Althaia “So, why are we going to an auction?” I asked and sipped my latte. We found a cute, small restaurant, having a croissant sandwich for breakfast. “Why do you think people go to auctions?” My question entertained Damiano, and I rolled my eyes at his answer. “I know why people go to auctions. I’m just curious why we are going.” I elaborated. Damiano looked at me with a slight tilt of his head with a playful gleam in his eyes. “See it as a get-together.” “A get-together? Like with normal people, or…” I looked around to make sure no one could hear me. “With a bunch of Mafia people?” I whispered in complete seriousness. I watched Damiano sip his coffee, but it looked more like he was trying to hide a laugh. “Businessmen. Let’s say auctions are a way to show off your power and wealth.” He explained, and I raised my brows in surprise. “So, Mafia people.” I corrected with a teasing smile. He shrugged but didn’t deny it. “And why do you do that?” “To make a statement that you hav

Althaia We spent the whole day at the amusement park, trying out different foods and playing games. I was a competitive person and would challenge Damiano at any chance. “I don’t lose, Althaia.” He would say every time I lost to him, and it annoyed me to no end. “I don’t like you.” I scowled and he would chuckle at me, but then he would soften the blow by winning me so many teddy bears that my arms were full. It had me smiling like crazy. “My feet are hurting.” I winced, staring at the flats I was wearing. They weren’t exactly comfortable to wear after so many hours. “Want to head back?” Damiano asked, and I nodded tiredly. All I could think about was getting off my feet and soaking in a hot bath. We changed direction to get to the exit, and that was when I noticed a man changed his direction as well and followed us. The same man we have walked by a few times already. My heart pumped faster. Something about it wasn’t right. I tried to tell myself it was coincidental, but he had

Althaia I walked towards the elevator fast. Or as fast as I could. My foot was still throbbing, and every step I took in my heels was agony. My anger towards Damiano was so intense that I couldn't bring myself to speak or even make eye contact with him. Since he wasn't trying to talk to me, it was an effortless task. But I could feel his gaze on me at times. The only sound during the ride down to the underground parking was the hum of the elevator, making it feel like an eternity. Despite feeling Damiano's eyes burning into the side of my head, I refused to look away from the closed elevator doors, a frown still on my face. The moment the doors opened, I stepped out and started walking towards the SUV where Antonio was standing. My eyes darted around frantically, searching for Luca, but he was nowhere to be seen. Just as I was about to turn around and confront Damiano about it, Luca stepped out of the driver’s seat. A wave of relief washed over me, and I exhaled a long breath. I ig

Althaia “They must have a return policy.” I kept telling Damiano as we made our way out of the banquet hall. The auction had finished after Damiano’s bid, and then there was a long speech about how they were so grateful to see a full house. After that, people came from all directions to congratulate Damiano on his bidding and to express their admiration for the exquisite necklace. Then there was a long process where Damiano had to sign what felt like a hundred of papers and write a check. He wouldn’t get the necklace immediately, as the one on the stage was a replica, and the real one would be sent to him with top security. “That’s not how it works.” Damiano said, still completely unbothered. “I don’t think you understand how much money it is.” I tried to explain. “I do. I just spent it.” He let out a smug smile. I stopped and placed my hands on my hips. “I’m not accepting it.” “Too late.” Damiano replied in an amused tone. “You already gave me those earrings! Even I think is t

Damiano Althaia's eyes widened in horror as she looked around, and her body trembled with fear at the sight of pictures of herself hanging on the walls. “What is this…?” It came out as a whisper, and her panicked gaze met mine. The sight of her like this flooded my body with a hunger to spill every drop of the fucker’s blood. “Enough. Let’s go.” I went to grab her to get her out of here when she suddenly gasped and put her hand up to her mouth and pointed behind me. Fucking hell. She saw it. I blocked her view when she paled, her entire body trembling. “Is that a heart?” She swallowed hard. “With my picture on?” Althaia swayed unsteadily before her eyes rolled back. I caught her in my arms before she collapsed to the floor. I held her small frame tightly against my body, carrying her to get her out of here. My eyes were fixated on the heart that was hung by a knife with her picture on it. Clenching my jaw, I walked out. “Get Ellie to the manor.” I told Antonio. On the way down