"We have to change the decor and designs of this room," Alessandro announced, his sharp gaze scanning the space next to his own bedroom. His tone was firm, decisive—this wasn’t just any room. It was going to be their child’s room.The sounds of workers moving furniture and discussing plans filled the air, echoing through the halls.Meanwhile, Antonia stirred awake, her brows furrowing at the unfamiliar commotion. She sat up slowly, her body still adjusting to the changes within her. She hadn’t expected the morning to be filled with such noise.Confused, she wrapped a shawl around herself and stepped out of her room, only to be met with an unexpected sight—Federico, standing in the middle of the sitting room, grinning like a child who had just received a long-awaited gift."Good morning, Antonia! And good morning to my little niece or nephew!" Federico beamed, closing the distance between them and pulling her into a warm embrace.Antonia blinked in shock, her mind still hazy from sleep
As I walked toward the balcony, my body seeking solace in the crisp air of the morning, a voice—a familiar voice—echoed through the room.I stopped mid-step. My breath caught in my throat as a cold shiver ran down my spine. Slowly, I turned around, my eyes landing on the very people I never expected—never wanted—to see standing in my home.My mother.My stepfather.And her.My stepsister.The room suddenly felt smaller, the walls closing in as my heart pounded against my ribcage. A rush of emotions swirled inside me—anger, fear, confusion. What are they doing here? My mind screamed, but my voice failed me.I could barely move, barely breathe. My fingers curled into fists at my sides, a futile attempt to steady the tremble in them.Then, before I could process the moment, my mother took a step forward, her eyes unreadable, her lips pressed together as if searching for the right words.And then she did something unexpected.She embraced me.The warmth of her arms wrapped around me, but
“I need some air.”Without another word, Alessandro stormed out of the house, his emotions tangled in a mess of frustration and unresolved pain.Federico exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Has this house always been this toxic, Aldo?” he muttered, collapsing onto the couch.Aldo sighed, watching Alessandro disappear through the front door. “Not always. But some wounds never heal… they just find new ways to bleed.”Meanwhile, outside, Alessandro changed into his racing gear—his fitted suit, gloves, and specialized shoes. The anger bubbling inside him needed an outlet, and there was only one place he knew could match his storm—the track.Sliding into his sleek blue racing car, he gripped the wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white. His jaw clenched as his thoughts spiraled.Why can’t she just fight back?Why can’t she bark at them, bite back, show them she’s not weak?Antonia let her stepsister’s cruel words pierce her over and over, never standing her ground. How does she expect to
Alessandro stormed into Antonia’s room, his heart pounding violently against his ribs. He barely acknowledged her startled expression as he yanked the curtains open, scanning the streets below for any sign of movement. His fingers gripped the window frame tightly before he shut it with force.He turned next to her closet, flinging the doors open, his eyes darting across every shelf, every corner. Nothing.Antonia watched in stunned silence as he moved like a man possessed, his sharp gaze sweeping over every inch of her space. He pushed open the bathroom door—empty. He strode to the balcony, his breath shallow, searching. Still, nothing."Alessandro, what are you doing?" Antonia finally spoke, confusion laced in her voice.He turned sharply at the sound of her voice—and froze.She stood there, bathed in the dim glow of the room’s warm lighting, her body barely covered by a delicate silk singlet that clung to her like a second skin. The fabric was so sheer it left nothing to the imagina
His voice cut through the air like a knife, his arm reaching for her just as blinding headlights flooded their vision.The world seemed to slow down as Federico’s warning left his lips, but it was already too late.The roar of an approaching motorcycle filled the air, and before Antonia could react, the bike slammed into her with devastating force. The impact sent her body crashing onto the hard pavement, her head striking the cold concrete with a sickening thud."Antonia!!!" Federico’s voice cracked with panic as he rushed to her side.Blood pooled beneath her head, a deep crimson against the pale sidewalk. Her breathing was shallow, uneven—each breath a struggle. Her delicate fingers twitched slightly before going still.The biker hesitated, glancing back for a fleeting second, before revving the engine and speeding off into the distance, disappearing into the night.Federico’s hands trembled as he cradled Antonia, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. "Help! Somebody, please help
"We have to go again—one last time! One… two… three… clear!" The doctor’s voice rang through the emergency room as the defibrillator shocked Antonia’s lifeless body."Come on, Antonia!" Federico pleaded, gripping Alessandro’s shoulder for support. "You can fight this!"The tension was suffocating. Alessandro’s chest tightened with every agonizing second that passed, his mind a whirlwind of prayers, regret, and fear.Then, the doors to the emergency room burst open, and a team of doctors and nurses emerged. One of the senior doctors, his face still masked with urgency, looked around before asking, "Who are Antonia’s guardians?"Without hesitation, Alessandro and Federico stepped forward."We are," Alessandro said, his voice barely above a whisper, dreading what the doctor was about to say.The doctor exhaled deeply before speaking. "We managed to stop the bleeding in time and—against all odds—we saved both the mother and the baby."Alessandro felt his knees weaken as relief crashed ove
Antonia lay back against the pillows, her body still aching from the accident, when Federico pulled up a chair beside her. His expression was serious but gentle as he leaned forward."How are you feeling?" he asked.Antonia let out a slow breath. "I've been better."Federico nodded. "I’d like to ask you some questions, if you don’t mind.”Antonia gave a small nod, signaling him to continue."Did you see the man who hit you?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for any recollection.She shook her head. "No, I couldn’t see his face. He was wearing all black, and his helmet made it impossible to identify him."Federico furrowed his brows. "Then how do you know it was a man?"Antonia’s eyes darkened with memory. "He had a tiger tattoo on his left hand. I saw it the moment he gripped the handlebars before speeding off. And there was something else—a necklace. A silver cross with a skull on it, and the skull had a tiny red diamond in each eye socket."Federico’s face tensed as he reached into
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
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