Dante dragged in deep refreshing breaths, trying his best to hold his anxiety together.When Alessia had found out about her pregnancy, she had cried herself to sleep, after throwing tantrums to kill Marco with her bare hands. Marco had felt so pained and bittered when she said a lot of hurtful words to him. She had cursed him even, said so many words, and ended up locking herself in the room. Alessia had refused to eat or drink, shutting everyone out completely.The only person who could get to her was a close friend and that close friend was Grace Franco.Marco had even collapsed after the struggles with her. The moment he arrived in his study room, his body gave up on him and sent him tumbling to the floor in pain.Before he closed his eyes completely, he begged Dante to go over to Devil’s Den to fetch Gracino, only she could get through to Alessia.The last thing Marco wanted was to harm Alessia or let her get harmed. He would do everything to keep her and their child safe. Dan
Grace glanced at Dante who sat in the driver’s seat, driving towards the base. Earlier, he said there was a problem. But of course, he wouldn’t spill the details of the problem. Also, what has it got to do with her?“I thought you hated me?” She suddenly asked out loud, turning her head to face his that was focused on the road.Dante wasn’t focused on driving, his mind was all over the place as the image of a certain girl on stage kept coming up in his mind.He jerked slightly when he heard her voice beside him and turned to glance at her.“Would you quit that?” He asked with a frown. “Quit what?”“Don’t fucking startle me like that!” He fired and looked away from her.Seriously, why did she have to wear that top?!“Oh, did I startle you?” She feigned ignorance and batted her lashes when their eyes met again.Dante shook his head in disbelief. Which planet did she come from?“So tell me, what’s the problem at the base and what does it have to do with me?” Dante growled at her, his h
“Yes, she is pregnant. And she has grown distant_”“Stop!” Grace let out a short scream and she stood up at once. She glared at Marco as tears gathered in her eyes.“You’re responsible for the pregnancy?” She asked, her eyes flashing with uncertainty.Marco knew she would react this way, so he tried again to run a hand through his hair but ended up pushing at his bandages.“Look, it wasn’t intentional.” “Then what was it?!” She yelled, disregarding the fact she was still standing in his property and he could have her punished for yelling. But Marco pushed his ego aside this time, he had messed up and had to fix the mess. “I was drugged that night and I couldn’t control myself.”“Why didn’t you go to the harem? Why did you go to her instead? And I’m sure as hell she put up a good fight. God why?” Grace broke down as she fell back on her chair, her hand going to tug at her hair.Dante felt a tug at his heart seeing her whimpering in her seat. Her shoulders wouldn’t stop shaking as she
The door opened, revealing a maid who came over to deliver Alessia’s dinner.Grace walked forward to receive the meal from her and dismissed her afterward.She made her way back to the bed, placing the meal down on the table in the room.Alessia soon walked out of the closet and seeing the meal on the table, she raised a brow in confusion.“A maid?” she asked and Grace nodded.Just then, Grace finally noticed how much weight Alessia had lost. Alessia looked emaciated, her face and body, pale and thin.Grace shook her head pitifully and said, “Ali, you look so thin.”Alessia smiled weakly and nodded, “Yeah, I've spent all the time crying lately. I couldn't eat even, I lost my appetite each time I saw food.”“Woah, for a foodie like yourself, that's too much to bear.” Grace poked with a snort. “And on a serious note, now that you are expecting a child, you need to take care of yourself more,” she added with a serious look on her face.“I don't want this child.” Alessia’s face hardened a
“Make sure she stays safe, I don’t want to hear any complaints when I’m gone,” Marco instructed for the umpteenth time as he gathered his papers, packing them into a briefcase. This was supposed to be a trip for inspection, but to avoid arousing suspicion, he had to dress corporate and carry a briefcase. “I’ll repeat, She is pregnant and vulnerable. Ensure she’s safe, but also make sure she doesn’t get any ideas of escaping.” He recited again, wanting to make sure Selena got the message loud and clear. He would kill her if anything were to happen to Alessia and his child.“Understood.” She nodded.“Also, Grace, her friend, needs the same level of scrutiny.” He added and turned around to face them; Dante and Selena.“Sure, boss.” Once he had finished his packing, he grabbed his case and headed out with Dante following behind. The convoy was ready outside, black SUVs lined up with their engines running. Clear definition of opulence and power. Marco entered into the lead vehicle, his
Alessia’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the car keys in Grace’s hand. “How did you…..” she paused, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “How the hell did you steal this?” She asked.Grace chuckled and rolled her eyes, “I didn’t fucking steal, woman! A guard gave it to me.”“Yeah, like I’ll believe that.” Alessia rolled her eyes. “It’s the truth,” Grace said, her eyes shining with sincerity.Seeing the look in her friend’s eyes, Alessia squinted. “You’re saying the truth?”“Of course, bitch. I’m not lying.” She said and made herself comfortable on the bed.“But how and why did he give it to you?”“It’s simple, he thought I worked here. So he handed the keys over to me.” She narrated, a victorious smile on her face. “Huh? Are you sure he is a guard?”Grace nodded, “He had the uniform on.” Alessia frowned.“Then how did he think you worked here? He surely has been around for a while and should know you’re just a guest.” “Now that I think about it, you’
The airplane’s slope was smooth, The wheels touching down with a gentle thud. The airport intercom announced, “Flight 347 from Reggio has arrived, passengers please proceed to the baggage claim.” Marco and Dante who were sitting in the business class, glanced out the window, watching the bustling crowd of passengers of Scilla airport. The plane taxied to the gate and they both came down when it reached their turn.As they stepped out of the airport, a convoy of SUVs came into view as it awaited them a few meters away.The appearance of the cars stirred up a little commotion at the airport, everyone thinking the president of Italy just flew in or something.The chauffeurs stood by each door with guards in tow. Their expressions remained stoic and professional.Marco strolled directly to the lead vehicle, while Dante trailed behind him with his usual casual swagger. Once inside the car, Dante began his teasing. “You know, Marco. I’ve heard Scilla has one of the most beautiful women in
“What?!” Marco roared, voice echoing through the hallway. He felt like the ground beneath his feet had disappeared with the wind. The only ringing sound in his head was that of Alessia escaping from the base in the same car Double S had returned.The car was loaded with a bomb!“Boss,” Selena’s voice came through from the other end of the phone, strained but unwavering. She was trying so hard to keep her composure, but Marco was too busy to notice the tension in her voice.“We’re doing everything we can to track them.” “You let them escape?!” Marco bellowed, his hand tightening around the phone. Dante who was about to ask what the commotion was all about, kept quiet the moment he heard the word, ‘escaping’. Alessia had gone and done it now.The beautiful woman who served as their guide, also turned toward them, her expression the one of confusion and surprise. Marco abruptly ended the call and turned to meet Dante’s gaze. “I have to get back to Sicily.” He said with urgency in his
Marco leaned back in the leather, his gaze fixed on the glass of whiskey swirling in his hand. The amber liquid caught the light from the morning sun, shining a warm glow across the room. Dante sat across from him, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the armrest, a thoughtful expression on his face.“So,” Dante began, breaking the comfortable silence, “you’ve been quiet since that rooftop moment with Alessia. What’s going on in that head of yours, Marco?”Marco sighed, setting the glass down on the polished mahogany table.“I’m just thinking about how things are going to change soon,” he said, his voice heavier than usual. “In a few days, things are going to be changed.”Dante understood where he was heading, it was about his position as head of the clan. Before Dante could say a word, Marco continued, “Before anything changes around here, I want to do something fun.” Dante raised a questioning brow, already showing interest. “You’re thinking about a party, aren’t you?” he asked, e
The sight before her left her utterly speechless as she stepped out of the guest room. Her eyes darted between Marco and the woman who stood beside him. Were they just locked in each other’s embrace, kissing?Her anger surged, boiling over into a fury. “What the hell is going on here?” She demanded as if entitled to their explanation.Marco rolled his eyes and shoved both his hands into his pants pocket.“What does it look like to you?” He returned the question with his.Miracle’s gaze darkened, her eyes now locked onto Alessia. She had red hair—just like hers, and they both looked similar, which was uncanny for Mimi. It only riled her up even more. “Who is she?” She went ahead to ask Marco. “Is she the one? Your lover and the reason you’re refusing to accept me?”“She has nothing to do with you,” Marco interrupted her words, his face grim. “And I think it’s time for you to leave.” He added, his tone leaving no room for argument.But Mimi was far from done. Her first clenched at her
The sight before her left her utterly speechless as she stepped out of the guest room. Her eyes darted between Marco and the woman who stood beside him. Were they just locked in each other’s embrace, kissing?Her anger surged, boiling over into a fury. “What the hell is going on here?” She demanded as if entitled to their explanation.Marco rolled his eyes and shoved both his hands into his pants pocket.“What does it look like to you?” He returned the question with his.Miracle’s gaze darkened, her eyes now locked onto Alessia. She had red hair—just like hers, and they both looked similar, which was uncanny for Mimi. It only riled her up even more. “Who is she?” She went ahead to ask Marco. “Is she the one? Your lover and the reason you’re refusing to accept me?”“She has nothing to do with you,” Marco interrupted her words, his face grim. “And I think it’s time for you to leave.” He added, his tone leaving no room for argument.But Mimi was far from done. Her first clenched at her
“Fuck! The miracle is here,” Marco announced to their surprise. “Find a place to hide yourselves, I’m not ready for any explanations yet.” He directed at Grace and Alessia.Grace snorted in disapproval, “why do we have to hide? I mean we work for you.” She said.Dante sighed and shook his head.“He knows that, Bestie. But you still need to stay hidden.” And with that, Dante pulled her up and directed her towards the staircase.Alessia glanced at Marco for a while, she couldn’t help the feeling in her heart. Miracle had been the woman he was supposed to marry, but she rejected him at the altar, which was good enough for Alessia to believe that Mimi didn’t love Marco. But her sudden arrival stirred up something in her, maybe jealousy if she must admit.Marco turned to see that she was still standing there and frowned. “What are you waiting for? Go!” He ordered in a gruff voice.Alessia nodded, wanting to turn and do as told, but instead, she rushed over to Dante and pulled him in for a
The next day crept in faster than usual, Grace stirred and to her surprise, she was wrapped in someone's embrace. Her first thought was if she unknowingly went with one of those men at the table. Her heartbeat accelerated in fear as she actually thought maybe she had done it. She hurriedly pulled away from the figure but also realized it wasn't one of those men as she had thought. It was actually Dante. Dante's eyes fluttered open, as he jerked up from his sleep, reaching under his pillow as fast as lightning as he pulled out a gun. "Who's the fool?!" He yelled, aiming aimlessly. Grace, who hadn't expected that, froze at the sight of the gun he pulled out. Did... Did he just pull out a gun? The grogginess he felt slowly wore off and he could finally see it was Grace in the room with him and not someone else. He released a sigh of relief and put the gun aside. "Fuck, you scared me." He muttered and fell back on the bed. Grace then glared at him before yelling. "Was that a gun
A day after Dante had exposed his relationship with Grace, he drove directly to Devil's Den to find her. On his way to the place, he suddenly caught sight of a chocolate store by the roadside. An idea struck him, why not buy her a box of chocolate?With a small smirk on his face, he parked the car right beside the store and stepped down, ready to buy a box of chocolate for his bestie. But the moment he stepped before the store, ready to enter, he suddenly thought about something. What if Gracino didn't like chocolates? Yes, he knew girls liked it, but Grace was a hooligan. She wasn't like other girls. She and Alessia were crazy girls who didn't mind ripping a pack of chocolate apart in the twinkle of an eye. "Fuck, I don't think she likes chocolates." He said to himself, rubbing the back of his neck and standing there awkwardly. He groaned, throwing his head back as he turned to leave. He'd better not do something that would end up having Grace mock him at the end. He got back int
When Grace and Alessia arrived at Devil's Den, Grace brought her directly to the counter where she served the customers. Alessia felt out of place standing there, but she watched patiently as Grace went about her job. The men at the club couldn't keep their eyes off Alessia whose red hair was tantalizing and beautiful. Alessia felt very uncomfortable having so many people watching her as she tried to fit in. "Hey, do something. Don't just stand there." Grace said and nudged Alessia slightly, aiming to earn a reaction from her. "And what exactly am I supposed to do?" Alessia asked as she glared at Grace. She flipped her hair to the back, turning back to the counter as a man in a luxurious-looking outfit walked over to her instead of Grace.Alessia knew without a doubt that this man wasn't here for anything good. "Hey, beautiful." He called out with a smile, licking his lower lip as his eyes went directly to her cleavage which was a bit exposed.Alessia noticed his gaze on her, so
“So what exactly do you plan to do now,” Dante’s voice cut through the silence, his tone calm but probing.Marco turned to look at Dante, a brow coming up. “What do you mean?” he asked.“I mean,” Dante paused, then continued. “I know you aren't going to marry Gaia.”Marco’s gaze darkened as he glared at his cousin. A scowl formed on his face as he said in return.“I never had any intention of marrying Gaia. I made it clear from the start.”Dante nodded in understanding, “Of course, I knew that, But after the conversation with your father today, you'll have to get married to her.” Marco’s gaze shifted as the words Ezekiel had said to him earlier clicked in his head.“I found out something suspicious today, something my father said to me while on call.”“What's it about and who?” “Alessia. He said something about her father’s identity. I feel there’s something we don't know.” Marco explained seriously. Dante frowned. “What exactly did he say?” “It doesn’t matter, I need you to help
Marco got into the car, directing the driver to Salvador's home. If he has to set everything on track, then he needs to get Gaia to reject the proposal.Just then, Marco got a call from Ezekiel, his father. He wanted to reject the phone call, but he ended up accepting the call.“This better be important_”“Return to the mansion at once.” Ezekiel cut him short in a stern voice.“And what gave you the impression that I’ll obey you?” Marco asked with an amused expression.“That’s because I just found out about something remarkable. If I were you, I’d return at once.”Ezekiel’s words made Marco’s face contort into one of confusion.“What are you planning, father?” He asked calmly, waiting for the impending response.“It’s simple, who is Alessia Simone?”Ezekiel asked, his question accompanied by an evil chuckle.Marco’s hand which was holding the phone froze mid-motion. His eyes widened, shock crossing his features before he quickly masked it. He gripped the phone tighter, trying hard to