“Oh, but now that I think of it… what are we going to do? Emily loves traditional weddings… It may not seem like it because she's shy about it, but she’s very sentimentalist…” Eleonor pretends to wipe a tear from the corner of her eye. “Emmy, if I had known you were getting married, I would have kept my wedding dress, so you could wear it…”
“What? What are you saying suddenly, sister?” Emily tries to hide her cranky tone, but her shaky voice doesn't go unnoticed by Josh.
“Emmy, there's no need to be embarrassed, we're here in family, right?” Eleonor uses her sweetest, most sly tone. “You told me that your dream was to marry in the dress that someone important to you wore before…”
“When did I say that?” Emily struggles to follow the same tone, but it comes off as just unnatural. In the eyes of others, she just seems like a shy girl who doesn't want her
Eleonor splashes water on her face, trying to compose herself. Just a few moments ago, she had been throwing up everything in her stomach. Now, looking in the mirror, she can see the paleness in her face that even makeup can't disguise. After feeling bad for so long and being so sensitive, she can no longer deny that something is wrong. There are only two options… either she's sick, or she's pregnant. Still, Eleonor can't pull up the courage to take the test, which is well hidden in her belongings. Her priority at the moment is focusing on her revenge. As water droplets trickle down her face, Eleonor's green eyes focus on the male figure through the mirror's reflection. The man, who's leaning against the wall, watches her carefully with some amusement. It's not a very familiar face, and she's certain that he wasn't sitting at the table. But Eleonor manages to recognize him, as it hasn't been that long since they first met. “What are you doing here?” Eleonor asks without taking her
“Can we go home?” Eleonor looks at Giovanni with tired eyes. Giovanni can see that she's on the edge just by looking at her face.“Of course, love.” Giovanni caresses her face and kisses her forehead, asking permission to say goodbye to the other guests, especially Mr. Henderson, who has been talking to him for a long time.Eleonor looks around, looking for Theodor Marchetti in the crowd, but he really is nowhere to be found. She sighs because, somehow, he actually managed to get into her mind and make her feel uneasy. Ever since poker night, she'd been thinking about it. This man is really dangerous and hard to read.“Oh… You don't look very well, daughter.” Erica approaches with a high-pitched voice, putting on the mask of a worried mother.“I'm fine, Mother… just a little tired. Do not worry.” Eleonor gives her a sweet smile, which doesn't falter even as Erica moves even closer — so close that she can see her mother's wrinkles.“If you're tired, why burden yourself? You can leave t
In the car, Eleonor remains silent, watching the scenery pass before her eyes through the window. Now that she's away from those people's attention, Eleonor feels like she can finally breathe again. Surely, she should be happy that her plan had worked out so well.Her main goal was to steal attention for herself. And she succeeded because from the moment she set foot in the Evans' garden, she was targeted with all kinds of looks. Some looked at her inquiringly, others aggressively, judging her for wearing such an inappropriate dress for an engagement party. But evenly, Eleonor could sense that she was the target of lust and curiosity. Her first step was to use something hideous to destabilize Emily and her mother.Then, she would use the small talk, which she learned in order to survive in high society, and use it at her favor. Thanks to that, Eleonor not only managed to steal the spotlight, but also achieved her second and main objective — to take control of this marriage. That was d
Emily throws all of her belongings to the floor. The room is a complete mess, but she doesn't care about that… all she can think about is how Eleonor could suddenly show up and ruin such an important day. Honestly, Emily felt pathetic. Even after Eleonor left, everyone was still talking about her. Even though this was Emily's day, everyone kept their minds on Eleonor, as if they were under a spell!But Eleonor really has that effect, doesn't she? Somehow, she manages to charm everyone around her naturally… and that has always been a nuisance to Emily.The truth is that Emily's eyes were always on her older sister. She always had a deep affection for Eleonor, an affection that became twisted as they grew up. It started with simple childish possessiveness… the more she admired Eleonor, the more she wanted to resemble her. Over time, Emily became displeased with the copies she had and longed for more — she wanted what her sister had. From clothes, accessories, and toys… she wanted to t
Eleonor is sitting in front of the mirror, brushing her now brown hair. It's still strange to see the different color and realize how such a simple change made her look so different. The decision to change her appearance came with the need to recreate herself and get rid of the Evans family shadow, which has blonde hair as one of its main traits. Honestly, she had never thought about dying her hair, but she's glad she did.She watches Giovanni slowly approach through the mirror. There's a serene expression on his face, but it's still hard to predict his thoughts. During dinner, they remained silent. Fortunately, she was able to eat. Francesca made French cuisine, and it whetted her appetite and almost made her salivate. But it was the desert in specific that made her eat relish — a delicious petit gateaut, which she had three times.Giovanni, standing at her back, takes the brush from his wife's hands and begins to brush her hair gently, as if his touch could break it with the slighte
Outside, the moon shines brightly. In the silent dawn, Eleonor is locked in the bathroom, staring at the floor with her foggy mind. Her thoughts go back and forth in Giovanni's sentence, who called his own blood filthy.No one deserves to live in this shadow world. That's the truth. No child deserves to carry this filthy blood… Eleonor used to think the same about herself. For a long time, she considered herself a curse. The idea of passing on her blood was the same as handing an innocent child pain that she never wished for anyone. But at some point, that perception changed. She no longer sees herself as unworthy… as a burden to her family or this shit world.Somehow, it saddens her that Giovanni thinks that way of himself. Now, Eleonor understands that the always confident and arrogant posture he always maintains is a shield… a way to protect himself. It couldn't have been easy growing up knowing that his birth was a sin… That his father saw him as a soldier. And being born in a cr
Lisette is looking at the test in her hands — the proof that Eleonor is pregnant. It's been a few long seconds since Eleonor told that her discomfort was really due to an unexpected pregnancy. But the shock was such that Lisette was unable to say a single word.Eleonor is sitting on the balcony, and although her gaze is on the horizon, she isn't looking at any specific point. After she saw the test result, her mind had been empty and floating. Fortunately, Giovanni left early in the morning and still hasn't returned, which gives Eleonor time to reorganize her thoughts. Or at least try.“How long has it been?” Lisette finally asks, looking up from the test and landing on Eleonor's slight figure.“I'm not sure. At least six weeks, since I haven't had my period in that time…” Eleonor sighs, slumping her shoulders.“That's…” Lisette is hesitating. “Have you told Giovanni yet?”Eleonor looks at her friend, and her expression says enough. Of course she didn't. How could she? Eleonor is so s
Giovanni is sitting at the same table as last time, away from the windows and other customers in the coffee shop. However, unlike that day, he's not too pale or with deep circles under his eyes.His hair is slicked back, and his beard is clean. His shirt isn't even creased. Giovanni's appearance is impeccable, as it should be. There's even a serenity in his face because everything seems to be going so well lately. He feels closer to Eleonor… and when this all over, he'll finally walk her down the aisle — and this time, he'll say his own vows. Honestly, the anxiety of wanting to see her in a wedding dress is almost taking over him… Giovanni even considered killing them all at once. Problems would be solved more easily that way.“You look well this time.” Thomas says, standing next to the table. His eyes are wrapped on the smiling figure. Yes, Giovanni Reviello is grinning like an idiot. And Thomas can't help but be impressed by how even a Reviello can look like a fool in love. “I take
... 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