After speaking with his father, Cristiano sat in his office chamber, a laptop open before him with a report file waiting to be read. But his mind was elsewhere. That morning, when Vittorio announced that his week with Soraya and her children was over, Cristiano had noticed the way his mother’s face fell. The sight had clenched his heart so tightly that he hadn’t even stopped for breakfast—he had left immediately for the office. It hurt him deeply to see her so miserable and to be powerless to change it.His thoughts drifted back to his childhood. In the beginning, life had been normal, almost ordinary. He and Elena had grown up with a loving mother and a peaceful home. Their grandmother was harsh, often cold, but their grandfather’s affection had balanced it. Their father had been distant, but still present whenever Cristiano and Elena needed him. But all of that shattered the day their grandfather died—when Vittorio brought his mistress and her children into their home.Mistress. Th
“Father,” Gino strolled into Vittorio’s office with his usual smirk. “You wanted to see me?”“Gino!” Vittorio’s face twisted with anger the moment he laid eyes on his son.The smirk faded. Gino’s expression grew serious as he stopped in the middle of the room. Vittorio rose from behind his desk, his steps heavy and intimidating as he closed the distance.“Gino,” he said, his voice low but furious, “I expect an honest answer. Don’t you dare lie to me.”“What’s going on, Father? Why are you talking like this?” Gino asked, feigning confusion, his brows furrowed.“Tell me honestly.” Vittorio’s sharp gaze locked on his son, his tone cutting like steel. “Did you sabotage the latest arms deal and conspire to kill Cristiano?”“What?” Gino’s denial came quick, his tone firm. “No, Father. Why would I ever do that?” But his eyes flickered—just enough to betray him.“We lost a deal last night, nearly lost our men, and Cristiano’s life was hanging by a thread.” Vittorio’s eyes narrowed as he studi
After breakfast, Siena and Elena gathered their things for college. At first, Siena suggested they go together. But Elena’s tilted head, her big puppy eyes pleading like a child asking for candy, said everything, and Siena didn’t need words to understand.She sighed, a faint smile tugging at her lips as realization dawned. Elena wanted them to take separate cars so she could spend time alone with her bodyguard.Siena said nothing more, only giving her a knowing look before stepping aside. Elena’s cheeks flushed, but her excitement betrayed her. She clutched her bag a little tighter, her heart already beating faster at the thought of the short drive that would feel like their little world.Siena smiled when she saw Elena’s glowing face as she slid into the passenger seat beside her bodyguard, who was ready to drive her to college.Siena climbed into the back seat of the car Cristiano had given her, her bodyguard taking the seat beside the driver. After yesterday’s incident, she underst
Elena and Siena exchanged a quick glance, their eyes filling with worry. Then immediately they both knelt beside her and wrapped their arms around her, holding her close.They let her cry—loud, broken sobs filling the room—until the storm in her heart began to soften, until the pain inside her loosened its grip.For a long time, there was nothing but tears, breathless embraces, and the quiet understanding that sometimes love isn’t about fixing things—it’s about holding on while the hurting is raw.Siena gently kissed Soraya’s hair and murmured, “One day, Dad will realize what he’s missed all these years… because he couldn’t have found a more loving wife than you, or children as good and capable as Cris and Elena. I just hope he doesn’t realize it too late.”Elena looked at her with a spark of hope, and Siena gave her a reassuring nod.They stayed like that for a few quiet minutes, holding each other, before Soraya wiped her eyes and lifted her face.Siena pleaded softly, “Mom… please
Vittorio left for his office without looking back, and the grandmother went straight to her room without throwing a fit. Thank God, Siena thought, relieved that today wasn’t going to be one of those days.Siena carried plates to the table and set them down in front of Elena and Soraya.“Here you go,” she said softly.“Go ahead, you both start,” Soraya murmured. Her voice was low and dull, drained of energy.“I’m not hungry… I’m going to my room,” she added before rising from the table.Siena quickly reached out and grabbed her arm.“Mom…” she whispered, her eyes full of concern. She already knew why Soraya’s appetite had disappeared. When Vittorio announced his week-long stay was over and he wouldn’t be back tonight, Soraya’s heart had dropped. Three more weeks without him—that’s what she was staring at.Gently, Siena tried to guide her back toward the chair. “You haven’t eaten anything since morning. Just eat a little.”But Soraya pulled away. “Let me go, Siena,” she snapped, irritat
Siena felt confused and frustrated by her husband’s sudden mood swings. How easily he shifted from burning with desire to icy indifference. One moment, he showed how much he wanted her, how deeply he craved her… and the next, the moment she asked for answers or questioned him, he turned cold and distant—almost like a stranger.Was he afraid she knew something she shouldn’t? Was he hiding something that twisted his personality so quickly?Whatever his problems were, all she wanted was for him to be safe… and hers. Only hers.The thought of him being attacked terrified her so much that she couldn’t get it out of her mind, nor could she quiet the anxiety rising inside her. Eager for any distraction, desperate to take her mind off the worry, she went to the kitchen to help her mother-in-law, who was already busy preparing breakfast for everyone. After a while, Elena joined them, and as they all got caught up in lighthearted conversation, Siena felt her tension ease, if only for a little w