Gabriella’s Pov“How much further till we get there?" I asked, my voice cutting through the silence, barely audible due to the rain falling heavily.My stepdad, Victor, remained silent. His eyes stayed focused on the road, his jaw tightening, while he checked his watch over and over. Breathing out, I faced the window, observing the city pass by. My hands were shaking, something that always happened whenever I knew danger was lurking ahead. Like the day my mother passed.I turned back to him, to the man who I was certain was responsible for her death. “We have been driving for hours. Where are we going?”Victor chuckled, glancing at me briefly. “Just a little more princess and we'll be there.”I cringed at the word, “princess”. Only my father was allowed to call me that. I hated Victor. I hated him for finding his way into my mother's life after my father passed away.. He filled her heart with nothing but sorrow and pain. My mother changed after marrying him, she became distant, rarely
Alessio's PovMy fists clenched as I stared at Gabriella. That name once brought a sense of warmth and comfort to me. But now, it tasted bitter. Hatred overwhelmed me, burning hotter than the cigarette between my fingers. She hadn't changed much, her soft brown hair tied in a bun, brought out her sparkling hazel wide eyes. I hated those eyes. I despised everything about her, but now, she wasn't the same girl I had known, she's prettier, fiercer, and at the same time, fragile. "Why did you buy me?" She asked softly. I closed my eyes, taking a slow drag out of my cigarette, the thick smoke filling the air before placing it in the ashtray by my side.“Wrong question ,” I murmured. “You should be asking what happens next.” "Alessio," she called out harshly this time . "You can’t just….." "Shut up." I warned, clearly pissed off with her tantrums. "If you say one more fucking word, I promise you that you won't make it alive before dawn." Her eyes widened at my words, as she sank furt
Gabriella’s PovI stared at my reflection in the mirror, the white gown hugged my body to my skin, showing off my perfect curves. The fabric of the dress was soft and smelled like flowers. I glanced briefly at my wrists which were sore and turning purple from the way the guards had held me at the auction house. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as I remembered today was the day I was getting married to Alessio. However this wasn't a wedding to me. It was a nightmare.I bit my lip lightly, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. Rosa, the makeup artist, exhaled heavily while looking at my reflection in the mirror. “It's okay to cry, you know. I cried when I was getting married so I understand the feeling. Today is a special day for you so no more crying else you'll ruin my masterpiece,”she laughed, dabbing my cheeks once more.I let out a forced chuckle, wiping my tears gently. Masterpiece, that was what she called the broken face staring back at me. Beneath all the f
Alessio's pov A week later“The Russians need to be taken care of before they become a bigger problem,” Vincenzo, one of my investors said, his face laced with worry.I hummed, nodding my head, barely paying attention to what he said. My thoughts kept drifting to Gabriella. She was a drug I didn't want to be addicted to. Everything about her from her scent, down to her curves pissed me off. That was why I avoided her.Every morning, she prepared meals for me, but I made sure to leave before she woke up and return late at night. I needed distance. She was getting under my skin, and I hated that."Alessio?" Vincenzo’s sharp voice cut through my thoughts.I blinked, forcing my focus back to the conversation. "Go on.”“Like I said," he began. “If you want our continued support, you need to guarantee that we can call upon your services when needed. Can we count on you?" I nodded. “Sì. (Yes)"The Russians had started crossing into our territory, and that was unacceptable. A war was near,
Gabriella's Pov I stared up at the ceiling, unable to sleep even though it was past midnight. My heart began racing when I thought of what happened earlier. The kiss. It replayed in my mind which made it harder to focus. I felt hot and angry about what Alessio did. The way he kissed me was insane, it was rough, and demanding at the same time. My first kiss, stolen just like that. And the worst part? He didn’t even act like it mattered. Like it was no big deal. That made me furious. Groaning, I turned to face Alessio. He laid next to me, sleeping peacefully like he hadn't just left me all hot and bothered. His blond hair rested messily against the pillow. His features looked relaxed and for a split second I hated the fact that he looked so good even while he was asleep. Of course he had to be sleeping fine. Why wouldn’t he be? He always got what he wanted. We’d kissed once before, back when we were kids playing truth or dare. I was sure Alessio didn’t remember, but it had meant e
Gabriella’s Pov All eyes turned to me the moment I stepped into the room. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as their gazes remained fixed on me. I couldn't back out now, not after everything I went through to be here. The sound of my heels echoed in the not so spacious study as I walked forward, the shirt dresses clinging more to my skin with every step I took. The room smelled of whiskey and smoke, and I knew I'd just walked into a deadly trap.Alessio sat at the head of the long glass table, his eyes squinting as he looked at me from head to toe. I could see his jaw tightening when his eyes locked on the neckline of my dress. He seemed mad but fixed a smile to his face which didn't quite teach his eyes.“Cara Mia," he called out, his voice low and dangerous which sent a shiver down my spine. To the men, it sounded like he was praising his wife but to me, it sounded more like a warning than a greeting.I held back a chuckle, knowing too well that I was in trouble. I shook my
Alessio's PovI stood in the boxing ring, taking deep breaths as I wiped the blood trickling down the corner of my mouth. I stared at my opponent who looked 5 times bigger than me. He clenched his fists as he circled me, his eyes darkening as a smirk formed on his lips. He was really tough, his punches seemed like he had trained for a long while. He was definitely stronger than me, or was it possible that I'd grown weaker?I shook my head slightly, that was impossible. I slammed my fists, forcing my muscles to be string despite the fact that they ached badly. The crowd roared as they cheered for us. Grittng my teeth, I stepped forward and without hesitation, I lunged my fist Into his jaw in a brutal uppercut, sending him staggering back. He slumped down with a third that echoed through the gym.The referee's count barely registered until he reached ten, and I was declared the winner. The crowd roared once more but my eyes turned as my breath came in short gasps. I stumbled back, my leg
Gabriella's PovI groaned as I sank into the bed, holding the plate of lasagna in my hands. The scent of tomato and cheese lingered in the room. I had no appetite to eat any longer. I stared at the plate, my stomach rumbling but not from hunger. I'd learnt how to make this from my father, it was his favorite recipe. I remembered how he laughs each time he teaches me. How he pretends to sneeze due to the flour in his hands, it made me giggle so loud. The memory remained fresh in my head, and I blinked rapidly, trying hard not to cry.Why was I here? Why did he want to get married to me if he hated me? What did Alessio want from me? And why did he seem to take so much pleasure in my misery?“Get a grip,” I muttered, shoving the plate onto the nightstand. The fork made a sharp noise and silence followed after. I pulled my knees to my chest. I've spent days in the mansion, just forced to be kept here like a slave with nothing to do but think. Think about my parents, about Alessio’s cold e
Alessio's Pov The morning sun filtered through the tall windows, casting golden streaks over the polished wood floors of the mansion. It was rare to feel a sense of calm in this house, rarer still to feel something close to happiness. But as I stood by the window, sipping black coffee, watching the trees move. I realized there was something different in the air. It was warmer and lighter. I didn’t know why I felt it, but I wasn’t going to question it. Maybe it was the silence. Maybe it was the way the chaos in my head had reduced. . Or maybe… It was her.Gabriella.Carki noticed it too. He stood across from me in the hallway, his arms folded, one brow raised like he was trying to read me.“You look less like you want to kill someone today,” he muttered, his usual dry sarcasm creeping in.I grunted, shaking my head. “Don’t start.”He shrugged. “Didn’t say it was a bad thing.”But he knew better than to push further.I hadn’t told anyone, not even Carlo, that I was starting to see Ga
Gabriella's Pov I stood in front of the mirror, barely recognizing myself. The soft blue gown hugged my curves like it had been made for me, delicate silk cascading to the floor. It was simple, no jewels, no embroidery, nothing loud, yet somehow, that simplicity made it all the more stunning. My hair was loose, curling softly around my shoulders. After so long behind locked doors, stripped of even the smallest luxuries, it felt almost rebellious to wear something that made me feel... beautiful, alive even. Tonight, I wasn’t going to hide. Tonight, Alessio would see what he’d tried to keep in a cage. I took a deep breath, smoothed the gown over my hips, and left the room. The heels clicked softly against the marble stairs as I descended, the chandelier above scattering golden light across the foyer like falling stars. I saw him before he saw me, Alessio, seated at the long oak dining table, phone pressed to his ear, brow furrowed in that way that meant business. Even when
Gabriella's Pov I sat on the edge of the massive bed, my arms folded tightly across my chest as I stared at the wall. The silence in the room was deafening, but it was nothing compared to anger I felt inside me. How dare Alessio lock me in like some possession? Like I was a bird that needed to be trapped in a cage. I hated him for it. I hated how he thought he could control me, trap me in this mansion and expect me to act like a good wife. But I wasn’t going to let him break me.My stomach growled loudly, interrupting my spiral of frustration. Ugh. Even in anger, my body had needs. I slid off the bed, grabbed the silk robe from the chair, and wrapped it around me before heading out of the room.As I walked down the grand staircase, I was greeted by the cold marble under my feet and the faint aroma of something warm and buttery. My eyes darted around the hall, but it was eerily empty, as always.A maid walked by, her head slightly bowed, and I called out to her.“Excuse me, can you b
Alessio's Pov I sat in my office, my fingers drumming restlessly against the mahogany desk. The clock on the wall ticked steadily, but it felt like time was stuck, like it was mocking me. Gabriela's presence lingered in the corners of my mind. I couldn't focus on any other things except her. She was locked upstairs, tucked away behind steel-reinforced doors and top-tier security. Not because I didn’t trust her, but because I didn’t trust the world with her. It was the only choice I had, the only way to keep her safe. Still, I felt guilty . I could almost hear her voice echoing in my mind, asking why I had become her captor.A knock broke me from my trance. Carlo stepped in, looking rigid as always, his face showing little to no emotion. “We’ve got a lead,” he said simply.I nodded my head furiously. “Good. I’ll finish up here. Then we go.”Carlo didn’t ask questions. He never did. That’s what made him invaluable.When the door shut behind him, I leaned back in my chair, letting my
Victor stood at the front of the mansion, the cold wind doing nothing to make him calm. His boots crunched against the gravel as he took a shaky step forward, his heart pounding louder with every breath.He knew this was a mistake. A dangerous one.No one was allowed to step foot inside the master's estate without being summoned, especially not someone like him. But this wasn’t a time for him to follow the rules. Not tonight.His fingers trembled as he reached for the call button on the gate’s stone pillar. He hesitated but th, he pressed it.He waited for what seemed to be minutes. Just as he was about to turn away, the massive iron gate made a slow noise and creaked open. A single guard stepped forward, his face filled with disgust. “You’ve got a lot of nerve showing up here,” the guard said, eyeing Victor like he was a ticking bomb.Victor didn’t flinch. “I know. But I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important.”“i need to speak with him,” Victor said quickly. “Please. It’s urgen
The next morning, Gabriella woke up with her heart pounding in her chest, the bitter memory of last night still hanging over her like a storm cloud. She didn’t want to see him. Didn’t want to hear him. Every fiber of her body ached with frustration.Kicking the covers away, she stood and marched over to the balcony. Her eyes scanned the property. Guards. Lots of them. Standing still like statues, guns hanging from their shoulders, eyes constantly sweeping the grounds. It was clear—Alessio wasn’t taking any chances this time. There was no escape.Gabriella let out a deep breath and turned away. The room felt like a golden prison. Big bed, soft rug, polished floor—none of it mattered. It was still a cage.She walked into the bathroom and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water run over her skin, hoping it would wash off the weight sitting on her chest. She stayed there longer than necessary, not wanting to come out. Not wanting to face what was waiting.A soft knock on the bedroo
The tension in the De Luca's mansion could be sliced with a knife. Alessio stood by the large window, arms folded, eyes scanning the grounds with an expression that teetered between fury and fear.Carlo entered without knocking.“She’s not home,” he said flatly.Alessio’s voice dropped, dangerous and cold. “Who?”“Gabriela. I checked her room, the garden, and the west wing. Nothing. I asked one of the maids. They said she left a couple of hours ago. With Stella.”Alessio’s eyes darkened. “With Stella?”“Yes, boss. The guards thought she had your permission.”Alessio turned fully now. “And they’re both missing?”Carlo nodded. “I sent two men to check the nearby blocks. Nothing yet.”Alessio slammed his hand down on the table beside him, making the vase rattle. “Traitors in my own walls, and the one person I need safe is strolling around the city like it’s a damn holiday?”Carlo stayed silent, knowing better than to interrupt when Alessio was on edge.“Mobilize every man we’ve got. I do
The sky was beginning to turn golden as the cab Maria was in finally stopped in front of a small, cozy, looking house with white windows and a porch that had potted flowers sitting on the rails. Hidden just a little down the road, Gabriella and Stella sat inside their own cab, watching closely.“There,” Stella whispered, pointing.“I see her,” Gabriella replied, narrowing her eyes. Her tone was calm, but her fingers were drumming nervously on her knee. “We wait till she goes inside.”Maria stepped out of her cab, adjusting the strap of her bag. She glanced over her shoulder once, then walked briskly to the front door and disappeared inside.“Now,” Gabriella said.They got out quietly and walked toward the house. Stella’s heart was racing like a drum in a parade.“Are you sure about this?” Stella asked, tugging on Gabriella’s sleeve.“Yes,” Gabriella said firmly. “But follow my lead. No surprises, okay?”Stella nodded. Gabriella stepped up to the porch and knocked softly. The door cre
Gabriella's Pov Despite having a good time with Alessio, I was pissed off because he cut off my encounter with Maria. I needed to hear what she had to say. I headed downstairs toward the kitchen area and spotted a girl cooking by the counter. “Can I help you?" I asked curiously. The girl spun around and a smile made a way to her lips. "You must be Gabriella,” she cleaned her hands on the towel before walking towards me. "I'm Stella. Alessio has told me so much about you." I stared at her like she had grown two heads. She noticed my stiff posture and moved closer to me, holding my hand. “I…..” she was cut off by the sound of noise coming from outside. Alessio walked in looking devilishly handsome as ever. I couldn't stop gawking at him and the memories of last night's kiss kept flooding in, the way his hands were wrapped around my waist, the way his soft lips felt against mine. He looked up his eyes looking between me and Stella “Ahh Stella, I guess you must have met my wife,”