روايات بقلم Elodie

The morning sun had barely begun to climb when I woke to the sound of the front doorbell. My heart skipped a beat, a strange unease settling over me. Ares stirred beside me, noticing my sudden alertness.“Who is it?” I whispered, still in bed, listening.“I don’t know,” he replied, already moving toward the window. “Stay here.”I watched him walk toward the door, his movements calm but deliberate. I heard his voice, low and steady. “Who’s there?”There was a pause. Then a woman’s voice, unfamiliar but firm. “I’m here to speak with Valeria.”Ares’s jaw tightened. “Do you have an appointment?”“No,” she said, her tone sharp. “But it’s urgent. For her safety.”I felt a chill run down my spine. Urgency was rarely good news. Slowly, I slipped out of bed and followed him toward the door.Ares opened it, standing tall, protective. The woman stepped in, her eyes scanning the house quickly. She looked professional, but there was something calculating in the way she moved.“Valeria Hart?” she a

The morning began like any other. Sunlight spilled across the kitchen counter, painting soft patterns on the floor. I poured myself coffee, enjoying the warmth in my hands. Ares moved quietly around the kitchen, humming softly as he prepared breakfast.“Good morning,” I said softly, smiling at him.“Morning,” he replied, eyes soft. “Sleep well?”“Yes,” I admitted. “For the first time in weeks, I feel rested.”He handed me a plate with scrambled eggs and toast. “I’m glad. You’ve earned this calm.”I chuckled softly. “We’ve earned it. All of us.”He leaned against the counter, watching me. “Yes. And we need to protect it. Together.”I nodded. “Step by step, moment by moment.”“Exactly,” he said, his voice quiet, almost reverent.---After breakfast, we decided to take a walk along the property. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of flowers and soil. Our daughter ran ahead, laughing, chasing butterflies with small, eager hands. Ares and I walked slowly behind her, hands brushing

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of wet earth and distant flowers. I woke slowly, stretching and feeling the quiet warmth of the house around me. Ares was already moving about, the faint sound of dishes clinking and soft humming reaching me from the kitchen. Somehow, the calm had become a rhythm I didn’t want to leave.I slipped into the kitchen quietly. Ares looked up from pouring juice and smiled. “Good morning,” he said softly, his voice low and steady.“Morning,” I replied, taking a deep breath. “Coffee?”“Always.” He handed me a cup, and I took it, savoring the warmth. “Sleep well?”“For the first time in months, yes,” I admitted. “The house… the quiet… it feels right.”He leaned against the counter, eyes soft. “It should feel right. That’s what I wanted. A place where you can feel… home.”I smiled faintly. “You’ve succeeded.”We drank our coffee slowly, the silence between us comfortable, filled with understanding rather than words.---Later, I went to check on the

The morning light filtered through the curtains again, soft and golden, painting the walls with warmth. I stretched in bed, listening to the quiet hum of the house. There was a rhythm here, a calmness that felt new, yet familiar. I could hear Ares moving around the kitchen, the soft clatter of dishes, the hum of a kettle. It was comforting in a way I hadn’t realized I’d been craving.I got up quietly, padding to the kitchen. Ares looked up as I entered, his expression soft.“Good morning,” he said, voice low and calm.“Morning,” I replied, smiling faintly. “Coffee?”“Always.” He poured a fresh cup for me and slid it across the counter. “Sit. I made breakfast too.”I raised a brow. “You cooked?”“I did,” he said with a small shrug. “Not much, but it’s edible.”I laughed softly, taking the plate he offered. “Edible is perfect.”We sat together at the small table, sipping our coffee and nibbling on eggs and toast. The quiet between us wasn’t empty; it was comfortable, the kind of silence

The first week in the new house passed slowly, almost dreamlike. Every morning, I woke to the sunlight spilling through the windows, painting soft patterns across the floor. It was quiet. Not empty or lonely, but quiet in a way that felt deliberate, like the world had finally slowed down for us. I never imagined peace could feel so… tangible.Ares had adapted quickly, though I could see him still measuring himself, ensuring that nothing he did would push me away. He moved around the house with careful steps, keeping things orderly, thoughtful. Even his smile seemed softer, more genuine, less practiced.One morning, he was already awake when I came into the kitchen. He was humming softly as he arranged fruit on the counter, the sunlight catching the strands of his hair.“Good morning,” I said quietly.“Morning,” he replied without looking up. “Coffee?”“Yes, please.” I stepped closer, inhaling the faint scent of him—warm, clean, familiar.He finally glanced at me, eyes soft. “You’re ad

The next morning, sunlight spilled softly through the curtains, touching the edges of the room with a warm glow. I lay in bed for a moment, listening to the quiet hum of the house. The world outside seemed calm, almost like it had slowed down just for us. I felt a strange mixture of anticipation and comfort. Today wasn’t about chaos, deadlines, or confrontations. Today was about living.I stirred when I felt Ares move beside me. He sat up slowly, stretching his arms over his head before lowering them and glancing at me. “Morning,” he said softly, voice still thick with sleep.“Morning,” I replied, smiling faintly. “You sleep well?”“For the first time in months,” he admitted. “And you?”“I did,” I said honestly. “Though I woke early. Couldn’t resist the light.”He leaned back on his elbows, studying me quietly. “I was thinking we could have breakfast on the balcony. Quiet. Just us.”I nodded. “That sounds perfect.”---The kitchen wasn’t fully finished, but it was functional and warm.

The first snow of the season dusted the estate like powdered sugar as Celeste stood at the kitchen window, watching the soft flakes fall. The house smelled of fresh pine from the holiday decorations and cinnamon from the cookies baking in the oven. Sofia arrived with the children, her face showing the exhaustion of the long custody battle. "Mom, the final hearing is next month and I'm so scared. My ex is using every old story about our family to try to take more time with the kids. The youngest keeps having nightmares about being separated from me."Celeste wiped her hands on her apron and pulled her daughter into a tight hug, feeling the tension in Sofia's shoulders. "Come sit by the fire. I've made your favorite hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. The kids can help decorate the tree while we talk." Sofia managed a tired smile as the children ran to the big Christmas tree in the living room. "Thank you, Mom. These visits keep me going."Nico joined them in the living room, moving

The autumn leaves had turned deep red and orange across the estate, creating a beautiful backdrop as Celeste walked the garden paths with a light sweater wrapped around her shoulders. The crisp air carried the scent of falling leaves and distant woodsmoke. Sofia arrived with the children for a weekend stay, looking worn from the ongoing custody battles. "Mom, the next hearing is in two weeks and my ex is bringing up every old story about our family. The kids are asking so many questions. The youngest had another nightmare last night about being taken away."Celeste pulled her daughter into a warm embrace near the rose bushes, feeling Sofia's tired body relax slightly. "Come inside, darling. I've prepared your favorite roast chicken with all the sides. The kids can play in the leaves while we talk." Sofia managed a small, grateful smile as the children ran off to jump in the colorful piles. "Thank you, Mom. I feel like I can't breathe sometimes with all of this."Nico joined them on th

The late summer sun cast a golden glow over the estate as Celeste walked through the rose garden, the petals soft under her fingers. The sweet scent mixed with the warm breeze. Sofia arrived with the children for a weekend visit, her shoulders tense from another difficult week. "Mom, the court is considering his request for more time. He keeps bringing up our family arrangement like it's something bad. The kids are so confused. The youngest asked me yesterday if we were a broken family."Celeste pulled her daughter into a warm hug, feeling the exhaustion in Sofia's body. "Come sit on the patio. I've made fresh iced tea and sandwiches. The kids can play while we talk." Sofia managed a tired smile as the children ran toward the fountain. "Thank you. I feel like I'm drowning sometimes. The lawyer says we have a good case, but the process is killing me."Nico joined them, moving slowly with his cane, the lines on his face showing his own struggles. "Sofia, you're an incredible mother. We'

The golden light of early summer bathed the estate gardens as Celeste walked slowly among the blooming roses, their sweet scent filling the warm air. She paused to touch a soft petal, thinking about how far they had come and how new conflicts still found ways to challenge them. Sofia arrived for lunch with two of the children, her face showing the strain of months of legal battles. "Mom, the latest court filing is brutal. He's claiming our lifestyle is unstable for the kids. I stayed up all night preparing my response with the lawyers. I just want this to end so we can have peace."Celeste hugged her daughter tightly, feeling the tension in Sofia's shoulders. "Come inside. I've made your favorite lemonade. The kids can play in the garden while we talk." Sofia managed a small smile as the children ran toward the flowers. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you three." Nico joined them on the patio, moving carefully with his cane. "Sofia, you're doing everything right. We're pr

The first warm days of spring brought new flowers to the estate gardens, but inside the house new conflicts tested the family once again. Celeste stood at the kitchen counter chopping fresh vegetables for dinner, the knife making steady sounds against the cutting board. The smell of garlic and herbs filled the air. Sofia walked in carrying a stack of legal papers, her face pale and tired. "Mom, the ex just filed again. He wants the kids for the entire summer and is bringing up the whole twin thing in court. I don't know how to explain this to them without breaking their hearts."Celeste wiped her hands on a towel and pulled her daughter into a hug. "Come sit down. You've been carrying so much. How are the little ones handling it?" Sofia sank into a chair and rubbed her temples. "The middle one had another meltdown at school today. She asked me why Daddy doesn't love us anymore. It broke me, Mom. I feel like I'm failing them."Nico entered the kitchen slowly, his steps careful after hi

The winter wind howled outside the estate windows as Celeste stood in the warm kitchen, chopping vegetables for a large pot of stew. The smell of onions and herbs filled the air. Sofia walked in carrying her youngest child, looking exhausted with dark circles under her eyes. "Mom, the court date is next week and I'm terrified. He’s bringing up everything again — the twins, the contract, our whole history. The kids keep asking why Daddy is so angry with us."Celeste set down the knife and hugged her daughter tightly. "I know, sweetheart. It feels endless. But remember what we went through in the beginning. We chose each other every single day. You can do this too." Nico entered the room slowly, leaning on his cane a little more than usual. "Sofia, we're all behind you. The lawyers are good. We'll get through this." Eli followed, his face tired from long days at the office. "And the company is falling apart at the seams. Two more executives quit yesterday. They said the constant media n

The mansion was quiet.Not the uneasy quiet that had settled after the bloodshed, but a different kind—gentler, deeper. It was the hush of a house learning peace again, of walls no longer echoing with betrayal, rage, or secrets. For the first time in what felt like a lifetime, Alessio could breathe.The heavy weight of vengeance had lifted, leaving behind something fragile but honest. Gabriella remained close, not out of obligation or fear, but out of something they’d both fought hard to reclaim: trust.A week had passed since the night of reckoning. The bodies had been buried. The halls scrubbed clean. The old tapestries—once embroidered with the legacy of the Martini name—had been taken down. Alessio didn’t want reminders. Not of the man he had to become, and certainly not of the empire his brother had twisted into something monstrous.One bright morning, Gabriella stood at the bottom of the grand staircase, dressed simply, one hand resting gently on her belly. Alessio watched her f

Gabriella's Pov The sound cracked through the night like a curse. One shot—sharp, final.I spun around.“Leonardo!” I screamed, as my brother’s body crumpled to the ground, his breath hitching as if the air had betrayed him. Blood poured from the wound in his back, dark and thick, staining his shirt like ink spilled from a shattered bottle.I caught him before he hit the stone floor. His weight folded into me, heavier than I remembered, like the life was already ebbing out of him. Gabriella dropped to her knees beside us, hands trembling, eyes wide with disbelief. Her voice caught in her throat as she tried to speak, but no words came out—just a gasp, choked and broken.Vandel stood across the room, still holding the smoking gun. His face was stone. No regret. No hesitation. Only hatred.I cradled Leo's head against my chest. “Stay with me,” I begged, my voice breaking. “Just hold on. Please, Leo…”He coughed, and a thin line of blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. “No... it’

Gabriella's Pov The night was supposed to be over. We had escaped. I thought we were safe—just for a second. Alessio’s hand gripped mine tightly, his other hand on the wheel, speeding through the darkened street like he could outrun the world. But safety, I was learning, was just an illusion. And illusions don’t last.Two headlights suddenly swerved into view behind us, fast and aggressive. My stomach twisted before my brain could catch up."Alessio..." I murmured, my voice already trembling.He glanced in the rearview mirror, his jaw tightening. "I see them."Another car came at us from the left. That’s when I knew—we weren’t being followed. We were being hunted.Gunfire cracked through the silence.Glass shattered.“DOWN!” Alessio barked.Without thinking, I threw myself across the console and lunged at him. We dropped below the dashboard as bullets punched through the windows, glass raining down in jagged pieces. I could hear my own heartbeat pounding in my ears, deafening me.“I

Alessio's Pov My heart jolted like someone had driven a knife straight through it. Unborn child—that was what Martini had just said. The words echoed in my head, bouncing around with disbelief, confusion, and something dangerously close to hope.I stared at Gabriella.Everything else—Martini’s gun pointed at my forehead, the sweat dripping down my back, the pounding in my ears—faded into the background as I searched her face for the truth. Her lips parted slightly, her eyes shimmering with something raw. Something real.“Yes,” she whispered, barely audible. But I didn’t need her to say more.She was pregnant.With my child.I blinked. My vision tunneled, not from the pressure of the gun still threatening my life, but from the gravity of her words. She was carrying my baby. Our baby.A tremor ran through me, knocking the air from my lungs. I hadn’t seen this coming—hadn’t even considered it. But as shock gave way to awe, a warmth bloomed in my chest. A fierce kind of joy. The kind of

Alessio's Pov She looked like she hadn’t aged a second—but she wasn’t the same girl I once knew.Gabriella stood across the room, framed by the long shadows of dusk bleeding in through the tall windows. The light touched her skin like it belonged there, softening the lines of worry etched into her face. But I could still see it—the fear hidden beneath the surface, the way her fingers curled around the edge of her coat just a little too tightly. She was nervous. And she should be.Because I didn’t trust her.Not anymore.I had no idea what game she was playing by coming here again, by standing beside Martini of all people. That bastard had never shown mercy a day in his life. I didn’t even know how she’d ended up in his custody—or why she hadn’t tried to escape.I studied her face, looking for something familiar, something real.And that’s when it happened.She winked.A slow, subtle flutter of her eyelid. Barely noticeable, but unmistakable.I froze.It hit me like a punch to the gut

Gabriella's Pov The morning sunlight slipped through the thin curtains like golden fingers, brushing against my face, warming my cheek. I blinked slowly, my lashes fluttering against the pillowcase as I stirred, trying to resist the gentle nudge of daybreak. My body ached in places I didn’t even know could ache, a dull soreness clinging to every limb like a second skin. Sleep had claimed me like a thief in the night, but it hadn't been kind—just necessary. I felt as though I'd fought a war in my dreams and lost.For a long moment, I just lay there, staring up at the ceiling, trying to remember how it felt to wake up without dread pressing on my chest. The events of the past few days had blurred into one tangled mess of adrenaline, pain, and fear. But there was something else too—something sharp and persistent beneath it all. A name. Alessio.Just the thought of him sent a shiver down my spine. I hated how his presence lingered in my mind, how the memory of his voice could still echo

Cole’s PovI told myself I was just being careful. That’s the excuse I kept repeating in my head as I sat in my office two days after Sienna’s investment email arrived, quietly running a private investigation into the anonymous holding group without saying a word to her about it. I had a contact, a man named Peterson who specialized in tracing corporate ownership through shell companies, and I figured if I could just confirm whether Alexander was behind the funding before Sienna got too far into the process, I could protect her from whatever game he was playing without dragging her through the stress of not knowing.It made sense in my head. It felt responsible, even loving, like something a good husband would do quietly in the background while his wife focused on the exciting parts of her new opportunity.I didn’t realize how wrong that thinking was until Sienna walked into my office Thursday afternoon holding my laptop, her face pale and her jaw tight in a way I recognized instantly

Sienna’s PovI got an email on a Tuesday morning while I was still in my pajamas, drinking coffee at the kitchen island and half listening to the news playing quietly in the background. I almost didn’t open it, thinking it was another one of those generic investment newsletters that flooded my inbox since word got around about the Choi deal. But something about the subject line made me pause. Private Investment Opportunity: Healthcare Initiative Leadership.I opened it, and by the third paragraph, my hands had gone still around my mug.A group of investors wanted to fund an entire company built around the healthcare initiative I had developed at Calloway Industries months ago, the program meant to expand affordable care access through partner clinics. They weren’t interested in folding it back into Cole’s company. They wanted it standing on its own, with my name attached as founder and lead executive.I read the email three times before I fully believed what it was saying.“Cole,” I c

Cole’s PovThe invitation came through email, short and polite in a way that felt almost like a challenge. Alexander wanted to have dinner with us, just the three of us, at a private restaurant downtown. No business talk, he claimed, just a friendly evening between people who apparently now had history worth sharing over wine.“Absolutely not,” I said the second Sienna read it out loud to me.“Why not?” she asked, tilting her head at me like she already knew the answer and just wanted to hear me say it out loud.“Because he’s not doing this to be friendly. He’s doing this to get inside our heads, probably mine most of all. I don’t trust a single word that comes out of that man’s mouth, especially not over a candlelit dinner.”“Then we go and make sure he doesn’t get what he wants,” Sienna said simply, already typing out her reply before I could argue further.I hated how confident she sounded, mostly because some small stubborn part of me knew she was probably right.The restaurant Al

Sienna’s First MoveSienna’s PovThe next morning, I found Cole hunched over his laptop at the kitchen table, dark circles under his eyes like he hadn’t slept at all. Papers were spread out everywhere, coffee going cold beside him, and I could tell just by looking at him that the weight of the last two days hadn’t lifted even a little.“Show me the proposal,” I said, sitting down across from him.He looked up, surprised. “Sienna, this isn’t something you need to—”“Cole.” I cut him off before he could finish that sentence, the same one he’d been trying to say since this whole mess started. “I’m not asking for permission. I’m telling you I want to see it. You said we do this together. So let’s actually do it together.”He hesitated, his jaw tightening, but something in my face must have told him arguing wouldn’t get him anywhere. He turned the laptop toward me and slid over a thick folder of documents, the official investment proposal Alexander’s team had sent over.I spent the next ho

Cole’s PovI didn’t sleep much that night. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Alexander Sterling’s face from the boardroom that morning, calm and smiling like none of this cost him anything. By the time the sun came up, I already knew I couldn’t keep the whole truth locked away from Sienna anymore. She deserved better than pieces. She deserved the full story, even the parts that made me look weak.I found her in the kitchen making coffee, and I asked her to sit down with me before the day pulled us in different directions again. She looked nervous, like she thought I was about to tell her something terrible, and in a way, I guess I was.“Alexander isn’t just some investor,” I said, wrapping my hands around my mug like it could steady me. “I knew him before all this. Before Calloway Industries even looked the way it does now.”Sienna leaned forward slightly. “Knew him how?”“Years ago, before you, before I settled into running my father’s company, I tried to run from all of it.” I paus

Sienna’s PovThe sun came through the curtains before I even opened my eyes, and for a second I forgot everything except how happy I had been the night before. Cole and I had spent our anniversary at the lake, just the two of us, no phones, no work, no company drama. It had felt like the early days again, back when it was just us against the world. But when I reached across the bed, my hand landed on cold sheets instead of his warm chest.I sat up fast, my heart already picking up speed. “Cole?” I called out, but the house answered me with silence. I checked the bathroom, then the kitchen, and found only a note on the counter in his rushed handwriting. Emergency at the office. I’ll explain later. I’m sorry, Si.I stared at that note like it might rearrange itself into something that made more sense. He had promised me this morning. He had looked me in the eyes last night and promised we would sleep in and make pancakes and not think about Calloway Industries for even one hour. And now