Cara's POVAdonis's grandfather released a deep questioning rumble."He's not?"With a glance at Adonis, I confirmed."He's not. But among everyone that I've ever been with, he's the only one I'd like to spend the rest of my life with. He might be strong-headed, stubborn, and adamant, but he wants the best for me. That is enough for me." I shuffled closer to Adonis, resting my head on his arm in hopes that his grandfather bought my story. It wasn't all lies; Adonis was really those things, and he does want the best for me, even if it might be because he wants the best for himself.Adonis's grandfather silently studied me for a minute. I felt Adonis pull me closer till I was practically sitting on his lap and his grandfather's already raised brow went higher. My face tingled with a warm feeling, blushing a bright pink. "Stop shuffling about; be bold!" I felt him breathe down my ear.Turning to meet his gaze, he nodded in encouragement. That was the push I needed for the nervous feeli
Dimitri spent over an hour listening to Cara's lies before he decided it was time to leave. Not that he knew they were lies. Cara found out that he was based in Italy and had visited the city to attend a function but thought to check on Adonis and confirm the rumour of him finding a bride.Frankly, she enjoyed spending time with the old man and might've wished at some point that this wasn't all pretence, but there was nothing she could do. The reality remained that it was. Adonis, on the other hand, was of no help as usual. He left the entire storytelling to her, only throwing in an occasional grunt and hum.The moment his grandfather left, he retired back into his study, leaving Cara to herself as she walked around the big empty mansion, receiving only subtle greeting nods from the bodyguards at their various stations.She had a lot of time to collect her thoughts. Antonio had yet to get back to her; well, he said in two days, so she'd still wait. But what if he doesn't believe an
Adonis's voice was like a calm before the storm. His words were barely above a whisper, but a lion's roar couldn't have been more terrifying than them."What? Did I touch a nerve?" Cara taunted with a wicked smile. "You heard your nonno. Your fathe—Bang!Adonis slammed his fist on the desk, the sound echoing throughout the room. He leaned back on his chair."How dare you? What do you know about me?" His voice wasn't raised, but his face was so hard that even a rock wouldn't hold a candle to it. Cara smirked. She was right about his father being a sore topic for him. The next question was, why?"I may not know a thing, but I know you're just an emotionally damaged man projecting his Daddy issues on people."The next minute, Adonis was out of the chair, his hand tightly clenched around her throat."Shut it!" He roared in her face.Cara gasped for air."No! This... this is... how it feels... to use people's weak... weaknesses against them." She managed to get out."Weaknesses? You know
Cara paced across the room. Her phone in her hand as she waited for a call. She looked at the message displayed on the screen.Wait.Just one word. She had repeatedly checked it to be sure since she got it yesterday, but it still was one word. It didn't change. It was her last day before she was to return to the Bernardi Mansion. After her passionate moment with Adonis, she packed her things and left early the next day, found a simple hotel near the funeral parlour where her father's remains were and logged in there for the day. It was an emotional time, but she finally got to pay her last respects. It was a reminder about why she was doing all this. Revenge. Revenge for her father who died unjustly.Adonis hadn't allowed her to leave the mansion without a car and the card, even if she didn't want to. She still had some spare cash saved up, but it was either she took them along or stayed back. She'd visited her workplaces to inform them of her resignation and cleared out most thin
The moment Cara stepped into the mansion, she knew she wasn't alone, as muffled voices could be heard coming from the dining room. Leaving her suitcase in the living room, she headed over to see who it was. Six pairs of eyes stared at her as she pulled open the door.Four were familiar faces she had seen a least once, while the other two she felt no sense of familiarity for. One was a pretty young lady who had her hair in a high ponytail, and the other was an elderly-looking woman who looked to be no less than sixty-five years old. Luca was the first to speak, waving energetically with a big grin on his face."Hey, Cara. Welcome back."One of the ladies spoke up and snapped her head towards him at the mention of Cara's name."Cara?" Her face lit up in recognition. "Adonis's Cara?" Luca nodded, and she jumped to her feet to grab Cara by the hand, pulling her in for a hug. One would think they were close friends."Hey! I'm Cecelia, Luca's fiancé. He's told me so much about you. I c
After spending the day planning a wedding, everyone departed to their various rooms, agreeing to visit the bridal store for dress alterations the next day. Cara was especially tired, and the moment she got into her and Adonis's room on the third floor, she passed out like a log of wood. Although she was so tired and could hardly lift a finger, she couldn't wait for the next day to come. Tina had called sometime around noon to inform her that she'd be returning the next day also, and this made Cara happy. At long last, the thought of having a friendly face around caused a huge weight to be lifted off her shoulders.Not that she wasn't grateful for everyone she'd come to know at the mansion, especially because they weren't anything like Adonis, but this was totally different. Tina was someone she knew before getting mixed up in Adonis's world. She woke up the next day, looking forward to seeing Tina, who had agreed to meet up with them at the bridal shop, and Adonis not being there w
Adonis POVLeaning against the window of my study, I looked down, watching the staffs run around, putting the final touches on the decorations of the hall. It was the eve of the wedding, and I felt content.This was the final step to activating my plan—my plan to bring down the Grecos once and for all. I must admit that I am not a patient man, and the wait has kept me on the edge. I was in constant worry that I'd wake up one day, and my grandfather would come up with another stupid condition to prevent me from being Capo.Some might say it wasn't his fault and the ones behind the rumours were to blame, but not me. He had the power to shut it all down. A single order from him would wipe them all out, yet, he chose to remain quiet. Just like my father did.I couldn't help that gut feeling that kept on telling me that Cara was planning something. Something I still didn't know about; however, I had my eyes on her.I would not have a little brat spoil the very thing I'd worked hard for a
Adonis POVInhaling deeply, I drew in a calming breath as I started my mental count once again, resisting the urge to tap my feet.It's official. She's insane.No sane person, after receiving a death threat, would still choose to defile the order given, but she did. I've never met anyone as infuriating as that little girl in my entire life, and now she has me wondering if she was actually the best fit for this.I resumed my count, my left little finger twitching rapidly at the amount of self-restraint it was taking me not to burst out through the door and drag her to the alter myself."Relax. It's normal." Luca whispered to me.I threw him a blank stare, as I had completely forgotten that he was by my side. He was shaking with nerves in his grey tuxedo; one would think he was the groom.I glanced down at my black tuxedo, which I had to force myself into this morning. Left to me, a dark pair of jeans and a white polo would've been just fine, but for some reason, everyone was against i
Adonis blinked."I was kidnapped as a child? Nonno never mentioned anything.""Not even in your tell-the-story journal?"He shook his head in disagreement, his grey eyes shining in utter disbelief."Hmm." Miguel shrugged. "I thought he would've explained that to you.""Well, you can, Dad." Cara chimed in, curious about the details as well. "Maybe it'll help us get a clue to solving the picture.""There's nothing much to solve corazón. It's a simple and clear story." He dismissed, picking up his refilled glass, "How old were you in that picture?" Adonis stroked his chin, refreshing his memory. From the picture, he looked grown, but still too young to be a teenager—probably in his preteen years so he threw the guess out,"...between twelve and thirteen?" watching as Miguel took a swig of his drink, the loud gulp making him wish Cara would allow him just a glass.His heavy gaze met his wife's, who—somehow could read his thoughts— gave him a stern look that left no room for negotiation.
Cara's brows furrowed, a deep crease forming between them as Adonis handed her the empty glass of water. "Do you feel better now?"He grunted, a wry smile playing on his lips, yet the bead of sweat trickled down his temple despite the cool air, and his clenched jaw told her he was just trying to be strong. "I think we should end this discussion here for now. You've done enough talking for one day."Miguel scoffed, pouring a shot from the whiskey that was brought to taunt Adonis. The ice clicked together as he swirled the drink around, eyes closing in pleasure at the strong smell."Don't tell me you're that weak?" "Dad!""What? He's out of the coma; the worst is over. He should be able to withstand any other pain. Just saying." He raised one hand in surrender, taking another sip to hide the mischievous curl of his lips.Adonis knew well what Miguel was playing at. Forget medication. He'd do anything just to get a glass of the whisky he was having. However, for some reason, Cara see
"You already know Sarah's history. Her infidelity and birthing two children for Sabestien." Adonis began. "She married twice right, but did she love either of them? The answer is no." That stunned Cara."Not even the first one?" Adonis's mind went back to the man he killed a few months ago, the memory touching the surface of the emotions he felt that night.Such a pity he died for a love that wasn't real."No." He replied. "Her one true love was Salvatore's son. I know you still don't get it, but hold on to that."Miguel arched his brow, fixating his gaze on AdonisSarah loved Adrian? But he didn't say a word. "My father knew of Sarah's dealings; that's also another fact, which resulted in everyone believing I wasn't his biological son; that," Adonis stressed, "...isn't a fact but a miscommunication— an intentional one at that."The elderly man couldn't hold back this time,"...intentional?"Adonis hummed, wincing as the vibration reached his ears, "Yes. Nonno and father told you
Adonis paused, an uncomfortable silence settling in the room as he gave Cara and her father time to process his confession.The way she stared at him, mouth agape and eyes wide with a mixture of disbelief and shock indicated she, in particular, would need a while to—but as her face pulled a look of horror and nose wrinkled, he knew she wasn't just surprised; She's got to be reeling on at least four emotions...Her face kept contorting and switching within seconds, unlike Miguel, who remained quiet, gazing at him with a calculative expression and steeples fingers."I am utterly and completely lost."He cocked his head, his lips parting to speak when a dissatisfied pout graced her lips."Seriously. Even a scriptwriter wouldn't add this much twist to his or her story. Why the hell is your family so complicated?"A soft snort racked out of Adonis when he saw he was right. He felt like a psychic on the seventh plough in the spiritual realm.First, confusion. Now, annoyance? How many more
Cara paled in realisation. This was the reason for his lack of attentiveness. Her heart dropped. "It's my fault." "Stop it." "No." She looked away. "You were fine before. I'm guessing it's a side effect, right?" "Yes, but— "Then it is my fault." She cut Adonis off, eyes widening when he didn't refute the claim. "It really is. I can't believe you'd have to live like that for the rest of your life." Miguel's face contorted in disbelief. "What are you talking about, Camilla? What is she talking about?" "I should've just taken the bullet." Adonis cursed, momentarily dazed at her stupid conclusion. "Are you crazy?" "Do not speak to your wife in such a manner!" "She's being illogical. It's just a temporary side effect that'll clear with time. So you would prefer to die with my children because of a simple discomfort I can manage?" He argued but even he felt the slight twinge of his eyes as he winced from the ringing sound that he'd gotten used to the moment he a
Leaving the mansion with Adonis was a bit more difficult than planned. Not the action itself but the 'convincing the rest of the people'.He was recuperating, and his grumbles were far more subtle than Cara expected, yet he didn't object to leaving. Not once.The problem, however, was the questions and scowls on his men's faces as they wondered why their Capo, who had only awakened a few hours ago, would be leaving his home with his wife, who had also left without a word a month back.After the surprising news from his wife, Adonis had quietly agreed with her. Cleaning up and packing all his necessary things. He didn't speak another word. Not to her or anyone else. Not even to his men, who lined up side by side on the ground floor, waiting to greet him with happy expressions until they realised he was leaving.Then it fell. The obvious confusion on their faces twined the chaos happening in the family; still, there was no one to give answers—no one had them.At least no one but Tina,
Cara yanked the covers away, hurriedly pulling on a coat over her robe.Adonis had woken up? God! That felt like the best news she'd received all her life.Her heart had nearly stopped in joy and relief until Luca's next words followed as did the increasing sound of metal clanging in the background.He sounded so urgent..."Talk to me, what's going on?" She hissed, rushing out of the room. "I'm on my way and will be there as quickly as I can. And what is that awful noise?"Luca kissed his teeth, "That would be the sound of your husband's tantrum. He's refusing treatment when he can barely stand on his own."Cara would've laughed if it hadn't been for the seriousness of the situation.Luca sounded more like himself than he had in weeks, and if she had any doubts about Adonis being awake, that had just cleared it up. The violence said more than enough..."We kind of delivered the news to him when he walked in on me and Tina in his study.""You shouldn't have done that.""I know! But th
Adonis's POVI was stuck in an unknown place—I'd been stuck there for a while. Living through the same horror over and over again.The crazed look in Natasha's eyes as she aimed for Cara and gow I jumped in without a second.The repetition caused me to keep reliving the pain.The pain and anxiety I felt when I thought Cara was going to die.The pain as the shot pierced through my chest.At first, it was all I kept seeing until that one time when I heard her voice. 'Adonis. I need you.'It reminded me of that night in the room. I wanted to go to her but couldn't. In the empty hollowness of my mind, I felt lost.Once in a while, I'd hear her voice and other times; it was just blackness. Then, the very day, I saw her in the void, and she reached out to me... the moment I took her hands, my eyes fluttered open. They lazily fluttered about the space. What I laid on felt extremely soft and comfortable.I recognised it as my bed; then my eyes took in the familiar sight of my room.Everyth
Whoever had said love doesn't bring pain had lied. After our intimate night together, I'd tried everything I could to get Cecelia to leave, but it just always ended in just a fight.We were both walking on eggshells around each other, yet she refused to leave.It got me thinking: Does she love me that much to stick by my side, or have I made her used to toxic situations?There was a sizzling tension between us that was threatening to explode anytime soon. The fact that I was also busy making arrangements at the mansion made it easier to avoid her, but that meant I had to see Cara.She, I knew, I had to avoid at all costs. There was no use acting like I was pissed at her; she'd see right through me. Unlike Cecelia who kept overlooking everything I did, and I couldn't be more glad when Miguel reached out to me to begin the plan.It was going to be the last straw for her, and as I anticipated—it was.Approaching Tina was overrated. I already knew it'd be easy, but it was too easy.How