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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
Lilianna »»»◈««« “Overall, the ultrasound confirms a viable intrauterine pregnancy at 5 weeks gestation with early signs of embryonic and fetal development. The patient is advised to schedule regular prenatal visits to optimize maternal and fetal health.” I stared at the words on the report for what felt like an eternity, trying to make sense of the turmoil within me. Did I love this baby? I didn’t know. I had never wanted it. The idea of resenting it felt foreign, but I couldn’t ignore the resentment already gnawing at the edges of my mind. Would it ruin my life? Yes, without a doubt. It already had. I could see every single opportunity slipping through my fingers, my dreams and ambitions fading into the background. My life, as I had envisioned it, was being stolen away from me before it had even begun. Just when I was getting started, it was over—so damn soon. The disappointment was a heavy weight on my chest, squeezing the breath out of me. I imagined the future I never wanted.