My heart sunk as I enter my home, exhausted and irritated from the wasted time due to the canceled trip. "Mia?" I call out the moment I step through the front door. I know that she had to be in the house and couldn't go anywhere, but I needed to hear her voice, but she doesn't answer and I was not surprised at all when I discover her in the bedroom, hastily packing her bags. She did after all promise me to be gone when I came back and I know her to be one to put her words to action, but I approach her anyway. "Mia, what's going on? Why are you packing?"She freezes for a moment, her eyes visibly red from crying. She sniffle and repy, her voice strained, "I'm leaving, Ben. I'm leaving because you walked out that door." She remind me again. Now she is just overreacting. I shake my head, trying to gather thoughts and hide the amusement on my face."Mia, I didn't exactly leave. The trip got canceled." My words seem to fall on deaf ears as Mia continue to pack, tears streaming down her face
"Fuck!" I slam onto the sterringwheel of the car as the clock struck midnight and I race through the dimly lit streets of the city on my quest to find Mia. I have given her my card and my car, but she left in the morning and I did expect her to actually be back at this time. Concern etched into every line on my complexion, I couldn't shake the worry that nibble at my heart or the unwelcome thoughts of what might happen to her, after all she is mostly unfamiliar with the city's streets and she has only gone anywhere escorted by either me, my mother or someone that worked for me. Yes, she occasionally go to the nearby shopping square alone, but the City at night is something way different. My mind flash back to the frantic call I received from my security team earlier in the evening while I was using al my energy to gather information on where her mother was, when they informed me that they had found my car, the one I gave to Mia, abandoned in the shady part of town known for its crime
My life was begining to feel like dejavu. Everyday I worked on finding Mia's mother and every night I worked on finding Mia, somewhere drunk and behaving like a fucking teen. I was so sertain that we had a small break through last night, but I guess I was wrong, I shrug taking in a deep breath to start my newly found nightly routine... Again. I approach bartenders, bouncers, and fellow clubbers, desperation driving my inquiries. But no one had any information about a drunk or sober woman matching Mia's description. The night turn into early dawn as I continue to scour every corner of the city. The initial adrenaline dissipated, but my will remained unyielding. I couldn't bear the thought of Mia out there alone and not in full control. Usually by this time we have found her. With weary steps, I find myself back in the district where Mia''s car has been found. Despite the dimly lit streets, I push forward, fueled my love for her. My heart aching with every step, imagining the worst-case
I was on my way to where the men on my security team said that Mia's mother is located when I received a phone call from Achille who told me to wait where I am, he had something important to share and that one of the teams already did a sweep at the location and it came up clean. Just another abandoned warehouse found. At first I did not want to pull over and I did not see why I should, but I couldn't fight the nagging feeling inside the pit of my stomach that forced me to stop and that is exactly why I am currently standing at the edge of the highway with my heart pounding inside my chest, threatening to break free. And my mind racing with worry and frustration as I pace up and down next to my car with my hands in my pockets, waiting for the arrival of my brother and Tomasso, who I entrusted with the duty of protecting Mia.The sound of approaching footsteps grow louder and I turn to face the men walking towards me, their solemn expressions speakin volumes before they even uttered a
The mere frustration of being unable to locate Mia is about to drive me out against my own office walls. That I am trapped here while I have to rely so heavily on my trusted security team for assistance is completely and totally Achille's plan of keeping me out of the way. And maybe to prevent me from starting to kill everyone that looks at me wrong. How was I supposed to concentrate on work when I sat here doing nothing while Mia is missing? "Ciao." I talk into the phone ringing unexpectedly, shattering the tense silence in the room surrounding me and my heart almost skip a beat when I recognize the caller ID; Tomasso, with trembling hands and a small glince of hope I answer the phone, my voice full of desperation. "Tomasso, what news do you have?" I ask anxiously, my voice choking with emotion and my heart hopeful of the idea that they found Mia."Ben, we have found Isabelle." The words echoe through the phone receiver, bringing both relief and urgency to my heart and mind."Where i
I am at a lost of words with a deep sense of disappointment and frustration as I drive through the familiar streets towards my house. The days events leaving their fiery drives - anger, resentment, and a desperate desire to make things right when I notice the three cars trailing me. Their occupants, dressed inconspicuously in jeans and colorful dress shirts. They have been following me for some time and I presumed that they were some of Manfredio's men at first, but now I was starting to wonder when I turn into my street, the roar of engines surrounding me and before I am able to push down on the gas the car is boxed in.Instinctively, my fight-or-flight response kick in. My heart racing, adrenaline surging through my veins, and I prepare to defend himself against the unknown threat when I step out of my car and face the three vehicles head-on, but first I hit the call button hoping that Achille picks up and is able to hear what was happening. "Who are you?" I shout, my voice loaded wi
Just as soon as I thought it couldn't get worse than my bloodied and bruised aching body that stabbed me with each breath, my mind swirl with a mix of pain and confusion, unable to comprehend what my eyes make me see. The situation becoming even more dreadful. It has been years since I last saw her. I shut my eyes opening them again stop my mind from playing tricks ons me. This is not the time to start hallusinating, but she doesn't go away... The woman that stand before me, the woman I once knew and loved. The room was silent, except for my labored breathing, she doesn't say anything, she walks deeper into the room, silently and slowly taking each stride. Her green eyes filled with rage, sadness, and a strange longing. She has aged gracefully, her face lined with the pain she endured over the years, the same pain that is twisting her expression now. She stop a few feet away from me, her eyes locking onto my battered face."Surprised to see me?"." She questions her tone laced with raw
"Ben!" Mia's voice rip me from my slumber and there she was standing in front of me dressed in one of her summer dresses, her hair falling over her shoulders in waves to her perfect waist. My Mia, the angel that saved me from myself and gave me everything that I didn't even know I needed. "What are you waiting for?" She smiles her lips strecthing accros her flawless face. "Come on." She moves her arm in a calling manner and without any hesitation I try to stand up, but my arms and legs doesn't let me move. I am still tied to the fucking chair and when I look back up she is gone. Dissappeared into thin air. "What are you looking at?" My tormentor spit just before he slam his face into the side of my ribs and the crackling sound of one of my ribs breaking pears through the air. "I bet that hurt." His laughter echoes of the walls. "I am going to ask you this one last time and if you do not answer me honestly then I will have to start getting creative." He promise. "Where do you keep the
As the soft dawn hues brush against the horizon, I find myself drawn to the kitchen, seeking solace in the familiar routine of making coffee. The previous night has been filled with turmoil, grief, and unexpected moments of connection, leaving me yearning for a moment of calm amidst the storm. As I enter the kitchen, a gentle hush settle over the house, permeating the air with a serenity that seems to hug me in its embrace. I glance around the spotless space, as if the remnants of the chaos from the previous night have been meticulously tidied away or never happened. Achille, the steadfast and caring presence in my life, has made sure that everything is in order before he departed. Job well done. A faint smile curve on my lips as I prepare the coffee, the rich aroma soon filling the kitchen. The rhythmic sounds of the brewing process echoe in the stillness, a gentle symphony that complement the emerging sunlight that starts to flood the room and just as I finish pouring the coffee int
Rather than attempt to keep my burning need for her under control like I know I should or at least to a middle-of-the-roader, I submit myself to it, rather encourage it to be be completely truthful. There is slight gentleness to none left in the kiss we share, but a clear discretion to conquer. My lips press hard against Mia's.My internal struggle, whether to turn her around and fuck her hard, force myself to be gentle with her or push her away is utterly hopeless.I walk her towards the bedroom wall drawing power from her quick and ineffective breaths that clearly indicates how much she wants this. Wants me! I slightly push her away from me, needing to look at her. To make sure she wants this, we stare at one another, both of us taking deep, erratic breaths. Where onetime there was remoteness there is now pain. I yank her from the wall and press her backwards onto the bed before I come out and tear the straps of her shirt, revealing her perfect breasts. She slightly move a way fro
The air droop heavy with despair as my hands rhythmically apply chest compressions to Clarisse's lifeless body. The room is loaded with an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of desperate breaths escaping my lips. I have given everything I have, pouring every ounce of strength into trying to breathe life back into Clarisse when suddenly, something shifts within me. A dreadful realization washes over me, casting a dark shadow upon my trembling heart. I glance at Clarisse's face, her vacant eyes, searching for a glimmer of hope that I know deep down had faded away. It is in this very moment that time seems to stand still for me and a chill crawl up my spine, a heaviness settling in my chest. The room around me becoming a mere backdrop to the overwhelming grief that consume my entire being. The world continue its chaotic dance, yet I feel completely detached from it all and with a shaking hand, I gently press my fingers against Clarisse's motionless wrist. No pulse. No warmth. Only a
The room fall into an eerie silence as Isabelle stand dead quiet, her eyes widened in shock. In her trembling hands, she is holding a gun, aimed directly at me. The weight of the moment drooping heavily in the air, as if time has frozen, and the mere act of breathing seems impossible. Mia's heart pounds loudly in her chest synchronize with mine as the fear for both me and herself course through my veins. In a split second, my instincts kick in and I knew I needed to protect Mia, no matter the cost. With a swift motion, I push her behind me, shielding her from the danger that loom before us. Mia fight against my protective grip, desperate to stand in front of me, to get between her mother and the man she loves."Mama, please, don't do this!" Mia's voice quivere with a mix of fear and desperation. She reach out, tears streaming down her face, longing to connect with her mother's humanity. But I stand firm, my eyes crammed with a combination of judgement and despair. I cannot let Mia ste
Achille's entrance is abrupt, catching me off guard as I release Maya from her pain. My eyes meet Achille's, and in this brief moment, we share an unspoken understanding. Achille approach me, his steps echoing in the room as his gaze never leave Maya's lifeless body lying on the bed. Without a word, Achille places a supportive hand on my shoulder, offering me both physical and emotional strength. We stand side by side, when I break the silence. "She looks so much like Mia, doesn't she?" My voice is filled with a blend of sorrow and recollection, reminding me of the parallel journey we had all been on and he nods, agreeingly, my eyes briefly dart towards him, before returning to the bed where Maya lies."Yes, Ben, she does. Seeing her like this stirs unwanted feelings of Mia, and how she suffered. But Mia is safe now, with Tomasso," he whisper, desperately clinging to the image of hope. Our shared connection deepen as Achille squeezes my shoulder, silently conveying my support and unde
Me, Achille, and Tomasso stand in the concealment of the nearby woods, our breaths masked by the rhythmic rustle of leaves. The time has come to execute our plan to infiltrate the estate where Mia is being held captive. We anxiously watch as my security team move stealthily towards the imposing gates. With the team's well-honed expertise, they approach the perimeter of the estate. Their mission is to disable the security cameras, rendering the enemy blind and creating a clear path for me and my allies to enter undetected. It is a critical moment, one that requires precision and agility.As we approach, the security team divide into smaller groups, each assigned to different sections of the estate's electronic surveillance system. They move swiftly, their movements synchronized like a well-rehearsed dance. Carefully avoiding any motion sensors, they expertly disable the cameras one by one, their actions seamless and silent, while me, Achille, and Tomasso remain still, our hearts poundi
I storm out of Dr. Reynolds' office, my face twisted with anger as I yank open the car door and slam myself inside. Achille, sitting behind the wheel, I imagine, notices my intense demeanorand bracing himself for what's to come. Tomasso, sitting in the backseat, is all too eager to join in the action. "Achille, get everyone ready. We're going on a saving mission. We're bringing Mia home, no matter what it takes." I order my voice mirroring my anger and Achille accustomed to my strong-willed nature, nods with unwavering determination."Understood, Brother. I'll assemble the team right away. We're with you, every step of the way." He nod as he starts to scroll across the screen sending our a broadcast message.Tomasso, unable to contain his excitement, chimes in with a hint of humor and an enormous grin on his face. "Finally, a real adventure! I've been waiting for this moment, Ben. Ready to rescue damsels in distress!"Achille chuckles, realizing the gravity of the situation yet apprec
Achille appears to be very frustrated and determined as he takes a step closer to me as I take in a deep breath in an attempt to get my breathing under control. "Ben, listen. I phoned Manfredio. I had to try to reach Mia, to know if she's safe. But he denied my attempts, he wouldn't let me see her." "Are you out of your fucking mind, Achille? What were you thinking? You've put Mia in danger by contacting Manfredio! How could you do something so reckless?" Anger burst through me and my voice rise as a result. "I know, Ben! I know I took a risk by reaching out to Manfredio. But I had to try! We've exhausted all our options, and I couldn't just sit back and do nothing while Mia is missing." Achilles tries to defend himself taking in a deep breath as he acknowledges my anger."Did he say anything? Is Mia okay?" I question him hopefully. "No, Ben. He didn't say a word about Mia's well-being. But I'm telling you this now so that you know Manfredio might be expecting you. When you do deci
I stand in the crowded and vibrant nightclub's kitchen, music booming in the background when I take out my phone and dials Achille's number. "Ciao, brother. What's up? Why are you calling me when you know it is time for my novela and what is that noise in the background?" His voice ring into the phone laced with some humor. "Brother, you won't believe it, man. I'm at the club, and something incredible has happened. I need your help, and I have some new information to share with you regarding Mia.""Woah, slow down, Ben." He interject. "Take a deep breath and start from the beginning. What happened and are you okay? You sound... Different." Even over the phone Achille notices that I am not one hundred percent completely myself."I can't explain it, Achille. I'm not feeling like myself tonight. It's... It's something I cannot explain." I lie, and poorly at it too."You don't say?" I can hear the judgment in his voice, maybe mixed with some concern. "That's...unexpected. Are you sure ev