ANYA
"You startled me," I blurted out, my voice slightly trembling. Vincenzo's mere presence had a way of both captivating and intimidating me, making it difficult to keep my composure.
His lips curved into a smirk, clearly amused by my reaction. "Are you looking for me?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of mischief.
I shook my head, trying to regain my composure. "No," I replied firmly, hoping to convey that his presence didn't affect me as much as it did. But deep down, I couldn't deny the flicker of curiosity that burned within me whenever he was around.
A knowing glint danced in his eyes as he continued to study me. "Oh yeah?" he challenged, his smirk widening. I could sense the playful undertone in his voice, as if he enjoyed teasing me.
I took a deep breath, determined not to let his charm get the best of me. "Yes," I responded, my voice carrying a touch of defiance. I wanted to wipe that infuriating smirk off his face,
VINCENZOI watched as Anya walked away, her presence lingering in my thoughts. There was something about her, something different that stirred emotions within me I had long tried to suppress. I couldn't deny the effect she had on me, the way she made me feel alive in a way I hadn't experienced in years.But I knew better than to allow myself to feel. Weakness was not an option for me, not with the enemies that lurked in the shadows, waiting for any sign of vulnerability. My father's mistakes had taught me that lesson all too well, and I couldn't afford to repeat them.No matter how much I tried to distance myself from her, to remind myself of the past and the pain it held, she continued to invade my thoughts. It frustrated me, infuriated me even. I couldn't afford to have distractions, especially not with Emiliano's presence looming over us, a constant threat to the famiglia.I had tried using the excuse that her father was responsible fo
VINCENZOAnya lay on the ground, blood staining her lips, her face drained of colour. I turned to Carlo, and he understood the urgency in my eyes. Without a word, he nodded and swiftly left the room, his mission clear: to find the person responsible for this heinous act against Anya.With a mixture of anguish and determination, I scooped Anya into my arms, cradling her fragile form as I carried her to my room. The weight of her limp body pressed against my chest, each step echoing with the gravity of the situation.Gently, I laid her on my bed, my eyes fixated on her pale face, willing any signs of life to emerge. Memories of my mother's lifeless body flooded my mind, intertwining with the sight of Anya in her current state. The pain of loss resurfaced, threatening to consume me.Time stood still as I sat by her side, my gaze never leaving her. The memories of my mother's pale face, the blood on her lips, echoed hauntingly in my mind. I h
VINCENZOAlessia sat on the edge of the bed, her grip on Anya's hand tight as tears streamed down her face. The sight of her anguish tore at my heart. I approached them, my steps heavy with a mixture of worry and determination.The doctor, his expression grave, approached me and placed a small bottle in my hands. I examined it closely, my brow furrowing as I sought to understand its significance."What is this?" I inquired, my voice tinged with a mixture of urgency and frustration.The doctor's gaze met mine, his eyes filled with a sombre understanding. He exhaled heavily before delivering the weighty revelation. "She was poisoned. That bottle was found with the culprit."My fingers tightened around the bottle, my knuckles turning white as the gravity of the situation sank in. The vile scent that wafted from it reached my nostrils, assaulting my senses with its putrid odour."How come Anya could not smell this in her food?"
VINCENZOAs I closed the door behind me, shutting out the chaos that raged beyond its confines, my attention turned to the men who stood before me in the room.Their presence alone was enough to raise my guard, then the one who appeared to be their leader spoke, his words dripping with malicious intent. "Oh my, look who we have here. Is it not Vincenzo Cassano himself?"A surge of anger mingled with confusion propelled me forward, inching closer to him. I stared at him, my eyes locked with his, searching for any trace of deception. "Who are you really?" I demanded, my voice low and steely.He removed his mask, revealing himself to be Diego Marino, shock coursed through me like an electric current. How was this possible? I had killed him, I was so sure of it.My voice laced with a mixture of surprise and disbelief, I managed to utter, "Diego Marino? But... how?"Diego's laughter reverberated through the room, his eyes glinted
ANYAIt was midnight, and once again, my Aunt had locked me up in the basement. The darkness engulfed me, suffocating and terrifying. In the pitch-blackness, I fought to steady my ragged breaths. I closed my eyes, trying to calm the storm of fear within me. Inhale, exhale, I repeated silently, seeking solace in the rhythm of my own breath.Tears streamed down my cheeks, evidence of the overwhelming terror that consumed me. The darkness played tricks on my mind, whispering haunting thoughts and conjuring phantoms in the depths of my imagination. "I am sorry. Please, let me out," I whispered, my words a plea to the uncaring void that surrounded me. Desperation laced my voice, hoping that somehow my plea would be heard.Curled up in a corner, I trembled uncontrollably, my entire body quivering with fear. Despite the chill of winter, sweat trickled down my forehead, a testament to the sheer ter
VINCENZOI glanced out of my office window, my eyes drawn to the movement near the trees. The clock on the wall displayed 2:00 in the morning, and the torrential rain showed no signs of relenting. Curiosity mixed with concern as I observed the figure braving the elements. No one was supposed to be outside at this hour, especially in such a weather.Instinctively, my hand reached for the familiar weight of my gun. Grabbing an umbrella, I swiftly made my way out of the office, my footsteps purposeful and determined. The rain poured down relentlessly, soaking me within seconds, but my focus remained fixed on the mysterious presence near the trees.As I drew nearer, recognition washed over me. It was Anya. Her frail form stood amidst the rain, seemingly lost in her own world. Concern etched deep lines on my forehead as I called out to her, my voice barely audible over the pounding rain.“What are you doing in the rain?” I asked, m
ANYAI woke up with a jolt, my senses instantly assaulted by the harsh brightness of the room. My head throbbed mercilessly, sending sharp waves of pain through my skull. Confusion washed over me as I realized that the covers I was wrapped in were not my own.Blinking away the discomfort, I surveyed my surroundings with a mixture of surprise and recognition. This room... it seemed strangely familiar. My gaze shifted, and a gasp escaped my lips as my eyes settled on Vincenzo. He lay beside me, his head propped up on his hand, wearing a gentle smile that sent a flutter through my heart."What... what... why am I lying on your bed?" I stuttered, my voice trembling with confusion and a hint of apprehension. I sat up, the covers sliding off me as I searched Vincenzo's eyes for answers.He sat up as well, leaning against the headboard with a casual yet guarded posture. His eyes met mine, and a small smirk played at the corners of his mouth. "Go
ANYAI stripped and went into the bathroom. The warm water cascaded over my body, soothing my tired muscles and offering a brief respite from the chaos that consumed my mind.Thoughts of Vincenzo swirled within me, leaving me torn between conflicting emotions. His unexpected display of care had caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this change in his demeanour.As the water washed away the physical grime, my thoughts meandered through the labyrinth of possibilities. Was it my nightmare that softened his heart, reminding him of our shared vulnerability?Or was it the revelation of my anosmia, an unexpected glimpse into the depths of my hidden struggles? I couldn't decipher the true catalyst behind his actions, and that uncertainty both intrigued and unsettled me.Stepping out of the shower, droplets of water clung to my skin, mirroring the lingering doubts that clung to my thoughts. I moved towards th