Eleonor could already feel the blood leaving her face. She was pale when somehow managed to get into the taxi and return to the luxurious hotel where they were staying. Although the sun was not yet approaching the horizon, she knew that it would only be a few moments before it would appear. She repeatedly pressed the elevator button in her impatience for the safety of her sheets. But halfway there, she stopped in front of Lisette's room next to her own. The apartment number, 212, glowed on the gold plaque.She doesn't hesitate to knock loudly on the door. Five more knocks, and Lisette opens the door instantly. Her messy brown hair and sleepy expression suggested that she had been asleep for hours, but surprise completely overtook her. “What happened?”Eleonor enters her friend's room with great abruptness. Her fingers are buried in her hair. She slides her hand to her face. She gets her thumbnail caught in between her teeth. And bites down. Then takes a deep breath. “Get your things r
Eleonor sighed with relief when the car finally stopped in front of the mansion. She wanted her bed, her silk sheets with her smell, and especially something to fill that empty hole in her stomach so badly that she didn't notice how quiet the house was. “Lizzy, do you mind if I go in? I think I need a sandwich before I go to bed. I'm starving.”“No, Donna. You can go... I'll meet you there.” Lisette says with a gracious smile. Because the security guards' eyes were steadier than usual, the formal treatment came only. Eleonor notices that not only the guards eyes are more intense, but also the security in general. The man standing outside, near the pilaster, casting discreet glances at her, is unknown. He doesn't belong to the residence's security.As Eleonor enters the mansion, she tries to rid herself of the thought. She sets her feet on the porcelain tile, and it feels as if the place is colder than outside. “Domenico?” She calls out for the butler, but he doesn't respond. Her green
Eleonor gives a forced smile, which brings discomfort to Giovanni's chest. This isn't what he was expecting. Not this defiance, this boldness. He wanted to watch her despair. He wanted to watch her cry, to sniff out her fear. Yet, this courage made his cock twitch. What the hell is wrong with him?“If that's so, then you broke the clause too.” Eleonor snorts.“No. I didn't break it.”“Yes, you did. You slept with the girl at the bar, not your wife...”“You're wrong, darling. I didn't sleep with just a girl I met at the bar. Do you think I wouldn't recognize my wife? I always knew it was you.”Those words cause a painful mix of uncertainty. It's as if they're shallow and too deep at the same time... like a sweet trap made to catch those who do not look carefully. Or don't listen attentively. Eleonor felt the ambiguity but was blind to understand it. Of course, her survival instinct would speak louder t
Eleonor was locked in her room for the rest of the day. She eventually heard her butler call her for lunch and afternoon tea. She was unable to answer him. Fortunately, the servants were respectful of her silence. She didn't know what they did with Reviello's sick gift, and she couldn't care less about it. It didn't take her long to realize that the hand inside the box was from the man who touched her last night at the bar. Despite her dislike for him and wish that he was gone, she did not wish him harm. She didn’t want to lose his hand either. Reviello's so sick, and she's known it now. She felt guilty in a way. A man's life would never be the same because of her. Even if he had assaulted her, she felt faulted of the bloodbath. What if Reviello killed him? Or is simply a warning that it could be her hand at the box? Looking at the small snowflakes falling outside, she felt a chill in her chest that was not caused by the end of winter. It's still a month before the end of the season,
Eleonor arrives at the main dining room, where a table for twenty people is in the center. The lighting is warm, which makes the atmosphere even more seductive. There is a candlestick that burns slowly in the middle of the table. This adds romanticism to the man who sits at the head of the table. Giovanni is wearing a tight black shirt on his arms, his hair is straightened back, and there is no hair out of place. His face is serious as ever, but a smile breaks his solemn posture when he sees her. Eleanor isn't shy about showing her displeasure. Despite her friend's protests, Eleonor did exactly the opposite of what she was supposed to do: she decided not to follow Reviello's orders. According to what reason and common sense dictated, she should be scared of him, but she isn't. She wasn't going to submit to that man's whims and give herself up, especially since that's what he wanted so badly. If he wishes to play, Eleonor is willing to do so. Domenico has pulled out a chair to Giova
Eleonor wakes up with a knock at the door. She didn't want to get out of the covers that wrapped her body carefully. Another knock, followed by Domenico's muffled voice, sounds from the other side of the door, “Donna, your presence is requested by Mr. Reviello at breakfast.” She tucks her head under the blanket as she grumbles and closes her eyes tightly. The last thing she wants to see in the morning is Giovanni's face. In complete silence, she thought for a few moments. She even thought that Domenico had already left, but she knows that he's still waiting for a confirmation. “Domenico?” Her voice comes out sleepy and despondent. “Yes, Donna?” “I'm feeling unwell. Tell Reviello that I'm so sad that won't be able to keep him company, but…” She pretends to be coughing loud, twice. “I think I've caught a cold…” “Okay, Donna. I'll let the Don know. I am going to bring some hot soup to you.” “No need, I have no appetite.” A moment of silence. “As you wish. Please call me immediately
After visiting the shops in Florence — and even buying Emily's gifts — Eleonor felt a little better. Even if the cold winter wind chills her skin, breathing the fresh air away from Reviews influence is invigorating. When she returned to the mansion, the brief hours of freedom were shattered, and she was summoned to Giovanni's office. Domenico announces her arrival, and after hearing his boss permission, he opens the door for Eleonor to enter the room. She looks around the room and sees Asher sitting on the leather sofa in a dark black shirt and tie. Then she sees Giovanni standing beside the huge window and watching the snowflakes fall outside. The atmosphere in the room is pleasant thanks to the flames rising in the elegant fireplace. When Giovanni's eyes land on her, Eleonor feels a warmth take hold of her chest. Although his white shirt with a few open buttons gives him a casual look, his appearance is impeccable. Giovanni noticed his wife's immediate reaction. He gave a mischievo
The day has dawned gray. Eleonor feels her mood as dense as the cloudy sky. Her bags are already in the trunk of the car, and she's waiting for Reviello to arrive in the hall of the mansion. Lisette is impatient and looks up the stairs with an angry expression. She says in a harsh tone, “Why was he rushing us so much, if he's the one holding us up?” Eleonor gives a low chuckle. “I don't even know why we're making this trip in the first place…” “We're making this trip, love…” Giovanni says, appearing at the top of the stairs, drawing a relieved sigh from Lisette. “Because I have business to attend to in Mexico.” “Exactly, YOU do! I don't know when 'you' became 'we'. When YOUR commitments became OUR commitments?” Eleonor snorts. “We became us when you walked up the aisle, my dear wife.” He moves closer and gives a kiss on the top of her head, making Eleonor to turn away in displeasure and finally leave the hall. “Marriage quarrels, huh?” Lisette gives a wry laugh. “Moron.” Then she
... For everyone who followed this far. Well… it's finally over. I don't really know how to feel. I'm happy and, at the same time, sad. I already miss Giovanni and Eleonor. It was my first book this big… and I really tried, I did my best to make it perfect, to make the ending satisfying. And looking back on those 240k+ words, those chapters, those four months of writing… It was all worth it, and I know I'll miss it. At least, I'm happy to have given a good ending to this couple that conquered me. And I hope they conquered you too. Giovanni and Eleonor almost created a life of their own. I left the script and let the flow go the way they would like, and I'm happy with the result. I hope that in the future, I can tell a little more about the stories of other remarkable characters. But this is about Eleonor and Giovanni, and the family they've created despite all the odds. And I like to want to thank you all very much. Each of you is precious to me, and I hope you enjoyed my book.
Giovanni is holding the handle of his weapon firmly, walking through the house with sneaky steps, looking around cautiously. Silence hangs over the room, and only the sound of his breathing can be heard. His hand is sweating, but he continues to move forward, with his eyes on the hallway ahead of him. He holds his breath and moves forward, throwing his body beyond the wall, aiming at the air — but there's no one there. However, he hears a noise behind him, and when he turns around, it's too late… He's being shot… By water. A thin giggle makes his face relax as he raises his hands in surrender, feeling a jet being shot again into his belly, “Oh, no… you hit Papà!” Giovanni lays his hand on his stomach, pretending to be hit by a delirious ache, as he sinks to his knees. The giggling increases, and the little girl throws herself into her father's arms, who catches her with extreme ease. “Are you okay, Papà?” She asks with a little smile. “Yeah! That wouldn't be enough to bring me
WARNING — ADULT CONTENT ㅤ ㅤ Eleonor stands on the balcony, looking out over the horizon, where the sky and the sea meet, making almost an infinite blue. The beauty of Cancun never fails to impress her, but right now, it seems more beautiful than ever. She feels firm arms surround her by the waist, from behind, leaning her back against a wall of muscle. The warmth of Giovanni's body spreads to her chest, so cozy that it makes her close her eyes. And the kiss he gives on the top of her blond hair makes her feel at home, even though they're geographically far from their house. Really, home is whatever Giovanni is. “What are you thinking?” He asks, murmuring between the blond strands, making her snuggle into his arms. “Just that we've been through a lot…” She says, still with her eyes closed. “Now that it's all at peace… it feels like a dream. And sometimes I'm afraid that it really is that, just a dream… and that any moment I'll wake up in a cold, lonely place, without you, without
When Eleonor saw the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore for the first time, she never imagined that four years later she would be getting married there.And in the bride's dressing room, she's looking in the mirror, admiring the dress that, this time, was her own choice. A gown that's tight to the body, with floral lace and delicate diamonds along the cloth, which trails along the floor in a long tail. Her hair is loose, with waves falling over her shoulders, with the sides pinned up with diamond-studded clips. The veil that comes off the back of her hair is also long and covers her bare arms and back. A comfortable dress that makes her feel like the most beautiful and beloved woman in the world.Knocks on the door catch her attention, and a painful sense of déjà vu comes over her, but then, when she sees Lisette entering with a bright smile, this feeling just disappears. The bride's eyes water, causing Lisette's beautiful brown eyes to get wet as well.“We can't cry yet… the makeup…” L
“What are you up to?” Eleonor asks with a chuckle, walking with difficulty, unsure of which direction her feet are going. This is because Giovanni has blindfolded her eyes with a black cloth, which leaves her without total vision. “I told you, it's a surprise…” Giovanni says softly, close to her ear, as he guides her along the path with his hand on her waist. This mere gesture causes a shiver to run up her spine. “Is it something naughty?” She asks with a mischievous smile, and his low laugh sends more shivers up her skin. “What do you think of me?” His hands grow firmer on her waist, and suddenly, they stop. Eleonor holds her breath because having one of her senses removed makes all the sensations even more intense. Giovanni's breathing so close to her neck makes a heat appear between her legs. Perhaps because being blindfolded also reminds her of when Giovanni came after her in America. Delicately, his hand undoes the noose and the blindfold falls to the ground. The image unfold
Eleonor is screaming at the top of her lungs, gripping the sheet tightly, throwing her head back. Sweat drips down her temples and wets her hair, which has returned to its natural color. Her golden strands are spread across the pillow, clinging to her face and body. The contractions started a few minutes ago and are getting stronger. She feels her belly twist, a pain that makes howls escape from deep in her throat, as if they were coming straight out of her soul. “That's it… keep pushing…” The nurse says, wiping Eleonor's sweaty forehead, who nods and pushes even harder. Her eyes' water… The pain is intense! She feels as if she's going to be turned inside out. But still, Eleonor keeps pushing… until she runs out of strength. Her spread legs tremble. No, her whole-body trembles. “You need to keep pushing, dear…” Eleonor cries, allowing sobs to escape through her lips. All she wants the most is to see Giovanni… She wants him there. “I can’t...” “Yes dear... You can do it; you ne
“Congratulations on the discharge, boss!” Marco says with a smile, but faced with Giovanni's serious expression, he shuts up, wilting his smile.“He's grumpy, don't mind that...” Lisette whispers to Marco, and they suppress their smile as they notice Giovanni's sharp eyes on them.“Would you two behave yourselves? We're about to start the meeting with the Marchetti.” Giovanni scolds seriously, with his arms crossed. Under his shirt, his wound is still bandaged.“Why? We're one big family now, aren't we?” Lisette gives a mischievous smile, which makes Giovanni's expression twitch in guilt.“You're going to make me miserable for the rest of my life, don't you?” Giovanni sighs remorsefully. “Honestly, I feel sorry for Thomas.... It won't be easy to share the same roof with a little devil.... Ouch!” He complains as he feels a punch from Lisette directly on his bruise, which makes him squirm. “Are you crazy? You want to open my fucking stitches?”“If you kept your mouth shut, that wouldn't
Fog.Giovanni is trapped in a dense curtain of fog, unable to see beyond his own bloodied hands…And even though his legs continue to walk through the dark vastness, the fog never seems to end. As if walking in circles, somehow, he always ends up in the same place.… Giovanni…Eleonor's sweet voice calls him, and he continues to search for her, feeling despair growing in his chest because, no matter how hard he runs, no matter how hard he tries, he's unable to reach her.(…) Where are you? Why didn't you come to me that day? You let me freeze… I almost died…Giovanni shakes his head, losing the strength in his legs, making him fall to his knees over what he notices to be a pond of blood… no, not a pond… He's sinking… his body is sinking in a red ocean. He opens his mouth and fills his lungs before his head is submerged.(…) You're killing me, Giovanni… You've killed me three times…He stretches out his hands, trying to reach the surface, but his body just sinks deeper and deeper into
Even at gunpoint, Gioacchino doesn't hesitate, as if he has nerves of steel. Maybe it's because this isn't the first time that such resentful eyes stared at him, ready to take his life. And of course, this won't be the last, either.“Let me ask you something…” Gioacchino puts a discreet smile on his lips, and his eyes twinkle fervently, “How did you manage to fool me? I, personally, chose the Wedding Celebrant…”“Three times what you offered, a new passport for his entire family and a new life on a paradisiacal island…. Who would deny it? Of course, not that he would be in a position to refuse with a gun pointed at his children.”Gioacchino laughs, suddenly proud. Indeed, he has raised Giovanni very well…“Since we're being honest… why don't you talk about how you killed my mother, Charlotte?” Giovanni asks between teeth, trying to hold the emotions that threaten to explode out of his body.“Oh, you know about that? I guess your little wife has a loose tongue.” Gioacchino shrugs. “Aft