: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
: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
: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
The day I said yes, I had no idea my life would turn out this way. Sometimes, the will to live and survive is so strong that a person can overcome any obstacle. But other times, surrender is the best option. I surrendered.After years of fighting my father, I finally gave in. And for the first time in my life, I placed my fate in the hands of destiny.It led me straight to the man they called the Devil.But who said the Devil can't love? Part 1 :Family Life isn’t fair for everyone. I learned that at the age of seven when the people I called my family—those I thought loved me in their own way—showed me just how cruel the world could be. For fifteen years, I have endured my father’s abuse. Every time he beats me to the point of unconsciousness, I repeat to myself that it’s only a little longer. Just a little more, and I’ll disappear from their lives forever, starting fresh in another country where I can finally live in peace. Now, I’m in my final year of university, studying Engl
:Connection When I was six, I accidentally overheard the maids talking, and I found out that I was the daughter of another woman who was now dead. My stepmother always told me I wasn’t her daughter, but I thought she was just saying that because she was mad at me. I was wrong. As I grew up, I learned that the woman who gave birth to me had worked here as a maid, and then, suddenly, she left. Ten months later, she left me at the door and disappeared. When I was younger, I couldn’t understand all of this, but now I realize that neither my mother nor my stepmother loved me, and neither did my biological father. My half-sister and half-brother act as though I don’t exist. They don’t talk about me and avoid being near me, as if I’m some sort of parasite. This morning, as soon as I woke up, the maids warned me that my stepmother was hosting a party today and that I shouldn’t leave my room. I’m working late today, so no one will notice if I sneak into the house. “It’s time to come down
:Future plans I opened my eyes to the sound of the alarm clock, looked at the time, and sighed. Today I have Mr. Berman's class first thing, and I don't think it's going to go well. That guy is always in a bad mood in the morning, to be honest, he isn't exactly happy the rest of the day either, but his morning lectures are the worst. I got out of bed, went to the bathroom, and started brushing my teeth. After finishing, I washed my face and applied sunscreen. My morning routine was limited to just that; unfortunately, I didn't have anything else. I really love skincare, sometimes I buy new products, but now I'm being very careful with money. I don't wear makeup, just a little contour on my lips, which Amelia bought for me and said it would perfectly complement my red hair and pale face. She was right. The cherry color gives my lips a natural and beautiful tint. I left the bathroom, grabbed a pair of light-colored jeans from my closet, which were rolled up at the waist and loose a
:Threat I finished work at ten and went home. I wasn't too tired today since we didn't have many customers. A month has passed since that party, and the bruise on my hand has completely disappeared. As soon as I opened the door, I heard yelling and immediately knew what was happening—my so-called father was back. He had been away for two weeks because of work, and for me, that felt like a holiday. I wish it could always be like that. It's so much better when he's not home. Just as I was about to head to my room, I heard my name and froze. "So now you're ignoring me too?" My father's voice sent a shiver down my spine, and I slowly turned to face him. "Speak when I talk to you, you filthy bastard." Before I could process what was happening, a sharp pain burned across my face, and my ears started ringing. The next thing I knew, I was on the floor. I don't know what I did wrong. He hates it when I stay silent, but he also hates it when I speak. My mere existence seems to disgust hi
:Lying to protect them When I opened my eyes and checked my phone, it was six in the morning. I couldn't even remember when I had fallen asleep last night—I had cried so much. I got up from the bed and went to the bathroom. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I flinched. My eyes were swollen, and I was terribly pale. I took off my clothes from the night before and stepped under the shower. I had no idea how long I stood under the cold water, but when I was done and looked in the mirror again, my lips were completely blue. Seeing myself like that made me cry all over again. Why was this happening to me? I finally had a plan, I was so close to my freedom, and now I had to marry a stranger just to protect my friends. After a few minutes, I stepped out of the bathroom and put on the first thing I could find. I tied my hair up and packed my laptop and notebooks into my bag. When I checked the time, it was already eight o'clock. My lecture didn't start until noon, but I needed to ge
: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