Done Being Your Lover

When I was 18, my Mamma was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. To treat her, I borrowed money everywhere I could, drowning myself in debt, yet it barely kept her alive. Cornered by life, I met Enzo Lombardi.He was the most mysterious and powerful mafia boss in Montavello, a man who ruled the business world just as easily. He sat across from me in a sharp suit, lit a cigar, and said lightly, "As long as you stay with me, money won't be a problem."Just like that, I became his lover, his amante.Later, when my Mamma passed away, I stayed by Enzo's side. He spoiled me in ways people would never believe.A jewelry shop I mentioned once in passing became mine the next day; a dish I said I liked had him cooking it for me himself. The night I came down with a fever, he dropped an international meeting and flew straight back to watch over me.Under the sweeping auroras of Vesteria, he kissed the back of my hand and whispered, "Tesoro mio… From this moment on, every year, I'll walk every s

That night, back at home, I quietly started packing my things. The walk-in closet had once been filled with the jewelry and bags Enzo had given me, each piece carrying a memory of our sweet moments.Now, I pulled them out one by one and tossed them into trash bags. Even the photos, in which we smiled so happily without a care in the world, had become unnecessary clutter. I gathered them all, ready to throw them away.I watched as the room slowly returned to the state of emptiness it was before I arrived. The warmth of those memories surged like waves and then receded, leaving only desolation.Once, we had cuddled on that very couch, watching movies. He would hold me gently in his arms, and we would laugh like carefree kids.On the balcony, the flowers we had planted together still bloomed. Little did they know, their owners were about to part ways. On the desk sat the pair of clay figurines we had sculpted together, symbols of our love.Now, everything screamed irony in my face. I

As a mafia boss, Enzo's birthday party was always the event of the year. Politicians, business leaders, and all the members of his organization attended.This year, with Isabella by his side, the party's buzz reached an even higher pitch."Long time no see, Ms. Gallo. You're as stunning as ever.""Mio dio. You two are such a perfect match—childhood sweethearts, and now both of your families have business ties," another commented.Isabella smiled sweetly, and Enzo stood beside her, listening to their praise without saying a word. He wore a navy blue suit that made him look tall and imposing.She happily linked arms with his, but a sense of uneasiness slithered beneath his calm composure. The reason was simple—I hadn't arrived.After waiting for another 30 minutes, his expression was as dark as coal. Quietly, he asked Romeo beside him, "Where is she?"Romeo shook his head, clueless. "Not here yet, sir."A strange irritability rose in him. As a mafia boss, he was used to controlli

At long last, I finally stepped into the university I had dreamed of since I was a child. When Antonio saw me in the laboratory, he broke into a genuine smile. "You're finally here, Bianca. Glad to have you."I reciprocated a grateful smile. "Thank you, Prof. Greco. It's an honor to be in your lab."He patted my shoulder. "Work hard. I have high hopes for you. And don't worry about the baby. The faculty has arranged housing for expectant mothers, so you can focus on taking care of yourself."If you ever need help, just come to me."A month later, I joined the research team for a glacier expedition in Hextray. Antonio had originally objected."It's too dangerous for you," he had said. "One wrong step, and you could be lost in the mountains. With your pregnancy, it's all the more reason why you shouldn't go."However, I insisted on going with the team. "Prof. Greco, I have my reasons. I must go."I knew, with Enzo's resources, that it was only a matter of time before he tracked me