Romane von Annabelle Anieke

"They're coming for you."The words echoed in my head long after Matteo said them.Before I could ask another question, a loud alarm rang through the mansion. The sharp, piercing sound bounced off the walls, making me flinch.The office door flew open."Boss!" one of the guards called, breathing heavily. "The east gate cameras have gone offline."Matteo didn't panic.If anything, he became even calmer."Lock every entrance," he ordered. "No one gets in or out without my permission.""Yes, Boss."The guard disappeared as quickly as he'd arrived.I stared at Matteo, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it was trying to break free from my chest."What is happening?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Who are they?"He didn't answer immediately.Instead, he picked up the brown envelope from his desk and looked down at the photographs again.The pictures of me.Walking across campus.Leaving a café.Standing outside my own bedroom window.Someone had been following me without me

I wasn't expecting to see Matteo again so soonThe black SUV pulled into our driveway just after noon, and my father didn't even bother asking if I wanted to go. He simply looked at me and said, "Get in the car."No explanation.No choice.Just another order.I should've been used to it by now, but every command still felt like another chain wrapped around my wrists.I grabbed my bag and walked out without another word. The driver opened the back door for me, and I slid inside.Matteo was already there.He didn't look at me.Instead, his attention stayed fixed on the passing streets outside the tinted window. His posture was relaxed, one arm resting against the door, his expression as unreadable as ever.The silence between us stretched for several minutes.It wasn't awkward.It was... strange.We were two people who were supposed to spend the rest of our lives together, yet we barely knew each other.Finally, I broke the silence."So, do you always send a car instead of asking people

I spent the next three days pretending nothing had changed.I went to class. I came home. I locked myself in my room.But every time I looked at the calendar hanging above my desk, my stomach twisted.The wedding was getting closer.Every day felt like another step toward a life I hadn't chosen.A knock sounded on my bedroom door."Come in."Maria stepped inside, smoothing her apron nervously."Your father wants you downstairs."I sighed."What now?"She hesitated before answering."The De Luca family is hosting the engagement dinner tonight."My heart sank.Tonight?I hadn't even had time to prepare myself."I don't want to go.""I know," Maria said softly. "But your father is already waiting."I closed my eyes for a moment before standing.There was no point arguing.Not anymore.By the time I reached the living room, my father was checking his watch impatiently."You're late.""I was getting dressed."His eyes traveled over my dark green dress.It was elegant but simple, exactly th

I barely slept.Every time I closed my eyes, I heard my father's voice."You're getting married."By morning, my head was pounding.I dragged myself out of bed and stood in front of the mirror. The faint outline of his hand was still visible on my cheek. It wasn't as dark as it had been the night before, but it was enough.I reached for my makeup and carefully covered it.Years of practice had made me good at hiding things.Bruises.Fear.Pain.No one ever looked closely enough to notice.A soft knock interrupted my thoughts."Miss Alessia?" Maria, our housekeeper, called from the other side of the door."You can come in."She stepped inside carrying a tray with coffee and toast.Unlike everyone else in this house, Maria always looked at me with kindness."You should eat," she said gently."I'm not hungry.""You said that yesterday too."I forced a small smile."I'll eat later."She sighed but didn't argue.As she turned to leave, she hesitated."Your father asked you to be downstairs

I knew something was wrong before I even stepped inside.The front door was unlocked.It never stayed unlocked.I pushed it open slowly, the familiar scent of expensive furniture polish and fresh flowers greeting me. To anyone else, this house probably looked perfect. Marble floors. Crystal chandeliers. Family portraits hanging on the walls like we were the picture of happiness.They were all lies.People always said I was lucky to grow up in a mansion.If only walls could talk.I slipped off my shoes and quietly closed the door behind me. My classes had ended later than usual, and all I wanted was to go upstairs, shower, and lock myself in my room until morning.That was my routine.Stay invisible.Stay quiet.Stay out of my father's way.It was the only way to survive."Alessia."His voice echoed through the house.I closed my eyes for a second.There went my plan."I'm in the living room," he called again.Taking a deep breath, I forced my feet to move.Every step felt heavier than