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CHAPTER TWELVE
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2024-10-29 19:42:56ANYA
PRESENT 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
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TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER FORTEEN
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
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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
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ANYA"You startled me," I blurted out, my voice slightly trembling. Vincenzo's mere presence had a way of both captivating and intimidating me, making it difficult to keep my composure.His lips curved into a smirk, clearly amused by my reaction. "Are you looking for me?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of mischief.I shook my head, trying to regain my composure. "No," I replied firmly, hoping to convey that his presence didn't affect me as much as it did. But deep down, I couldn't deny the flicker of curiosity that burned within me whenever he was around.A knowing glint danced in his eyes as he continued to study me. "Oh yeah?" he challenged, his smirk widening. I could sense the playful undertone in his voice, as if he enjoyed teasing me.I took a deep breath, determined not to let his charm get the best of me. "Yes," I responded, my voice carrying a touch of defiance. I wanted to wipe that infuriating smirk off his face,
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TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
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VINCENZOAlessia sat on the edge of the bed, her grip on Anya's hand tight as tears streamed down her face. The sight of her anguish tore at my heart. I approached them, my steps heavy with a mixture of worry and determination.The doctor, his expression grave, approached me and placed a small bottle in my hands. I examined it closely, my brow furrowing as I sought to understand its significance."What is this?" I inquired, my voice tinged with a mixture of urgency and frustration.The doctor's gaze met mine, his eyes filled with a sombre understanding. He exhaled heavily before delivering the weighty revelation. "She was poisoned. That bottle was found with the culprit."My fingers tightened around the bottle, my knuckles turning white as the gravity of the situation sank in. The vile scent that wafted from it reached my nostrils, assaulting my senses with its putrid odour."How come Anya could not smell this in her food?"
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER TWENTY
VINCENZOAs I closed the door behind me, shutting out the chaos that raged beyond its confines, my attention turned to the men who stood before me in the room.Their presence alone was enough to raise my guard, then the one who appeared to be their leader spoke, his words dripping with malicious intent. "Oh my, look who we have here. Is it not Vincenzo Cassano himself?"A surge of anger mingled with confusion propelled me forward, inching closer to him. I stared at him, my eyes locked with his, searching for any trace of deception. "Who are you really?" I demanded, my voice low and steely.He removed his mask, revealing himself to be Diego Marino, shock coursed through me like an electric current. How was this possible? I had killed him, I was so sure of it.My voice laced with a mixture of surprise and disbelief, I managed to utter, "Diego Marino? But... how?"Diego's laughter reverberated through the room, his eyes glinted
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TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER EIGHTY FOUR
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TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER EIGHTY TWO
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TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER EIGHTY
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
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER SEVENTY NINE
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TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER SEVENTY EIGHT
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.
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER SEVENTY SEVEN
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
