Everyone felt tense as the upcoming wedding approached. Inside her car, the bride, Maddie, contemplated her circumstances with a heavy sigh. She was about to marry a man she barely knew, a stranger to her. In fact, they hadn't even met in person yet. This marriage had been arranged by her father, leaving Maddie without any say or choice in the matter.Suddenly, a knock on her car window startled her, drawing her attention. Opening the window, Maddie was met by her younger sister, Violet, who wore a forced smile tinged with sadness. Violet took a seat next to Maddie, offering her warm support by holding her hand. As their hands touched, Maddie's cold palms revealed her nervousness."The wedding is about to start," Violet softly stated, concern evident in her voice. "Are you ready?" she asked, knowing that this was a pivotal moment in Maddie's life.Maddie managed a weary smile, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "No, Violet, I'm not ready, but I know I have no choice, do I? This i
[MADISON ROSE]It has been a month since my husband abandoned me immediately after our first night together, leaving without a word after taking my virginity. His absence remains unexplained and he has yet to return.I found myself gazing at the tea cup resting on the table, my sighs filled with a heavy weight of disappointment and grief.Presently, I reside in my father's house. Initially, I attempted to stay in our shared home with Marco for the initial three days, but the lack of company aside from guards and household staff compelled me to return to my father's place.The memory of my father's intense fury upon learning about the events of our first night still remains vivid. He expressed his belief that I was not deserving of being a wife, resulting in Marco leaving me. I chose to accept his hurtful words, as I had grown accustomed to receiving such harsh treatment from my father throughout my childhood."Maddie, is there anything you need? Perhaps you're feeling hungry," our hou
[Madison Rose]"I had been hoping for him to choose Violet as his wife. Deep down, I believed she would be a superior partner for Marco. Unfortunately, Violet is still too young, so the responsibility fell on the eldest daughter. It's a situation that feels inherently unjust to me."As I absentmindedly chewed my food, I tried to drown out the constant discussion of Violet. There were times when my love for my sister clashed with feelings of envy towards the attention Walter showered upon her. Perhaps if Violet had been the one to get married, I would not have to worry about inheriting anything from him. Now, the entire company would be solely mine because I was the one wedded to the man who claimed to have saved it."Remember, Maddie, if Marco ever chooses to dissolve your marriage, you will not receive a single penny from me. Keep that in mind!"There were several grounds for annulling our marriage, and I was aware that it wouldn't be easily voided. However, aided by the influence of
[Madison Rose]Marco held both of my cheeks. My lips parted because of what he did, allowing his tongue to enter my mouth. It explored as if searching for something inside me. I couldn't help but close my eyes tightly. Something strange was happening in my stomach. It felt like a storm raging there, and I couldn't explain it.I couldn't breathe anymore. Nevertheless, I couldn't bring myself to push him away or stop him from kissing me. Instead of stopping him, I saw myself being drawn into what he was doing. This was part of my duty as his wife: to satisfy my husband's needs, so he wouldn't think of divorcing me and leaving me.When he finally released my hand that he had been holding earlier, I slowly wrapped my arms around his neck. Our kisses deepened, and I found myself reciprocating each of Marco's kisses."Hmm..." I couldn't help but release a small moan because of that. I seemed to have lost myself completely and my sanity had abandoned me.His hand moved from my neck. I could
Marco and I walked into the room simultaneously, finding my belongings already there. I remained stationary, grappling with the uncertainty of our situation and Marco's intentions, now that we were alone. Glancing at him, I noticed him loosening his tie, with the top buttons of his shirt undone, providing a modest view of his chest. Taking a deep breath, memories of witnessing his bare torso flooded my mind. Shaking my head, I reminded myself that now was not the time for such thoughts. But what did Marco do? He left the following morning, just like that!Marco approached the bed, taking a seat at its edge. With his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, the veins on his forearms became visible as he moved."What are you doing, Maddie? Come here. We have unfinished business to attend to," he calls me over.Nervously, I began to walk toward him, my heart pounding in my chest. Marco was undeniably intimidating, his constant expression always cold and dark. Well, strictly speaking, that's two
"Mrs. Moretti," I heard a gentle knock on the door, accompanied by a voice calling my name. Each time I was addressed as such, it felt surreal, as if I was living in a dream. To think I had married someone as unreachable as Marco Moretti seemed too good to be true.Turning my attention towards the door, I rose from where I was seated. It was Lucille, the woman Marco had introduced earlier, whom I expected to see. Unlike our previous encounter, my attire was now impeccably neat, devoid of any wrinkles.Reflecting on that particular moment, a sudden warmth rushed to my cheeks, reminding me of the embarrassment ignited by Marco's previous actions.I was correct in my assumption. Upon opening the door, I discovered Lucille standing there. She greeted me cordially."Sir Marco has requested my assistance in acquainting you with everything you need to know as his spouse. Shall we proceed to the study room, Mrs. Moretti—""Please, just call me Maddie." They gave me all these fancy titles I wa
Remaining silent, I sat there, gazing at the food. My hunger had completely disappeared.After a few hours, I rose from my seat. Some onlookers seemed surprised, while Lucille and Renzo observed me closely, attentively following my actions."Ma'am—""I'm going to rest. I'm not hungry," I stated, emphasizing my lack of appetite.Without waiting for them to say more, I promptly departed, making my way up to the second floor and entering our bedroom. Leaning against the closed door, I closed my eyes, wondering if the feeling of solitude persisted, even in this space. Perhaps I had erred in believing that this house held a difference from my father’s. Maybe, wherever I found myself, the affliction of loneliness would always linger.Desiring rest, I readied myself for sleep, tending to personal hygiene and changing into fresh attire. Settling into bed, I enveloped myself in the warmth of the duvet. Although I had no intentions of actually sleeping, I shut my eyes, seeking solace in the dar
"Ma'am Maddie?"The tranquility in the room shattered, disrupted by a persistent knock on the door. I rose from my seat and greeted an unexpected visitor: Lucille."Ma'am, I've come to inform you about your scheduled appointment with Doctor Hayes at 2 pm today."An appointment? But I couldn't recall having any plans to see a doctor."Mr. Marco Moretti set up an appointment for you with an OB-Gyn today," Lucille stated as if reading what’s on my mind."OB-GYN?" I repeated, questioning whether I had heard correctly. "Why would I need to see an OB-GYN?" What was Marco's motive behind this?"I'm sorry, Ma'am, I don't have the specifics. However, I believe the doctor will provide all the necessary explanations during your meeting. Both Mr. Moretti and the doctor will discuss it with you."Recognizing Lucille's limited knowledge and her role as a messenger, I ceased my interrogation. It appeared that she was merely following instructions to inform me about the appointment.After lunch, I fi
“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, tr
“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 yo
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
We trailed the man without hesitation, even though he clearly wasn't keen on my presence. His resistance didn't matter as I doggedly pursued their path. On the opposite bank, some of Marco's associates were causing a stir, extracting something from the river. I pushed through the bustling crowd to catch a glimpse of their find."Violet!"My sister's usually fair complexion appeared ghostly pale. Her lips lacked color, and her closed eyes gave her an eerie, lifeless appearance.I lunged toward her, but the authorities on the scene stopped me."You can't, ma'am," they firmly hinder my approach. I stared intensely at the body they had recovered, fearing the worst – it bore an uncanny resemblance to Violet."No! I need to confirm if it's truly her! Let me through!"Fighting against the police, I strained to reach Violet, but Marco swiftly grabbed me, preventing me from getting any closer.I observed him, noticing how he averted his gaze, clearly unable to confront my current state.A surg
I could sense the unrest within me, a constant unease that refused to subside. My mind ran wild with thoughts of the missing ones, their absence gnawing at my soul. I longed for a break, a moment of respite, but time slipped through my fingers, as if mocking my desire for calm.In that turbulent state, Vittoria took charge, guiding me gently to sit. Her firm yet soothing touch caressed my back, attempting to bring solace to my weary spirit. Yet, beneath her reassuring words, I sensed the hollowness of promises unfulfilled. Deep down, I knew that true peace would elude me until my sister and Renzo were safely by my side.Time blurred, each passing moment a mystery as reports and updates were limited to Dad alone. The rest of the Moretti family and their associates remained scattered across distant lands. Only Stefano, Dad, and Vittoria were present, while Gabriele, burdened with his laboratory duties, stood confined inside.The door swung open with a sudden force, grabbing my attention