. . . ADELINE The moment the sinister words left Charles’ lips, my’s world tilted on its axis. My breath came in shallow gasps, but I refused to show weakness. Vladimir being tortured- My nails dug into my palms as I clenched my fists, my entire body trembling with barely restrained fury. I pulled away from Vladimir without a second thought, my legs moving before my mind could catch up. In the next moment, I was in front of Charles, grabbing his collar with a force that made the room collectively gasp. “Who the hell are you?” I demanded, my voice shaking with rage. “And what were you doing with my brother?” I glared at Charles not knowing what he was playing. Why he was doing this. Behind me, Vladimir stood abruptly, his voice urgent. “Adeline!” But Charles… Charles only looked amused. His lips curled into a smirk as he glanced down at my hands gripping his shirt. His green eyes gleamed with something dangerously entertained, something darkly intrigued.
. . . ADELINE The room was bathed in a warm, golden glow from the bedside lamp, casting soft shadows across the walls. It was quiet—so quiet that I could hear the soft ticking of the antique clock in the corner and the rhythmic breathing of my brother. Vladimir laid curled up against me, his head resting on my lap, his fingers weakly holding onto mine as if afraid I would slip away. Even in sleep, his grip was uncertain—hesitant, as if he had spent too long without knowing the safety of family. I stared down at him, my heart aching. He looked so small. Despite the hints of maturity that life had forced upon him—the sharp angles of his face, the scars, the pain buried deep within his unconscious form—he was still just a boy. Sixteen years old. A child who had never been given the chance to simply be one. Tears brimmed in my eyes. I wanted to cry. To sob, to scream, to let the weight of everything crash down on me. But I couldn’t. I had spent so long forcing my
. . . AUTHOR’S POV The morning air was filled with the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee, warm butter, and crisping bacon. Sunlight filtered through the large kitchen windows, casting golden hues across the marble counters. The atmosphere felt light, peaceful—almost as if, for once, everything was normal. Adeline stood at the stove, humming softly as she flipped pancakes onto a plate. A rare, genuine smile curled on her lips. It had been so long since she had felt this—this warmth, this sense of home. It wasn’t much, just breakfast, but it was hers. A moment of simplicity in a life filled with chaos. She wanted to give a happy life to Vladimir and she could go to any extent to keep that smile on his face. As she arranged the plates on the long dining table, she heard approaching footsteps. She turned just in time to see Vladimir entering the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, his hair a mess from just waking up. “Adeline,” he called, his voice grogg
. . . ADELINE Charles led me through the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps unhurried, his presence commanding. I watched him from behind. He was indeed a powerful man. His aura executed horror and dominance, someone you’d never want to come face to face with. I followed, my expression blank, though inside, my mind was racing. Charles was a man of power, but more than that, he was a man of calculation. He didn’t do anything without a reason. I had searched about him but nothing seemed suspicious. He was a powerful and famous man of France. So why was he helping her? As we entered his office, the rich scent of leather and aged whiskey filled the air. The space was grand, yet minimalistic—dark wooden shelves lined with books, a large mahogany desk, and deep brown leather chairs that exuded wealth and control. The only source of light was a dim chandelier hanging above, casting a soft glow across the room. I let out a sigh and eased myself before I took a seat on th
. . . AUTHOR’S POV The tension in Luciano’s study was suffocating. The air was thick with his rage, his frustration, his desperation. Two days. Two fucking days since Adeline had disappeared, and he was unraveling by the second. His usually calculated mind—his greatest weapon—felt clouded with a storm of emotions he couldn’t control. He had spent years mastering the art of dominance, of always being three steps ahead. But now? Now he felt like he was walking blindly into the unknown, and it was driving him insane. His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white, his pulse a violent drum against his skin. He couldn’t eat. Couldn’t sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was her face—the way she looked at him the last time he saw her. Furious. Determined. And then she was gone. Luciano exhaled sharply, his chest rising and falling with barely restrained fury. He turned his gaze to William, his right-hand man, who stood rigidly near the de
. . . ADELINE I sat curled up on the couch, my arms wrapped around my legs as I buried my face in my knees. The dim glow of the lamp beside me cast long shadows across the room, but I barely noticed. My thoughts were a tangled mess, circling the same painful truth over and over again. The image of Vladimir getting tortured made me want to end my life in guilt for not being there for him but …… the pain i also felt for was …… myself and …… Luciano. For so many years, I had tried. I had fought for his love, endured his coldness, his silence, his indifference. I had stood by his side, hoping—praying—that one day, he would see me, truly see me. That he would love me the way I had loved him. But after everything I had learned… after the truth had come crashing down around me like an avalanche, burying everything I once believed in, I could no longer see a future with him. I could not see …… myself with him. Not anymore. I lifted my head slightly, exhaling a deep si
. . . ADELINE I laid sprawled on the bed, my fingers idly tracing the soft fabric of the sheets as my mind refused to rest. No matter how much I tried to distract myself, no matter how many deep breaths I took, I couldn’t escape him. Luciano. His name alone sent a shiver down my spine, and the mere thought of him had me body betraying me. I had needs and I wanted him. I hated that how much of an effect he had on me. My mind was occupied by him and my body …… craved him and it messed me. I could see him so clearly in my mind—those piercing blue eyes that always seemed to look straight through me, the sharp cut of his jaw, the way his muscles flexed beneath his crisp shirts, his powerful presence that both terrified and consumed me. I had spent so long fighting for his love, so long yearning for even the smallest sliver of his affection. And now, even after everything that had happened, even after all the lies and betrayals, …… I still wanted him. My breath hitch
. . . AUTHOR’S POV Adeline exhaled heavily as she stepped inside Luciano’s grand mansion, the weight of her return pressing down on her like a vice. The air was thick with expectation, and even before she had fully crossed the threshold, she knew—they had been waiting and she was prepared to give them. It was as if the walls themselves whispered her name. Luciano’s men had already spread the word, and in a matter of seconds, the entire house was set into motion that she was here. The once-familiar halls no longer felt welcoming. The warmth she had once associated with this place had long since turned cold. She took another step, but the moment she did, the heavy wooden doors swung open behind her, and a rush of hurried footsteps filled the space. Adeline stopped. Aurora was the first to reach her, barreling toward her with tear-filled eyes, wrapping her arms around her in a desperate hug. “Adeline!” she breathed, holding her tightly as if afraid she would d
. . . AUTHORS’S POV The first light of dawn crept through the gauzy curtains of their bedroom, painting the walls in soft hues of gold and rose. The air was cool, a gentle spring breeze slipping through the cracked window, carrying the faint scent of blooming jasmine from the garden below. The world outside was just waking, but inside, time seemed to pause, wrapped in the quiet intimacy of Luciano and Adeline’s shared sanctuary. Adeline stirred beneath the tangled sheets, her dark hair spilling across the pillow like ink on parchment. Her skin glowed faintly in the morning light, still warm from sleep, and she stretched lazily, a soft hum escaping her lips. She blinked her eyes open, catching sight of Luciano beside her—propped up on one elbow, his gaze already fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart flutter. His dark hair was tousled, his bare chest rising and falling steadily, and a slow, mischievous smile played on his lips. “Morning, beautiful
. . . AUTHORS’S POV The grand cathedral was awash with golden light streaming through the stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished stone floors. Rows of pews were filled with family and friends, their faces beaming with anticipation and joy. The air was thick with the scent of fresh lilies and roses, arranged in lavish bouquets that lined the aisle. At the heart of it all stood Adeline, a vision of breathtaking beauty, though her heart raced with a nervous flutter she couldn’t quite tame. Her wedding gown was a masterpiece—ivory silk cascading over her frame in delicate layers, the bodice adorned with intricate lace that shimmered faintly in the light. A long, gossamer veil trailed behind her, catching the soft breeze that slipped through the open doors. Her dark hair was swept up elegantly, adorned with tiny pearls that glinted like stars. She was stunning, radiant, yet her hands trembled slightly as s
. . . AUTHOR’S POV “Oh my God, Adeline, I knew there was something going on between you two!” Eva nodded vigorously, her hands clasped together. “We all knew, honestly. The tension between you guys was so obvious!” Rose smirked as she leaned in. “And now look at you, pregnant with uncle Luciano’s child! This is huge.” Adeline, still overwhelmed, wiped at her tear-streaked face and tried to catch her breath. “You guys… this isn’t—” “It is happening,” Kiara interrupted with a knowing smile. “And you need to start accepting it.” Alessandra, watching the girls fuss over Adeline, smiled warmly before stepping forward. “Adeline, are you happy?” Her voice was gentle, yet firm. “Because that’s what matters most.” Adeline looked up, her teary eyes meeting Alessandra’s. She hesitated, emotions swirling inside her like a storm. Was she happy? Everything had happened so fast—too fast. She had barely even processed it. But when she thought about it
The dining room had been filled with laughter and warmth just moments ago. Everyone was finally at peace, enjoying a rare moment of normalcy after the chaos that had ruled their lives for so long. But now, all of that had disappeared. Adeline gripped the edges of the sink, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps. Her stomach churned violently, and she barely managed to keep herself upright as another wave of nausea rolled over her. Her hands trembled as she wiped the corner of her mouth, her mind racing at an uncontrollable speed. Pregnant? The thought hit her like a bullet, making her knees weaken beneath her. It couldn’t be. Could it? The signs were all there—the constant fatigue, the sudden cravings, the unusual weight gain, the nausea. She had brushed them off, thinking it was stress or just her body adjusting after everything that had happened. But now… A warm, firm hand landed on her back. “Adeline,” Luciano’s voice was steady, but there was an u
. . . AUTHOR’S POV The evening air was crisp, wrapping around Adeline like an unwelcome reminder of the past. As she stepped out of the sleek black car, her heels clicking softly against the stone pavement, a sickening wave of nausea hit her like a tidal wave. The moment her feet touched the ground, her chest tightened. This place—this very ground—was where Leonardo had screamed his last breath, where Bianca’s body had burned. The memory of that night clawed at her mind, vivid and unforgiving. The scent of smoke and blood seemed to linger in the air, as if the earth itself had absorbed the sins of that night. Her throat constricted, and her stomach twisted violently. Eva, stepping out beside her, immediately noticed. “Are you okay?” she asked, her voice filled with concern. Adeline swallowed, forcing herself to nod. “Yeah. Just… memories.” Eva didn’t press but gently squeezed her hand. Ahead of them, Charles had already made his way inside, his pres
. . . AUTHOR’S POV The warm glow of the vanity lights cast a soft radiance over the room as Adeline applied the final touches of her makeup. She ran her hands down the smooth fabric of her short, form-fitting dress, appreciating how it accentuated her curves in just the right way. The deep color contrasted beautifully with her skin, making her look effortlessly elegant yet subtly seductive. Eva, standing by the mirror adjusting her earrings, turned to look at Adeline and let out an approving hum. “Damn, Adeline, you look stunning.” A small chuckle escaped Adeline’s lips as she twirled slightly, checking her reflection. “You think so?” Eva grinned. “Oh, I know so. If you weren’t my best friend, I’d probably be jealous.” Adeline smirked. “That’s what I like to hear.” Eva walked closer, giving her an exaggerated once-over. “Seriously, though. You’re glowing tonight. Did something happen?” Adeline scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Oh, please. I think i
. . . AUTHOR’S POV The once chaotic mansion had settled into an eerie stillness. A week had passed since that fateful night—the night fire had swallowed their enemies whole. The night that had left them all scarred in ways they had yet to understand. Adeline had barely left her room. She laid curled up in bed, her body wrapped in the warmth of the blankets, but it wasn’t just the blankets that held her. Vladimir refused to let go. The sixteen-year-old clung to her like a lifeline, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist, his head resting against her shoulder as he slept. For the first time in what felt like forever, they had been able to sleep peacefully. No nightmares. No fear. No waking up to the sound of gunfire or the cries of the dying. But peace didn’t mean healing. The wounds were still there—fresh, raw, and bleeding beneath the surface. Luciano had kept his distance from them, knowing they needed time to breathe. He had taken control
. . . AUTHOR’S POV The night was thick with the scent of blood and burning hatred. Leonardo laid merely breathing on the ground, broken beyond repair. His body twitched, spasming in pain, his breath ragged and uneven. Blood pooled beneath him, staining the dirt, soaking into his clothes. But even as his strength faded, his pride remained. Even now, he smirked through the agony. A twisted, delusional smile—one that dared them to do worse. Charles started laughing. A slow, mocking chuckle that sent a chill through the gathered crowd. The men of Luciano’s mafia stood with their heads hung low, not daring to interfere. The women—Alessandra, Angelina, Isabella, Aurora, Kiara, Rose—all watched in silence, their faces a mixture of horror and disbelief. This was not just a punishment. This was an execution. Luciano stood still, his dark eyes empty, watching his brother bleed out like it meant nothing. Adeline felt Eva tremble beside her, her grip tightening
. . . AUTHOR’S POV The scent of blood, sweat, and expensive whiskey lingered, mixing with the heavy bass of the music that still vibrated faintly in the background. The moment had stretched so thin it felt like time itself had paused. Elena’s lifeless body laid on the floor, her once-beautiful face frozen in shock, blood seeping from the bullet wound on her forehead, staining the cold marble beneath her. But no one in the room seemed to mourn her. Charles had his gun raised, his hand steady, his face void of emotion. Leonardo stood unfazed, his lips curling into an amused smirk, his sharp eyes flicking between Charles and Luciano. Adeline stood rooted in place, her heart pounding painfully against her ribs. She had expected bloodshed tonight, but not like this—not this soon, this mercilessly. And then came the revelation. Leonardo’s voice, mocking and unbothered. “Will you kill your own brother for someone else?” A cold shiver raced down Adeline’s spi