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 smiles and at times she stares at him with fear.
Sitting straight, I felt uneasy. I sensed that something was off, and my mother always advised me to trust my instincts, so I relied on them as if my life depended on it.
The car came to a halt outside a deserted warehouse. I looked at Victor, who was watching me with deepening eyes. "Get out."
I tilted my head, observing the area. The place seemed to have been abandoned for a while.
Thick forest covered the building which made it harder to see.
Sighing, I stepped out of the car, the cold air grazing my skin instantly. My eyes were fixed on the building in front of me which looked more of a mansion, except it had no windows, just concrete walls with a single iron door.
“What is this place?" I curiosity asked, tightening my jacket around my shoulders.
Victor ignored me, grabbing my hand harshly as he led me inside.
The scent of cigars greeted me the moment we entered. My eyes were drawn to the men who looked at me as though I was a me ready to be devoured.
Realization dawned on me, this wasn’t just some meeting. This was some sort of transaction.
“Victor!" I screamed, pulling my arm from his hold. “Why did you bring me here? You told me we were out to buy groceries. This doesn't look like a grocery store.”
Victor turned to face me, gritting his teeth. "Stop asking unnecessary questions," he warned." I'm just getting rid of unwanted trash.” he whispered the last part.
Unwanted trash? What did he mean by that? Before I could reply, Victor's hand gripped my wrist once more. “There was no other choice, my debts had to be paid one way or the other. Just relax and it'll be over soon.”
I barely had time to process his words when two men approached me, taking my arm from Victor's hold.
“Just remember that I really did love your mother," he said, covering my eyes with a thick cloth.
"Stop!" I cried out, struggling against the grip of the men, but they wouldn't budge. My heart raced as my feet were pulled across the chilly floor. I couldn't tell where I was being led. I wanted to fight them, but I realized I had no chance of winning against these men.
I listened to voices, many of them, whispering. A chill went down my back as I stood on what felt like a stage.
“We're all set. Let the bidding begin. She's a virgin, untouched, pure.”
My heart sank, they were talking about me. No, this couldn’t be happening, I was being sold. Victor sold me.
“We start at ten million dollars.”
A chorus of murmurs followed.
"Fifteen million," a man called.
"Twenty!"
I struggled, but a firm grip held me in place. My breath comimg in sharp, panicked gasps.
"Twenty-five!" someone else shouted.
Then a voice, smoother, colder, cut through the chaos. "Thirty million.”
The room went deathly silent. That voice…It sounded too familiar.
“Going once. Going twice. Sold to the gentleman in the back."
I felt my blood run cold. Whoever he was, he owned me now.
Hands gripped me, forcing me back onto unsteady feet. I was dragged away, the blindfold still in place. My mind raced, fighting back the questions that needed answers. Who was he? What did he want? What kind of man spent thirty million on another person?
"Let go of me!" I screamed, twisting my hands against their hold. “Just please, let me go.” I whispered.
No one answered. No one stopped them.
I hardly realized I was being forced into a car until I heard the door bang behind me. My breath caught as I tore off my blindfold, my gaze scanning the surroundings. I felt the world spin the moment it landed on someone I never thought I'd see again.
“Well well, we meet again Bella,"
"Alessio." I whispered, trying hard to remain steady.
A cruel smirk played on his lips. “You remember me?"
Of course I remembered him. How could I ever forget the boy I had once loved. My childhood best friend.
But now, nothing about him looked familiar.
His blond hair was much longer, falling messily over his forehead. His face was sharper, his jawline carved beautifully. His eyes were much colder than I had remembered, lacking the warmth it once had.
Alessio leaned back, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll take it as a yes, then.”
I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. "What... what are you doing here?"
He let out a humorless laugh. "Saving you? Hardly. Buying you? That’s another story."
My blood ran cold. "You….You bid on me?"
He leaned forward, his eyes locking on mine. "Do you think I wanted to? Do you think I spent thirty million because I care?" He scoffed. "Victor put you on that stage to be sold to monsters, Gabriella. The kind who would’ve broken you beyond repair. I couldn’t let that happen. But don’t mistake this for kindness. I don’t want you, either."
His words stung, but I forced myself to stay strong. I shaked my head slightly. This couldn't be real. It was probably another nightmare I needed to wake up from.
The last thing I remembered was Alessio saying he had to leave for a business meeting with his parents and he'll be back soon. He lied, he never came back and now he had just bought me. Nothing made sense.
"You lied to me. You told me you were coming back to me. You betrayed me," I whispered.
His face softened for a moment, but it quickly disappeared. "Oh, Gabriella," He leaned forward, his breath fanning against my skin. "You betrayed me."
My eyes widened. "I don’t understand what you mean by that."
Alessio gripped my jaw, holding it firmly in place. “You know everything right? "Don't mess around with me."
"I don't understand what you mean."
Alessio let out a forced chuckle. "Your family took everything from me, Bella,"
I stiffened. "My family? What could they have done? I'm sure they had nothing to do with whatever…...."
"Oh, but indeed they do," he whispered, cutting me off. "It's about time I return the favor."
The car door locked with a click, startling me. Alessio's hand cradled my face, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"You are mine now, Bella," he whispered. "And I'm going to make sure you never forget it.
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 PovI stared at my uncle as he walked slowly. His eyes narrowed. His gaze flicked between me and Gabriella. The shock in his expression was impossible to miss. He clenched his jaw and without saying anything, he shoved past us, his shoulder hitting Gabriella, throwing her off balance. I reached out to her, steadying her as I wrapped my hands protectively around her waist. Uncle Martini let out a cough and I turned to see him glaring at me. Sighing, I turned back to Gabriella.“Go inside, I'll be with you shortly," I said to her and walked away. I followed my uncle down the hall, my footsteps slow and steady. The door The door to my study shook as Martini slammed it shut behind us. He turned to me, his eyes blazing with fury. "So it's true," he bit out. "You married her? The daughter of the bastard who killed your father?" I leaned against the edge of my desk, crossing my arms. "Good to see you too, Uncle." "Don't play games with me, Alessio." He growled. "Why the hell w
Gabriella's Pov The next morning, I couldn't sit still. My heart was a tangled mess of questions as I paced my bedroom, glancing every few seconds at the drawer across the room, the one hiding that photograph.I bit my lip, debating with myself. Maybe I imagined it. Maybe it's not what it looked likeBut the doubt was there. I couldn't pretend I hadn't seen it.I rushed over, yanking the drawer open and pulling out my diary. Carefully, I slipped the photograph free from between the worn pages.There it was.My mother, smiling so warmly, standing close to Martini like they had shared something... something I wasn't meant to know about. Their bodies leaned just a little too comfortably toward each other, a kind of familiarity that spoke louder than words.I stared at it, my fingers trembling slightly.Why would she be this close to him? What are they hiding?A thousand questions burned in my chest, but only one thing was clear: I couldn't sit here waiting for answers. I'd find them mys
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