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
... 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.
James is looking at all the tips he lost that night. Those little tips add up to a big fortune. To his dismay, it means his entire fortune. He breaks out in a cold sweat, while the winner laughs in amusement. He sees the man collect the last chip that was also his last hope. James had bet everything on that game, hoping he could recover everything he'd lost in the last few games. Pure bad luck. Honestly, he doesn't know how he's going to pay for all that. His debt was already high, and he could declare bankruptcy as soon as he left the Serendipity Casino. However, the owners also know that he cannot afford it. He's thinking about how to get out of there alive, when a tall man, six feet tall, muscles so evident they popped out of his black shirt, calls out to him. The man doesn't have a very friendly expression, but James cowardly follows him. They walk to an extremely luxurious room inside the casino. There, another man awaits. He has intense eyes and hair dark as night. He wears a
“And that's how we ended up in this situation...” James finishes telling the story, omitting some details so that the family wouldn’t hate him. Emily was shaking as she listened to her father confess that he had traded her fate for money. She asks, “Can't we sell the house?” “I'm afraid not, dear. I already have…” He swallows hard. “I bet the house’s deed too. We have nothing left.” “Heavens!” Shouts Erica Evans, his wife. She's furious, pacing back and forth with her high heels clicking the floor. “How can one man disappoint so much? First, you sleep with some servant, and I had to take care of a child that isn't mine. Then you spend all our money and our house on games? How can you be so irresponsible?!” “Don't talk like that...” James tries to argue. “Not only that! As if all that weren't enough, you want our daughter, our dear Emily, to marry a casino owner? A mobster?” “That wasn't my idea, Erica. He somehow became interested in her...” “Of course he would be interested in
In the bedroom, Eleonor looks out the window. The sky is really brightly tonight. Since she decided that she would marry in Emily's place, silence has reigned in the Evans household. Honestly, she's scared. Not just because she's about to become the wife of a cruel man she doesn't know, but because if he finds out she's the wrong sister, things could end badly. She and her family may even die. From her father's fear, thinking of herself with a mortal wound doesn't seem far-fetched. Another part of her is also saddened because in her twenties she has dreams. She wanted to attend college, which had to be postponed because of the family financial problems. She didn't know exactly what she wanted to do, but she had two years to discover her vocation. Like, she had to be good at something, right? But at that moment, everything seems hazy and confusing. Her dreams shattered in front of her as she decided to accept for herself the fate that should have been her sister's. Eleonor is getting
Eleonor was in a dress super tight at the waist and loose at the skirt, with a square neckline and puffed sleeves, in a salmon color. An outfit that really highlights her slim body curves. All this preparation is because Reviello's Rep was coming to discuss the wedding stuff. Eleonor thinks it's an absurd to dress up for a man who won't even be her husband, but Erica insisted to her bastard daughter get into the dress and behave like a lady, as Emily is known. To prevent her family's plan from being discovered, Emily decided to take an afternoon at the mall. James didn't worry about his daughter spending a small fortune in the shops because everything was about to be resolved. All it takes is the supposed rep to arrive, take a good look at Eleonor, and present the terms of the marriage contract. That simple. She's alone in her room when she hears a knock on the door. Her father opens the door without waiting for an answer. He's got a guilty look on his face, like everything he's put
Ever since Eleonor signed the contract proposed by Mr. Reviello, she has been accompanied by his representative, Asher. When the Evans family realized they would not receive a penny of the groom's fortune, they submitted a lavish wedding. The preparations were running out of time. Three days from now, Eleonor will walk down the aisle in place of her sister and marry a man cruel enough to specify that he's willing to kill if anyone else finds out about the contract. Which also leaves her hands tied because she had been in a relationship with Josh for at least three years until four days ago. How could Eleonor explain this situation without mentioning her family's debt or that she's marrying so her sister doesn't fall into the hands of a mobster? She needs to explain herself before the nightmare began. That is why she decided to meet Josh at the coffee shop. That's where it all started... when Josh told he loves her. Their friendship began during elementary school and then became a rel
Eleonor is looking in the mirror, admiring the wedding dress that has been chosen for her. Erica and Emily have chosen all the details of the wedding, as well as the guests and even her dress. Despite not being able to decide a single flower arrangement, Eleonor looks stunning in that mermaid wedding dress. A long veil trailing on the floor is atop her bound hair. Delicate pearl jewelry adorns her ears and neck. And a soft make-up on her face highlights the beauty of her eyes that seemed more valuable than those jewels. Unfortunately, this was not the glow expected in a bride's eyes. They were tears that threatened to mess up the make-up. A sadness that could be attested to by anyone who looked close enough. She's alone in her dressing room. Erica and Emily are too busy arranging all the guests in their proper places. The church is full. Over two hundred guests are present. Many of them, Eleonor was not even acquaintance. The Evans family took this opportunity to prove that the 'rum
... 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