I tightly held onto my hand, feeling the pain. Throughout the day, I had been handling different types of guns under Martina's guidance. Her training methods were unusual, characterized by relentless intensity, as if there was an impending deadline. In reality, there was one — Martina had committed to train me only during her one-month stay in the country before leaving again.I vividly remember the day I approached Martina for assistance. She questioned me skeptically, "Are you sure?" Her challenge was evident. "I didn't suggest you change for my brother; I'm only telling you what I've observed and noticed.""I understand, Martina. It's valuable that you shared your observations with me. It made me realize that maybe I don't naturally fit into Marco's world. So, I contemplated a way to belong. If you can impart all the necessary knowledge to me, I'm willing to do whatever it takes and fully embrace your teachings."After much contemplation, I decided to visit Martina's house. Althoug
"It's not about doubting your abilities, Maddie. My concern lies in your tendency to act recklessly without properly assessing the danger. You have a tendency to rush into situations, confident that you can protect yourself. But it's not about your ability to protect yourself; it's about not putting yourself in unnecessarily dangerous situations." Marco released a deep sigh, though his expression appeared unchanged, giving the impression of lingering anger. "If you can promise me that you'll refrain from involving yourself in life-threatening situations, I'm willing to support your training. I'll even take part in monitoring and facilitating it alongside Martina.” My face lit up with surprise. This was an unexpected turn of events. I never anticipated Marco offering to assist with my training, especially considering everything he had said to me before.I raised my hand in agreement, assuring Marco with a heartfelt "I promise!" The wave of emotions overwhelmed me, prompting me to appr
We arrived at his home, relieved to find that it was still in their possession."Thank you for the ride, Maddie. Please, come inside. I'll prepare some food," he offered."Oh, there's really no need—""Come on, Maddie. We rarely get to see each other, and now you're refusing me? Consider it a way for me to show my gratitude for your earlier help. Your gesture might seem small, but I genuinely appreciate it."I bid farewell to the guards who remained outside, not joining us inside the house. Since I was already there, I decided to visit Aunt Aurora. She was still asleep upon my arrival, but I was glad to hear she was feeling better.Carson and I made our way to the living room, where a spread of food awaited us."It's comforting to see that some of our loyal staff members have chosen to stay by our side, despite the challenges we're facing," Carson commented.As I took a sip of my juice, I expressed empathy towards Carson. "Do you still not have any idea why all of this has happened to
I'm feeling suffocated, unable to breathe. My attempts to open my eyes prove worthless; they won't budge. Please, someone, help me! This situation feels like a recurring dream, one I've experienced before but now it's happening again.My surroundings are shrouded in pitch darkness, robbing me of vision. However, various loud noises invade my ears, painting a chaotic scene. Amidst the confusion, I can discern distinctive sounds - gunshots, a girl's anguished cries, and the crashing of something hitting the ground. Shattering objects join the symphony, further deepening my sense of disorientation. While some of these sounds feel familiar, others remain unfamiliar, leaving me unsure if I've ever lived through this dream in reality.My struggles intensify as I fight to breathe and break free from invisible chains that immobilize my body. Fear grips me tightly as the impenetrable darkness offers no solace, leaving me on edge.I heard the sound of approaching footsteps, and in my fear, tear
I have been abiding by Marco's wishes, but we haven't been communicating. This situation has left me feeling resentful, as if Marco doesn't trust my ability to look after myself. It's as though he believes I'll encounter danger at every turn and end up in a catastrophe as soon as I step out of the house. Feeling trapped indoors, I find myself with nothing to occupy my time. Even when I do manage to go out, I require Marco's approval, and once granted, I'm accompanied by a swarm of bodyguards. The level of security I have sometimes makes me feel like I exceed that of the First Lady. Consequently, I often lose my motivation to venture outside. This has been the state of affairs for an entire week, and despite occasional conversations with Marco, we find ourselves in a cold war of sorts. Even my training sessions have shifted to being carried out within the confines of my home. It's different when emotions come into play; it affects the accuracy of my aim, causing each bullet to consiste
The evening was filled with laughter, storytelling, drinks, and a touch of sentimentality. That's how our night unfolded. In addition to Marco, Violet, and Aunt Mildred, I'm grateful for the friends who have stood by me during the most difficult moments of my life."Sophia mentioned that your husband doesn't want to have children. Is that really the case, Madison?" Alec's words were slurred, indicating her tipsiness."Yes, it's true," I responded. "But Marco must have his reasons.""What could his reasons be? Why does he choose to withhold his lineage and deprive me of adorable godchildren?"Sophia burst into laughter at Alec's comment and playfully tapped his arm."This girl is already intoxicated!" Sophia grabbed the drink from Alec, but he was still reluctant to quit."Don't take my glass, you bitch!" he slurred, clearly becoming drowsy."Stop it! You'll be driving later; listen to Sophia. I intervened to help Sophia take the drink away from Alec because he appeared heavily intoxic
The journey with Marco remained silent. I couldn't resist pinching my hand as a reminder to express my gratitude for his significant gesture towards Alec.As the car halted at a red traffic light, I took a deep breath, gathering the courage to address Marco."Thank you," I whispered, attempting to avoid meeting his eyes, but eventually succumbing to their pull. "I know you went out of your way to help Alec.""He means a lot to you, Maddie, and I'm always ready to assist those who are important to you. You don’t have to thank me," Marco replied.His words moved me deeply, causing my lips to quiver. I longed to reconcile with Marco, wondering why it took me so long to initiate this conversation.As the car resumed its movement, it unexpectedly came to a halt again at the roadside, catching me off guard. Now, only Marco and I remained, stranded in the middle of the street.I gazed out the window, pondering our location when suddenly, Marco's chilly hand reached out to touch mine. Startle
As I rubbed my tired eyes, I immediately noticed the comforting weight of Marco's arm resting on my stomach. Despite just waking up, a smile formed on my lips. The events that transpired after I drifted off to sleep last night were a mystery to me, but judging from my current attire, Marco had even taken the time to dress me when we arrived home.Beside me, Marco peacefully slept, his handsome face exuding tranquility. I had the urge to gently touch his face, but I hesitated, not wanting to disturb his slumber. It was a rare sight to see Marco sleeping next to me or to have the opportunity to admire his face in such serenity. Typically an early riser, it puzzled me even more that he remained by my side.I cherished the feeling of being held like this by him. It seemed that these days, my recurring nightmares had ceased to haunt me. Deep down, my subconscious recognized that I was secure in Marco's embrace and had no cause for fear.As Marco began to awaken, a wide smile painted itself
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