandro, I wasn't even outside! So are you trying to tell me that I am not even safe in your own house?" *That'
CHAPTER 71 ALESSANDRO'S POV The call had come unexpectedly that morning, and to be honest, I had not been prepared for it. My mind was still foggy from sleep when the phone rang. I had always prided myself on being composed, but the sudden news threw me off balance after answering the call in my sleepy state. The old man was coming to visit. I had not expected him, not today, not at this moment. The last time he had come, it had been a matter of business, a casual check-in, and everything had been civil. But this time, there was something different in the air—something I couldn’t quite place. The man didn’t show up unless he had something important on his mind, and it wasn’t often that he paid me a visit without bringing some sort of heavy conversation with him.For me, he just didn't need to visit my space. I groaned softly, pushing myself out of bed and rubbing my eyes. The day had already started off wrong, and I needed to gather myself quickly. I couldn’t let him see me thin
CHAPTER 70AMELIA'S POVI pushed my coffee cup back and forth between my hands, my mind swirling with thoughts as I sat across from Mia in our usual café. The atmosphere was warm and comforting but despite the cozy environment, my heart was uneasy.Mia's sigh broke the silence between us, "You’re really going to avoid him?" Mia asked, her brows raised in surprise.I sighed, stirring my drink absentmindedly. "I don’t know what else to do, Mia. Alessandro told me that Luca… might have feelings for me. I think that might be right. When he said that, I had to think more deeply and realized that my ignorance must have made his actions more of a friendly one even though it seems like it isn't. And if that’s true, I don’t want to lead him on or make things awkward."Mia tapped her nails against the table, clearly deep in thought. "Has Luca actually told you he likes you that way?" "No, but… what if Alessandro is right?"She leaned forward, her expression serious. "Then let him be th
CHAPTER 69AMELIA'S POVDays had passed since Luca got released. I was avoiding him because I thought Alessandro might be right. Luca was texting me almost every day, and he was seeking an opportunity for us to meet. I wasn't ready to change the nature of our friendship. The house was quiet when we returned from the company. It was a bit hectic but I managed to pull through. I tried to push the thoughts away as I changed into something more comfortable—an oversized T-shirt and a pair of soft shorts. Sleep seemed impossible, so I stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air.The night breeze brushed against my skin, cooling my heated thoughts. Below, the city lights stretched endlessly, glowing softly in the darkness.I hugged myself and sighed. "You’re still awake," Alessandro’s deep voice rumbled behind me.I turned to find him standing in the doorway. He had removed his jacket, leaving him in a fitted black dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. The top buttons were undon
CHAPTER 68AMELIA'S POV The call came early in the morning.I was still in bed, barely awake, when my phone buzzed. Fumbling for it, I answered groggily. "Am I onto Miss Amelia?" The deep voice on the other end was unfamiliar. "Uhm, yes. Who is this please?" I asked him. "I am calling from the station and I will like to inform you based on the request of Mr. Luca that he had been released." The words jolted me fully awake. Throwing the covers off, I sat up straight. "He has?" "Yes, ma'am. He’s at the station now. So you might want to come before he leaves."I didn't hesitate. After getting dressed quickly, I grabbed my purse and rushed out. Alessandro was nowhere to be seen, which was a relief. I wasn't ready to deal with him yet.The drive to the police station felt like it took forever. My heart pounded the whole way, my mind racing with thoughts of what Luca had endured over the past few weeks. More so, I was still yet to believe what Alessandro had told me about
CHAPTER 67 The moment they stepped into the house, Amelia could no longer hold back. The question burned inside her, clawing its way to the surface, and she didn't want to waste any more time as she feared that Alessandro might change his mind. "Now that we are at home. Can you please go ahead and tell me why you have Luca locked up?" she demanded, her voice firm but controlled.Alessandro didn't look surprised. If anything, he seemed to have been expecting the question. He pulled off his blazer, tossing it onto the couch, before walking toward the bar and pouring himself a drink. "Didn't Luca tell you why?" he asked casually, lifting the glass to his lips as he watched her carefully. Amelia crossed her arms. "Not really. He only said you were the one who had him locked up and that he was sure of that. So tell me, is it true?"Alessandro took a slow sip before placing the glass down. He exhaled, then turned to look at her, his expression unreadable. "You must trust him so mu
CHAPTER 66.Her heels clicked against the floors, her heart pounding with every determined step she took inside the office. The rage bubbling inside her threatened to consume her, but she held it in—barely.She knew where to find him.And just as she expected, Alessandro was seated in his office, relaxing in his chair with a file in his hand. The moment she entered, his eyes shifted toward her, calm and unreadable.But she wasn’t calm. "What did you do, Alessandro? You had Luca locked up?"Her voice came out sharp, accusing.Alessandro took a slow sip of his drink before setting it down on the table beside him. Then, as if her words carried no weight at all, he leaned back in his chair, watching her. "Hmm." He answered. Something about his tone—casual, unapologetic—made her blood boil. "You—" She clenched her fists, stepping closer. "You had him arrested. You kept him locked away for weeks, and you didn’t think to tell me?"Alessandro exhaled, standing up. He was tall, b
CHAPTER 65.Amelia stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the collar of her blouse. She barely heard Mia’s voice over the phone, teasing her about the date. Her mind was still stuck on last night—the way Alessandro had kissed her, the way he had held her like she was something fragile yet precious.She swallowed hard as heat crept up her neck. Why was she blushing?Shaking off the thoughts, she grabbed her purse and stepped out of the room, only to be met with the sight of Alessandro already seated at the dining table. A warm, knowing smile tugged at his lips as he leaned back in his chair, watching her every move. "Good morning, amore," he greeted, his deep voice laced with amusement.Amelia rolled her eyes playfully but couldn't stop the flutter in her stomach. "You're up early." "As usual, I couldn't miss the chance to have breakfast with my girlfriend."She paused mid-step and raised her brows at him. "Girlfriend?"Alessandro stood, walking toward her with a slow, deliberat
CHAPTER 64. "I know that I have asked this before, but I..." she exhaled and then continued while clenching the spoon in between her fingers, "How many people have you killed?” Amelia’s voice was barely above a whisper.Alessandro didn’t flinch. He set down his glass, his fingers tracing the rim as he held her gaze to give her an honest answer. “More than I can count.”Her stomach twisted, but she didn’t look away. "I don't do so willingly or for fun,” he admitted. “I was born into it and for me to survive and protect the ones I care about and those that have been working for me, I have to do it. Moreover, in this world, there's no right or wrong. No one is innocent. If you don't attack first, prepare to defend. That's the rule.”Amelia searched his face, looking past the cold exterior. There was something deeper there—exhaustion, maybe even regret. "I understand,” she finally said.For a brief second, something soft flickered in his eyes.Amelia wasn't interested in prea