LOGINShare
A Lesson
Last Updated:
2025-02-17 00:00:09
Related chapters
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Shadows of Suspicion
LAURENJake Donovan has been my long-time friend since I can remember. Back in high school, he had been my first crush before I got to meet Sylas. When he got promoted to detective, I couldn't go and meet him because Sylas had been too jealous and I wanted to please him. However, I could use his help now to win Enzo’s favor. I swallowed hard, watching Enzo’s expression shift as my words sank in. His grip tightened around the glass in his hand, knuckles paling. His intense gaze locked onto mine, studying me. The last thing I wanted was for Enzo to think I was some sort of spy for the police. I needed to know the truth about his dealings with my father's paintings. “Yes, Jake Donovan. He is just a friend. He can help get your sister out without digging too deep. He'll do whatever I tell him to.” I said trying to sound confident even though I knew I would need much more to convince Jake. Enzo's eyes narrowed at me and I could tell that he was not fully sure about my story. Watching as
Last Updated : 2025-02-17Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) His Claim
“Lauren, are you there?” Jake's voice echoed through the loudspeaker, making me tense up. The entire environment was tense and I could feel Enzo's eyes on me as Jake talked. The tension between us was already high as we sat down together. I hesitated, clenching my phone tightly. Clearing my throat, I answered,“I'm here,” I said as I glanced at Enzo. “I was just about to call you.” “ Oh? What do you need? Are you in trouble?” Jake asked making me shake my head. “ I'm not in trouble. However, I do need your help with a friend of mine.” I said glancing at Enzo as I spoke. Enzo’s gaze darkened with curiosity, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. He didn’t say a word, but I could feel the silent warning in his posture. “A friend?” Jake’s voice sharpened. “What kind of trouble is he in?”“ It's a girl. She was arrested yesterday at the club and I need your help. Can you help me? We are already near the station.” I said, my voice firm despite the unease twisting in my stoma
Last Updated : 2025-02-18Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) A Kiss Before Chaos
Jake’s hands clenched as he heard Enzo’s words.My womanThe fact that Enzo had said it so effortlessly made me stunned. Removing my hand from Enzo’s, I moved away a bit about to open my mouth when Jake beat me to it.“What are you talking about? Lauren is married. How can she be your woman? Mr. Santoro, it seems you have become delusional.” Jake said holding Enzo’s gaze.Enzo seemed calm but the tension between them was suffocating. Jake didn’t know about my recent problems with Sylas. It was normal that he was trying to defend my reputation being that he was my friend. Married? The words made my stomach turn as I heard them.Enzo let out a low dangerous chuckle as he titled his head, “Delusional? I’m afraid that’s hardly the case. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?” Enzo asked turning his gaze to me.I swallowed, feeling the weight of their stares. Jake’s eyes burned with confusion and protectiveness as if he was genuinely worried. Did he know Enzo’s real identity? The tension between th
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Ambush
ENZO“Drive!” I ordered, my voice lethal as I pulled out my gun.Staring at Lauren, I could see how frightened she was as she crouched down hiding. Motherf**kers. I was going to make them pay for ruining the mood.Carlos wasted no time stepping on the accelerator as bullets came at us. The windows were bulletproof but it didn’t stop them from shooting at us. Lauren screamed as the sound of the bullets hit the car window. They were doing their best to catch up with us. Staring at one of the shooters, my eyes narrowed as I searched for something I could use to identify him. Once I did, motherf**ker was dead. The city lights blurred past us as Carlos swerved through traffic, narrowly avoiding a collision. The car jerked, and Lauren let out a small gasp, her fingers gripping the leather seat. Her wide eyes met mine, filled with panic, but I had no time to reassure her. Not yet.“Stay down,” I ordered my voice firm, leaving no room for argument.I spotted another SUV in the middle of the r
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Secrets and Tension
LAURENI shot up in bed the moment I woke up, my breath unsteady. I was hoping it was nothing but a nightmare but the memory of those bodies on the road had haunted me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake it. Sleep wasn’t an option.Dragging a hand through my hair, I got up, my legs feeling heavy. That’s when I noticed the light seeping from under the door. My stomach tightened. Slowly, I pushed the door open and stepped into the hall. The house was silent, except for the sound of my footsteps echoing.“Enzo?” I called out slowly as I walked down the stairs heading into the living room.The house was too quiet, the kind of silence that made my skin prickle. I clenched my hand into a fist, trying to steady myself as I stepped into the living room. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over the expensive furniture. It looked peaceful, almost untouched. But something felt off.Where was Enzo?Last night, once we arrived, he had stayed with me, holdi
Last Updated : 2025-02-20Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) When the Devil walks in
The club was much louder than I expected. Sitting by the bar, I drowned the last contents of my glass before putting it down on the counter. The music was loud and there were a lot of people around but I didn’t care. All I could think about was Taylor’s face when she told me about the news of her pregnancy. She looked smug as she rubbed her belly back at the antique shop. It was obvious that she was there to mock me but I didn’t believe her. “You’re pregnant? Impossible.” I said staring at her. I didn’t trust Taylor at all. She was scheming, and annoying, and would do anything to get what she wanted. “You think because you didn’t get pregnant, Sylas was the one at fault? No, Lauren. You’re just the barren woman. You lied thinking that you could keep Sylas but mine is real…I’m pregnant.” Taylor taunted. The memory made me reach for the bottle pouring it so that the glass brimmed with whiskey. My fingers tightened around it as I fought the surge of emotions creeping up my throat. B
Last Updated : 2025-02-20Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Submission
ENZO Domenico was already on his knees a few minutes later. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, staining his shirt but he was trying to act tough. He had the nerve to grin at me, even with my gun pointed at his head. I crouched in front of him, my grip steady on the pistol. The club was silent now. Only the bass from the music in the other room vibrated through the floor. My men had cleared everyone out. It was just us, and Lauren, standing a few feet away. It had been easy to deal with his men. They were amateurs. I wanted to get revenge on him but I waited. After seeing Lauren’s gaze earlier, I could tell she was having difficulty adjusting. I shouldn’t have let the motherf**ker breathe another second. “You think this is funny?” I asked, pressing my gun against his temple. Domenico was a young man in his mid-20s. He was desperate for power and wanted to uphold his father’s legacy so he created his own gang. I didn’t mind though. Bastard was a smart and creative motherf*
Last Updated : 2025-02-21Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Pain and Betrayal
LAURENThe first strike hurt like hell.My eyes instantly teared up as I battled the pain. I turned back to look at Enzo. His face was unreadable but the strikes didn't stop. Unfortunately, I wasn't dressed in a way that could save me from the sting of the leather. Enzo continued, each strike worse than the last.“ This is what will happen every time you put yourself in danger. No matter what upsets you, you should never leave without your protection. Do you understand?” Enzo asked as he hit me again.Snap.A sharp gasp tore from my lips as the belt cracked against my skin again. The fire spread through me, hot and unrelenting. I clenched my teeth, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted. But my body betrayed me. My hands trembled and my breath hitched. I knew he saw it all yet he didn't stop.“ Answer me when I talk, gurriera. I hate having to repeat myself.” Enzo said.Another lash. My fingers curled into fists.I wanted to take it bravely. Show him that his threats and beatings
Last Updated : 2025-02-22
Latest chapter
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Hidden Secrets (2)
ENZOI couldn't help but pace around in the warehouse. Leonardo had called me asking me to come and supervise over the productions of the weapons being made. My hands clenched by my side as I thought about what had happened at the hospital. Seeing the little girl who was obviously my daughter, I couldn't help but want to hold her once again. Even if it's just for a brief second. “ Boss? Enzo!” Leonardo called out bringing me out of my thoughts. “ What?” I asked staring at him. I glanced at the boxes where all the guns had been arranged. “Take them out for delivery.” I ordered. The rest of the men did exactly as I ordered carrying the boxes out while Leonardo stayed behind. I couldn't even describe what I was feeling. Anger, disappoinment and hurt. Not at Lauren but at myself. After I found out her identity as Marcello's daughter, I had felt betrayed and abadoned her. I didn't know she had been pregnant. “ Is something wrong? You have been absent minded since. Did something happen
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Hidden Secrets
“ Aurora, don't run around.” I said cautioning my daughter as we walked out of the hospital about to leave. Standing at the counter, I stared at the nurse handing her the prescription the doctor had given us. Aurora was asthmatic just like Giovanni. At first, she had not displayed any signs which made me happy however she started having shortness of breath last year. The doctor had said she should be careful and always have her inhaler on her. That was why I kept a watchful eye on her. She was my world. My baby. “ Aurora, make sure you don't lose your inhaler-” I started when I saw Aurora bump into someone. She stumbled back, but the man caught her before she could fall. His large hands gripped her shoulders gently, steadying her tiny frame. “Careful, principessa.” He said, his voice low. Familiar. Too familiar. My eyes lifted and my breath caught as I realized who it was. Enzo. He stood there in a dark coat, tailored and expensive, the collar turned up slightly against
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Queen Amongst Wolves
LAUREN “You want to take over the Italian Mafia? You?” Enzo asked in a mocking tone igniting the others to chuckle. I didn't care. I shrugged my shoulders walking past them to take my seat. Crossing my eyes, I held Enzo's gaze. “Why not? I have the money and the power. You can see what I've done with the place. My father was an Italian so that makes me half Italian. Is there another reason why I cannot be the leader of the Italian mafia?” I asked, my words silencing all of them in an instant. Their expressions told me everything. They'd rather support Enzo than me because I am a woman. These egotistical men couldn't handle being led by a woman and that was their problem. “ Just because you have picked a few tricks, doesn't mean that you can lead the Italian mafia, gurriera.” Enzo said making my hands clench by my side. “There are a lot of people far ruthless than you are.” I smiled staring at him. “Is that so?” I asked getting up to my feet. Signaling the bouncer at the door, I
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) The Other King
ENZO“Did you really have to behave like that? You humiliated me in front of her again!” Barbara’s voice rang through the hallway, sharp and loud, chasing after me like it always did.I didn’t answer. I kept walking.I needed to see my son.I pushed open Giovanni’s room door and stepped into the warm room. It smelled like lavender and old storybooks. Toys were scattered on the floor. Tiny cars, a red ball, a stuffed lion missing one eye.He sat cross-legged on the rug, building something with blocks. His dark curls fell across his forehead, and his little brow was furrowed in deep concentration. When he looked up and saw me, his face lit up.“Papa!”I knelt down, letting him crash into my arms. His small arms wrapped around my neck, and for a moment, everything felt still.“How was your day, Gio?” I asked softly, brushing his hair back.“I made a tower. Mama said it could reach the moon.” He grinned, showing me a crooked stack of blocks that swayed with every breath.I chuckled. “It j
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Bids Of Fury
Slow music played on the background. Men and women moving around. I moved around the crowd with Miguel smiling as we talked and chatted. My hands clenched as I saw Enzo. I didn't want to alert Miguel so I stayed firm pretending not be okay. But my eyes kept drifting. I scanned the room searching for Enzo. To see if he has already come or if he was going to come soon. Although I was at the party, I didn't want to expose myself just yet. Now was not the time. “Lauren?” I heard someone call making me stiff. No one called me Lauren anymore. I turned to see Rafael behind me. He was dressed handsomely in his suit. Two years had gone by and I couldn't be more grateful enough. If he had not saved my life by coming to get me, I would have been dead. Enzo did not care. “Rafael,” I started as a small smile formed on my lips. “You're here too” “ Of course I am here,…..” Rafael said as he looked around before lowering his tone. “Why didn't you tell me you were back in the country, Lauren? You
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Velvet Blades
I swallowed feeling my throat tightening as I stared at Enzo. I quickly turned my gaze away not giving him enough time to see my face. “Sorry.” I muttered as I walked past him heading straight to my car. I put Aurora in her seat making sure she was secure before I got in. Starting the engine, I drove as fast as I could leaving before Barbara could show up. “Mommy, did I do something wrong?” Aurora’s small voice broke the silence in the car, soft and unsure.My grip tightened on the steering wheel. I forced my eyes to stay on the road, even though her question made my heart feel like it was cracking open. The image of Giovanni insulting my daughter and pushing her down made me mad. He was innocent. Two years ago, he had been nothing but a baby. “No, baby,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”She was quiet for a second, then I saw her fiddling with the hem of her dress in the driver’s mirror. “But you looked sad. And that man looked mad.”I blink
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Back For Revenge
LAUREN -Three years later Taylor. Her face appeared in my dreams for over a month. I couldn't get her out of my mind or out of my memory. For the last few months I had been having the same dream. The dream I thought I had forgotten. Sighing, I got out of bed and went to the bathroom. It was already morning, the sun slipping through my windows. I went down to the living room after I was done to make breakfast. The house was quiet. I grabbed a pan and started cracking eggs into a bowl. The smell of butter and toast slowly filled the air. Then I heard it. The sound of little feet slapping against the floor. I tensed almost about to reach for the knife beside me when I heard her voice. “Mommy?” I turned around just as my daughter came into the kitchen, rubbing her sleepy eyes and holding her favorite stuffed bunny by one ear. Her curls were a mess and her cheeks still puffy from sleep. “Good morning, lovebug,” I said, crouching down. She shuffled into my arms and yawned agains
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Veins Of Treachery (2)
ENZOLauren’s scream still echoed through the room, her voice thick with grief and fury.“If you want me dead, just do it, you monster!” She said making my grandfather clock his gun. My eyes widened as I stood in front of both of them. Lauren had been crying for a while and had not stopped for a second. I didn't expect Don Alonzo to pull the trigger. I moved fast. Faster than I’d ever let myself in front of him. I stepped between them, my hand raised slightly toward Don Alonzo.“Enough,” I said, my voice low and controlled but barely.Lauren was behind me now, shaking, her sobs ragged. Taylor’s blood had already started to pool beside her feet but Lauren didn't care. Don Alonzo’s eyes narrowed. “Step aside, Enzo.”“She’s not your enemy.” I answered. “She’s a liar. And liars die.”“She’s mine,” I said, forcing the words out. “And that means she answers to me. No one else.”Don Alonzo’s jaw ticked. “She made you weak.”The tension between us skyrocketed as both of us stood. I knew wh
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Veins Of Treachery
The drive was quiet.Too quiet.Enzo didn’t look at me once. His hands stayed tight on the wheel, his jaw locked, his eyes straight ahead. There was no music. No words. Just the low hum of the engine and the panic building in my chest.I sat beside him, trying to breathe normally. Trying to act like I didn’t feel the shift. Like I didn’t notice the way his eyes had gone cold ever since Leonardo had woken up.The meeting was been held in Don Alonzo's estate tucked behind heavy iron gates. Guards stood tall, guns in view. One of them opened my door. I stepped out, heart pounding.Enzo didn’t reach for my hand as he usually did. “ Enzo, I think we should go back home. I don't feel too well. Plus leaving Giovanni alone after he just recovered doesn't sit well with me.” I said trying to pull him back but Enzo dodged my touch. I thought he was going to leave but he suddenly Enzo walked back to the car before crouching down in front of me. He reached for my legs gently taking them out of th
