SARAHWalking to Marco’s study, my mind kept drifting back to Marcel’s phone call. The timing couldn’t have been worse. Marcel’s concern and kindness were like a distant dream compared to the harsh reality I lived in. What was I thinking, even considering talking to him again? Marco had me under constant surveillance, and any hint of disobedience could spell disaster.I wondered if Marco knew about the call. Had he overheard? Was that why he summoned me? My heart pounded with each step, anxiety gnawing at me. I barely noticed my surroundings until I found myself standing in front of Marco’s office door. With a deep breath, I steeled myself and walked in.Marco was sitting in his chair, swinging it slightly as he twirled a fancy pen in his fingers. He ignored my presence at first, his gaze fixed on the pen. His nonchalance made my stomach churn with unease. I scoffed, trying to mask my fear. “You called for me?” I said, my voice more defiant than I felt.Marco smirked, finally looking
SARAHIt’s been two days since Marco set out his rules for me, and they’ve made me utterly miserable. I couldn’t forget the way he forced me into agreeing to his terms, the satisfaction gleaming in his eyes as he watched me crumble, helpless and with no choice but to sign it.I hated him with every fiber of my being. Who does he think he is? I thought, my rage steaming beneath the surface. Every time I pictured his smug face, my blood boiled. The audacity of that man! To think he could control every aspect of my life like I was his puppet. I paced around my room, the walls closing in on me, suffocating me with the weight of his oppressive rules.Curfews, restricted areas, dress codes, behavioral expectations—every detail annoyingly planned to strip away my freedom. I sneered at the silliness of it all, mocking the rules in my mind. Morning curfews? Like I was a child who needed to be told when to wake up. Restricted areas? Did he think I would stumble upon some dark secret that would
SARAHI stood there, stunned by the sight of the baby clothes and toys scattered around the room. It was shocking. Why would Marco have a room like this? The thought of him being connected to something so innocent and tender didn’t make any sense. My curiosity, mixed with a growing sense of fear, urged me to explore further.I tiptoed further into the room, my heart pounding. Suddenly, I stepped on a toy. It squeaked loudly, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. I quickly realized it was just a toy and exhaled in relief. But the noise had unnerved me, and my fear increased.Despite my growing anxiety, I approached a shelf that caught my eye. Among the dusty books and knick-knacks, there was a diary. The name “Noe-” was scribbled at the bottom. My hands trembled as I reached for it, eager to uncover whatever secrets it held. I started to flip it open.Just then, a voice cut through the silence, freezing me in my tracks. “What are you doing here?” Marco’s voice was cold and menacing, and
SARAHI woke up from a nap, my head pounding and my body aching. I had no idea how long I’d been asleep. The room was dark, and it took me a few moments to reorient myself. I glanced at the clock and saw that it was already evening. The realization hit me hard; it had been a full day since Marco had locked me up in that small, suffocating room.I had spent most of the day holed up in my room, refusing to talk to anyone, including the maids. The memory of Marco’s cruel smirk as he threw me into the basement replayed in my mind, fueling my hatred for him and his absurd rules.Who does he think he is? I thought bitterly. Treating me like some kind of possession, dictating every aspect of my life. I despised the way he seemed to enjoy punishing me, the satisfaction he got from my suffering. It made my skin crawl.I stared at the ceiling, trying to push the memories away, but they kept flooding back. The feeling of being trapped, of having no control over my own life, was overwhelming. I h
SARAHI stared at the dress Marco had laid out for me. It was a slinky, revealing dress that screamed for attention. The shimmering fabric, cut low in the front and high on the thigh, made my skin crawl. I hated it. I hated everything it represented. It was just another way for Marco to control me, to humiliate me. My fists clenched at my sides as I tried to summon the strength to put it on.“It’s just for one night,” I muttered to myself, the words barely more than a whisper in the silent room. “You can do this.”I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. Each inhale felt like I was dragging a boulder up a hill. My fingers trembled as I unzipped the dress, the sound sharp in the quiet. With a sense of defeat, I stripped off my clothes and slipped into the dress. The fabric clung to me like a second skin, making me feel exposed and vulnerable. I looked at myself in the mirror, hating what I saw. My reflection seemed to mock me, the dress transforming me into something I didn’t
SARAHI stared at her, confused and taken aback. “What do you mean, replacement for a ghost?” I managed to ask, my voice shaky.She smirked, taking a step closer to me. “Oh, you don’t know, do you?” She relished the moment, enjoying my discomfort. “Noelle was Marco’s… special friend, let’s say. She had everything—beauty, class, and sophistication. Everything you lack.”My heart pounded in my chest. I felt a mix of confusion and anger boiling up inside me. “Noelle? “Special friend?” I repeated, my voice trembling. “What are you talking about?”She chuckled, a cold, mocking sound. “You really are clueless, aren’t you? Noelle was the one who mattered, the one who—”“Isabella!” Marco’s voice cut through the air like a knife, sharp and unyielding.She spun around, her demeanor changing in an instant. She threw herself at Marco, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Marco, darling, I was just having a little chat with your… new addition,” she said, her voice dripping with sweetness.Marco bar
The party dragged on, and I did my best to stay out of trouble. I found a quiet corner, keeping my head down and my eyes on the floor, making sure not to look in Daniel’s direction. I had already caused enough problems for myself tonight. The last thing I needed was Marco’s wrath extending to someone else. I stole a glance at Marco, but quickly looked away. His earlier threat of a new punishment played over and over in my head, an annoying thorn looming over my thoughts. What evil ideas does he have waiting for me this time? The very thought made my stomach churn, my mood souring with each passing minute that passed.Marcos people moved around me, mingling and laughing, their voices blending into a distant hum. It felt like I was in a bubble, separate from it all, the noise muffled by the weight of the anxiety I felt. I tried to focus on my tasks, refilling drinks and picking up empty glasses, anything to keep myself busy and out of Marcos sight. My hands worked fast, the routine mot
MARCO I sat in my study, the air thick with the remnants of the party. The soft glow of the desk lamp barely cut through the darkness, casting long shadows on the walls. I fumbled with the lighter, my fingers shaking as I tried to ignite the cigarette. The flame finally caught, and I took a deep drag, the smoke filling my lungs, slowly calming my racing mind. The party was supposed to be a clever ruse, a trap to draw out anyone from the Rossi family. Weeks of planning, careful invitations, and strategic conversations all leading up to tonight. I had hoped to see even a flicker of recognition, a fickle sign sign that one of them had taken the bait. But the night had been a complete disappointment. Not a single Rossi had shown their face. Not a single lead to follow, not a single crack in their facade. I sighed, the frustration boiling inside me. “Che disastro,” I muttered under my breath. This whole charade was starting to feel like a waste of time. As I exhaled a cloud of smoke
SARAHThe room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner. The party had ended hours ago, leaving the house in an eerie calm. I sat cross-legged on my bed, my back resting against the headboard. A sense of victory pulsed through me, steady and reassuring, like a beat I hadn’t heard in years.The recorder in my hand felt heavier now, though it wasn’t from its weight. I pressed play again, letting Isabella’s shaky voice fill the silence.“Of course I did it! You think I care about anyone but myself? Sarah doesn’t deserve Marco, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them apart!”I paused the tape and leaned my head back, a small, satisfied smile tugging at my lips. That moment earlier—the look on Isabella’s face when her own words turned against her—played on a loop in my mind. The way her jaw dropped, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for a way to escape. And then, the best part: her sprinting out of the house like a thief caught red-handed.It felt… good. N
ISABELLA I ran out of the house as if the walls themselves were closing in on me. My heels scraped against the pavement, but I didn’t care. The sound of the crowd’s laughter, their murmurs, their judgment still echoed in my ears. I couldn’t breathe. It was like my chest was caving in, the air too thick for me to swallow.I reached the gate and waved desperately at the first cab I saw, nearly stepping into the street to make it stop. The car screeched to a halt, and I yanked the door open without waiting for the driver to say a word.“Just drive,” I snapped, throwing myself into the seat. My voice cracked, and I hated how weak I sounded.“Where to, miss?” he asked, his tone polite but wary.“I said just drive!” My voice came out harsher than I intended, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t look at him. Couldn’t look at anyone. I slammed the door shut and pressed myself against the window, clutching my bag like it was the only thing keeping me grounded.The cab pulled away, and the moment the
SARAHI raised the glass slightly, the light catching the crystal edges as I let the room settle into silence. All eyes were on me, expectant and curious. My heart hammered in my chest, but I kept my expression composed. I’d waited too long for this moment to falter now.“As we celebrate tonight,” I began, my voice clear and steady, “I feel it’s important to acknowledge not just the successes we share but also the challenges we’ve faced to get here. And tonight, I want to shed light on something that’s been weighing heavily for quite some time.”There was a ripple of murmurs in the crowd, people exchanging puzzled glances. Marco’s brows furrowed slightly, his gaze locked on me. Isabella, near the bar, stiffened, her confident posture now rigid as her smile froze.I turned toward the crowd fully, placing the glass down with deliberate care. “It’s said that truth has a way of coming out, no matter how deeply it’s buried. And tonight, I think it’s time for a little honesty.” My eyes swep
SARAHThe living room was bustling with activity, but it wasn’t enough to drown out the pounding in my chest. Marco sat across from me, scrolling through his tablet, completely focused on the seating arrangements. His sharp focus somehow made me feel calmer, even though my thoughts were racing.I leaned over the list in front of me, pretending to check it carefully. “So, are we sticking to the original table placements, or are we moving the contractors closer to the center?”Marco glanced up briefly. “Closer to the center. They’ll feel more valued that way. This deal’s been a long time coming. We need everything to go off without a hitch tonight.”“Got it,” I replied, scribbling a quick note. I nodded as if his words didn’t rattle me, but inside, I was already rehearsing how tonight would unfold. Isabella’s lies were about to be exposed, and I needed to stay calm.Marco noticed my pause. “You okay? You’ve been unusually quiet today.”I forced a smile. “Just focused. There’s a lot to g
SARAHI had just finished setting out a few ideas for Marco’s party when my phone buzzed on the counter. Tony’s name lit up on the screen. My stomach tightened as I grabbed the phone, knowing this wasn’t a casual call.“Tony?” I answered, trying to sound composed.“Sarah,” he said, his voice low but edged with a hint of urgency. “We’ve got everything we need.”My heart skipped. “Everything? You mean—?”“We’ve got all the proof,” he cut in. “Enough to bury Isabella for good. Her lies, her schemes and the voice record properly aligned. all of it. It’s airtight.”I sat down slowly, the weight of his words sinking in. “You sure?”“Is is now clear as day,” Tony said firmly. “I’ve been over it twice. Her tracks aren’t just messy—they’re a disaster. And the best part? There’s no way she can talk her way out of this. We’ve got her, Sarah.”A slow smile crept across my face. “So that’s it, then? It’s finally over?”“Not yet,” Tony said, a slight warning in his tone. “We’ve got the information,
SARAHMarco’s gaze held mine, steady and unyielding, as he stood by the kitchen door. For a moment, the world around me seemed to fade. The clinking of utensils, the hum of the stove—it all melted into the background.He tilted his head slightly, motioning for me to follow him out. His presence filled the space, leaving no room for hesitation.I nodded at Martha, who gave me a look that was equal parts curiosity and encouragement. “I’ll be back,” I told her softly, setting down the knife.I followed Marco out into the hallway. My heart raced, the weight of everything I wanted to say pressing down on me. This was it—the moment I’d decided I wasn’t going to hold back anymore. No more avoiding the truth. No more brushing past the lies.When we reached the living room, he stopped and turned to face me. His expression was unreadable, his jaw tight.“Sarah,” he started, his voice low and careful, like he was trying to pick the right words.Before he could continue, I blurted out, “Marco, I
SARAHI lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, a small, satisfied smile tugging at my lips. Tomorrow was the day—finally. The day I’d show everyone, including Marco, the truth about Isabella. No more lies, no more manipulation. Her smugness, her arrogance, her calculated schemes—they were all about to crumble. And I would be the one to light the match.The thought kept me awake, my mind running wild with anticipation. I replayed the steps over and over, imagining her face when the truth came crashing down. She wouldn’t see it coming. The mighty Isabella, so proud and untouchable in her delusions, was about to fall.It was a satisfying thought—so satisfying, in fact, that I didn’t notice how long I lay there. When sleep finally crept in, it felt like the sweet calm before a storm I had waited too long to unleash.The next morning, sunlight filtered softly through my curtains, bathing my room in a warm glow. I stretched, the tension in my body melting away as a rush of energy surged thr
ISABELLA The crisp afternoon air greeted me as I stepped out of the café, my heels clicking confidently against the pavement. I felt invincible. Sarah’s defeated expression was seared into my memory, fueling the satisfaction coursing through me. “Too easy,” I muttered to myself, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. The sun was warm on my skin, and everything seemed brighter, as if the universe itself was congratulating me. Sarah was finally stepping aside, and soon, Marco would be all mine—just as it should have been from the start. I hailed a cab, deciding on a whim that I deserved something better than my usual routine. Somewhere upscale, somewhere that matched the victorious glow I carried. I gave the driver the name of a ritzy hotel bar I’d been to once before, a place where the drinks were overpriced and the atmosphere exuded exclusivity. As we weaved through the streets, I allowed myself a moment to revel in my triumph. Marco would be waiting for me, clueless as eve
SARAHI signaled the waiter for another cup of coffee, trying to steady my nerves. As I waited, I leaned back in my chair, letting the warmth of the café seep into my skin. Isabella’s smug face was still etched in my mind. She had strutted out of here as if she’d won the lottery, completely oblivious to the trap she had just walked into.The waiter approached, a young man with a polite smile. “Another coffee for you, ma’am?”“Yes, please,” I replied, offering him a quick smile. “Make it strong.”He nodded and walked off to the counter, leaving me alone with my thoughts. My fingers drummed on the table as I tried to process what had just happened. Isabella was so proud, so loud with her lies, it was almost laughable.She really thinks she’s won. I shook my head, a quiet chuckle escaping my lips. That arrogance of hers—how she gloated, how she leaned back in her chair like she was untouchable. She has no idea.The waiter returned with my coffee, setting it down gently in front of me. “H