ANYA
I stripped and went into the bathroom. The warm water cascaded over my body, soothing my tired muscles and offering a brief respite from the chaos that consumed my mind.
Thoughts of Vincenzo swirled within me, leaving me torn between conflicting emotions. His unexpected display of care had caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this change in his demeanour.
As the water washed away the physical grime, my thoughts meandered through the labyrinth of possibilities. Was it my nightmare that softened his heart, reminding him of our shared vulnerability?
Or was it the revelation of my anosmia, an unexpected glimpse into the depths of my hidden struggles? I couldn't decipher the true catalyst behind his actions, and that uncertainty both intrigued and unsettled me.
Stepping out of the shower, droplets of water clung to my skin, mirroring the lingering doubts that clung to my thoughts. I moved towards th
ANYAThe coughs and sneezes wracked my body, signalling the arrival of an unwelcome cold. I sat on my bed in my room, with Alessia by my side, offering her support."Can I borrow your phone, Alessia?" I asked, my voice slightly hoarse. I needed to know if Erik was safe, to ease the worries that gnawed at my heart."Why? Do you have someone you want to call?" she inquired, her curiosity evident in her expression.“Mh- mhmm” I nodded.She pushed her face towards mine and grinned childishly. “Who? Your boyfriend?”I scoffed and pushed her away “Like I have one.”“Fine. So who do you want to call?”I hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to reveal the depths of my concern. Finally, I nodded, deciding it was time to confide in her. "My brother."Surprise flickered across Alessia's face as she processed this new information. I could sense her genuine asto
ANYATWELVE YEARS AGO"Mom, please," I pleaded, tugging at her hand. She sat on the chair, diligently weaving a shirt for little Erik, her focus unwavering."Come on now, Anya. It's too late," she replied, her voice gentle but firm.Feeling a glimmer of hope, I turned to my dad, who sat beside Mom. Maybe he would understand."Dad?" I looked up at him, my eyes pleading.Dad shook his head, a playful smile on his lips. I let out a pout and hopped onto his lap, determined to make one final attempt."Please, Dad. This is the only time I get to see Santa Claus. I'll die if I don't see him," I declared, dramatically emphasizing my words."Hush now, sweetie. Stop saying that, you won't die," Dad chuckled, his warm eyes filled with affection.Mom shook her head, unable to contain her laughter at my theatrical display. Her laughte
VINCENZOShe was having another outburst, and this time, it struck me just how intense it was. Her gaze fixated on my car, her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. In that fleeting instant, I realized that her pain ran deep, far beyond anything I had ever imagined.Her piercing blue eyes held an unfathomable amount of suffering, an anguish that sent shivers down my spine. The rawness of her emotions was palpable, radiating from her trembling hands, clenched so tightly that blood trickled between her fingers. The sight shook me to my core, leaving me with a myriad of questions.What had she endured? What tragedy had etched itself so deeply into her soul? The weight of her pain seemed unbearable, and I couldn't help but wonder what had brought her to this point of torment.Desperate to provide solace, I gently tugged at her hands, hoping to anchor her in the present moment. Her tear-filled eyes met
VINCENZOAnya walked out of the doctor's office, her steps determined yet cautious. Concern etched my features as I approached her, wanting to ensure her well-being."Hey, are you okay?" I asked, my voice laced with genuine worry."Yeah," she replied, her voice carrying a mix of exhaustion and relief. "The doctor said I need a lot of rest and I would be fine."I nodded in understanding, grateful to hear that her condition was not more severe. Together, we exited the building and made our way towards the awaiting car. I noticed a momentary hesitation on her part before she entered, a lingering reminder of the trauma she had endured.I reminded myself to be patient and understanding, knowing that it would take time for her to fully regain her sense of security.As I started the car's engine and pulled away from the curb, Anya reached for my hand, placing it gently on her lap. A comforting warmth spread through me as I intertwi
VINCENZO"You say what?" I repeated, my voice laced with disbelief and anger."Emiliano has joined hands with the Russian boss and Chirkov to bring you down," he reiterated, fear etched across his face.The revelation sent shockwaves through the room, evident from the stunned expressions on the faces of my loyal men. Emiliano Giordano, a former ally, collaborating with the Russians and Chirkov. The magnitude of the betrayal was staggering."Why?" I demanded, my voice filled with a mix of anger and confusion. "Emiliano doesn't have anything against me. Why would he try to kill me?"The silence that followed hung heavy in the air, the weight of the truth yet to be uncovered. Blanca, always ready to resort to force, seized the spy by his hair, forcing him to look directly into my eyes."Spill everything," I commanded, my voice laced with an intensity that brooked no disobedience.The spy trembled under the pressure, his
VINCENZO Her grip on my hand tightened, confirming my suspicions. The protective instincts within me surged to the forefront, a fierce determination taking hold.I vowed silently that if her father had indeed played a role in her suffering, he would face the consequences. No mercy would be granted. I would devise the most merciless and excruciating punishment that his twisted mind could never fathom. The thought of him causing her pain ignited a wrath within me, one that would be unleashed with unyielding force."I just said I don't want to talk about it. Let me just enjoy this serene atmosphere," she calmly reiterated, her eyes reflecting a peaceful respite from the weight of her past.We arrived at my penthouse just a few minutes later. This place was my sanctuary, where I sought solace and clarity whenever the weight of my responsibilities became too burdensome. It was a haven hidden from prying eyes, known only to my most trusted men
ANYAHe was watching me, a mixture of confusion, happiness, and awe flickering across his face. It was as if he was seeing me for the first time, and his gaze pierced through me, unraveling the layers I had carefully woven around myself.In his presence, I felt something I hadn't felt in years—genuine happiness. It was a feeling that resonated deep within me, filling the void that had existed for far too long. Vincenzo had become the source of that happiness, and I couldn't deny the effect he had on me.He had effortlessly swept into my life, breaking down the barriers I had erected to shield myself from pain and vulnerability. Little by little, he had guided me out of the darkness, encouraging me to confront my fears and trust in him. It was a journey I never anticipated taking, but one that I was grateful for.When Vincenzo asked me to enter the car, my instinct was to resist, to shy away from the memories that haunted me. But he
ANYA The past month had been a whirlwind of emotions and newfound happiness. In Vincenzo, I had discovered not just a protector, but also a companion who truly understood me. The sense of belonging and acceptance I felt within the estate was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Despite the busyness that consumed the estate, Vincenzo always made time for me. His dedication and thoughtfulness left me in awe, and my feelings for him deepened with each passing day. It was as if he had become an integral part of my world, filling the void that had plagued me for so long. One particular endeavour stood out during this time was Vincenzo's unwavering commitment to helping me face my fears. He recognized the hold that fear had on me, and he made it his mission to guide me through it. Patiently, he became my driving force, offering his constant support and encouragement. I remember the first time he took me for a drive in his car, his
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