As soon as they reached the hospital, Marco opened his eyes and straightened up. Gino pulled the car into the parking lot, and the two of them stepped out. The sterile scent of the hospital hit Marco as they entered through the sliding doors, and his eyes quickly scanned the waiting area. Delilah was there, pacing anxiously, her eyes fixed on the floor as she chewed on her bottom lip.Her usual confident demeanor was gone, replaced with something more fragile, more real. She hadnât noticed Marco yet, her mind clearly consumed with worry.Marco walked toward her, but before he could say anything, the doors to the examination rooms swung open, and a doctor stepped out, his face unreadable."Ms. Flynn?" the doctor called, catching Delilahâs attention.She rushed over, her eyes wide with concern. Marco stayed close behind, watching her every move."How is she?" Delilah asked, her voice strained.The doctor sighed softly before speaking. "Your aunt is in critical condition. Weâre doing
Marcoâs fists slowly relaxed, but his glare remained fixed on Frank as they followed him to the car. The drive to the Donato mansion was filled with silence, the evening shadows stretching long across the road. Delilah sat beside Marco, her mind racing, her thoughts circling back to her aunt in the hospital. She wanted to be there, not heading toward a forced confrontation with Marco's grandfather. But there was no way out.When they arrived at the mansion, Frank led them through the grand halls to the room where Elder Donato awaited them. The air felt cold and unforgiving. The grandfather, sitting in his wheelchair, gestured for them to sit on the two chairs placed side by side in front of him. Marco didnât hesitate, settling into his seat with his usual confident demeanor. Delilah followed, though her legs felt heavier with each step.Two of the grandfatherâs men stood beside them, flanking their seats, their presence a silent but clear reminder that this wasnât just a conver
A few weeks later, in the evening, Delilah brought her Aunt Mary to the apartment. Ruby and Helen were there to welcome her. Ruby, always sweet, pecked Maryâs cheeks. Mary didnât seem to appreciate it much, though, and Delilah chuckled quietly to herself.Delilah then introduced Helen, explaining, "This is Helen, my new worker at the cafĂ©. Sheâs married and has a daughter."Maryâs eyes widened slightly. "Oh wow," she said, her tone flat, but polite. Helen greeted her, and the conversation shifted naturally as they all settled in.Later, when they were alone in Maryâs room, Delilah tucked her aunt into bed, still smoothing out the covers when Mary spoke. "Iâm so happy to know youâre mingling with someone married. Unlike that Ruby."Delilah smiled playfully. "Aunt, why do you dislike Ruby so much?"Mary pursed her lips. "Itâs not that I donât like Ruby... She just seems like a bad influence on you. She smokes, she drinks, and she chases after married men."Delilah laughed softly. "
As soon as Gaga left, Delilah's phone buzzed, and a notification popped up. The credit alert read ten million dollars. Delilah's grin widened, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.Later that night, Delilah and Ruby strutted into one of the city's most luxurious clubs, both dressed in sleek mini dresses. The black gloves they wore added a touch of mystery to their look, ensuring they blended into the crowd without drawing too much attention. The neon lights pulsed in sync with the music as they made their way through the lively crowd.A voice crackled through their earbudsâit was Helen, back at the cafĂ©, monitoring everything through a set of computers. "Mr. Bayouâs at the elite table, six oâclock, surrounded by five bodyguards," Helen reported smoothly. "He's watching the dancers a little too closely."Delilah's eyes swept across the room, and soon, she spotted himâGaga's husband, Mr. Bayou. He was sitting at the exclusive table near the dance floor, his gaze locked on the dancer
The next morning, Delilah was seated at her auntâs kitchen table, enjoying a plate of scrambled eggs and toast. Her aunt, Mary, had gone for her oncology appointment, leaving Delilah alone in the apartment. With the place to herself, she propped her phone up on the table and watched the news stream across the screen.It didnât take long for the story to appear: Chairman of Bayou Group Found Dead in a Gruesome Scene. The reporter droned on, describing the "grisly discovery" and the policeâs confusion over the brutal nature of the murder. Delilahâs lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Perfect execution," she thought, her pride swelling as she watched the details of the murder unravel on the broadcast.She was still smiling when she heard a sudden knock at the door. Her brow furrowed. Mary shouldnât be back for hours. She set her fork down, wiped her hands on a napkin, and stood to answer the door.When she opened it, her expression quickly shifted from curiosity to guarded surpr
Delilahâs lips curled into a seductive smile, her voice dropping to that low, teasing tone she knew Marco couldn't usually resist. "I've been eyeing this golden wristwatch. It's exquisite," she purred, her fingers trailing lightly across his chest, "and quite expensive."Marcoâs eyes flickered, but there was no smile, no shift in his stance. Delilah expected his usual smirk, the one that always preceded him giving in to her whims. But instead, his expression hardened."Do you think you can try the same stunt you pulled at the boutique?" His voice was calm, but there was an edge beneath it. Delilah froze, her fingers stilling on his shirt. For a moment, she wondered if sheâd gone too far. He resisted? This wasnât like him. Marco always played the game, always indulged her when she pushed. But now, his expression had darkened, and the usual playfulness in his eyes was replaced by something harder, something... dangerous.Delilah felt a flicker of uncertainty. The flirtatious co
The car slowed to a stop in front of Marcoâs mansion. Marco stepped out, his expression unreadable as his gaze swept over the estate. Delilah followed, stepping out cautiously, her eyes trailing up the impressive stone façade. The place was grander than she had imagined, a testament to the wealth she knew Marco possessed but had never seen up close.Without a word, Marco turned and strode towards the entrance. Delilah followed, her shoes clicking softly against the polished marble as they crossed the threshold.Inside, Marco greeted a middle-aged woman with salt-and-pepper hair, dressed in a neat uniform. "Delilah, this is Mrs. Hayden, the housekeeper."Delilah offered her a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Hayden. Youâve done a lovely job here."Mrs. Hayden smiled warmly in return, but before she could respond, Marco cut in, his tone brisk. "Youâll have plenty of time to get to know each other later. For now, we have more important matters."Delilah rolled her eyes as she fol
Delilah, who had been watching their interaction from the base of the stairs, hardly paid attention to their exchange. Her curiosity pulled her in a different direction, something far more intriguing. She stepped down, her heels clicking softly against the floor, and turned her attention to Marco."Whatâs going on, Marco?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly. There was an unusual air in the mansionâan energy she hadn't felt before.Marco looked at her, his lips curling into a knowing smirk. "Today is the D-day."Delilah opened her mouth to press for more information, but before she could, the heavy front doors creaked open. A group of men marched in with their own guards in tow. Their presence immediately filled the room with an unspoken authority. They moved like wolves, commanding every inch of the space with their powerful stride. Delilahâs breath caught as she noticed the thick, gleaming gold chains around their necks, glittering under the chandeliers. It clicked in her
Delilah forced a smile, her lips quivering under the weight of the façade.Her heart pounded in her chest, but she managed to keep her steps steady."Perfect," Josh said, his grin smug as he watched her obey.Her lips trembled as her smile faltered, her eyes misting with tears.She blinked rapidly, willing herself to hold it together. Not here. Not now.As they stepped outside, Josh scanned the surroundings.A few neighbors were visible in the distance, chatting casually, unaware of the silent terror unraveling just a few feet away.Delilah's gaze flicked to the white truck parked ahead. Her instincts screamed at her to run, but her heart hammered louder at the thought of Josh pulling the trigger. She had to think, and fast.And then she ran.Josh’s eyes widened in d
The night had ended blissfully, leaving a comforting warmth in the bedroom that lingered well into the morning.The soft glow of sunlight filtered through the curtains, brushing against Delilah’s peaceful face as she slept.She lay on her side, facing Marco, her chest rising and falling rhythmically. Her hair was a cascade of curls, slightly messy but effortlessly enchanting.Marco was awake, his dark eyes tracing her features with an intensity only he could possess.His bare chest rose with a deep breath as he admired her, the curve of her lips, the delicate lashes that framed her hazel eyes. She looked so serene, so unlike the guarded woman he had first encountered.But then, a faint furrow appeared on her brow.Marco’s gaze sharpened, and his thoughts grew troubled. Was she dreaming? A night
Marco arched a brow as he watched her rise from her seat. She stepped around the table, her movements deliberate. His gaze followed her every step."Where are you going?" he asked, his voice dropping an octave.She extended her hand toward him, her expression playful yet commanding. "Stand up."Marco hesitated only briefly before placing his hand in hers and rising to his full height. She led him a few feet away from the table, the dim lighting casting a warm glow on their faces."This," Delilah began, placing his right hand at the small of her waist, "is called a Closed Position dance. I’m sure you’ve heard of it."Marco tilted his head, feigning ignorance, though his smirk betrayed him. "No," he said smoothly. "I’ve never heard of it."Her brow furrowed, and she muttered under her breath, "You don’t?... Eh, it’s fine. It’
Delilah blinked, her stomach knotting. Did she just call me poor? And those dresses cheap?Jonah glanced at Delilah, his expression softening with something akin to pity. "Let it be," he said quietly to the woman. "Don’t trouble her."Delilah’s cheeks flushed. She glanced down at her simple gown, suddenly questioning its appearance. But when her gaze shifted back to the woman’s attire, she couldn’t help noticing how extravagantly luxurious it was. The kind of outfit meant to scream wealth."But baby—" the woman started.Delilah cut her off with a scoff, her composure icy. "Please hand me the clothes," she said to the associate, her voice firm but calm. "I’ll take them to the checkout counter myself."The associate obeyed, passing the clothes to Delilah with an apologetic look.Without sparing the couple another glance
Delilah stared at her phone screen as Marco’s name glowed brightly. Her heart gave an unexpected jolt."Why is he calling at this time?" she wondered.Her heart raced, the usually cold and calculating parts of her mind momentarily disrupted.She glanced around the hospital ward, ensuring no prying eyes or ears were nearby. The ward was still, only the faint hum of machinery and distant footsteps breaking the quiet.She pressed the answer button."Excuse me," she said coolly to Gino, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing.Delilah walked out of the ward, her heels clicking softly on the floor. Only once she was in the empty corridor, her back against the wall, did she lift the phone to her ear."Hello?" she said, her voice steady."Hi," Marco’s familiar, deep voice came through
The soft click of the door behind Delilah as she stepped into Gino’s room seemed to echo louder than it should.Her eyes swept over the large VIP ward, noting the unnecessary luxury for someone supposedly recovering from digestive issues.Gino lay on the bed, his hand connected to an IV, his face a picture of forced innocence. Beside him stood a young nurse, her nervous smile betraying her discomfort.The nurse greeted Delilah hesitantly. "He’s still under treatment, ma’am, and—"Delilah cut her off, her voice smooth yet firm. "Please, could you excuse us for a moment?"The nurse glanced at Gino for approval. Gino, with a barely noticeable flick of his eyes, gave her the signal to leave. She nodded awkwardly and hurried out, leaving Delilah and Gino alone.Delilah set the bag she’d brought onto the small table by the
The knock on the library door was firm yet restrained, interrupting Marco's focused gaze on the documents scattered across his oak desk.Without lifting his head, he adjusted his wristwatch and called out, "Come in."He expected Lucia’s familiar face to peek in, but instead, Delilah stepped through the doorway. Her soft smile and composed demeanor instantly filled the room."Hi," she greeted, her voice light and inviting.Marco leaned back in his chair, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Hi."Delilah closed the door gently behind her and walked further in. "I came to check up on you. How’s it going?""Great," Marco replied, though his tone lacked conviction. He glanced at his wristwatch again and frowned. "Except that Lucia was supposed to be here by now to assist me, but she’s not here yet."Delilah’s brows
"And what will you do anyway?" Lucia sneered. "Push me out? That won’t work because I’ll boldly return with a recent tape of Marco groaning my name."Lucia leaned closer, her voice lowering mockingly. "Take note of that, you poor orphan."Something in Delilah snapped at the insult.Before she could think, her hand shot out, landing a resounding slap across Lucia’s face.The sound echoed in the small restroom, and Lucia staggered back, her expression a mix of shock and pain."You—" Lucia started, but Delilah grabbed her arm, spinning her back around.The fight began.Lucia, fueled by rage and her wrestling past, swung at Delilah with strikes.Delilah, though reluctant at first to engage fully - because she had never hurt a woman and didn't intend to - defended herse
Delilah poured herself a glass of wine, her hands trembling slightly as the ruby liquid swirled into the glass.She took a deep breath and steadied herself before taking a sip, her lips pressing tightly against the rim as she fought the gnawing sensation in her chest."How could I have been so stupid?" she thought, almost chuckling as her mind replayed the conversation over and over.Marco’s sharp tone, the disappointment in his eyes—it all haunted her.The room felt cold despite the warm atmosphere.Delilah wrapped her free arm around her torso, her hand gripping her side tightly.The glass met her lips again, and this time, she drank deeply, letting the burn distract her from the ache inside.Delilah refilled the wine glass. She raised it to her lips, ready to drink again.Just as