CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & THIRTY-SIX:Carlo: THE NEXT DAY…“You kissed her?” Enzo asked again and I threw him a glare, grounding my molars harder.Stronzo.He’d been repeating it like he didn't hear a word I said. I watched as he pulled out the chair from across my desk and lowered into it.“Why?” A heavy sigh escaped me. “I do not have an answer for that.”He leaned forward on the desk. “No, I think you do.” I clenched my jaw tightly.He was right. But I'd be damned if I told him I kissed her because I had missed it—missed being near her or missed being able to touch her…It was stupid. I have to be able to let her go, to force myself to come to terms with the fact that she was Luca's now. And it was because of me. She'd asked that I set her free but how could I explain that the thought of never seeing her again made my heart clench in a way I couldn't even begin to understand? I know I'd promised to send them away or leave once they got married but deep down, within my soul, I knew
Carlo's POV: Someone fucking shot at me! I saw red. I barely paid attention to the pain shooting through my arm and the trickling of blood seeping into my shirt and I spun on my feet to find Enzo with his gun out and Ciro was on the floor, gasping as scarlet red liquid oozed from his parted lips. “Give me the gun,” I ordered, stretching out my hand and Enzo placed the cool, heavy metal into my palms. “Forgive him, please!” Alfred begged and I could see the fear in his eyes. Good. “Please, Don. I'm sure he's learnt his lesson!” It was Gianluigi this time, he was crouched over Ciro, putting pressure to stop the blood from flowing profusely from the gunshot wound Enzo had inflicted on Ciro. “Please… He's made a terrible mistake. We apologize on his behalf!” But I huffed a laugh. “Now, what kind of leader would I be if I let the very man who'd shot at me go free all because of silly apologies?” I could feel where the bullet grazed my arm stinging like a bitch. “Step away f
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & THIRTY-EIGHT: Natalia's POV: Cold sweat broke out across my skin as blood roared in my ears. No…. It can't be…. My heart was slamming against my ribcage now…I couldn't possibly have heard that right….But the solemn looks on both Caterina's and Angela's faces confirmed that I'd in fact heard that I'd be getting married to Luca by Saturday. I shot to my feet, hearing the chair behind me fall to the ground with a loud thud. I heard a collective gasp but I was way past caring. “That makes no fucking sense!” I yelled, my chest heaving. “That's only two days from now!”“Yes, and?” Luca asked, staring up at me, seemingly unbothered—not like he has a reason to be. “We would eventually get married so why delay the inevitable?” No. No. No. No!“That's not fair Luca!” I was yelling but why the hell did my voice choke on a sob? “You could have at least given me a heads up or something. You could have given more time!” More time so Alessandro could save me! He didn't
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & THIRTY-NINE:Natalia's POV: FRIDAY…2:03 PM I stayed locked up in my room the whole of yesterday and this morning, thankfully, no one came to bother me. No. Still not a word from Alessandro. I was doomed. I know.I would eventually marry that crazy psycho. Funny how I preferred the asswipe in the beginning!And as for Carlo, I'm never forgiving him! Never.The shrill sound of my ringing tone had me jumping a little—I barely used my phone these days as I was always thinking of ways to escape this mess…I picked it from the bedside drawer, glancing at the screen to see Tanya's name flashing. I'd only briefly informed her about the madness going on in this house and she was equally pissed.I swiped right, and her face came into view. “Hey,” I smiled weakly.“Hey,” she replied, searching my face. “God, you look horrible.” Yeah, tell me about it. “It's official. The wedding's tomorrow.” “Tomorrow?!” Her eyes bulged. “That's… that's ridiculous. Why the hurry?”
Natalia's POV: Little whimpering sounds…The first sound that greeted my ears as I slowly began to regain consciousness. I felt weak and light headed. It felt like I needed two months’ worth of sleep…What happened to me? Oh, right. I remember. I went to the ballroom for the wedding preparations, I talked with Ava and Angela and I passed out–“Why did you bring the kid with you? You'll only freak her out!”“She already saw it happen, why take her away?!” “But she's crying now!” “Aless—”“Stop it, you two!” That was Caterina, definitely her. I said internally. I tried to open my eyes or say a word but I was too weak to do so and in the process, a soft groan escaped me.“She's waking up!” I think that was Angela. “Ava, see? She's waking up, she will be alright!”“Please move so I can examine her.” They called Doctor Camilla? Wasn't that a bit dramatic? Everyone faints at some point in their lives, right? Especially when you've barely had food in days and are always crying.I felt
Natalia's POV: I don't know if it was from fear or embarrassment, but my heart dropped to my stomach so hard it almost felt like I could throw up in a few seconds from now.“Why… why are you asking me that?” I refused to look at Carlo. Just no! But from the corner of my eyes, he looked just as shocked as I felt. Okay, I need to disappear from here somehow! “Please answer the question, Natalia,” She urged softly and I panicked. I fucking panicked because I couldn't remember. I… I wasn't keeping count and with everything going on.. I….I dropped my face into my palm. “I'm so fucked. I'm fucked!” It wasn't what I was thinking right? People do forget these kinds of things and also, it is normal to have late periods. I have been stressed, barely ate anything—that could mess with your hormones, I've heard that before!“What's going on?” Carlo asked carefully, putting an end to my spiralling thoughts and I felt my back stiffen. “Nothing serious, I just need to rule out every possibility
Carlo's POV: Patiently waiting outside the door was driving me nuts. It felt like a century. I was sure the maids and guards passing by were wondering why I kept pacing outside of Natalia's room like an anxious thief. And anxious I was, alright? Could she possibly be pregnant? Like carrying my child? I felt my heart jump and my insides grow warm at that thought. A baby… What could this mean for us? For me? ‘No need to get ahead or yourself, Carlo. It could be nothing or just fatigue like Camilla said.’ Cazzo. The not knowing was killing me. How much longer do I have to wait? This might make Natalia pissed, but I was done waiting, I was too anxious to stay still. Decision made, I strolled over to the door and pushed it open. Two pair of eyes stared back at me as I clicked the door shut behind me. I could feel a pit opening in my stomach as I stepped closer to them. When Natalia looked away, I felt my chest squeezing tightly. I shouldn't have come in. “I-I …
Carlo's POV: ‘You will no longer be marrying Natalia.’ My voice was deep and firm as I passed my message. Luca's eyes stayed trained on mine, brows drawn together as if he was replaying my words in his head so he could understand.And he should.Because I meant every word I said.Silence stretched for a few seconds before he broke it, muttering, “You're joking.” “I'm not,” Came my firm reply.And then he burst into a hysterical laughter, head thrown back, mouth wide open, shoulders trembling. I remained unfazed and calm, watching him laugh. ‘Let him have his moment.’ I thought.Eventually, his laughter died out and his eyes were back on me—blazing with fury as he struggled against his restraint. “That's bullshit!” He snarled, trying to break free from the chains. “You gave me your word. You said I could marry her, hell our wedding is in a few hours. You never go back on your word!” I know, but this was important. “Well, unfortunately. I am going back on my word now, Luca. I've ch
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-EIGHT:Carlo's POV: The doctor had said the exact thing Enzo had said. He'd asked that we hoped and prayed. ‘Prayed.’I haven't done that in fucking ages. Where do I start from? And in my experience, it usually goes unanswered. But the way things were going, I didn't mind going down on my knees and trying again. Praying in hope that Gianpaolo makes it out alive.He has to. Not quite long after, Natalia had regained consciousness. Camilla assured me that it was nothing serious, apart from the detected low sugar level which made me frown. Haven't they been watching her diet? Giving her the best meds? And then I thought back to the incident in the last few days. No one around here has had it easy so I brushed it aside and asked that they recommended the right food and all and got my own copy of the list the doctors had made so I could also monitor her feeding and the rest.Soon after Camilla had cleared her, she was up on her feet and asking to be tak
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-SEVEN: Natalia's POV: ‘...He's fighting for his life.’I swayed on my feet, suddenly lightheaded as my chest wound up so tight no air escaped or came in. My vision blurred but I could feel hands trying to steady me.I… I only just got him back.Why?Why?!!!!Why me all the time!?!?What if he dies? WHAT IF HE DIES?!Oh God. Oh God. Which superior being's meal had I pissed in before I was born? Why was I allowed happiness for a fleeting second only to watch it being snatched away?! And… and… Gianpaolo? My heart ached. He's only just met me too! I heard muffled voices around me but I couldn't seem to concentrate. I knew I was panicking but I couldn't do anything about it.Fuck. Fuck.I can't have a panic attack now. My… my baby. It will upset them….I tried to claw my way back to sanity but my throat ached, my chest felt like it trapped air in it and I couldn't fucking breathe.Now, I was panicking because I thought I was killing my baby.I was desper
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-SIX: Carlo’s POV: Something about the urgency of Enzo’s voice made my stomach tighten and beside me, I could feel Natalia go stiff. What could be the problem now? “…Look, if he's upset again, I can go speak with him, there’s no need for trouble,” Natalia said from beside me, already making a move to slip out of bed when I shook my head. “Don’t worry, there will be no trouble,” I assured her. I had no intention of fighting with the man. Still, I wasn't going to hug and kiss his cheeks and make up but for her, I’m willing to act civil. She eyed me with uncertainty and concern. “Are you sure? You heard Enzo, he says there's a problem.”“Doesn’t mean I’ll let it escalate,” I replied calmly. “Come on now, let’s freshen up and we can deal with whatever afterward—”“But, Carlo—”“We reek of sweat and sex, we should clean up before solving whatever the problem is,” I urged and then turned to the door with a louder voice. “Enzo, we’ll be down in ten min—”“Fi
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-FIVE: Carlo's POV: Hot, wet, tight heat enveloped my cock like a fist, massaging the throbbing length as I kept my eyes locked on hers…Beautiful.More than beautiful. Is what I think to myself as I felt my chest expand with emotions.It feels so good. All of it. Loving someone and having them love you back. Sex too. It felt heavenly.I leaned closer until our lips were almost touching and I pulled my cock out, smoothly gliding it against the slickness of her warm, slippery walls—fuck, she felt good. Beyond good. I could come like this.I pulled out all the way until I was only the head buried in her and then, I slammed back in causing her lips to fall open in a silent gasp. I did it, again, again, again, again, and again until her moans grew louder and my balls started to tingle with fullness. From somewhere in the corner of the room, I could hear my phone ringing or was it… hers? I tuned out the incessant ringing, focusing on the woman who stared up
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-FOUR:Natalia’s POV: As soon as the words left my lips, I was lifted off the floor, again, effortlessly and his lips claimed mine.Hot, demanding, possessing. The kiss wasn't slow or tender like it had been earlier, no, he was practically devouring my lips, eating me alive. I loved it.My skirt rode up to my waist, leaving me in only panties, bare to the feel of his palms and I squirmed against them—anything to feel him against my bare skin.I was still reeling from the very fact that he'd confessed his love for me and I can bet it was the reason why everything felt overly sensitive, sensual.I felt him move as he deepened the kiss, hot tongues tangling, teeth biting into soft, warm flesh, and moans and groans echoing in the room. Perfection.I broke the kiss, opening my eyes just in time to see him lower onto the edge of the bed, and bringing me with him so I was still straddling him.Our eyes locked, his curled into a sexy smile. “You're breathtaking
CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED & TWENTY-THREE:Natalia's POV:I did it!I did it.I did it….I actually did it…That was all I could think about.It was freeing to have finally confessed. Sure, I'd been scared shirtless, unsure, and maybe a little insecure but I'd said, ‘fuck it’ and just lay it out there.I'd meant every word I had said to him. It had taken me hours to think about my life, my past, and what the future holds for me. I'd asked myself if I could live with the fact that Carlo wasn't just some man I met months ago but a man who had separated me from my parents, driven by hurt, anger, and revenge. Of course, I know I might have died that day if Antonio's brother hadn't saved me, I know that… But I was willing to let it go for my own happiness even though that meant people might think I was stupid. I already loved Carlo, there was no turning back now, plus he was different now. I know he is. He and Gianpaolo might hate each other now, but I know in my soul that they would forgive eac
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