CHAPTER 11Ariella I just want to smack Luis hard, but by the time my palm touches his cheek, I will be dead. It is unbelievable that he had to bring me to the office to ask why I wanted to go study at Emma's apartment; he clearly did not understand what I was attempting to accomplish. "Are you sure you are just going to study?" he inquired, staring deeply into my eyes."Yes, I am, and I do not believe it is a huge issue since I am suffocating here," I responded, regretting my words because they may put me in serious trouble."I realize you are getting comfortable, but I would encourage you to watch your mouth because I will not be as kind next time," he cautioned, and I simply nodded as I walked out of his office after he dismissed me.I pondered what I had done to marry such a vicious monster. Death is the only thing that comes to mind when I stand near him, and dread occasionally gets the best of me, but I can not afford to appear weak. "Have you said your goodbyes to hubby?" Anni
CHAPTER 12Ariella Despite my deep-seated terror, I was unable to display it when the demon appeared at the door. I exited the vehicle as Luis opened the door and his security carried my bag inside. He was quite agitated about something. He told his sister, "Annie, go to your room," while I pondered what might come next. I stood there watching as he walked closer. "Are you aware that you are late?" he inquired, his tone composed despite the heated expression on his face.“No, but —" “Yes or damn no?" he cut me off.“Look here, Mr. Deluca, I understand that you're a Mafia and have rules, but I…I just want to leave my life and be free from all this misery,” I said not caring what would happen next."What makes you think that what is mine can decide to leave its way?” he asked, staring deep into my eyes."I have rights, and I will not stay here forever," I stated confidently."Ms. Lawyer, you can reserve your confidence for later and go freshen up, OK,? I have business to attend to,"
CHAPTER 13Ariella Only God knows what would have happened if that beast didn't get distracted. I've made up my mind to stay in this mansion, so I'll just escape when everyone is asleep. I have been here for a while now so I can do it without getting noticed. I packed my books and placed my bag on the rug. Everything in here doesn't belong to me, not even the expensive clothes.Luis bought everything in here and I'm not taking what's not mine as it's unethical. I took a seat on my bed and dialed Emma's number. “Arie…are you OK?” she asked immediately after picking up my call."Yes, I need you to do me a favor," I said, hoping she wouldn't say no.“Come on, it's late, can't I do it tomorrow?" she responded."I want to stay at your apartment and then figure out how to get home tomorrow," I added.She said, "What?! I mean, what happened to you staying at the Deluca's?”"I can not be here much longer. Therefore, I am leaving when everyone goes to sleep," I clarified."OK but is it safe?
CHAPTER 14Luis The rule is simple: submit or face my wrath, but Ariella seems to be getting more stubborn by the day. I tried to give her some privacy by having her stay in a separate room, but she has begun to plot her escape, so I can not let her stay in there any longer now that Marcus dares to enter her room.I avoided the Golden Room since it had been designed exclusively for me and my wife. Knowing how competent Ariella has grown, I can not keep her in my room since it has a lot of lethal objects, and most of the ladies I bring home come here for pleasure.I needed to prepare the Golden Room, so I spent time with Ariella there. Maybe she wants to know why I'm feared by many. The door opened and someone walked in slowly behind me. Everyone else was barred from entering except Annie and the maids, so I knew she was there."I hope you'll enjoy your new room," I murmured, turning to face Ariella, who appeared to be lost in concentration, her eyes analyzing everything in the room.
CHAPTER 15Ariella "Calm down, I am still trying to figure out what to do," I said quietly to Emma as we stood in the toilet."So you're telling me that that man will follow you everywhere?" She questioned, referring to the guard Luis had assigned to watch after me."Do not worry about him, Emma; my independence is what is important here; please assist me," I pleaded, clasping her hands."OK, but take it easy; Luis is a very dangerous man who may take both of us out if he finds out we are preparing to send him to jail," Emma explained, but I couldn't care less about what Luis would do.We stepped out of the restroom, and everyone stared at me in dread. It's as if I was some threat or something. We entered the classroom and displayed our project before moving on to the next topic. I was trying so hard to concentrate, but my mind kept sliding. What will happen to my career if I keep the monster's surname?I was still deep in contemplation when I saw that everyone had left, leaving Emm
CHAPTER 16Enrico I can't believe that Ariella had the nerve to walk out on me. I could not even instruct my guys to stop her because her guard would show up and we would all be in danger. It is not that I am afraid of Luis or anything, but I just need something more steady, and I have a terrific opportunity today. Both Luis and Ariella will be sorry they messed with me.The door opened, and Ariella's father entered. I watched him put his coat on the bed before clearing my mouth. He turned around and couldn't believe it was me. I could tell how angry he was solely from the frown lines on his face, but that did not matter. I needed his damn help."Mr. Johnson, it is so great to see you again," I replied, offering to shake his hand, but he declined.“Enrico what do you want?" he responded.“Mr. Johnson you do not have to be so serious, you know. Shaking my hand does not kill," I smiled, but the old guy maintained his solemn expression."I will not ask you again, young man," he remarke
CHAPTER 17Ariella Seeing Enrico made me want to leap on top of him and swallow him whole. I am very lonely because of him, and I can't even express my feelings to anybody other than my cousin and Emma. My aunt vowed to step in and be a mother figure, but her affection for Enrico constantly irritates me. I was still at the park, trying to collect myself after the chat Enrico and I had.I am starting to feel like a horrible failure for not achieving justice for my mother. I have been quite involved in other cases, but the one dearest to my heart is not receiving the attention it deserves. Emma called me while I was still deep in thought.“Arie…how's Mr. Jason?” she asked."I did not get to see him," I said, trying not to express my sadness, but failing.“Oh my gosh, Arie…what happened? Are you OK? I hope Lui—”"It's not about him I met Enrico," I said."Oh my, I am sorry; I hope that bastard did not say anything," she said."He claimed he still loves me and is not going to give up on
CHAPTER 18Ariella "You are my wife, and you should learn to wait for me to open the door if we drive together," the monster said.I am not sure if I was meant to laugh or just inquire if he was okay. I do not recall telling anyone I wanted to be their wife, so why would I care who answers the door when we ride together? We were still standing in the living room when he gave me a lecture about how important this was for him."Mr. Deluca, if you are finished chatting, I might as well take my departure now; please excuse me," I remarked, walking away without thinking twice. Having a horrible day was enough, and I could not afford to spoil the evening.I was on my way to the Golden Room when I bumped into Emily at the entryway. I could tell she had come to start flinging negative comments and telling me how special she was to Luis, but I was not interested in hearing about it, so why bother?Before she had a chance to stop me, I passed by her and noticed she pulled my bag back. "Looks l
CHAPTER 31Ariella Emma and I headed to her office. I simply loved spending time there rather than returning to the estate where firearms can be seen from every angle. I am just hoping there are no explosives in there."So, Ariella Johnson, what is your next plan?" Emma inquired, and I did not mind when she addressed me by my father's surname. It is not like I want anything to do with the DeLuca surname."Girl, you should call me that frequently; I truly feel at ease with that last name," I said.“I know right, so answer the question." "I was initially eager to get rid of that beast of a man's surname, but now I want him behind bars for murdering my father. I will have an easier time dealing with Enrico if I first deal with the most vicious Don," I explained."Ariella you are becoming more aggressive by the day; are you sure you are okay?""I am not doing given the things I have been doing lately, but—""Oh, baby, that is all right; I am here," she said, hugging me.I sobbed for a l
CHAPTER 30Ariella This man is ruthless. I wish I could just stop what I am doing, but my father's grave deserves justice. I was in the study the entire time and did not see Luis when he returned. Is it possible that another entrance leads inside this mansion? I asked myself deep into my crazy thoughts.I resumed studying for the second test and eventually fell asleep due to exhaustion. This was something I would typically do at home, and my father would take me to bed, but this time I awoke in the devil's study. I glanced at the clock and could not believe I was going to be late when I heard someone attempting to break into Luis' study. Who could be trying to get in here so early?Not wanting to move, I just waited for the person to open the door before pressing a biometric button to turn on the lights when my gaze landed on Marcus.“Ariella! What are you doing here?" He inquired, attempting to mask his embarrassment, but I was too skilled for that game."I assumed this was my hus
CHAPTER 29Luis “Aren't they here yet?" I asked David.“Yes Boss." Ariella has been acting weirdly; I have no idea how she became so daring suddenly. I was still shocked when she served my food and asked me to pour her coffee. I felt like all of my alternatives had been exhausted, and I stood there obediently following her request. I can not believe she could stroll calmly while clutching my arm and entering my study. I'm now trapped in my command. I blame my foolish lawyer and David."Boss, your lawyer has left the nation and will only return next week," David stated as he walked into my office.“This is all your fault. How could you go as far as adding her fingerprints? Do you have any notion how many safes she can open?""Boss, I am sorry, I thought I was following your commands," David said, although this made no sense at all."David, did my grandmother ask you to promise her something?" I asked since I knew him so well."No Boss I…I—" "Damn it, David, how could you be so care
CHAPTER 28Enrico Monica is such a stubborn woman; I have warned her several times to get out of Ariella's way, but she lets her jealousy get in the way. I have never informed Ariella or anyone else that she is my girlfriend, save for the members of my Mafia. Now she is weeping over whatever Ariella did to her on campus, and I am expected to soothe her."Babe, I am talking to you; are you even listening to what I am saying? Ariella humiliated me today," she reiterated after saying it several times."I heard you, honey; you need to calm down," I said.“What is that supposed to mean? Enrico, do you even know what rumors are saying around campus right now?" she inquired."Monica, please, I need to focus. Will you calm down or just go so I have my peace?”"Oh, it has gotten to this now, huh?" She said, making her way out before I stopped her at the door; she then added, "I am telling you how horrible I feel, and you are asking me to go fine.""Come back here, babe. I'm sorry." “Speak,
CHAPTER 27Ariella We were now in class, and Professor Hayes was returning our final work after he entered the grades. I could see how other pupils were encouraged, but when he approached me. He merely handed me the paper and went on to Emma; I understood what that meant. The classroom remained hushed, and I realized why no one dared to laugh: they were afraid of having their tongues cut off."It is fine, we will do better next time," Emma whispered, mending my shoulder, but it did not make me feel any better because I despised failing assignments."I am OK," I said, though she knew too well to suspect I was lying.The class had been dismissed, and we were all standing up to go when Professor Hayes beckoned me back. "May I have a word with you, Mrs. Deluca?" He muttered and I, knowing what to anticipate, strolled back to his desk."Yes," I said, Emma beside me, when he begged her to pardon us."I will be outside," she said and walked away."I believe you know why I called you back.
CHAPTER 26Ariella Dinner was finally over, and everyone was startled that I had served Luis's dish. Kendy and the other maids removed the plates while I made my way upstairs, confidently gripping Luis' arms. He merely stared at me and kept heading up the stairs as I tried not to notice what was going on. When we reached up, I pulled my arm from his and was going to walk to the Golden Room when he took my hand.“Uhmm is everything OK?" I feigned to inquire as if it did not worry me at all, but I was shaking inside."Ariella, whatever you are attempting to accomplish will end in the worst manner imaginable, so you should stop and focus on being healed. You can not just bury your father yesterday and then start being a changed person," he said, which was true, but I knew what I was doing."That is fantastic advice, but I am used to stating the deceased are gone and will soon be forgotten, so you do not need to worry."I could see he was horrified to hear that from someone who had just
CHAPTER 25Ariella I feared that I would be locked up in the Mafia until I discovered my final hope in an unexpected place: Luis's study.I was busy looking through the drawers when my fingers accidentally lingered over the biometric pad, and in an attempt to withdraw them, my thumb pushed against it.The message 'ACCESS GRANTED' appears on the screen.I was shocked, but I wanted to find out what was concealed inside, so I immediately withdrew the black file bound with golden ropes, and to my amazement, it read, "RIGHTS AND SHARES BETWEEN MRS AND MR DELUCA."Unable to believe what I had just read, I opened the file and began reading the documentation, only to discover that I was a 50% shareholder in the Deluca fortune and had several rights, some of which contradicted Luis' selections.I quickly made a copy of the paper and returned it before anybody discovered that my fingerprint could also access biometric drawers. I needed hope and bravery if I was going to confront Luis When I a
CHAPTER 24Luis She was clearly trying very hard to stop the tears from streaming down her face, but I was a complete idiot and did not even know how to help. My guards were all gazing at me, undoubtedly expecting me to go console her since she was my wife in their view. I walked towards her and took a seat next to her. I could see she wanted to walk away, but I kept her hand.For the first time in a long time, I felt sorry for a lady; the last time I did was when I was with my late fiancé, whom I still miss. Ariella attempted to resist, but I informed her that I was not there to be unkind."What else do you want from me?" she asked, pulling her hair behind her face.“Nothing, I —" "Then let me go; is it not enough that you killed my father?” She said and that frustrated me hard since I was not responsible."Believe me when I say I didn't. I will discover the true killer and—"“Is that a joke or something? I know you did it and will not stop until you pay for what you did, OK!" she
CHAPTER 23Luis Seeing how distraught she was during her father's burial, I could not help but think of how it was for me and Annie when our parents and grandparents died. It seemed as if joy would never return to our lives, and I would have to stay steadfast in safeguarding an Empire I was not prepared to defend. Things just seemed to be different and the thought of never going to see them again felt like a nightmare."Boss, why didn't you let me know you were coming? I would have prepared everything beforehand." "It's OK David, how's Ariella?” I asked."Madam is doing well, but I do not believe she has entirely recovered," David replied."That is for sure; any leads on who may have shot her father?" I asked as I couldn't rest until the culprit was caught."I have not discovered any yet, but I truly believe it is your cousin Boss.""I simply hope that is an assumption because I will not sympathize with whoever did that."We arrived home, and I entered the living room, where I ran