When we got home, the tension between us was palpable. From the car ride back, I had been giving Vincenzo the silent treatment, my anger and hurt too overwhelming to articulate. He had tried talking to me, his voice gentle and soothing, but I couldn't bring myself to respond. I felt too betrayed, too raw.As soon as we stepped through the door, Vincenzo tried again. "Bella, please, talk to me," he urged, his eyes searching mine for any sign of a response. "I know you're hurt. I know you're angry. But shutting me out won't help."I remained silent, my jaw clenched and my eyes fixed on the floor. The silence was thick, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved feelings."Annizah," he said softly, his voice breaking slightly. "Please."His plea broke something inside me, and suddenly, I could no longer hold back the torrent of emotions. I let out a scream, raw and loud, echoing through the halls. The sound startled even me, a reflection of the pain and anger I had been holding in.Vincenz
I was standing in front of the mirror, meticulously preparing a gown for Vincenzo’s mother’s birthday party next week. The delicate fabric felt smooth under my fingers, but the thought of attending the event filled me with a sense of unease. Despite my lingering anger at his mother for inviting Ella, I knew I had to show respect. My adoptive parents would also be there as guests, and the mere thought of seeing them again was already stressing me out. I sighed, lost in my thoughts, when I suddenly felt Vincenzo's strong arms wrap around me from behind. His presence brought an immediate sense of comfort and security. He spoke softly, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. "Hey, Bella," he murmured, resting his chin on my shoulder. "I know you're upset about Ella being invited. But remember, it's just for business. Nothing more." I leaned back into him, closing my eyes and letting his warmth envelop me. "I know, Enzo. It just... bothers me, that's all." He gently kissed m
Months had passed, and I found myself in my third trimester. The peace that had settled over our lives was unnerving. After everything we'd been through, the calm felt like the eye of a storm. The house was quiet, almost too quiet, and even the daily routines had taken on an eerie normalcy. My stomach was so big now that moving around was a challenge, and even simple tasks left me exhausted. I couldn't help but feel a constant, underlying sense of dread, as if something was waiting to disrupt our fragile tranquility.Every day felt like a countdown to an unknown event. I spent my time trying to distract myself with books, TV shows, and preparing for the baby, but the nagging fear never really went away. It was as if the silence around us was amplifying my anxieties. The peaceful facade was only skin-deep; beneath it, I knew there were unresolved threats, lingering shadows from our past conflicts.I was sitting on the couch, trying to find a comfortable position, when Vincenzo walked i
Vincenzo's POV I saw her talking to Baltazar as I approached them, keeping my expression neutral. On the outside, I appeared indifferent, but inside, a wariness simmered. Baltazar had proven himself months ago by exposing the real traitor, yet my suspicion hadn’t entirely dissipated. Trust in our world was a fragile thing. "What's going on here?" I asked, a hint of a smile playing on my lips. Annizah stood up, holding out a plate with a sandwich. "I brought you something. A peace offering." I took the plate, my smile widening. "Thanks, Bella. I appreciate it." Baltazar stood as well, giving her a reassuring pat on the back before turning to me. "I'll leave you two to it. Don't go too hard on her, boss." I chuckled, watching Baltazar leave, but my mind remained alert. Turning my attention back to Annizah, I softened. "You didn't have to do this, you know." She shrugged, looking a bit sheepish. "I wanted to. I'm sorry for earlier. I know you're just trying to protect us." Leaning
After the picnic, Vincenzo didn't take us back home. Instead, he drove us to his penthouse in the city. I glanced at him curiously, but his expression was unreadable, so I didn’t ask any questions. His actions always had a purpose, and I trusted him completely. The penthouse was just as luxurious as our home, but it felt different—more intimate, more secluded. As we settled in, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Vincenzo reassured me with a kiss and a soft smile, but there was a tension in his eyes that made me uneasy. Later that night, I woke up and found Vincenzo's side of the bed empty. The sheets were cool, indicating he had been gone for a while. Worry gnawed at me as I slipped out of bed and padded down the hallway. I heard his voice, low and intense, coming from his office. Peering around the corner, I saw him on the phone, his expression stern. My heart skipped a beat. What was he discussing at this hour? Before I could catch any words, he noticed me. He q
Vincenzo's grip on me remained strong, his presence a source of comfort despite the chaos that had just unfolded. I leaned into him, my mind racing with questions and fears. "What now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "We need to get you checked by the doctor," Vincenzo said firmly, glancing at Baltazar. "Can you arrange for transport?" Baltazar nodded and left the room to make the necessary arrangements. I could see the tension in Vincenzo's posture, the way his muscles were coiled and ready for action. "Enzo," I said softly, "are you sure you're okay?" He looked down at me, his expression softening slightly. "I'm fine, bella. My main concern is you and the baby." The cramps had subsided a bit, but I still felt a lingering ache. Vincenzo helped me to sit down on the couch, his hands gentle yet firm. As I settled, I took a moment to really look at him—his face was set in a hard line, his eyes dark with unspoken thoughts. "Who were they?" I asked, breaking the silence.
Vincenzo's POV After ensuring Annizah was asleep, I quietly slipped out of bed and made my way to the study. The events of the day replayed in my mind, fueling my determination to get to the bottom of this threat. I couldn't let my guard down, not with so much at stake. I settled into the leather chair at my desk, opening my laptop and initiating a secure connection. My fingers flew over the keyboard as I accessed various databases and systems, my mind sharp and focused. Years of experience had honed my skills in cyber infiltration, a necessary tool in our line of work. I delved into the networks of known mafia organizations, seeking any information that could lead me to those who dared to attack my family. The door creaked open, and I glanced up to see Katana entering the room. She moved with her usual grace, her eyes sharp and alert. "Thought you might need some help," she said, pulling up a chair beside me. I nodded. "Thanks, Katana. There's something big brewing, and we need to
I woke up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of gentle footsteps. Blinking my eyes open, I found Vincenzo standing by the bedside with a tray of breakfast. My heart swelled with love at the sight of him, his usual stern expression softened by a tender smile. "Good morning, Bella," he said, setting the tray down beside me. "I made your favorite—pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream." I sat up, feeling a wave of warmth wash over me. "Good morning, Enzo. This looks amazing." He leaned down and kissed me softly on the lips. "You deserve the best, always." We spent a few precious moments enjoying breakfast together, sharing kisses and quiet conversation. Vincenzo placed his hand on my growing belly, his eyes filled with love and pride. "Good morning, little one," he murmured. "Daddy's here." I smiled, covering his hand with mine. "I think the baby knows when you're around. They always seem to be more active." Vincenzo chuckled softly. "Let's hope they're just a
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