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CHAPTER 18 — A MESSY SITUATION
Last Updated:
2025-05-09 17:42:54
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BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER ONE — A PAINFUL BETRAYAL
I froze in the doorway of the ballroom, unable to process what I'm seeing. Tyler, my Tyler, is down on one knee in front of my sister, holding out a diamond ring that catches the light from the chandelier."Sophia Kingwicke," he says, his voice carrying across the suddenly silent room, "will you marry me?"My sister's hands flew to her mouth in a practiced surprise. The guests which included our family friends, business associates, the eight families are all watching with bated breath.This can't be happening.Before I realize what I'm doing, I'm striding across the polished floor, my heels echoing in the silence."What the hell is this?" My voice cracks like a whip.Tyler's head whips around, his expression shifting from adoration to annoyance in an instant. "Marianna. This is not the time.""Not the time?" I laugh, the sound brittle and harsh. "When exactly would be the right time to tell me you're proposing to my sister?"Sophia steps forward, placing a protective hand on Tyler's
Last Updated : 2025-04-23BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 2 — SHOCKING AWAKENING
(Marianna's POV) I jolted awake, heart hammered against my ribs. Sunlight streamed through familiar curtains. My old bedroom. The one from the family estate."Impossible," I whispered.My fingers traced the silk sheets I haven't slept in for years. I touched my stomach, expecting to feel the excruciating pain. Nothing. I lifted my sleepwear and faced the mirror to check for any wounds. Nothing. It's still smooth, flat and finely toned. Have I always been like this? A knock at the door interrupted my spiraling thoughts."Miss Marianna? Your grandfather requests your presence for breakfast. He's quite eager to discuss something with you."Rita, the old housekeeper, said. Her voice is exactly as I remembered."I'll... I'll be right down," I managed to say.When she left, I stumbled to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. The mirror reflects a younger version of myself, fewer lines around the eyes, hair still thick and vibrant."This can't be real."My gaze drifted to the cal
Last Updated : 2025-04-23BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 3 — AN UNCOMFORTABLE PROPOSAL
(VINCENZO'S POV) I woke to the sound of rustling. Through half-opened eyes, I saw a woman frantically gathering clothes from the floor.She's beautiful even in this panicked state. Dark brown hair tumbling over bare shoulders as she struggled into her dress. I should say something before she disappears."Morning," I offered, my voice rough with sleep.She froze like a startled deer, clutching her dress to her chest. "Hi," she says tightly. "I was just...leaving."I sat up, trying to look less intimidating. "Without saying goodbye?"Her eyes narrow slightly. I must have said something wrong, though I'm not sure what."I have somewhere to be," she said, fumbling with her zipper."I didn't catch your name last night," I admitted."Marianna," she says, not meeting my eyes."Vin," I reply, though she didn't ask. "Can I make you some coffee, Marianna?"Something shifts in her expression. She reached into her clutch, pulled out her wallet, and before I understood what's happening, she tosse
Last Updated : 2025-04-23BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 4 — THE LION'S DEN
(MARIANNA'S POV)I can't breathe. Vincenzo Lombardo, the man I thought was a mistaken one-night stand, the man I threw money at this morning, is seated across from me at this business dinner between the Kingwickes and the Lombardos.I took a large sip of wine, trying to hide my trembling hand."We will sign an agreement on the terms you have pushed forward with ours in mind," Grandfather says. "We can arrange meetings with the other eight families on whether we can add you to the circle." He looked at Mr Santino “And maybe the Santinos as well” Victor Lombardo nods thoughtfully. "We look forward to this.” He began “The eight families have maintained balance for decades, Edward. But times are changing. New players are disrupting the old ways."I stole another glance at Vin. He's watching me too, his expression unreadable except for a slight tightness around his eyes. He looked different in his perfectly tailored suit, hair styled immaculately, every inch the corporate heir. Nothing
Last Updated : 2025-04-23BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 5 — TERMS AND CONDITIONS
(MARIANNA'S POV) "I need a bodyguard," I said, stirring my coffee absently as Sandra scrolled through her phone across the breakfast table. Her head snapped up, perfectly shaped eyebrows arching high. "A what? Why would you possibly need protection?"I glanced around the breakfast cafe, lowering my voice despite the relative privacy of our corner booth. "It's Vin."Sandra leaned forward, her black bob swinging with the movement. "What about him?"I remembered I haven't told Sandra about that accident and I didn't plan to, it was embarrassing but who knew it would come to that. Sandra noticed I was quiet and leaned back "So..." Sandra broke the silence, eyes fixed on her breakfast. "Where exactly did you sleep thaty night? I came back to the room around two, and your bed was empty."I hesitated, heat creeping up my neck. "I was with someone” “Is that stranger named Vin?" she grinnedHer grip tightened on her fork, waiting for my response.I looked up at her wondering how she knew
Last Updated : 2025-05-02BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 6 — THE DANGEROUS INVITATION
(VINCENZO'S POV) I checked my watch. Seven minutes late. My jaw tightened.The door opened. Marianna entered with a large man behind her."You're late," I said coldly.Her chin lifted. "Traffic happened. This is Alec.""Bodyguards weren't in our agreement.""But you brought yours." Her eyes challenged mine.The clerk slid the certificate forward. As she reached, I snatched it first."Your terms," I demanded.She handed me typed pages. Separate bedrooms. No intimacy. A year dissolution option, as if that's for her to decide. "Acceptable," I nodded, surprising myself. "Draft these formally."After signing, she clutched her certificate. "Are we finished?""We are." I watched her turn to leave. "Where to?""Home, obviously."My security team emerged at my signal. "Not your home. Our home."Blood drained from her face. "What?""Your family's agreement states you reside with me once married. Legally binding.""That wasn't in the prenup!""That covers personal terms. The corporate merger a
Last Updated : 2025-05-02BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 7 — BLOOD AND POISON
(MARIANNA'S POV) The blood from Scott's wound seeped between my fingers as I maintained a firm steady compression that I learnt from my past life My hands trembled slightly, not from the effort but from the tidal wave of fear threatening to drown me."Keep the pressure constant," I whispered to myself "Not too light or heavy. A little in-between."Scott's face had grown alarmingly pale, the natural olive undertone of his skin fading to an ashen gray. His shallow breathing came in irregular gasps that made my own lungs tighten in response.I monitored his pulse at the carotid artery with my other hand, weak and racing, a dangerous combination that signaled his body was struggling to compensate for blood loss. Every beat beneath my fingertips felt like a countdown."Scott, stay with me," I urged, leaning closer to his face. His eyelids fluttered, revealing glimpses of clouded consciousness. "Focus on my voice. The doctor is coming."My medical knowledge felt woefully inadequate as I
Last Updated : 2025-05-03BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 8 — ONE HELLISH NIGHT
(VINCENZO'S POV) I have known the Romanovs since I was a kid, that was because I was groomed to marry one of themKatarina had always been kind towards me even after she felt a little betrayed when I decided to move on from the alliance agreement between her family and mine. Watching Katarina's rage explode is nothing new to me but knowing the fact that Camilla is gone is what I will never want to grasp. "That's impossible!" she shouted, leaping to her feet with eyes blazing red. "Who dares come to my domain to act on that?"She'd glared at the two men to her left, who nodded silently before exiting the room."No one leaves until the killer is found," she commanded, turning to me. "This meeting is adjourned till further notice." She stormed out without waiting to hear my response.Marianna leaned in, whispering anxiously, "Could it be the same killer?""Maybe," I replied, standing up. "But we are going to find out."We arrived at the hall to find a crowd gathered. One look told me
Last Updated : 2025-05-03
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BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 18 — A MESSY SITUATION
(VINCENZO'S POV) I tossed the file onto the desk and rubbed my bleary eyes. The clock on the nightstand read 1:42 AM. I stretched my arms overhead, feeling the strain in my shoulders from hours hunched over documents preparing for tomorrow's meeting.A muffled thud followed by quiet cursing filtered through the wall from Marianna's adjoining room. “Since the clerk announced a spare room next to this one, I have not found peace” I complainedPausing, head tilted toward the sound. The lamp in her room still cast a thin line of light beneath the door connecting our suites. She'd been awake for hours.I approached the door, hand raised to knock, but stopped as I recalled the verbal lashing she'd given me earlier that evening.My hand dropped to my side. Whatever was keeping her up wasn't my problem. I turned away from the door, switched off my lamp, and slid beneath the covers. The occasional sounds from her room continued as I drifted off to sleep.Morning arrived with merciless brigh
BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 17 — CONFLICTED MISHAP
(MARIANNA'S POV) I found myself staring at Vin's face as he grinned “You might bore a hole in my head with your stare” he grinned and helped me up to my feet. I stared in as I watched him walk back to his desk to work with his pen as it moved swiftly across documents. The sharp line of his jaw, the intensity in his dark eyes, the way his brow furrowed in concentration. He was undeniably handsome. In another life, if he weren't who he was, if this marriage weren't what it was...“Stop it,” I chided myself. If he weren't a mafia boss, a manipulator, a killer then what? I would have thanked whatever higher power existed for such a husband? The thought was absurd.I tried walking away, nearly toppling a chair in the process.A laugh escaped his lips, low and rich. "Am I too handsome for you to concentrate, Marianna? Is that why you're staring?"Heat rushed to my cheeks. "You're delusional.""Remember," he said, leaning forward, "you can do whatever you want with me. Part of our agree
BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 16 — QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
(VINCENZO'S POV) I watched as Dr. Mercer packed his medical bag, his expression professionally neutral yet tinged with concern. Marianna lay asleep on the bed, her breathing finally steady after the chaos of the night."I'll send you the full test results later today," he said, snapping the bag shut. "But there are immediate issues that need addressing.""Go on," I said, arms crossed as I leaned against the doorframe.He gestured toward Marianna's sleeping form. "She's showing signs of malnourishment and exhaustion. When was the last time she had a proper meal?"The question caught me off guard. I'd seen her pick at her food, but hadn't paid much attention."I'm not her keeper," I replied, then caught myself. "She eats. Just not much."Dr. Mercer's eyebrows raised slightly. "Well, that needs to change. She needs three solid meals a day, less rigorous exercise, and significantly more sleep." His voice dropped to a more serious tone. "Any illness or condition, including pregnancy, cou
BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 15 — A FAILED SABOTAGE
(SOPHIA'S POV) “That sly” I bit my lower lips “She has done it again” I watched as Vin excused himself out of the dinner hall with Marianna clamped to his side. He was supposed to be the one there. I turned to my grandfather who gave me a nasty glare, knowing that I must have been the one behind this “Why are you looking at me like that?” I whispered “I didn’t do it, grandpa” “We will discuss after this” and faced to talk with the guest seated beside himI gritted, my mother who was sitting right beside me patted my back, grabbing my attention. "Sophia, what's the matter with you? You look ill." Mother's voice grated on my already frayed nerves."Nothing. Leave me alone," I snapped, not caring how rude I sounded as I swat her hand away from my back.Across the table, Grandfather's piercing gaze found mine. His eyes narrowed with suspicion. I subtly shook my head, silently communicating my supposed innocence. The lie hung between us, unspoken but palpable.Back in my quarters, I
BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 14 — INAUGURATION BANQUET
(VINCENZO'S POV) I stood in the doorway, watching her. Marianna bent over the files I'd given her, brunette hair cascading forward like a curtain. She had changed since returning from the coast, harder walls I hadn't anticipated. “What are you up to?” I asked “Nothing” she replied, her eyes not leaving her tabletEven during our shopping trip, she'd been distant, eyes fixed on something I couldn't see while trying so hard not to show any weakness, even if it hurts herA smile touched my lips as I recalled how she pulled that gun on me in that washed art studio. Even with trembling hands, she maintained her stance. I want to break that defense down, that mental wall she had built. Even if it means breaking her too to get inI retreated silently to my desk and unlocked my tablet where I got a notification from the page she commented. The art page she frequented. Had to know what or who is grabbing all her attention. So I did a background check on him. “Jason Mercer, local artist
BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 13 — EARLY REGRET
(MARIANNA'S POV) I followed Vin through the sleek corridors of Lombardo headquarters, my heels clicking against the polished marble floor. Each step felt like I was walking deeper into a trap of my own making.Vin pushed open the door to his office, a sprawling space with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city. My eyes immediately fell on a small desk positioned right beside his larger one."That's your workspace," he said without looking at me, already settling into his leather chair."You can't be serious." I stood rooted to the spot. "I need my own office. Something with walls and a door."He finally looked up, one eyebrow raised. "You're my personal secretary, Marianna. The job requires proximity.""This is surveillance," I snapped.A slow smile spread across his face. "Call it what you like. The arrangement stands."Before I could argue further, Vin strode to my desk, dropping a stack of files that landed with a heavy thud."These need your attention.
BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 12 — RE-NEGOTIATION
I dialed the unknown number, my heart racing as a computerized voice answered on the other end. The stranger's instructions were clear on where to meet. At Kingwickes headquarters.The following day, I made my way there, nervously waiting for my mysterious contact's next move. The marble lobby felt different now, colder somehow, as if the building itself no longer recognized me."Well, look who it is," came a familiar voice that made my stomach drop.I turned to find Sophia standing there, her perfect red lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Tyler stood beside her, his arm casually draped around her shoulder."Marianna," Tyler said, his voice dripping with mock surprise. "Didn't expect to see you here. Thought you'd be busy with your...what is it you do now?""I hear unemployment is quite the demanding career these days," Sophia added with a light laugh, examining her manicured nails. "Though I suppose that's what happens when you throw away opportunities."I opened m
BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 11 — A CRIMINAL WITHOUT A CRIME
(MARIANNA'S POV) "Niccolò," Vin whispered, keeping his weapon steady despite the fear flooding my system. "Let her go.""Why would I do that?" He pressed the gun harder against my temple. "When she would have been my ticket to finally becoming the dom"My mind raced through options of escaping. As though he knew what I was thinking, he shoved me to the wall, tightening his grip around my neck“Do I look like I'm here to play, brother?” his gun flipped my hair “What scheme are you hiding?” "I'm not hiding anything from you," Vin replied, taking a careful step forward. "You went missing so there was no other choice than to fix me in."He laughed, harsh and bitter. "Yes, that was the plan, wasn't it? Father's perfect scheme." His eyes darkened. "Did you care to look for me, Vin? Or were you too busy taking my place?""Yes I did," Vin went on, throat tight. "But knowing you, brother, you would have been laughing at me from a distance. You are really good at disappearing""If I knew it
BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY CHAPTER 10 — SEARCH AND FIND
(VINCENZO'S POV) I stared at the file Katarina had given me, relief washing over me that Niccolò hadn't managed to take it. My eyes widened as I scanned its contents. The information confirmed my worst suspicions about my father's dealings and revealed connections I hadn't anticipated."Impossible," I muttered, turning the page to examine the financial records.After several minutes, I glanced at my watch. Marianna should have returned by now. An uncomfortable feeling settled in my stomach.“Where did she go to by this time of the night?” I thought as I picked up my phone and dialed her number “No service?”Confusion covered my face. Why can't I reach her? Where is she? As much as I want to make sure she is alright, something feels rather off. I pressed the intercom. "Send up the driver. Now."Minutes later, Marco appeared at my office door, his cap clutched in trembling hands."Where is she?" I asked, my voice deceptively calm."Sir, I—" he swallowed hard. "On our way back from
