ROSALINDA.A knock sounded on my bedroom door, and before I could grant permission to whoever it was, the door swung open, and Antonio slipped inside.I wasn’t in any way surprised when I saw him. It wasn’t his first time sneaking into my room, anyway.“You shouldn’t be in here.” I stated, closing the book in my hand and lazily sitting up from the bed.Ignoring my statement, he leaned on the door, gazing at me menacingly as he folded his arms across his chest. “I can see that you enjoy the company of that guy. What’s his name again? Liam? What were you discussing with him?"“It’s none of your business.” I hissed, shrugging.“It is my business!” He retorted firmly.“Why do you make everything your business?” I challenged, jumping to my feet and closing the distance between us. “Sofia is your fiancé, and you never meddle in her business, but mine. When last did you even converse with her? Yet, here you are, in my room, talking about sh*t that doesn’t concern you.”I had been allowing my

ROSALINDA.Clearly, I was not in my right senses when I spilled the secret I had always guarded to Antonio. I allowed my anger to control me, and what made it even worse was that he said nothing to me afterward. Nothing!I didn’t know what he thought of me, and that was driving me crazy. I only hoped he wouldn’t spill my secrets to Papà because I’d die of shame and embarrassment if my family found out that I slept with a total stranger and had no idea who Carlo’s father was.Papà invited the Russo’s for dinner tonight, and I didn’t even know how to face him. What type of eyes would he use to look at me? Would it be the usual lustful ones, or would it change to one of disdain?The door suddenly dinged open, pulling me out of my trance as I turned to see Sofia venturing into the room.“Sofia.” I called and immediately inched closer to her when I sensed her mood. She looked really downcast.“What happened?” I asked, concerned, when I came to a stop in front of her. “What’s wrong?”“I am

ROSALINDA.Even after clarifying that I wasn’t interested in getting married to Antonio and expressing how much I despised seeing my sister in that situation, Marco persisted with the accusations, growing more irritating by the second. I couldn't fathom why he and Papà believed I would ever lead Sofia into doing something that would put her in big trouble. When I had Carlo out of wedlock, the situation wasn’t as complicated as it is now. I wasn’t betrothed to anyone. But Sofia was betrothed to Antonio fucking Russo, and we didn’t even know how he planned to retaliate for breaching the contract. I would never set my sister up for something like this.“You know what will be good for you? Stay away from Antonio.” He warned me, and I shook my head.“Leave my room, please. I don’t have to prove myself to you.” I sighed, deciding to stop entertaining his assumptive remarks.“I was going to anyway," his phone started ringing, interrupting him.He picked up the call and held the phone to his

ANTONIO.She, Rosalinda, basically controls me. Before now, I wouldn’t have hesitated to pull the trigger on the man who dared to impregnate my fiancée, but when I looked into Rosalinda’s eyes and saw the sadness within them, I hesitated. She was changing me in ways I never imagined, making me do things that soothed her and avoid actions that would make her resent me. I always wanted to please her.She asked me not to kill Oliver, and I agreed. She asked me to help prevent the marriage with the Romanos, and I agreed. Even though I planned on doing so anyway, I could never allow her father to succeed in pushing her into a death trap. Never! I would protect her with everything I have.Speaking of which, I suddenly remembered I had unfinished business with Marco and started heading towards his bedroom. He better have a good explanation as to why he spoke to Rosalinda about the marriage proposal with the Romanos.Pushing the door open, I ventured into his bedroom, my gaze never leaving hi

ANTONIO.I made a promise to her, and I had every intention of keeping it. Not just for her, but also for our son, Carlo. He deserved to grow up with his mother, and with the impending war between the Romanos and the Petrovs, there was every possible chance that she’d lose her life if she became part of the Romano family.After leaving Rosalinda’s room, I made my way to Carlo’s room to visit him; unfortunately, he was sleeping when I arrived. But I didn’t leave immediately. I couldn’t resist staring at him, a soothing warmth filling my heart. I had always liked him, but that feeling doubled after discovering that he was my blood and flesh. I never knew what it felt like to have a son, and that feeling was still new to me. But one thing was sure: It was the best feeling ever. And as I continued staring at him with love, I knew I'd do anything to protect him—my sweet little boy.After a few minutes of contemplative observation, I leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his forehead before l