Without exchanging words, Marco went straight to our room, and I quietly trailed behind. There was an unspoken tension between us as we avoided making eye contact. Upon entering the room, I came to a halt. The weight of my concerns was too heavy to ignore. While I understood that not everyone desired children, they held a significant place in our marriage. I craved understanding Marco's reasons or intentions, even if they didn't involve having children immediately, just to ease my restless thoughts."Marco," I called out to him, but he remained with his back turned towards me, unfazed by my words. "I want to have a baby."My hand tightened, anticipating his reaction. He froze as my words sank in, revealing that this was a topic he had anticipated but dreaded discussing. His reactions alone conveyed a wealth of meaning, leaving me feeling like I already had my answer, even though no words were exchanged.Marco slowly pivoted, reluctantly meeting my gaze. His eyes mirrored the darkness
After hanging out with my friends, I arrived back home and sensed an improvement in my mood. My mind was no longer as scattered or consumed by deep contemplation as it had been before. Marco's profound sadness, which I witnessed that night, had been troubling me. Although I was eager to uncover the cause, I recognized the importance of respecting Marco's readiness to share or not.Regarding the matter of having children, we could defer discussing it to a later occasion. It's possible that Marco has already made a decision and is currently committed to it. However, it remains probable that he might change his stance in the future. We just need to wait for the right moment to broach the topic again.I found myself in Marco's study room, which he often used as his workspace when he wasn't in the office. Although I knew he wouldn't be returning home anytime soon due to his heavy workload, I already yearned for his presence. The thought of calling him and expressing my desire crossed my mi
It had been a few days since our argument, and I found myself no longer clinging to him in the same way. Uncertain of how to show affection without any sign of reconciliation, I felt a shift in my behavior towards him.At home, I sat in front of the TV, my gaze fixed on the screen even though I had little interest in what was playing. The movie happened to be a romance, a genre I typically enjoyed, but it failed to resonate with me at that moment.Suddenly, my cellphone began to ring. Without checking the caller ID, I picked it up from its spot beside me and answered, saying, "Hello..." Initially assuming it was Marco or one of my friends, my eyes widened when I heard a man's voice on the other end."Maddie?"Damn, it was Carson!I quickly surveyed my surroundings, ensuring there was no chance of anyone overhearing our conversation. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself. While I had nothing to hide, the mere mention of talking to Carson could spur jealousy in Marco, leading to anoth
When I arrived home, Marco was still not there. Heading to the bedroom, I settled in to wait for his return. Restlessness washed over me as the minutes ticked by, leaving me to ponder his inexplicable absence. Despite my contemplation, I couldn't conjure a plausible explanation for his actions.If Carson's suspicions were valid and his absence was indeed due to me, the question lingered: why? Our paths had never crossed, and we had never engaged in any meaningful interactions before. His recent display of kindness towards me felt out of character.Right on schedule, at five o'clock, Marco finally arrived. As the door swung open, our fleeting eye contact revealed starkly contrasting emotions. For him, it seemed like just another ordinary day, but for me, everything had changed.As he entered the bathroom, it took only a few moments before he emerged, making his way towards the walk-in closet. He appeared without his shirt, revealing a physique that would have normally captivated me. Bu
Marco lay back on the bed, and I got up. I stroked his cock, sucking it again, before repositioning myself. We hadn't tried this position before because Marco usually had control."I want to sit on your cock..." I said, realizing my face might be beyond salvage at this point.I positioned myself, and as I lowered myself onto Marco's cock, I looked up. Grinding against it, I aimed to bring pleasure to both of us. Once I felt ready, I slowly took him in.The feeling was entirely different when I was on top. I had complete control of my movements.Marco held onto my hips and, despite being beneath me, he began to thrust. He passionately kissed my lips and gently bit them."If only you could see how erotic your expression is right now," he said while observing me closely. I continued to moan as I moved and rocked back and forth. "I want to capture this image of you in my memory, so I won't forget it. So I can remember it every time," he said before kissing me again.I moaned when Marco st
I have a scheduled session with Dr. Alessandra today. Our discussions cover various topics, even those that are not necessarily traumatic for me. Sometimes we delve into challenging moments in my life, while other times we focus on happier experiences. However, one topic we have yet to explore is my childhood.I provided her with some background information about my childhood. Like many others, I experienced a difficult period following my mother's death when my father caused me harm. This is the extent of what I have shared with Dr. Alessandra thus far. Prior to that, I hadn't revealed much because, to be honest..."You look incredible, Maddie. Your happiness is palpable, and your radiant smile is a testament to that. During our last conversation, you were stressed due to issues with your husband. I assume you have resolved those matters?""Absolutely!" I exclaimed joyfully. Our relationship has truly flourished, and I recently discovered that Marco feels the same way too. The though
Upon returning home, I went straight to our bedroom. Perhaps Marco noticed my silence, but he didn't disturb me. I needed this solitude because my mind was consumed by numerous thoughts.As I settled into bed, Marco pulled me close, comforting me with his presence. I clasped his hand, seeking reassurance in the darkness, desperate not to feel alone.Unable to bear the silence any longer, I mustered the courage to break it. "Marco, what was your conversation with Dr. Alessandra about earlier?" I inquired, my voice betraying my longing for answers.I could feel Marco's warm breath on the back of my neck as he responded, "Don't dwell on it. It wasn't anything significant-"Interrupting him, I shifted my body to face him directly in the dimly lit room. "Is it possible that my father's abuse didn't start after Mama's death? Could he have been hurting us even before she passed away? And what about Mama? Is it possible that my father caused her death, rather than an illness?”For quite some
I was taken aback by their final statement. Did my father really kill Mama? How could this be? I glanced at Marco, but he remained fixated on my father as the police escorted him away. But Mama passed away from an illness, right? Wasn't that the truth? Did it mean that my suspicions about my father were correct?The weight of this realization hit me, and I instinctively covered my mouth."What? I never killed Olivia! I would never hurt my wife!"I observed my father's resistance as the police guided him out of Marco's office. It was hard to comprehend as he vehemently denied any involvement in Mama's death."I am innocent! I did not cause Olivia's death! I am the one being wronged here! Why are you arresting me?" My father's words were directed at Marco. "Moretti, you're a heartless monster! You hold me captive without any evidence! Release me! I am innocent..."His plea was abruptly cut short as the office door shut.The room fell into silence, and I remained in a state of shock, eve
I gave Violet a look. Really? Was now seriously the time for jokes?Renzo cleared his throat, probably trying to move past her comment. “We jumped into the river on purpose,” he said. “We knew the current would carry us. I can swim, so it wasn’t a big risk. Lucille and her crew just assumed we drowned. They never checked. That was part of the plan—to throw them off and keep them guessing. They weren’t even sure if we’d been taken out by the Morettis. Gabriele was waiting for us downstream. That’s how we made our final escape.”I glanced over at Caleb, expecting he’d want to chime in now that everyone else had spoken.“I didn’t do much,” he said with a grin. “Mostly just cursed a lot, Ma’am.”
Gabriele let out a quiet laugh at Marco’s compliment. “Wow, high praise coming from the great Marcantonio Moretti,” he said with a smirk. “But let’s not forget—it was my sister’s research that made this all possible. Her magical science stuff is what got us here. Honestly, Marco, we should turn this into a business. People would be lining up for it.”As we walked down the hallway, we finally stopped in front of a large, impressive-looking door. Gabriele opened it and gestured for Marco to go in first, followed by his guys. I hesitated a little, staying at the back, taking it all in with a mix of nerves and curiosity.“Marco, where are we?” I asked quietly, reaching for his hand without even thinking.We walked in a
“Mason,” I muttered under my breath, barely loud enough to hear myself. The name triggered a flood of memories—he was Violet’s new driver, the one involved in my kidnapping. Ronan had used him as a pawn. But now? Everything was flipping upside down.“You!” Lucille snapped, her voice sharp with rage. “Aren’t you one of Ronan’s goons?”Mason gave a tired but sly smile. “Yeah, I was. Ronan tested my loyalty by having me help capture Ma’am Maddie. That’s when Sir Marco stepped in.”We all froze. Marco? What was going on?Mason kept going, his tone more serious now. “Sir Marco suspected there was a traitor in your circle. He needed proof. So he sent me undercover into Violet’s house to keep an eye on things. But you, Lucille… You never let me get close enough. You always met with Violet in private, and I couldn’t figure out where your loyalty really stood.”The room went quiet, the air thick with tension. It was like the curtain had just been pulled back on a much bigger game than any of u
“Hold on a second,” I said, trying to wrap my head around everything. “You’re telling me the Morettis raised you, but your real parents were part of the Lombardi family—the same family they annihilate?”Lucille gave a slow nod, her eyes sharp but faraway. “Yeah. I was just a kid when it happened. They let me live, not realizing who I really was. They thought they could raise me as one of their own, but they didn’t know I carried Lombardi blood.”My stomach twisted. Lucille—someone I trusted—had been deceiving us all along. She knew everything about our movements. She’d been feeding info to Ronan right under our noses.“They made me believe my parents were evil, that they deserved to die. They brainwashed me, twisted everything. But when I met Ronan… everything changed. It triggered something. I remembered—really remembered—watching the Morettis kill my parents in cold blood. I was just a kid.”I stared at her, piecing it all together. She wasn’t talking about the Morettis as foster pa
“I don’t know,” I said, hesitating. “Lately, I’ve felt like I’ve just been a distraction—like I’ve been holding you back. You used to be so focused before we got married, even before you told me how you felt. Sometimes it feels like I pulled you into my chaos.” I pulled back slightly from his embrace but still held him close. “But I don’t regret marrying you, Marco. Not for a second. I just hope you feel the same. And if there’s anything I can do to help, just say the word. I want to be someone you lean on, not someone you have to carry. A lot of people are counting on your decisions, and I’ll always have your back. I’m not that same Maddie who used to second-guess you. I get it now—what your life really entails. And if you ever feel like you need a little space because I’m stepping on your toes... well, I’ll try not to take it personally.” I gave a weak laugh, trying to lighten the mood, but it didn’t quite land.Marco just looked at me, and I ended up laughing a little at myself, try
“Don’t get me wrong—I don’t think you’re a bad influence on my cousin. Actually, I’m glad you bring him to life and help him feel things more deeply. But with that comes a downside: Marco gets distracted from his responsibilities. I get it—I go through the same thing with Elmira. Whenever someone brings her up, I lose focus. The difference is, I’m just his advisor. Marco’s the boss. He’s the one holding everything together. And when you’re in danger, he can’t think straight. You’re both his greatest strength and his biggest weakness. His whole world revolves around you. So if you’ve been feeling like he’s more distant lately, you’re not imagining it.”Marcello stood up, watching me closely to see how I’d react. I hadn’t said a word yet, still trying to process everything he’d told me. Was I too obviously upset about Marco trying to send me away before?“I just want you to understand how much pressure Marco’s under. Being married to him means living in a world full of danger. I hope you
Marco handed the gun to one of his men before walking in my direction. He paused briefly when he faced Caleb."Why did you bring her here?" Marco asked in a stern and chilling tone."She wanted to know where you were," Caleb replied casually.Marco walked directly toward me. He grasped my arm and pulled me out. He closed the door behind us, cutting off my view of the people they were tormenting. I looked at him and was met with the cold gaze of his eyes.It had been a while since he had looked at me this way, and seeing it again now made me feel uneasy."Go home, Maddie. I'll have someone take you back," he said."No," I regained my composure when I heard Marco's voice. His manner of looking at me hadn't changed. "I haven't seen you at home. I'm not even sure if you're still coming home. That's why I went to Caleb to find out where you were. Who are the men inside? What are you doing to them?"Marco hesitated, clearly restraining himself from saying something. Eventually, he closed hi
We arranged a proper burial for my sister and for Renzo, even though his body hadn't been found yet. It was extremely private, with only the three of us present. Aunt Mildred sobbed uncontrollably and couldn't accept Violet's fate. I, too, was running out of tears from all the crying while they were being laid to rest in the ground. I couldn't help but recall all the happy memories I had with her."Sis, I can't sleep. Can I stay here?""Sis, why does Dad hurt you like this? It shouldn't be like that. If I could take away the pain you're feeling right now, I would.""Sis, I'm happy that you're my sister. You're two in one, you know! I have a sister and a best friend in you.""You know, Sis, if I were given a choice of who I'd want as my sister, I'd choose you every time. I love you, Sis!"Tears flowed even more as I remembered those moments. I knew that their memories would stay with me, but I would never hear Violet's voice again.Half of my being felt like it died when Violet passed
Marco's embrace tightened, causing me to lift my gaze and meet his intense expression.At first, I believed Marco was indifferent to the situation, but now I see my assumptions were mistaken. He was undeniably affected by it all; he simply concealed his emotions.Eventually, we returned home, leaving Caleb behind to lead the squad in the search for the Lombardis. I overheard Marco conversing with his father, entrusting him with the responsibility of managing the company during his absence.We reached our home, where the household staff kindly assisted me in freshening up since I was physically unable to do it myself. Once I was left alone, I found it impossible to function, overwhelmed by a deep sense of weakness. The realization that Violet was no longer part of our lives seemed incomprehensible, refusing to fully register in my mind.I lay on the bed, silently sobbing. No matter how desperately I wished to stop, every recollection of Violet's last words brought forth uncontrollable t