The mention of Ford's family brought a quiet fear into the room. Mr. Rossi’s expression darkened as he processed Parblo’s words. The Rossis and Fords had a complicated history, and any hint of scandal or violence could have serious repercussions.Mr. Rossi’s eyes narrowed, and he leaned forward, his voice low but edged with menace. "Are you suggesting that I, or anyone in this house, would be responsible for any injuries your son has sustained?"Parblo swallowed, his eyes flicking nervously between Mr. Rossi and Rene. "I’m simply stating the facts. If Kia returns with visible injuries, it could lead to unwanted attention and trouble, especially with the Ford family’s reputation for investigating such matters."Mr. Rossi’s face tightened as he considered the implications. The last thing he needed was for the Fords to become involved or for rumors of misconduct to spread. He took a deep breath, regaining his composure. "Very well. Maria, since he's your soon-to-be husband, you are respo
Taking off his shirt, Rene hissed under his breath when the fabric touched the gashes left in his skin. Carefully, he cleaned them with antiseptic wipes that Maria gave him, before wrapping them in gauze.After cleaning the area and making sure everything was secure, Rene stepped out of the bathroom shirtless, and her eyes widened as she gazed at his bare chest, his muscles flexing as he handed the kit to her, as Maria's gaze traveled slowly upwards to his dark, piercing eyes. "Thanks," he said, a little gruffly, as he pulled his shirt back on, wincing slightly at the tender stinging pain.Shrugging, she responded casually, "It was nothing."Then she stared at the bloodstained t-shirt, and then said, "Umm, did you bring any clothes?""Wasn't planning on staying here," Rene replied bluntly, averting his gaze from hers. "I got some oversized t-shirt... if... if you don't mind." she continued cautiously, hoping she wasn’t crossing some sort of boundary."Okay," He agreed, still refusi
The elderly woman’s gaze shifted to Rene, her look of disdain evident. Maria’s face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration as she stood in the kitchen, her mother’s reprimand hanging heavily in the air.“Mother, I was just trying to—” Maria began, but her mother cut her off with a sharp gesture.“Just trying to what?” her mother snapped. “You’re aware of the family's reputation and how we handle guests. Bringing a stranger into the kitchen and catering to him like this is completely inappropriate.”Rene, sensing the increasing tension, remained silent, feeling the weight of the disapproval in the room. He noticed Maria’s shoulders stiffening and her expression hardening.“I understand, Mother,” Maria said, her voice barely above a whisper. “But he’s—”“No, Maria,” her mother interrupted, “you’re to cease this nonsense immediately. Our family’s image is paramount. You will not let personal sentiments interfere with our standing. It's already a disgrace for you to get marry
Three weeks laterThat morning, Rome Ford sat in his study, his entire attention focused on the stack of reports and documents sprawled across his mahogany desk. Suddenly, the door opened, and Catherine walked in. With one look at her, he knew that she was frustrated over something. He immediately closed the documents spread across his desk.“Wife,” Rome said, his voice calm but authoritative. “What’s troubling you?”"It's been weeks and there's no report from Rene. I am worried because he refused to come back home and kept saying that he is okay. But..." Catherine said, walking over to Rome as he patted his lap for her to sit. "As his mother..."Falling into her husband's arm as she sat on him, Rome hugged her waist, offering her a reassuring squeeze."My motherly instant tells me that he's not. You remember what you went through at the mercy of my family from the beginning. Rene's position as Kia could put him at risk in the Rossi mansion, especially if they see him as a mere serva
In the kitchen of the Rossi mansion, Rene stood at the sink, an apron draped over his clothes as he scrubbed pots and pans with meticulous care. Just then, Rachel entered the room, and seeing that it was empty, she approached Rene, and then said, "Let me help you." Rene looked up, his face marked with exhaustion, but he managed a small, weary smile at Rachel. "Thanks, but I’ve got it covered."Rachel shook her head, stepping closer. "No. I don’t mind. It’s the least I can do after what you’ve been through.""You must be new here. The Rossi don't appreciate servants that associate with me, so it best to avoid me if you want to keep this job." Rachel’s eyes widened at Rene’s warning, but she remained undeterred, stepping closer and giving him a sympathetic smile. “It’s my first day, yes. But I’ve already heard about how the Rossi family treats you. I don’t want to just stand by and do nothing.”Rene’s eyes softened slightly as he glanced at her, taking in her earnest expression. “You
Calmly, Rene gazes at the faces of everyone, his brows creasing tightly together, and then to everyone's shock, he smiled, his eyes sparkling with joy as he said, "How can I want to leave the Rossi when you all have been so good to me.""What?!" Princess blurted out, her eyes widening as she glared at him with parted lips.Gazing up from his phone, Luca scoffed, scowling at Rene, and said, "This guy is really an idiot."Layla, never one to hold back, chimed in with a sneer. "Or a golddigger. He'll do anything to stay associated with money. It’s pathetic, really."Rene stood his ground, his expression a mask of calm despite the harsh words being thrown his way. He knew the Rossi family well enough to expect such reactions. It only fueled his determination.Mr. Rossi leaned back in his chair, his gaze icy as it rested on Rene. "You must understand, Kia, that your presence here is... tolerated. But do not mistake that for acceptance. You are an outsider, and your persistence in staying w
When Rene didn't budge, Josh’s face turned bright red as he stormed toward him, fists clenched and eyes wild with anger. The room fell silent, everyone holding their breath between Mr. Rossi’s stern decision and Josh’s explosive outburst.Rene met Josh’s rage with a calm, steady gaze, refusing to back down. He stood firm, not breaking eye contact. Sensing the danger, Maria stepped in front of Rene, spreading her arms open, her face showing both desperation and defiance.“Dad, please!” Maria’s voice trembled as she pleaded with Mr. Rossi. “This isn’t right. You can’t force us into this.”With a scoff, Mr. Rossi’s gaze remained fixed on Rene, cold and unyielding. “Maria, there’s no discussion here. Actions have consequences, and today you’ll see that.”His father's words made Josh’s anger boil over and he raised his hand to slap Maria, but in a flash, his wife Vittoria clinging to him, tears streaming down her face. “Josh, stop! Let’s think this through.”Frowning at her, Josh’s voice
As the ink dried on the documents, the gravity of the situation became painfully clear. Mr. Rossi’s gaze never wavered from Maria, his eyes cold and unyielding. He rose from his seat, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over the room.“Now that Kia is legally your husband,” Mr. Rossi began, his voice cutting through the lingering silence with icy precision, “you are responsible for him in every way. His failures are your failures, his disgrace is yours, and his image is now your own.”Maria’s eyes widened in shock, the weight of Mr. Rossi’s words sinking in. Her face was pale, and her lips trembled as she tried to process the enormity of what had just happened. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.Vittoria, who had been silently weeping, could no longer contain her despair. She cried out, “Father, please, have some mercy! Maria is still young... please have mercy! This is too much for Maria to bear. She’s just a child.”Mr. Rossi’s face hardened, his eyes narrow
As his gaze darted across the room, Rene kept the phone pressed tightly to his ear, Gunnar's voice echoing again on the other end."Hello, boss."The words rang in Rene's ear, but he stood motionless, letting the sound linger for a moment longer than necessary. He could feel the stares digging into his skin, hot and prickling, as if the entire room was holding its breath... waiting.After another moment of silent, Jason's frustration burst first."We can’t hear a damn thing from over there!" he snapped. "Put it on speaker, Kia. Now. Let us hear it ring so we can know when he answer.""Yeah, come on," Juan added, arms crossed, leaning forward. "Let’s all hear what he has to say.""If it’s the truth," Luis said, with a crooked smile, "you shouldn’t mind sharing it.""He’s right," Bianca chimed in, her voice cool. "Let Mr. Gunnar confirm that you weren’t with Layla. Or should we be calling her instead?"Even Vittoria, usually more reserved, nodded. "If you want to proof your inocence, It
The silence stretched, taut and expectant. The question lingered in the air like smoke... where was he this morning?Rene’s gaze swept the room, pausing momentarily on each face. They were waiting. Wanting. Ready to pounce.He could feel Maria beside him, her stillness louder than any words she could speak. And that silence... her silence, was what cut the deepest.He inhaled slowly, deliberately. “I wasn’t with Layla.”“Then who?” Madam Rossi’s voice cracked through the air like a whip.Staring at the stone-cold faces in the room, Rene hesitated, knowing full well the weight of the name he was about to speak. “Mr. Gunnar.”The room went still. Like a spell had been cast. Even the distant ticking of the grandfather clock seemed to pause.Mr. Rossi’s expression barely shifted, but Rene saw it. A flicker. Not a surprise. Not suspicion. Fear.It was enough.Rene locked eyes with the family patriarch and took a step forward, voice steady. “Yes. I was with Mr. Gunnar this morning. He reque
The sun dipped low over the horizon as Rene guided the car along the winding road back to the Rossi estate. Shadows stretched long across the dashboard, golden light dancing on Maria’s face. She hadn’t said much since they left the restaurant.Instead, she kept her gaze fixed on her phone, screen dimmed but not turned off. Her thumb hovered near the edge, as if deciding whether to press the number or not.Rene glanced at her, his fingers lightly drumming on the steering wheel. "You’ve been quiet."Maria didn’t look up."Everything okay?" he asked."Mmm.""That the same 'mmm' you give when you’re lying to me or the one when you’re annoyed at me?"She finally looked at him, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes. "Neither. Just thinking."Rene tilted his head, eyebrows raised. "About?"Maria took one last look at the number glowing faintly on her screen. Then slowly, deliberately, she pressed the side button. The screen went black."Nothing," she said.Rene didn’t believe her. He didn’t pu
The elevator doors slid shut, sealing Jason inside with his grandmother. The silence settled thick between them, unforgiving, heavy, like a noose tightening with each breath.Madam Rossi turned slowly, her gaze fixed on him with the cold weight of generations behind it."You should be ashamed," she said, her brows snapping together. "You stand there, hands in your pockets, watching your fiancée crumble under scrutiny... and you say nothing? You let her lie to you-to us. Do you think silence makes you honorable?"Jason’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing.Madam Rossi’s lips curled into a scowl. "You are a Rossi. You were raised better than this. If Layla is slipping, you are the one who should rein her in. It is your responsibility to keep your woman in check."His nostrils flared. “And what about Maria?” he snapped.Looking away from him for a second, Madam Rossi’s eyes narrowed.“She’s married, isn’t she?” Jason pressed. “To a man who doesn't even act as a Rossi should. But do I see
The sharp slam of Juan’s voice still echoed in Madam Rossi’s ears as she sat motionless behind her desk.Her nails tapped against the armrest... an erratic, frustrated rhythm. For a moment, she thought about pouring herself a drink, something dark and bitter to match the aftertaste of that conversation. But even that felt too indulgent.Instead, with a sharp breath, she stood.The air in her office was thick... thicker than it had any right to be. She needed out.Throwing on her tailored black overcoat, she moved to the door, pushing it open with more force than necessary. Her assistant, a young woman named Eloise, perked up from her desk outside, immediately rising.“Ma’am-”“I’m going for a walk,” Madam Rossi snapped without breaking stride.“Should I call for the car? Or-”“No.” The word came like a tense command. “Do not follow me.”Eloise froze, halfway to grabbing her clipboard. “Of course, ma’am,” she said softly, bowing her head.Madam Rossi didn’t bother to respond. She march
The soft clink of silverware and the murmured conversations of other customers barely reached Maria's ears as she followed Rene through the charming little bistro he had chosen.The place was tucked away on a quiet street... one of those trendy new spots where the lighting was warm, the walls were lined with eclectic art, and the staff treated every customer like royalty. It was the kind of place Rene always gravitated toward... intimate, curated, just a little indulgent.“Here we are,” Rene said gently, pulling her chair out with a flourish. “The best seat in the house.”Meeting his gaze for a second, Maria allowed a small smile as she sat, smoothing the hem of her skirt as she settled in.She wasn’t fully relaxed, but she appreciated the gesture. He always knew how to charm. Even now, after the tension that lingered like a fog around them, he knew exactly how to make her feel special.The waitress approached with a practiced smile. “Welcome to Villa di Fiore. May I get you started w
As the ticking sound of the clock echoed in the room, Maria sat hunched over her desk, the golden afternoon light casting long shadows across the stacks of documents she’d been ignoring for a while.Now, they were her fortress. Every page she skimmed, every note she scrawled, every report she pretended to analyze, it was all a battle tactic. A desperate attempt to quiet the gnawing ache in her chest. She wouldn’t let herself think of Rene. Not his voice, not his absence, not the way the silence of the morning had stretched like a cruel whisper through her bones. She buried herself in figures and forecasts, anything to dull the truth: she was worried. And even though she dreaded the thought of it, she was scared.As she was about to sign the document, her office phone rang.Maria flinched, her pen freezing mid-word. She swallowed hard and forced herself to answer, her voice calm. “Yes?”“Ma’am?” Cassie’s voice chirped from the other end. “Your husband just walked into the building.”M
Maria didn’t flinch. Not even a blink. Jason’s voice and words were provoking enough, but she was far too seasoned, too calculated, to give him the performance he wanted.“Harassing?” she repeated, her tone light, almost amused. She looked up at him with a faint, pitying smile. “Jason, you really should stop mistaking concern for confrontation. It makes you look… insecure.”Clarisse’s eyes widened slightly, her lips parting in quiet surprise at Maria’s restraint, though Maria caught the small twitch at the corner of her mouth.Still trying to push his narrative, Jason scowled. “You have no business interrogating her like that.”Maria turned to Clarisse, giving her a small, respectful nod. “My apologies, Mrs. Leonti. I let worry get the better of me.”Clarisse placed a gloved hand gently over Maria’s wrist. “No harm done, dear. I understand.” Her gaze flicked briefly to Jason, a flash of something critical behind the practiced warmth.Without another glance in his direction, Maria walk
With each passing second, Maria stood in the marble hallway of the building, her heels clicking too fast against the polished floor as she turned another corner. Her eyes scanned every face, every office, every shadow like they might conjure Rene from the ether if she just looked hard enough.Nothing.Still nothing.'Where the hell was he?' The words echoed in her head.She paused, hand on her hip, the other clutching her phone like it might suddenly buzz and fix this spinning feeling in her chest. It didn’t.He hadn’t shown up. No one had seen him. His office was untouched. And her voicemail sat unheard in the void.Her heartbeat was too loud in her ears.'This isn't like him. Not even close.'And just as she turned, eyes narrowing and steps quickening-She stopped dead in her tracks.There, in the lobby near the towering glass windows, stood a woman dressed in pristine cream and pearl. Hair swept elegantly into a twist, a delicate pair of gloves tucked into her clutch. A familiar wa