Unedited. Still at the hospital. Let me know what you think of today's update. xoxo ✨
Lilianna »»»◈««« I cleared my throat as Nero stepped into our home. Nero and I were the same age. We met in our childhood and had known each other since then, but I had never mustered the courage to get close to him. His presence always radiated a dangerous aura that kept me at a distance, even back then. Now, as he entered my home, that same dark energy seemed to fill the room, making the air feel heavier. People warned me about Nero, saying he hurt women after sleeping with them, and I have kept my distance ever since. He’s a twisted sadist, but he never made a move on me because I belonged to his older brother... well, half-brother. The rumors alone were enough to make me wary, and his dark, dangerous presence only confirmed them. We sat at the dining table, Marco and I across from him. He grinned, eyes gleaming with twisted amusement. "What’s the occasion, Marco? Usually, you prefer dealing with my older brother, the so-called legitimate heir. Doesn't Nikolai call me a bastard?
Lilianna »»»◈««« "After a long time, I can finally say that life feels good," I told Dr. Lin. "That's wonderful to hear, Lilianna," she replied, her eyes warm with encouragement. I couldn't help but grin. "I'm shooting two movies, I'm the face of a luxury brand, and modeling gigs are flooding in from everywhere. Oh, and I just did an ad for a makeup brand. It’s amazing—my dream is unfolding right before my eyes. It's so surreal when I think about it." Dr. Lin nodded, "That's fantastic progress in your career. And how about your personal life?" "My brothers and I are closer than ever now," I began, my voice tinged with pride and relief. "They’re well taken care of. Samuele’s stutter has improved dramatically, and it looks like he might overcome it completely soon. Gabriele is excelling at school. He joined the soccer team with his best friend Massimo, and they’re unstoppable together. And I... well, I'm in a really good place with my husband. It's like we're dating all over again,
Lilianna »»»◈««« Tracing my finger over his strong, muscular chest, I planted a soft kiss there, savoring the warmth of his skin. As I looked up, our eyes met, and he gazed down at me with a smile that made my heart flutter. The flutter in my heart returned, more intense than ever, reminding me of the first time I saw him. I vividly remember the electricity that sparked between us when our eyes first met. That same flutter had surged through me when I touched him for the first time, my fingertips brushing against his skin, and our first kiss had sealed my fate, a moment so powerful that it felt as if the world around us had faded away. "What?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "You're beautiful..." he murmured, his voice deep and sincere, before pressing his lips gently against my forehead. That simple act, the way he kissed my forehead with such care, always made me feel something. It was his signature move, a gesture that told me without words that I meant som
Lilianna »»»◈««« I racked my brain for a moment, then it came to me—0415. I typed it in, and the screen unlocked. Stifling a grin, I clicked on Rio's messages... ╭───────────────╮ Dad: How are you both doing? Any chance there's some exciting news on the way? ╰───────────────╯ I furrowed my eyebrows. What exciting news could he be talking about? My heart started to race as I read the next message. ╭───────────────╮ Dad: You know how important it is for the family to have an heir soon. ╰───────────────╯ An heir? My breath hitched. As I scrolled down, I saw a string of messages from Rio, each more forceful and insistent than the last. He said he couldn't wait, and if Marco wanted his inheritance, he must produce a child. My pulse quickened, dread creeping into my veins. ╭───────────────╮ Dad: Are you incapable of getting her pregnant, or what? ╰───────────────╯ ╭───────────────╮ Dad: What the hell is taking so long? You shoo
Marco »»»◈««« Stepping out of the bathroom with a towel slung low around my hips, I immediately noticed the empty bed. My eyes darted to the spot where Lilianna's dress had been, but now it was gone. I moved to the closet, grabbing my dark grey suit. Just as I pulled on my pants, a rapid, almost frantic knock resounded against the closet door. The force behind it told me this wasn't Lilianna. I yanked the door open, not bothering to put on a shirt, and found Davide standing there, his face pale, chest heaving with exertion. "Boss," he panted, his voice strained, "Mrs. Costello... she’s shot up the entire fucking garage." For a split second, I could only stare at him, the words not quite sinking in. But then, like a switch flipping, the reality of what he said hit me. My mind struggled to reconcile the image of my gentle, composed wife doing what he just said. "Lilianna?" I asked, my voice filled with disbelief. He nodded frantically, desperation etched across his features. "Ye
Lilianna »»»◈««« Casting one last seething look at my traitorous brothers, I shoved past Marco, fury burning in every step as I marched towards the elevator. But of course, he couldn't leave me alone. I jabbed the elevator button repeatedly, as if sheer force could speed up my escape. My suitcase contained only the essentials; the rest I would retrieve once I found my own place. I had enough money saved from my job, and I texted my manager, asking her if she could secure an apartment for me immediately. Sloane had already offered her place until I got settled. "It's not safe for you to be out there alone, Lilianna. You can't leave. I won't allow it. If you would just calm down and listen, give me a chance to explain—" Marco's voice was soft, almost pleading. But I knew better. Once, I had believed his lies, and look where that had gotten me. I turned to face him, rage boiling over. "I have my manager and my team. Don't pretend to care about my safety and well-being when you never
Marco »»»◈««« I slumped on the couch, a glass of scotch dangling from my fingers as I glared at the ceiling. Emptiness clawed at me, a hollow ache that I hadn't felt in a long time. The scotch burned down my throat, but it did nothing to fill the void. Leaning forward, I reached for the bottle, only to find it empty. I had drained the entire thing, and still, the hollowness gnawed at me. I staggered to the bar, my movements a little unsteady. The polished wood surface mocked me, a cruel reminder of her. The memory of spreading her legs and tasting her right here flooded my mind. I traced my fingers over the cold counter, desperate to feel her presence, but she was gone. Only the ghost of her touch remained. My hand shook as I grabbed the whiskey bottle she had chosen to drink from, staring at it like it held the answers. I wrenched off the cap and took a swig, the liquid burning a path down to my stomach. My head throbbed, and I swallowed two ibuprofen, chasing them with more w
Lilianna »»»◈««« I had spent an entire week thinking about it, day and night, trying to find answers that never came. The constant over-thinking only made me feel worse. Nothing made sense anymore, and the silence in my mind was unbearable. I threw myself into work, hoping to drown out the thoughts that filled my every moment. I stepped out of the car and ran my fingers through my hair, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside me. My secretary followed closely as we walked onto the set, but just as I was about to enter, I saw him. For a moment, I thought my mind was playing tricks on me. But there he was, standing there. He wore a designer trench coat that hung perfectly off his broad shoulders, pointy Italian loafers that gleamed under the sunlight, and his signature scowl that made my heart do wild acrobatics. I stopped dead in my tracks, resisting the urge to rub my eyes in disbelief. He hadn't shown up at my place or at work, so seeing him here was a shock that sent my p
Marco »»»◈««« My life had taken a wild turn, and I was loving every damn second of it. Ever since Lilianna got pregnant, her sex drive went through the roof. I was on-call two times a day, making sure my dick was ready whenever she needed it. Despite her long hours on set, she always had time for me, and I wasn’t complaining. She had this thing for spicy food now. She’d eat it, then cry because it burned, and I'd laugh my ass off while comforting her. Nights were the best. Sliding under the covers, I’d press my hand against her swollen belly, feeling our daughter move. Elena Rose Costello. I chose the name and had the nursery decked out with everything she’d need. I knew it was a girl; I could feel it in my bones. Lilianna would tease, “What if it’s a boy? Are you going to dress him up in all that pink?” I didn’t care. I knew it was my little girl. I was damn certain. Just like I was damn certain I was blessed. Just like I was damn certain I was in love. Just like I was dam
Dear Beautiful Readers, Thank you so much for coming along on this wild and emotional ride with the Costello family. Writing this book has been an incredible journey, and I'm thrilled to have shared it with you. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to me. Knowing that you've connected with the characters and their stories keeps me going, even during the toughest writing days. I hope you've enjoyed every twist and turn, and that the story has left you eager for what's to come. Your feedback and love for the book are truly appreciated. Don't forget to leave a 5-STAR REVIEW on the book's main page. Please. Please. Please (In Sabrina Carpenter's voice) It inspires me to keep creating and bringing these complex, intense tales to life. I'm beyond excited to bring you one last wild ride with the Costello family in "Mafia Men VI: Alessandro's Games." Get ready for all the drama, excitement, angst, spice and dark twists as we dive into Alessandro's world. I can't wait to share
Lilianna »»»◈««« I stepped out of the limousine, the blinding flashes of cameras immediately assaulting my senses. The red carpet stretched out before me like a river of fire, leading to the grand entrance of the theater. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of excitement and nerves, as I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. This was it. My first movie premiere. I smoothed the skirt of my gown, a shimmering emerald green that Marco had picked out for me. It hugged my curves perfectly, making me feel like a Hollywood starlet from a bygone era. As I walked, the fabric flowed around my legs, giving me a sense of grace and confidence. “Lilianna! Over here!” “Lilianna, who are you wearing tonight?” “Lilianna, how does it feel to be here?” The voices of the reporters and photographers blended into a cacophony of noise, but I forced myself to smile and wave, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. Marco was just a few steps behind me, his strong hand resting gently on m
Lilianna »»»◈««« I held Marcello tightly in my arms as we stepped out of the car, my heart pounding. I glanced nervously at Marco, uncertain how everyone would react to meeting Marcello. Samuele, Gabriele, Amalia, and Rio stood waiting inside our grand estate. Marcello's eyes widened in shock as he took in the sight of the massive house. "Whose home is that?" he asked in Italian. I knew it would take time for him to learn English so he could talk with the other kids here. I was determined to teach him everything myself. Marco stepped up beside me, gently brushing his hand against his cheek, "It's ours," he said. "You live here?" Marcello's eyes were filled with disbelief. I nodded, trying to infuse my voice with as much softness as I could muster, "We do, and from now on, this will be your home too." The way Marcello stared at the estate broke my heart. The images of his previous life flashed through my mind. I vowed to erase those memories, to give him a fresh st
Marco »»»◈««« The limo came to a halt outside Cala del Leone, the final surprise I had planned for her. The secluded private beach lay just outside Florence, hidden away from the world. We stepped out into the cool night air, the sound of the waves crashing softly against the shore. A table was set up near the water’s edge, decorated with flickering candles and fresh flowers. The ocean stretching out endlessly under the moonlight. Lilianna turned to me, her eyes questioning. "What’s this?" I took her hand, guiding her to the table. "Our honeymoon," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I pulled out a chair for her, and she sat down, her gaze never leaving mine. We were greeted with a bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne, a private Michelin-starred chef preparing our dinner, and a live orchestra playing beautiful pieces just for us. As we settled in, I poured the champagne, the bubbles rising in the glass like tiny stars. The first course was served, and we began to eat.
Marco »»»◈««« I held her hand, her delicate fingers interlaced with mine, and on her face was a happiness I had never seen before. She seemed truly happy and at peace. And honestly, so was I. After such a long and excruciating time, I finally felt at peace, like I was finally back home after I had been missing for years. Even though I had just met Marcello, I felt an intense connection to that little man, a feeling stronger than anything I had ever experienced. The last time I felt this enchanted by someone was when I first met his mother. He had the same captivating charm, the kind that draws you in, just like his mother. I’m a father. Damn, I’m a father, and I have been for the past five years, almost six if you count Lilianna's pregnancy. And I never knew. All this time, even without knowing about him, it doesn't change the fact that I was a father. An adorable boy, carrying my father's legacy, my legacy... I couldn't wait to teach Marcello everything I knew, guide him, an
Lilianna »»»◈««« The sight of him hit me like a punch to the gut. His small frame, fragile and vulnerable, the wide eyes full of innocent fear that twisted my heart. Those same blue eyes, unforgettable and haunting, locked onto mine after a quick, seeking glance at Betty. Each heartbeat felt like an eternity as I watched him take tentative steps forward, clutching a stuffed giraffe as if it were his only shield against the world. His eyes, flickering between Betty, me, and Marco, scanned us up and down. Betty knelt before him, her grip firm on his small arms. "Francesco," she said gently, "this lady and her husband are our friends. They are here to take us away, to help us. Now go, greet them while I pack a bag, she told him and he nodded. As he walked closer to me, every instinct screamed at me to scoop him up, to hold him tight. Tears welled up, blurring my vision. I fought the urge and knelt down, forcing a smile. "Hello, Francesco..." For a moment, he hesitated. Then, with a
Lilianna »»»◈««« I knocked on yet another door, each impact sending sharp stings through my bruised knuckles. My fingers throbbed, raw from the relentless pounding, but I couldn't stop. Marco and I had vowed to scour every house in this neighborhood. The door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged woman with suspicious eyes. Her frown deepened as she took me in, "Cosa vuoi?" she demanded. ("What do you want?") I held up a photograph of Beatrice Berlusconi, my voice trembling with hope. "Hai visto questa donna? Sai dove abita?" I asked. ("Have you seen this woman? Do you know where she lives?") She squinted at the picture through her glasses, her gaze sharpening as she continued talking in Italian, "Oh, that's Betty..." Relief washed over me, a powerful tide that nearly knocked me off balance. Marco stepped forward, his presence grounding me as he placed a steadying hand on my back. "Can you tell us where she is?" His voice was calm, but the tension in his grip showed his impatien
Lilianna »»»◈««« "We're never going to find him, are we?" I murmured, my voice barely rising above a whisper as I leaned heavily against the crumbling wall of the grimy alley in Le Piagge. I scanned the filthy surroundings, the stench of decay and neglect assaulting my senses. Trash littered the narrow passage, and the flickering streetlights cast eerie shadows that danced on the graffiti-covered walls. A rat scurried across my path, disappearing into the darkness. My heart sank further. How could a child survive here? The thought gnawed at me. While I lived in my mansions and penthouses, my son was out there, walking these streets. Fear clutched my heart. Marco's fingers brushed my cheek, and I flinched, recoiling from his touch. Since that night with Kason and Anna, a chilling dread had settled deep within me. Any contact from Marco now made my skin crawl, dragging me back to those moments of utter helplessness. I couldn't forget how powerless I felt as Anna ruthlessly ended