I hope you all enjoyed today's chapter. Honestly, I can't wait to wrap up this story and move on to something new. Writing this has been such a roller-coaster ride, and not always in a good way. There have been moments of inspiration, but also a lot of struggle and frustration. I'm exhausted, and it's been tough to keep pushing forward at times. It always seems to happen when I'm busy with work, so writing gets less of my attention. But I hope you guys like it. 💐 xoxo ✨
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.
Lilianna »»»◈««« "Five weeks," I managed to say, my voice trembling. I watched Marco's face, trying to decipher his emotions. He seemed torn between happiness and worry, his eyes flickering with uncertainty every time he looked at me. His inner conflict mirrored my own. "Congratulations," I continued, hugging myself tightly. "This is what you wanted, right?" Marco's eyes locked onto mine. "Is it what you want?" I almost laughed bitterly. "Now you care about what I want?" His expression hardened. "Yes, I do care. When I first got closer to you, Lilianna, I thought you were just a part of the plan. But fuck it, I was wrong. You mean everything to me, everything, more than I could ever put into words." I pressed my lips together and looked away, avoiding his gaze. "I didn't matter to you when you messed with my birth control pills." His expression darkened. "I replaced them two days later, I swear. I couldn't stand the thought of you taking them right in front of me. I even lied
Marco »»»◈««« Prove to me how important I am to you by going against everything you stand for, by defying your code, by going against the entire Cosa Nostra. You will free him, and you will let him live with me for the rest of my life. Only then will I believe you... I downed another glass of bourbon, the burn of the alcohol doing little to quell the storm inside me. My hand raked through my hair in a desperate, frustrated gesture, as if trying to physically tear out the thoughts that plagued me. Without thinking, I hurled the crystal tumbler at the wall in front of me. The shattering glass echoed through the room. My breath came in harsh, ragged gasps, each inhale and exhale amplifying the pain coursing through my veins. Her words looped incessantly in my head, each syllable like a dagger twisting deeper into my chest. The look in her eyes, that blend of anger and sorrow, haunted me relentlessly. I could see her face every time I closed my eyes. Grabbing the bottle of bourbon,
Lilianna »»»◈««« "It's not real, it can't be, it just can't..." I muttered, my foot tapping incessantly against the hardwood floor of Dr. Lin's office. "How real did it feel to you, Lilianna?" Dr. Lin's voice was calm, yet probing. I shook my head vigorously. "Like a very real dream... but still just a dream. It can't be real. I was pregnant, not just in my mind, but the whole nine months. And look at me now, this is my first pregnancy. I'd remember if I gave birth to a child. My body would be different." Dr. Lin scribbled something in her notes before looking up at me with a steady gaze. "You know, women's bodies can recover remarkably well, especially young mothers. If we're following your timeline accurately, you would have been almost twenty years old at the time, right?" A cold dread settled in my chest. "But if it's true, then where is the child? It can't just vanish into thin air." "Lilianna, what you endured in those two or more years in that basement could make anyone f
Marco »»»◈««« We were at Niko's mansion, I had called a meeting, so, It was just us and the kids. Massimo and Aurora ran around the room, their laughter echoing off the walls as they played. Cristiano tried his best to keep up, his tiny legs moving as fast as they could, but he was still so young. Anastasia, on the other hand, was the epitome of shyness, almost a mirror image of Evangeline when I first laid eyes on her. She sat nestled in Niko's lap, her face buried deep in his chest, seeking the comfort and security only a father could provide. Niko's hand moved gently through her hair, a soothing motion that seemed to calm her. Every so often, she'd muster the courage to slip out of his arms, reaching for a slice of apple he held out for her, before quickly retreating into the safety of his arms. The sight of her brought a rare, genuine smile to my face. Watching them, I couldn't help but think. What kind of father would I be? I found myself wondering about the gender of our bab
Lilianna »»»◈««« I slowly forced open my eyes, my head swimming in a fog of confusion. The sharp, chemical scent still lingered, making me gag. My eyes fluttered open, struggling to adjust to the dim, flickering light. As I tried to move, I realized with a jolt of horror that my hands and feet were tightly bound. A muffled whimper escaped me, there was a gag in my mouth that stopped me from making a noise as I tugged against the restraints, the ropes biting into my skin. Panic surged through my veins, and I thrashed harder, the bindings holding firm. My breath quickened, each inhale stifled by the gag in my mouth. The taste of the cloth was bitter and metallic, pressing against my tongue and teeth. I forced myself to slow down, to focus on my surroundings. The room was dimly lit, slivers of moonlight seeping through shattered windows, casting strange shadows on the decaying walls. My eyes darted around, taking in the peeling paint, the broken furniture, and the rusted medical
Lilianna »»»◈««« I cradled my baby close, feeling his warmth seep into my chest. His tiny body fit perfectly against mine. I pressed my lips to his forehead, lingering there because I wanted to imprint his delicate scent into my memory. His chubby cheeks, soft and plump, asked for countless kisses, and his beautiful blue eyes, so strikingly clear, stared up at me with a wonder that took my breath away. He was the spitting image of his father, a miniature version of him. Except for the eyes, I don't know where he got them from. I nuzzled my nose against his, the little gesture making him scrunch up his face in the most adorable way. "I'm going to name you Marcello," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, as if we were sharing a secret and maybe, we were, "After your father. You look so much like him, so handsome and perfect..." As if in response, he opened his little mouth and let out the tiniest yawn, a sound so small yet so profound it melted me into a puddle. His eyelid
Third-Person Narration »»◈««◈»»◈««◈»»◈«« The doctor checked Lilianna's eyes with a penlight, gently pulling down her eyelids. Lilianna's gaze drifted, unfocused, taking in her surroundings with an unfamiliar and vacant stare. "She has dissociative amnesia," the doctor said, turning to Santino and speaking in a low voice. "She remembers most of her life but seems to have forgotten about the time she spent down here." Santino's eyes gleamed with a mixture of relief and triumph. "That's good. That's fucking perfect." "But," the doctor interjected, "although her child is gone, she's still lactating. Her body retains the effects of childbirth and new motherhood. This could trigger memories eventually. Something down here might remind her—" "Make it go away," Santino snapped. The doctor hesitated, his brow furrowing. "How?" Santino placed a heavy hand on the doctor's shoulder, the doctor was on his payroll and did whatever his boss asked him to, even if it was his own daughter, "Kee
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