Natalia’s POV: HOURS LATER…Thanks to Caterina, I wasn't subjected to the harsh punishment Carlo had in store for me. Instead, I was locked up in my room, with no access to anyone, food, or water. But Caterina had been very disappointed in me, Luca said he'd understand and wasn't upset but I wasn’t buying into his lies. If I were in his shoes I’d be upset too, especially since Carlo had given him the lecture of the year.I felt… felt terrible. My impulsive, reckless action has done more harm than good. I was worried sick about Tanya but Caterina assured me that Carlo would let her go. I do hope so, cause the guilt was eating me up. And that heartless demon, he’d really want them to strip me naked and let three men flog me for hours? I can't believe I’d let him touch me! The way he'd acted like nothing happened between us that night, shocked and infuriated me. Not like I had anticipated all of this to happen but wasn't he supposed to take that into consideration?‘Natalia, you poss
Carlo’s POV:“What do you mean you can't find my son!” I barked at the incompetent fools who had their heads bowed. “Sorry boss,” Leonardo spoke up first. “We… we don't know how this happened.”I stormed toward him, grabbing his chin in a tight grip. “So you're telling me, only one boy snuck out of the mansion, and none of you seemed to have noticed?” “He…he tricked his driver, capo—”“Useless!” I shoved his chin away, disgusted as I paced the empty room in the cathedral back and forth, wondering why Luca had run away. Was it the wedding? Fuck, he knew he had to get married one way or another, that was the tradition of this household and probably every other household within the organization.This was bad, very bad. Once this got out—which it will eventually—the other families would start talking, questioning my abilities and position. The wedding was meant to be a symbol of control, it meant Luca would have an heir after he took over from me, and now? Now it had all come crashing d
Natalia’s POV: Carlo finally returned a week later. But for the past two days, I hadn't seen him, not once. It was like he was avoiding me and it was driving me crazy.After everything that’s happened, he's just going to ignore me? I needed answers—needed to know about Luca’s disappearance and my future.A knock on my door and one of the guards walked in. “Boss would like to speak with you, in his office.”Fucking finally!I got off the bed and followed the guard out to Carlo’s office. The guard opened the door and I walked in, finding Carlo behind his desk. The light from the opened blinds played across his cheekbones, as well as a lush mouth. He hadn’t shaved recently, and a dark scruff covered his sharp jaw. There was something about his hard grey-blue eyes that had me thinking about what he'd been up to these past few days.“Sit.” He gestured to an empty chair in front of his desk, which I took eyeing him warily. Why was he so different? “I’m not going to beat about the bush,”
Natalia’s POV: God!I was so angry my body vibrated with it. I have never been this furious in my life!I got to my room, slammed the door, and locked it shut with a chair against its knob. I paced back and forth like a wounded animal, and before I could stop myself I grabbed the curtain and tore it from its rails. Next, I picked up the bedside lamp, smashing it into the mirror with all my strength. I watched it shatter to pieces, panting from the exertion.Without thinking, I grabbed a piece, accidentally cutting myself. Hissing, I stared at the blood coating the glass and dripping to the floor. But I was way past caring. I felt like I could explode any second now. My chest felt heavy and it physically hurt. If I couldn't take my anger out on Carlo, I would do that to his properties! I walked over to the bed and started slashing. I let it all out. My fury at Carlo, my anger at Luca and my rage at my father.They were the reason I was in the mess, how dare they dictate my life! Firs
Carlo’s POV:I strode out of my room with my cock as hard as a rock after I’d restrained a very naked Natalia to my bed. There was no one who had ever pushed me to the fucking wall as much as she did, secretly, I loved it, it gave me more reasons to do as I pleased with her. And maybe I looked like a sick bastard asking her to be my mantenuta weeks after my son—her fiancè left her at the altar but why wait? I already knew what she tasted like, I knew how her body went limp when I touched her, I knew what she sounded like when aroused out of her mind and the way she grew wetter by the minute. Fucking hell. I knew I wanted her—who wouldn’t? She was like a walking sex, with full, round breasts that were more than a handful, curvy hips, and a fat ass. Who could say no to that? Well, Lucas would, and if he had decided he didn’t want the marriage, who was I to say ignore the piece of meat being dangled in front of me? She could resist me all she wanted, lie to herself, and say she didn't
Natalia’s POV:I may have lost count of how many days I’d gone without food or water. And I felt dead. Carlo hadn't budged, not one bit, and I was probably going to die from my stubborn act. A soft knock had me darting my eyes to the door, an action I instantly regretted. Yes, people, hunger makes your body hurt, and even the slightest movements are hell. “Hey,” Caterina’s soft voice called, and I wasn't surprised she was the one. Only she would knock before entering, unlike Carlo. I sat up on the bed, careful not to move too much so the chains at my feet wouldn't drag across the wounds there (I’d tried severally to take the chains out and I'd only succeeded in hurting myself)My eyes tracked her as she moved closer to the large king-sized bed, taking a seat at the edge of the bed. She wasn't with a food tray, so I'd assumed she was here to wipe me clean—yes, Carlo never released me so I could have a bath, the bastard made sure Caterina wiped me instead. How convenient. “What now?”
Natalia’s POV:FLASHBACK:FIRST DAY IN ITALY:Exhausted, I dropped to the floor beside the door and that was when my eyes caught something strange amidst the mess on the floor. Slowly, I picked up the brown envelope that slid out from where my bag landed. It wasn't mine. I hadn't put an envelope when I packed my bag, at least I didn't remember putting it in there. My heart rate picked up as every instinct told me not to open the strange envelope. But my fingers moved, tearing the seal off…My fingers trembled as I pulled out a white paper from the envelope and realized it was a letter. Carefully, I opened the letter, and it read:To Natalia, If you're reading this, I may already be dead. The sins I committed have finally caught up with me, the people I wronged have found me and it is only a matter of time until Don Carlo comes for me. I know I'd hurt you and wronged you so much that I don't think you could ever forgive me. So this one last time, allow me to be selfish; I’d decided
Carlo’s POV: I knew that time of the month was drawing closer again, and just like every time in the past, I was boiling with anger, frustration and anxiety. It bothered me—always did and I hated that it made me seem vulnerable and weak.But now wasn't the time to dwell on the past, there were other pressing issues at hand. Like finding out how The Amatos knew exactly when and where Luca would be on the day of the attack. I headed down to the dungeon with Enzo and two of my men. We got to the place where Elio, a relative to the Amatos leader was held captive . But Elio wasn’t who I was here for today. I might even let him go home soon, after all they had decided to plead allegiance. I was here for Benito. The same guard who had ‘died’ saving Luca.What a pathetic joke. Turned out Benito had staged his death and was in on the plan with Gianpaolo and The Amatos, funny how he thought he could escape me. I pushed open the cell door where Elio and Benito hung from the ceilings, their ha
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWO: Carlo's POV: HOURS LATER… It was just eight in the morning and I was still thinking of how to approach Natalia and apologize for my outburst yesterday. My pride wouldn't let me though. It was wounded, bruised and battered. Of course, I knew I had way too much pride for one person and my ego was three sizes bigger than a football stadium. Still, I needed to shove them aside and talk to the woman who meant a lot to me… Haven't even told her that already. Thanks to my pride. ‘You're not fit to be in a relationship, Carlo.’ A voice mocked. It wasn't wrong. It's a wonder how she puts up with me. ‘Just go to her, how hard is that?’ True, it shouldn't be hard. To be honest, I wasn't the only person who had been affected by yesterday's event. She was too. But in a moment of selfishness, I made it all about me. Neither I nor Gianpaolo were completely innocent but she was. She was the one caught in a century-long war and yet, she'd handle it with gr
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-ONE: Angela's POV: Why did I change my mind? Because I knew he'd always fuck up, just like he had done in the past and I was done putting my hopes on a nineteen year old who acts like a lost puppy! Luca was like that stuck gum underneath your shoe that you couldn't quite get rid of. Why did I think it was a good idea to seduce and manipulate my nephew? The thing is, I wasn't thinking and about two years ago, I thought it was the most brilliant idea, that was before Natalia was brought here. I'd thought if I'd made him fall in love with me, I could control him. Well, I can in fact, control him. The fucker does whatever I want, would put his life in danger without hesitation if I asked, even the planned attack on he and Natalia, he'd agreed to that without hesitation but Luca had one big flaw; he'd always protect his father… He was okay with my plan to take over and rule—he thinks he'd be by my side for that, pathetic—but he keeps insisting that I do
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY:Angela's POV:Acting cool and calm when I wanted to scream my head off was exhausting. God!!!!!!I fucking, fucking knew it!!!! I knew the moment he found out Natalia was his fucking daughter, he'd grow weak! And that stupid bitch! I didn't know she'd carry the ring with her, it had always been in her bag! And even when she kept pestering Alessandro to find her parents, I kept leading him to the wrong ends… It didn't take too much since it was really hard to find some random girl's parents but I'd done research on Gianpaolo long before I'd told Alessandro to join forces with him—long before Natalia came into the picture. So as soon as I saw the ring, I knew. Sofia had it on in one of her pictures and that was all I needed to piece two and two together.This was my fault. I left a loose end. I never do those! Now, my brother had gone fucking missing and this pathetic old prick was backing out of our revenge plot! No!I'd given way too much into this. Th
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & NINETEEN:Gianpaolo's POV:3:14 The harsh taste of alcohol and the bitter, burnt taste of cigars were all that could ground me as my mind was a mess of emotions, clouded and broken.You could say I was distraught, devastated. Which was funny considering these feelings were all because of Carlo. All these years, I've chased revenge. I'd been rebuilding my father's fallen empire and all the while trying to hunt down Carlo. To be honest, it hasn't been easy; starting from scratch and trying to overthrow the most powerful man in the city, fuck that, you could call him the most powerful man in Europe…. It was the truth, a truth that grated on my nerves for years. That bastard had grown to be the most powerful man after ruining lives, mine included. And I'd wanted his life, I just didn't want him dead. Everyone knew death was an easy way out. For years I'd wanted what he had and make him my prisoner, break him until he was no better than those in a psych ward. I'd be
Hi💗 How are y'all doing? I've seen your comments, and honestly, I have no intentions of dragging this story out 😅 I'm trying to tie loose ends and make sure there are no plot holes. There's more to be uncovered and I don't think ending it abruptly would seem nice 😅 Don't worry, we are very close to the finishing line and I don't plan on taking this story into next mont (I have abandoned plots I'm supposed to be working on) So, I'm pleading with yall to understand me😊 I'm not dragging this out, I promise. Thank you for your support as always. Thank you 💗 😊
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & EIGHTEEN: Carlo's POV: “He was telling the truth,” Natalia sighed after Gianpaolo stormed out. “You can't tell me that!” The thing is, she can. Even my conscience told me that but it was hard to change what I've come to know for twenty years! She came to a stop in front of me, blue eyes blazing. “But he was telling the truth, you both were put against each other on purpose, can't you see that?” Her voice was surprisingly calm for someone who looked angry. “Couldn't you tell he was betrayed too? Fooled by his own father for his selfish gains.” “Why are you taking his side, again?” I snapped. “Because you think he's your father and suddenly you have a soft spot for him?” That came out before I could stop myself. It was harsh, I knew it was and I half expected her to yell back but she didn't. It was unnerving. “I'm on your side,” she pressed her index finger into my chest, frown deepening as disappointment filled her eyes. “And it is because I'm on you
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & SEVENTEEN: Gianpaolo's POV: What the fuck was this motherfucker saying? I watched his face contort in disbelief mixed with irritation as if he had expected me to agree with whatever he was saying. “Don't play dumb with me now, Paolo!” He hissed. “I heard you, he called you. My father spoke to —” “Accusing me doesn't mean I have a clue about whatever this is!” His eyes met Amora's and he exhaled deeply as if trying to calm himself. “Didn't you speak to my father while you were away at your grandmother's house?” My brows furrowed. “...We were fifteen,” he supplied and then, it clicked in my head like a switch had been flicked on. I could tell he knew when the moment registered in my brain as the muscles around his jaw twitched, his eyes hardening with a dangerous glint. “Yes, I spoke to your father,” I confessed. “But he was the one who called me first to ask me about the pictures he'd found in my camera.” His nostrils flared. “Indecent pi
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & SIXTEEN: Carlo's POV: At the mention of Gianpaolo's name, my mood was ruined all over again and I would never admit that his presence here, especially with the DNA test, was making my stomach cramp with unnecessary stress and anxiety.A soft hand wrapped around my arm and I looked at Natalia beside me. “Let's go,” she whispered.‘No. You go alone.’ It was on the tip of my tongue to say that, after all, there was no telling what might happen if it was positive. Instead, I nodded in agreement and let her lead me downstairs…By the time we got to the living room, Gianpaolo was pacing the length of it, dressed in a dark navy blue dress shirt and black pants. “Carlo. You're here,” Zia announced, pulling Gianpaolo's attention to us and when his gaze landed on Natalia who still held my hand he frowned a little before breaking into a wide grin like an eager puppy.“Amora,” he greeted Natalia and I winced hating the fact that she greeted him in return with the same pol
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & FIFTEEN: Carlo's POV: PRESENT…“I can't believe Angela and Alessandro's mom did all that to you and your mom and still, you raised them and loved them,” Natalia scoffed angrily and I smiled.“Their mother hated them anyway and if we are being honest, I and zia did most of the work even before the incident,” I tell her. “Still, it is unfair.”“You talk like you aren't raising the child of the man who traumatized you,” I pointed out and she frowned.“That's different!” “It is really not.”Her frown deepened. “But Alessandro hates you, he tried to kill you! He thinks you deserve to die for what you did to his mother.”True. But.. “Alessandro doesn't know the whole truth and I don't blame him. I can't even punish him for it.”“Then why did you send men to look for him?”I gave it a brief thought before I replied. “Well, at first, I was furious. I still am. He put you in danger when all he really wanted was to harm me. I needed to punish him for that. But then, af