ANMELDENPriya povIt was an airy night, and the moon was high outside my window, casting long shadows across the duvet. However, the room itself felt warm and safe because of the man sitting beside me. It was late, and the silence of the apartment was only broken by the soft sound of Karl’s breathing. He hadn't left my side for a single second the entire day. Even now, though my fever had finally broken and the heavy fog in my brain had cleared, he was still acting like I was made of glass.He sat on the edge of the mattress, his expression focused and serious as he dipped a small cloth into a bowl of cool water. He wrung it out carefully and reached over, dabbing my forehead with a tenderness that made my throat ache. I watched him, my heart feeling heavy with a type of affection I wasn't used to. I was used to being the strong one, the one who took care of everyone else, but Karl had stepped in and completely taken over. He had ignored his phone, ignored his business, and ignored the wo
Massimo pov I haven't slept properly in days. Ever since I left Sandor’s house and he blocked me from seeing Valeria, my mind has been a mess. He looked me in the eye and told me she was his, but it felt like a lie. To make things worse, Karl has completely disappeared. He isn't picking up his phone or returning my messages. It feels like I’m standing in a dark room, and the walls are closing in. My phone dinged on the coffee table, breaking the silence of my apartment. I grabbed it, hoping for a sign of life from Val or a call back from Karl. Instead, it was an email invitation to the Bel Gala. The Bels are filthy rich politicians. We do business together often, mostly the kind of deals that happen in the shadows, but I wasn't in the mood for a party. One of their kids has a massive crush on me. It makes every interaction incredibly uncomfortable and awkward, but I knew I couldn't just ig
Valeria pov None of this was making sense to me. Why is there a woman here who looks just like me? And why has she kidnapped me? Why does she hate me?“Sandor was right. You are pathetic.” She spoke again. It felt so eerie looking at her that I didn't even know what to think. “What? You know Sandor?” “Oh honey, I know everything about you.” She ended her sentence with an innocent smile, as if what she was doing was completely normal.“What do you want from me?” I asked with clenched teeth. Her smile faded almost immediately.“You have ruined all of my plans, everything.” “I don't even know you…”“Shut up.” She cut me off sternly.“Do not talk when I'm talking. Now, where was I, ah yes. You have ruined every fucking plan of mine you stupid pathetic girl. You were supposed to weaken Massimo to break him, but instead, you only made him stronger. Every plan of mine to bring
Massimo pov The VIP lounge was quiet, except for the low hum of the air conditioner and the clinking of ice in Antonio’s glass. Normally, when Antonio and I met for a business meeting, I was usually focused and productive, but tonight, I couldn't stop looking at my phone. I remember speaking to Valeria recently. She expressed how she wanted to help a little boy and his mother so badly. And I know Valeria and her tender heart. She wouldn't stop until she helped, but now, she was saying something that was contrary to what we agreed on. Being with her for this long, I knew she'd try to interfere, so I told her not to, but now, I don't even know what to think. I was staring at a message she sent me this morning when I inquired about the little boy. “You know what, I think the boy will be fine, so I don't think it's needed anymore.” It felt so cold and so not like her, almost like someone else had sent it. “Massimo,” Antonio said, snapping his fingers in front of my face. “Are y
Valeria’s POV My eyes darted around the small, suffocating dark room as the first wave of real panic set in. My breath was coming in short, jagged gasps that seemed too loud in the silence. Deep breaths, Valeria. I told myself, but my brain felt like it was short-circuiting. I was sitting on a cold, wooden chair, and my hands gripped tightly in my lap. The only source of light was a tiny, rectangular window high up on the wall, so small and narrow that I doubted even a squirrel could squeeze through it. My palms were slick with sweat, and a dull throb started to drum against my temples. How did I get here? One minute, I was trying to be a Good Samaritan, and the next, the world had turned upside down. Now I can't help myself or Matteo, ugh I'm so useless. Can't I do anything right? My phone has also been taken away, so that means I can't even call for help, and I don't know if I'm trackable. Has anyone even realised that I'm gone? I mean, it has been just a day, but still, som
Priya povThe waiter finished pouring our wine and retreated, leaving the rooftop silent except for the distant hum of the city below. Karl was still leaning back, that playful smirk lingering on his face after calling me a witch.“You’re really going to stick with the witch theory?” I asked, trying to sound unimpressed despite the butterflies in my stomach. I took another sip of the wine. “I mean, look at you,” he said as he gestured toward me. “I’m a guy who usually has a plan. I’m always two steps ahead. But tonight? I’m just sitting here, staring at you, forgetting what I was even going to say. If that’s not a spell, I don’t know what it is.”I rolled my eyes again, and I heard him scoff. He didn’t follow it up with a wink or a nudge. He just looked at me. It was the most honest I’d ever seen him. We spent the next hour talking, truly engaging in conversation. He told me about his childhood, and I shared with him how I used to stay up late painting in my room until my fingers cr
Massimo pov After I helped Val bathe, I went into my office. I wish I had stayed to take care of her throughout the night, but I also didn't want to overwhelm her. She seemed like she wanted to be alone. So I'll only visit time after time. While I was bathing her, I was so fucking furious. I wish
Valeria pov “Stop,” I said as I backed away. “Don't touch me.” “Valeria, you can't do anything by yourself in this condition; your arm is injured. Stop being so stubborn, and let me help you.”I scoffed when he said that. Help? Wow, so he's the saint now? He's trying so hard to look like the savi
Valeria pov “Valeria, what are you doing?” Priya asked as she walked closer to me. I was so angry. Massimo spoke to me like I was nothing; he completely disregarded me. He was such a jerk. “I'm packing.”“For what?” I paused and spun to meet her eyes. “I'm going home.” She looked at me with a puz
Massimo pov I sat in my chair quietly as I gulped down the whisky in my hand. The bitter drink burned my throat, but it seemed not to have thawed the burning sensation in me. It's been two fucking weeks, and I still can't find Valeria. I feel like a fucking loser. How am I able to locate top assa







