"Can I go back to work, Marco?"I had left my job at our company in preparation for taking on my father's position once he retired, assuming he would pass it down to me. However, now that I'm married to Marco, I felt the need to contribute and not stay idle at home.Marco stopped eating and focused his gaze on me. Trying to mask my nervousness, I offered a smile."I feel restless doing nothing here. I believe it's time for me to return to work, maybe at my father's company."Marco's jaw tensed upon hearing mention of my father, clearly unhappy about the connection I was making."I don't want you getting close to him. He might hurt you again," Marco responded, shaking his head and directing his attention back to his meal.I'm grateful for his care, even though things are a bit unclear with his actions and mixed feelings towards me. It makes me happy that he's upfront about wanting me to be safe without any hidden agenda.Although my father works in a different department, on separate f
The intensity of his cold gaze remained unchanged, leaving no trace of whether I had successfully persuaded him. As I moved closer, the fact that we were both naked in the shower slipped from my mind. Placing my hand on his shoulder, it gradually glided downward, coming to rest on his chest. The glimmer of light danced upon my hand, drawing attention to my wedding ring. "Maddie, telling a killer to stop is like asking an artist to quit their art. It's just not possible," he said, sounding a bit sad. It was clear I couldn't change Marco's mind about taking lives. There was something inside him that was connected to it, and he couldn't let go. "But, for your sake, I'll spare your father." I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling better about trusting him even though I had doubts because of how he looked and acted whenever he’s mad. His fingers tenderly caressed my cheek, his gaze intensifying as it locked onto mine. "You have the most captivating eyes," he remarked, his touch transition
Upon my return to the office, my co-workers warmly welcomed me, their gestures accompanied by a collection of intriguing new designs neatly arranged on my desk. Politely, I expressed my gratitude to each of them."Welcome back, Ma'am!" Some colleagues addressed me with deep reverence, their acknowledgment reflecting my familial connection as the daughter of the company owner. Despite my assurance that we could adopt a more informal approach, they opted to maintain a degree of formality. Only the manager, true to her role, called me by my name."It's wonderful to see you back, Maddie!" Ma'am Ava, the manager of the operations department, greeted me affectionately with a warm hug."Thank you, Ma'am Ava," I responded gracefully, settling into my seat. Throughout the day, my colleagues approached me, genuinely curious about my married life and honeymoon. Amusingly, I frequently brushed off their inquiries with light-hearted laughter."Surprisingly, you're back," remarked Ma'am Ava. "I hea
I blinked my eyes, trying to clear my vision as I found myself seated in a cramped space. A pulsating pain seared through my wrists and ankles, reminding me that they were tightly bound. A groan escaped my lips, accompanied by a throbbing headache and a lingering sense of dizziness. Despite my efforts, the room remained blurry and I struggled to focus on my surroundings. The sound of a door opening caught my attention, though it had an unusual metallic tone to it. "Why did they bring us to a container yard? We have no backup here. What if Moretti suddenly appears?" a woman's voice expressed concern. It was then that I realized we were not in a typical room but trapped within the confined space of a 40 ft. container."Shh, keep your voice down. It's safer for us to be here, away from any property owned by the Boss. By staying here, we can avoid leaving any traces that Marco Moretti might use to track our organization. We're following the Boss' orders, and he just wants to gather som
I'm receiving care from the household staff, who were concerned enough to suggest calling a doctor. However, I assured them that it wasn't necessary. What I truly need is Dr. Alessandra. I'm looking for someone to confide in and help me process these overwhelming emotions that I've been carrying. In addition, there seems to be something troubling within my emotional wounds. As far as I can tell, there's nothing else physically wrong with me. In the past, I was able to find solace in gaining confidence, especially when Marco was by my side. But now, Marco's presence is also the catalyst for everything falling apart.Suddenly, I heard the door to the room open. Even without looking, I knew exactly who it was. Ever since this morning, I haven't spoken a word to Marco. I even recall having the fleeting thought of wanting to escape from the car that was driving us home. If only I could have a separate home too. But now, I find myself living with Marco.“Once you’re done, please go ahead an
My assumptions about Marco and our relationship were completely shattered, leaving me with a painful realization. As I aimlessly found myself in the walk-in closet surrounded by my belongings, the thought of leaving took hold. Maybe this wasn't where I belonged anymore. But where would I go if I did?Returning to Papa was an option I hesitated to consider. I knew my emotions would only worsen there. What should I do? Should I leave? However, I still couldn't find any trace of emotion in me for Marco, as if my departure wouldn't matter to him."I don't believe it would be a big deal if I left," I said, looking at him with a weary smile. "You could easily replace me, right? If I were to vanish or something were to happen to me, finding another woman to take my place wouldn't pose a challenge for you. After all, you mentioned that I'm replaceable."I once again avoided making eye contact with him and, despite having no intention of leaving, I began packing some of my belongings into a ba
I chose to stay. While Marco was showering, I put on my pajamas.As I rested in bed, my mind couldn't escape the events that transpired earlier. The pain stuck around, mixed with Marco saying sorry and trying to hide his feelings from me.In that moment, an insight struck me—Marco often uttered words that contradicted his actions. The question loomed: which version of him should I believe? Should I give weight to his spoken promises, or should I rely on the actions he displayed when we were alone?The bed shifted, signaling Marco's arrival. The delightful scent of musk and aftershave wafted into my nostrils, triggering a sense of comfort and allure.I averted my gaze, intentionally pretending to be asleep while my mind buzzed with thoughts. But then, a rustling movement from the duvet startled me, causing me to instinctively close my eyes, only to open them moments later.Suddenly, a surge of surprise coursed through me as Marco enveloped me in a warm hug from behind. His hand wrapped
Perplexed, I furrowed my brow, rising from my chair and gathering my belongings. I exited our workspace and entered the elevator, making my way to the upper floor, where the CEO's office was situated. The reason behind his desire to meet with me remained a puzzle. Typically, I never had the opportunity to interact or engage with the CEO directly. If there were any work-related matters, our manager would handle them."Excuse me, Ma'am Maddie?" A young woman, who seemed to be younger than myself, approached me with a polite greeting. "I'm Mr. Moretti's secretary, Penelope. He is currently expecting your arrival."Guiding me towards Marco's spacious office, she matched her steps with mine. Delicately tapping on the door, I could hear Marco's deep voice granting permission to enter.I had visited Papa's office several times, so I was well-acquainted with its layout. As I entered, my gaze was immediately drawn to Marco, who was seated in his swivel chair, engrossed in a stack of documents
I could sense the unrest within me, a constant unease that refused to subside. My mind ran wild with thoughts of the missing ones, their absence gnawing at my soul. I longed for a break, a moment of respite, but time slipped through my fingers, as if mocking my desire for calm.In that turbulent state, Vittoria took charge, guiding me gently to sit. Her firm yet soothing touch caressed my back, attempting to bring solace to my weary spirit. Yet, beneath her reassuring words, I sensed the hollowness of promises unfulfilled. Deep down, I knew that true peace would elude me until my sister and Renzo were safely by my side.Time blurred, each passing moment a mystery as reports and updates were limited to Dad alone. The rest of the Moretti family and their associates remained scattered across distant lands. Only Stefano, Dad, and Vittoria were present, while Gabriele, burdened with his laboratory duties, stood confined inside.The door swung open with a sudden force, grabbing my attention
Violet abruptly broke away from my grasp, She quickly stood up and ran the other direction. Her eyes showed an unbreakable determination, which caused the chase to pause for a moment, seizing the attention of those chasing us. The moment I realised her success, I also quickly went the other way.Tears coursed down my cheeks, my heart wrenching with worry for my sister's safety. I prayed fervently that she would remain safe until I could find help.Exhausted beyond measure, I refused to stop my desperate flight. Numbness consumed my legs from the relentless pace. Lost in my thoughts, I failed to notice the uneven ground beneath me.I stumbled and cascaded downhill, agony searing through my body, but I mustered the strength to rise. My eyes widened in profound realization—the realization that I had fallen onto a desolate road.I swiftly rose to my feet, determined to keep running. With every step, I prayed to the universe to grant me a sight of a passing car and a compassionate soul to
The security cameras in this place paled in comparison to the extensive surveillance at the Moretti's. Thanks to Marty, I knew exactly where the blind spots were, which turned out to be invaluable now.As I listened to one of the guards speaking, their voice laced with suspicion, it became evident that something had caught their attention in the adjacent room. The number of people present remained a mystery, clouding the situation further.Our path grew darker as we proceeded. Taking a momentary shelter, we huddled together, seeking solace in each other's presence while contemplating our next moves."Sis, what now? We're lost," Violet voiced her vagueness.Unable to provide an immediate answer, I echoed her confusion. The labyrinthine layout of this place made navigation a formidable challenge."Let's stick with the plan, Violet. Evading capture is our main priority. We'll uncover a way out in due course," I said, exhaling deeply while clasping my sister's hand tightly. The grip on my
"Sis," Violet whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. "The new driver, he's one of them. He deceived us all, infiltrating our home and studying our every move. This was all part of their carefully orchestrated plan. They were aware of Marco's imminent departure and the Moretti family's gathering, ensuring your guards would be occupied elsewhere. They had all the information, which is why they struck today."Violet looked at me, concern etched on her face. Uncertainty flickered in her eyes, but I tried to reassure her with a smile. While Ronan seemed knowledgeable about the Moretti family, he couldn't possibly comprehend the full extent of my capabilities. He never suspected that I had a plan to escape from this predicament, using my wits and resourcefulness to secure our freedom.As the details of my plan unfold, Violet's apprehension gradually transformed into trust. Though the odds were stacked against us, with risks looming at every turn, I remained determined. I would stop at
"I am Ronan Lombardi, the last remaining heir of the Lombardi family—the one your husband annihilated. I am also the inheritor of the organization where your mother dedicated her life, and where you reluctantly pledged your service." He stooped down to my eye level, caressing my hair and coercing me to meet his gaze. "Maddie, your loyalty should rightfully belong to me, not your husband. I am the master, and your mother entrusted your life to our cause."My teeth clenched, confirming my instincts. Despite Marco's claims of wiping out the entire Lombardi clan, there was indeed one survivor—the heir, Ronan.Tightening my fist, I regretted not voicing my doubts to Marco that fateful night. Maybe, if I had, he would have taken precautions to ensure the annihilation of every last Lombardi, leaving no room for survivors.My thoughts came to a halt as Ronan slowly raised his hand towards the mask covering half of his face. He gently caressed it for a moment before slowly removing it.My eyes
As I searched for my staff, urgency tinged my every move. Failing to locate them promptly, I snatched the car keys, taking matters into my own hands. One of Marco's cars became my vehicle of choice.Observing my hurried driving, the house guard swiftly swung open the gate, his face a picture of astonishment. Yet, I brushed it off, too preoccupied for notice.With haste, I raced toward our residence, my heart pounding in sync with my accelerating car. Parking carelessly, I sprang out, eager to enter our house.The gate stood ajar, and an eerie calmness blanketed the surroundings. Ignoring any sense of sign, I swiftly crossed the threshold, ready to face whatever awaited me.The surroundings were dark, and there were no lights on. I called for helpers, but no one answered."Violet?" I called for my younger sister.I called her name several times until I heard Violet's voice."S-Sis, we're in the kitchen."Her voice was weak, and it was clear she was crying. I immediately went there, rea
Lucille had been discharged from the hospital, but her recovery demanded more rest. Both Marco and I eagerly wished for Lucille's complete recovery before she went back from her duties, so I shared his sentiments. It was important to ensure her well-being.Now, I found myself at the mall, fulfilling shopping obligations. Though I could have easily given these errands to the housemaids, I took the opportunity to tackle them myself, especially tasks of this nature. Shopping gives me the peace that I need right now."Renzo," I called out, asking for his help. Marco wasn't by my side, as he was abroad attending to Marcello and engaging in business endeavors. Rumors circulated that they were forging an alliance with the Grimaldi family from the Sicilian Mafia, and I trusted they were negotiating diligently.I've gained a deep understanding of their organizational dynamics. Marco emphasized the strategic advantage of forging alliances with different countries. Although I'm aware of their al
In recent days, I bore witness to my sister's endless pursuit of Renzo, and it was a spectacle that left me suspicious. Often, I would simply shake my head, unable to understand her behavior, and there were moments when I wished I could just close my eyes and spare myself the embarrassment of watching it unfold. Have you ever experienced secondhand embarrassment? It's that weird sensation where you feel the humiliation of someone else's actions, even though you were not the one responsible. That's precisely what I felt whenever Violet engaged in her attention-seeking antics in Renzo's presence.On one particular day, as I returned home from work, I found Violet slumped on the sofa, her face filled with dejection. She had been persistently pestering Renzo earlier, but now she seemed utterly defeated. Concern washed over me, and I swiftly took a seat beside her.Regardless of her misguided actions, I couldn't bear to witness Violet in such despair. It was as if her sadness reached beyon
Once Renzo had left, leaving just the two of us, I couldn't resist playfully pinching my sister's side. Her gaze, once filled with longing for Renzo, was now directed at me."Ouch, Sis! That actually hurt!" she protested, rubbing her side.Deep down, I knew there was more to Violet's visit than just my company."What's the real reason you're here, Violet? I have a feeling it's not solely about me."Sniffling, she glanced around nervously before tugging me towards the living room where we settled onto the sofa."Sis, it's about Renzo..." Her voice trailed off.I closed my eyes briefly, already understanding what her gaze had meant earlier.I offered her an empathetic smile. "Do you think he might have a girlfriend? And even if he doesn't, the age gap between you two is quite significant. Don't get your hopes up, Violet. Renzo is even older than me. He and Marco are practically the same age, just a few years apart.""Age is irrelevant, Sis!" She playfully nudged me. "Come on, lend me a