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Prologue
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2022-02-13 22:09:39I’m just about to take another sip of my bourbon when a woman strides into the club, escorted by a man clad in a sleek black Armani suit. His expression is cold and unyielding, void of emotion, as he moves beside her with calculated precision.
The woman is striking—draped in a dark grey mini dress that hugs her hourglass figure, the wrapped front design subtly emphasizing her curves. Her skin, kissed with a saffron tint, glows beneath the dim club lights, while waves of obsidian-black hair cascade over her shoulders. But it’s her eyes—sharp and brilliant like sapphires—that hold an unmistakable presence.
I recognize her instantly. Edwina Gemstone—the youngest daughter of Armando and Henrietta Gemstone, a family for its wealth, power, and unshakable influence.
The Gemstones built their empire from the ground up, transforming a once-small family business into a multinational business that dominates the industries of luxury real estate and corporate banking. Their reach extends beyond boardrooms and balance sheets—whispers suggest hidden ties to underground dealings, political manipulation, and power plays that go far beyond the law.
Armando Gemstone, the patriarch, is a man known for his ruthlessness in business—an architect of power who rose from nothing and crushed anyone who stood in his way. His wife, Henrietta, is no less formidable. Behind her elegance lies a mind sharper than any blade, orchestrating deals that leave even seasoned tycoons at her mercy. Together, they built a legacy where their last name holds as much weight in the criminal underworld as it does in the corporate elite.
And Edwina? She’s the enigma of the family. Not much is known about her, except that she was groomed to be more than just a socialite. She rarely makes public appearances, her life a carefully guarded mystery—until now. People like her don’t walk into places like this—a club infamous for being the gathering ground of the most ruthless criminals in the city. And yet, here she is, stepping into the VIP lounge with effortless dominance.
Ignoring the wolf whistles and indulgent laughter of wealthy men entertained by strippers, she walks to a secluded table at the far end of the room. The man beside her leans in, whispering something in her ear before taking a measured step back, positioning himself at a comfortable yet protective distance.
I take a slow sip of my drink, the liquid burning my throat as I watch Alessandro approach her. He settles into the seat across from her, his presence sharp, cutting—yet she doesn’t flinch. Most people would shrink under the weight of his harsh gaze, but Edwina Gemstone isn’t most people.
Their conversation is quiet, intense. Whatever they’re discussing, it’s important. I lean forward slightly, my curiosity piqued, watching their exchange unfold. But before I can gather more, a tap on my shoulder pulls me from my thoughts. With one last glance at the intriguing scene before me, I rise to my feet and walk away—though something tells me this won’t be the last time I cross paths with Edwina Gemstone.
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EdwinaTonight is the night. I will have my driver on standby, waiting to take you to the airport. And make sure to keep Raffaele away from this, or someone will die tonight, Bellissima. Make sure to do as you are told to avoid someone's blood being on your hands.xx Yours truly.The moment my eyes scan the message on my screen, my blood runs cold. Tonight is the night I will leave Raffaele—to protect him, to protect his men.I inhale sharply, trying to regulate my breathing, willing my pounding heart to steady itself. I can't afford to panic, not now, not with Raffaele just a few steps away in the shower, oblivious to the storm brewing right outside our door."Hey, are you okay?" Raffaele’s deep voice pulls me out of my frantic thoughts, and I lift my gaze to see him standing before me, already dressed, his fingers skillfully buttoning his dress shirt.I force a smile, locking my phone and tossing it onto the bed, as though discarding my fear along with it. "Yeah," I lie, my voice tig
Elegantly Wasted Chapter 57-Bound by Blood and Fire
EdwinaI remain frozen on the spot, my eyes locking onto Raffaele’s darkened gaze as he winces, clutching his shirt, which is rapidly soaking with blood.“Cosa è successo?” Eleanora’s voice slices through the tension, her face contorting into a deep frown as she hurries towards her son. Raffaele leans heavily against the counter, Giovanni to his left, Rodriguez to his right, all three men radiating unease. ( What happened?)“I’m fine, madre,” Raffaele grunts, though his voice is tight with pain. Eleanora places a gentle kiss on his forehead, but his sharp green eyes never leave mine. ( Mother)“Thank God you are here. The man is as stubborn as they come, princessa, and only you will be able to help him clean up since he refuses to let anyone else near him,” Alessandro’s voice sounds beside me, pulling my gaze away from Raffaele.I nod, unable to speak, my throat tightening with an emotion I can’t quite place. Slowly, hesitantly, I step forward, my movements cautious as I take Raffaele’
Elegantly Wasted Chapter 56-Reflection and Realizations
EdwinaImmediately I head out of Raffaele's office, I make my way across the house, holding my new phone box in my hand. I shake my head in amusement, chuckling at how Raffaele loves to spend money on me without hesitation. My laughter is short-lived when I realize Vincenzo is standing right across from me, arms crossed, an amused smirk playing on his lips."Should I be worried that you are laughing by yourself?" he asks, his tone laced with curiosity and amusement."Maybe," I reply, a smirk tugging at my lips.Vincenzo chuckles, shaking his head as he steps around me, heading towards wherever he is going."Where are you going?" I ask, curiosity getting the best of me."Just headed out to sort some business," he says, his voice casual, but his pace quickens as if he doesn’t want to linger on the topic. Before I can press further, he disappears down the hall.Sighing, I turn on my heel and go to Raffaele’s room. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I stare at the sleek box in my hands, but m
Elegantly Wasted Chapter 55- A storm on the Horizon
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Elegantly Wasted Chapter 54- Shattered Trust
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Elegantly Wasted Chapter 53- A Night in Italy
EdwinaI stand in front of our bedroom mirror, admiring the way the red gown hugs my body, accentuating my hourglass figure. My hair is straightened, a new look for me since it’s usually curly and bouncing off my shoulders. My fingers toy with the delicate necklace resting on my collarbone just as the bedroom door opens, revealing a dressed-up Raffaele.Our eyes connect through the mirror as he strides toward me, his gaze dark and intense. His strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me back against his firm chest. I take in his appearance—jet-black suit tailored to perfection, crisp white shirt, no tie. He looks devastatingly handsome, and my heart flutters at the sight.“You look beautiful, Tesoro,” he murmurs, his voice laced with admiration.I blush under his heated gaze. “Thank you.”With a swift motion, he turns me in his arms, causing me to squeal in surprise. The scent of his cologne—woodsy and intoxicating—fills my senses, making my knees weak. I notice how he’s shaved his us
Elegantly Wasted Chapter 52- Secrets Untold
EdwinaThe morning air is cool against my skin as I stir awake, instinctively reaching out to the other side of the bed. My fingers meet nothing but cold sheets. Raffaele is gone. Not just recently, but long enough for the warmth of his body to have completely faded. A sigh escapes me as I stare up at the ceiling, my mind already tangled in the weight of the day ahead.How am I supposed to pull this off—leaving with Mariano’s men without anyone in this house realizing?I sit up slowly, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and notice one of Raffaele’s shirts crumpled at the edge of the bed. Without thinking, I grab it and slip it over my head, inhaling the lingering scent of him. It grounds me, even as guilt churns deep in my stomach. I shouldn’t be indulging in this, in him. Not when I know what’s coming.The shrill ring of my phone jolts me from my thoughts. I roll over, snatching it off the nightstand, and barely have time to brace myself before Krys’s voice explodes through the speaker.
