Andrey. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, her face flushed with emotion mirroring the fiery hue of her eyes. In the midst of my panic, I couldn't help but notice how adorable she looked when upset, but panic had consumed me entirely. "She's just a friend from my childhood," I hurriedly explained, feeling the weight of Tammy's actions and the impending confrontation that awaited her. I vowed to address her behavior later and demand an explanation for her audacity in intruding upon this moment. "Then why the fuck is she behaving as if you two are fucking every single day?" Hazel exclaimed, her anger palpable. It was a level of fury I had never witnessed from her before.I stood there, my heart pounding against my ribcage, as Hazel's accusations pierced the air like shards of glass. "Hazel, you've honestly got it all wrong," I said, my voice pleading for understanding. "Tammy's nothing to me but a friend and a sister."But she wouldn't hear it. Her eyes blazed with anger, fuel
Hazel. I'm really pissed with myself because I keep checking my phone over and over again, hoping for a call or a text, but nothing ever shows up. It's already past three in the afternoon, and there's still no sign of any contact. I let out a heavy sigh, setting the phone down on the table and covering my face with my hands. I can't shake the feeling that my own harshness might have driven him away. And he was probably telling the truth. I want to believe that he is, yet I've been stubborn, refusing to listen to his pleas."He'll probably come back eventually, they always do," Ann tries to reassure me, gently rubbing my back. I glance at her, trying to appear calm even though my heart feels like it's in chaos."What do you mean? Are you saying I'm worried about Andrey not showing up today?" I ask, even though it's exactly what's been bothering me. She raises an eyebrow, indicating that she knows I'm fretting because of him. I scoff and quickly look away before she can see the mayhem
Andrey. It took me a whole week to persuade her to go out with me. I didn't mind how many days it took. I'm just happy she agreed to meet me. Jayden kept calling me names like coward and fool, but I brushed it off. Anything related to Hazel never bothers me. I'm usually not a patient person, but when it involves her, everything seems calm and serene.Being with her brings a kind of calmness I never imagined experiencing. Sure, she can be stubborn at times, but I see the incredible person she is, and I often make things challenging for her. Even as she keeps her distance, she remains patient with me. I can feel her care for me, and it means the world. I admire how she's uninterested in my wealth, even though I want to shower her with everything I have. I'm willing to sacrifice it all for Hazel. She's a precious gift I refuse to let slip away, so I'll go to any lengths to win her love.As I stand in the dimly lit dining room of S Pastries, I can't help but feel a surge of nervous excit
Hazel. My nerves were on edge, my palms sweaty, and my heart racing a mile a minute. "I'm not going," I declared, sinking back onto the edge of the bed, arms folded tightly. Ann shot me a puzzled look, her head tilted in curiosity. "Not going where?" she asked, approaching me with concern evident in her eyes. She was already dressed for work, still assisting Amanda as her trusty assistant. Sitting beside me, she wrapped an arm around my shoulders, offering comfort. Leaning into her embrace, I rested my head on her shoulder. "I just don't feel...right," I confessed, uncertainty clouding my thoughts. "It's like...this isn't what I want. Like it's not enough...""Not enough? Seriously? You're the creative director of Palm Angels! That's incredible!" Ann interjected, her voice filled with disbelief. I chuckled softly, acknowledging her point. "You're right," I conceded with a sigh. "But then what is it?" Ann prodded, her gaze searching mine."Andrey," I murmured, his name heavy on my t
Andrey As we pulled into the garage of my penthouse, I couldn't help but steal glances at Hazel beside me. Her presence filled the car, and I couldn't shake the feeling of nervous anticipation coursing through me. My men greeted us with nods as we stepped out of the car, but all my attention was on Hazel as I guided her towards the elevator.Inside the elevator, I finally found the courage to break the silence. "How was your first day at work?" I asked, my voice betraying more eagerness than I intended. Hazel held the bouquet I got her close to her chest, and for a moment, she seemed distant. But then, she smiled, a flicker of warmth that eased the tension in the confined space."My first day at work was really busy," Hazel began, her voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. "But Francesco and his team were so nice to me. They made me feel like I belonged there. So, I think I'll be okay," she added, her smile lighting up the confined space of the elevator. Then, she glanced away from me
Hazel. As consciousness slowly seeps back into my foggy mind, I'm greeted by a relentless throbbing in my head, each pulse like a hammer against my skull.With a groan, I peel my heavy eyelids open, greeted by an unfamiliar ceiling swirling in a haze of exhaustion. Where am I? How did I end up here? Was I kidnapped? The room around me is bathed in the gentle glow of morning light filtering through sheer curtains, casting dancing shadows across the plush bedding that cradles my aching body. With a wince, I gingerly press my fingers against my temples, trying to quell the pounding rhythm echoing through my head.Memories of last night trickle back in disjointed fragments, like pieces of a shattered mirror slowly piecing themselves together.I suddenly jolted upright, feeling a sharp ache pulsating through me, making me flinch. Blinking, I realized I was in Andrey's house, snug in his room, nestled in his bed. Questions flooded my mind: Why was I here? Why didn't he take me home? Did
Andrey. Sometimes, I enjoy being with my family, but there are times when I could go ages without giving them much thought. Privacy is a treasure, especially considering the risky life I lead. You never know who's with you or against you. It's all about playing your cards right and being clever. My father is the eldest in his family, always arranging gatherings to bring us together. I despise these events, loathe the crowds, yet I still show up. Since his passing, those gatherings died down, until tonight. Mamma organized a dinner to unite both sides of the family, avoiding any awkwardness. Initially, I had no plans to attend, but Hazel persuaded me. She's my plus one tonight, and suddenly, I'm looking forward to it. Just having her by my side changes everything. Despite not knowing where we stand, her actions speak volumes. She's constantly around—visiting me at work, crashing at my place, even cooking for me. But she keeps up the game of playing hard to get, and it's driving me
Hazel. Some days, I wake up feeling like I can handle all the risks that come with being with Andrey. But then there are days when I'm drowning in the chaos, feeling like I can't deal with any of it. My heart is racing, my hands are sweaty, and I feel dizzy. All I want is to escape, to run away from it all, especially from him. Yet here I am, sitting in the car beside him, watching him juggle calls as we head back to his penthouse, clueless about what's happening."Who's gonna buy their messed-up excuses, damn it!" He shouts into the phone, frustration evident in his voice. "Keep it out of the news! Do whatever it takes..." He pauses, anger flashing in his eyes once more. "Too late? She won't do it... She won't go public just to prove anything... Fix it! You've got forty-eight hours. Questo è inaccetabile," he finishes the call, muttering curses under his breath."Just tell me what's going on already!" I demand, my patience wearing thin. He sighs, pinching the bridge of nose before s
HazelJayden's hatred for Andrey runs deep, deeper than I could have ever imagined. It's not just me he despises; it's everything Andrey represents. He resents Andrey's wealth, his power, his seemingly charmed life. While Andrey considered him a brother, Jayden nursed a bitter grudge, praying for his downfall at every turn.And why? Because of a tragedy that tore his family apart, a tragedy I knew little about until now. It seems Andrey's actions, or lack thereof, led to the loss of Jayden's sister, Madison. She had been carrying Andrey's child, a fact he denied, and the subsequent abortion cost her life. It's a cruel twist of fate, one that has left Jayden consumed by vengeance.But as he stands before me now, spewing venomous words, I can't help but see him in a different light. He's no longer the friend I once knew; he's become a monster, driven by hatred and a thirst for revenge.I sit on the cold, dirty floor, my eyes locked on him with a mixture of awe and fear, as he contin
Andrey."You should eat something before you blackout," Jayden suggested, his tone surprisingly gentle considering the circumstances. I shot him a glare, unable to fathom how he could even think about food when Hazel's life was hanging in the balance. The very idea of eating made my stomach churn with guilt and anxiety."How can I eat when I know my girlfriend is out there in serious danger?" I snapped, my frustration boiling over. Despite not knowing the full extent of the peril she faced, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at my insides."Look, are you sure this girl didn't just run away and leave town?" Jayden pressed, his skepticism evident in his tone. I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to lash out at him. Enough was enough."If you're not going to help, then I suggest you get the fuck out of here," I retorted, my voice laced with bitterness. He shrugged indifferently, as if my distress meant nothing to him."You said the kidnappers didn't demand money or
Hazel.My stomach was churning like a stormy sea, and I couldn't tell if it was from anxiety or if I was coming down with something. The air was thick with a foul odor that made me want to retch. I took a slow, deep breath, trying to calm myself, and wrapped my arms tightly around my knees. Tears streamed down my cheeks uncontrollably. I was utterly terrified, not knowing what fate awaited me in this grim place.Hours had dragged by, and I hadn't seen a soul pass through the heavy metal door. Voices echoed from beyond, but no one entered. Were they deliberately ignoring me? Were they plotting something sinister? Maybe they intended to abandon me here, alone and helpless. I blame myself for leaving Andrey's house out of anger. Maybe I should have listened to his constant warnings. Maybe I should have asked Sam to drop me at a hotel instead of storming out alone into the unknown streets, vulnerable like prey. Now, I was trapped in this grimy, blood-and-sweat-scented dungeon.The
Hazel."I'll take a look at it first thing tomorrow morning, Lucia. Right now, I've got to get home," I declare, gathering my belongings as I prepare to depart. "Sure thing, I'll send you an email tomorrow," Lucia replies, and with that, I bid her farewell and show her out of my office. Grabbing my handbag, I make my way out of the Palm Angels building. Exhaustion weighs heavily on my shoulders, but the thought of a relaxing shower followed by one of Andrey's heavenly massages brings a smile to my face. Exiting the building, I'm met by the sight of the two bodyguards Andrey has assigned to me. I let out a sigh as I climb into my car. It's a constant reminder of the measures he takes to ensure my safety, though sometimes it feels like I'm being smothered. I pull out of the parking lot, the two guards follow closely behind in their vehicle. It's comforting in a way, knowing they're there, but at the same time, it's a reminder of how much my life has changed since Andrey entered
Andrey. "He could take down any of us," Ezio mused, his voice tinged with apprehension."Or bomb our car," Brando added, his brow furrowed in concern."Or hijack one of us, he's unpredictable," Luca chimed in, his expression grave."Or frame us," Jayden concluded, his tone heavy with worry.While they fretted over worst-case scenarios, I remained seated in my office chair, scrolling through my phone with practiced calmness. "He could take us down, but he can't take down Andrey," Brando declared, catching my attention.I lifted my gaze, fixing it on him. He must have sensed my annoyance because his expression faltered. I hated it when they insinuated that I was somehow superior to them. We were equals, in every sense of the word. When one of us stumbled, we all stumbled. When one of us faced trouble, we were all plunged into the depths."You're not saying anything, like this isn't something to give two shits about," Jayden remarked, his gaze shifting to me.I turned my attenti
Hazel. It's crazy to think we're already two months into this relationship. I've never been happier, even with our little spats now and then. But Andrey, he just keeps making me smile, finding new ways to show his love. I never thought true love was real after Chris, but being with Andrey proves me wrong. Sure, his job as a mafia boss is scary, but he's so good at making me forget about that side of him. Sometimes, I even forget he's not just the CEO of Sandro House, but also a mafia boss with secrets darker than night. Everywhere I go, people treat me with more respect. It's flattering, but sometimes I wonder if it's because I deserve it or just because I'm with someone most people are scared of."Where should I put this?" he asks, planting a sweet kiss on my forehead, causing a fit of giggles to bubble up from within me. "Just leave it on the kitchen counter; I'll sort it out later tonight," I reply, exhaling deeply. Despite the excitement, I can't shake off the nerves after
Andrey."I thought you hated these fancy shindigs," she says, sprawled out on the bed. I let out a sigh, adjusting my tie in the mirror. "I do," I confess. "But there's someone I need to find, and I'm pretty sure they'll be there," I explain. Glancing at my reflection, I see myself in my usual black suit, crisp white shirt, and a sleek black tie. Hazel did a surprisingly great job styling my hair, and I can't help but feel amused at how good she did it.Snatching my wristwatch off the dresser, I slip it on. Just then, Hazel joins me in front of the mirror, wrapping her arms around me from behind. Her warmth brings a smile to my face. "Why can't I tag along?" she complains, poking her head around my side. I turn to face her, taking in her adorable pout.She hugs me again, resting her chin on my chest as she gazes up at me. With her doe-like eyes pleading, it's hard to resist.I wrapped my arms around Hazel as she stood there, pouting in the cutest way imaginable. "The event is only
Hazel. "He really shouldn't have pulled that stunt," I chuckled, shaking my head at Drake's amusing story. "Jumping into a pool just to impress a girl? That's a whole new level of craziness."Drake nodded in agreement, his laughter mingling with mine. "Exactly! It's like he forgot he couldn't swim in the heat of the moment. Talk about a reckless move."As our laughter died down, I found myself intrigued by the idea of meeting Drake's twin. "I'd be curious to see if you two really do look alike," I admitted, leaning back on the desk.Drake shrugged nonchalantly, taking a sip of his drink. "Physically, maybe. But personality-wise, we're polar opposites. Trust me, I've got better taste in women than he does," he added with a playful smirk, his gaze roaming over me appreciatively.I couldn't help but smile at his comment, feeling a hint of flattery despite myself. Leaning in slightly, I couldn't resist asking, "And what type of women are you attracted to, exactly?"Drake met my gaz
Andrey.There are moments in my life where I could care less about the twists and turns, as if they're mere blips on my radar. But betrayal? That's a different story altogether. Betrayal gets under my skin, it crawls into my bones and ignites a fire in my veins. It's a line you don't cross, a boundary you dare not breach. Ezio Mauro, well, he's crossed that line. He's strayed far from where he belongs, starting a brawl he's sure to regret. A brawl he might not walk away from.I just discovered he signed that contract right after learning about Hazel and me. He knew exactly what he was doing, the snake. And Hazel's mother, what was she thinking? Sacrificing her own daughter like that, like she's nothing more than a pawn in some twisted game. How could she be so blind, so selfish? What if something happens to Hazel? Who will be next in line for her twisted schemes? Betrayal cuts deep, and I won't let this one slide. Not without consequences.As much as I hate to admit it, Hazel's mot