The phone call crackled to life, and the voice on the other end dripped with amusement."You know, Alessandro, you and your brother are absolutely terrible at playing games. That’s why I prefer playing with Antonia," the man taunted, his laughter sending a chill down Alessandro’s spine.Alessandro’s grip on his phone tightened, his knuckles turning white. His voice was cold and laced with fury."You bastard. Count yourself lucky we didn’t get you this time. But believe me, you’re going to pay for what you did."The man chuckled, unbothered. "And what makes you think I’ll pay? I was just having a little fun with her. That’s all. But here I am, being threatened by the almighty Alessandro Amato—one of the greatest tech wizards of our generation. You know, I think the press and the public would love to see you on your knees, begging… all for a woman."Alessandro’s jaw clenched as he remained silent, his chest rising and falling with restrained anger."Wait," the man continued, his voice d
Antonia lay on the hospital bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, her thoughts simmering with fury and heartbreak.“I promise… you and your precious family will pay for everything you’ve done to me,” she swore silently, her fingers clenching the bedsheet beneath her. “You think I’m weak. You think I’ll stay broken. But once this child is born, I will pick myself up. I’ll work. I’ll save. I’ll care for my father, and then I’ll divorce you. The child can stay with you—I’ll visit as often as I’m allowed—but you can have your fairytale with my stepsister. I won’t stop you. Because by then, Alessandro, you’ll know what regret truly tastes like.”She turned her face to the side, a single tear tracing down her cheek. “Just wait and see.”Morning came, and the room was filled with the sterile scent of the hospital, sunlight streaming through the window. Antonia blinked against the light when Alessandro’s voice pulled her back into the harsh reality."Antonia, get dressed. We’re leaving."She turned
“Lunch is ready,” Alessandro said quietly, his voice soft as he stood beside the bed. The late afternoon light filtered through the curtains, casting golden streaks across Antonia’s sleeping face. She stirred, blinking slowly as she turned over beneath the covers.“How long was I asleep?” she asked, her voice hoarse and quiet.“A while,” he replied, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. “But it’s good. You needed it. The baby needed it.”Antonia sat up slowly, one hand instinctively resting over the small swell of her stomach. Alessandro reached out to help her steady herself before gesturing toward the hallway.“Come on. Let’s eat.”In the dining room, a warm plate was already set in front of her—a heaping serving of mac and cheese, rich with melted cheese and dotted with large, juicy shrimp.“This actually looks amazing,” she said, taking a bite and savoring it. “Where did you learn to cook like this?”Alessandro gave a half-smile, settling across from her. “So now you complimen
It drifted—back in time, back to the grey hallways of their old school. The smell of chalk and cleaning bleach. The echo of laughter that never quite reached her.He had always noticed her.Antonia wasn’t the loudest girl in the room—far from it. She moved like a shadow, always trying not to exist, hugging the walls with her books clutched tightly to her chest. Her hair was usually tied in a messy ponytail, and her uniform always a little too big, like she was trying to disappear inside it.But her eyes… her eyes burned with a quiet kind of sadness he never forgot.He remembered the day she was humiliated in the locker room. He’d watched it happen—helpless, furious—from the corner of the hallway. She’d stepped out, soaked, head down, as the boys roared with laughter. And Beatrice, standing nearby, smirking like she’d just won a trophy.Alessandro had clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. He wanted to punch something—someone—but back then, he didn’t have the power. He wa
“Where are we even going, Alessandro?” Antonia asked, resting her hand protectively on her bump as the jet hummed steadily through the skies. “You said my dad is going to be there… I really hope you’re not making another fake promise. I’m tired of holding on to hope.”Alessandro glanced at her, his voice calm but firm. “Have I ever promised you something and failed, Antonia?”She looked away, biting her lip. “You’ve failed me in other ways.”He didn’t respond to that. Instead, he shifted in his seat and said, “If you must know, we’re heading to our family’s private island. It’s called Amato’s Island.”Antonia blinked in disbelief. “Wait—you’re joking, right? Your family owns the A Island? The one celebrities pay millions just to vacation on?”Alessandro gave a small, prideful smirk. “That’s the one.”“I’ve read about it. They say it’s more like a hidden city—private chefs, elite doctors, zero paparazzi. The kind of place most people never even dream of setting foot in.” Her eyes widen
Antonia hesitated at the door when Aldo gestured for her to enter. “This is your room now,” he said, giving her a polite nod before disappearing down the hall.Your room, she repeated in her mind. No… our room.She slowly stepped inside, expecting something cold, sterile—like the man himself. But what she found instead stole her breath.The room was massive, yet warm. It was designed with a perfect blend of masculine sophistication and unexpected softness. Deep navy walls with gold undertones shimmered under the soft light from an elegant chandelier shaped like a constellation of stars. The floor beneath her feet was a dark, glossy wood that gave off a subtle scent of cedar and sea salt.Her eyes were immediately drawn to the wall-to-wall bookshelf, but not for its literature. There, nestled between old hardbacks and framed family photos, was a pristine collection of miniature race cars. Dozens of them—each one unique, from vintage classics to modern F1 models, all placed like treasur
Antonia froze as her eyes caught sight of the woman through the window—frail, still, seated beneath the dim glow of the porch light. Her breath hitched."How... how come she's alive?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "I thought you said she was dead, Alessandro..."Alessandro stood behind her, shirtless, wearing only his pajama pants. His presence was quiet but grounding. He stepped closer, the warmth of his body brushing against her back.“I never said she was dead,” he murmured, voice low. “You asked if she was alive, Antonia... and I didn’t answer.”He leaned down, lips close to her ear, his breath gentle against her skin. “That woman over there... she’s my mother’s twin sister.”Antonia turned her head slightly, eyes searching his as the pieces began to fall into place.“She lost her child years ago,” he continued, voice roughened by memory. “After my mom died... I was asked to stay with her. She started seeing me as her son. It was easier to let her believe it. She loved me li
Behind them, Alessandro was helping his aunt into a chair on the porch. Aldo walked over and stood beside Antonia.“That woman... she’s the first person I’ve seen Alessandro treat with softness in years.”Antonia looked at him. “He’s not who I thought he was.”“None of us are,” Aldo said. “But he’s trying. That’s rare.”As they drove to the hospital, Antonia rested her head against the window, Alessandro’s hand resting protectively on her thigh. The silence in the car wasn’t awkward—it was sacred. Full of unspoken apologies, reluctant understanding, and fragile hope.When they arrived, Antonia took a deep breath. “Let’s go see my father.”And this time, she wasn’t walking in alone.The hospital smelled like antiseptic and time. Bright white corridors hummed with quiet machinery, and nurses moved like shadows across the sterile floor.Antonia’s hand tightened around Alessandro’s as they stepped off the elevator. Federico and Aldo followed a few steps behind, giving her space but stayin
The next morning broke crisp and clear over the Amato estate.Sunlight streamed through the grand windows, casting golden rays across the polished marble floors.But beneath the beauty of the day, a layer of tension hummed through the air.Alessandro stood by the window of his study, phone pressed to his ear, his voice clipped and commanding."I want two security details," he said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation."One for the house, another for the twins' school. Discreet but thorough. No one gets close without clearance."He paused, jaw tight, as he listened to the head of his private security team."And double-check every staff member's background. I don’t care how long they’ve been with us."His gaze flickered toward the garden, where Antonia was helping Matteo and Antonio adjust their school uniforms.Her laughter floated up to him, light and sweet — a sound he was willing to do anything to protect.He ended the call, exhaling slowly, letting his mind sharpen with purpos
The towering glass building of SKYE TECH glistened under the bright Italian sun as Alessandro’s sleek black car pulled up to the private entrance.Antonia sat beside him, smoothing invisible creases from her cream-colored blouse, her nerves a bundle of tight strings.It wasn't just another first day at a job — it was stepping into a world where everything would be scrutinized, whispered about, judged.Alessandro noticed her tension.He reached over, squeezing her hand warmly."You belong here, Tesoro," he said, his voice low and full of certainty.Antonia smiled faintly, grateful for his unwavering support.As they entered the lobby, a wave of hushes swept through the employees gathered around.Whispers slithered through the air like smoke."Is that her?""She’s beautiful...""No wonder he stayed away for five years.""Assistant? Right. Looks more like his queen."Antonia kept her chin high, her steps even, refusing to let the gossip pierce her skin.Inside the executive floor, Alessa
The heavy mahogany doors of the SKYE TECH boardroom swung shut behind Alessandro, but not everyone moved immediately.Federico Amato lingered at the back of the room, a tight smile frozen on his handsome face.Around him, the board members buzzed with excitement, some congratulating each other, others speculating about Antonia’s sudden rise into the company’s inner circle.But Federico barely heard them.Behind the charming mask he wore so well, his heart boiled with fury."You fool, Alessandro," Federico thought, clenching and unclenching his fists inside the pockets of his tailored jacket."You just made yourself — and her — even bigger targets."He turned toward the long conference window, staring out over the sprawling city. His reflection glared back at him — hollow, furious.Federico’s mind spiraled back to the five years he had quietly manipulated the company, built secret alliances, and nurtured relationships behind Alessandro’s back.He had sacrificed too much to be sidelined
The grand conference hall of SKYE TECH was buzzing with tension. Board members whispered among themselves, their suits immaculate, their faces wary. The press — reporters from the most influential Italian newspapers and global tech media — clustered at the back of the room, clutching notepads, microphones, and cameras poised like weapons.A low murmur rippled through the hall when Alessandro Amato strode in.He was a vision of control — sharp black suit, crisp white shirt, and a steely gaze that silenced the room without a word. His very presence commanded obedience.The cameras immediately began to flash, bursts of white light illuminating the room as if lightning had struck.Alessandro stepped up to the podium, placed his hands firmly on either side, and swept his cold blue eyes over the room."Good afternoon," he began, his voice calm but carrying an underlying weight that made everyone lean closer. "I know it has been five years since I stood before you in this very building."Whi
The morning sun bathed the city of Milan in a soft, golden light as Alessandro’s black SUV pulled up in front of the towering SKYE TECH headquarters.A gentle breeze stirred the company banners that hung proudly at the entrance.Inside, the lobby buzzed with excitement.It had been five long years since Alessandro Amato had walked through those doors — five years since he stepped back from the spotlight to rebuild his shattered life after betrayal and heartbreak.Now, he was back.As soon as he stepped inside, the employees, dressed sharply in their suits and blazers, instinctively gathered, forming a line down the polished marble corridor.A hush fell over them as they caught sight of him."Good morning, sir," one of the older executives said first, his voice thick with emotion. "It’s been five years… and if I may say — you’re looking better than ever."A soft wave of laughter rippled among the group, warm and genuine.Alessandro offered a rare smile — a small curve of his lips that
The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the sprawling Amato estate as the sleek black car pulled through the wrought-iron gates.The villa stood proudly at the top of the hill, its stone façade warm under the Italian sun, red and white flowers climbing up the pillars like a living welcome.Antonia leaned forward slightly in her seat, her heart swelling with a mixture of nerves and excitement.Home.After so long, they were finally home.As they rounded the circular driveway, a tall figure stepped out from the front steps.Federico.He was dressed impeccably, his dark hair slicked back neatly, a charming smile stretched across his face.Balloons and colorful banners flapped gently in the breeze, strung across the entrance that read: "Welcome Home!"The twins, Matteo and Antonio, squealed with excitement as the car came to a stop.Before Alessandro or Antonia could even undo their seatbelts, the twins flung the doors open and raced toward Federico."Uncle Federico!
The soft rumble of the Black SUV’s engine echoed in the quiet of the island morning.The air was crisp, filled with the briny scent of the sea and the faint sweetness of tropical flowers.Suitcases were already loaded into the back of the vehicle, and the twins were bouncing on their feet with restless excitement.Roosevelt wiped her eyes discreetly with the edge of her apron, standing beside her two daughters who clutched each other’s hands tightly.Goodbyes never got easier — not with people who had become part of the island’s heart and soul.Antonia crouched down, embracing Roosevelt warmly, her own throat tightening."Thank you," Antonia whispered. "For everything."Roosevelt gave a watery smile and brushed a strand of Antonia’s hair behind her ear, the way a mother might."Take care of yourself, dear. And those beautiful boys," she said, her voice thick with emotion."You’re family to us. Always."The twins ran to hug Roosevelt’s daughters, who knelt down to kiss the boys’ cheeks
The hospital smelled of disinfectant and something faintly metallic.It wasn’t a place Antonia enjoyed visiting, but today, as she walked hand-in-hand with Alessandro and their two sons — Matteo and Antonio — she felt a complicated knot of emotions tighten in her chest.The boys chattered excitedly between them, their matching dark curls bouncing as they tugged Alessandro forward.Their small shoes squeaked against the polished floor, breaking the sterile silence of the hallway.Alessandro glanced down at his sons and then at Antonia, offering a small smile of encouragement.She squeezed his hand tightly, grateful for his presence.At the end of the hall, Antonia’s father’s room came into view.He was sitting up in bed, propped against white pillows, a faded but genuine smile lighting his weathered face the moment he saw them."My girl," he rasped, his voice roughened by both time and illness."And my grandsons.""Daddy," Antonia said softly, leading the boys inside as they raced to t
The study was dimly lit, the rich scent of aged leather and parchment filling the room.The heavy rain outside drummed softly against the windows, a slow, rhythmic sound that usually soothed Alessandro.But tonight, it only seemed to thicken the air between him and Aldo.Aldo stood stiffly by the wide oak desk, his hands folded behind his back, tension carved deep into his features."I know I may sound like a fool," Aldo began, his voice low, almost hesitant, "but I've been hearing things. Whispers from the staff, subtle signs..."He hesitated, then forced himself to continue. "Federico has been meeting with some of the board members. In secret. Away from you."Alessandro, seated behind the massive desk, froze for a heartbeat.Then he lifted his head slowly, his dark eyes flashing with a sudden, sharp anger."Aldo," he said, his voice clipped, "choose your next words very carefully."Aldo swallowed, steadying himself against the weight of Alessandro's glare."I’m only telling you what