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EPILOGUE
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2024-10-29 19:42:56ANYA
ONE MONTH LATER
I 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
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TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER ONE
ANYABeing in a huge castle doesn't mean you are really enjoying yourself. Just because you have all you need, that does not mean you are really happy. It can mean you are trapped. That was the feeling I had now. I felt trapped.As I sat in the dining room of the grand mansion, surrounded by the luxuries that money could buy, a heavy weight settled on my heart. The grandeur of the place only served as a reminder of the prison I found myself in. The gilded walls and sparkling chandeliers couldn't mask the pain and emptiness that consumed me.Just because I was in a place where my every desire could be fulfilled, it didn't mean that my life was filled with joy and contentment. Behind closed doors, hidden from the prying eyes of the outside world, I endured a life of torment. This magnificent façade was a facade, a charade carefully crafted to deceive others.I longed to break free from the chains that bound me to this place, both physically and emotionally. The people I called my family
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER TWO
ANYAAfter ensuring that no prying ears were nearby, I retrieved a small, discreet phone from my hiding spot and dialled an unknown number. My heart raced with anticipation as the phone rang, each passing second intensifying my longing to hear his voice. Finally, after two rings, he answered."Hey, Erik," I whispered, a hint of excitement and relief lacing my words."Anya," he greeted, his voice carrying its usual brightness. Just hearing his voice brought a radiant smile to my face, despite the circumstances."How are you doing?" I inquired, eager to catch up on his life, even if our conversations were shrouded in secrecy."Fine," he replied, his tone a mixture of optimism and caution. He understood the importance of discretion and the risks that came with our communication.My heart ached at the thought of him being isolated and manipulated just like me, trapped in this web of deceit. But in our clandestine conversations, we found solace and strength in each other's unwavering suppo
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER THREE
ANYAIt was 9am in the morning when I got out of bed. I did my morning activities and went downstairs. Everywhere was strangely quiet and I could not see any of the maids around.I paused in front of Uncle’s office when I heard raised voices. His door was half opened and I inched closer to hear what they were saying. Now I knew why everywhere was quiet. I spotted Maksim, the Bratva’s boss sitting on Uncle’s chair. I was scared of Maksim. He was the one who tried to rape me some years back.My heart raced as I listened to the heated conversation between Uncle Pietro and Maksim. Their words were muffled, but the tension in the room was palpable. I couldn't tear my gaze away from Maksim, his imposing figure emanating a chilling aura. Memories of that fateful night flooded my mind, the terror and helplessness resurfacing.Uncle Pietro's involvement in the dangerous underworld of the mafia had always been a source of fear and
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER FOUR
ANYA As I hurriedly made my way through the dimly lit streets, my heart pounded in my chest. Every step took me closer to the one place where I knew I would find solace—Zoya's house. She had been my confidante, my rock, and my pillar of support for the past five years. Together, we had weathered storms and shared countless secrets, forming an unbreakable bond that transcended the facade of our lives. Zoya's home was a sanctuary, a place where I could momentarily escape the suffocating grip of my uncle and aunt's influence. I knew she would welcome me with open arms and provide the comfort and understanding that I desperately craved in this moment of chaos. As I stood frozen in the doorway, my heart sank and a wave of disbelief crashed over me. The sight before me felt like a cruel joke, shattering the trust I had placed in both Zoya and Alek, my boyfriend of two years. The room seemed to spin as I struggled to process the scene unfolding befo
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER FIVE
ANYAA sound to my left startled me, and my eyes widened with a mix of fear and confusion. How did I end up deep inside the woods? Panic began to grip me as I realized I had lost all sense of direction. I desperately tried to retrace my steps, but the dense trees and unfamiliar surroundings only added to my disorientation.Frantically, I scanned the area, searching for any recognizable landmarks, but my efforts proved futile. The sinking feeling of being utterly lost washed over me, fuelling my growing unease. I was trapped in a labyrinth of nature's embrace, and the realization hit me like a ton of bricks.As I pushed forward, my focus fixed on finding my way back, I failed to notice the treacherous slope that lay ahead. Before I could react, my footing gave way, and I tumbled downwards, caught in a relentless descent. The world seemed to blur around me as I crashed and rolled, pain coursing through my body with each impact.Finally, I c
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER SIX
ANYAThe threat in his words echoed in my ears, sending shivers down my spine. Reluctantly, I nodded, swallowing my pride and suppressing the urge to fight back. My life depended on my ability to navigate this treacherous path with caution.Dragged into a small room, I stumbled and fell to the floor as one of the men pushed me roughly. Pain shot through my legs, intensifying the agony that had already consumed me. Wincing, I cradled my limbs, attempting to alleviate the throbbing ache coursing through my body.In that moment, my thoughts turned to Erik, my young brother. I had lost my phone during the fall, and the realization that he would be left vulnerable and I couldn't bear the idea of leaving him alone, vulnerable to the clutches of my treacherous uncle and aunt. The weight of that responsibility weighed heavily on my heart.Tears welled in my eyes as the thought of never seeing Erik again threatened to shatter my resolve. I couldn'
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER SEVEN
ANYAI 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
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER EIGHT
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
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TAINTED DESIRES EPILOGUE
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
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER EIGHTY FOUR
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
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER EIGHTY THREE
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.
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER EIGHTY TWO
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
TAINTED DESIRES CHAPTER EIGHTY ONE
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
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
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
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
