:A new beginning Diego dropped me off in front of the café. The others were already inside, and the moment they saw me, they jumped up and rushed to hug me."Finally, you're back!" Amelie squealed, practically bouncing with excitement."Yes, and I couldn't be happier! I can finally go to university with you guys. You have no idea how much this means to me!" I grinned.Lily glanced at Diego with a skeptical expression. "Is this guy going to be driving you around every day?"I couldn't help but laugh at the way she was eyeing him, as if she were inspecting a criminal."Yes, and stop looking at him like that. I know he might seem intimidating, but he's actually quite polite and calm.""Yeah, sure," Noah smirked. "With that kind of expression, I bet he's taken down at least ten people without breaking a sweat.""Well, one thing's for sure—he's sexy," Amelie chimed in.Noah shot her a deadly glare. "Not as sexy as you, sweetheart. Now relax.""Bad boys really are attractive, though," Lily
:A peaceful dayThe lecture had already started when our new professor walked in."Good morning," he greeted us with a warm smile, but then, suddenly, his gaze locked onto me.What the hell? Why is he staring at me like that? Do I have something on my face?He quickly cleared his throat and looked away."Alright, let's begin today's lesson."He was surprisingly good at explaining things, and he seemed friendly, too. When the lecture ended, I stood up, grabbed my bag, and was about to leave when I heard my name."Miss Adams."I turned around. "Yes, Mr. Davis?""I heard from your friends that you were unwell. I'm glad to see you're feeling better now."I gave him a small smile. "Thank you.""You've probably fallen behind on the material. It would be a shame for a student as bright as you to struggle because of a few missed classes. I can help if you need any assistance.""Thanks, but I've already asked my friends for their notes. If I don't understand something, I'll ask them. But I app
:The Devil's Friend Enzo, Dante's only friend besides Nana, stood next to her wearing a pink floral apron. I couldn't help but wonder how he and Dante were even friends—he didn't seem nearly as scary as Dante."Hello again, Shorty," Enzo smiled at me while continuing to flip pancakes."Shorty?" I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms."Oh, come on, don't be mad. It suits you perfectly.""Because I'm short?""Exactly, but in an adorable way. It's nothing to be self-conscious about, in my opinion—it makes you even cuter."Well, considering everyone here—except Nana—was at least two heads taller than me, I guess I did seem short to them."I'm not self-conscious," I replied."Then can I keep calling you Shorty?""Do whatever you want.""Haha, I knew we'd get along! Now, come here and try my masterpiece."Nana smacked Enzo on the head, making me cover my mouth in surprise."Ouch! What was that for?""For taking credit for other people's work. The only thing you're good at is getting on my
:The Devil's Thoughts :DanteI was sitting at my desk, twirling a pen between my fingers, when the office door opened, and Rosa walked in."What do you want?""Why so rude? I came to cheer you up," she said, moving slowly toward my desk before sitting on it."I'm not in the mood. Get out.""Come on, I'm already here," she teased, starting to unbutton her shirt slowly."I said get out," I repeated, my voice cold and firm. My murderous gaze met hers, and I saw a flash of fear in her eyes."Fine, sorry," she muttered, sliding off the desk and heading toward the door."From now on, unless I call for you, don't you dare walk in here again. Is that clear?""Yes... it's clear," she stammered, her body trembling slightly. The moment I finished speaking, she slipped out of the office.Stupid girl. Just because I fucked her a few times, she thinks she has the right to walk in here and put on a show.My phone screen lit up, and when I glanced at it, I saw Marco's name."Talk," I answered coldly
:The red DressI was sitting in the lecture, but my mind was elsewhere—I was thinking about tonight's dinner. Why did I even bother inviting my so-called family? The last thing I wanted was to see their fake smiles."Miss Adams."I flinched and looked up to see Mr. Davis standing in front of me."Yes?" I smiled slightly."I believe your attention is elsewhere. I expect you to be more focused during my lecture."Great. Just what I needed."I apologize. I'll be more attentive from now on."He turned around and walked back to his desk.When the lecture finally ended, I stood up, grabbed my bag, and turned around—only to nearly bump into Mr. Davis."Sorry," I said quickly, stepping back. What the hell? Why was he standing so close?"I didn't mean to startle you," he said with a smile, sliding his hands into his pockets."Miss Adams, I heard you sometimes assist other professors. Would you mind helping me as well?""I'm sorry, but I don't have the time. I work after university, and I've on
:Family Dinner The car stopped in front of the villa. Dante got out, and I followed him. As soon as we entered the house, Margaret was there to greet us. She immediately walked over to me and hugged me tightly."Darling, you look gorgeous," she said warmly.I smiled at her."Thank you, you look wonderful as well."She blushed slightly and laughed. Soon after, Lorenzo appeared and hugged me too."It's good to see you, my dear. You look lovely," he said with a warm smile."Thank you. I'm glad to see you too."How could these people be part of the mafia?They're so kind and welcoming—or maybe it's just an act. But why would they bother? I don't understand. How could such a sweet and caring couple have once been at the head of a criminal empire?"Come along, your parents and siblings are already here," Margaret said softly.My whole body tensed. I followed her quietly while Dante walked beside me. When we entered the dining room, the table was already set, and my so-called family stood t
:DesireI parked the car near the warehouse and stepped inside. Two men were tied to chairs, covered in blood. As soon as I entered, Marco appeared by my side."Boss, half of the cargo is missing. I think they already sold the goods.""They're not talking?""No. So far, they've kept their mouths shut."I walked closer to one of them and lifted his head. He was a mess—bruised, bloody, barely conscious."Can he still talk? He looks like he's about to die." Marco stood beside me, his face calm, as always."Mi dispiace, Boss... I might've gone a little too far. But I'm sure he can still answer your questions."Hmph... Looks like Enzo was right. Deluca and Gallo—those two little bastards—have dug their own graves."Wake them up. I need answers today. And someone call Enzo—where the hell is he?""I'm here. Seems like you started the party without me."This idiot—why does he always walk around with that same stupid smirk on his face? I shot him a cold glare."Come on, fratello, the traffic w
:When your actions contradict your wordsI ran out of the room and suddenly ran into Margaret. Damn, what happened now? Did I kiss him? No, he kissed me, but I kissed him too. Why? He can't possibly like me. Oh God, what should I do?"Darling, are you okay?"I was sure my face was bright red by now."Yeah, I'm fine, but I need some air."Margaret looked at me confused."I'll call Dante, and you two can go for a walk.""No, that was a bit too loud, I said." Margaret froze in place. I gave a slight smile."It's not necessary.""Alright, as you wish," she said, still looking at me with a confused expression, and then she left. I walked into the garden and stood there for a while. How am I supposed to look him in the eyes now? I'm sure for him it was just another casual kiss, but it wasn't the same for me. If I don't count the wedding day, it was my first real kiss. And I feel strange. Did I like it? Damn, I don't even know what to think. He's dangerous. He's a killer, and you hate him, b
:Happy memoriesWe entered the university, and each of us headed to our classes. It seemed like Mr. Davis wasn't present today either. The last time I asked about him, they told me he would be away for a few days due to personal reasons. He still hadn't returned my bracelet... I wonder how long his leave would last.After the first lecture, we went to the library."Today is unbelievably boring," Amelia placed her head on the table."Every day is boring for you if there's no new gossip," Lily teased."Shut up, Lily. Today feels different. I hate when it's like this.""Are you hungry, baby?" Noah brushed Amelia's hair away from her face."My mood isn't always connected to food," Amelia snapped. The three of us shook our heads in disbelief."Yeah, right.""How about we go to the movies today?""I can't come," I said, closing the book in front of me. "I promised Enzo I'd take him to my favorite café. He's picking me up after class."All three of them stared at me, surprised."When did you
:Conditions that are being violated I opened my eyes and felt terrible pain in my hand. My wrist was bandaged, and next to me stood a painkiller and a glass of water. I got up and took the painkiller. One bruise hasn't healed yet, and another is already added.I started looking for my phone. I got out of bed and checked everywhere, but it was nowhere to be found. Where could I have taken it? Then I remembered that I left it downstairs in my bag. I opened the door and went downstairs. I took my bag from the couch and pulled out my phone. It was six in the morning. I had to be at university at three o'clock.I went back to my room and stepped into the bathroom. I took off yesterday's clothes and stood under the shower. How did he find out about Maria? My father or any member of my family would never talk about her. I thought everyone had already forgotten what happened that night, and no one would ever speak about it again... but I was wrong. Apparently, no one forgot, and everyone rem
:Between longing and hatred:DanteEveline, Eveline, open your eyes! Fuck... What the fuck is wrong with you? Were you really going to kill her?!Enzo was holding Eveline in his arms, shouting at me.- Marco, call the doctor! Tell him to come immediately!He carried Eveline out of the office while I stood frozen, breathing heavily.Cazzo, cazzo...I roared, sweeping everything off the table, the sound of breaking glass echoing through the room. What the fuck is happening to me? I almost broke her damn hand.I dropped onto the couch, burying my face in my hands. Her terrified eyes and screams wouldn't leave my head. If Enzo hadn't been there... I don't even know what I would have done. No matter what she is, I can't kill a little girl.I grabbed the whiskey bottle from the table and downed it all at once, letting the burning liquid calm the storm inside me. Time passed in silence until Enzo finally walked back in.- What the fuck is wrong with you? Do you even realize what you did?I d
:Words that breaks our hearts That evening, I told Otto that I got married, but I didn't tell him everything. Otto doesn't know that my father abuses me, so I had to lie. I told him that the marriage was arranged, but before that, Dante and I knew each other. Otto even asked if I was forced into marriage — of course, I denied it. I didn't want him to worry about something he couldn't change. He was a little mad at me for hiding it from him for so long, but I quickly won him over with chocolate cake. When I was leaving, I promised to introduce him to Dante because he really wanted to meet my husband, and I simply couldn't say no.Now, I was sitting in the car, wondering what the hell I was supposed to do. How could I ask a man who despises me to come with me and meet Otto? His words still echoed in my mind — how he asked if I had slept with my boss. He doesn't deserve to meet Otto."Ma'am, we've arrived."I looked out the window and saw the house in front of me. I hadn't even realized
:Scars of the past Today, the café wasn't busy — we barely had any customers. I started cleaning the tables again because I hate days like this. Time passes painfully slow, and it's unbearable.While wiping one of the tables, I heard the door open. I immediately looked up, hoping for another customer, but I never expected to see him here.I left the cleaning supplies on the table and walked towards him."Uncle pedro?"He stood calmly, watching me with his usual gentle gaze."I'm sorry to bother you. If you're busy, I'll leave.""No... you never bother me, and you're not bothering me now. Please, have a seat."I led him to a table."Would you like something to eat? Or do you prefer a drink?"He sat down quietly, his posture a little hesitant."Just tea."I smiled softly and hurried to the kitchen. Otto was there, checking some papers."Otto... an old friend of mine just arrived. I'll sit with him for a little while, if that's okay. We don't have any customers anyway."He glanced up br
:Agreement and allianceDanteIn the evening, Enzo and I went to the restaurant. It was closed to the public for our arrival. We entered an elegant private hall, where the soft sound of the piano echoed through the room. Vladimir and Maksim Romanov were already waiting for us. As soon as they saw me, both of them stood up."Finally, we meet. I'm glad you found the time," Vladimir stood calmly, his face composed."I always have time if the matter is important."Vladimir smirked."Please, have a seat."Enzo and I sat across from them. Shortly after, wine was brought to the table — Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. I chuckled, glancing at Vladimir."You have good taste.""I only choose what is the best," he replied with a smile, taking a sip."Let's get to business. We don't have time to discuss wines."I glanced at Enzo, who was eyeing Maksim."Seems like no one taught you that rushing things never ends well. Relax and let the elders handle the business."Maksim's face turned red with anger,
:The dark side of the pastTwo weeks later, the pain had subsided, and the bruises were no longer as noticeable. Amelia had told my professors that I wasn't feeling well, and the girls came every day to treat my wounds. Sometimes they even stayed a little longer.Since that night, I hadn't gone downstairs again. Nana brought up food to my room, and occasionally stayed to chat for a while.I went into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and washed my face. Then I went back to my room and started rummaging through my clothes. Today, I was finally leaving this room to go to university. I took the black skirt from the bottom of my closet, which barely reached above my knee, and a white blouse. I stood in front of the mirror. The blouse fit snugly and beautifully on my body, and the black skirt complemented it, making my legs look even better. I put on black shoes, grabbed my bag, and left the room. I shook my hair out and lightly dampened it with water to calm it down. As I descended the stai
:Tears of FuryIt had been four days since that day. Today, I told the girls that I could manage to move around and change by myself. I knew that they wouldn't leave until I said so, so after two hours of arguing, I convinced them to go and rest. I didn't want them to miss work or university because of me.When I checked the time, it was already six. I slowly got out of bed and made my way to the bathroom. I took off my shirt and stood in front of the mirror. My body was covered in purple bruises, especially on my stomach, where it was the worst. I wiped my tears away and took off my underwear, stepping into the shower. I poured shampoo on my head. Returning to that place felt like death to me. The darkness, the cold walls, and the smell of dampness haunted my nightmares. I often saw that place in my dreams, screaming and begging for help, but no one heard me, and no one came.After finishing my shower, I dried my body with a towel and applied ointment to the bruised areas where I co
:The light I am holding on toThe pain woke me up. I slowly opened my eyes and slightly lifted my head. I looked around the room, but no one was there. Did something happen?The door opened, and Lily and Amelia entered with food in their hands."Looks like the sleeping beauty has finally woken up. How do you feel?"They helped me sit up and sat on the bed."I feel like a tractor ran over me."They didn't even smile. Apparently, I'm the only one trying to find humor in everything."It's not funny, Eveline. Now it's time to treat your wounds. After that, you need to eat and take your medicine."They removed my T-shirt, took off the bandages, and started treating my wounds.After finishing, I slowly leaned back on the bed, and Amelia placed a tray of food in front of me."You should eat all of this.""Are you out of your mind? I'm not a cow, I can't eat this much at once.""Shut up and eat, don't make me nervous."I sighed and began eating. There was no chance I would be able to finish i