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
"Ahh, Marco!" My upper body lifted from the chair because he kept pleasuring me."Do you like me playing with your wet pussy? How was it, Maddie? You got excited, didn't you? While you were conversing with my secretary, the thought of being caught turned you on. Wasn't it thrilling?"I couldn't answer his barrage of questions, and all that escaped my lips were moans."You, dirty girl. My naughty and dirty wife."Marco withdrew his fingers just as I was about to climax. He lifted my legs, spreading them wide. He brought his mouth close to my pussy and his tongue caressed my folds.I clutched his head and called his name loudly. I pressed his face even closer, intensifying my release."Ahh!"I was panting heavily after my climax, my eyes closed, and I struggled to catch my breath.Marco stood up and leaned on the table, watching me catch my breath. I was tired, but I noticed him licking his lips, which were glistening because of me.I felt a rush of heat when I saw how enticing he looke
"When did my father discuss your ascension to the CEO role? Considering how quickly he passed it on to you, I assume it was some time ago," I asked, meeting his gaze. His usual cold expression persisted, a sight that once frightened me. However, given our intertwined history, I had grown accustomed to it. Marco may be ruthless towards others, especially those he deemed as threats or enemies, but he treated me differently. I couldn't jump to conclusions, but there was a discernible distinction in his demeanor.I didn't entertain the possibility of him having feelings for me or experiencing emotions. It seemed unlikely since he didn't seem capable of such sentiments. Still, I was satisfied. What truly mattered to me was how he saw me and how safe I felt whenever Marco was around. He had a calming effect on my turbulent emotions, much like Poseidon taming the ocean."He stipulated that I would assume control of the company once I became your husband," I nodded. During that time, our fin
Marco's avoidance of discussing the cafeteria incident made it difficult for me to ask about his true feelings of jealousy. As we prepared to meet with a designer, my mind was preoccupied with his earlier remark, causing me to miss important details.Curiosity prompted me to ask, "Where are we going?" However, Marco simply replied, "We're going to a Gala," providing no further explanation or context.Upon arriving at the designer recommended by his mother, I couldn't help but feel like I was under close scrutiny. The Moretti women had been patronizing this establishment for generations, despite my previous mention of having connections elsewhere. Donning a burgundy dress with a plunging neckline and an overskirt, I chose this color to enhance my skin tone, a decision that the designer also confirmed."Mrs. Moretti, your physique is stunning! I am confident that my masterpiece will suit you perfectly," the designer exclaimed, applauding me. I simply smiled, unsure of how to accept com
Upon rising from my chair, I felt inclined to explore the venue and potentially engage in socializing. I eventually found myself standing at the bar, contemplating which cocktail to select. Amidst my decision-making, a fragment of conversation caught my attention."Could it be Walter Arellano's daughter?" an unfamiliar voice speculated.The words echoed through my mind and instantly halted my cocktail selection process."Oh my goodness! I overheard that her father supposedly traded her to the Jenkins family, but when the Jenkins faced financial ruin, they then sold her off to the Morettis. Such a desperate maneuver. But I suppose it's unsurprising, considering their company was on the verge of collapse," the speaker shared, bundled with a hint of remorse.I kept my jaw tense, deliberately avoiding eye contact. I feigned indifference, refusing to acknowledge their attempts to grab my attention. They craved the opportunity to flaunt my father's misdeeds in my face, but I wouldn't grant
Everyone was in a state of panic. Marco quickly pulled me aside, making sure I was safe. A waiter was holding a woman hostage. I stuck close to Marco, fearing that the hostage-taker might consider shooting us."M-Marco, should we do something?" I asked, holding his arm and looking at him. "Save her—""Not my job," he tersely replied, checking his wristwatch while I struggled to believe what he just said.The hostage-taker was still in the middle threatening the people around him when he suddenly collapsed to the ground, releasing the woman. The rapid turn of events was so swift that if I hadn't seen the blood on the hostage-taker's head, I wouldn't have believed he was dead.I found myself visibly pale as I gazed at the lifeless man, his eyes hauntingly open. Marco instinctively covered my eyes to shield me from the disturbing sight. When I looked at him, it became apparent that he had been observing me for quite some time.My attention shifted to Marco's cousins, particularly when Ga
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