LOGINChapter 139|| VALERIA's POV ||I hated every second of this.The car ride to the bar felt like an endless funeral procession, and the fancy dress they made me wear scratched uncomfortably against my skin. I tugged at the hem, shifting restlessly as the driver pulled up in front of a glittering neon-lit building."Here we are, Miss Valeria," he said with a forced smile.I didn't smile back.I stepped out into the warm evening air, my heels clicking sharply against the pavement. I could feel Sergio’s eyes on me even before I turned around. He was leaning against his car across the street, arms folded, a hard look on his face. The only reason I didn’t bolt and run straight to him was because of the silent plea he gave me with his gaze: Be careful.I nodded subtly and headed inside.The bar was upscale and loud, a mixture of low lighting, deep music, and the clinking of expensive glasses. A waiter immediately ushered me upstairs to the VVIP section.At the entrance, Sergio tried to follo
Chapter 138|| VALERIA's POV ||The shopping mall buzzed with the hum of people, laughter, and the clinking of coffee cups. I shifted the weight of the shopping bags in my arms with a small grunt of frustration."Here," Sergio said gruffly, taking half the bags from me without even asking.I glared at him but said nothing. It was easier to be annoyed at him than to admit how my heart flipped every time he did something so... considerate.We walked in silence for a moment, our steps echoing against the marble floors. I couldn't take it anymore. The words tumbled out before I could stop myself."Why did you even come back, Sergio?"He adjusted the bags in his hands, not looking at me. "Vincenzo and Sancia couldn't bear to see you ruin your life," he said simply.The answer hit me harder than any slap.I stopped walking, right in the middle of the hallway, forcing him to stop too. I turned to him, searching his face, hoping—praying—for a different answer."So you came because they asked
Chapter 138|| VALERIA's POV ||The shopping mall buzzed with the hum of people, laughter, and the clinking of coffee cups. I shifted the weight of the shopping bags in my arms with a small grunt of frustration."Here," Sergio said gruffly, taking half the bags from me without even asking.I glared at him but said nothing. It was easier to be annoyed at him than to admit how my heart flipped every time he did something so... considerate.We walked in silence for a moment, our steps echoing against the marble floors. I couldn't take it anymore. The words tumbled out before I could stop myself."Why did you even come back, Sergio?"He adjusted the bags in his hands, not looking at me. "Vincenzo and Sancia couldn't bear to see you ruin your life," he said simply.The answer hit me harder than any slap.I stopped walking, right in the middle of the hallway, forcing him to stop too. I turned to him, searching his face, hoping—praying—for a different answer."So you came because they asked
Chapter 137|| VALERIA's POV ||I stood at the door, my hand already reaching for the handle when my father’s sharp voice cut through the hallway."Where do you think you're going?"I turned, frustrated but trying to hide it behind a polite smile. "To the market. I just wanted to walk a bit. Get some fresh air."Father crossed his arms over his chest, his face carved from stone. "You're grounded."The words hit me like a slap. I blinked at him. "What do you mean, grounded? I’m not a child!""You are my daughter," he said coldly. "And you have embarrassed this family enough. From now on, you do not leave this house without my permission. Or without my men."I let out a sharp, bitter laugh and crossed my arms in return. "Fine," I snapped. "Send your little soldiers after me then."His eyes narrowed. "No need. You will have a new bodyguard. He will shadow you wherever you go."I bit my lip to keep from screaming. It was useless arguing with Daniel Petrov. Once he made a decision, it was
Chapter 136|| SANCIA's POV ||The air in the mansion was thick with tension the moment we stepped inside.I tightened my grip around Seth, feeling his tiny fists clench the fabric of my dress. Vincenzo brushed his hand lightly against the small of my back as if to steady me.We walked into the grand hall where the whole family was already gathered.My heart sank when I saw them — Rossie and Anastasia, seated smugly near the head of the long table.Rossie looked far too comfortable for my liking, her smile sly, her posture relaxed like she had already won some battle we weren’t even aware of.I swallowed down the unease gnawing at my chest.Vincenzo’s grandfather stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding, even in his old age. His cane thudded heavily against the marble floor as he cleared his throat."Thank you all for coming," he began, his voice echoing in the silent hall. "Today, we make important decisions for the future of the Russo family."I sat down stiffly next
Chapter 135|| SERGIO's POV ||I hesitated outside Vincenzo’s door, my hand curled into a fist but not yet knocking.Through the half-open doorway, I caught a glimpse of them — Vincenzo sitting on the couch with Sancia tucked under his arm, baby Seth in her lap.Their little family, glowing with warmth, safety, love.It twisted something deep in my chest.That should’ve been Valeria.That should’ve been our life too.I cleared my throat and stepped inside."Sorry to interrupt," I muttered, shoving my hands into my jacket pockets. I hated how awkward I sounded.Vincenzo looked up first, smiling, but it faded quickly when he saw my expression.Sancia's face crinkled with concern as she gently rocked Seth."Sergio?" Vincenzo said carefully. "What's wrong?"I stepped closer, swallowing the lump in my throat.No backing out now."I found out why Valeria left," I said quietly. "Why she agreed to marry Leonard."Sancia straightened immediately, clutching Seth protectively against her chest.







