Lily MontgomeryI had no idea how much time had passed.Minutes? Hours?I didn’t know. But every second in that he'll felt like an eternity. My thoughts were spinning in circles—confused, almost in shock.Irina Orlov. Bianca. She is a sister de Viktor. She had been playing Matteo this whole time. And I wished I could warn him that it was all a trap.The sound of a new door opening made me lift my head with effort. The light from the hallway spilled into the warehouse, and a new silhouette appeared in front of me—broad shoulders, a firm posture, blond hair, and slow, calculated steps.He stopped a few feet away.“Finally awake,” said a deep voice, thick with a Russian accent that sent chills down my spine.“Who... are you?”The man smiled cynically.“I’m Viktor Orlov. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Salvatore. Or should I say… Romano? Antonov? You’ve got quite the lineage.”My stomach dropped. The confirmation I feared the most.“You… you’re her brother.”“Yes. Irina hides well, doesn’t she? Bu
Matteo SalvatoreThe weapons room felt colder than ever. I carried one of the best guns I owned, and I was ready—ready to kill.That was my destiny.And there's no running from destiny."Are you sure about this?" I asked one of the informants."Yes, boss. I saw the car leaving near one of the warehouses on Wall Street.""Why would he pick that place? It’s way too busy," I sighed."Exactly why," Luigi suggested."Why did you hide this from her, huh?" I grabbed Romano by the collar. "And from me, too. Your daughter’s life was in danger this whole time.""I couldn’t tell her that Lily was an Antonov heir. That would’ve put a price on her head.""But it didn’t help, did it? They know. And you didn’t tell me because you thought I’d try to steal your daughter?" I raised an eyebrow. "Unlike you, who tried to auction her off, I’ve only ever protected her.""Figlio di puttana!" Luigi lunged at me.Paolo stepped in between us."Let all calm down. We’re in this together to get Lily back."Luigi
Lily MontgomeryMy eyes were blindfolded.The rough fabric pressed against my eyelids, blocking out any trace of light. The only thing guiding me now were my other senses—and they were all screaming.He threw me into the back of the car, and I focused solely on trying to breathe.The scent of leather and gasoline.The muffled sound of the engine and distant voices.The tension in the air that told me something was about to happen.Some time later, I was dragged out of the car and led down a path of stones. My hands were tied, and the footsteps guiding me were harsh and impatient. When the blindfold was removed, my eyes burned from the sudden brightness.I was in a luxurious room. White marble floors, a lit fireplace, oriental rugs. Everything looked refined. And yet, every detail felt fake—like a cage disguised as a palace.Orlov was there. Sitting, elegant, as if he’d been expecting me for afternoon tea.“Welcome to one of my homes, Lily,” he said, smiling with cynicism. “Or should I
Matteo Salvatore“Let’s be careful. This could be a trap,” Luigi said.We stopped the car at the warehouse we were told about. As I stepped out, Paolo quickly tapped my shoulder.Even though I was focused on the mission, my mind was on her.The woman I couldn't be with—but also couldn’t stay away from.The woman who had been my first and only love.I entered the warehouse with my heart on fire and my fists clenched. The echo of our footsteps mixed with the sound of my blood pounding in my ears. Lily was here. I could feel her.Paolo moved ahead, signaling the men to surround the perimeter. The place was mostly empty, except for a van parked in the back and fresh tire marks on the cracked concrete floor.“They’re still nearby,” Paolo muttered.I walked toward the van, and the scent... her perfume was still in the air.My fingers touched the handle. It was cold. Empty. No answers.I turned and slammed my fist against the wall.“Lily!”The physical pain didn’t compare to what was eating m
I never imagined being kidnapped. It felt like a nightmare, one of the worst kinds.But it was real. I was here.The room was too large, too cold, too dark.My hands were chained with thin cuffs—not enough to hurt, but just enough to remind me who was in control here.The door creaked open.I straightened up. I wasn’t going to let them see me weak.He entered like he owned the world—or at least like he thought he did, Viktor."I see you're getting used to your new home," he said with an ironic smile."If by 'new home' you mean this moldy room that reeks of decay and inflated egos... then yes, I'm starting to feel at home," I replied with a forced smile.He stepped closer, stopping too near. His cologne was strong, overwhelming."You have a sharp tongue, Lily. It's something I've always admired in women of strong blood. But now, it's time to stop playing games."I crossed my arms, despite the weight of the shackles."What do you want from me, Orlov? You’ve kidnapped me, put on your who
Matteo SalvatoreMy breath grew heavy the moment it left my lips. I stepped out of the vehicle, and we entered the house.I had a plan.And I hoped it would work.One of the soldiers was covering the rear behind Paolo and me. Given the current situation, you could never be too careful.The mansion doors opened, allowing us in, and I headed straight to the office, shutting the door behind me."What's the plan, Don?""To lure Bianca into my hands.""And you think she'll fall for it? If she's really working with Orlov, there's no way she'd come.""As much of a traitor as she is, everything she showed she felt... it all seemed real, Paolo. And if it was, we’ll use that against her.""And if it wasn't?" He raised an eyebrow."I’ll take that risk.""I seriously doubt she'd betray her brother.""Let’s come up with a strategy to draw her in." I pulled my phone from my pocket. "This is the only idea I’ve got right now to find out where Lily is.""I've got men watching Orlov’s mansion, but ther
Lily MontgomeryI had no idea what time it was.In that place, time seemed to fold in on itself, like the world outside had stopped spinning. There were no clocks, no mirrors, no real windows. They had taken everything from me—even the right to know how much time was passing.But I knew it was night. And I was anxiously waiting for dawn.The silence was thick, as if even the ghosts were too afraid to make a sound. I sat on the floor, leaning against the cold wall, eyes fixed on the door. Just waiting.The girl had promised to come back.That night, Viktor had called for her again. As he always did. She was forced to lie with him, like a lifeless doll. But tonight would be different. Tonight, she would take the gun. Tonight, we would use that horror to our advantage."When he falls asleep, the gun will be ours."I held on to those words like they were my only hope. And they were. It was all I had left in there.So when I heard the doorknob turn slowly, my whole body tensed.I jumped to
Matteo Salvatore“Do you remember the wine we had in Milan?” she asked, flashing a smile that was clearly meant to feel intimate. “I thought we could relive that moment. Just, well... the non-alcoholic version. Because of the baby.”Bianca swirled the glass between her fingers like it was some kind of irresistible charm. So confident. So... rehearsed.Bitch.I faked a look of surprise.“How could I forget the baby?” I smiled back, like a man emotionally shattered, seeking comfort in the arms of his ex. “This wine is alcohol-free.”She poured the ruby-colored liquid into our glasses and handed one to me. I clinked my glass against hers before taking a sip.“To us,” she whispered.“To us.”We took the first sip. The wine was smooth, sweet. Completely harmless. No alcohol. No excuses.She moved closer, resting her fingers on my shoulder.“You’ve changed, Matteo. You’re more... vulnerable.”I sighed and looked away. “I think Lily changed me.”“She betrayed you,” Bianca snapped, hungry for
The silence in the room was profound, filled only by the soft sound of my son's breathing. Leonardo was in my arms, and the warmth of his little body gave me a sense of peace I had never known before. He was feeding calmly, and as I looked at him, it was impossible not to think about how much my life had changed. Each beat of my heart felt lighter, stronger, as if I was finally beginning to live what was meant to be mine.I was breastfeeding my son, the little miracle I had dreamed of so much, the one I fought so hard to protect. He looked at me with his curious eyes, and I smiled, gently stroking his little head with my fingers. This was my world now. Nothing else mattered but him, the promise I made to myself to protect him at all costs. Everything I went through wouldn’t mean anything if I couldn’t give him a future without fear, without the shadows of the past.The door opened with a slight creak, and I didn’t need to look to know who it was. Matteo entered quietly, his presence a
The first cry of the baby cut through the night like a distant echo, but full of life. I couldn’t believe it. He was here. Our son. I had given birth in the middle of a war zone, in an improvised, dark warehouse, but the truth was that he was here, in my arms. I was exhausted, my body aching, but nothing else mattered now."You did it, Lily," Sasha whispered, also exhausted, as she adjusted the baby to my chest. "You brought him into the world."I looked at the small being in my arms, still in shock from what had just happened. The blood, the pain, the exhaustion... it all felt distant now. He was here. Our son. So fragile, yet so strong at the same time.He moved his tiny fingers, and as if he knew I was watching, he opened his eyes. Bright eyes, fixed on me. My eyes. My son.I was living what felt like a dream and, at the same time, a nightmare. The war was still out there, but I felt that, at that moment, the whole world had stopped. Nothing else mattered except him. The son I neve
The sound of the car flipping echoed through the night, a piercing crash that shattered the silence of the road. I accelerated, but the vehicle in front of me didn’t slow down, growing closer, the terror becoming more real by the second. When the last car turned the corner, its tires screaming in protest, I knew something was wrong. There was no time to wait anymore. The chase was no longer just about the truth. It was about Lily. And she was in danger.The phone vibrated on the back seat. A message from Sasha.“It’s happening. Lily’s in danger. Full force.”Panic gripped me instantly. Whatever had happened, I knew Andrei wouldn’t stop. He would never stop until he saw everyone who challenged him destroyed.The road seemed like a straight line to hell. I could see the last curve before I saw Lily’s car flying through the air. It was all I needed to understand what was happening. Lily was there, in the line of fire.“No, Lily, no,” I whispered, gripping the steering wheel.I placed my
Lily MontgomeryI took the last sip of coffee when I finished writing the letter. Each word seemed heavier than the one before, as if I were stitching a new identity for myself. The tarnished name, the murder accusation, the pain of everything I had been through... It was all about to be exposed. But the truth, as always, came at a price. And I knew it wouldn't be easy.In front of me, the evidence was spread out on the table—irrefutable documents, transcripts, contracts, Andrei Antonov's signature, and the involvement of the American senator. It was a key piece, but also a target. The shield I needed to protect myself also put me in the line of fire. I picked up the letter, my gaze fixed on the words I had written: "To the press, Today, at last, the truth will come to light. I, Lily Montgomery, was falsely accused of the death of my father, Luigi Romano. With the evidence now in hand, it is my duty to ensure that the truth is heard, without distortion or lies. I was not the one who c
Matteo Salvatore The night was loaded, like the barrel of a gun ready to fire.Fog crept between the old buildings of Jersey’s industrial port, where the meeting was set to take place. Russian mobsters, Italians, and a traitor with Antonov blood — all about to seal a pact.Dimitri stood beside me. Dark clothes, unshaven, eyes of a man who had buried more friends than he cared to count. We didn’t fully trust each other, but for Lily... we’d do anything.“You know this place?” I asked quietly.“I know every damn tile on this dock. I’ve killed men here. Almost died too.”“Great. Nostalgic.”“Focus, Salvatore. If we slip up tonight, there won’t be a second chance.”The warehouse was lit by cold fluorescent lights, two heavily armed guards at the entrance. We posed as smugglers from Poland, with fake documents and faces hidden beneath caps and scarves. The code was given. They let us in.Inside, the air was thick with cigar smoke and tension. Several men surrounded a long makeshift table
Lily MontgomeryThe rain fell in a fine mist over New York as I returned to the base. It wasn’t the same city it had been when all of this began. Now, every street seemed to hide a shadow, every alley, an informant. Lily was safe — for now. But nothing, absolutely nothing, had been resolved.The evidence I had handed her burned in my coat pockets like dynamite ready to explode. We knew the truth. We knew Andrei was behind Luigi’s fall, that he had orchestrated every move, every lie. But knowing wasn’t enough.We had to act.I stepped into the house that now served as Lily’s refuge. Renovated and guarded, it was a hideout disguised as a home, out of reach from the police and the eyes of the world. Lily was still considered a fugitive, and the last thing we could afford was to expose her.Paolo and Alessandra were in the map room, studying escape routes and potential strike points."Where’s Lily?" I asked, taking off my coat."In the war room. She’s with Dimitri," Alessandra replied. "T
The car moved silently along the dirt road cutting through the countryside, surrounded by tall trees and a low fog that looked like it came straight out of an old movie. Matteo drove with one hand, the other resting on my thigh, as if to remind me that we were still here. Together.“He’s going to test you,” I said, staring out the window. “He’ll provoke you. And if you respond, the war starts right there.”“He’s not the first father of a woman who’s hated me, ragazza,” Matteo replied with a crooked smile. “But maybe the first who commands a private army.”I frowned.“And who’s the other woman you had?”“I was joking, darling.”“He’s my grandfather. And if I love you, he’ll like you.”“And you trust him?” Matteo raised his eyebrows. “Even though his son set you up, and he faked his death for years, never reaching out to your mother?”It took me a moment to answer. Not because I wasn’t sure — but because the answer was deeper than simple words could express.“Yes, I trust him. He saved
The smell of coffee filled the kitchen like an old memory. Strong, bitter, comforting.Matteo was leaning against the doorframe, his hair still messy, shirt unbuttoned, and that look in his eyes—lighter, maybe... but only on the outside. Inside, I knew he still carried it all.I placed the cup on the table and slowly sat down, one hand resting instinctively on my belly. The baby moved, as if sensing the calm. Or maybe... knowing that his father was near.“There’s butter in the top cabinet,” I said, and he gave me a sideways smile, walking over with slow steps.“You’re telling me to get stuff in your kitchen?”“In my house. And yes. I’m in charge here.”Matteo let out a low laugh, grabbed the butter, and sat across from me.The silence between us wasn’t uncomfortable. It was heavy. Like we were both waiting for the other to break the peace before returning to reality.Because we both knew... what we had was beautiful. But everything outside of it… was still ugly.With the cup in my hand
Matteo Salvatore The first rays of sunlight slipped through the half-open curtain like silent hands, drawing golden lines across the sheets.The light touched her face before it reached mine.Lily.My chest loosened the moment I saw her. Sleeping. Breathing.But it didn’t last.She jolted awake, and before I could say a word, her arm swung around my neck and pressed tight. Her knee came up, ready to defend.“Lily!” I choked out. “It’s me!”Her eyes widened. Her muscles froze for a second... and then she let go.She pulled back, panting, her eyes full of panic.“I’m sorry… God… I—” She covered her face with both hands. “I thought—”“It’s okay.” I adjusted myself on the bed, rubbing my neck. “You were alone for a long time.”She didn’t answer. Just sat at the edge of the bed, like she was still trying to convince her body it was finally safe.“You’ve really changed, huh?” I murmured, trying to soften things, but it didn’t come out the way I meant.“Yes,” she said, still not looking at