CHAPTER 96The waiting room was suffocating. The silence, thick with unspoken words, felt heavier than the sterile air filling the hospital corridors. Amelia shifted in her seat, fingers clenching the hem of her sweater as she counted the seconds, the minutes.She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when one of Vincent’s bodyguards approached him, whispering something urgent into his ear.Vincent’s expression darkened instantly.“What did you just say?” His voice, calm yet deadly, sent a ripple of tension through the room.The bodyguard hesitated before repeating, “Sir, Miss Isabelle is in a dangerous place.”Amelia stiffened. Isabelle?Vincent's hand curled into a fist. For the first time since arriving, there was a crack in his composure. His lips pressed into a hard line, the kind of expression a man wore right before issuing a death sentence.“She is in danger? And you all are still here?! Where exactly?” His voice was sharper now.“She was caught in an altercation, but I got the
CHAPTER 97Amelia’s eyes widened.“Are you out of your mind?” she whispered.Alessandro tilted his head, "What do you mean?" "Did you even listen to what you just said?" "Yes, I said we should go back quickly and get your things away from Luca's apartment."Amelia stared at Alessandro in disbelief, his words ringing in her ears."Did you just say that?" Her voice was sharp, edged with shock and frustration.Alessandro exhaled, running a hand through his dark hair, the gesture betraying his growing irritation. "Yes, I did. Why are you pretending not to understand?" "I am not pretending not to understand. I actually find it surprising that you seem like you can't read the room at all. Luca just had an accident..." "So what? Come on, Amelia. You know that Luca is not your responsibility, Amelia. He never was. You should come with me and let the hospital staff do their job. He has his father here with him, right?"Amelia scoffed, her arms crossing over her chest. "Are you e
Chapter 98Amelia stared at Vincent, her brows furrowing at his sudden request."May I also request that Alessandro not be aware of this?"The words hung in the air like an unspoken warning. Amelia’s chest tightened.“Huh?” she blurted out, her confusion evident.She then shook her head, showing that she didn't get it. "What is that supposed to mean?"Vincent’s sharp gaze didn’t waver. Instead, he exhaled, as if he had anticipated her reaction. “It’s important,” he said, lowering his voice. “You have to understand, Alessandro knowing this will only complicate things. Right now, Luca is vulnerable, and we don’t need any interference.”Amelia crossed her arms. “Interference?” she repeated, her tone laced with suspicion. “Why would Alessandro care about this? Why should I even hide it from him?”Vincent tilted his head, scrutinizing her before he finally sighed. “I know who you are, Amelia.”Amelia’s heart skipped a beat.Vincent continued, his voice calm but firm. “I know you and A
Chapter 99Vincent strode into the hospital room, his polished shoes clicking softly against the tiled floor. His sharp gaze swept over his son lying on the bed, eyes closed, appearing as though he were still in a deep state of recovery. But Vincent knew better.Luca’s eyes fluttered open at the sound of the door, and he turned his head slightly to acknowledge his father’s presence.“How are you feeling?” Vincent asked, his voice smooth but carrying an undercurrent of something unreadable.Luca groaned, pressing a hand to his head. “Like I actually got hit by a truck.”Vincent chuckled lightly, the corners of his lips curling. “Well, technically, you did. Just not as hard as it could have been.”Luca shot him an unimpressed look but remained silent.Just then, the door creaked open again, interrupting their discussion. Vincent cleared his throat and had his firm face back on.Amelia stepped in. She had been sitting beside Luca for hours, but now she looked up at Vincent expectantly.“
CHAPTER 100Luca was finally discharged from the hospital and brought back to the grand family mansion where Vincent and Isabelle resided. The atmosphere inside the mansion was thick with tension even before Amelia stepped through the door. Everywhere screamed Mafia — it was twice the coldness she felt when she first visited Alessandro months ago. There were men stationed around, black cars and jeeps packed everywhere. It felt as if she wouldn't be allowed to step outside this place once she was in. It was another new world on its own. The moment she stepped into the house while ignoring the way Luca had clung to her, Isabelle’s sharp gaze landed on her like a blade. "You — What are you doing here?” Isabelle’s voice was a sneer, her arms crossed tightly. Her cold eyes swept over Amelia, filled with disdain. “Are you seriously trying to kill two birds with one stone? First my fiance, now my brother? You’re quite ambitious, aren’t you?”Amelia felt a pang in her chest, but before
CHAPTER 101Amelia’s pulse quickened as Vincent arched a brow at her. She had rushed down the stairs in a flurry, her mind tangled in knots over Luca’s sudden curiosity about their so-called engagement and wanting a solution or an answer. He was walking ahead as if he was going to face the battle himself, so why this sudden stop?He was staring at her, almost like she was some kind of his own property. Now, standing in front of Vincent, she felt trapped between the walls of deceit they had built around her. "What happened? Why aren't you... moving?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.Vincent exhaled a cloud of smoke, his cigarette dangling loosely between his fingers. He studied Amelia with a cold amusement, then shrugged. “I changed my mind." "Huh?" "Hmm. Tell him whatever you need to. Just make it believable.” "Just because he lost his memories doesn't mean he is dumb." She argued back. "Anything would work, trust me. As long as it's you, he is likel
CHAPTER 102Mike entered Alessandro’s bedroom with a knock on the door, gaining permission from his boss before stepping in. His hands were tucked behind his back, clearly holding something, and his expression was a mixture of caution and anticipation. Alessandro, who had been staring out the window with a pensive frown, turned his attention to him.“I’ve got something for you,” Mike said, his voice steady, though there was a slight edge of worry to it.Alessandro’s curiosity piqued, and he waved him over. “What is it?”Mike moved closer, pulling out a tablet from his bag. “I managed to get a bit of footage from the hospital. I had to be discreet, but I was able to get a clear video feed of Luca’s arrival.” He tapped a few times on the screen, bringing up the video of Luca being wheeled into the hospital, his face pale, his eyes dazed. “According to the doctor who gave me the information, Luca’s memory loss is temporary. He’s been diagnosed with a memory lapse, likely caused by the ac
CHAPTER 103The silence around Alessandro was so disturbing to him as he waited, arms crossed, jaw tight, mind racing. It took longer than expected, but eventually. Vincent came to meet him. He looked like a shadow carved out of ice—his expression blank, but his eyes cold and unforgiving."Alessandro, I never thought I would see you walk in here again," Vincent called, voice sharp and detached. "I heard about Lucas's accident so...""So you finally remembered you have a brother in this world?"Alessandro took a deep breath, trying to remain composed. "I tried to come visit before. I wasn't allowed in because you told them not to allow me."Vincent scoffed, taking slow, deliberate steps forward. "Excuses. That’s all I hear from you. When your brother lies unconscious after a near-fatal accident, and all you can do is try?""I’m here now," Alessandro said, voice hardening. "And I want to see him.""No," Vincent said flatly, eyes narrowing. "Luca needs rest. You won’t be seeing him.
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