It was all a lie.I sat there, quiet in the corner of the hospital room, watching the scene unfold like a cruel joke from the universe. There they were—my father and Alessandro—bonding over a smartwatch like old friends. As if nothing had ever happened. As if last night hadn’t happened.“Wow, Suocero,” Alessandro said with a faint note of surprise, his gaze locked on the sleek tech adorning my father’s wrist. “Didn’t take you for a tech enthusiast.”My father chuckled weakly, adjusting his pillow with trembling fingers. “I wouldn’t call myself a fanatic, but I do appreciate a smart piece of design. Especially if it helps me stay alive.”Alessandro’s eyes gleamed. I recognized that look—the calculated interest of a man who always saw opportunity first. “Do you like the interface? Is it comfortable? Functional?”My father nodded earnestly, completely unaware that he was being used as a test subject. “Very. The heart-rate alerts, the medication reminders—it’s been a godsend.”Alessandro s
“Good day, Mr. Alessandro! What a pleasant surprise. What can we do for you today?”A stunning woman stepped forward to greet us at the entrance of the luxurious fashion mall. Dressed in an elegant black gown that hugged her flawless figure, her long waves of ebony hair flowed like silk down her back. Her golden skin seemed to radiate light. She was breathtaking—graceful, confident, the kind of woman who commanded attention without even trying.And Alessandro was certainly giving her all of his.They embraced with practiced ease, exchanging a kiss on each cheek. Something about their closeness made my stomach tighten.“And what do we have here?” she asked, turning her sparkling eyes toward me, her voice like honey.“Hi, I’m Antonia,” I started, trying to match her poise, but Alessandro cut in smoothly.“She’s Antonia,” he said, placing a hand on my lower back, “my escort for today’s award-winning gala.”Escort. The word felt like a slap.The woman’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “S
“Wow…” I whispered, my eyes widening as I stared into the mirror.The reflection looking back wasn’t just a polished version of me—it was a stranger. Elegant. Radiant. Powerful. She didn’t carry fear in her eyes. She didn’t look like someone trying to survive. She looked like someone who belonged.“Don’t you look gorgeous?” the woman beamed beside me, arms crossed in pride as she admired her creation.I could barely speak. My hair flowed like liquid silk, styled into soft waves that framed my face perfectly. My makeup was flawless, enhancing every feature I’d once considered plain. I had never seen myself like this. Never felt this version of me existed at all.“I could fall in love with myself over and over again,” I murmured, my voice distant, like I was floating somewhere outside my own body.She chuckled, already gathering a selection of luxury beauty products. “Don’t worry, sweetheart—I’ll get you everything I used. Take them. They’re all yours.”I blinked in surprise. “Wait, seri
"Bye now, Miss Antonia," the woman said with a knowing smile, her eyes gleaming with a touch of mischief. "I wish you good luck, Alessandro. And I hope to see both of you here next time."With that, we stepped into Alessandro’s sleek black-gray Tesla, the soft hum of the engine barely masking the whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind."You didn’t tell me we were going to an award-winning gala!" I blurted, my excitement spilling over.Alessandro, however, remained as cold as ever. "Don’t flatter yourself, Antonia," he replied flatly, his voice laced with indifference. "You’re just my escort. Nothing more. So don’t get too excited."The coldness in his words knocked the breath out of me, reminding me of my place in his world—just another accessory to accompany him, nothing more.I took a shaky breath and forced a smile. "Right. Just an escort."His gaze flicked to me for a moment, sharp and calculating, before he looked away. "Remember," he continued, his voice firm and final, "if
"Alessandro!!!"A voice rang out through the sea of flashing lights, sharp and demanding, slicing through the moment like a blade.Suddenly, everything felt different.The lights above us flickered, casting strange shadows on the polished floor, and a voice from the background broke through the noise, unmistakable and filled with a familiar resonance."Alessandro, it’s been a while."A woman emerged from the crowd, her gown shimmering under the lights, hugging her body like liquid silver. Every step she took seemed choreographed, as if she was born to move with such grace. Her long, jet-black hair flowed down her back, framing a face that could have been sculpted from marble—perfect in every sense. And then, she smiled.Without warning, she reached for Alessandro, wrapping him in an embrace so familiar, so intimate, that the crowd seemed to exhale in unison. Alessandro’s eyes widened for the briefest moment, caught off guard, before he masked it with the cold indifference that had beco
I could feel it—the weight of every gaze in the room shifting, the pressure in the air thickening as Alessandro closed the distance between us. It was as if the entire world had stopped moving, waiting for this very moment."Just close your eyes," Alessandro whispered, his voice low, almost too quiet for anyone else to hear. His gaze locked onto mine, and the intensity in his eyes made everything else fade away.Before I could even process what was happening, he pulled me in, his lips crashing against mine in a deep, relentless kiss. My heart pounded so wildly, it felt as if it might burst from my chest. The lights flashed around us, a flurry of flashes capturing every second of our kiss, every stolen moment. The paparazzi didn’t hold back—they wanted it all.Murmurs and gasps rippled through the crowd like a wave."Did he just do what I think he’s doing?""Not Francisco? This is pure torture for her.""I’m definitely posting this. My followers will lose it!"The whispers rose, but I f
I stormed off before Alessandro could make another move, my heart racing in my chest, pounding in the heavy silence. I needed to escape, even if just for a moment. But as soon as I swung the door open—"Shit! Shit! Shit!"Panic shot through me like electricity, my pulse quickening. Standing right there, completely unexpected, was Francisco. My breath hitched, and my mind went into overdrive.No, no, no—think, Antonia! What do I do?!I started pacing in frantic little circles, like a puppy chasing its own tail, completely lost in the sudden chaos."Antonia, open the damn door already!"Alessandro’s voice sliced through my panic, grounding me for a moment. I turned and saw him striding toward me, his expression filled with impatience. The irritation in his voice only added fuel to the fire that was already burning inside me.His eyes flickered toward the CCTV screen, where Francisco’s image was displayed. The moment he saw her, his jaw tightened, his body stiffening like a man bracing fo
And our eyes met.“You have to be kidding me, right?” Francisco spat, her sharp gaze slicing through me like a blade. She looked me up and down, her lips curling in a sneer. “This is her? This is what you settled for, Aless? A stray dressed in silk?”Her words stung sharper than I expected.Alessandro stepped forward like a storm about to break. “Watch your mouth.”The force of his voice shook the room. Even I flinched.“Don’t you dare insult my wife,” he growled, his body tense with fury. “If anyone here is a lowlife, Francisco, it’s you. If it weren’t for me, you’d still be begging for magazine covers and fashion gigs. You used me. Used my name, my wealth, my family—until there was nothing left but your ambition.”Francisco smirked as if she’d heard this speech before. “Please, Aless. Spare me the martyr act. You were just as complicit. You liked the spotlight.”“I liked you,” he said bitterly. “And that was my mistake.”Silence settled for a beat—bitter, painful, raw.Then she pulle
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