Chapter 11AnnalisaDays quickly went by before I could tell, but thankfully, I was allowed to take my bath and serve myself now. The only words Cristiano and I exchanged were basic greetings, that was if he was even home. Sometimes, I wouldn’t see him for the entire day, and when I would ask, the staff would mention that he was out, handling business. It felt so strange being married, but never feeling like a wife. I kept telling myself I needed to do something more, something that could help me regain control over my life.Soon, it was the start of a new week, and I decided it was time to get back to what I loved doing best—acting. I was done with hiding away, done with feeling sorry for myself. There were new projects casting announcements, and I had this determination to start auditioning again. I found some exciting opportunities online, as well as a few in the groups I was a part of as an actress. I took it as my chance to finally get back on my feet and take back what the scand
Chapter 12Cristiano This was going to be the last time I would be in a place like this. I told myself that numerous times as I stepped into the dimly lit booth of the nightclub. The air in the booth was thick with the scent of leather, weed, expensive whiskey, and the soft hum of conversation that couldn't be said in the open. My eyes scanned the place, already regretting the decision to leave the comfort of my home—my so-called honeymoon—for this meeting.Ricardo, my right-hand man, had insisted that I handled it personally. Giovanni had been stirring trouble again, going after every one of my clients, and spreading threats to scare them for partnering with me. Normally, I would have let it slide and dealt with it at my convenience, but this time was different. Mr. Cassano was a major client, and he was close to pulling out of our deal because of Giovanni’s constant intimidation. Ricardo wasn’t up to the task of reassuring Mr. Cassano that all will be well, so here I was.I stepped
Chapter 13Cristiano“Get up.” My voice came out sharp, filled with the impatience boiling inside me. The slut on my lap froze momentarily, cocking her head confused at my sudden change of mood.“What, you don’t like where I touch, Sir?” Her lips curled into a seductive smile, and her hands resumed their slow, deliberate path down my chest.“I won’t repeat it.” My voice was colder this time, and she got the message. She slowly took her hands back, and then she stood up with a puzzled look on her face. I could see her calculating whether this was her fault or something else entirely, but I didn’t care.Her touch did nothing but remind me of how far I had come from this life, how much I had fought to leave it behind. But even now, standing in this dimly lit booth, I could feel the temptation to go back to my old ways. I could feel the pull, the same pull that had destroyed men better than me. But I wasn’t about to lose it all for a few minutes of pleasure.I couldn’t picture the look on
Chapter 14Annalisa I arrived home after the audition, feeling like the weight of the whole world was on my shoulders. As I stepped inside, I expected to find the house as empty as I felt. But to my surprise, when I entered the living room, Cristiano was there. I froze in surprise, taken aback by how he was sitting on the couch with his legs crossed and eyes closed, looking as if he were meditating or as if he were in another world entirely. His sudden presence caught me off guard; I knew it was his house, but I had assumed he would be out clubbing again. That’s where he spent most of his nights lately, wasn’t it?I stood at the entrance for a moment, debating whether to say something, or not. I chose not to, eventually. Our relationship had been so awkward these past few days, and I wouldn't want the words that come out from me as a result of my anger to ruin it further. Without acknowledging him, I turned and walked toward the stairs, hoping to have a good night's rest in my bedroo
Chapter 15Cristiano Annalisa turned away from me at the last second. She pulled back, and my lips landed on her cheek instead of where they were supposed to. My hands that had tried to cup her face were now hanging in the hair, confused as to why Annalisa had withdrawn when she had been leaning into the kiss just moments ago. Or, hadn't she? “Cristiano, I-I didn’t mean to… em—” she stammered, trying to explain herself even when it didn't matter anymore.“It’s fine.” To my surprise, my voice came out steadier than I felt. I dropped my hands on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You must be tired. Go upstairs and freshen up.”She nodded without saying anything else, avoiding eye contact like she was scared of something, but what? Did she think I’d be mad about her pulling away? No, I wasn't mad at her, but disappointed? Yes, absolutely. Most women are dying to throw themselves at me, but Annalisa was different and I liked her for it. This wasn’t the first time she had held
Chapter 16Annalisa Cristiano was impossible. There was no other word for it. Sure, I appreciated that he cared for me, but his way of showing it was completely over the top. A part of me wanted to scream at him for meddling with my life, while there was this other part that knew that, deep down, he had done it because he cared for me.I sighed, tossing my phone onto the bed as a yawn escaped my mouth. It was a new morning. Another day to face the world, and another day to try my best. I knew it was going to be difficult securing acting roles without an agency. That was why I had made up my mind to sign with one today. A real one—not Cristiano pulling strings in the background, not someone helping me just because of his influence that was backing me.This was about me and my talent. I had to prove to the world that I could stand on my own.Cristiano had agreed to drop me off. He had some meetings today as well, so it worked out. I made him promise not to get involved in today’s procee
Chapter 17AnnalisaInstead of heading home, I noticed the bodyguard wasn’t taking the usual route. “Where are you taking me?” I asked, not knowing whether to panic or not as he bypassed the turn I expected him to take.“Boss asked me to drop you off where he’ll be meeting you.”“But we didn’t discuss meeting at anyplace” I said, trying to rethink whether I had forgotten something I had talked about with Cristiano.“It seems like he’s planning a surprise or something along those lines for you.” he replied in that burly but steady voice. Surprise? Cristiano was planning a surprise? That's a first. “I hear you, but I never got your name though.” Trust me, I wasn't thinking that extreme. I asked for his name just in case he was working with an enemy. And if he wasn't, it's never too bad to be familiar with my bodyguard.“It’s Buddy.” He smiled, glanced at me for a moment through the rearview mirror before turning his attention back to the road.As we drove down the city, I felt a flutter
Chapter 18Cristiano“I don’t get why you’re making a big deal out of this, Lisa. She’s harmless,” I said, trailing behind her as we entered the living room. Annalisa had suddenly called me like thirty minutes to the time I promised I'll be there, insisting that she wanted to go home. But when I asked why, she barely answered, all she repeated was that she wanted to go home. During the ride back home, she avoided any conversation I tried to bring up as she kept staring out the window in silence. It was only when we got to the front door of the house she finally opened up, unable to hold the frustration within her anymore.“How could you not tell me she was your past, Cristiano? Damn, I was all over her!” she blurted out, pulling her hair with a look of annoyance on her face.“Like you said, baby girl. Daniella is my past, and you are my present.” I tried to move closer, closing the gap between us, but she just backed away, avoiding my touch, and putting a distance between. This only
Chapter 41CristianoI sat on the cold floor outside Annalisa’s bedroom door, my head resting against the wall, feeling guilt eat me up. The crash of shattered plates from earlier and Annalisa's whispers from the sting of my actions still echoed in my mind, louder than any words she had thrown at me. I had crossed a line, even though it wasn’t my intention to hurt her like that. The image of her teary, devastated face burned behind my eyelids and I hated myself.I sighed heavily, rubbing my palms over my face. What the hell is wrong with me? I wanted to protect her, to guide her—never to break her like this. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was only my frustration over her movie role that had pushed me to the edge, or an entire reason else.I knocked again, soft but insistent on her door. “Babygirl… please open up,” I whispered, my voice thick with regret. “I promise it’ll never happen again. I’m really sorry, cara.”There was no response, only the faint sound of her sobs breaking thr
Chapter 40Annalisa The morning light streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the room as I sat alone at the breakfast table, stirring my coffee absentmindedly. The events of last night played over and over again in my mind. I could almost hear Cristiano's live words in my head, and each time I relived the memories, it stung even harder. I couldn’t shake the image of him walking away, leaving me alone in that thick silence. Even now, I felt that ache in my chest, reminding me quietly of how far we had grown apart.I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice his footsteps descending the stairs until the sound of his laughter echoed through the hallway. He seemed to be in a good mood today—relaxed, smiling, as if last night’s tension had never happened. Part of me wished I could let go of it as easily as he seemed to have, but it was impossible. How could he want a child out of a sudden? Cristiano strode up to me, still chuckling as he reached his hand out, his
Chapter 39Cristiano “Ah, Cristiano!” I almost sighed in relief as Annalisa finally moaned for the first time tonight since I started pounding inside her. For most of this intense moment, it felt like she had been somewhere else entirely, lost in thought. But now, as her hands gripped my back, pulling me close and steadying me to keep going, I thrust deeper, and deeper into her walls. Driven by her sudden intensity, we reached our climax together. I rolled off her, waiting for that usual, overwhelming pleasure to settle in. But tonight, a strange heaviness weighed on my chest me instead. I felt like I was being pulled, and Annalisa's silence only made things even more uncomfortable. “Are you okay?” I asked, brushing her hair back from her face as she lay in my arms. She nodded against my chest, but didn’t say anything. “Did I… did I do something wrong?” I pressed, searching through her eyes for any emotions beside the lost one in her eyes.“You were good. I’m just… tired,” she murm
Chapter 38AnnalisaThe revelation that Ronald was Giovanni’s father sent my mind spinning. I found it hard to accept it. Ronald’s wrinkled face, the sly grin he wore when he had sized me up… none of it matched the brooding, intense Giovanni I had known. But then I looked closer. Those thick, full eyebrows and the way both men had a subtle but penetrating stare; I couldn’t believe I hadn’t noticed it sooner. A chill ran through me as I tried to process it all.Before I could wrap my mind around this discovery, Cristiano’s gentle voice brought me back to reality. “How about we go home now, baby girl?” he suggested, his hand warm on my lower back. “What mattered was greeting the celebrant, we don’t have to stay till the end.”The look he gave me was reassuring, as if he knew exactly how disorienting this evening had become for me. He could see it in my eyes—the questions, the way I felt suddenly out of place. I turned to him, needing the solidness of his presence. “Do you have something
Chapter 37AnnalisaDespite the vibrant party atmosphere, with its dazzling lights, lively chatter, and stylish guests, I felt like an outcast in the midst of it all. Everyone seemed to flow effortlessly through the room, fitting into their roles, but I still felt like I was trying to remember my lines. Thankfully, Cristiano was by my side, his hand reassuringly wrapped around mine as he squeezed gently. Every now and then, he would flash me a look that said he knew I could do this—and as strange as it felt, I believed him.Cristiano handed me a glass of juice while holding an Irish whiskey for himself, the amber liquid catching the lights as he took a small sip. His confidence radiated like a shield, and it helped calm the nerves simmering inside me. We made our way through the crowd to the host of the party, an older man Cristiano introduced as his late Uncle's friend. He was seated on a plush golden sofa, draped in a tuxedo that seemed as worn as it was fine.Beside him sat his you
Chapter 36AnnalisaThe fashion house felt like stepping into another world, all sleek dresses and luxurious fabrics draped over mannequins that poised perfectly. Soft music played in the background, and everything smelled faintly of rose and something musky that I couldn’t quite place. The staff was polite, almost overly so, treating me as though I was some precious, delicate material they couldn’t afford to mishandle.I tried to put on a calm face as they fluttered around me, asking for my measurements and directing me toward the changing area. Cristiano watched me from a few steps away, his eyes lingering on my every move. His gaze felt heavy, almost possessive, and I couldn’t help but smile to myself.One of the assistants held up a navy-blue gown, her eyes lighting up as she explained its details. “This one would suit you perfectly, Mrs. Morano,” she said, practically beaming as she handed it to me.The fabric was cool and silky to the touch, and as I ran my fingers over it, I co
Chapter 35CristianoDamn it, the day had gone far too well for things to turn sour now. I noticed the shift in Annalisa’s mood almost immediately. The way she avoided my eyes, the quiet, distant responses… they were enough to make it obvious that my words had hit a sore spot in her. It had felt satisfying moments ago when I reminded her about the boundaries she needed to remember—but now, as I watched her in silence on the drive to the fashion house, I had to admit that I was worried.I told myself she would get over it; after all, Annalisa ought to know better. But there was this voice in my head—this melancholic voice told me I had done wrong by reminding her right after we had a mind-blowing fuck. Now, she barely looked in my direction. Annalisa was very lost in her own deep thoughts, staring out the window, and refusing to talk.When we pulled up in front of the fashion house that had a luxurious high-rise with its name glittering in gold letters, I took a moment to collect mysel
Chapter 34AnnalisaWeeks Later…After a lot of applause and handshakes, the day finally came to an end. I was standing close to the parking lot outside the theater, counting every second as I waited for him. Today had been exhilarating; it was the last day of filming, and everything had gone perfectly. But what really made my heart race throughout the day was knowing that Cristiano would be the one to take me home tonight.I kept glancing around the parking lot, barely able to contain the excitement bubbling in me until finally, I saw his car pull up close to me. My chest tightened in that familiar way when I saw him step out of the car with a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he caught sight of me. Once he came over, Cristiano greeted me with a quick peck on my cheek, and I couldn’t resist wrapping my arms around him to pull him close.“How was your last day of filming, superstar?” he murmured, his fingers running through my hair in a way that made me feel cherished
Chapter 33CristianoAnnalisa saw that side of me she shouldn't have. I might have shown that broken part of me to Daniella, but Annalisa… it was especially her that shouldn't have seen me that way. I was meant to be her protector, the strong and unbreakable Don she would always look up too. But I had failed, and she had been there to watch me that way.When I woke up to see her curled up on her couch at midnight, I knew at once that she must have fallen asleep while looking after me like I was some pitiful baby. After transferring her into her bed, I made sure to avoid any area close to her.Thinking she would still be asleep, I finally decided to see the morning light, so I stepped downstairs. But when our eyes met, I felt ashamed. I couldn't face her; every glance she had thrown at me felt like she could see through the crack holes in me that I was trying to patch.Now that I stood in the garden, trying to clear my head, Annalisa called out my name. She had followed me; Annalisa wa