I slowly opened my eyes to the sunlight streaming through the window, warming my face. Stretching lazily, I absorbed the peaceful morning glow flooding the room. Memories of last night seeped in, blending with the gentle dawn light. With a tired sigh, I sank into the warmth of the bed, cherishing the tranquil moment before the day's hustle and bustle began. As I savored the tranquility of the morning, a sudden movement caught my eye. Startled, I turned to see Vincenzo, clad only in a towel wrapped around his waist, stepping through the bathroom. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, his tousled hair and rugged features bathed in the soft morning light. The towel hung dangerously low on his hips, revealing the tantalizing contours of his sculpted physique, and I couldn't tear my gaze away. "Good morning, bellezza," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep as he approached the bed with a predatory grace. The air crackled with tension, charged with the unspoken desire that simm
For a moment, Vincenzo seemed taken aback, caught off guard by my unexpected request. His cold facade faltered, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he quickly regained his composure."Why would I?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest."Well, for starters, you caused these bruises in the first place," I retorted, feeling annoyed by his indifference."I sent your maid to do that," he uttered, his glare intensifying. "Besides, why are you ordering me around?""It's not ordering around! I am asking for a favor.""A favor, huh?" he mused, a smirk playing at his lips.I bit my lip, frustration bubbling inside me at his stubbornness. "Yes, a favor," I replied, trying to keep my tone even. "I just thought... well, since you're the reason for these bruises, you might as well take responsibility for them."Vincenzo's smirk widened, his gaze unwavering as he regarded me. "And what do I get in return for this favor?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.I rolled my eye
We ate in silence as the food arrived. Although delicious meals were a regular occurrence for me, dining in a 5-star restaurant made the experience feel extra special. As for Vincenzo, he remained quiet, elegantly chewing his meat while casting unsettling stares in my direction. I ignored his gaze, focusing instead on savoring my meal.Soon enough, the chef and other staff delivered a variety of dishes to our table, each one meticulously prepared. I couldn't help but be impressed by their attentiveness and hospitality. However, a nagging thought lingered in the back of my mind – were they genuinely accommodating, or simply wary of displeasing Vincenzo?Well, whatever the reason, I thought to myself, I'm just happy to experience this before I die.Vincenzo's voice cut through the silence, cold and precise. "Did you enjoy the food here?"I paused, taken aback by the sudden question. His gaze bore into me, demanding an answer."Yes," I replied cautiously, choosing my words carefully. "Th
As we made it back to the mansion, I couldn’t shake the memory of what had happened earlier. The attack lingered in my mind, the possibility of being killed still haunting me with every recollection. I understood that Vincenzo lived in a world vastly different from the norm; as a mafia, death was always lurking around him like a shadow. Yet, even with that knowledge, I couldn’t seem to acclimate to it. The idea of constantly living under the threat of violence unnerved me, and I wondered if I would ever be able to grow accustomed to it.I tried to push the thoughts aside as we entered the mansion, but they continued to gnaw at me like a persistent ache.Vincenzo's presence beside me offered some measure of comfort, his hand a reassuring weight on my shoulder as we walked through. But even his presence couldn't dispel the unease that settled in the pit of my stomach.I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us. Would these attacks become a regular occurrence? Would I ever tr
Arcel rushed to me while I was in the garden. I have been staying and resting here since it’s the pace where I can actually be at ease. There were less guards here, less violence, and there were plants were refreshing, giving me a peace of mind.“Ma’am, you have received a call,” she said as she handed me the phone. It was my phone who were confiscated from me when I first got here. Though Vincenzo gave it back to me a week ago—right after the incident in the car.I took the phone, feeling curious and a bit nervous. Who could be calling me here? As I answered, I braced myself for whatever news might come.“Annizah, dear?” I heard a familiar voice of a woman, and I stopped when I realized who the caller was—it was my adoptive mother.“M-Mom?” I asked, suddenly feeling a knot in the pit of my stomach.I clenched my fists, trying to calm down the emotions I felt that was starting to overwhelm me. Ever since she made up that negotiation with Vincenzo to have me as a collateral, not once d
"Thanks, Arcel," I said with a grateful smile as she handed me the iced coffee. She returned the gesture with a small smile of her own before asking if I needed anything else. I shook my head, indicating that I was fine, and watched as she walked away.Alone in the garden, I took a moment to savor the tranquility of the surroundings before deciding to head towards the pool. I knew from past experience that it would likely be deserted at this time of day, providing me with a private sanctuary.Sure enough, as I approached the pool, I found it empty, the water shimmering invitingly under the midday sun. With a sense of relief, I quickly shed my clothes, leaving myself in just my underwear, and stepped onto the cool tiles surrounding the pool.As I dived into the refreshing water, a sense of liberation washed over me. Despite the weight of my circumstances, in this moment, I felt free. The water embraced me, enveloping me in its cool embrace as I swam leisurely back and forth."Ah, this
Vincenzo's been acting different lately. He's, like, way nicer and chill around me now. It's kinda surprising, but in a good way. Like, he used to be all serious and stuff, but now he's, like, actually pretty cool most of the time. Don't get me wrong, he still has his grumpy moments, but overall, he's way easier to hang out with. I gotta say, it's a welcome change. It's way less tense when we're together now. We can actually talk and joke around without it feeling awkward or anything. It's like a weight's been lifted, you know? I'm kinda hopeful that this means things are gonna be better between us from now on. I sighed as the maids adjusted the dress on me. The fabric, a striking shade of crimson, draped over my figure like a second skin, accentuating every curve. Its halter-neck style offered modest coverage at the front, while the daring backless design added a touch of sophistication. The skirt stopped just above my knees, not too short, not too long. I slipped into black stilet
My heart suddenly ached for a reason I didn’t know. Or perhaps I did know, but it was easier to pretend I didn’t. I put my trembling hands behind me as I smiled towards his family in front of us. There was a long awkward silence that stretched around us, and the tension was getting thick and intolerable.“Good evening, ma’am, sir,” I greeted, trying to break the tension. Only then did they shift their attention back to me.His mother flashed a small smile and a brief nod to acknowledge me before she turned her gaze back to the woman next to her. “Do you feel uncomfortable, Ella? Pardon my son’s attitude, okay? We all know he hasn’t moved on yet. So why don’t you guys talk to each other and try to catch up—”My smile faltered as I clenched my fists behind me, my stomach churning in discomfort all of a sudden. I knew I am basically not that fit to be Vincenzo’s fiancée nor did I reach the qualifications to be someone standing next to him, but to disregard me like that blatantly, suddenl
Annizah sat in the dimly lit hospital room, her eyes fixed on the steady rise and fall of Fiore’s chest. The soft beeping of the heart monitor was the only sound that filled the silence. It had been a long three weeks since the incident, and though Fiore had recovered physically, the emotional scars were harder to gauge. Annizah’s heart ached just watching her daughter sleep, knowing the toll their world was beginning to take on her.Leaning back in the stiff hospital chair, Annizah exhaled deeply, her mind racing with thoughts she hadn’t fully processed until now. For years, she had been grateful—truly grateful—for the life she’d built. Coming from a modest background and marrying into the powerful Romanov family had been a whirlwind of changes. But Vincenzo… he had been her rock, her protector, and their love had felt unshakable. She had thought, perhaps naively, that with him by her side, everything would be okay.But now, as she sat there, the weight of their reality pressed down
It had been three weeks since the incident, and Fiore was finally starting to recover from the shock. Her bright, lively spirit had returned, though Annizah couldn’t shake the lingering worry. Every few days, Fiore’s heart condition was checked, and she was on a strict regimen of medications and vitamins. The doctors assured them that everything was under control, but the weight of it all still sat heavily on Annizah’s chest.Annizah sat by the window of their mansion, watching Fiore play in the garden with her cousin. The sun was shining brightly, casting a soft golden glow over her daughter’s playful figure, but Annizah’s mind was far from at ease. She had been distant from Isabelle lately, avoiding any deep conversations or meetups. It wasn’t out of anger, but rather a necessity to protect herself and her family. She couldn’t look at Isabelle without thinking about the betrayal of her brother, and each time she felt the heavy stone of guilt in her chest.She had learned to harden h
When Annizah stepped into the dimly lit room at Vincenzo's headquarters, the air was thick with tension. The atmosphere felt heavy, almost suffocating. She wasn’t sure what she expected when Vincenzo told her to come, but it certainly wasn’t this.Vincenzo’s men stood around the room, their faces impassive yet tense. In the center sat a man tied to a chair, his head hanging low. Annizah’s eyes took a moment to adjust to the dim light, and then, with a sudden, sickening clarity, she recognized him.It wasn’t just any man.It was Isabelle’s younger brother.Her heart dropped into her stomach. Her breath hitched as disbelief washed over her like a wave. “Vincenzo…” she whispered, her voice catching in her throat.Vincenzo stood a few feet away, watching her closely, his expression unreadable. “Annizah,” he said, his tone careful but firm, “this is him.”“No…” Annizah shook her head, her mind reeling. She took a step forward, her gaze locked on the bruised and battered man in the chair. “
Annizah sat by the side of Fiore’s hospital bed, her eyes locked on her daughter’s small frame. Fiore’s chest rose and fell gently, her face peaceful in sleep, but the silence weighed heavily on Annizah’s heart. She had been awake for hours, watching, waiting—worry gnawing at her insides. Fiore had woken up earlier, only to refuse to speak or even acknowledge them. That single moment had sent Annizah spiraling into a quiet panic.The doctor had reassured them that Fiore’s heart was stable, that the episode was under control. But this—this silence, this refusal to engage—was something no medication could fix.A light knock on the door broke her trance. Isabelle stepped into the room with Marco and Randi following behind her. Isabelle’s face softened with sympathy as she approached Annizah, who gave a weak smile in return.“Hey, I hope we’re not disturbing,” Isabelle said, her voice gentle.“No, not at all. She’s just... sleeping,” Annizah whispered, her gaze flicking back to Fiore, sti
The sterile atmosphere of the VVIP room inside their hospital was cold and unnervingly silent. Vincenzo sat rigid in the plush chair next to Fiore's bed, his hand gripping his daughter's small one. Annizah stood by the window, her face pale with exhaustion and worry, glancing out into the night, though her mind was far from the view.The doctor, a middle-aged man with a calm demeanor, entered the room, breaking the suffocating silence. He looked at the couple, sensing the heavy tension in the air."Mr. and Mrs. Romanov," the doctor began, his voice steady, "the good news is that Fiore's condition has stabilized. The episode she experienced earlier was caused by a sudden surge of panic, which led to an unstable heart rhythm. Fortunately, it's not life-threatening, but given her pre-existing condition, it can be alarming. With proper rest and medication, she will recover fully."Vincenzo nodded, his eyes fixed on Fiore, still lying unconscious in the bed. He hadn’t let go of her hand sin
The evening was warm as Vincenzo, Annizah, and Fiore pulled up to Isabelle and Randi’s place for dinner. It had been a peaceful afternoon, but there was still an undercurrent of tension between the families. Vincenzo knew that, though the friendship between their children seemed to be growing, his relationship with Randi remained complicated. Still, tonight, he was determined to keep things light.As they stepped out of the car, Fiore’s eyes lit up. "Mommy, Daddy! I see Marco!" she exclaimed, pointing to the small boy standing at the front door."Go ahead, sweetheart," Annizah said with a smile, watching as Fiore ran toward her friend, her long hair bouncing behind her. She exchanged a quick glance with Vincenzo, who only nodded before the two followed their daughter up the path.Isabelle greeted them at the door, her smile warm and welcoming. "I'm so glad you could come! Randi’s been talking about this dinner for days."Inside, the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed. Randi was alread
As Vincenzo watched Annizah and Fiore drive off toward the hospital, his face hardened. He had been patient long enough, waiting for the right moment to strike. But after the incidents that had put his daughter at risk and caused his wife endless worry, that patience had run dry. This time, there would be no second chances for those who dared to cross him or his family.He stood at the entrance of their estate for a few moments, the familiar hum of the city just beginning to wake for the day. His mind, however, was focused elsewhere—on the man behind the recent threats, the stalking, the near-abduction of Fiore. They had been toying with him, with his family, but today that game ended.Vincenzo slipped into his car, the leather seats creaking under his weight as he dialed his top lieutenants. His voice was low, steady, and filled with a simmering rage.“Gather everyone. All of our best,” he said, his tone leaving no room for hesitation. “We’re going after him today.”The drive to his p
It was the day after Fiore’s latest hospital visit, and as they arrived home, Annizah immediately felt a wave of relief wash over her. Their daughter was stable, and though the tension from the recent incidents lingered in the back of her mind, it felt good to be home. The familiar smell of their home, the soft light filtering through the windows—it all brought a sense of normalcy she had been craving.As they stepped through the door, Vincenzo stopped her in the hallway. In his hands, he held a bouquet of freshly cut lilies, their petals soft and delicate, almost as if they’d been plucked with care just for her. His eyes met hers, a glimmer of apology and tenderness shining through. He offered her the flowers with a slight bow of his head.“These are for you,” he said softly, his voice carrying a mix of affection and guilt. “I’m sorry for everything that’s happened lately.”Annizah took the bouquet, her lips twitching into a small smile as she inhaled the fragrant scent. “You don’t ne
Annizah sat stiffly in the waiting room, her fingers gripping the armrest of the chair, tapping impatiently against the cold, polished wood. She wore a soft beige sweater paired with black jeans—simple yet elegant, reflecting her usual understated style. Beside her, Vincenzo leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his expression a mixture of worry and frustration. The hospital waiting room felt sterile, filled with an oppressive silence broken only by the hum of fluorescent lights overhead.Fiore had just been taken into a room for further tests, including samplings and undergoing various machines that would assess her heart condition. Though the doctors had assured them earlier that things were looking better, the nerves still twisted in Annizah’s stomach. Her gaze flicked to Vincenzo, and she could see the tension in his jaw, his fingers flexing in and out of tight fists.“How much longer do you think this will go on?” she asked softly, breaking the silence.Vincenzo didn’t answer immed