I stared at the masked man, my face a mask of cold composure. He was doing his best to provoke me, to get under my skin, but I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction. Around us, the room was tense with anticipation, eyes flicking between us as if expecting a fight to break out any moment."You think you can protect your family from us?" the masked man sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. "You're far from home, Romanov. Here, you're just another player in our game."I kept my expression neutral, my eyes boring into his. "And you think you're in control?" I replied evenly. "That's cute."Helios, standing nearby, let out a booming laugh, clearly enjoying the exchange. But I wasn’t here for his amusement. The masked man took a step closer, his attempt at intimidation almost laughable."You’re just a puppet," I said, my voice low and steady. "Following orders without a mind of your own. Tell me, how does it feel to be nothing more than someone’s errand boy?"The man's eyes bl
As I stare through the glass of the incubator, watching our daughter’s tiny chest rise and fall, relief floods through me. The doctors said she was gas-poisoned, but now she’s stable. Annizah leans into me, her warmth a stark contrast to the cold hospital environment. The steady hum of the machines around us fades into the background as we stand together, united in our silent vigil.“This world is so dangerous,” Annizah whispers, her voice trembling. “I never realized just how much until now.”I tighten my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “Do you regret it? Choosing me, this life?”She looks up at me, her eyes filled with love and sadness. “I don’t regret choosing you, Vincenzo. I only feel sorry that you had to be born into this kind of lifestyle. But I love you, and that’s all that matters.”Her words are a balm to my soul, and I press a kiss to her forehead. “I promise you, Annizah, I’ll take care of everything. I’ll end this once and for all. Our family will be safe.”
A month has passed since the hospital incident, and our daughter, Fiore, has been growing healthier and stronger every day. The threats against our family have seemingly quieted down, but I’ve learned not to let my guard down. Even in moments of peace, I remain vigilant, always on edge, always searching. In my study, I sit hunched over my laptop, scanning through files and databases, desperately trying to find any trace of my half-brother. Despite our advanced technology and the network of contacts at my disposal, he remains elusive. It's as if he’s a ghost, slipping through every net I cast. Just then, Mark walks in, his presence a surprising interruption. “Got any leads?” he asks, casually leaning against the doorway. I glance up, my brows furrowed in confusion. “Why are you asking?” He smirks, a glint of mystery in his eyes. “I might have some clues for you.” My interest piqued, I shut the laptop and focus on him. “What do you know?” Mark shrugs nonchalantly. “Let’s jus
The atmosphere in the living room was heavy with tension as my father walked in, holding a folder in his hand. He threw it onto the coffee table with a force that made everyone jump. The folder spilled open, revealing documents and photographs. My eyes were immediately drawn to a picture of a man who looked uncannily like me, only he was wearing a mask that obscured part of his face. "Who is this?" I demanded, picking up one of the photographs. The resemblance was undeniable, and a chill ran down my spine. "That," my father said, his voice seething with anger, "is the illegitimate son I told you about. Your half-brother. The one who’s been causing all these problems for us." The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Mark, standing beside me, was the first to break the silence. "It makes sense," he said quietly. "If he’s been abandoned and neglected all his life, it’s no wonder he wants revenge." My father’s face turned red with fury. "Revenge? Revenge for what?
The garden was serene, a haven of calm amidst the turmoil of recent events. Annizah walked slowly along the path, cradling Fiore in her arms, the baby cooing softly. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and the gentle rustling of leaves provided a soothing backdrop. As she rounded a corner, she saw Vincenzo’s mother, Maria, sitting on a stone bench. Annizah hesitated, feeling a familiar distance between them. Despite the time they had spent together, their relationship had always been tinged with a certain reserve. "Annizah," Maria called softly, noticing her. "Would you join me?" Annizah nodded and walked over, sitting down on the bench while still holding Fiore. She looked down at the baby, using her as a buffer between herself and Maria. The older woman reached out, gently touching Fiore’s tiny hand. "She’s beautiful," Maria said, her voice filled with a mixture of pride and sorrow. "You’re a wonderful mother, Annizah." "Thank you," Annizah replied, her tone polite but
Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Annizah stood in front of Vincenzo, her fingers deftly adjusting his tie and smoothing the lapels of his suit. Vincenzo watched her, a tender smile playing on his lips. Her concentration, the way she bit her lip slightly as she worked, and her gentle touch—all of it filled him with a deep sense of love and gratitude."Are you sure you’ll be alright?" Annizah asked, her voice tinged with worry. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his.Vincenzo nodded, placing his hand over hers. "I’ll be fine," he reassured her. "This is something I need to do, for all of us. Today, we start executing our plans."Annizah nodded, though the worry didn’t leave her eyes. "Just be careful, okay?""I will," he promised, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "I always am."With a final adjustment to his suit, Annizah stepped back, giving him an appreciative once-over. "You look perfect," she said with a smile, th
Later that evening, Annizah took Fiore to the garden, needing some fresh air. She cradled the baby, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. She was deep in thought when Vincenzo’s mother approached. "May I join you?" she asked softly. Annizah nodded, though she felt a bit distant. Vincenzo’s mother sat beside her, watching Fiore with a wistful smile. "You remind me of myself when I had Vincenzo," she said. "I carried him everywhere, just like you do with Fiore." Annizah looked at her, curiosity piqued. "What was he like as a baby?" Vincenzo’s mother’s eyes softened with the memory. "He was a strong baby, even then. Determined. Always wanting to be held, to feel secure. It broke my heart to be separated from him after he was born, but I understood it was necessary." Annizah’s curiosity deepened. "Why did you have to be separated?" She sighed, looking out over the garden. "Our world, our family—it’s always been complicated. There were threats even back then, and your father believed
Vincenzo quietly left the bedroom, taking a final glance at Annizah and Fiore. He closed the door softly behind him and walked through the quiet hallways of their home, his mind heavy with the plans he needed to set in motion. He had arranged a meeting with Ella, a woman from his past who had her own tangled web of secrets and connections. She might have the information he needed, but he knew it wouldn't be easy to get her to talk. He arrived at the coffee shop, a quaint, upscale place tucked away in a quiet part of town. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the soft murmur of conversations around him. Ella was already there, sitting at a corner table, her back straight, and her gaze fixed on the door. When she saw Vincenzo, her eyes lit up with a mix of longing and bitterness. "Vincenzo," she greeted him, her voice laced with an edge of vulnerability and resentment. "It's been a long time." He nodded curtly, pulling out the chair across from her. "Ella."