The sky had transformed into a fiery orange hue, and hours had passed since Marco's men ambushed and ensnared me. I couldn't fathom this unexpected turn of events; Marco's impulsive actions always caught me off guard."I don't want to be with you—" I began to protest."You'll change your mind," he asserted with a hint of determination in his voice. "I'll make sure of it."He pivoted away from me, taking just one more step before resuming his words."Let's seek refuge indoors, Maddie. It's getting chilly out here."Despite knowing he couldn't see my scowl, I shot one last contemptuous glance at Marco. Resignedly, I trailed behind him, stepping into the house.Marco had a sizable staff, most of whom I recognized due to their frequent presence alongside him. Renzo and Caleb had also reappeared, their return unbeknownst to me. It appeared that some household staff had arrived earlier, likely flown in by Marco's chopper to serve us during our stay.Recalling my futile chase after the chopp
After a quick shower, I dressed and noticed my usual skincare products neatly arranged in the bathroom. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Marco's familiarity with my grooming routine. The fact that he had prepared everything without even asking pleased me in a strange way. Marco was incredibly attentive to even the smallest details about me. A pang of nostalgia tugged at me, and I couldn't help but wonder how different things could have been if my mother hadn't caused such turmoil between our families. If only she had treated us equally, maybe I would consider staying in this marriage.Dismissing the "what ifs," I let out a deep sigh and shook my head. Dwelling on the past wouldn't change a thing.Once I finished getting ready, I exited the bathroom to find Marco on the phone. His eyes scanned me from head to toe, and I shot him a glare for scrutinizing me in such a way. Did he believe he could seduce me? He might have come close, but not close enough!I approached the bed, dra
That day, I made a deliberate effort to keep my distance from Marco. If he was at the beach, I found reasons to leave. If he was indoors, I ventured out. As the sun gradually descended, its golden rays dancing on the horizon, I silently decided to indulge in a peaceful swim at the enchanting seaside. The water beckoned me with its pristine clarity, and the powdery sands invited my bare feet, offering solace in their gentle caress.As I prepared for my impromptu swim, doubts arose about whether I had brought a swimsuit. After all, packing had not been my responsibility. It hadn't even factored into my plans!But fate would have it that I stumbled upon a vibrant red two-piece swimsuit, tucked away amongst the clothing. Hastily, I slipped into the exquisite creation within the confines of the bathroom. It was apparent that the person responsible for selecting my wardrobe possessed impeccable taste. The swimsuit embraced my figure flawlessly, enhancing my confidence.To shield myself from
In the presence of Marco's mother, I couldn't dismiss her behavior as mere falsehood. Her actions exuded genuineness and a sincere concern for my well-being. However, Marco's father remained an enigma—just like father, like son.Suddenly, a sense of shame washed over me. They were aware of my identity and the pain my mother had inflicted upon their family, yet here I stood, oblivious to it all, as if seamlessly assimilated into their lives.The familiar anguish in my chest resurfaced, weighing heavily on my heart once again."Maddie, there are no words to resurrect your mother or erase the loss she represents. I cannot undo the pain caused, and my apologies can't alter the harsh reality. However, I want you to understand this—I deeply regret any hurt I may have caused you, but I won't apologize for her death."Marco's hand gently brushed against my arm, evoking a soft gasp from my lips. Though his touch was subtle, my body reacted, generating a warmth that enveloped me."Ahh..."I cou
Marco continued thrusting his cock inside me while facing the opposite direction. Both of us moaned passionately, and I climaxed again, and it was a powerful one. That was the "passion propeller" or "helicopter" position. I had researched such positions out of curiosity, never expecting that Marco and I would try it now."You thought I wouldn't know, Maddie?" he asked, touching himself and waiting for me to adjust.I got on my hands and knees, just as Marco wanted. What were we going to do? Doggy style?Marco touched my front while I faced him, and he even grazed my butthole, making me flinch. My head was resting on my hands while I was on all fours, waiting for Marco's next move."That you were searching for different s*x positions?" He inserted a finger into my butthole, and I was so surprised that I immediately screamed his name."M-Marco!" I shouted, unable to believe what he was doing."What a tight butthole. I think we'll need lube and a condom for that," Marco remarked, leaving
I gently smiled, cherishing Marco's openness and sincerity towards me. His unique display of emotions exclusively for me reassured me that his feelings were authentic. But doubts flickered within me—why the sudden change in his stance?As a hush hung in the air, Marco broke the silence, his voice breaking through."Stop taking the pills. I want to give you a baby," he said, determination coloring his words.The sheer audacity of his statement left me incredulous. It hadn't been too long ago when he expressed reluctance towards parenthood. What prompted this unexpected reversal? My mind raced, grasping for understanding."What prompted this change of heart? Why the sudden desire to have a child?" I inquired, seeking an understanding."Maddie, I'd rather create a family with you than risk losing you or watching you grow distant," he revealed earnestly, his eyes locked with mine. "Ensuring your safety and the well-being of our child is my priority. I'll make sure to allocate ample time s
We stayed in that position for a few moments, quietly holding each other, our hearts beating in perfect synchrony. Eventually, I pulled away from the embrace and locked eyes with Marco, curiosity burning within me."Marco, can you please tell me the story of how we first met? How did you come to know me?" I asked, hoping he would share a memory that had eluded me.Marco hesitated, having previously been reluctant to disclose this tale, wanting me to remember it on my own. Uncertain if I could ever recall it completely, I pleaded, "I genuinely want to know, Marco. I can't remember our initial meeting." My fingers traced towards his v-line, stopping at the tattoo that read '2-29.'I gingerly touched his tattoo, yearning for an explanation, a key to unlock memories. "What does '2-29' signify?" I asked, hoping it held a clue to our shared past.Marco hesitated before responding, leaving me thinking he was avoiding the topic. Yet, to my surprise, he finally broke his silence."2-29, Februa
"Who are we waiting for here, Marco?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. Despite having resolved our issues, Marco and I had decided to extend our stay on the island for a few extra days, relishing in its tranquility before returning to the bustling city. With Saturday upon us and no work commitments, we discussed the possibility of heading back to New York tomorrow night.But earlier, Marco received a call that prompted him to arrange four rooms in our island house. Yet, he had remained tight-lipped about the visitors' identity, leaving me intrigued and eager for their arrival."Here they are," Marco calmly stated, his gaze lifted towards the sky. I followed his line of sight and spotted two helicopters approaching.A smile spread across my face, anticipation building as I eagerly awaited the passengers' identities. While Marco typically maintained a cool demeanor, never one to outwardly display his emotions, I found it delightful whenever his expressive side surfaced, even if it was rese
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