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116

Author: Amari
last update Last Updated: 2025-05-12 22:57:05

His eyes widened, then his lips shut tightly as he shook his head. “Your enemies have gotten a hold of her,” he concluded firmly.

Stefano’s heart pounded against his ribs like a hammer. He sat rigidly in the worn leather chair across from Bella’s father, Lorenzo Santoro, in the study of the old family home. The familiar scent of cedar bookshelves and polished mahogany did nothing to steady him. Outside, dusk pooled in deep shadows along the manicured hedges. Inside, the only movement was the slow drip of a grandfather clock marking each unbearable second.

“I—” Stefano swallowed, his voice thick and hoarse. He clenched his fists in his lap. “I want to believe it’s a lie.”

Lorenzo leaned back, arms folded, his weathered face grave. “I wish it were. But the men I spoke with have confirmation. They intercepted communications. They saw a black van pull away. They found tire tracks, fresh footprints. They traced phone pings to a remote area near the old ranger station. Bella is out there, S
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  • The Don's bargain    116

    His eyes widened, then his lips shut tightly as he shook his head. “Your enemies have gotten a hold of her,” he concluded firmly.Stefano’s heart pounded against his ribs like a hammer. He sat rigidly in the worn leather chair across from Bella’s father, Lorenzo Santoro, in the study of the old family home. The familiar scent of cedar bookshelves and polished mahogany did nothing to steady him. Outside, dusk pooled in deep shadows along the manicured hedges. Inside, the only movement was the slow drip of a grandfather clock marking each unbearable second.“I—” Stefano swallowed, his voice thick and hoarse. He clenched his fists in his lap. “I want to believe it’s a lie.”Lorenzo leaned back, arms folded, his weathered face grave. “I wish it were. But the men I spoke with have confirmation. They intercepted communications. They saw a black van pull away. They found tire tracks, fresh footprints. They traced phone pings to a remote area near the old ranger station. Bella is out there, S

  • The Don's bargain    115

    Soon we got to the apartment and my heart had started racing fast.“You'll help me talk to your father right?” I asked Tomasso once more and he nodded.“Sure there's no big deal.” He shrugged.Just the moment, we got in a maid was serving food on the dinning table. She paused the activity and took a glimpse of us. Her eyes darted between Tomasso and me, then recognition glistened in her eyes.“You.” She pointed her finger towards Tomasso. “His son. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you.”Tomasso cleared his throat and placed his hands on his laps as if straightening invisible wrinkles on his trousers. “Actually I didn't inform him of my visit.”“I'll let him know you're here.” She bowed slightly, dropped the tray and her form disappeared into the kitchen.I sighed. Tomasso stared at me and gave a tightlipped smile. “He'll be here soon, I'm not sure we have to worry about anything.”I agreed and exhaled. There was something about how peaceful the air was and I didn't think Bella was arou

  • The Don's bargain    114

    “So now we have to find out if we're right instead of guessing blindly.” He added and I shook my head, scratching my hair frantically unable to think for myself anymore. Thankfully I had Matteo.“They have to go one with the search first, it's only that way we could come to a conclusion ultimately. They have to come up with traces and we could use them as we please.” Matteo suggested and I agrered with him.“After now, we'll come up with a meeting and I'll add you a video call so you could hear everything for yourself.”I suggested and Matteo nodded. Speaking to him had given me strength and I was no longer roaring with anger now my mind had received a certain calmness that enabled me think objectively.“Maybe we should also check Possible places she could have gone if at all shr had decided to run away.” Matteo suggested and I snapped my fingers“Definitely! I'll tell Marco not to leave her father's house from the search.” I said.Matteo tsked. “Nah, you should go there yourself. Jus

  • The Don's bargain    113

    Expecting calmness from me was diabolical, it was almost for Matteo to say that to me. Maybe he had gone crazy and he just didn't know yet. My wife was no where to be and rage would roar within me until she was found. It was easy as that, and not some theatrical and false bullshit he was spewing. “Okay I'm sorry!” He stated. “But you know you can't think with all of thjs yelling? You have to srategize and restratgize until we find her. That's all I'm saying.” “That's why I have you!” I interrupted. “Don't be useless, Matteo.” After a breathed and sigh that felt like acquesience, he replied. “Where was the last place she went to?” I held my forehead, frustrated. “How long will you stop asking these questions huh?” I asked him. I thought I had fucking explained everything partaining to her disappearance. So what was the questions for again? “Just tell me.” He replied calmly, as ever. I exhaled leaning further into the chair. “She was with me in the club and I think she got jealous

  • The Don's bargain    112

    A few minutes later, I texted Marco with shaky fingers just to know where he was with the text. I scratched my hair eagerly as I waited for his response but apparently there was none forthcoming and it increased my fucking anxiety. I hated when things appeared to not be within my control. It annoyed the fuck out of me. Because why? Why couldn't I just know what the hell was happening?Just a few moments later, he called me.I heard him exhaled and immediately my questions came pouring. “Any news yet? What the fuck is happening?”I imagined his shuddering as I heard a stilted breath, almost like he was panting before but had decided to cese as he heard the weight my words carried.“Fucking answer me.” I replied slamming my fist against the wall.“We searched eveything we could and we didn't find her.” He replied calmly.“you don't mean that? What do you mean you couldn't find. Do not return to the villa until you're sure you're coming back with her.” I gave the firm instruction and the

  • The Don's bargain    111

    I ended the call angrily and frustrated. I ran my hands through my hair as I sighed. I took powerful strides back into the club as I searched for Marco. It didn't take long before I saw him.“Marco!” I shouted over the loud music and held his hands, dragging him from the noise. The whole time he regarded me with a shocked expression on his face. Once we were outside, he arched brows.I wanted to speak but I realized I was short of breath. I bent down slightly, placing both fingers on my knees. After inhaling the night air, I straightened my posture.“Did you see Bella?” I asked him, hoping for a positive response.He gauged my expression for a while after giving me a look that felt like my question was ridiculous.“No… i thought she was with you.” Be replied calmly.My bands flew to my forehead as I held it tightly. “Are you being serious right now?” I asked.“Yes.” He nodded.“Take me home.” I demanded.“Yes sir.”The whole time during the drive, I somehow hoped that Tomasso and Bell

  • The Don's bargain    110

    StefanoLost in my inebriates wall, I looked at the environment. I knew something was missing. Where had Bella fucking gone to? Was she mad at me or something?Sometimes she acted so irrational and I was going to talk to her about it the moment we got home but for now I had to look for her.Rosa was sitting by my side, smiling coyly as she placed her hands on my legs. A part of me enjoyed the feeling but I knew it was wrong. I pushed her hands away and rose to my feet. Before I rose to my feet, her shrugged and smiled.My face contorted into an angry expression. My fists balled. She knew what she doing… maybe she was among Robin's plan to get me to cheat on my wife. Being seperated from my wife was one of the fatest ways to make me weak and he must sensed and was willing to capitalize on it. He used Rosa instead, she should be ashamed of herself for letting Robin use her like this. I looked over my shoulders once more as I tried to search for my wife, instead I was met with Rosa's stu

  • The Don's bargain    109

    I could feel the bass pulsing through my chest before we even stepped inside. The club was packed—neon lights cutting across the room like strobe knives, bodies grinding, drinks spilling, laughter rising in waves. I didn’t want to be here. Not really. But Stefano said he needed a night to forget, to feel powerful again, to remind the city that he hadn’t fallen off the throne they all thought he’d abandoned.He looked sharp—raven black suit, no tie, top two buttons undone. The kind of look that made people turn. The kind that reminded you he owned the room even before he spoke.But me? I felt like a footnote tonight. A pretty shadow in heels.We walked in, his hand on the small of my back. The warmth of it used to make me feel chosen. Now it just felt... routine. Decorative. Like I was another piece of the wardrobe.The place was loud. Lights flickering like memories I didn’t want. We got a private table—of course we did. Everything in Stefano’s life came with exclusivity, even when it

  • The Don's bargain    108

    Standing at the archway between the kitchen and the living room, I sense Stefano’s tension the instant he steps through our front door. He closes the door a little too hard behind him, and the sound echoes through the quiet house. I stop what I’m doing and carefully slide the towel from my hands, my breathing catching at the weight of him. My husband’s shoulders droop under a burden I cannot see, and already I can feel the tight, anxious ache swirling in my chest.“It’s been a long day,” I whisper, though I don’t even have to say it. I know the weariness in the slump of his shoulders, in the way his tie is undone and his jacket hangs limply from his forearm. I reach out to brush a fingertip over the stubble on his cheek. He stands motionless in the hallway, eyes unfocused and distant. I imagine the ghosts of the day’s battles swirling in his mind. Even before he speaks, I know I need to reach him—now.Slowly, I close the distance between us. Before I can even think, my arms slide arou

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