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[TRIGGER WARNING: The following chapter contains violence against women, murder, and mention of self-harm.] Heavy, drunk, and menacing footsteps closed inside the dimly lit bedroom. Mia Armando's head whipped to the door, where her brother stood at a distance. A bottle of half-full vodka in his hand, the rim of his dark eyes were red, and white powder peppered around his slightly hooked nose. "Antonio? Why are you here?" Mia's voice was meek, like a scared mouse stuck in a den of vipers.She was sitting beside their paralyzed father, holding him protectively. She was the one who took care of their father after he was shot. Little bitch. The doctor had informed him that there was a chance that their father might fully recover again. Antonio couldn't afford that to happen. If he did, then his father will surely hand over his birthright to his stupid brother Andrae. Andrae was a soft-hearted idiot, he would ruin this empire with his gullibility. He approached the bed taking slow and
Enzo hadn't tried to get intimate with her after the incident that morning. Of course, he would always hold her close when they slept. He would spoon her, let her lay her head on his chest, and let her get used to their closeness. And he never complained about their sexless marriage so far. Enzo never complained about anything. He was so disciplined and so proper. She couldn't pinpoint any imperfection in that man. Lily began to feel bad for rejecting him because her body had started to crave him. Demand for him. It must be hormones, it was her ovulation period. That was why she was avoiding sex. She didn't want to fall pregnant so soon. Once this was over, she could get on the pill.Lily picked out her lab coat from the closet after she had gotten ready for the day. Enzo was already waiting for her at the table, reading The New York Times with serious scrutiny. "Good morning." She gave him a quick kiss on his stubbled jaw. He folded the newspaper and placed it on the table. "Morn
"My father was a good man, he was honorable and charitable even to the ones who never deserved any of it. I'm thankful to everyone who is here to mourn and pay respect to my dearest Papa. May he rest in peace." Antonio's dark, somber-looking eyes dampened as he looked down at his father's black casket. He ended the speech in tears and thanked everyone who attended the funeral. Matteo Russo and a few other male members of the Russo family including his grandson Saint also attended the funeral to pay respect to Guieseppe. Antonio had invited them over for a very important discussion for both of their families. They all gathered inside Antonio's office and got seated on the black leather seats. Matteo was obviously not comfortable coming here after the short dispute they had at the nightclub. "I cannot thank you enough for attending. I thought you would hold a grudge and not come." The corner of Antonio's eyes crinkled as he smiled. "Giuessppe was a good friend of mine. I could ne
Thick blue veins popped up on uncle Giovanni's forehead. He rubbed the corner of his eye and clicked his tongue in disapproval. "Why do you want Fredo out of prison? He's a fucking murderer." Enzo twisted the wedding band on his finger, a habit he picked up recently. "I forgive him.""Forgive him? Cazzo!" Uncle Giovanni stared at Enzo from the passenger seat as if he had just lost his reasoning. "He murdered your parents, raped your wife's mother, and you forgive him?" His expression contorted with contempt. "If I were you, I would only get that bastard out of prison to kill him myself!" uncle Giovanni snapped, poking his finger at his ribs. "I've made my decision," Enzo said with the rightful authority of a Don. Once Enzo's decision is made, then moving mountains would seem easier rather than changing his decision. Uncle Giovanni knew that more than anyone else, so he lifted his hands in surrender, but he was still riled up. "Your nonna made a big mistake by choosing you as her su
Drip. Drip. Drip.Lily dropped some sweet-scented lavender oil into the warm bathwater. The lit, scented candles made the bathroom smell like vanilla and roses. She wanted to take a warm and cozy bath after a long day at the hospital.Naked as the day she was born, she stepped inside the tub and soon sunk all the way in. A breath of relaxation left her parted pink lips as she felt the lavender do its trick. Which was relaxing her sour muscles. She half-submerged herself into her delicious-smelling bath, except for wetting her hair, which was tied up into a messy bun. Her eyes closed slowly as she soaked in the peace and quiet.As she was about to fall into a quick nap inside the shower, the bathroom doors abruptly slid open. Her eyelids snapped up, alert. Heavy footsteps closed in and she traced a masculine shadow out of the pale blue curtains.Enzo?He opened the shower and water drizzled down upon his body. When she looked down at the white floor, she saw red running down the drain.
Enzo blinked against the blinding sunlight pouring down from the french windows. He reached his arm out and something jack-knifed his heart as soon as he realized his wife's warmth was missing from their bed. He instantly sat up straight, his eyes wide and searching. He swung his legs on the Italian-marble floor and stormed into the bathroom. A delicious scent of vanilla and roses lingered in the space—her scent. But she wasn't in the bathroom. When he checked the closet, she wasn't there either. "Lily!" He called out as he hurried downstairs. To the desolate hall. The empty living room. His heart rate sped up, sweat prickled his skin like pins and needles. When he crossed the kitchen, he stopped in his tracks as soon as he heard a sweet, melodic song drift by. "Put your head on my shoulders... Hold me in your arms, baby..." The raising panic instantly cooled off as a bucket of cold water poured on an uprising flame. She stood there making egg sandwiches for breakfast in one
Lily's phone chimed for attention. She took out her phone from her pocket. A smile coasted her lips seeing Enzo's caller ID pop up on the screen. "I'm coming to pick you up," Enzo told her. She checked the time on her watch. It was almost seven p.m. "I'll be finished in like... fifteen minutes." She said."I'll wait," He said and cut the call. Lily pocketed the phone and smiled at her patient. "Congratulations, you're pregnant." Mrs. Miller and her husband looked at each other, their eyes wide and hopeful. "I can't believe this, we've been trying for years and... and..." Mrs. Miller was on the verge of a meltdown and so was her husband. "It's true? Diana is really pregnant?" He asked, still in disbelief. "Eight weeks. There might be some complications because of her age, but nothing critical. Just make sure she's well taken care of." She reassured the couple as she handed back the ultrasound report. Mrs. Miller was here to consult Lily after she suddenly fainted doing chores in
"I love spending time with you like this," Lily's confession was like a tidal wave, drowning him in emotions that he had lost touch with a long time ago. This woman made his life a lot more bearable just by being present. With her innocent, shy smile, and her awkwardness which he found adorable and amusing. Her kindness, her gratitude, and of course, her beauty. It wasn't merely pleasing to look at. It also gave away her thoughts and feelings so easily that he couldn't take his eyes off her. Thirsting for every drop of emotion that spilled out. From the moment he saw her, till now, he was stuck with her picture and he couldn't bring himself to erase it. And from that moment he knew he was in this deep. "So do I," He leaned in and pressed his lips to the side of her head. A stroll in the park was a completely different experience, compared to a daytime visit. The park took a serene quality, adding a trace of intimacy to the air. The darkness added a touch of mysteriousness. He li
5 YEARS LATER... LEONARDO'S POV I reclined in one of Enzo's plush office chairs, half listening to my cousins drone on about business. My gaze landed on Enzo's hands as he gesticulated, and I had to bite my cheek to keep from laughing. His nails were painted a glittery pink and decorated with Hello Kitty stickers. When he caught me staring, Enzo shrugged. "Gigi ambushed me this morning." "Daddy-daughter time looks good on you, brother," I teased. Enzo shot me a wry look. "We'll see how you handle it when your little hellion grows up." I chuckled thinking about my spirited son. "Adriano keeps things exciting, for sure. Just yesterday he finger-painted a mural on his bedroom wall using Rosalina's lipstick." My cousins howled. "Takes after his old man," Luca said. "In all the best and worst ways," I agreed. Right on cue, my cell phone rang. I didn't have to check the caller ID to know it was Adriano's teacher. "That'll be Mrs. Dawson now. Let me guess - he set off stink bombs in
LEONARDO'S POV(A few months later...)A piercing cry split the night air. I groaned, clinging to the last remnants of a pleasant dream as little Adriano's wails persisted."Your son is awake," I mumbled, still half asleep.Rosalina stirred slightly. "Before sunrise, he's your son," she quipped drowsily.I chuckled at the familiar Lion King quote, then dragged myself reluctantly from the warm bed. I shuffled over to the crib and gently lifted my bawling son into my arms. We had named him Adriano, after Rosalina's father."Shhh Adriano, go back to sleep," I soothed, rocking him gently. His tiny mouth rooted hungrily at my chest, latching onto my nipple. I winced. "Wrong nipple, buddy."I retrieved one of the bottles of breast milk Rosa had pumped earlier and offered it to Adriano. He sucked greedily, his cries subsiding as I held him close. I smiled down at my son, my heart swelling with love and pride. He had his mother's beautiful hazel eyes and my strong Salvadori nose and chin.I
ROSALINA'S POV I stared at my reflection, scarcely recognizing the radiant bride smiling back. The strapless gown hugged my body perfectly, the pink floral accents on the skirt matching my rose tiara."Oh, you look absolutely beautiful!" Lily dabbed at her eyes as she helped me smooth the skirt.I couldn't stop smiling, joy bubbling inside me. After everything, this day had finally come - my wedding day! My Nonna stepped forward, clasping my hands warmly. "Stellina, I'm so happy for you. You chose well, my dear. That boy loves you with his whole heart."I embraced Nonna tightly. "Thank you. For understanding, and supporting us." She stroked my hair lovingly. "Always, il mio tesoro."A loud commotion outside made us glance at the door. I heard Leo's voice rising insistently."Let me see my wife, damn it!"Isabella shot me a bemused look. "Somebody's impatient to get this show on the road."I laughed softly. Trust Leo to toss tradition aside. My heart swelled with love for my soon-to
ROSALINA'S POVI clutched the address in my hand, the edges creased and worn from the countless times I'd unfolded it. Antonella DiMarco - the stranger who used to be my mother. "You sure about this, babe? No one would blame you if-""I'm sure," I cut him off, my voice tight. "I gotta do this, Leo. I can't..." My throat closed up for a moment. "I can't move on until I look her in the eye and get some damn answers."He nodded slowly, jaw tight. I could practically hear the argument raging in his head about why this was a bad idea. But one glance at my expression and he just sighed, holding out his hand.I shifted in my seat, trying to ignore the growing pressure in my bladder. The sun was starting to set, casting an orange glow across the desert landscape blurring past. Leo kept his eyes fixed on the road, one hand resting gently on my knee in silent support.I knew I should've gone to the bathroom again before we left the last rest stop an hour ago. But nerves had killed my appetit
LEONARDO'S POVThe dank basement reeked of blood and fear. My uncle Giovanni was tied to a chair, swollen and battered from the beating he had gotten. But I felt no pity for the traitor.My cousin Luca's eyes were wild with grief. Losing his twin Lucio had destroyed him. Now seeing his father Giovanni revealed as a turncoat was the last straw."Alright, talk," I said coldly to Giovanni. "Spill why you teamed up with Andrae against your own family."When Giovanni stayed silent, Alessio slammed a fist into his gut. Giovanni wheezed in pain as Luca flinched, choking back a sob."Last chance," I said casually as Giovanni fought for breath. "Give me the details, then you get a quick death for ratting out the family."Fear flashed in Giovanni's eyes. He started rambling about how Andrae had approached him and offered control of the family if Giovanni helped kill my brother."Lies!" Giovanni cried desperately. "He used me! I never wanted Vincenzo dead, you gotta believe me!"Disgust roiled t
LILLINA'S POVI cradled Enzo's limp hand in both of mine, pressing fervent kisses to his chilled fingers. The steady beep of the heart monitor was my lone comfort as I maintained my bedside watch. His chest rose and fell rhythmically, but he remained locked away in unconsciousness. "You have to come back to me, Enzo" I whispered, my vision blurring. "Our daughter needs her father." I swiped angrily at the tears streaking my face. I had to be strong for our child, though the effort threatened to shatter my fragile composure.A knock interrupted my swirling thoughts. Carlo entered, his expression carefully neutral. "Any change?" I shook my head mutely, a fresh wave of tears spilling over. Suddenly, Vincenzo's hand twitched feebly in mine. I gasped, leaning forward intently as his brow furrowed. "Enzo?" I choked out. "C-can you hear me?"With agonizing slowness, his eyelids fluttered open halfway, still clouded by anesthesia. But they locked onto mine with recognition that flooded my
ROSALINA'S POVThe courthouse appeared all too soon, a hulking stone edifice that filled me with dread. Andrae dragged me forcibly up the steps, his grip leaving blossoming bruises on my arm. I scanned the empty foyer frantically, praying for some means of escape. At the far end, an elderly clerk sat stamping documents behind a high desk.Andrae strode toward him purposefully, shoving me ahead of him. "We need to be married immediately," he barked.The clerk's eyes widened at Andrae's imperious demand, flickering uncertainly to my tear-stained face. "I'm sorry, sir, but there are certain requirements..." he began weakly.In a flash, Andrae had a pistol aimed at the man's forehead. "The only requirement is that you do as I say," he growled. "Now."The clerk paled, raising his trembling hands in acquiescence. "Y-yes sir, right away." He fumbled with shaking hands to ready the license and certificate, the gun still leveled at his head.Once the documents were prepared, Andrae scrawled hi
VINCENZO'S POVChaos erupted as bullets flew in all directions. Years of simmering hatred between the Salvatores and Armandos had finally boiled over, transforming my brother's wedding into a bloodbath."Get the women and children to safety!" I bellowed. My men rushed to usher the terrified guests away from the hailstorm of lead.I scanned the pandemonium desperately for my pregnant wife. "Lily!" Where was she? There - a flash of her yellow dress across the courtyard. I sprinted towards her, bullets kicking up shards of brick at my heels.She stood paralyzed behind an overturned table, one hand instinctively cradling her belly. I shielded her body with mine and urged her towards the exit. "We need to move, now!"We scrambled into a sheltered alcove. Her eyes were wild, face streaked with tears. "Oh God, the baby-""You'll both be alright," I soothed. I peeked out - we weren't far from an escape route. I steeled myself. "On three, we run."I took her hand in mine. "One, two, thre-"The
ROSALINA'S POVI slipped into the marble restroom, the swell of violins and chatter fading behind the heavy door. Gripping the gold-flecked countertop, I steadied my breathing, willing my roiling nerves to quiet. Today Leonardo pledged himself to another while our unborn child grew in secret within me.The door creaked open and my reflection paled. Mia. An awkward tension thickened the air as we hovered, over the betrayed bride-to-be and the 'other woman'. To my surprise, her dark brown eyes held no malice. Only sympathy. "Hey, Rosalina," she said gently. "Are you okay?"I attempted a weak smile, my hands trembling. "A bit unwell, thanks." A massive understatement. I smoothed my dress self-consciously, the pink chiffon Leonardo adored. Mia's gaze flickered over it. "That color suits you Wanna rest a while in my suite?"Giving a weak smile, I nodded. I followed mutely, sinking into an ornate chaise lounge as attendants fluttered around Mia. The opulent chamber with its marble friezes