He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered, "I know everything you did, Bertha." His breath was warm against my skin, making me shudder. "Every little scheme, every careful plan. But don't worry..." He paused, and I could hear the smile in his voice as he continued, "I won't
Yaakov’s grand ballroom glittered with enough crystal and gold to make my fucking eyes burn with irritation, or maybe that was just the tension headache building behind my temples. Yaakov's hand pressed firmly against my lower back as he guided me through the crowd, his touch both possessive and pro
"I'm afraid I'll have to counter that offer, Mr. Henderson." Roman's voice was smooth as silk, but there was steel underneath. "I'd like a word with my stepmother, if you don't mind." The way he said 'stepmother' made my skin crawl – it dripped with barely concealed contempt. Mr. Henderson's jovial
BERTHA I woke up feeling dizzy and confused. My head was pounding as I opened my eyes and tried to figure out where I was. The room slowly came into focus - it was nice, with light walls and dark furniture, but I didn't recognize it at all. There was a big red chair in the corner that caught my eye
AMELIA Days passed faster after that conversation with Roman, each hour weighted with unspoken words and promises hanging in the air. His vow to tell me everything in a week's time echoed in my thoughts, competing with the endless questions that plagued my mind. Jessica had been there to witness
"Now there's an idea!" His enthusiasm was almost infectious. "You know, it's pretty ridiculous that we're neighbors and barely see each other. What kind of friendship is this?" "The modern kind," I teased, feeling lighter than I had in days. "Where we live five minutes apart but need to schedule ti
AMELIA I stood there in my kitchen, Roman's words about Bertha echoing in my head like a twisted melody. The revelation sparked something deep within me—a realization that hit with the force of a tidal wave. For years, I'd been playing the part of the accommodating sister, the dutiful daughter, con
AMELIA The grand double doors of my father's house loomed before me, its familiar design now seemed more like a joke to me. How many times had I prayed to be out of these walls, no never have a reason to return here yet, herr I was, heat burning with fury. I wanted to burn the place down to the gro
"I swear," she laughed, her voice filling the car with warmth, "if he could bubble-wrap me and the baby, he would." I couldn't help but smile, watching her face light up as she talked about her husband. "He's just nervous. First-time dad and all that." "Oh, speaking of nervous," she grinned, tur
AMELIA Morning sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of my bedroom, casting warm patches across my chilly sheets. I should have felt lighter, triumphant even. The family was finally under control, the threats neutralized, and the Guerrero name secure. Yet as I lay there, staring up at the ce
The color drained from their faces so quickly it was almost comical. Uncle Stefano actually tugged at his collar, while Uncle Paolo seemed to sink further into his chair. "Ricardo made his choice," Uncle Marco said, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity despite his obvious fear. "We are mere
AMELIA The meeting wasn't one I was looking forward to but it was something I had to get done. Something that I hoped would remind me of all the reasons why I was in Italy. All the reasons why I became a completely different person. I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, taking in ho
AMELIA TWO YEARS LATER… I was twenty-seven years old, younger than my mother was when she had me, and five years older than she was when my grandfather entrusted the Guerrero family's responsibility to her. Despite trying my best not to think about her, everything I did, everywhere I walked in It
"And sitting back and doing nothing is better?" My voice rose, a mixture of frustration and desperation. "I'm tired of being the victim. Tired of being passed around like a piece of property, like something to be traded and bartered." His blue eyes flashed. "I would never let that happen to you aga
AMELIA Why was I so hesitant? I had been sure of my choices, I had accepted that it was what I really wanted and what I needed. But sitting here, with his head on my shoulder and his eyes looking so distant, I couldn't bring myself to say a word. Nothing. “Amy?” “Hm?” Roman raised his hea
Hi! Its me Dchenemi but you already know that lol. I want to thank you for sticking with this book this far and answer a few questions. Firstly O would like to apologize for the lack of updates, I have ongoing exams and I'm unable to focus on writing while the pressure of getting good grades are
AMELIA My mother had always told me I was destined for great things, and at some point in my life, I thought it was being a well-established painter or perhaps a tycoon like she wished to be. But now I realized what she truly meant. No matter how much she had tried to escape it, her past still cau