"What?!" Elena exclaimed, unable to contain her shock as Ryan narrated the events of the past few days. The news of his accident hit her like a bolt of lightning."Why am I only hearing about this now?" she asked, her tone calmer as she descended the majestic stairs of the Romano's Mansion, trying to regain her composure."I didn't want you to worry. Besides, I'm fine now," Ryan responded from the other end of the phone."Come on, Ryan. You're like a little brother to me. Don't hide things from me, I beg you," Elena pleaded, making her way towards the kitchen."That's what you've been doing lately," Ryan shot back."What do you mean?" Elena inquired, puzzled by his statement."Hiding things. You've been reluctant these past few days. You're not saying anything about our plans. We're at the apex. Why do you keep delaying, Elena? What's stopping you? Are you already in love with him?" Ryan's words came rushing out, one after another. Elena let out a weary sigh, realizing she had been av

As Luca maneuvered through the labyrinthine streets of Venice, Elena found herself suffocating in the suffocating silence that had enveloped the car for the past thirty minutes. The day had started on a discordant note, and now they were faced with the prospect of spending the next three days together, that is, if Luca agreed to the arrangement.Breaking the stifling silence, Luca's voice cut through the tension. "There's a car following us," he announced, his gaze fixed on the rearview mirror. Elena twisted around in her seat and caught sight of a black Toyota tailing them closely."How did you...?" she began to ask, her voice trailing off in astonishment."For the past few minutes, it's been on our tail. My guess is that Dad asked someone to keep an eye on us, to ensure we endure this damn vacation together," Luca muttered bitterly. Elena's heart sank as she absorbed the weight of Luca's animosity."You don't intend to spend the vacation together, do you?" Elena spoke softly, her wo

"Ah..." The receptionist chuckled nervously. She knew she had been caught. Luca gave her a knowing look."Prepare another suite for me," Luca said in an urgent tone."Okay, sir," the receptionist said, giving Elena, who had been there the whole time, a sorry look. Great! Elena thought. Now everyone knows about their strained relationship, even a receptionist."Here's the key to your suite," the receptionist handed Luca a card that could be used to open his suite, and then gave Elena hers."Thanks," Elena mouthed and trailed after Luca, who had turned to leave earlier."Hey," Elena tried to catch up with his long strides."We aren't sharing a suite, Elena. Give me some space," Luca said, continuing to walk along the hallway that led to the elevator."We're married. You can't just treat me like I'm nobody," Elena said from behind him. Luca didn't spare her a glance as he advanced forward.Elena sighed in frustration. This was going to be hard. How would they make up when he wouldn't agr

"Oh..." Ryan uttered, extending the bar of soap toward Rio. His eyes remained fixated on Rio's every move as the soap landed in his outstretched palm."Good boy," Rio remarked, evoking a rush of warmth within Ryan. His heart pounded in his chest as Rio began to caress him, starting at his shoulders and trailing slowly and sensually down his hairy chest, taking his time before continuing towards his torso...Rio paused, his gaze meeting Ryan's. Ryan, who had been following Rio's hand, quickly raised his eyes to meet Rio's."Go ahead, we're both men," Ryan spoke, his tone wavering with uncertainty. Rio chuckled softly, the sound laced with amusement."I have a preference for men, Ryan," he began, piercing Ryan with his intense stare. "Aren't you uncomfortable with me touching you like..."Rio paused, anticipating Ryan's understanding of the unspoken implication. Ryan responded with a teasing tone, playing along with the game Rio seemed to initiate."Like what?" Ryan inquired, his voice

Elena quickly stood up from the bed and rushed to Luca. She took the phone away from his hand and cut the call. “It's nothing, Luca,” she smiled quickly, the look on Luca’s face told her he didn't believe her.She sighed as Luca gave her a probing look. “After the incident with Carlos, I would appreciate it if there was no secret between us, Elena,”“I promise you,” Elena said in a firm tone. “There are no secrets,” Luca gazed at her for a while, still not wanting to let the issue go.“Then who is Ryan?” Elena bit her lips. What was she supposed to say? Telling him about Ryan means exposing her plans. Her previous plans against him and his family. Now she was in love with him, and wouldn't want to destroy the thing they've got going.“He’s my brother,” she said finally. Luca arched a brow while showing his confusion. “We are not blood- related but Ryan is like my little brother,” Luca folded his arms and studied her. “Then why were you nervous when I wanted to pick up?” “I...I...