• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Daniel didn't wait for the last guests to leave before scooping Mili right into his strong arms, ignoring the startled look of a passing elderly couple. He carried her princess style with steady steps while his gaze remained only on her. "Daniel!" Mili gasped, clutching his shoulders. "People are still here..." "Don't care." His voice was a deep rumble of mischievousness and hunger. "Tonight’s ours." After reaching upstairs, he kicked open their bedroom door and dropped her onto the bed with a deliberate recklessness that made her squeal. Mili bounced against the pillows, eyes wide, heart racing. He clutched her ankle, pulling her closer but Mili resisted and tried to scramble away. "Don't you think I'll just give in like that!" Daniel smirked, stalking closer. "Bunny…" his hand shot out, catching her ankle and pulling her back with ease, "…if you want to play ...let's play." His fingers found her sides, and he began tickling merci
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Eventually, more couples joined the dance floor. Laughter and noises of celebration rushed through the hall even from the people who wanted nothing but Serrano's death and eventually Daniel's downfall. Lorenzo Romano was too proud to be present at this celebration. Antonio didn't let his son Jovanno attend this evening. But the others were present. Mr. Serrano, Daniel and their men remained stable when it was the time to greet the Romanos, maintaining the facade of their dirty politics. The orchestra swelled as Daniel pulled Mili closer. Their bodies were finding rhythm under the chandeliers. The marble floor glimmered like liquid beneath their feet though Mili had never danced before. She was following Daniel's lead, and surprisingly, their bodies rhythmically moved along with the beats of the music. "What colour is victory?" Mili asked in a secret breath against his shoulder. Daniel's lips formed a slow and knowing smirk. "Red. Obvi
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •The balcony doors stood open, letting the cool Sicilian night air curl into the space. Beyond, the yard was a black sheet with faint glimmers of moonlight scattered like broken glass. Daniel stood there with a cigar between his fingers, awaiting his friend, but lost in his mind. Lucia stepped in quietly with two mugs in her hands. "Coffee?" she offered softly, placing it on the marble railing. Daniel leaned against the railing, his sleeves rolled up, that cigar burning low between his fingers. "No." Lucia smiled faintly. "You used to take it black. Every morning. I recalled because I taught her." She gestured toward the room in the distance where Mili had been kept moments ago. "Miliani. I showed her some videos about how you like it." Daniel's eyes flickered, "And?" "And..." Lucia said, folding her hands before her, "Your wife is very transparent. She wears her heart on her sleeve. A girl like that can't hide what she feels." Danie
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • On the screen, several tabs were open – names of online programs, international curriculums and accreditation details were neatly organized. Her lips parted in disbelief. She looked at her husband while questioning, "What's… this?" "Bunny, you wanted to finish school, didn't you?" His tone was casual, but his eyes were watchful. "I had a specialist dig through the best options. Five, six of them. You'll choose whichever suits you." Mili blinked. She almost had an argument with Daniel and hoped for that Jovanno to help her out. She was embarrassed to even bring it up to Daniel, assuming he'd dismiss it at this hour of distress. Yet here it was ...her wish laid bare, well researched, and presented as though it was the most natural thing for a mafia don to arrange. "You…" her voice softened, "…you did this for me? Now? Even with everything happening?" Daniel shrugged, pulling her closer until she was standing between his legs. "Your wis
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The mansion buzzed with unusual and excessive activity. Maids hurried across the marble floors with fresh linens, while others dusted every corner as though the place were preparing for a royal inspection. But none of it was ordered by Daniel. It was Mili. Restless energy surged in her veins, though she couldn't name the exact reason. Her heart was unsettled. Her mind was too loud. She was moving through the mansion with an ache she couldn't soothe, as if something unseen lingered in the air. She decided to overwork to keep herself busy. So, she managed everyone's work with her own inspection and decided to redecorate every corner of the mansion. "Polish the silver again," she told one maid. "Change those curtains," she ordered another. Even the butler had raised his brows when Mili insisted the entire dining hall be recleaned after it had already been scrubbed spotless. She was behaving so unlike her ...more impatiently than anyone
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mili held Lucia's hand gently. "Come I'll show you the room. You should take some rest," Mili suggested with a warm expression. Lucia went upstairs as Mili guided the distressed guest towards the guest room. Lucia's eyes fell on the bedroom door that was kept open. "That's our bedroom," Mili gave her a small smile walking past it. Lucia took a pause before following. Mili walked ahead, pushing open the door to the guest room. She set the folded blankets on the bed, then reached for the lamp switch and dimmed the golden glow so it wouldn't sting Lucia's already swollen eyes. "You should rest well," Mili said gently, adjusting the pillow for her. Lucia managed a tired nod and slipped out of her coat. As Mili turned to leave, a sudden tug stopped her. Lucia's cold fingers wrapped around Mili's wrist. "Mili… don't go. Please," she whispered. Her voice cracked. "I'm too scared to be alone at this hour. Every time I close my eyes, I see the b