Hello, everyone, I realize this chapter might not be as thrilling as the previous ones, but I promise the next one will be an absolute treat. I've been grappling with my own battle with depression, and it's been affecting my writing a bit. Nonetheless, I genuinely hope you still find some enjoyment in this chapter. ❤️ XOXO 💕
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅It was drizzling... I stood there in a black dress, holding an umbrella, my eyes swollen and red from tears.I had attended nearly six funerals since morning, and Ethan's was the last for the day. Tomorrow, there were a few more funerals to face.Ethan's world had always been a solitary one, with few friends and little family to speak of. I had received word that his mother had been informed of his passing, and I held onto the hope that she would arrive before we proceeded with the final rites. Ethan would have wanted his mother by his side, and I couldn't bear the thought of him leaving this world without her presence.As I stood there in the drizzle, my thoughts drifted to the moments I had shared with Ethan. He had been a quiet and diligent man, but there was a warmth and kindness in his eyes that spoke volumes. Despite the hardships he had faced, he had always carried an air of quiet strength.I wished for his mother to witness the small crowd that had gathered
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I stepped into the spacious, gleaming marble bathroom in Vincenzo's penthouse. My heart was heavy with the memories of Ethan's death, making each step toward the massive glass-enclosed shower a struggle.With a sigh, I began to undress, peeling away the layers of clothing that felt like a protective barrier against the harsh realities of my life. The cold bathroom tiles stung against the soles of my feet as I stripped down, my clothing dropping in a messy heap on the floor.The tiles felt uncomfortable beneath my feet as I approached the shower. I hesitated before stepping inside, my hand trembling as I reached for the faucet. The large rain showerhead loomed above, an invitation to let the water wash everything away, but my trembling fingers made it hard to grasp the handle.I turned the faucet, and the water burst forth in a warm cascade. Its comforting embrace was inviting, but I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that I was an intruder in this grand bathroom. W
WARNING: Some readers may find this chapter extremely depressing. Trigger warning: This content includes themes related to drug abuse. Please proceed with caution, and if you find it distressing, consider seeking support or skipping this part of the story. Your well-being is important. Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Tears blurred my vision as I snatched up my heels and sprinted toward the elevator. I couldn't bear to stay a moment longer in that suffocating room.He thought he owned me. He did all this because he thought I was his property. The words that Vincenzo had spoken, the idea of me belonging to him, of him claiming me as his possession, now hit me like a ton of bricks. It was as if a veil had been lifted from my eyes, revealing the truth I had been too naive to see before.The elevator doors slid open, and I stared at the floor, hoping to blend into the background as I navigated my way through the lobby and past the security personnel. My heart pounded furiously in my chest, threateni
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Will you be okay here? I have some important matters to attend to," I informed Aunt Alessia.She sighed heavily, her eyes showing traces of tears, "I'll manage, as long as Adriano and Silvio recover."I nodded, assuring her, "The doctor said they're out of danger."Her hand reached out to hold mine, "I know, you go ahead. I'm here, and once they wake up, I'd like to return to Chicago. I don't feel safe in this place anymore. It's not safe for you, it's not safe for any of my boys." I gently kissed the hand resting on top of mine, "We'll make arrangements to leave soon."I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and then turned to leave. As I walked away, I couldn't help but think about this fucked-up situation. Santino's attack has shaken our family, and I'm going to make sure we would deal with it decisively. But first, I needed to take care of her. Exiting the hospital, I slid into my car and dialed her number, the sense of urgency gnawing at me. The phone rang pe
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Bianca Costello spoke with a hint of sadness, a faint smile touching her lips as she said, "Just look at all these people..." She glanced at Allegra, who was teary-eyed, and continued, "You know what she used to say, right?"Allegra sniffled and gave a slight shake of her head. "What did she say?""She used to confide in me," Bianca began, her voice heavy with emotion, "She'd tell me, 'I don't want to die alone, Bianca, but sometimes it feels like you're the only one who will be at my funeral.' She genuinely believed she didn't have people who cared about her enough to be there when she was gone. I'll never forget the day she cried on my shoulder, fearing she'd die alone."Tears welled up in Allegra's eyes as the weight of Claire's words sank in. "Bianca, we should have been there for her more. We should have shown her how much she meant to us."Bianca cried even more, "I'm such a terrible fucking best friend. I shouldn't have left her alone like this. She acts to
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅My eyes slowly fluttered open, and I stared at the unfamiliar ceiling. The room was dimly lit but it was seriously fancy. I mean, it was like something out of a movie or a rich person's I*******m feed. Panic clawed at my chest as I tried to piece together the puzzle of where I was. This wasn't my home. Am I in heaven? I made it, Mom and Dad... I turned my head to the side, wincing as a sharp pain shot through me. My body ached, and I could feel the heaviness of blankets covering me. The details of the room came into focus—the wallpaper was all swanky, with deep reds and golds, and the lighting came from these fancy chandeliers that made everything look like a mood. This was no hospital or heaven; it was someone's home.My memory was a jumbled mess. The last thing I could recall was the desperate need for escape. The sting of a needle, the familiar rush of heroin, and the surge of cocaine snorted through a rolled-up bill. A deadly cocktail I thought would silence
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Four days...It's been four long days since I was unceremoniously transported to this unfamiliar territory known as Chicago. Allegra, with her kindness and a baby bump to boot, keeps urging me to step out of this room, but the overwhelming embarrassment holds me back. I never asked for any of this, and I'm lost in a sea of strangers.But the most unnerving aspect of this situation is the presence of Vincenzo Capone. I'm well aware of his authority and his reputation here in Chicago. In New York, I had a sense of power and Scott to back me up, but here, in Capone's domain, he reigns supreme. He's the untouchable boss, and my vulnerability in this foreign territory is fucking real. In his world, he could pull the strings as he pleased, and no one would so much as flinch.I want to be the brave, gutsy Claire, ready to face whatever curveball life throws at me. I want to jump out there. But anxiety? It's like this relentless bully that's got me cornered. I've spent the
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅My heart pounded in my chest as I paced back and forth in the dimly lit room. It was almost two in the morning and the minutes felt like hours, and I dreaded the moment when Vincenzo would show up. I didn't know what he wanted, but I had a feeling it wouldn't be pleasant.I glanced nervously at the door, my trembling fingers reaching out to turn the lock. With shaky hands, I pushed the bolt into place, the faint click of the lock echoing in the quiet room. I'm usually not the nervous, fidgety type, but the overdose and the medication have ramped up my anxiety, turning me into a jittery, twitching wreck.I needed something more to feel safe. My eyes darted around the room, searching for anything to barricade the door. My gaze landed on the heavy dresser pushed against the wall. It was the only piece of furniture that could possibly block the door.Summoning all my strength, I moved toward the dresser. It was difficult to maneuver on my own, but fear fueled my effort
Hey there,Thanks a ton for sticking around till the end of this wild and long ride! It's been a blast crafting this romance and I hope you've had as much fun reading it as I did writing it.I've loved weaving together all the juicy bits of love, drama, and danger. It's been like piecing together a puzzle but with way more heart-pounding moments.I hope you've been rooting for our main couple through all the twists and turns. They've been through the wringer, but love always finds a way, right?As you close this book, just remember, their story doesn't end here. They'll keep living on in your imagination, popping up when you least expect it.And if this story had you on the edge of your seat, I'm begging you, please, take a quick sec to give it a solid FIVE-STAR RATING. It's not just for me, it's for all those readers out there who haven't stumbled upon this story yet.Seriously, your rating could make all the difference in getting this book noticed. Think of it as your way of spreadin
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅•The First Steps! ❤️"Oh my god, do you have the camera ready?!" I asked, excitement bubbling up inside me as we watched Aurelia tentatively attempt to take her first steps.She was already pulling herself up on the furniture, her chubby little hands gripping tightly as she teetered on unsteady legs. Her blue eyes sparkled with determination, her tiny mouth set in a determined line as she focused on the task at hand. She had gotten her blue eyes from my mama. Vincenzo and I had been eagerly awaiting this moment, always keeping our cameras close at hand in anticipation. Not just us, but the whole house. Salvatore, Alessia, and his brothers, they all celebrated everything she did. With bated breath, we watched as Aurelia took a wobbly step forward, her face lighting up with a mixture of surprise and delight. She stumbled slightly, her arms windmilling for balance before she regained her footing and took another hesitant step."Look at her go," Vincenzo murmured, hi
Note: This chapter takes place after Vincenzo has sent Claire back to New York once he learns the entire truth.Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅She was safe—safer than she had ever been in Chicago before.I had rented out the house across the street and stationed my men there to keep a watchful eye on her. They would keep their distance, she wouldn't even realize that they were there. I was furious with her, consumed by an intense anger that threatened to engulf me. But despite my rage, I couldn't bring myself to abandon her. She was too self-destructive, too chaotic to be left to her own devices.Part of me wanted to confront her, to unleash my fury and make her understand the gravity of her actions. But another part of me, a side that only belonged to her, couldn't bear to see her suffer alone.In the end, my love for her won out. No matter how angry I was, no matter how much she lied to me, I couldn't abandon her. She was a part of me, and I would do whatever it took to keep her safe, even i
Vincenzo⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I held Claire close, her body tense against mine, her face buried against my chest as I observed Tony's pitiful state. His once tough presence was reduced to nothingness, stripped of his limbs, his sight, and his dignity. He lay there like a discarded husk, a mere shell of his former self, awaiting the inevitable embrace of death. Claire refused to spare him even a glance, she had stopped coming here all altogether after she had ordered their eyes to be taken out, it was just too much for her. Tony's existence was a grotesque mockery of humanity, stripped of its most fundamental faculties. Devoid of limbs, senses, and any semblance of autonomy, he lay there, a pitiful shell of his former self. The ordeal of surviving without the ability to walk or see had surely taken its toll on his mind, leaving him trapped in a nightmarish existence."Please, Vincenzo, I can't stand to be here any longer," Claire pleaded, her voice quivering with a mix of desperation and di
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I stirred awake, feeling Vincenzo's solid frame enveloping me from behind. The unmistakable presence of his sizable cock pressed against me sent a jolt of excitement coursing through my body. I couldn't resist teasing him, rolling my hips ever so slightly against his length.A low, guttural groan escaped his lips, sending a delicious shiver down my spine. His response was so quintessentially Vincenzo that I couldn't help but smile, relishing in the sensation of his desire coursing through me even before I opened my eyes to greet the day.Last night fulfilled every dream I've ever had about becoming a mother and sharing intimate moments with the man I love. "Are you awake, Mia Cara?"I reached up, my fingers delicately tracing the contours of his forearm where it lay against my ribs, just below my breasts. "Mhmm," I murmured softly. He pulled me closer, his embrace tightening as he buried his face in the nape of my neck. I could sense the gentle caress of his lips
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅"Who's been managing things while you've been away?" I inquired, pulling my hair up into a ponytail."I was," he replied, his gaze fixed on me through the mirror. "I know how to run my organization even when I'm not physically there."We stood side by side, him adjusting his tie while I styled my hair. I had been discreet about our baby, wanting the right moment to reveal the news, I wanted it to be special. I wasn't sure if he had noticed my subtle changes, but he hadn't said a word about it.His phone rang, and he quickly grabbed it, a smirk playing on his lips as he glanced at the screen. Without answering, he slid it back into his pocket."Who was it?" I asked, curious.His smirk widened. "Scott Mancini." My eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh my god, he must be so worried about me. You have to talk to him," I urged. Vincenzo's expression remained smug as ever, and he nonchalantly shrugged. "No," he replied, his tone dismissive."What do you mean, no?" I exclaimed,
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅Perched on the edge of the bed, I curled into myself, knees drawn up to my chest, and my chin resting on top of my knees. His presence across from me was palpable, his hand possessively wrapped around my ankle, anchoring me to him. Slowly, deliberately, his touch traced a path along my leg, each caress sending shivers of conflicting emotions coursing through me. Despite the state of mind, I knew he was in, his touch was a paradox of gentleness, a stark contrast to the brutality I knew he was capable of. Yet, at this moment, his tenderness felt like a lifeline, a fragile thread connecting us. With each stroke, I could feel the electricity coursing through my body, pulling me closer to him. It was like we were speaking our own language, one filled with longing and love. "You were the anonymous buyer..." I stated. His intense gaze locked onto mine, momentarily stealing my breath. "It was your debut exhibition. I had to support my girl," he replied, his voice dark a
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅My eyelids felt heavy as if they were weighed down by tons of bricks, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't force them open. With a groan, I summoned all my strength and pushed my eyes open, only to be met with the blurry sight of an unfamiliar ceiling.As I blinked away the haze of unconsciousness, the events of the previous night flooded back to me in a rush. Panic surged through me as I struggled to make sense of my surroundings.The room was dimly lit, with heavy curtains drawn tightly shut, casting a shadowy gloom over everything. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me back down onto the soft surface beneath me.Where was I? And more importantly, who brought me here, and why? Dread pooled in the pit of my stomach. As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I took in the opulent surroundings of the bedroom. Rich fabrics adorned the furnishings, and ornate decorations adorned the walls. It was a stark contrast to the cold fear grip
Claire⋅•⋅⊰∙∘∘∙⊱⋅•⋅I was four months pregnant, and while the first trimester had been relatively easy, now I was starting to show a bit, and the nausea was hitting me hard, making each day a struggle to get through. I gently caressed my slightly swollen belly, finding comfort in the subtle changes my body was undergoing. Although it wasn't yet noticeable to others, I cherished this intimate connection with my growing baby, a bond that only I could feel.For the exhibition tonight, I opted for a dress that would discreetly conceal my growing bump. I slipped into a black burnout maxi dress with delicate spaghetti straps, its modest neckline offering just the right amount of coverage. As I admired my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. No one on this earth can tear you down, Claire Parker, not even the man you love with all your heart. The sleek silhouette of the dress hugged my curves in all the right places, disguising my pregnancy with effortle