“Thanks…” I whispered after a while. He nodded in response, setting the tray aside before heading to the bathroom to fetch some wipes.
I pressed my lips into a tight line, still in disbelief that he was here. It felt surreal and somewhat awkward. After our earlier confrontation, I had anticipated needing a few days before seeing him again, not today. So, I had braced myself for another argument when he appeared, but instead, he brought food and we hadn't discussed anything.
I couldn't help but wonder what was on his mind. His actions seemed to speak of remorse or maybe a desire to mend things between us, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty. What if this was just another one of his manipulative tactics? What if he was only trying to appease me temporarily before reverting to his old ways?
“Do you want to have some walk in the garden?” he asked as soon as he came back with a w
I accepted the flowers, not because I was fully convinced, but because it felt like such a waste to refuse them. As I glanced at him through my lashes, I found him seated across from me, engrossed in something on his laptop. It was already 9 PM, and we had already enjoyed our dinner here in the garden. Despite my attempts to focus on my newfound crochet hobby, he remained by my side, his work laptop open beside him with a cup of coffee at his side, and a refreshing lemon juice placed before me.As I watched him work, I saw how he could be nice one minute and distant the next. He was confusing sometimes. Even though I was upset with him, I couldn't ignore how serious he was about his work. He didn't seem bothered by our argument. It made me appreciate him a bit, even though we were having issues.The garden was calm and peaceful. Even though the sun was setting and it was getting darker, it still felt pleasant being outside. The air wasn't too chilly, and it was comfortable sitting the
We ended up at a fast-food joint since I had a sudden craving for it. Vincenzo initially objected, arguing that the food was unhealthy and not worth it. But I persisted, arguing that sometimes you just need to indulge a little. After some back and forth, he relented, and we made our way inside. We also brought the dog with us.Inside the bustling restaurant, the smell of fried food filled the air, making my stomach growl even louder. Vincenzo stood in line, his expression a mix of impatience and resignation as he waited to place our order. Despite his reluctance, he eventually approached the counter and ordered for us both.As we settled into a booth, Vincenzo carried the tray of food over, his annoyance evident in his demeanor. But as I watched him set down the tray, a small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. It was moments like these, simple and ordinary, that I cherished the most."What's the appeal of this place? They only serve junk food," he grumbled, eyeing the spread of b
Vincenzo has been acting quite strange since we arrived home from the restaurant. He looked so deep in thought and was even colder now than he already is. I suddenly feel down for some reason. “Bellezza, baby,” his voice broke through my thoughts, calling out to me in a tone that was surprisingly tender. I felt his arms encircle my waist, pulling me into an unexpected embrace. I gasped in surprise, my eyes widening at the sudden display of affection. Despite my skepticism, I found myself unable to resist as he drew me closer to him. “E-Enzo?” I stammered, skeptical. Why is he suddenly being clingy? Inside our bedroom, the atmosphere was tense yet oddly intimate. The dog had been whisked away by the maids, leaving us alone in our shared space. I had expected Vincenzo to immerse himself in work as soon as we returned, but instead, he clung to me like a koala, his presence both comforting and unsettling. As I stood there, enveloped in his embrace, I couldn't shake the feeling that som
Standing in front of the vanity mirror, I stared at my own reflection. I was dressed in a white dress. It’s a beautiful fitted dress that emphasizes my curves. It has a long slit to its right and it was also backless. I fell in love at myself whilst looking at the mirror. I looked… beautiful. Until now, I couldn’t believe I am getting married. After all, I didn’t get to experience having relationships before this. I never even imagined having to get married at this age. I couldn't help but marvel at my own reflection, feeling a surge of confidence wash over me. Despite the nerves swirling within me, there was a sense of excitement building in the pit of my stomach. Getting married was something I never expected, yet here I was, about to embark on this new chapter of my life. All I wanted was to study and be of help to my adoptive parents who raised me. Yet here I am, marrying the most prominent and most handsome bachelor in the country… or perhaps, this whole world. I am not exagger
Before I knew it, I found myself gliding down the aisle, each step feeling heavier than the last as I ventured further into the unknown. Despite the growing uncertainty gnawing at me, my feet seemed determined to carry me forward, each stride marking a path from which there was no turning back.I kept my gaze fixed on the ground before me, my vision obscured by the delicate veil that draped over my face. Through the sheer fabric, I could sense the soft strains of music drifting through the air, mingling with the murmurs of the assembled guests. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, every whisper and rustle adding to the weight of the moment.Underneath the veil, I couldn't help but think about how I had imagined a simple wedding, yet here I was, caught up in something far from it. My interpretation of simplicity clearly didn't align with Vincenzo's, and the ceremony struck a balance between tradition and modernity that I hadn't anticipated.“You should smile, dear,” my mother s
I woke up sore but satiated as I stretched my limbs beneath the soft cotton sheets. The morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the cozy bedroom. As I blinked away the remnants of sleep, the memories of the previous night flooded back, leaving a satisfied smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Rolling over, I reached out to the empty space beside me, the absence of his warmth a stark reminder of our tangled bodies and whispered promises. The scent of him lingered in the air, a heady mix of musk and cologne that wrapped around me like a comforting embrace. With a contented sigh, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, relishing in the sensation of the plush carpet beneath my bare feet. As I made my way to the bathroom, the sound of running water greeted me, a signal that he was already up and about. The thought of his presence just a few feet away sent a flutter of butterflies dancing in my stomach, a constant reminder of the connection we shared.
The words my mom said before the wedding kept coming back to me, making me feel uneasy. I wanted to forget what she said, but it kept popping into my head.Now, here I am, on what was supposed to be a romantic honeymoon with Vincenzo, but it's turning out to be anything but.We landed in the Maldives a few hours ago after a really long and uncomfortable flight. I pretended to be asleep so I wouldn't have to talk to him. I tried to act like everything was fine, but it wasn't easy.I knew he was mad at me, and I guess it was my fault for upsetting him. But what I said was just the truth.I don't see the point of this fancy honeymoon when he can have me whenever he wants. That's just how things are between us. So why is he so upset?And when he says he cares about me, what does that even mean?Does he really care about me, or is it just something people say without really meaning it? I wish I understood him better. Maybe if we talked about it, we could clear things up.But then again, may
We really enjoyed our time in the Maldives. After that argument in the suite two days ago, we made up immediately that night, which gave us the opportunity to enjoy our stay here in the resort while celebrating our honeymoon.Vincenzo literally left his work while we were here. He didn't even dare open his laptop once. Though, sometimes I can hear him talking to someone during lunch when we're having a break, but that's really all. He didn't spend more time with his work as if he didn't want to spoil our honeymoon.And I appreciate him for that.I knew that being a mafia, a Mafia Boss at that, isn't the easiest job in the world, yet here he is, sparing his days for us—for me.He would get me anything that I crave for, and he never failed to make love with me every night. In the daylight, we would do some activities to keep us busy and entertained, and to say I am happy would definitely be an understatement. I'm delighted!"Hey, Vincenzo," I called out, a playful grin tugging at my lips
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