MasukShare
Forty Nine
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-02-03 23:00:00I wake up on the cold, hard floor of a tiny room, confused as I blink my eyes open. I remember being dragged into this room last night by the kidnappers. The darkness has lifted, replaced by a faint light filtering through the small window high above me. I can tell it’s morning, not only from the soft light of the sun but also from the distant sound of birds chirping. I’ve had sleepless nights before, but this is one that will stick with me forever because I barely got any sleep.
I don’t know where I am, and panic sets in as the events of last night flood back. I remember being dragged from the van, my heart racing as I struggled against their grip. I remember how Michael tricked me into this trap. I know they’re holding me because they want Alessandro to release Michael, and somehow they think this will work. I try to get up, but realize my hands are tied.
I struggle against the ropes binding my wrists, but they dig into my skin, a harsh remind
Bab terkait
The Don's Forbidden Muse Fifty
I’m seated on the floor, cradling my knees as my whole body trembles with regret and exhaustion. I am in pain from the rough way the kidnapper threw me back in here. I was so close—so close to escaping, to being free of this nightmare. But it wasn’t enough. My wrists throb from where the ropes dug into my skin earlier, and my heart pounds as the panic refuses to fade. The tears just keep falling, blurring my vision, and I press my face into my knees.Now that the only means I had thought of for escaping is no longer an option, I don’t know if I will ever leave this place. Maybe I should wait for a while, then ask to go to the washrooms again, and try to escape successfully this time. I know they will probably be extra careful with me, but maybe it’s worth a try because, if I’m being honest, depending solely on Alessandro to get me out of here isn’t something I can count on. What if he really doesn’t care? What if this is how it
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-04The Don's Forbidden Muse Fifty One
I open my eyes. It’s another day in this dungeon. I don’t even know what day it is anymore. Every second drags on, blurring into the next, making it impossible to tell if it’s been days or weeks. Time means nothing here, just like I don’t. I’m still trapped, still their prisoner, even after they sent that video of me—bloodied and bruised—to Alessandro. I thought, hoped, that he might do something, that I was worth saving. But the bruises have started to heal, and though I don’t know exactly how many days have passed, I’ve woken up to that light beaming through the little window enough times to know it’s probably time to give up on him saving me. Because now…I know he won’t. That voice message they played for me, his cold voice dismissing their threats, plays in my head like a bad dream. He doesn’t care about me—not enough to negotiate, not enough to even consider it. Sleep has become my only escape, where I can see her—my mom. But every time I wake up and remember she’s gone, and I mi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-05The Don's Forbidden Muse Fifty Two
I was moved to a new room, just as Michael said I would be. Now, I’m sitting on the edge of the bed, my hands gripping the sheets as I take in my surroundings. It’s warmer here, and less suffocating than the cold, damp cell I was trapped in before. There’s an actual bed with a blanket, a much larger window that lets in a sliver of light, and even a bathroom. It’s a world away from the darkness I was stuck in, but I know better than to take comfort in any of this. It’s just another cage, dressed up to look less cruel.The door swings open, and Michael steps in, not giving me a moment to absorb the new space. His eyes sweep over the room before landing on me.“I see you’ve settled in,” he says, his voice carrying a casual indifference. “Do you like it better here?”I don’t answer, just stare at him, because it doesn’t matter what I say. I never thought I would hold so much resentment for someone as I do for him. He takes a step closer, pulling a phone from his pocket, and I look up at h
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-07The Don's Forbidden Muse Fifty Three
When Michael told me to get ready because I’d be meeting someone for dinner, I never imagined it would be my father. This can’t be real—not after all this time. I just stare at him, unable to move, let alone blink. I’m frozen, struggling to believe my eyes. It’s been so long since I’ve seen him in person—not since before he went missing. The last time I saw him, I was young, maybe in junior high school or even younger. Since then, our only contact has been through video calls. But now, here he is in the flesh. He looks older and more tired, with a heaviness in his eyes I don’t remember. Yet even after all these years, I know without a doubt I’d recognize him anywhere.It takes a moment for it to sink in: he’s actually here with me. The man I’ve been searching for since I arrived in this country is standing right in front of me. Before I can stop myself, I push my seat back, rushing to him, throwing my arms around him. I bury my face in his chest, breathing in the familiar scent that b
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-08The Don's Forbidden Muse Fifty Four
My heart is racing, and I can't stop the tears streaming down my face as my hands grip the steering wheel. Sweat breaks out across my palms as I fight to keep my hold steady. Each breath feels shallow, barely filling my lungs. I don’t know where I am, but all I know is that I need to get as far away from here as possible and find help. My heart aches at the thought that I finally found my father, and now, I might lose him again. The road is secluded, bordered by thick bushes on both sides. I glance at the rearview mirror, half-expecting to see shadows from the past chasing me down the empty road.But it’s not just my imagination. There’s a car in the distance, following me. At first, I want to believe it’s just a random driver, but my situation doesn’t exactly allow me that privilege. And then, the moment I take a left turn, they follow. I know I’m being tailed. I mean, there’s no way they would just let me leave like that. I thought
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-08The Don's Forbidden Muse Fifty Five
I didn’t think I’d remember the address, but I’m here. I honestly can’t explain how fast I drove; I just needed to get here and find help before I lose not only my father but my brother too. After years of only having my mother as my closest family, and believing I had no one else after she died and my dad went missing, I’ve just discovered I have more family, and I’m not about to lose them. I wanted to call Alessandro to let him know I was free, as Raul advised, but I realized I don’t have his or anyone else’s number memorized. So, I took a risk and came here, hoping I’d find him.My hands are shaky as I get closer. The nearer I get, the more uneasy I feel, almost like I’m stepping into dangerous territory. After everything, I’m sure they wouldn’t expect someone like me to arrive alone.I squint, spotting shadows shifting near the entrance. A dark figure comes into view, followed by another—
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-08The Don's Forbidden Muse Fifty Six
He’s dressed in his signature look—a black shirt and black pants. Given that it’s the middle of the night, I thought he might show up in something more casual. For a moment, there’s an awkward pause; his expression unreadable as he looks away, seemingly ignoring the scene, then moves toward us. I quickly stand up, straightening myself, trying to gauge his reaction, but he stays composed, his expression closed. I can’t quite explain how I feel seeing him. I should be relieved, even glad, but I don’t feel any of that. My heart hasn’t skipped a beat at his presence; the only reason it’s racing is because he walked in on me and Luca in an awkward position.“Give us a moment,” he tells Luca, who nervously clears his throat, nods, and walks away. Now it’s just the two of us, and the tension in the room crackles like electricity.“Are you okay?” he asks in a low tone. I clear my throat and nod. I&rs
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-08The Don's Forbidden Muse Fifty Seven
I step out of the bathroom after what felt like an eternity. After being held captive, with limited access to a shower or even a change of clothes, this shower was a much-needed relief, and I spent as long as I could in there. Steam trails out behind me, the fresh scent of soap and water mingling with the cool air of the room. My muscles ache, a reminder of the tension I've carried, of just how drained my body is. I could use a good night’s sleep, but that luxury is out of reach—not when my father’s and brother’s lives are in danger. Who knows what might be happening to them?As I pat myself dry with a towel, I notice Bella seated on the bed, waiting for me. Her brows are furrowed, her eyes soft with a sympathy I almost can’t bear. She’s been looking at me like that since she got here. I know she has a lot of questions, and I’m grateful she hasn’t asked about what I went through. I just don’t want to talk about it.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-09
Bab terbaru
The Don's Forbidden Muse Three
I just stare at her as she walks toward me, too frozen to move even if I wanted to. Motherhood has done Maria good, no doubt. It’s a thought I can’t shake as she gets closer. She’s radiant, more stunning than I remember. Time has softened her, and, contrary to what anyone would expect, motherhood has only made her more beautiful. Her features are sharper but still delicate. Her skin glows, her hair falls in soft waves around her face, and even her casual outfit—a simple blouse and jeans—looks like it was made for her. I hate that I can notice even the tiniest details that make her this beautiful. How much more beauty can one person have?“Renée?” she says again, her brows furrowed in surprise, her lips curving into a half-smile. “I thought I saw someone who looked like you. What are you doing here?”I clear my throat, shrugging. “Nothing,” I reply, my voice clipped.She tilts her head, studying me. “Are you in therapy too?”I remain silent. It’s obvious. This building kind of hosts th
The Don's Forbidden Muse Two
I’m seated in an armchair across from Dr. Hensley; her office is as familiar to me as the scent of lavender she always diffuses. I’ve never been much of a fan of coming here, but when you go through a traumatizing and life-altering event like the one I did, you don’t get much of a choice. It’s been years since I last saw her, but she hasn’t changed much. Her warm smile and attentive eyes make me feel like I’ve stepped back in time.“It’s good to see you again, Renée,” she says in a calm, steady voice, just as I remember. “It’s been what, two years, two and a half years?”I nod, my hands twisting together in my lap. “Something like that.”“And what brings you back to me after all this time?”I shrug. “You’re the only therapist I have in the country,” I joke, and she smiles, nodding.“That’s good to hear. Have you been doing more sessions back at home?”I look away when she asks that. I haven’t been as committed as I was supposed to be. When the nightmares stopped, so did the sessions.
The Don's Forbidden Muse Chapter One
Two Years Later“Roses?” Luca asks in a soft, curious voice.I nod. “Yes,” I say, smiling up at him. “But not just any roses. Red roses.”He chuckles, his arm brushing mine as we walk side by side. “Red roses, huh? Not white, not pink?”I nod again. “I love roses.”“You know, I never thought you’d be a rose-loving kind of girl. Roses seem… too ordinary,” he says, and I shrug.“I’m just an ordinary girl, Luca.”He shakes his head. “Not even in the slightest,” he says. “So, red roses it is.”I laugh. “If I were ever to get married, it would have to be red roses. They’re passionate, bold… beautiful.”“Point taken.” He gives a playful, mock-serious nod, and I nudge him with my elbow.“It’s just a joke,” I tease, grinning. “The marriage part. You don’t have to take notes. I mean, marriage? Who does that anymore?”He stops, turning to face me, his expression suddenly solemn. “I do. With you.”My smile fades, replaced by something warmer, something deeper. “Luca…”“I’m serious,” he says, tak
The Don's Forbidden Muse Chasing After Her Ghost
PrologueTwo Years AgoMy phone is pressed to my ear, my hand shaking slightly as I pace around the room. My wedding dress brushes softly against the floor with every step I take, the delicate lace catching the light streaming through the tall windows.Saying I am nervous would be the understatement of the year.“I feel like I’m going to throw up,” I say in a shaky voice."Renée.” His voice is calm and warm, steadying me even through the phone. “Breathe, amore. Everything is going to be perfect,” he says, and I sigh, smiling.I stop and stare at my reflection in the floor-length mirror, taking in the nervous girl staring back at me. She is beautiful. I am beautiful. This dress is perfection, and it makes me feel beautiful, so I hate that I have this feeling in the pit of my stomach. “What if something goes wrong?” I whisper, voicing the fear that’s been eating me up all morning.It’s not like many people liked the idea of us getting married. Even getting here, we had to fight for it.
The Don's Forbidden Muse Epilogue
One year laterThe soft click of the camera is the only sound in the room as I lean in closer, adjusting the angle to capture the perfect shot. My client is seated on the velvet chaise, draped in delicate lace. Her confidence radiates through the lens, and she is beautiful. The natural light streaming through the tall windows bathes her in a warm glow, highlighting every curve and detail.“Beautiful,” I murmur in a steady voice as I guide her. “Tilt your chin slightly… yes, just like that. Perfect.”This is my world now. My studio, my work, my passion. It’s been over a year and a half since I found my footing in this country, and my boudoir photography has taken off in ways I never imagined. Had someone told me I would stay here and make it my home after all the tragedies that happened, I would have laughed in their face. But here I am. High-end clients, features in glossy magazines—it’s everything I dreamed of an
The Don's Forbidden Muse Ninety Five
I open my eyes, and the splitting headache is a clear reminder of the hangover from last night. I think I might have had a little too much to drink. My body is tangled in soft linen sheets that aren’t mine. I quickly sit up, blinking against the brightness streaming through the curtains. For a moment, everything is hazy—the room, the night, and the nagging sense of regret clawing at the edges of my mind.I push myself up slowly, the cozy carpet beneath my feet unfamiliar. Panic starts to creep in as I take in the space. A strange home. My mind is slowly piecing everything together, and then it hits me—Luca. The bar. The bathroom. His bed.“Oh my god,” I whisper, my hands flying to my face.What the hell have I done?The events of last night quickly come crashing in. What we did didn’t just stop in that bar bathroom. Somehow, we ended up here, and we didn’t stop until... I shake my head, trying to will the memories
The Don's Forbidden Muse Ninety Four
The restaurant is quiet. Too quiet. I’m seated at the center of it, watching the soft shadows cast across the empty tables around me by the flickering candlelight. The dress delivered earlier fits like a glove, hugging my curves and making me feel beautiful, but I’m slowly starting to feel less and less beautiful as time keeps passing by. Sitting here alone in this massive restaurant feels uncomfortable.I swirl the wine in my glass, the rich red liquid catching the light. I sigh and take a sip. It’s my third—or is it my fourth? I’ve lost count. I don’t normally get drunk on wine, but if I keep taking one glass after another, I’ll be tipsy by the time this date even starts. I glance at my phone for the umpteenth time, the screen lighting up with the same message he sent over forty-five minutes ago:I’ll be late, but I’m on my way. Order something, love.That word love feels hollow now. I check the time again,
The Don's Forbidden Muse Ninety Three
Several months laterThis always feels like the first time. I’m straddling Alessandro in the warm, scented water of our bathtub, riding out the pleasure as water laps against my skin. His hands grip my waist tightly, and his head tips back as he groans my name. It’s moments like this when I forget the chaos around us. Here, it’s just him and me—no one else.I let out a soft moan as I finish, my body trembling as I collapse against him. He catches me, cradling me like I’m the most precious thing in the world, before pressing a kiss to my forehead, then to my lips, his breath warm and tender.“I love you,” he whispers softly, tucking my hair behind my ear.Those three words hit me like a wave every time he says them. I smile, kissing him back gently before leaning against his chest, slowly listening to the rhythm of our breathing. His hand brushes through my hair, untangling it with care.“What are you
The Don's Forbidden Muse Ninety Two
I am shaking as I stare at the pool of blood on the floor next to my father’s leg, which keeps growing larger with every passing second. His face is pale, and he is starting to get weaker. I’m trying to hold back my tears, wishing I could help him, but I can’t move. My body feels like it’s chained to this seat, my fists trembling in place on my lap.“Okay, I’ll ask again,” Emilia’s sharp voice cuts through the air, making my heart race even faster. “Who do you have resentment for in this room, Principessa?” she asks in a mocking voice.My throat is dry, my voice barely above a whisper as I stammer. “Maria.”I hear Maria scoff at the other end of the room. “Bitch,” she mutters under her breath, but it’s loud enough for everyone to hear.I swallow hard, trying not to look in her direction. Emilia leans forward, clearly intrigued. “Oh, now this is getting interest
