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STUCK IN SHADOWS
Huling Na-update:
2025-02-24 07:43:31
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SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR THE MOMENT OF BREAKING POINT
Isabella's POV There is an intolerable quiet in the room. Enzo is here, his face shadowed from the low light coming in through the big windows. Outside, the city sparkles, not knowing the storm building between us. One I can hardly control, my heart rushes and I am stuck between wrath and a maddening tug toward him. But tonight there needs to be a give. I cannot keep running this game.So, what was it? At last I inquire, voice no more than a whisper. "Another night out 'handling business' while I'm here, locked away like some prisoner?"He exhales gently, as though he were accumulating patience he does not really possess. Isabella, you told me before; this planet is deadly. I can only guarantee your safety by keeping you here."Safe?," I shook my head and laughed angrily. " Safe from what? Right now, I seem to be caught in this... Enzo, you have created this cage. Just a pawn, pushed around to fulfill whatever need you need me for; I am not even sure who I am anymore.His black stare
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-24SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR RISING INTO THE FIRE
Isabella's POV The air between us seems like it could blow out. Enzo's jaw is firm, his eye fixed on mine with a force that causes my pulse to surge. I find myself unable to turn away. Not backing down. not right now."Tell me the truth, Enzo," I say, my voice cutting more precisely than I anticipated. "Everything."He pauses and for a moment I perceive doubt—something I hadn't seen before. maybe even regret. But it disappears fast as well, replaced by the icy, unreadable mask he has mastered."Careful, Isabella," he adds in a low, cautious voice. Some facts are not meant for you.I get closer, against his advice. "Maybe you ought to have considered that before you pulled me into your world, married me off like I'm some pawn in your game."He closes his mouth and tightens his hands at his sides. "This is exactly the reason I wanted you not to get engaged. You are not clear on the stakes involved.Then help me to comprehend, Enzo! I yell, the wrath pouring out before I can control it.
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-26SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR COST OF SECRETS
Isabella's POV I confront Enzo in the dimly lit confines of his office and my pulse hammers. Thick, electric, like the charged quiet before a thunderstorm, the air is Every muscle in my body is stiff, coiled as I wait, ravenous for answers yet afraid of what they could expose. Enzo leans against the desk, his eyes hard on me, unyielding as stone, but something raw, buried makes me hold my breath in response.Tell me what you're concealing, Enzo; my voice is steadier than I would want.He turns aside, his face quivering from a tightened jaw. "You feel you can manage the truth?" His voice is low, nearly a growl. Once you know, you cannot go back.Part of me wants to back off, to give up this road and hang to whatever remains of routine. I am past that stage, too far in his world to think there is any way out right now.Try me, I reply, not making eye contact.He pauses sharply, then looks back at me. "Fine," he replies, approaching with a dark gaze. Though you believe this marriage was
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-26SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR IN THE EYES OF THE STORM
Isabella's POV Between us the air buzzes with unsaid facts and stress. I can't breathe; Enzo's secrets are weighing down my chest. I ask, "You're not answering me," my voice quivering slightly, revealing the dread I'm trying so hard to suppress. "What have you done"?He backs off, his face stiffening as walls surrounding him seem to be growing like a fortress. "I said—this is not only about us."Then, I urge, make it about us; frustration bubbling over. "You're dragging me into a war I didn't choose; all I'm asking for is honesty."Enzo forcefully exhaled after pinching the bridge of his nose. You wish for the truth? Perfect. Though it meant marrying you against my choice, I promised my father I would guard our family and preserve our legacy. He stops, his voice getting softer. Still, it is more than that. I owe an obligation of great depth. Not just myself will suffer if I miss payments.I chew hard, the consequences striking me like a physical blow. "Debts to which?" Sort of folks
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-27SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR SECRETS IN THE SHADOWS
Isabella's POV The air changes, swelling with tension as Enzo's words swing between us like a pendulum. The disclosures I have battled so loom over me, ready to weigh me down. This dark, twisted reality that has become my existence is unbelievable."Isabella," Enzo adds, his voice solid but somewhat urgent. "You have to realize this goes beyond only you and me. It has to do with power—control. And if I fail to play the game, it's not only my life that hangs in jeopardy.Then why not let me assist you? I challenge myself, approaching closely and pulse pounding. "I cannot simply watch you fight battles I know nothing about and be a pawn."Frustration blazing over his features, he runs a hand over his hair. You're not understanding it. This planet is hazardous. I cannot risk putting you in front of adversaries who lurk in the shadows."Exposing me? I laugh, my voice getting higher. "You married me, therefore already exposing me. Enzo, I already am in this. I have to know what I am worki
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-27SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR RIGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS
Isabella's POV Unspoken tension permeates the air, whirling about us like a hurricane just about to strike. Enzo's eyes show me raw will combined with something deeper, something that causes my heart to hurt even in the middle of all the turmoil we are in. His look is incomprehensible, a mask of control, but I can sense the fissures developing under surface level."Why could you not simply visit the police?" Once more, I beg, my irritation overflowing. Enzo, you cannot fight this by yourself. Not only is this your battle.His eyes tighten as a shadow crosses his face. The cops are dishonest. They are in the pocket of the same folks I am working to oppose. You would be considerably more vulnerable involving them, trust me.My heart falls, yet just now I cannot back down. "So, what's the strategy?" Your course of action is what?He pauses, peering out the window and momentarily lost in contemplation. Ignorant of the peril hiding in the darkness, the lights of the city flicker underneat
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-28SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR SHADOWS OF DECEPTIONS
Isabella's POV Tension permeates the air, every breath I take an effort. Enzo's relentless hold on my arm grounds me in this time of anarchy. Though in here it seems as though the world has stopped around us, the sound of sirens booms across the streets outside. Cold and cruel betrayal pours into my bloodstream. I fix my gaze on the known face I trusted waiting at the doorway."How could you?” I murmur, my voice quivering with incredulity. You were one of us, you know.One of Enzo's most devoted guys, Vincent, seems to me as having a nasty gleam in his eyes. "Loyalty is a variable concept, Emilia. You among all others should be aware of this.Enzo advances, sandwiched between Vincent and myself. He has a tense, coiled, angry stance. He snarls, low and deadly, "You betrayed your own." "Do you understand what that implies?""Don't pretend like you're any different, Enzo," Vincent says, hate in his voice. "We all act as necessary to live. You occurred to stand in the way of a better off
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-28SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR CHAINS OF THE PAST
Isabella's POV The chair's hard steel reminds me sharply of the world I am imprisoned in. Every floor creak makes my heart beat; the room is darkly lighted, shadows dance on the walls. One thing is certain: I am at their mercy; I do not know where I am or what they want of me. I am alone. And Enzo is bleeding someplace right here.My breath freezes as the same silver-haired man from before walks in, his presence commanding the room. The door creaks open. Every stride deliberate, he glides with a predatory elegance. His eyes meet me, icy and detached, and a nasty smirk pulls at his mouth.As I'm0 we were old acquaintances getting together for tea, he says, "Comfortable?""Get to the point," I say, defying my anxiety. " WHY am I here?"He laughs, the sound deep and ominous. "Direct to the point. Like that. He folds his hands neatly on the table between us and settles across from me. "You are here as you are the one able to break Enzo De Luca. And I need to break up with him.I tighten
Huling Na-update : 2025-03-01
Pinakabagong kabanata
SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR A BREATH AWAY FROM DARKNESS
Enzo’s POVThe blood on my hands is warm, too warm. It’s Isabella's blood, and no matter how strongly I push down, it won’t stop. I feel like I’m drowning. Every breath I take is a battle, every heartbeat a reminder of what I stand to lose.“Stay with me,” I plead, my voice raspy and urgent. “Don’t you dare leave me.”Her eyes flutter open, the light in them dim. “Enzo,” she says, hardly a murmur. “I’m… trying.”“Try harder,” I snap, my hands quivering. “You don’t get to quit. Not now.”I can’t lose her. Not like this. The struggle still rages around us, but it feels distant, inconsequential. All that matters is her—keeping her alive. I grit my teeth and look up, scouring the crowd for Vincent. He’s there, his movements a blur as he fights off the last attackers. We’re losing ground. Fast.“Vincent!” I shout, the word tearing from my throat. “We need to get out of here!”He doesn’t hesitate. A fast strike takes down his opponent, and he’s by my side in seconds. His eyes flick to Isabe
SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR A DANCE WITH SHADOWS
Isabella's POVThe chamber is saturated with the aroma of gunpowder and sweat, the air crackling with tension. We’re crouched behind what remains of the toppled table, using it as a makeshift shield. Bullets continue to tear through the air, splintering wood and smashing glass. My heart pounds in my chest, every beat a reminder that we’re teetering on the edge.“On my count,” Enzo murmurs, his voice low and powerful. “We move.”I nod, the weight of the moment pushing down on me. I can see the tiredness in his eyes, the lines carved deep into his face. But there’s also determination—a fire that refuses to be quenched. It mirrors my own.“Three… two… one… go!”We move as one, breaking from cover and firing back at our attackers. The world narrows to a blur of motion—dodging, weaving, every stride a fight to stay alive. The shadows around us seem to come alive, closing in like animals scenting blood.“Isabella, left!” Vincent’s shout cuts through the tumult, and I turn just in time to se
SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR BETWEEN FIRE AND ASH
Enzo’s POVThe silence that descends after the conflict is deafening, the kind that suffocates. Every breath burns, every muscle rebels, but I force myself to stay upright. Blood flows from a wound I can’t afford to recognize. Not yet. Isabella stands beside me, her eyes scouring the room for threats, her body stiff and ready to spring. The thrill hasn’t gone off, and neither has the risk.“Isabella,” I say, my voice scratchy. “Are you okay?”She nods, but her eyes don’t contact mine. “I’m fine,” she lies. I don’t push it. We both know what fine really means in our environment.The bodies surrounding us are a sad reminder of what we’ve done—and what we still have to accomplish. I glance at Adrian’s still figure, a bitter taste rising in my throat. His betrayal runs deep, piercing through years of history and trust. I want to feel relieved that it’s finished, that he can’t hurt us anymore. But all I feel is the weight of another adversary defeated, and the many more waiting in the wing
SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR GLIMPSES OF THE PAST
Isabella's POVThe universe narrows to a pinpoint as the figure walks out of the shadows, their words piercing through the tension like a sword. The face before me is familiar—too familiar. Memories pour over me like a tsunami, smothering and overpowering.“It’s been a long time, Isabella,” they murmur, their lips twisting into a smile that doesn’t reach their eyes. “I’d say it’s good to see you, but… we both know that would be a lie.”“Adrian,” I murmur, my chest constricting. The word tastes like ash on my tongue, a reminder of broken promises and shattered trust.Enzo shifts alongside me, his body rigid despite the sorrow written over his features. “Who the hell is this?” he demands, his voice low and menacing.“An old… acquaintance,” I answer, forcing myself to stay cool. My fingers tighten on my weapon, every muscle in my body begging to act, to move. But Adrian’s eyes are on me, icy and uncompromising, and I know one false move might be disastrous.“Acquaintance?” Adrian echoes,
SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR WHISPERS OF BETRAYALS
Isabella's POV Through the gaps in the boarded-off windows, the weak light of dawn spills pale streaks across the room. It's frigid, too frigid, and the quiet weighs down on me. Enzo still is unconscious; his respiration is shallow but consistent. From his perspective, I have not changed. Not able to. I see blood every time I close my eyes and feel the terror wriggling at my chest."Emilia," Vincent's voice breaks through the quiet, low and apprehensive. Arranging his arms over the doorway, he stands there. "You need to relax."Not turning my eyes away from Enzo, I respond, "I cannot." He needs me."He needs you strong," Vincent says, approaching. His face is drawn, weariness carved on every line. You two do.I shake my head, my body not releasing the tightness. "We have no time for leisure. Still out there they are. They will show up for us."They will," he says, his voice dark. "Which is why we have to get ready. We have to be ready for whatever is to come.I know he's right, but t
SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR THE EDGE OF SACRIFICE
Isabella's POV With hands soaked with Enzo's blood, the cold air hurts my face as I try to grasp his motionless corpse. Every breath is a breathless gulp; I can hardly see through the tears running down my cheeks. The fight has quieted around me, but the threat hasn't passed. Though fractured and fragmented, the council's influence remains a shadow that won't let go."Enzo," I murmured with a shaking voice. "Stay with me. You assured me.His eyes fly awake, the fire in them muted by suffering. "I... I'm here," he rasps, his voice hardly heard. "You... cannot get rid of me that readily.""Good," I croak out and force a faint grin across my tears. Not ready to let you go, hence.Trying to stop the bleeding, I gently press down on the cut on his chest. It's awful, too bad. I had to pull him out of this place. I'm supposed to—"Emilia," Vincent's voice pierres the mist. He is standing above us, his face pallid and contrived. "We must relocate. Just now."I can't," I say, my despair explo
SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR THE STORM WITHIN
Enzo's POV The wind carries the smell of decay and past mistakes as it blows through the cracked windows of our temporary refuge. The city beyond is a maze of peril, and every turn points a possible dagger at our rear. I'm not able to afford a diversion. Not at this time. Not when the stakes are greater than they have ever been.Still, the throbbing in my chest won't stop, and every look at Emilia emphasizes: I'm in too deep.She walks silently, her every motion carefully. Covering her cut with fresh bandages, reviewing our weapons, making plans for whatever hell is next. She exudes a fierceness that I both dread in equal measure and respect. I will lose her whether I fail or if I only make one error. And it is a reality I find unacceptable."ENzo." Her speech helps me to straighten out my whirling ideas. She is staring at me, those usually too sensitive eyes always seeing more than I want to expose. Ask whether you are with me.Always, I say, the word escaping before I can stop it.
SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR BENEATH THE ASHES
Isabella's POV The faint buzz of the metropolis beyond mixed with the sound of footfall in the distance serves as a painful reminder that the earth keeps revolving even if our reality is disintegrating. The only thing keeping me anchored to reality is Enzo's arms around me; his body's warmth and his heart's steady beat are a frail assurance we are still alive from. Just barely.Since we left the warehouse, he has not spoken. His breath is shallow but purposeful, his face a mask of concentration. Every stride is intentional. It scares me as I know he is pushing himself beyond the verge of tiredness. Should he fall, neither of us know exactly how we will get back up.We have to stop; my voice breaks from the pressure. "You're going to fall.Not yet, he says, his mouth tightly closed. Here, we are far too exposed.He's accurate. Though the deserted streets are still, I can sense danger hiding just out of sight ready for a moment of frailty. I look about, looking for somewhere that could
SOLD TO THE MAFIA HEIR LINES IN THE SAND
Enzo's POV Blood streams under my hands as I press furiously at Emilia's side's cut. Her complexion is excessively pale; every labored breath she takes rattles in her chest like a dagger being twisted. Panic claws in my throat may have choked me. I have seen death many times, looked at it without flinching. But this... I cannot accept her destiny as she disappears.I murmur, raw and shattered, "Stay with me, Emilia." You heard me? You are not going to go. Not yet.Her eyes flap, and she pushes herself to look at me. Though there is suffering there also is resistance. She says, "You... don't... get rid of me... that easily," her voice a whisper cutting through the tumult surrounding us.Breathing shakily, I hung on her words. That's correct. You're quite obstinate.Steps pound close by, and I will force myself to pay attention. The struggle is still under way. Not exactly by a long shot. I look around the warehouse; tired eyesight blurs. Few steps away, Vincent is engaged in a violent
