ANYA
I followed the stranger's lead, allowing him to guide me into a seat. As I finally took a moment to truly look at him, my breath caught in my throat, momentarily forgetting the perilous situation I found myself in.
His face possessed a captivating symmetry, with an oval shape accentuated by a slightly pointed chin and a strong jawline. His piercing green eyes, set apart at just the right distance, gazed back at me with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. It was an arresting gaze that held both power and authority.
But there was something else about him, something that defied the fear and danger that surrounded us. Despite the coldness in his voice, there was an undeniable allure in his features.
His eyebrows, perfectly shaped and subtly arched, seemed to mirror the curve of his broad, crooked nose. And those lips, lush and inviting, curled into a smirk that hinted at a confidence I couldn't ignore.
His hair, a rich
ANYAMy heart sank at his words. Pay for my father's crimes? How was I supposed to bear the burden of his misdeeds? Dread gripped me as I considered the possibilities. Would he kill me? Force me into a life of servitude or worse?"Why should I be the one to pay for my father's sins?" I questioned, desperately seeking some semblance of reason in this nightmare.He shrugged, an indifferent expression etched upon his face. "Beats me," he replied callously, as if my fate meant nothing to him.My body trembled with fear as I gathered the courage to ask the next crucial question. "So, how are you going to make me pay?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.A smirk played on his lips as he leaned closer, invading my personal space. "You are going to cook and work with my maids," he revealed, shoving his hands into his pockets casually."Cook?" I exclaimed, unable to hide my surprise. That's all? The thought of being reduced to a me
VINCENZOI watched as she finally looked up, her gaze meeting mine. The gasp that escaped her lips caused a flicker of amusement to cross my face. Despite her dishevelled appearance, there was no denying her beauty. Those captivating blue eyes held a certain depth, while her lips were full and enticing. But it was the dimples on her cheeks that truly caught my attention. She was undeniably stunning.Quickly regaining my composure, I cleared my throat and reminded myself not to be distracted. This woman was not here for admiration or pleasure. She was here as a means to an end, a pawn in the game I played. I needed to maintain control and not let her presence sway me."Are you done?" I asked, my voice laced with a hint of coldness. The slight twitch at the corners of my mouth betrayed a trace of amusement, though I quickly masked it. I couldn't let her see any sign of vulnerability or attraction. I was the devil, after all, and emotions were weak
VINCENZOChirkov—the man who held a dark place in my past, the man responsible for my mother's death. The mere mention of his name ignited a fierce fire within me, fuelling my determination to bring him down. And now, fate had delivered his own daughter into my hands, a pawn ready to be played."You have Chirkov’s daughter in your hands and you know what that means," He said, his tone dripping with calculated intent."I have to take it slow," I explained, my mind already formulating a plan. "Bringing him down outright won't be enough. I need something that will strike at his very core, something that will tarnish his image before I make my final move. And his daughter, Anya, is the perfect instrument to extract that information."A cruel smirk danced across my lips as I contemplated the path ahead. Anya's escape from her father's clutches, her palpable resentment toward him—I sensed an opportunity to exploit her and unra
ANYAThis was the third week of my stay in the Cassano estate, and despite the luxurious surroundings and Cosima's motherly affection, I couldn't shake off the overwhelming sense of loneliness that engulfed me. Cosima, with her kind and nurturing nature, had become my beacon of light in this dark place. Her love and care filled a void in my heart that had been empty for far too long.As I sat in the kitchen, munching on some fries, I observed Cosima as she buzzed around, her energy seemingly boundless for a woman of sixty. She wiped her hands clean and settled down beside me, her warm presence comforting."So, bambina, how is your stay here?" she inquired, using the endearing nickname she had bestowed upon me shortly after my arrival.I pondered her question for a moment, unsure of how to put my feelings into words. It wasn't a terrible stay, nor was it particularly enjoyable. The truth lay somewhere in between."Not too good and n
ANYAPRESENT TIME“Are you going to keep standing there?” Carlo's piercing gaze lingered on me for a moment before he turned and walked away, leaving me alone outside Vincenzo's door. I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts and steeling myself for what lay beyond that closed door. With a hesitant hand, I raised it and gently knocked."Come in," Vincenzo's voice came through the door, devoid of any warmth or friendliness.Pushing the door open, I stepped into the room, my eyes immediately drawn to Vincenzo's figure behind the desk. He was engrossed in his work, his fingers dancing across the keyboard, commanding attention with each keystroke.I hesitated for a moment, taking in the surroundings. The room felt imposing, with its sleek and minimalistic design, giving off an air of power and authority that matched Vincenzo's demeanour.Summoning my courage, I took a few steps closer, making sure
ANYA"What the fuck!" Vincenzo's voice boomed, his exasperation slicing through the air like a sharp blade. The sudden outburst startled me, causing my heart to race even faster in my chest."Vince!!!" A voice screamed, breaking the tension-filled room. My eyes widened as a stunning blonde beauty sprinted into Vincenzo's waiting arms. I instinctively moved out of the way, a mix of surprise and astonishment flooding my senses. I watched in awe as they embraced, her lips smothering his face with joyful kisses.I stood there, gaping like a fish out of water, unable to tear my eyes away from the scene unfolding before me. Vincenzo, the formidable and ruthless Capo of the Italian famiglia, was transformed in that instant. The laughter that erupted from him shook his entire being, reaching deep into the depths of his soul. It was a sound I never thought I would hear—a sound that rendered him boyish and carefree, if only for a fleeting moment.
VINCENZO As I watched Alessia and Anya walk away, a mixture of emotions swirled within me. Alessia had always been a source of light in my life, my little sister who brought warmth and laughter into even the darkest corners of our world. And now, seeing her connect with Anya, it brought a sense of joy and relief, knowing that she had found a friend, someone who could understand her in ways others couldn't. But then, my thoughts shifted to Anya herself. The way she smiled, the way she carried herself with a quiet strength—it was maddening. She had gotten under my skin, infiltrating my thoughts and desires in ways I never thought possible. Her presence in my life was a constant reminder of the tangled web of loyalties and vengeance that bound us together. Her father had taken away my mother, a wound that ran deep within my soul. I was supposed to stay away from her, to distance myself from the daughter of the man who had caused
ANYAToday, it was my turn to serve breakfast, and as usual, Natalina and Camila joined me in the task. We prepared the tray with care, making sure to arrange everything perfectly. It was a routine we had grown accustomed to within the confines of this luxurious mansion.With the tray in my hands, I made my way to the elegant dining room. As I entered, my gaze briefly met Vincenzo's piercing eyes, but I quickly averted my gaze, feeling a slight blush creep up my cheeks. There was an undeniable intensity in his stare that always made me feel a mix of nerves and curiosity.Vincenzo sat at the head of the table, commanding an air of authority that came naturally to him. Matteo, Carlo, and Alessia, his trusted inner circle, were seated by his side, exuding a sense of loyalty and camaraderie. However, my attention was drawn to the two unfamiliar faces seated next to them—a handsome young man and an equally striking woman.As I positioned
ANYAONE MONTH LATERI was incredibly excited today. I was finally going to become Anya Cassano. Since Vincenzo had asked me to marry him, I had been eagerly awaiting this day.I didn't need to call a makeup artist; I already had a professional makeup artist as my best friend. Alessia didn't allow me to see what she was doing until she was finished."You can look at yourself now," she said with an excited tone. With a shaky smile, I turned to the mirror and stared at my reflection.I gasped when I saw myself. I had never known that I could look this beautiful. One thing that stood out was my hair, which was packed into a low bun. White flowers were pinned around my hair, and an elegant crystal tiara graced my head.I looked at my face; shimmery mascara accentuated my eyes. She hadn't used false lashes but had simply applied mascara.The foundation matched my skin tone perfectly, and she had chosen a m
ANYATHREE MONTHS LATERI woke up with an uneasy feeling in my lower abdomen. My stomach tightened, and I moved around the room, trying to ease the discomfort.As I shifted, a sudden, sharp pain shot through me, causing my eyes to widen in alarm. My hand instinctively went to my belly, feeling the tension there. Oh, no. It couldn't be...The sensation of wetness between my legs confirmed my fears. My water had broken. Panic fluttered in my chest as I rushed to the bathroom, managing to keep my composure despite the urgency of the situation. I took a quick shower, changed into fresh clothes, and tied my hair up in a bun.Walking carefully, I made my way outside. The pain in my belly seemed to intensify, and I winced, my hand cradling the growing life inside me.Downstairs, everyone was gathered in the living room. Alessia, Cosima, and Blanca were sewing tiny clothes for my soon-to-arrive little angel. We had
VINCENZOFor days, I continued this silent vigil, finding solace in the mere sight of her presence. It wasn't easy to hold myself back, to resist the urge to wake her up and hold her in my arms. But I knew I needed time to heal, both physically and emotionally, before I could be the man she deserved.And then, after a week of watching and waiting, I finally decided that it was time. It was time to step out of the shadows and reveal myself to her once again.My heart clenched at the sight I met – my sweet angel was trapped in a nightmare, and this time, it was because of me. Her forehead was creased with worry, and tears streamed down her cheeks as she cried out in her sleep.I moved to her side swiftly, my heart aching at her distress. Gently, I shook her, trying to rouse her from the torment of her dream. Gradually, her eyes fluttered open, and she looked at me with a mixture of confusion and hope. She couldn't quite see me, yet.
VINCENZOI ended up staying in Emiliano's house for several days. It was a respite from the constant turmoil, a space where I could heal and gather my strength.He was not behind the kidnappings. Once I had regained a modicum of strength, Emiliano and I returned to the place where I had been held captive, and I found out that it was Maksim that was behind everything.Emiliano was angry but my anger burned hotter than ever. I was so full of rage towards Maksim. I took him to Emiliano's basement and tortured him in ways that vengeance itself couldn't even comprehend. The pain he experienced was but a fraction of the torment he had put me through. Finally, when I had sated my fury, I ended his life.Following that grim resolution, I ventured to Russia. I systematically dismantled every element connected to Maksim, eliminating threats, and imposing the Italians' dominance over the Russians.Once I was assured that the danger had been n
VINCENZORage nearly consumed me. Their games were becoming increasingly infuriating. I was sick and tired of their mindless attempts to break me. But I couldn't let their taunts get to me. I had to hold on, for Anya, for our unborn child.After the last brutal session of torture, they brought me to a doctor. As my body gradually healed, a sliver of hope ignited within me. I saw an opportunity to escape, to fight back. In my weakened state, I attempted to run, to break free from this wretched place.But it was futile; I hadn't regained my strength and they swiftly captured me again. Their retribution was swift and merciless, a stark reminder of my vulnerability.I had lost track of time, days blending into each other in this grim captivity. My family, my loved ones, must believe I'm dead by now. The thought of Anya grieving, thinking I was gone forever, was more painful than any physical torture they could inflict.Now, I found mys
ANYADays turned into weeks, each passing day a painful reminder of his absence. My heart ached incessantly, yearning for him. My baby bump had grown noticeably, a constant reminder of the life growing within me.I wished he could witness this journey, be by my side to share in the anticipation and joy.I had exhausted every avenue in my pursuit to bring him back. My visits to Emiliano's house proved futile, met with his adamant refusal to help. He had even turned me away during my last attempt, his rejection a heavy blow to my hopes.Sometimes, the doubt would creep in – what if Vincenzo wasn't really alive? Why would he stay away for so long?The pain of his absence was almost too much to bear, my world feeling incomplete without him. I was living day to day, finding solace only in the life growing within me.Alessia's persistence wouldn't allow me to wallow in my sorrow. Reluctantly, I got up from the bed and headed
ANYAIt had been three months since we discovered that Vincenzo was still alive, and despite our best efforts, his whereabouts remained a mystery. Every day, his absence weighed heavily on my heart, and the longing to see his face again was a constant ache.The presence of our growing baby was the only thing that anchored me, preventing me from completely succumbing to despair. Nights were the hardest – the loneliness and grief seemed to intensify when the world was cloaked in darkness.I spent most of my time in the penthouse. It held memories of our time together, a place where our connection had deepened. It was where I saw him at his most vulnerable, and it was there that he touched my heart in ways I couldn't explain.The search for him consumed me, but no matter how hard I tried, his trail remained elusive.Standing before the mirror, I took in my reflection. My baby bump was gradually becoming more pronounced, a sign o
VINCENZOTHREE MONTHS LATERPain was all I could feel, a relentless ache that seemed to infiltrate every fiber of my being. The torment I endured was beyond anything I'd experienced before. Days melded into nights, a haze of suffering that blurred my sense of time.My body was a canvas of bruises, each one telling a story of brutality and torment. Dried blood streaked my arms and legs, a gruesome testament to the violence inflicted upon me. Nausea gnawed at my stomach, a constant companion in this hellish ordeal.I struggled to piece together the events that had led me here, to this nightmarish existence. The memories were fragmented, like shards of glass in my mind. One moment, I was driving, the world spinning around me. And then, I woke up in this wretched place – a grimy, dimly lit room that reeked of despair.The people responsible for my captivity were shrouded in masks that concealed their identities.
ANYAIn the days that followed, I worked on keeping that promise. I embraced the waves of sorrow when they came, allowing myself to grieve, but also learning to balance it with moments of self-care and determination.I had made a pact with myself – to ensure that our child knew about the incredible man who had filled my life with love. I would weave his memories into the fabric of our child's life, ensuring that Vincenzo would always be present in some way.But alongside the grief and the determination to honor his memory, there was a growing fire within me. A thirst for justice. Vincenzo's death had to be avenged. I was done with being a vulnerable pawn that others could exploit. I wanted answers, and I wanted those responsible to pay.And that began with finding Matteo. I needed to know where Vincenzo's body was laid to rest, to bid my final farewell. I searched for him, questioning everyone I could, until I finally found him down