The sun was high, bathing the streets in a golden glow as Valerie and Selena arrived at the café for their luncheon. It was a quaint little place nestled in the heart of the city, with outdoor seating and a view of the bustling streets. The air carried the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted coffee beans, and the gentle hum of conversations created a comforting backdrop.Valerie stirred her iced tea absentmindedly, her gaze fixed on the table as Selena spoke about her latest project. "...and that’s when I realized he’d been working on the wrong file the entire time," Selena said with a laugh, her hands gesturing animatedly. Valerie forced a small smile but remained silent. "Val?" Selena leaned closer, her voice laced with concern. "Are you okay?" "I’m fine," Valerie replied quickly, but her tone lacked conviction. Selena frowned and followed Valerie’s gaze, trying to understand what had caught her attention. That’s when she saw him. A man seated a few tables aw
Selena settled into the plush armchair in Valerie’s living room, the soft hum of the heater filling the otherwise silent space. Valerie sat across from her on the cream-colored sofa, her fingers clutching a steaming cup of tea. The living room’s warmth felt at odds with the icy tale Valerie was about to share."Selena," Valerie began, her voice tinged with sadness, "you asked how we became what we are today. It’s not a simple story, and it’s not one I enjoy telling. But since you asked, I will tell you. I just hope you won’t judge us."Selena nodded, her gaze steady and encouraging.Valerie placed her cup down, leaning back as she let out a heavy sigh. "Adrian and I didn’t always know the truth about our family. Growing up, our parents were our heroes, busy, successful, and always protective. We thought they were ordinary people with extraordinary lives. We couldn’t have been more wrong."She paused, her eyes glassy as she stared at the flickering fireplace. The weight of the memory s
Selena sat in her car, staring at the gates of the Santoro mansion. The contract she had signed with Adrian weighed heavily on her mind. Two weeks. That was all the time left before their marriage. It wasn’t just a legal agreement, it was a ticking clock tied to her fate and his. She had agreed to this because she thought she could handle it, but after Valerie’s revelations, she wasn’t so sure anymore.Adrian wasn’t just a man caught up in the mafia world. He was a man drowning in guilt, anger, and heartbreak. He had sacrificed everything, becoming someone he despised, all for her. Selena tightened her grip on the steering wheel, her chest heavy with guilt and determination.“I can’t let him destroy himself,” she whispered. “Not for me.”Inside the mansion, Adrian sat in the study, staring at the contract on his desk. The ink had dried days ago, but it felt as if the words were still fresh, taunting him. A marriage of convenience, Selena had called it, but to Adrian, it was anything b
Selena was startled awake by the sound of footsteps and hushed whispers. Blinking groggily, she sat up in bed to find two maids bustling around her room, their hands full of fabric, jewelry boxes, and makeup kits. The morning sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the chaos. “Good morning, Miss Selena,” one of the maids said, her tone polite but hurried. “It’s time to get ready. The wedding is in a few hours.” The words hit Selena like a wave, her chest tightening. The wedding. The reality of the day settled over her like a heavy cloak. She sat silently for a moment before nodding. One of the maids walked over to the wardrobe and carefully pulled out the wedding dress. Selena’s breath caught as she saw it. The dress was stunning—an elegant white gown with intricate lace detailing and a long, flowing train. She remembered the day Adrian had picked it out. He’d insisted on this one, ignoring the protests of the designer who wanted something more extravagant. “Simple,
The laughter on the balcony turned into giggles, and the giggles into full-blown hysteria as Selena and Valerie stumbled back into the reception hall, clutching each other for support. The half-empty bottle of wine in Valerie's hand swayed dangerously, and Selena’s cheeks were flushed from both the alcohol and the cool night breeze. “We should... we should get more wine!” Selena declared, her words slurred but enthusiastic. Valerie nodded dramatically, holding the bottle aloft like a trophy. “Yes! More wine for the queens!” But before their grand quest could begin, a dark figure appeared in the doorway. Adrian, his suit immaculate despite the late hour, crossed his arms and raised a single brow as he watched the two women sway on their feet. “Selena,” he said, his voice calm but edged with authority, “I think you’ve had enough for tonight.” Selena blinked at him, her lips forming a pout. “Adrian! You’re ruining our fun. Valerie, tell him!” Valerie snickered but quickly hel
The morning light crept through the curtains, casting soft, golden hues across the bedroom. Selena stirred, groaning as the dull ache of a headache made itself known. She blinked her eyes open, squinting at the unfamiliar ceiling."Where..." she began, her voice raspy.“You’re awake,” Adrian’s voice cut through the quiet. He was seated in a chair by the window, a book in hand and a steaming cup of coffee on the side table next to him. He looked calm, almost unnervingly so, considering the chaos of the night before.Selena rubbed her temples, the memories slowly trickling back. The wine. The dancing. The balcony. Her cheeks flushed as she recalled the torn gown, the bathtub, and Adrian’s steady, unflinching care.“I...” she started, sitting up too quickly and immediately regretting it as a wave of nausea hit her. “Oh no.”Adrian was already by her side, a glass of water in hand. “Drink this. Slowly.”She obeyed, sipping the water as her eyes darted to his face. He looked impeccable as
Adrian stood in the doorway of their shared bedroom, the dim morning light filtering through the curtains. Selena was still asleep, her dark hair fanned out across the pillow, her soft breathing the only sound in the room. She looked so peaceful, so far removed from the chaos that defined his world. He ran a hand through his hair, his jaw tightening. He hated leaving her like this, but it was necessary. He had kept her in the dark about the darker parts of his life, and as much as he wanted to stay and hold her, his world didn’t allow for weaknesses—especially when someone had betrayed him. Walking over to her side of the bed, Adrian leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake. “Stay safe,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. He straightened, grabbed his coat, and left the room without a backward glance. His footsteps were heavy as he made his way down the stairs, where Viktor was waiting by the door. “She doesn’t know, doe
The library was quiet, just as Valerie liked it. Morning sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting warm golden rays over rows of bookshelves. After breakfast, She decided to spend some time here. Her mood wasn’t suited for company, and the library felt like a safe haven. She wandered the aisles, running her fingers along the spines of books, searching for something that would hold her attention. Finally, she spotted one on the top shelf. Its title was barely visible, and she had to squint to read it. “That’s the one,” she muttered to herself. The ladder was close by, a sturdy wooden thing I’d used a thousand times before. She moved it into position, climbed up carefully, and stretched toward the book. It was just a little out of reach. “Come on,” she grumbled, standing on tiptoes, her fingers brushing the edge of the spine. The door creaked open behind her. She froze mid-reach, her heart skipping a beat. Turning her head, she saw Matteo stroll in, his usual cocky
Nathan’s footsteps echoed sharply as he stormed down the corridor, his jaw clenched so tight it ached. His hands balled into fists, his mind racing with everything that had just happened.Adrian was playing with them. Toying with them.He didn't need to say their names. His knowing looks, the smug amusement in his voice, it was clear. Adrian suspected them. No, he knew. And that meant they were walking on a thin line that could snap at any second.Behind him, Isabelle followed at a measured pace, her expression eerily composed.“Are you going to slow down,” she murmured, “or should I run to keep up?”Nathan exhaled sharply but didn’t stop. “He was testing us.” His voice was low, furious. “And you played right into it.”Isabelle chuckled, a soft, knowing sound. “Me?” She arched a brow. “I handled that beautifully.”Nathan spun to face her, his eyes flashing with barely restrained anger. “He doesn’t need proof, Isabelle. Not with the way you smirked through the entire thing. You might a
A slow, wicked smile curled her lips as she glanced back at the door they had just shut. Nina’s pained gasps still echoed faintly behind it, her weak body convulsing as the poison did its work. A fitting end for a loose end.Isabelle exhaled sharply, the thrill of control surging through her veins. She had done it. One less obstacle standing in her way.But Nathan wasn’t as composed.He walked beside her, his jaw clenched, his posture stiff. Something about the way he moved, the way his fingers twitched at his sides made it clear that something was on his mind.Isabelle noticed, but she didn’t comment. Not yet.They emerged from the labyrinth and stepped into the crisp night air. The guards they had drugged still lay motionless, their breathing slow and even. Everything had gone exactly as planned.No mistakes.No witnesses.Nathan ran a hand through his dark hair, his expression unreadable as he turned to her. “It’s done.” His voice was flat, but there was something underneath it.
The moment Isabelle returned to her room, she shut the door and pressed her back against it. Her chest heaved, her fingers trembled, but not with fear. No, it was something else.Disappointment.Power.Nathan’s words still echoed in her mind, cutting deeper than she wanted to. "You should be making peace with Victoria, not picking fights with her. That is the only way you stand a chance of winning Adrian back."Her lips curled in disgust.Make with peace with that brat that doesn't even like me at all, she scoffed. He thought she was weak.Adrian thought she was insignificant.Selene and Victoria had made a fool of her.The rage inside her boiled hotter, clawing at her insides, demanding release.She wouldn’t allow this.She refused to be discarded like trash.Her fingers curled into fists as she paced the room, her nails digging into her palm. Her entire body shook with fury, her mind racing with thoughts of revenge.They want a war?A slow, cruel smirk tugged at her lips.They wil
Nathan’s villa was quiet, but the silence was shattered by a deep, thunderous voice.“ISABELLE!”Adrian’s furious roar echoed through the sitting room , his voice sharp enough to cut through the whole villa. His eyes blazed with rage, his presence commanding as he stood in the middle of the sitting room, his fists clenched.Isabelle sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers digging into the sheets as she bit her nails, her mind a whirlwind of frustration and anger. The events at the training grounds played over and over in her head, taunting her.She should have handled it better. She should have fought harder.Her pride was wounded, and the humiliation burned deep.“Damn it,” she hissed, her fingers gripping her hair as she rocked slightly, seething. How could she have let Victoria humiliate her like that? How could she have lost control in front of everyone?Her breath came out uneven, rage tightening her chest.Then. “ISABELLE!”The deep, thundering voice shattered the silence.Her
Adrian had planned to spend a quiet evening with Selene. He walked into her room with the simple idea of enjoying some calm time together. But as he opened the door, he found Victoria sitting there, chatting with Selene. The two women looked up, startled, as they saw him. Selene’s eyes widened in surprise because she had not expected Adrian so soon. It has been long he visited her room.Victoria was about to offer an excuse, a polite reason to leave them alone, when Adrian raised a hand. “Sit down,” he said calmly. With that, Selene moved toward him and gently rested her head on his lap. Adrian smiled softly and began to caress her hair, his touch both comforting and intimate.Once they settled, Adrian began to share news about recent events. He spoke about Nina’s latest activities, his tone low and serious. Then he mentioned Isabelle. The moment the name crossed his lips, Selene instantly sprang up from his lap, her face filled with worry.“How did she get back into the estate?” Sele
Nina’s breath came in quick, uneven gasps as Rosco’s words echoed in her ears.“Why are you standing there?”She willed herself to move, to answer, to do anything other than stand frozen in place like a trapped animal. But the weight of what she had just discovered pressed down on her, rendering her utterly speechless.Her hidden boss.The woman who had pulled the strings from the shadows. The one who had dictated her every move, the woman who spoilt her life by sending her to this dangerous world. And yet, this same woman this puppet master, had been living under the same roof as her all along. Watching. Waiting. Doing absolutely nothing while Nina endured every hardship alone.Her fingers clenched into fists at her sides, nails biting into her palms as the reality of it settled like a stone in her gut.So,she knew about everything happening but decided not to give her a call? She knew she was just a pawn in her game but atleast a pawn must also be protected. I cursed the day I me
The door swung open.Adrian's fingers stilled over the pages of the file, his cold gaze lifting to the entrance.Nathan, who had been watching him with a smirk, turned his head slightly, his amusement deepening as he took in the sight before them.A woman stood at the doorway, her figure poised yet confident, her eyes locked onto Adrian with an intensity that hadn’t faded despite the months.Isabelle.Adrian’s jaw tightened.Shock was not an emotion he allowed himself to feel often, but for a split second, it gripped him. He had gotten rid of her. He had driven her away himself, ensuring that she had no way of returning. Yet here she was, standing in his office as if she had never left.How?Who had helped her?Adrian’s gaze darkened as his mind worked through the possibilities.Nathan’s smirk widened as he observed the exchange, clearly entertained by the situation.“Now this,” Nathan mused, leaning back in his chair, “this is interesting.”Isabelle stepped forward, her eyes never le
The stench of blood was suffocating.Nina staggered as Jason’s shove sent her stumbling forward, her eyes landing on GT’s lifeless body. He was unrecognizable now, his face swollen, his skin burned, his bones shattered. His once defiant eyes were now dull, lifeless.The sight made bile rise in her throat.She swallowed hard, forcing herself to remain still, but her body betrayed her. Her knees trembled, her fingers twitched, her heartbeat pounded so violently that she could hear it echoing in her ears.“You are quiet now, huh?” Jason sneered, standing behind her. “Not so bold anymore, are you?”Damien scoffed. “She thought she could outsmart the boss. Thought she could play both sides.” He let out a humorless chuckle. “Look where that got you, Nina.”Nina’s throat was dry. She wanted to say something, to defend herself, to plead but what was the point? There were no words that could save her now.She knew what they thought of her.A traitor.And the worst part?They were right.Jason’
The silence that followed was unbearable.The room felt colder now.The room felt like it was closing in on her. Nina’s pulse roared in her ears, drowning out everything else.Nina couldn’t move. She couldn’t breathe.Nina forced herself to breathe, though each inhale felt like swallowing glass.Her body was locked in place, her knees weak, her stomach twisted in violent knots. The chair in front of her, the chair GT was tied to was no longer just a chair. It was an altar of agony, and he was the sacrifice.Jason and Damien stood frozen behind her, but she didn’t dare turn to look at them.This wasn’t about them.This was about her.He had known for a while.He had been waiting for her to slip.To reveal herself.To prove her betrayal.And she just had.Nina clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms as she fought to keep her expression neutral.Adrian hadn’t said a word since she pulled off the cloth but studied her in silence, as if savoring the moment.Then. “Matteo.”T