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22: Where You Belong

Author: DiaryOfDaisy
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-03-24 08:32:37

Maria tried to lose herself in the words on the page, but they blurred together, her mind refusing to focus.

She wasn’t sure how long she sat there, curled up on the plush armchair near the grand window, staring at a book she wasn’t reading.

The soft hum of the television from the other room still carried through the walls, Luca’s deep chuckle mixing with the voices of reporters dissecting their engagement like it was a national event.

She sighed, dragging a hand through her loose curls.

The scent of leather-bound books and aged paper surrounded her, usually a comfort. This library was her escape, a place where the outside world couldn’t reach her.

But tonight, it wasn’t enough. Maybe she was feeling like this because Edwards had always kept her hidden, kept her from the world.

Edwards rarely took her out and always preferred home dates, but not even a month with Luca and he already made her the center of attention.

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  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    23: Shadows Of The Past

    The bedroom was quiet except for the soft rustle of pages as Maria absently turned them, her mind elsewhere.The earlier laughter had faded, leaving only the weight of everything that had been left unsaid. She curled her knees to her chest on the oversized chair, her thoughts tangled with Luca’s words.She had barely noticed when he slipped into the room, but she wasn’t surprised either. Luca never really let her sit with her thoughts for too long, not when he could see them wearing her down."Can’t sleep?" he asked, his voice softer now, stripped of its usual teasing edge.Maria exhaled, shaking her head. "Not really."Luca hummed in understanding before dropping into the armchair across from her. He didn’t press her to talk, didn’t push. He just sat there, elbows resting on his knees, watching her.After a long stretch of silence, Maria spoke. "Tell me about you and Johan."Luca blinked, and for a moment, she thought h

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-25
  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    24: The Hunt Begins

    The deep purr of the engine filled the quiet morning air as Luca Avancii maneuvered his sleek, obsidian-black SpitFire Phantom through the city streets. The custom-made car, a masterpiece of power and precision, reflected his personality—elegant, dangerous, and utterly dominant. Its dark-tinted windows shielded him from prying eyes, but nothing could hide the commanding presence that radiated from the vehicle itself.Behind him, a convoy of three SpitFire Enforcers, matte black with bulletproof glass and reinforced frames, trailed closely. Each vehicle housed his bodyguards, men dressed in fitted black suits and identical dark shades, their expressions unreadable. Their very presence was a warning—anyone who dared to get too close would regret it.Inside his car, Luca had a phone pressed to his ear, his grip tightening around the leather-wrapped steering wheel."We found the car that hit your wife," the voice on the other end

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-26
  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    25: Rumor Mill

    By mid-afternoon, the internet was in chaos. News outlets, gossip blogs, and social media were flooded with a new headline: "Model Cherry Gold: The Woman Who Stole Luca Avancii’s Heart?" For years, Luca Avancii had been one of the most sought-after bachelors in the country. Powerful, wealthy, and notoriously private, he had never been linked to any woman. No dating scandals, no rumored fiancées, no whispers of a secret romance. Until now. The article claimed that Cherry Gold—a rising model who had done a few ads for SpitFire Autos—was his soon-to-be wife. Photos of Cherry attending company events, promotional shoots featuring her draped over SpitFire’s sleekest cars, and an old image of her laughing beside Luca were plastered everywhere. Speculation exploded. Had Luca been hiding a relationship all this time? Was Cherry the reason he never entertained romantic pursuits? Some fans were ecstatic, thrilled that their beloved Cherry had seemingly tamed the untouchable bu

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-26
  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    26: Predator Amongst Sheep

    It was the third day of the week—Wednesday, a day Luca usually found predictable. But today was different. Before heading to work, he had already informed Maria that he’d be home late. "Don’t wait up for me," he had said. "I’ve got an auction to attend." She hadn’t argued, only nodding as she curled up with a book on the couch. He had watched her for a moment—barefoot, wearing one of his shirts, looking utterly at ease. His wife wasn’t the type to chase after attention, nor did she seem to care about the world’s growing curiosity about her identity. That was fine with him. By the time he arrived at SpitFire Autos’ headquarters, the office was already buzzing. The moment he walked in, Gina was waiting. Dressed impeccably as always, she sat in one of the chairs in his office, sipping coffee. She looked up as soon as he stepped inside. “Good morning, Mr. Avancii.” Luca gave her a small nod, shrugging off his coat. “Morning, Gina. Stats.” She wasted no time. “Custom orders have

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-26
  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    27: Late Night Comfort

    The estate was silent. Not the kind of silence that came with unease but the calm, undisturbed hush of the night, blanketing everything in stillness. It was nearly 1 AM when Luca finally pulled into the long driveway, his car slipping past the towering gates with ease.The prototype was secure, locked away in one of his hidden warehouses—untouched, untraceable, his. He had made sure of it.Now, he was home.As he stepped inside, the air was warm, carrying the faint, comforting scent of vanilla and something uniquely Maria. The security lights outside cast long shadows through the halls, but inside, the mansion was steeped in darkness, except for the soft golden glow spilling from their bedroom.Luca entered soundlessly, his body moving with the predatory grace that came naturally to him. The tension in his muscles should have still been there after the night’s events—the hunt, the kill, securing what was his

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-27
  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    28: The Grand Reveal

    The massive conference hall of SpitFire Autos buzzed with barely restrained speculation. The city's most influential business reporters, top investors, and corporate elites filled the room, their eyes trained on the empty stage.No one knew exactly why they had been summoned—only that Luca Avancii himself had called for this meeting. That alone meant whatever was about to happen would be monumental.Cameras flashed, pens scratched against notepads, and hushed whispers spread like wildfire."Is it an acquisition?" someone muttered."Maybe an expansion," another guessed."He’s never done a press conference like this before," a third voice chimed in, eyes narrowed with intrigue.The uncertainty made the anticipation unbearable.And then, the doors at the front of the room swung open.Luca Avancii was a man who commanded attention without asking for it.Dressed in a sharply tailored black suit, he

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-28
  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    29: The Aftermath Of Power Play

    The world erupted the moment Luca’s press conference ended. Within minutes, news outlets flooded the internet with headlines:"Maria Avancii Takes Over as CHRO of SpitFire Technologies – Strategic Genius or Nepotism?""From Kale Industries to SpitFire: Maria Avancii's Unprecedented Business Move!""Luca Avancii’s Secret Weapon: How His Wife is Changing the Game."Social media was an absolute battleground.Some admired Maria’s rise, pointing out that she wasn’t just a trophy wife—she was a businesswoman who had helped build Kale Industries from the ground up. Others, however, weren’t as kind."Maria Kale... wait, no, Maria Avancii? When the hell did they get divorced??""Did Avancii steal Kale's woman? Or was she always cheating on Edwards with him?""So let me get this straight—Maria was Kale’s right hand for years, then suddenly she’s his competition? That’s not suspicious at all.""This slut really slept her way to the top. F

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-29
  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    30: Establishing Authority

    The moment Maria settled into her new office, Luca glanced at his watch. His sharp eyes met hers as he adjusted the cuffs of his suit.“I have a meeting upstairs,” he said, his voice smooth yet commanding. “Call me if you need anything.”Maria smirked, leaning against her desk. “I’ll be fine, Luca. It’s my domain now.”Luca chuckled, stepping closer. His fingers briefly brushed over her wrist—a silent message of support—before he turned and strode out. The office doors shut behind him, leaving Maria in the silence of her new kingdom.But the quiet didn’t last long.A polite knock sounded before the doors opened, revealing two men who exuded authority in their own right.One of them, a man in his early fifties with salt-and-pepper hair slicked back, stepped forward with a confident stride. His navy-blue suit was impeccably tailored, silver cufflinks glinting under the light—everything about him spoke of experience and power.

    Huling Na-update : 2025-03-30

Pinakabagong kabanata

  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    92: Love Is Served...With A Side Of Salmonella

    Maria had one goal tonight—prove to Luca that she wasn’t useless.She stood in their tiny kitchen, sleeves rolled up, with an air of reckless determination. Tonight, she was in charge of the cooking. Luca always did it, like it was second nature to him. But tonight? Tonight she was going to surprise him.And maybe, just maybe, she wanted to impress him.Except… things weren’t going well.The rice was burnt at the bottom. The soup smelled questionable, a strange mix of too many spices and something vaguely sour. And the chicken—well, she wasn’t entirely sure if it was cooked all the way through. But she’d tried. That had to count for something. Right?Luca, sprawled out on their small bed scrolling through his phone, finally noticed the burning smell. His eyes widened slightly.“What the hell are you doing?” he asked, pushing himself up with a sigh, already making his way to the kitchen.Maria quickly blocked his path, pl

  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    91: Mistakes Were Made

    The lights were dim, and the smell of takeout hung thick in the small apartment — fried chicken and something spicy Maria couldn’t quite place. She was curled beside Luca on their lumpy mattress, her half-eaten noodles cooling on her lap as the movie played, the sound filling the otherwise quiet room. It was one of those horror movies that stretched out the silence until something horrifying leapt at you. Maria’s skin crawled. She hated these kinds of movies. But she’d picked it. Luca, however, seemed completely unfazed. He leaned against the wall, eating noodles with slow, casual bites, his focus unwavering — like he was watching a documentary. Maria shot him a sideways look, irritated but grudgingly impressed. How is he so calm? Suddenly, a loud screech tore from the TV. Maria tensed, heart hammering. Her chopsticks slipped from her hand, clattering to the f

  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    90: Tangled Boundaries

    The morning light slipped through the cracked blinds of their small one-room apartment, casting soft golden streaks on the peeling walls.The air smelled faintly of last night's cheap instant ramen, mixed with the slight musk of Luca's cologne. It wasn’t the most ideal setting to start the day, but for Maria, it had become the norm.Maria stood by the only mirror in the room, adjusting her school uniform. The fabric was thin, a faded gray that had seen better days, but it fit well enough. Her blouse was neatly tucked in, but the hem of her skirt sat a little too high on her thighs. She stared at her reflection for a moment, running a hand through her tangled hair. The mirror barely showed her face—cracks ran through its surface like an old photograph.Luca, who had just buttoned his shirt halfway, paused mid-motion when he caught sight of her in the reflection. His brows pulled together, eyes narrowing in a way that she had come to reco

  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    89: A Ring Too Loose

    Maria had once dreamed of a wedding — a real one.A soft white dress that brushed the floor, heavy with lace and hope. A church full of family she never had. Flowers trembling in her hands as she walked down an aisle toward a man who would look at her like she was everything he had ever wanted.She could almost hear the music, soft and trembling, almost smell the fresh-cut roses.But reality had given her none of that.Edwards hadn’t proposed with a trembling voice or shining eyes. There had been no tearful promises.One day, without warning, he had simply said, "Let’s make this official."And then he took her to a courthouse — a gray, crumbling building that smelled of bleach and dust and lost hopes.No celebration. No flowers.Just a grim-faced clerk in a too-tight suit, sliding papers across a counter. Just Edwards' hand on her back, pressing her forward like a deal being closed.A cold exchange of v

  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    88: Trustfall

    The city lights flickered like dying embers in the distance as Maria sprinted through the empty streets, her breath sharp, her heart hammering in her chest like it was trying to escape her ribcage. They were still behind her. She could hear them—footsteps pounding with ruthless intent, voices barking cold, clipped orders that cut through the silence of the night like gunfire. “Find her!” one of them snarled, rage lacing every syllable. Maria’s stomach twisted, a knot of panic anchoring deep in her core. She didn’t know where she was anymore—what street, what block—only that every turn felt like a trap, every shadow a threat. The city had always been big, but tonight it felt endless, merciless. The cold air sliced at her exposed skin, making every step feel like a punishment. Her shoes—cheap, worn down, barely holding together—slapped against the pavement with frantic rhythm. She had barely esc

  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    87: Silk And Steel

    Maria woke up to an unfamiliar stillness.The penthouse was too quiet, too cold, as if it had been abandoned overnight. The usual soft hum of the city that crept through the double-glazed windows felt muted today, as if the world had decided to hold its breath.Her hand instinctively reached for the other side of the bed, but it was empty. Not just empty—untouched.The sheets were smooth, still pressed, a stark contrast to her side where the blanket twisted around her legs. A chill ran down her spine, her brows knitting together as she sat up, the silk strap of her nightgown sliding down her shoulder.Edwards had come home last night, hadn’t he?She remembered waiting for him, curled up on the velvet chaise by the window, watching the minutes drag by. The clock had ticked past midnight, then one. Still, she waited. She had convinced herself that he was just busy. That was always the excuse.Important meetings.

  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    86: How To Break A King

    Miles away, in a room thick with sour smoke and the metallic stench of old blood, Mikael smiled too — but it wasn’t laughter he tasted. It was war, bitter and electric on his tongue.Mikael sat at the head of the table, one hand loose around a glass he hadn't touched. His fingers tapped once, twice — a sound like a ticking clock — then stilled. Not a man's patience. A predator's.The men gathered around him were a mix of old blood and new money, each one bringing something to the table: favors, weapons, information.But tonight, it was the man seated at the far end who commanded the most attention.Edwards Kale.He looked nothing like the arrogant bastard he once was. The man who had once dared to challenge the Avancii name now sat hunched, gaunt, a shadow of pride smoldering in his ruined eyes. His hands trembled as he shoved the folder forward — like the paper itself was poisoned — then clenched them into fists against the polished wood

  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    85: Brother's Favorite Toy

    Maria whimpered softly beneath him, her hips instinctively rocking back, greedy for every last flicker of sensation, every last pulse of him spilling into her.Slowly, reverently, Luca shifted, slipping an arm under her, gathering her close."Easy, mi amor," he rasped, his voice rough and sweet and filthy all at once.With aching tenderness, he coaxed her onto her side, spooning her against his chest.His cock slid deeper with the shift, drawing a broken gasp from both of them.He groaned low, forehead pressed to the nape of her neck."Fuck," he breathed.His hand splayed over her lower belly, protective, reverent, possessive.Maria trembled, overwhelmed, her hand flying down to cover his, threading their fingers together over the soft swell of her stomach."Mi esposa perfecta... madre de mi hijo..."(My perfect wife… mother of my child…)Maria turned blindly, seeking him, and he caugh

  • THE PRICE FOR HIS NAME    84: Home Is Under You

    The past two weeks had settled into a rhythm—a ridiculous, clingy, over-the-top rhythm. Maria was always on the phone. If she wasn’t calling Goodness to complain about Luca eating the last of her ginger biscuits, she was on the phone with Nune as they gossiped about Ichiro’s latest death-wish stunt. And when Mafalda finally came back after a week of complete radio silence, their group chat exploded. Maria, Nune, Alexei, and Goodness had been frantic, their messages unanswered for days, their calls going straight to voicemail. Then, as if nothing had happened, Mafalda popped back into their chat with a single message: Mafalda: I live. Relief crashed through the group chat like a tidal wave. Maria: WOMAN, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? Goodness: We were about to stage a fucking rescue mission! Nune: Is he dead? Do we need to help hide the body? Alexei: Are yo

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