Semua Bab Elegantly Wasted: Bab 41 - Bab 50

EdwinaI end up going to the office, spending my entire day buried in work. After breakfast with Gen, I immerse myself in tasks, though my mind occasionally drifts to the dinner awaiting me later that night. Raffaele calls to check in, his deep, velvety voice soothing my nerves, and I find myself telling him about the dinner with my parents. He seems unbothered by it, but I can’t shake the feeling of unease bubbling inside me. Tonight would be the first time my parents met him, and I know better than anyone that introductions in my family never go smoothly.By the time I return home, night has already settled. I climb the stairs, ready to freshen up and get dressed, waiting for Raffaele to arrive so we can leave together. As I approach our bedroom, my eyes catch sight of Giovanni standing at a distance. The moment he notices me, his face hardens, and he immediately averts his gaze, avoiding me as though my presence is unbearable.“Why are you avoiding me?” I ask the hurt in my voice ev

EdwinaMy mother’s face goes pale, her wine glass trembling in her grip. "What did you just say?" she whispers, her voice barely audible."No, it can't be," Abuela murmurs, her shock palpable. The hum of conversation and clinking cutlery vanishes, leaving only a suffocating silence in its wake."Our daughter died almost fifteen years ago," my father growls, his fists slamming against the table so hard the silverware rattles. "So what kind of bullshit is this?"I jump, my heart hammering. I’ve never seen him this furious—never seen him lose his composure like this. But this is too much, even for him."Is this true, Edwina?" my mother’s voice wavers, her eyes pleading for me to deny it.All eyes turn to me. Geneva sits beside me, her hands trembling, unshed tears shining in her eyes.I hesitate. The room is already a storm on the verge of destruction. Before I can decide, Raffaele’s hand tightens around my thigh under the table, grounding me. “You don’t have to answer if you’re not comfo

Edwina"What the hell does she have that I don't? Is the sex that good?" Layla yells, her voice laced with desperation as I enter the heated exchange."I do not owe you an explanation. Whatever almost happened that night was a mistake—one I paid for dearly, nearly losing the woman I love. So get it into your head, Layla, she will always come first," Raffaele growls, his patience thinning."What almost happened that night?" My voice cuts through their conversation like a blade, making Raffaele's body go rigid."Baby..." he exhales, stepping away from Layla, who glares at me with unmasked hatred. He reaches to wrap an arm around my waist, but I step back, shaking my head. A flicker of hurt flashes in his eyes before he masks it.So, this is her—the woman who almost had him the night he and I fought. She’s beautiful, I admit. Not conventionally striking, but stunning in an understated way. Shorter than average, curvier than a model, yet exuding an allure I can understand why Raffaele migh

EdwinaI am still in awe of this place—its sheer prestige and luxury are almost overwhelming. I always knew Raffaele came from wealth, but standing here now, I am shaken by the extent of his family's fortune.As soon as Raffaele leaves, I am left with his mother and Alessandro, who leads us to the grand kitchen, where a group of unfamiliar faces awaits."Oh my God, hi, beautiful!" a woman exclaims, her voice warm and excited as she walks over to me, her pregnant belly leading the way. She bears a striking resemblance to Raffaele."Hi," I squeak out, suddenly nervous under the attention of the room."Don't scare her away, Isabella," Alessandro teases, laughing as the woman playfully rolls her eyes at him. The two of them share an easy camaraderie."Nice to meet you," I say to Isabella, who smiles warmly, dimples appearing on her cheeks as she pulls me in for a hug. Her belly presses against me, but she is gentle, careful not to put pressure on my side. I am grateful for that small mercy

EdwinaThe moment Raffaele and I step into the massive dining room, all eyes shift to us. A sudden wave of nerves kicks in, but Raffaele notices instantly, pulling me closer to him."Relax, Tesoro," he whispers in my ear, his hot breath fanning my cheek."Buongiorno," Eleanora greets us warmly, her eyes shining with happiness at the sight of us together."Buongiorno, Mamma," Raffaele rasps, placing a kiss on her cheek as we finally reach the table.He pulls out a chair for me, and I thank him softly before taking a seat. He settles right next to me."How are you feeling today?" Isabella asks from across the table, her voice filled with genuine concern."Much better," I reply with a small smile, and she nods in acknowledgement.That’s when I noticed a new face at the table, one I hadn’t seen last night."So this is her?" A deep voice cuts through the air, and my eyes follow the sound, landing on a much older version of Raffaele seated at the head of the table. Immediately, I know this m