All Chapters of Elegantly Wasted: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

EdwinaThe pulsating rhythm of the music courses through my veins, blending seamlessly with the alcohol burning in my system. Krys’s hand grips mine as we weave through the sweaty, pulsating bodies, our destination clear—the bar. A couple of gin shots later, the world blurs into streaks of neon and strobe lights, my inhibitions unravelling like a loose thread.Krys and I move with the music, our bodies in perfect sync, our arms raised high, surrendering to the beat. The energy in the club is electric, a chaotic blend of heat, laughter, and raw exhilaration. My mind buzzes, a high like no other, the joy in my chest blooming like fireworks. I close my eyes, letting the rhythm consume me, my body becoming one with the music, with the strangers around me, with the night itself.Krys whoops beside me, her voice lost in the cacophony of bass and synths, and I can’t help but laugh, my head tilting back as the room spins in a delightful blur. I am drunk—unapologetically, blissfully drunk. The

Edwina"What?" I whisper in shock, my heart stopping as I remain frozen in place. Goosebumps prickle my skin, my breath turning shallow as I struggle to comprehend what I am hearing."Tesoro," Raffaele's voice comes softly, but all of a sudden, his touch feels cold. I instinctively try to create some distance between us, but his grip remains firm."Tell me you are joking," I whisper, my hands trembling in fear of the reality that my supposedly dead sister is alive. The room remains thick with silence, tense and suffocating. All eyes settle on me, heavy with pity, confirming what I already dread to be true."How long?" I ask, my hands balling into fists. A new wave of anger rises within me, burning hot and all-consuming. Raffaele senses it, his fingers rubbing slow, comforting circles against my thigh. But my body acts on its own, jerking away from his touch as I slide off his lap.A flash of something crosses his eyes—anger, sadness—but I ignore it as Matteo speaks up. "It has been a w

EdwinaRaffaele and I walk hand in hand down the grand spiral staircase, the rhythmic click of my heels echoing across the polished marble steps. The descent feels longer than usual, an air of tension wrapping around us like an unseen force. At the base of the stairs, the main door looms ahead, a portal leading into the unknown. The cool night breeze greets me the moment we step outside, its crisp whisper grazing my skin, sending a faint shiver through me. As expected, Raffaele notices instantly, his response swift and instinctual—he pulls me closer, his warmth a silent promise of protection.My gaze sweeps over the sleek black SUVs lined up in the driveway, their number excessive, even for someone as cautious as Raffaele. My brows knit together in confusion. "That’s a lot of cars," I murmur, tilting my head towards him.His jaw tightens as his dark eyes scan the surroundings, always calculating, always prepared. "They are for security purposes, Tesoro. I am not taking any chances with

Edwina"Yes, I am," I say back to Callie, wondering where she is going with this conversation. My eyes scan the room, searching, but Raffaele is nowhere to be seen. A sudden wave of panic begins to creep in when Alessandro appears at my side, his voice low and reassuring as he whispers, "You are okay, Princessa. Relax, he is fine."I let out a breath I hadn’t even realized I was holding, nodding at Alessandro’s words. But before I can respond, Callie’s voice cuts in, her perfectly done eyebrows scrunching together as she looks at Alessandro with open curiosity. "And who are you?" she asks, her tone laced with confusion.I turn to Alessandro, expecting him to respond with his usual teasing smirk, but his face is unreadable, his body rigid. It is unusual to see him this way—stoic, detached. Something is off."I am a friend of Edwina's," he says flatly, and I watch in shock as Callie's face drains of color. Her hands tremble, and in her distraction, her plate slips from her grasp, crashin

Edwina"Glad to see you again," I say to Mr. Black as he takes his seat in front of me, but there is a hint of resentment in my tone."Look, about the other night..." I begin, trying to clear the air, but he is quick to interrupt."How about we don't talk about the other night and instead focus on what I am here to discuss?" he says firmly.My eyebrows furrow in confusion at his stern demeanour, and, being the stubborn woman I am, I say, "No. My building, my rules, so we are talking about last night.""What is there even to talk about?" he asks, his frustration evident.I sigh, deciding to cut to the chase. "I just want to apologize on Raffaele’s behalf and also for putting you in such a position. It wasn’t fair to you, so I’m sorry."Mr. Black’s expression remains cold as he scoffs, "Since when did the famous Raffaele Marcello apologize to anyone?"Leaning forward, I rest my elbows on my desk and look him squarely in the eye. "He doesn’t. That’s why you either accept the apology from