I let out a moan as I opened my eyes; I was on the bed, and the sunlight streaming in confirmed I was still in his room.
My eyes widened as I quickly sat up and scanned the room for him, but I couldn't find him. Glancing at the clock, it appeared to be around eight in the morning.I knew Ruth would have informed me if something had happened, which made me jump out of bed, but then there was a knock on the door. I froze and, without thinking, rushed under the bed to hide.I expected it to be the maids coming to clean the room, but when the door opened, my eyes widened in shock as Vespera entered the room.My eyes widened, and I realized she was up to no good as I watched her peek outside after closing the door behind her.She rushed over to one of the curtains by the window as if she knew exactly what she was doing and opened them, revealing a small locker right there. She began working on it, entering the pin and trying several times, but it didn’t worI stood there in shock, my hands trembling as I held the picture. I knew everyone would see it as a coincidence, but I understood the truth; it was much deeper than that.Whatever Ruth said after that, I knew I didn’t grasp it, but the last thing I remembered was my head hitting the ground as my eyes closed and darkness enveloped me.I sighed as I opened my eyes and felt someone touching my face. The first person I saw was him, Silvio. His hair fell over his eyes as he looked at me.“You're awake,” he said as I sighed and sat up with his help, my head pounding as I recalled what had caused me to faint in the first place.“What happened?” I moaned as I held my head.“You fainted. As soon as I heard, I had to come for you,” he said, and I sighed again.“I’m okay,” I replied, but he shook his head.“No, you’re not. Don’t tell me that. You’re not. Why didn’t you tell me you didn’t get treated earlier today? You lied when I asked,” he said, and I looked away in shame.“The doctor was rude,
I froze when I turned to face him and saw that he was furious, really furious. I initially thought it was because of our last encounter, but I realized it was deeper than that. I knew I had to play my cards right if I wanted to survive, and I couldn't have Clara getting in the way; her obsession with Silvio could obstruct my path to him.“Thanks for showing me the room. I think I’d prefer to be alone,” I said dismissively, not wanting to engage in a conversation with him.“Answer me!” he shouted, and I turned to meet his gaze.“And what? Yes, I did. She had to pay for what she did to me,” I replied, glaring at him.“That’s not true. I was there, and I saw that there wasn’t a bruise on your cheek. If there was, it had faded, and it’s been over twenty-four hours. You lied to the Don to get revenge on her,” Sam said, and I held his stare, refusing to back down.“What are you going to do? Are you going to tell him?” I asked, looking at him as he studied me intently.“No, I wouldn’t, not b
“What!” I asked him, as if I had no idea what he was talking about.“I have a camera in my room, and I can clearly see Vespera trying the codes,” he whispered, and my eyes widened at his words.“I’m sorry, I didn’t have time to tell you. She pushed me off the stairs because she found out I caught her,” I said, and he nodded.“That’s settled. It’s probably Max who sent her that” he mumbled.“ Now come here,” he said as he pulled me onto his lap. I tried to hide my wince, as my body still hurt.He could see my expression, and as he looked at my face, he said, “You’re hurt. I thought you said you…” but I silenced him with a kiss. He kissed me deeper while holding me close.“I never got to thank you for standing up for me today. I wasn’t expecting it, and seeing as you’ve done that twice within twenty-four hours, I can’t help
Penelope POV“What on earth happened to your face?” Silvio shouted at me, and my eyes widened. I felt foolish; I had completely forgotten that Eve's slap had left a bruise. I knew I needed to come up with something, but I was at a loss for words.“I asked you what happened to your face,” he said, standing up as he positioned himself directly in front of me. For the first time, I realized just how intimidating he could be.“I... I...” I stammered, struggling to find the right words, but the more I thought about it, the more I froze. I could see he was already annoyed, and then it struck me—maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to throw someone under the bus to escape this situation. I knew exactly who to blame.I stood there, paralyzed, as his hand gently lifted my chin. His touch was soft, yet I could feel the intensity behind it.His eyes darkened as he looked at the bruise on my cheek.“Someone hit you,&rdqu
"I wouldn't do anything for you," I spat, and she nodded to her men who held me up."You may wish for death, but do you know what's worse than death? It's letting Silvio learn everything about you. And let's not forget Vespera; she already hates you without knowing who you are. Just imagine if I told them both, it's game over for you. They wouldn't just give you a quick death; Silvio would boil you alive," she threatened, grinning at me.Silvio, I remembered the look in his eyes when he stood up for me. I could see he had a soft spot for me, and I couldn't bear to think about what would happen when he found out I was just one of the minions sent by his stepmother to kill him. Guilt overwhelmed me as I stumbled toward her."What do you want?" I asked, tears streaming down my face."Don't cry; you're stronger than you know, far stronger and more capable. I give you that," she said, and I glared at her. I didn't care if she was mocking or praising me; neither matter
Before I could process anything, food was dumped on me. I closed my eyes as they poured the remnants of their meal over me, and I could hear the entire place fall silent, except for the sound of their laughter.“Just because the Don claimed you doesn’t mean you’re better than any of us; you’re still just a lowly maid,” Vivian said as I opened my eyes to look at her.“Maybe she should tell the Don what you just did and see how much he cares about her,” Helen said from behind them. They turned to face her, and she stood there with a clear frown on her face.“Mind your own business, whore; no one was talking to you, bitch,” Vivian snapped, which only angered Helen as she stepped closer.“You’re just upset, that’s all,” Helen said as she reached out to me.“Come on, let’s leave,” she said, taking my hand as I stood up.“I wouldn't forget these,” I thr