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85. Love and Hate
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2023-12-14 05:31:08Related chapters
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 86. Revealing the Truth
I open the door and walk into the room. By some miracle, Igor doesn’t follow me inside. There’s a short corridor before reaching the bedroom, where I find my boys sitting on the edge of the bed. Their eyes dart to me and they jump down from it and race toward me. I sink to my knees and hold them close to me. They bombard me with questions.“Where were you?”“Why did you leave us with him?”“Who was that bad man?”“I’ll explain everything,” I promise, giving them multiple kisses. My heart tightens in my chest at the thought that I’ll have to tell them that Igor is their father. I’ve kept this for so long—and yes, I’ve never been asked that question by any of them before. Now that I have to confront the reality of all this, all I can ask myself is how they’re going to react to this. How will this piece of information change them?It doesn’t help that Igor made such a bad impression on them. How am I supposed to explain that the ‘bad man’ is actually their father?“There’s something I
Last Updated : 2023-12-16The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 87. Introduction
The next morning comes to a surprise for me, simply because I didn’t think that yesterday would ever come to an end. So many terrible things happened all at once. The sun is high in the sky, so I’m sure that it must be around eleven, and I’m proven right when I check my phone. I stretch my arms over my head, and then get out of bed. Usually, the boys wake me up in the morning, especially when they’re hungry. I’m surprised that they didn’t wake me up, but that can be explained by the fact that they’re not awake yet.Once again, I’m right. I lean against the doorframe and watch them for a short while. They’re usually up early during weekends, but we stayed up late last night, so it’s not a shock to me that they’re still sleeping. I knew I had to make some time for them, and we watched movies while I made dinner, and then things felt like they were back to normal. We were a happy family again, not plagued by the threat that was Igor. I hate to think of him this way; as a plague. H
Last Updated : 2023-12-17The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 88. Interlude III
IgorI watch Clara for the longest time after she introduces me to them, and I can clearly tell that she’s avoiding my gaze. I have to pay attention to Alex and Dimitri right now. My sons. I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around the concept. It almost feels like I’m losing my fucking mind every time I think about it. Sons. I have sons. My eyes shift toward them. God, I can’t get over how much they look like me. It’s almost like I’m staring at a younger version of myself. Well, two in this case. There are only subtle differences between the two of them; Alex’s face is rounder. Dimitri’s eyes are narrower, like Clara’s. Family. The word repeats itself over and over again in my mind. These people—the three of them—are my family. She finally looks at me, and I see annoyance reflected in her eyes. I haven’t said a word since she introduced me, and I realize that it’s starting to look bad on my part. I clear my throat, suddenly feeling too nervous. I’ve sat in a room with the m
Last Updated : 2023-12-18The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 89. Better
The four of us are seated around the dinner table, having breakfast. After Igor and I walked back inside the house, I managed to convince the boys to keep the conversation up, and as I prepared breakfast, I listened to what they were talking about. The conversation was smoother than earlier, and Igor was asking them more questions. I tried not to feel guilt as I set the table. I did what I had to do, and I don’t take it back. I’ve lived wonderful years away from them all, and honestly, it was worth it. Would I have been patient or been a good mother if I remained in that stressful environment? These are impossible to answer. I’m just glad I never got to find out. We’re silent as we eat, but I notice that the boys keep stealing glances at Igor. I wish I could get inside their heads to find out how they’re truly coping with all this. Is it exciting for them to have a father? Are they looking forward to the experience? Alex is more suspicious about him. Dimitri is more curious, but h
Last Updated : 2023-12-19The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 90. Check Up
The last three days were eventful, to say the least.Igor and Ivan have been regular visitors; I see them almost every day now, and they’ve definitely managed to get closer to Dimitri, who has now started calling Igor ‘dad’ whenever he talks about him. The only one they haven’t been able to reach out to is Alex. He never wants to go out with them, and we all decided that it would be best not to push him and wait until he’s ready to join in on the fun. They’re having a blast—honestly, I have no complaints. I went with them once, when they went fishing in the lake. I never did that with them, and honestly, I don’t believe I ever would. We all got on the boat together—Alex stayed behind with Mercia as a favor I asked her—and Igor taught Dimitri how to fish. It was such an exciting moment for me. Watching them brought back memories of my own childhood. Granted, Nicolo Morelli wasn’t my biological father, and he only stole me in hopes to get all the money that was owed to me, but he was
Last Updated : 2023-12-20The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 91. Blow
Since Igor is only going to show up later tonight, I spend the rest of my evening as I usually do, without altering anything. I suspect that he wants to ask me to reveal to him who told me the truth, but upon thinking more about the matter, I’m convinced that nothing good will come of it. It’s better to let sleeping dogs lie. Why awake a matter that’s been buried for so many years?Why does he even care at this point?The boys and I watch a movie. Dimitri is talkative throughout it, but Alex doesn’t say much. I’ve noticed that they aren’t really playing together anymore, and the fact that it’s because of Igor, breaks my heart. They were always inseparable. Nothing ever tore them apart. It was a surprise to me when bought them toys and they shared everything with each other. Apparently, most kids were not eager to do the same, and so I considered myself privileged. But they haven’t been talking to each other as they usually did, and I’m really starting to worry.I don’t want this to
Last Updated : 2023-12-21The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 92. Hopelessness and Despair
Words can’t describe how badly I was affected by that phone call. I’m too numb to feel anything. I’m not experiencing a series of powerful emotions that are tearing me apart from the inside out. I can’t scream out in pain and despair. I can barely speak. No words tumble from my lips when I part them, and everything around me is blurred. We’re at the hospital now. I had to call Luke and ask him to watch over the boys while I deal with this situation, and like the good friend he is, he accepted immediately and was at my door in ten minutes. We’re all here; it’s me, Ivan, and Anastasia, who I didn’t even know was still here until now. I’m sitting next to her, yet we haven’t exchanged a single word. She’s been different toward me ever since this whole thing started, and honestly, I don’t care too much. I did what had to be done, and anyway, Igor and I have come to an agreement. Or had. The paramedic who extracted him from his car said he might be dead, and he said this while the poli
Last Updated : 2023-12-22The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 93. Feelings of Betrayal
I can’t seem to focus on anything apart from the fact that Boris is the person who betrayed my location to Igor. If he hadn’t done it, I would’ve still been living anonymously. Igor would never have found me. Although technically, it’s not fair of me to think this way because Igor and I practically reconciled before this tragic accident, Boris still betrayed my trust. I would never have expected this from him because he’s the one who helped me get away in the first place, and anyway, we were friends. How could he do such a thing to me?Now I understand why he ran. He didn’t even say a word to me. Coward. I’m so angry that I could follow him all the way to New York just to ask him why he did such a thing to me. To what purpose?I don’t think Leo would lie about this, not when I could easily find out the truth. We have coffee and toast in the cafeteria. It’s four in the morning, so there isn’t much to do except leave. We part ways in the parking lot. I send Luke a text letting him k
Last Updated : 2023-12-22
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The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride Epilogue
I watch the waves crash into the shore while the ocean breeze rustles my hair. I take a deep breath, drawing the salty air into my lungs and holding it in hopes that it’ll become a part of me. There’s nothing as therapeutic as this. The sun is deliciously warm today. Most days, it’s burning hot, but today, it’s just perfect. I’m lounging in the hammock in the porch of our beach house. I do this every morning as soon as I wake up because it helps me dispel my troubled thoughts. Whenever I think about all those traumatic events of the last couple of months, I feel like I’ll never truly move on from them, but when I come out here, my hope is renewed. Things will get better at some point. As long as I’m seeking help and am surrounded by my loved ones, I’ll be perfectly fine. I close my eyes, take another deep breath, and then reopen them when I hear someone approaching. I turn my head to look at the door and see Igor leaning against the door with a cup of tea in his hand. It’s for me
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 106. Interlude V
IgorGetting home is my only priority at the moment, and as soon as I step through the elevator, I feel relieved. The first person I see is Anastasia. She rushes toward me with tear stained cheeks. “Igor. For the love of God. Don’t do anything stupid.”“Where is she?” I demand. “Where’s Clara?”“You can’t kill Leo,” she says, following me all the way up the stairs. “Remember the promise your father made you make. You’re supposed to stick together no matter what. You’re supposed to forgive each other.”I ignore her and start opening doors while calling her name desperately. I have to see her. Fuck, I have to hold her. I have to make sure she’s okay before I go looking for that traitorous fucker. “Igor!” Anastasia exclaims, trying to get my attention. A door on the other end of the corridor opens, and she peers out. I race toward her, and when she sees me, she rushes toward me. I drop my bag and gather her in my arms. “Clara,” I say her name. Like a prayer. “My love.”She’s sobbing.
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 105. Sacrifice
There were more endless hours of waiting. At this point, I've started losing hope. I've already cried and screamed, and now there's nothing left of me to pour out into the world.I’m missing Alex and Dimitri like crazy. I fear I’ll never see them again. I’m starting to actually acknowledge the fact that I’ve been beyond stupid for not having told anyone in the family about my suspicions. Yes, Boris knows, but has news of my disappearance gotten out yet?What’s even going on out there? What’s being said?It’s impossible to know what Leo made up. He could’ve said that he never saw me, and then I’d be screwed. I didn’t encounter anyone when I reached the penthouse; it was just him. I’m hungry and thirsty. My back is killing me, and the pain behind my eyes hasn’t subsided yet. I close my eyes for a few minutes each time, but I open them when I feel myself falling asleep. I don’t want to be caught off guard. I want to see whatever it is that he’ll do to me. The door opens, and I sit upr
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 104. Interlude IV
IgorI grip my phone tightly in my fist. “What do you mean she’s gone? Gone where?”“That’s what we’re trying to figure out,” Ivan replies, flustered. “Ivan,” I say through my teeth. “You’re not making any sense here. You’re telling me that the driver dropped her off in the garage, and she went up. But nobody saw her in the apartment. And it’s like she’s vanished into thin air?”“Yes, that’s about it.”I sag against the couch, then decide that there’s no way I can sit when this is happening. I run my fingers through my hair, feeling more frustrated than ever. “Is it possible that she stepped out for a bit without telling anyone?”This is reminding me of when she first went missing all those years ago. I was so lost, and hopeful, too. I kept imagining her walking through the door, saying that she just went shopping or something. I had no idea that she’d already found out about everything and left me, feeling betrayed. This is reminding me of that day, that’s for sure, but this time,
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 103. Taken
To my immense surprise, a smile curves Leo’s lips instead of the opposite. He’s supposed to be terrified that I know his secret, but instead, he’s smiling at me. “Have you lost your mind?” he asks in the most unconvincing voice that I’ve ever heard in all my life. “Is that it?”“You won’t fool me,” I announce. “I know it’s you. You’re behind every single bad thing that’s happened to this family for some time now. You’re not a friend, Leo. You’re a foe. You’re an enemy. You’re the one who ordered someone to hit Igor’s car, and then, you shot Luke in hopes to clean your tracks. And then, when Igor survived the crash, you paid that shooter. And just when we were going to look into, he shows up dead in his apartment. How’s all of this supposed to be a coincidence?”There’s that smile again. Honestly, it scares me. I know what he’s capable of. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t be afraid. “Those are some really filthy accusations, Clara. I’ve sacrificed a lot for this family. I’ve risked
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 102. Unanticipated Confrontation
I exit Boris’ building with my heart in my throat. The situation is getting out of control. If Leo truly is behind all of this, then I have my work cut out for me. I’m supposed to be working with him (and Ivan, of course) to find out who is behind all of this. Now, I’ll have to work against him. The five security guards are all around me, forming a half-moon shape. Technically, I’m protected from anyone who might want to attack me, but I don’t feel safe. How can I, when I’m living in the same house as the person who wants to destroy Igor? It’s him who’s behind all of this, and the faster I come to terms with this, the more sense everything makes. We’re just stepping outside when a car screeches to a halt in front of the building. Before I can even register what’s happening, they’re pushing me back, trying to shield me from what’s happening. They draw their weapons, and I realize that my head is spinning, and things are happening in slow motion right before my eyes. “Take her bac
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 101. No More Doubts
“I wouldn’t recommend seeing him,” Ivan tells me. “He’s bad news, and we all know what his intentions with you are. He’ll probably ask you to marry him.”“He’d receive no for an answer,” I state firmly. “He says he might have some information for us. Wouldn’t it be wise to hear him out?”“‘Might’ isn’t a good enough word. He ‘might’ve have nothing valuable to tell us.”“But what if he does?” I ask. “I know he would never hurt me.”“You’re the Head now,” he says with a sigh. “You’re free to make whatever decision you please. For us, that’s sacred, and we don’t take it for granted. Not going is only my advice, but if you wish to go, you’re free to do so.”I sit back, and put my fork down. I think deeply of what he’s saying. Should I go? Would Boris be helpful? I think he will, so I say, “I think I’ll go.”“I’ll arrange a car and a group of security to accompany you, then,” he concedes. “In the meantime, I’m going to start looking into—”We hear the elevator, and soon enough, Leo joins u
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 100. Suspicious Conversation
I wake up in the middle of the night, sweating, and with Luke’s voice echoing in my ears. This is the first time I’ve dreamt of him since that thing happened. I keep hearing the gunshot, too, and it echoes in my mind. I wipe my eyes, and then sit up. My mouth is parched, so I have to get some water. I don’t have any in the room. I should probably bring a bottle with me from the kitchen so that I don’t have to go downstairs again. I open the door as quietly as possible, not wanting to wake anyone up. Before I head downstairs, I check on the boys first. They’re just next door, so it’s easier for me to keep an eye on them. They’re both sleeping peacefully, so I close the door carefully and then creep downstairs. I step into the kitchen and open the fridge. After finding a glass, I pour water in it, and tip my head back as I down all of it. I immediately feel better; more refreshed and awake. The noise in my head is a lot less, and I feel I can sleep again if I tried. It’s only two in
The Ruthless Mafia’s Contracted Bride 99. Function
The boys love Hubert. Then again, if I have to be completely honest, I don’t know who wouldn’t. He’s the most caring person in the world. I’ve told him that I don’t want the boys to know about Igor’s ‘death’ just yet. He isn’t dead, so to tell them something and then have to admit to them that it had all been a lie would be too much. They’re only five years old. This is a matter that would have even adults spiraling. Hubert doesn’t know the truth yet, though. I really feel bad. I can tell that he’s having a hard time coping, but he’s too much of a professional to ever let it show. After dinner, the boys were filled with restless energy, and they were curious about this new place that we would call home. Hubert showed them around, and told them everything he felt they needed to know about the place. It was just the four of us, along with the cook and the maid, both whom I hadn’t seen yet. That was last night. This morning, it’s honestly pretty much the same; the only difference is
