LOGINAuthor's NoteAnd just like that, we've reached the end. To every single reader who picked up this story, thank you. Thank you for giving Lina and Carlino a place in your heart. Thank you for every vote, every comment, every message, every theory, every moment you spent laughing, crying, screaming, or falling in love alongside these characters.This journey has been long, filled with twists, heartbreak, healing, and second chances. There were days when writing felt easy, and days when it felt impossible, but knowing that you were waiting for the next chapter always gave me a reason to keep going.Thank you for staying through the slow moments, the frustrating moments, the emotional moments, and the beautiful ones. Thank you for believing in these characters even when they were broken, and for celebrating with them when they finally found their way home.As an author, there is no greater gift than readers who choose to invest their time, emotions, and support in a story. I will never ta
Lina’s POV The dress was hands down the most beautiful thing I had ever worn. It was a floor-length black gown stitched with shimmering pearls. The front featured a plunging V-neckline that highlighted my cleavage, framed by a delicate border of red diamonds. It had elegant long sleeves, and the back was completely open. I looked entirely different. Bella fastened a matching red diamond necklace around my neck. It sat right above the mark Kailen had left on my skin—a mark that still hadn't faded. I wondered how Carlino would feel seeing it out in the open like this. It wasn't like he hadn't noticed it before, whenever we were intimate and his lips traced down my neck, he touched it, but he always acted like it didn't bother him. Still, seeing it in the mirror always made me feel a twist of disgust. But if my lover wasn't worried about it, I supposed I shouldn't be either. I carefully made my way down the stairs, taking slow steps because of the ridiculously high heels I was weari
Lina’s POV It was Mom at the door. As quickly as it opened, it shut right back. My heart hammered against my ribs so hard I could hear it ringing in my ears. My cheeks were burning with embrassment. I turned to the mirror and saw just how flushed I was. "Oh no," I groaned, smacking my forehead before dragging my hand down my face. "See what you did?" I whined, turning to Carlino. "How am I supposed to face my mother now? I shouldn't have listened to you." "You shouldn't pretend like you didn't enjoy it," he said, casually buttoning his pants, completely unbothered by the fact that my mother had just caught us naked together. "You should be thankful it wasn't the girls." "Carlino," I warned, my voice strained through clenched teeth. "Look, Tesoro," he said, walking over to me. "Your mother is old enough to know that babies don't just appear out of thin air. This isn't your first time." His hand slid around my waist, pulling me flat against him. "Let me fucking go." I struggled ag
Lina’s POV Hearing those words come out of Carlino's lips made me go cold right there on the hospital bed. But then, surprisingly, I felt everything inside me start to relax. This was the same man who said he’d never come back into my life, all because he didn't want his dark world dragging me down. And today… What changed? I kept my eyes locked on him, my voice barely a whisper. "What changed, Carlino?" "I thought I would lose you," he said, his voice cracking. "The thought of it... it tore my soul apart. Tesoro, I just want to spend whatever time I have left with you. I promise I’ll keep our family safe. Nothing will ever hurt you guys. I swear it. I’ll—" He stopped midway, looking down at his hands. "I know I don’t deserve you," he mumbled. "We’re from completely different worlds. You’re good, pure... and I’m just a monster from the dark. But I’ll change, Lina. I’ll do better for you." "Hey," I cut him off, tears already spilling down my cheeks. "I believe you. I know you
Carlino's POV"I told you not to tell her I was here," I hissed through gritted teeth, trying to keep my voice down. "I told you not to involve me. Why the fuck did you tell her, old man?" I was more anxious than pissed, honestly. The thought of seeing her lying in that hospital bed made my stomach turn. She would be looking weak, fragile. That wasn't the woman I knew. I was used to her being defiant, fighting me at every turn.Her father just stared at me. His expression was warm, quiet, and it irritated me because I knew exactly what was going on in his head."I didn't… we didn't tell her anything," he said, finally stepping aside to give me room to go in. "She knew you were around because—you know what, just go inside."The words caught in my throat. I wanted to argue, but my mind was a mess, the thoughts scattered. My legs moved on its own, each step toward the door feeling heavier than the last.By the time I reached the handle, my eyes were already burning. I quickly wiped at th
Carlino's POVI sat slumped in the rigid plastic chair outside the ICU, the echo of my restless boots tapping a frantic, endless rhythm against the sterile floor. The paperwork was done, but the waiting was so much suffocating. The heavy door finally swung open, and the doctor stepped out. I shot up instantly, my jaw clenched."She has lost a lot of blood," he said, pulling off his gloves. "She needs an urgent transfusion. What's her blood type?""O positive," I replied without a second's hesitation.The doctor nodded. "Thank you. We'll pull a match from the blood bank." He turned and hurried down the corridor.I sank back into the chair, rubbing my temples. I knew everything about Lina. Every single detail. Her favorite food, the exact dress that made her smile, her preferred drink, the cakes and snacks she bought when she was stressed—I had researched it all meticulously after we parted. It wasn't just memory, it was an obsession. Recalling her blood type was second nature.Aiden’s
Lina’s POVThe punishment didn’t stop.It evolved.Doors that used to open now required permission. Corridors that once felt endless now felt measured — patrolled. Even the garden had guards posted like decorative statues with guns.I tested it anyway
Lina’s POVThe halls smelled faintly of polish and cold air, the kind that seemed to settle over power like a second skin. Guards walked past silently, their eyes flicking toward me, unreadable. Some lingered a second too long, then looked away. The air felt heavier than usual, as though
Lina’s POVThe meeting room was colder than the rest of the house. Not in temperature. In feeling. Men filled the long table, their suits dark, their expressions darker. Conversations died as I stepped in beside Carlino. Not because I was important. Because I was unexpected.
Lina’s POV Punishment in this house never arrived screaming. It came neat. Silent. Calculated. Like him.I knew I’d crossed a line at dinner the night before. I just didn’t think the line would bleed this much. It happened after the wine was poured and the men started







