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7. Home Sweet
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2024-12-07 02:46:25Related chapters
The Don's Runaway Bride 8. Let's go to Slovenia
I had just finished a virtual business meeting with Hollis Genovese, one of my soon to be allies, explaining to him why we should shift our supposed physical meeting to a much later time with an excuse that had nothing to do with me running around the world in search of my bride.Edoardo stepped into my room with a frown. He slumped onto one of the sofas then looked at me. “No luck yet.” He said.We’ve been trying to find where Aria could have possibly lodged, but so far, nothing. She followed a public bus to a college bus stop and that is all we know. I started tapping my table, thinking of what to do. Maybe I should go on a shooting spree. If I kill her father and stepmother, maybe that will force her out of hiding. Or maybe I should kidnap her step sister since they are very close.I was still contemplating the best option amongst the two when my cell phone buzzed. “Yes?” I answered gruffly. “Pietro.” A voice called and a chilly sense of calm washed over my body. It was her.
Last Updated : 2024-12-07The Don's Runaway Bride 9. She Dies
Barely four hours later, I jogged down the steps of my private jet and set foot on the tarmac at the Slovenian Airport. I was accompanied by Edoardo, a pissed Giancarlo, and four other men Carlo insisted I bring for manpower.His suggestion made sense, so I accepted. The extra people will definitely be useful in actually tracking Aria down faster. Immediately, we got to Dolgovãske Gorice, the small village that housed the Vinaruim tower; I felt Aria's presence. She was here. But we needed to locate which house. Our first start was hotels and shortlet apartments. I knew she was here. I could feel it in my bones. The tension in my body has even increased in tempo. .Edoardo walked up to me. I arched my brow, a silent way of asking him if he had any update for me."Augusta Miller is lodged there." He pointed at an almost dilapidated-looking motel at a farther side of the road. "We showed the lady behind the desk Aria's picture and with a little monetary convi
Last Updated : 2024-12-08The Don's Runaway Bride 10. Soft and Sweet? No.
Aria didn't return to the motel. Her belongings remained in her room, which I spent the night in. I ransacked her room, and all she had with her was a small box that contained just the basics. A few pieces of underwear, a head tie, a mini bottle of deodorant and perfume, and some wads of cash. By morning, it became obvious that she knew of our presence at the motel, and she was staying away, or so I thought until I stepped outside the motel and immediately felt her absence. It was like a visceral feeling. I just knew she wasn't here anymore. I felt it in my bones and it made me worry. She wasn't with her cards; how would she cope since she left most of her money at home? If she ran again, does she even have enough money on her? I was still worrying myself sick about her welfare when my phone buzzed. Aria called again. "Amore Mio." I rasped out, holding my phone a bit too tight to my ear. "Pietro... Why can't you leave me alone?" She asked. The strain and tiredness in her voice
Last Updated : 2024-12-08The Don's Runaway Bride 11. Giancarlo
We started heading out immediately while I pulled out my phone and summoned my men. Giancarlo was the first to arrive at the scene. "Should I get the jet ready to take us back to Queensland?" He asked. "No, not yet." His entire body tensed at my reply. "I’m not going back until I find her." Carlo didn't say a word immediately. He simply shook his head as if telling himself he shouldn't keep quiet. "Some people would question your focus, Capo. This girl, Aria, she doesn't want the union. Why don't you let her be and get settled with a girl that wants to be with you?"I prowled towards him, my movements as dangerous as a panther. Standing less than a foot away from him, I urged him in a daring tone, "Repeat what you just said.""Pietro, you know what I'm trying to-"I grabbed him by the collar and jerked him violently towards me, cutting off his words. He dropped his gaze in surrender, one of the few sane decisions he’d made since Aria's disappearance.
Last Updated : 2024-12-09The Don's Runaway Bride 12. It's Game Over
I shrugged. “Ruthlessness is a great character. You taught me that.” Carlo’s lips twitched in a small smile. It was obvious that he seemed proud of himself. “Aria is in Switzerland. I need eyes on there before we arrive.” “What are we looking for?” Carlo asked.“Any acquaintance of hers over there and why the hell she chose Switzerland out of all the places she could have run to. Also, check for any rich friend of hers that have the funds and capability to make Aria disappear without breaking a sweat. I need to find the stupid boy helping her.” I replied.“It could be a lady that...” He kept shut when he spotted my glare.“Transfer some money into all of her bank accounts. I don’t know the one she currently has access to. But I don’t want her going broke when I don’t even know where she is.” I ordered.Carlo nodded and stepped up to me. He clapped me on the shoulder. The tension between us gone as quickly as it appeared. “I’ll get it done.” He said. “
Last Updated : 2024-12-09The Don's Runaway Bride 13. Ex-details
EDUARDO’S POV.I had just ended a call with my brother when I overheard a commotion behind the doors of his office. Before I could make head or tail of the words being said, the office door got pushed in, making me cussed insanely at whoever it was.“Who the fuck are you and how dare...” I went into silence when I saw the intruder, Susie, Aria’s best friend. That’s strange considering the fact that I shot her barely a week ago. She still has her arm bandaged, but what the hell is she doing here?Angelo, one of the men who rushed in with her, attempted to pull her out of the office, and I sneered. Wasn’t he outside there when she pushed into my temporary office? Pietro’s men are really in need of some tactical ass-whooping.“Calmati Angelo (Calm down, Angelo). I’ve got this. Rilassati, rilassati (Relax, relax).” I told him and pointed him out of my office.I am in a fucking bad mood. My brother is going soft, all thanks to Aria goddamn Kostas,
Last Updated : 2024-12-10The Don's Runaway Bride 14. Got You
ARIA'S POV.The past few days have been beautiful for me. My childhood friend Celia took me into her home without questions asked. With her divorce proceedings underground and the loss of her baby, it turned out that she needed me as much as I needed her. My presence uplifted her and brought her some peace and calm.After two days of absolute peace, I finally began to settle. Celia proposed a job at one of the bookshops her friend owns and I couldn't help but accept instantly. As a kid, she had always been a lover of dress-ups and fashions, and she pursued her dreams. Now she owns a little cosmetics brand. I've always been the speaker; I read a lot, and I was great with communication and speeches. I ended up as a professor of English. Chasing dreams... I had more dreams that I wanted to chase. I want to build a school for the less privileged kids in Queensland. I also want to build a standard skills acquisition center for kids who are talented in crafts a
Last Updated : 2024-12-10The Don's Runaway Bride 15. I Do
His hand relaxed a bit, allowing me to finally breathe, and then he nodded. His men backed away from Celia. Next, we were heading outside. Celia was brave enough to still follow us behind. When she saw the Limo that pulled up to the front of her apartment. She gasped, "Who the hell are you and where are you taking my friend?" I offered her a thin smile, praying she would go back inside so that Pietro wouldn't change his mind. Celia took one look at the Limo and shook her head. "I’m not leaving you with these men. I don't know them and who sent them. They should just kidnap the both of us." Jesus! I need her to go back inside before Pietro loses all patience and slit her throat. Already, his fingers were drumming against the side of my neck, rapping impatiently over my pulse point. "He’s not..." I hesitated, my gaze trailing over to meet Celia's. "He’s not a kidnapper," I admitted. A rumble from deep within Pietro's chest erupted into the silence and pulled my attention back to
Last Updated : 2024-12-11
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The Don's Runaway Bride 69. Stockholm Syndrome
He was expecting me to just hand my phone to him. I was aware of what would happen to me if I refused to give him the phone. But as shameful as it may sound, I wanted that. I’ve been craving it ever since Steve took me away from him. To put my want in motion, I shot out of my seat, my purse firmly clutched in my hand, I started heading toward the restrooms in the back. He chased after me and caught me halfway down. My purse fell to the ground, and I let out a false cry. He captured my wrists in one hand and easily tied them together with his necktie. Then he took out my cell phone and dropped it on the floor, squashing it several times and shattering it in the process. "You idiot. I bought that phone barely three weeks ago." I howled. "Oh so sad," He faked out. "Do you want to cry now?" Goddammit, I was wet for this man. Even his cruel words turned me on so fucking much. I'm damaged!Suddenly, he bent my arms painfully and steered me down to a co
The Don's Runaway Bride 68. Airborne
I shook my head. "No. I can’t live like this, Pietro. You need to let me out of this car, now. You need to let me live my life."I grabbed at the door handle, but of course, it was locked. "I can’t. It’s not safe out there for you. I lost a couple of my men when Steve attacked our home. The backup that came fast enough were killed too. I'm trying to build up enough defense to shield us for the time being, until we track Steve down.""Kidnapping me again isn't the solution." I reasoned."I'm not kidnapping you, Amore. I let you go because I knew you needed that time away. Both of us do. Now I've realized my mistakes and I'm going to right all my wrongs. It's a promise."A wave of ice crashed over me. "So, you're not letting me go? We can't end this sham of a marriage?""Not if I'm still alive, Amore.""Then I'll kill you.""That sounds refreshing. But baby I promise you, I'm going to change. I'll work hard to earn your love and trust again. But I can't let you let you go." He grabbed m
The Don's Runaway Bride 67. Time To Come Home
The night was close to the worse ones I always had in that shitty cell in Pietro's home. I barely slept all through. I kept waking up, checking the windows and the doors for any sign of a break-in.Finally, it was morning and I barely slept up to an hour. Once Celia left to check her new space and made me promise to go with her to see the space tomorrow, I pulled on bootcut jeans and a knitted top. And pushed Pietro's ring into my finger to help scare away randy men. I'd removed it when I got to the airport in Queensland. Then I tucked my taser and pepper spray in my purse, and managed to fit in three pocket knives: one in my purse, the second inside my boot, and the third was clutched together with my purse since it was customized to look like a cute key holder.With shaking hands, I scribbled a note for Celia and dropped about ten thousand dollars for her beside the note. I told her how grateful I was for everything she’d done for me and promised that I'd be back soon and I was onl
The Don's Runaway Bride 66. Leaving
I almost drowned, almost!But Max held me up and let out a silly crackle of laughter that I was forced to join him while scanning my eyes around, trying not to look too obvious. I saw nothing; no one seemed out of place. I guess I didn't have the capacity to decipher these sorts of things.After a while, I asked, "Did Pietro send you?" He smiled, so sweet, so calm like we were two innocent kids with absolutely nothing to worry about. "Angelo sent me." He replied."What?" I mouthed. "That's crazy." He nodded in agreement. "But why? How? I mean..." I paused. "All of this seems like a coincidence. You own a grocery store, and you just opened a lovely restaurant on Bristen.""Your friend, we've been keeping an eye on her." That was all he said."Why?" I repeated."My family just struck a business deal with Pietro Eppolito." He replied, directing me on how to stabilize my floating technique. "It's a long story and time's short. I'm going to call out a number for you and you have to do wel
The Don's Runaway Bride 65. The Revelation
Dressed in a simple sundress, myself, Celia and a couple of the friends she'd made overtime were seated at a table for six. Still not completely ready to be seen, I'd settled for the barest minimum; a simple black tweed dress and black flats. I had no jewelry or makeup on, and my hair was pulled in a not-so-complimentary ponytail. I wanted to be invisible. It was the first time I’d actually been out to socialize with people since I escaped Steve and Pietro... Almost an hour later, we were working our way through desert while listening to cool music. I had started relaxing when I suddenly felt a strange prickle of danger. I scanned the room, looking for Pietro, Giancarlo, Steve, or any figure that could suggest danger. I didn't see any. The host came over to greet us and my chocolate cake got stuck somewhere in my throat. It was the guy that followed me from the grocery store a couple of days ago. The very one that couldn't just let me be. He flashed a sweet smile my way. "Hi, st
The Don's Runaway Bride 64. The Monster In My Head
ARIA'S POV.Over the next couple of days, I found myself moving in a sort of haze. Celia was making inquiries about the area and the possibility of starting up a small beauty brand.The plan was to start up small and save the rest of the money for rainy days. Each time I tried to offer her a large chunk of the cash I had on me, she would blatantly reject it. So, I went ahead to stuck up the house with groceries and got a new phone since I discarded the burner phone Pietro gave me. The phone didn't leave the airport with me. I flushed it down one of the toilets at the airport.My life over the past couple of days was to wake up, bathe, eat, and browse the internet for notable schools and some of their openings that would allow me to study online and still bag a good cert.My body used this opportunity to heal a little more every day. I even put some weight back on. I watched TV, exercised, and read books every single day. On days when she's not meeting up with a business advisor, Ce
The Don's Runaway Bride A peaceful retirement
PIETRO'S POV."You let her leave, why?" Edoardo asked me.I shrugged, "I'm trying to be better. I can't keep her against her will. However, I'm keeping an eye on her. She's safe." I replied."You're sure that's the right thing to do?" He asked, giving me that quizzical stare that got me instantly pissed. "Are you going to keep asking about my wife or would you at least ask why I sent for you?" I shot at him."Goddammit, Pietro. What's eating you up?"I hissed and looked at the window, seeking to direct my gaze anywhere else but at him. "Where the fuck is Carlo?" I asked him."He's making sure the last of the hostages we released from Steve Amati's warehouse get to their homes in one piece. Why did you send for me though? I've made no progress with Amati's whereabouts if that's your reason for sending for me." I shook my head. "That's not all," I told him. "Roberto Kostas..." I paused. Snagging an almost empty glass of martini on my home office table, I gulped it down hurriedly and
The Don's Runaway Bride 62. Creating Memories
ARIA'S POV.When I arrived with my luggage, Celia was waiting for me at the airport premises. It had been almost four months since I set my eyes on her, and she looked way thinner but still very much pretty.As she drove us into a small brick apartment, I blinked at the simplicity and comfort of the neighborhood. "I can't believe you'll ever choose to live in a country home," I told her.She smiled. "Desperate times, Aria."We stepped down from the car and I pulled out my box from the back seat. "But you said Zachary signed the papers and he didn't make a fuss. So why leave Zurich?""To start a new life." She replied. "I'd always planned to move to another City or county after the divorce. Also, I ran into someone that made my move, quicker"She said, but paused, "I ran into someone from my past.""Who?""Giuseppe. You remember him, don't you?""The mystery guy you used to talk about all the time. You said you guys broke up." I repl
The Don's Runaway Bride 61. Letting her go
In response, I stroked her arm, my fingers trailing soft lines over her skin. "I was out of my fucking mind when I thought you were going to die. I just knew I wouldn't be able to function without you." I told her and she slumped into my arms, all the fight gone out of her. Her head rested on my shoulder, and she sobbed until my shirt became damp with her tears. "My God, I'm a complete mess. And it's all because of you." She sobbed. "What have you done to me? I can’t stop thinking about you. I hate it. You’ve invaded my mind, and I can’t get rid of you." Beautiful warmth spread through me. I'd been praying so hard that she still felt something for me. Something, anything at all. And hearing her say the words had me riling with excitement. "You’ll come home with me, Amore. We’ll make this work, together." She sat up and moved away from me, but I held onto her arm. "I'm not going back to that house with you. No." Her voice was hoarse. "I'm going on my ow
