Natalia’s POV: ‘What are you doing here?!’ The overhead light suddenly came on, stabbing my eyes, and I squinted, letting my retinas adjust to the sudden brightness. And when it did, they zeroed in on Carlo. And fuck, he looked pissed. “What are you doing here?” He repeated, eyes narrowed into slits. I swallowed, licking my lips, inching a bit closer to him until we were almost a foot apart. “I…I came to check in on you,” I said quietly. “You don't have to, I'm good.” He said that in the most dismissive manner ever I felt my stomach clench. “I’m sorry,” I blurted nervously but when he said nothing, I continued. “I acted recklessly and put your life in danger… I shouldn’t have done that.” “You think that's what this is?” He scoffed, shaking his head and I frowned, confused. “You think I'm upset about that?” Wasn't that the reason? He got wounded because of me, shouldn't he be upset about that? Anyone would be, right? Slowly, with slight effort, he rose from
Natalia's POV: Carlo lied.It's been almost four days since I last spoke to him and when I went over to his bedroom to seek him out first, I was told, ‘Don is out.’ The same words I've been hearing for two days in a row.I'd spoken to Doctor Camilla when she came over to check on Ava and Angela but she said nothing other than ‘he's a grown man and can handle himself,’ ‘it's not the first time he's disappeared, especially after an incident like this that left him wounded.’ Okay, but all those other times, I didn't know him, haven't met, wasn't in love with him or had a child with him. The not knowing was killing me plus the asshole wasn't responding to my texts or calls! He wanted me to take care of myself but didn't he know how behavior would stress me out?Plus, I was only now remembering the discussion I had with Doctor Camilla weeks back. What if he experiences one of his traumatic episodes coupled with the fact that he'd just escaped death? How would he cope? ‘Don't be silly,
Angela's POV: It was so much easier doing this with someone else. On my own, it was like mission impossible. Deceiving guards and trying to navigate my way but Natalia made it easier. We were at the huge Iron, rusted gate leading to the dungeon and I reached under my nightgown for the key I'd stolen. “Here,” I extended my hand to Natalia and her eyes grew in size. “Where did you get that?” She whispered harshly. I shrugged. “I have my ways.” She shot me an impressed look. “You must have really prepared for this.” Yes, I have. More than anything. After that incident in my room. I'd been restless. I'd seen the dangerous glint in Alessandro's eyes before he stormed out of my room. Okay, I might have misread him and he really did leave Rueben alone. But the way he'd been avoiding me lately said otherwise. I knew that fuckface, he was my twin. I knew he was hiding something from me…. “It's not locked,” Natalia's shocked voice pulled me out of my head and I blinked up at h
Alessandro’s POV: That was how I found myself ordering guards to unchain the doctor and sending up to the guest room. I'd just released the very man that'd been responsible for what my sister had to go through and all because of her. She may have saved him this one time, but let's see how she does so in the future, but first, I had somewhere to be.After I'd made sure the doctor was placed in the room, Angela had immediately called for Camilla—it was late midnight, so I knew it would take an hour or more until she got here. I left the room with both women tending to the grunting man while they waited for Camilla.I got into my car after shooting a quick text to who I was meeting up with. They were another person I needed to deal with, another fool who was responsible for this mess. This wasn't supposed to be the outcome.I took a turn to my left, driving up a narrow path that led to the woods about an hour away from the estate—since it was midnight, it took me less than an hour si
Natalia's POV: TWO DAYS LATER…Angela hasn't left Rueben's side since that night, not even when Doctor Camilla arrived. And to be fucking honest, I completely understood her. The man had been beaten beyond recognition. Doctor Camilla also confirmed that his wounds were infected, hence his high fever and delirious state. Angela had cried her eyes out on the first day and of course, Alessandro was nowhere to be seen. Could say the same for his brother, Carlo. And I didn't know how long I could endure not seeing him and it's okay if anyone calls me clingy or obsessed, cause at this point? I just might. Which is crazy, I shouldn't want to be involved with him, not after what had just happened. I guess I might be crazy, I mean, my sister was in danger and it was because of who he was, the kind of business he does and the people he deals with. Sure, we weren't safe living with Antonio, the man I formerly called ‘dad’ and also, was Ava's real dad. But I'd been planning to leave, right? What
Carlo's POV: Levi's grunts echoed in the large, empty room as Enzo placed the taser against his open wound.The bastard was suspended against a makeshift cross, arms spread wide above his head and his feet bound together at the bottom. It has been over seven days and we still haven't gotten a single information out of him. He was a tough one, I'd give him that. Since I was still healing, I'd left most of the work to Enzo while I stood by the corner watching.One thing is for certain though, he'd die by hand for laying a hand on my sister, whatever Enzo was doing to him was only the tip of the iceberg.“Enough, Enzo,” I ordered and he took the taser away while I stalked over to the bastard. His chest was heaving, his breathing heavy and ragged—probably from broken ribs and pain. His ballooned shut right eye was a mix of violet, green, red, black and there was a gash just above his swollen lid.“You're ready to give me a name, yes?” I asked calmly, meeting his eyes. “Who were you work
Natalia's POV: It was two in the morning and I couldn't sleep for shit. I kept tossing and turning on my bed and I was grateful Ava had fallen asleep in Caterina's room after playing in there all day cause I knew my restlessness would have kept her awake too….Before now, I'd already made at least three trips to the kitchen for water and a snack, and even twice that to the bathroom to pee and at one point, I felt too hot, so I took another shower for the night. It felt so strange—the restlessness, I mean. I even had to text Doctor Camilla and she'd said, “Don't worry dear, it's just the pregnancy hormones. Just lay down and maybe you just might drift into sleep.” How was that helpful?!I'd retired for the night at nine pm and still nothing for hours! See, I understand people with insomnia to an extent at this point. Like I want to sleep, I really want to but just can't and the moment I shut my eyes it's like a whole new world is taking place behind my shut lids, like a TV show was
Natalia's POV: What the fuck? Blood rushed to my ears as my face flamed hot. For fuck's sake, I'd just been caught toying with my pussy, I could literally feel my wetness drying on my fingers.How the fuck did this happen?Before me, standing in nothing but a grey sweats which hung loosely on his waist was Carlo.But the guard said he wasn't in!He had an amused smirk on his face—one I'd very much like to wipe off his face—but other than that he looked good, strong, gone was the big white bandage that went around his torso. In its place was a small white bandage placed on his wounded area.“Do not stop on my account,” he teased. “I was enjoying the show, dolcezza.” I should have turned off the light. And how didn't I hear him come in.I adjusted my nightgown climbing off the bed, missing the orgasm that I would have gotten if I wasn't so rudely interrupted. “How are you here?” I asked, shifting uncomfortably on my feet. “The guard said you weren't in.” He shrugged. “He wasn't at
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY-FOUR: Gianpaolo’s POV: PRESENT…I had taken the next available flight back to Italy, I told myself it wasn't possible. When Rafael mentioned that it was Carlo who did it, it was harder to believe.Sure, we'd stopped talking for over two years but that didn't mean he'd betray me. That was what I thought until I was back home and I saw for myself that my father had been tortured and shot dead along with his men, our main mansion burnt and brought to the ground with workers, maids, and my Sofia and Amora…I'd been frozen to a spot, I couldn't move for hours, crying as I lay next to what looked like her remains. I was a coward.I should have moved then, found that bastard, and made him pay but Rafael said I would have only lost my life since Carlo was really powerful at that time, so powerful he'd taken his father down too… That day, I died along with Sofia and our daughter. I'd spent everyday for the past fifteen years living in pain, anger, hate….wanting
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY-THREE: Gianpaolo's POV: SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD….“It's been confirmed,” The doctor said with an unreadable expression on his face as he watched my new bride and childhood friend, Sofia. Her soft hand grabbed my mine tightly, nervousness clear as day as we awaited the doctor's diagnosis.She'd been feeling unwell lately and just last night, she came down with a high fever prompting my father to send for a doctor. I squeezed her hand back in a gentle reassurance while my heart thumped away behind my ribcage. “So?” I urged. “Tell us.” He broke into a blinding grin as he moved closer, holding his hand out to me which I took regardless of the confusion clouding my head. “Congratulations,” he said in a loud steady voice as he fixed his gaze back on Sofia. “You're pregnant Mrs Ravazzani.” Sofia let out a surprised gasp as I whispered, “Pregnant?” Warmth spread across my chest as I held the doctor's gaze.“Yes,” he nodded, still smiling. “She is with child.” I
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY-TWO: Gianpaolo's POV:I watched with great satisfaction as blood oozed from the spot where I stuck my knife into Carlo's side and I twisted the weapon once more for the fun of it. My eyes flicked up to his face just in time to see that smug looking face crumple with pain and in the same second, a loud crash bounced of the walls of the building.“What the hell do you think you're doing?!” I heard Alessandro hiss just as I turned my attention to Carlo's whore who was now on the floor, still trapped in a chair. So she wasn't just a whore but a nuisance too? Great. “Alessandro, get that bitch in order!” I ordered and he quickly moved to obey. I watched him lift her up and she snarled at him, “Traitor!” “Shut your mouth or this could end very quickly for you!” “Don't you dare lay a hand on her!” Carlo growled and I was surprised at how much strength he still had despite the fact that I stick had my knife in his guts.This motherfucker must really care for
Hi, y'all. Happy new month💗! I know chapter updates have been on hold for over a week now, and I sincerely apologize for that 🙏 I needed some time off for school and other stuff, but I'm back now. Updates resume any day from now, thank you so much for your patience💗And for the repeated chapters, I'm sorry and I will make it up to you. I do not take your support for granted 🥹💗 Love y'all 🫶🏻
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY-NINE: Natalia's POV: My eyes fluttered open and the first thing I noticed was the big hand resting on my waist and I stiffened.Carlo?Carefully and slowly, I turned around coming face to face with a sleeping Carlo. Like this, he looked so peaceful and even more gorgeous. So he came back to bed, cuddling with me. I thought. I could stay like this for hours—days—and not move, I love being in his arms like this, I love being this close to him. For the next ten minutes or so, I lay quietly, until his eyelashes fluttered open revealing those gorgeous eyes to me.“You're awake,” he mumbled in a deep, throaty voice and I smiled.“Yes,” I whispered. “I was watching you sleep,” I said before I could stop myself, almost like my mouth had no filter.He smiled. “You enjoy watching me sleep?” Maybe more than I'd like to admit. “I don't know,” I lied, avoiding his eyes. “I'm thirsty, could you move your arm?” “Don't stress yourself, I'll get water for you,” he i
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY:Angela's POV: HOURS EARLIER….Rueben was finally getting better and Camilla said his infections were gone. I couldn't stand being close to him like this out of guilt but I couldn't leave his side either. Of course, being the man he was, he didn't blame me, in fact, he was relieved I had gotten home safe. Can you believe it?I was the reason he almost died and he was worried about me?‘Tell him what happened and watch if he'd still care about you,’ A voice mocked in my head and I shut my eyes tightly to make it go away.Every day was an internal battle with my head and heart. Do I tell him or not? I know if I didn't there would be no way of him knowing since none of the people who already knew were going to spill it anyways.But it was eating me up inside. No one knew how I kept reliving that day every time I shut my eyes, no one knew how I kept looking behind me. How could they tell I could still feel those bastards moving in and out of my mouth?They
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY-ONE: Carlo's POV: My knees buckled. I can count on a single hand the number of times I've felt this way. Helpless, frightened, powerless.“Don't you dare lay a finger on her!” I barked, my voice trembling. “I can't promise that, Carlo,” the bastard drawled. “Your cooperation determines how this goes. If you do as I say, she gets to walk free, unharmed.” “What do you want?” I gritted, grabbing my phone so hard it was a surprise it didn't Crack. “Name your price.”“You, Carlo?” I could hear the smile in his voice. “You're the prize.” This fucking bastard. “Fine!” From the corner of my eyes, I could see Enzo shaking his head, saying no but my mind was made up. “You will come to the location I've just sent you,” he ordered. “Come alone, Carlo. I don't need any of your minions, just you. You in exchange for your whore.” I didn't wait for any more babbling from me, I hung up, checking the location he sent as Enzo walked up to me.“You can't go there alo
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & NINETY:Angela's POV: HOURS EARLIER….Rueben was finally getting better and Camilla said his infections were gone. I couldn't stand being close to him like this out of guilt but I couldn't leave his side either. Of course, being the man he was, he didn't blame me, in fact, he was relieved I had gotten home safe. Can you believe it?I was the reason he almost died and he was worried about me?‘Tell him what happened and watch if he'd still care about you,’ A voice mocked in my head and I shut my eyes tightly to make it go away.Every day was an internal battle with my head and heart. Do I tell him or not? I know if I didn't there would be no way of him knowing since none of the people who already knew were going to spill it anyways.But it was eating me up inside. No one knew how I kept reliving that day every time I shut my eyes, no one knew how I kept looking behind me. How could they tell I could still feel those bastards moving in and out of my mouth?They
Natalia's POV: My eyes fluttered open and the first thing I noticed was the big hand resting on my waist and I stiffened.Carlo?Carefully and slowly, I turned around coming face to face with a sleeping Carlo. Like this, he looked so peaceful and even more gorgeous. So he came back to bed, cuddling with me. I thought. I could stay like this for hours—days—and not move, I love being in his arms like this, I love being this close to him. For the next ten minutes or so, I lay quietly, until his eyelashes fluttered open revealing those gorgeous eyes to me.“You're awake,” he mumbled in a deep, throaty voice and I smiled.“Yes,” I whispered. “I was watching you sleep,” I said before I could stop myself, almost like my mouth had no filter.He smiled. “You enjoy watching me sleep?” Maybe more than I'd like to admit. “I don't know,” I lied, avoiding his eyes. “I'm thirsty, could you move your arm?” “Don't stress yourself, I'll get water for you,” he insisted, pulling away as he rose to