*One Year Later*Tears welled up in Theodore's eyes as he gently placed the flower on the grave. "It's over, mom," he whispered, his voice trembling. He reached out and intertwined his hands with Aria's, seeking comfort and support."Do you think she's proud of me?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.Aria nodded, her eyes filled with love as she cupped Theodore's cheeks in her hands. “Of course, she is, my love. Despite everything, you came out stronger and a much better man. I'm sure her soul is finally at peace now," she reassured him, offering a warm smile.*** A year had passed since Alexandra died and the Romanos were finally free from their nightmare.They were all happy to have each other in the end, even though they had lost some.They mourned their losses but were also grateful for their blessings over the year.Aria gave birth to the most adorable twins, a precious little boy and a beautiful baby girl. The joy of motherhood overwhelmed her, as she and Theodo
Aria POV I quietly picked my shoes and tiptoed out the door. I had to be really quiet so I won’t wake them up. I slowly opened the gate leading to the stablest“Hey Silvia.” I smiled rubbing my horse, it neighed . “Shh!, we have to be quiet so we won’t get caught.” I gently removed the rope and walked her outside.The morning was just dawning, everywhere was so quiet.“Please God, keep them fast asleep.” I prayed silently.I succeeded in getting out of the mansion’s gate.I grinned and climbed on Silvia, riding her to our favorite place . Silvia has been my best friend as long as I can remember and surprisingly she’s the only thing they haven’t taken away from me . She was gifted to me by my Nana when I was five.My eyes watered, I miss her so much . She was the only member of my family that treated me like I was really human. Well she and Simon. Simon is my Older cousin who lives with us , he’s my dad dead brother’s only son , but Dad loves him just like his own son. I live
Theodore POV “Is the file ready?” I asked the personal investigator.He placed it on front of me, I opened it. It was truly her. ‘Ariabella Isabel Romano’, the first daughter of the Romanos’. I squeezed my eyes tightly and clenched my fists tightly. Then I stood up and walked to the glass window, looking at her necklace in my hands. It’s finally time for me to get my revenge. I placed it in my pocket and dismissed the investigator. Just then my best friend and right hand man, Pancho, walked in. “Hey grumpy.” He joked. Pancho has been my friend from childhood.We practically grew up together, I didn’t see anyone to make fit my right hand man except him because I trust him so much . Pancho is a skilled mafiaoso, dangerous too, but he is real playful, he is the only one that manages to get on my nerves all the fucking time. “What do you want Pancho?” I groaned.“I just want to hang out with my buddy.” He grinned, I raised my brows in suspicion“We can hit the club, get some lad
Theodore POV I arrived at the Romano mansion with Pancho and walked inside.My eyes immediately landed on Aria, who stood a few meters away from the door.She had a shocked expression on her face which probably means she remembered me. I bit the inside of the cheek to stop myself from smirking.I allowed my eyes to check her out subtly. She wore a blue dress that hugged her curves really well. Her hair was let down in waves. She was beautiful. A frown formed on my face as I found myself admitting that.“Mr De’leon, you are welcome.” Giovanni’s wife, Celine, welcomed me with a broad smile on her face. “We have been expecting you. Come on, let’s eat and then we can proceed to business.” Giovanni added.I cleared my throat and diverted my gaze from Aria to him. He had a stupid grin on his face,I twitched my jaw and clenched my fists to prevent myself from beating him up to a pulp right here.“Alright.” I simply said.Soon, we all settled at the table. I sat opposite Aria and she look
Aria POV I sat on the kitchen stool, my palm on my cheek as I stared at nothing in particular. Ugh!, why do I feel this way.I can’t get Mr stranger out of my head, the way he touched my skin, it gave me tingles . My cheeks became hot, I’m sure they are red by now . “Huh, what’s got you all dreamy?.” Becca teased me. Becca is the niece of Ma’am Serena, she went away for a little while but now she’s back.She’s my bestfriend and well my only friend. I blushed harder, trying to hide it with my hair.“nothing.” “Don’t Tell me nothing girl, your cheeks are all red and your eyes are so dreamy.” She pointed out with a knowing look. “Come on, spill.” She urged, poking me playfully.I chuckled and released a short sigh.She won’t let this go until I tell . “Uhm, I met a man.” I informed, playing with my fingers.“Really? When, how?.” She squealed excitedly.“Shh, they might hear you.” I panicked. She threw her hands up in surrender and then scooted closer to me.“Alright, fine, but
Theodore POV “Ah, Mr De’leon, you are here, let’s go to the garden.” Mr Giovanni Romano welcomed us. “This is my aunt Salma and my cousin, Renee.” I introduced aunt Salma and Reneè. “You are all welcome.” Celine flashed a wide smile.My eyes involuntarily checked around the room for Aria, but she wasn’t present. “Honestly I have to say, this union will definitely be the best for our families.” Mr Romano exclaimed with a stupid grin. I mentally rolled my eyes wishing we would just get this over with . Aunt Salma cleared her throat and spoke up,“so where is our bride?”“Oh, Celine dear, please call her in.” He beckoned to his wife . The door opened, but it wasn’t Aria. It was Martina, their second daughter. My jaw clenched in anger, what does he think he’s trying to do?.“What is this Mr Romano?” I asked coldly. Aunt Salma and Renee stared at me in confusion.“This isn’t the daughter I chose, I chose Aria, your first daughter.” I gritted, trying to control the rage I was feeli
Aria POV I was doing the dishes in the kitchen when suddenly Becca rushed in screaming,“Girl!”“Ugh Becca!, your screams would eventually damage my poor eardrums one day.” Ma’am Serena groaned.“Sorry aunt Serena.” She giggled.“But you have to come to the Veranda now Aria, Mr De’Leon Relatives are here, his aunt Salma and cousin Renee. Oh my days, they came with a lot of gifts, they said it’s all from Theodore.” She exclaimed with an excited squeal.I tilted my head in confusion, “Really?” “Of course girl, I told you, he’s so into you.” She gushed dramatically.“Alright dear, you should go , don’t keep them waiting. I will prepare some snacks and bring them along.” Ma’am Serena offered with a smile.I muttered a thank you before Becca squealed again and took my hands, pulling me out of the kitchen.I got to the Veranda and Becca was right; there was a lot of gifts bags, wow!.“Hi Ma’am.” I greeted the older woman politely.“Call me aunt Salma dear.” She smiled at me, then turned to
Aria POV“You look so beautiful dear.” Ma’am Serena complimented.“Thank you.” I muttered with a smile.I was presently wearing one of the dresses Theodore bought.I ran my hands over the red dress , it was so beautiful, It was beaded and it hugged my curves well.“Red is definitely your color girl, Theodore is definitely going to drool when he sees you.” Becca gushed excitedly.“Oh Becca, come on let’s go, we have a lot to prepare.” Ma’am Serena playfully dragged her away to the kitchen.The engagement ceremony would be staring in a few hours.I stood in front of the mirror as I touched my hair, how am I even going to style it?I looked at the makeup kit on my bed, also bought by Theodore.I sighed and opened it up.“You can do this Aria.” I encouraged myself.I was nervous because I have never tried applying makeup before.I took out the powder brush, suddenly the door opened.“Oh Aria.” Becca sang out with a wide smile.I turned around to see her standing by the door with two other
*One Year Later*Tears welled up in Theodore's eyes as he gently placed the flower on the grave. "It's over, mom," he whispered, his voice trembling. He reached out and intertwined his hands with Aria's, seeking comfort and support."Do you think she's proud of me?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.Aria nodded, her eyes filled with love as she cupped Theodore's cheeks in her hands. “Of course, she is, my love. Despite everything, you came out stronger and a much better man. I'm sure her soul is finally at peace now," she reassured him, offering a warm smile.*** A year had passed since Alexandra died and the Romanos were finally free from their nightmare.They were all happy to have each other in the end, even though they had lost some.They mourned their losses but were also grateful for their blessings over the year.Aria gave birth to the most adorable twins, a precious little boy and a beautiful baby girl. The joy of motherhood overwhelmed her, as she and Theodo
Theodore POV“What sick game are you trying to play right now!.” I glared at Alexandra, even though I was very much weak.The beating I had received from Alexandra men that night had injured me severely and also My attempt to break free from the ropes, had me seriously bleeding out from my wrist, but I could feel it already getting loose.“You are right, it’s a game that will be played on my terms.” She sneered and pulled out a remote detonator.My pulse quickened as my eyes flew wide open in realization.She chuckled at my reaction.“Your guess is correct Theodore.”“It’s a remote detonator and it has a timer. Right now, all of your family is gathered at the Romano mansion, and a bomb has been planted there, just waiting for me to tick it off.” She concluded with a satisfactory smile.“What!.” Aria exclaimed in panic.“Hey!, This wasn’t our agreement. I told you my dad said out of this!.” Evan raged.She clicked her tongue as she shook her head, feigning pity. “Well Evan, I guess yo
Alexandra POVI groaned painfully as the doctor wrapped the bandage around my arm.“Take these prescribed medications and you will be fine.” He advised and walked away.“Who is he? Do you trust him?.” Evan queried.I nodded. “Dr. Ivan has always been my personal doctor, moreover he was blindfolded while coming here.” He sighed and ran his hand through his hair in frustration,“So what now?, the AISE are still on your trail, it won’t be long before they..” “They won’t find me.” I cut him off from his rambling.“How are you so sure?, we might be in a different house, but we are still in Corleone. What are we still doing here when we should be leaving instead!.” He grumbled.“Come with me.” I instructed.I led him into the study and walked towards the bookshelf, pushing it backwards and revealing the stairs leading down to the underground.“an underground?.” He exclaimed in shock.I walked down the stairs and he followed suit.“I bought this place immediately I moved to Corleone, just i
Theodore POVPaola fell asleep on my arms and I placed her gently on her bed, placing a kiss on her forehead before leaving the room.“Theodore?.” I turned around to see Hernando, in a very disturbed manner.“What happened?.” I asked worriedly.“I just received a call from Damien and the AISE, Rocco is dead, apparently he self strangled himself this morning.” He informed.“Shit.” I cursed, running my hands through my hair.“I can’t believe he killed himself rather than betray Alexandra.” “He was really loyal to her.” He replied.“It doesn’t matter. We are attacking Alexandra today.” I affirmed through gritted teeth.He nodded in agreement.“The AISE is ready–“He was suddenly cut off by Aria loud shriek.She ran towards me with teary eyes.“Theo!!!.” I caught her in my arms.“Hey, hey!, what’s wrong?.” “Becca.. we can’t find her.” She stuttered, with a trembling voice.“What?.” I mumbled with worry.“I went to her room to check up on her but she wasn’t there, then I called Pancho t
Martina POV“No!.” I trashed my dressing table.My heart welled up with so many emotions- Anger, regret, pain.I remembered everything vividly like I was actually reliving it.Walking into the house that night, to see Dad’s bloody head in a box being carried away by the guards I still didn’t want to believe, even though I looked around and literally saw mom’s broken soul. I still tried to convince myself that it wasn’t him, that my eyes were playing tricks with me.But it was very much true, no matter how many times I blinked and looked back into the box, I still saw it.I just couldn’t get the image of his head in that box out of my head.This was definitely Alexandra. Suddenly, an overwhelming anger filled me, I didn’t care about Aria or even Theodore anymore. All the urge I felt to destroy Aria was now doubled and was now focused on Alexandra instead, now more than ever, I need to make her pay for everything she has done to my family.“Martina.” Aria called softly as she entere
Theodore POV“Hey Princess.” I kissed Aria’s forehead gently stirring her awake.I got home late last night after talking with Damien and she had already slept.Her eyes fluttered open slowly and then widened immediately they met mine.“Theo!, you are back.” She squealed, wrapping her arms around me.“Someone missed me.” I teased with a low chuckle.“Of course I did.” She blushed, tucking some of her hair behind her ear. Then she bit her lips nervously.“So what did you find out?.” She asked as her eyes glinted with curiosity.I sighed tiredly and explained everything Aunt Agatha told us to her.“Oh my.” She gasped in shock as her face clouded with pity.“Alexandra is really broken.” She mumbled.“Yes, but it doesn’t give her the right to hunt innocent people though.” I argued.“Innocent people I dragged into this mess.” I added with a frown, and looked away in guilt.“Hey.” She turned me so I could face her,“You can’t blame yourself for her actions. They had nothing to do with you.
Luciana POV“Thank you.” I said to the movers that brought in my Sofa and closed the door after they left.I finally moved to my apartment in Milan today, after much stalling. I started having second thoughts at the last minute, maybe because of Simon.No matter how much I try, I can’t shake off that kiss from my mind, I couldn’t deny the chemistry between us and It seemed like he couldn’t either.I shook my head, heaving a deep sigh. I might just be imagining that he felt that way.He was so in love with Aria for a long time, it’s not something he could easily get over. Even if he did, I don’t think I could stand a chance, maybe if I wasn’t the granddaughter of his family’s greatest enemy, things would be easier.I fell on the sofa groaning tiredly. It doesn’t matter anyway, I’m here and he’s there, we would never work out, That was the bitter realization and I should get used to it.>I decided to keep myself busy by arranging the apartment, hopefully I get to finish today because
Theodore POVWe finally got to La Morra, it was evening just like Hernando had predicted.Through the address Giovanni gave us, we located Aunt Agatha’s house. It was indeed in a secluded area.I stopped the car and we both got down.Hernando walked over to the backseat to bring out the gift basket we bought for her.“Come on Son.” He beckoned as he walked towards the house.and surprisingly, it didn’t bother me when he called me son, it didn’t repulse me like before. Maybe it’s because of yesterday night.After what happened, I could feel us getting closer and weirdly enough, I loved it.I followed him and we got to the front door. I proceeded to knock but the door creaked open on its own. “Oh.” Hernando shrugged and walked in, I followed suit.We both looked around the house, it did look old, almost falling apart but it felt like it gave her peace.She must really despise her son, if she had to come all the way here from him.“It doesn’t look like we are breaking in right?.” Hernan
Martina POV“Martina?.” Paola called, a smile plastered on her face as she walked towards me. I heaved a deep sigh of relief as I held my chest, I could feel my body moving again.I had such a fright, I thought it was Ma’am Serena.“What are you doing in Ma’am Serena’s room?.” She questioned, tilting her head to the side and twisting her little mouth.“Uh…um, I came to see her, I had a surprise for her.” I lied, stuttering a little.“Surprise?.” She squealed excitedly, I placed my finger over her mouth immediately.“Shh!, you will ruin it.” I chided, the squatted down to her level.“Yes Paola, a surprise, so you can’t tell her I was in here, okay?.” I cajoled gently. she nodded in agreement and then skipped away giddily.I sighed and walked out of the room, closing the door quietly.Now I have to hurry. I rushed towards Hernando’s office, making sure no one was around, I unlocked the door and went in.“Where do I start from now?.” I grumbled, rubbing my chin in confusion.I checked