ANYAThis was the third week of my stay in the Cassano estate, and despite the luxurious surroundings and Cosima's motherly affection, I couldn't shake off the overwhelming sense of loneliness that engulfed me. Cosima, with her kind and nurturing nature, had become my beacon of light in this dark place. Her love and care filled a void in my heart that had been empty for far too long.As I sat in the kitchen, munching on some fries, I observed Cosima as she buzzed around, her energy seemingly boundless for a woman of sixty. She wiped her hands clean and settled down beside me, her warm presence comforting."So, bambina, how is your stay here?" she inquired, using the endearing nickname she had bestowed upon me shortly after my arrival.I pondered her question for a moment, unsure of how to put my feelings into words. It wasn't a terrible stay, nor was it particularly enjoyable. The truth lay somewhere in between."Not too good and n

ANYA"What the fuck!" Vincenzo's voice boomed, his exasperation slicing through the air like a sharp blade. The sudden outburst startled me, causing my heart to race even faster in my chest."Vince!!!" A voice screamed, breaking the tension-filled room. My eyes widened as a stunning blonde beauty sprinted into Vincenzo's waiting arms. I instinctively moved out of the way, a mix of surprise and astonishment flooding my senses. I watched in awe as they embraced, her lips smothering his face with joyful kisses.I stood there, gaping like a fish out of water, unable to tear my eyes away from the scene unfolding before me. Vincenzo, the formidable and ruthless Capo of the Italian famiglia, was transformed in that instant. The laughter that erupted from him shook his entire being, reaching deep into the depths of his soul. It was a sound I never thought I would hear—a sound that rendered him boyish and carefree, if only for a fleeting moment.

ANYAToday, it was my turn to serve breakfast, and as usual, Natalina and Camila joined me in the task. We prepared the tray with care, making sure to arrange everything perfectly. It was a routine we had grown accustomed to within the confines of this luxurious mansion.With the tray in my hands, I made my way to the elegant dining room. As I entered, my gaze briefly met Vincenzo's piercing eyes, but I quickly averted my gaze, feeling a slight blush creep up my cheeks. There was an undeniable intensity in his stare that always made me feel a mix of nerves and curiosity.Vincenzo sat at the head of the table, commanding an air of authority that came naturally to him. Matteo, Carlo, and Alessia, his trusted inner circle, were seated by his side, exuding a sense of loyalty and camaraderie. However, my attention was drawn to the two unfamiliar faces seated next to them—a handsome young man and an equally striking woman.As I positioned

VINCENZOI watched as Anya walked away, her presence lingering in my thoughts. There was something about her, something different that stirred emotions within me I had long tried to suppress. I couldn't deny the effect she had on me, the way she made me feel alive in a way I hadn't experienced in years.But I knew better than to allow myself to feel. Weakness was not an option for me, not with the enemies that lurked in the shadows, waiting for any sign of vulnerability. My father's mistakes had taught me that lesson all too well, and I couldn't afford to repeat them.No matter how much I tried to distance myself from her, to remind myself of the past and the pain it held, she continued to invade my thoughts. It frustrated me, infuriated me even. I couldn't afford to have distractions, especially not with Emiliano's presence looming over us, a constant threat to the famiglia.I had tried using the excuse that her father was responsible fo

VINCENZOAlessia sat on the edge of the bed, her grip on Anya's hand tight as tears streamed down her face. The sight of her anguish tore at my heart. I approached them, my steps heavy with a mixture of worry and determination.The doctor, his expression grave, approached me and placed a small bottle in my hands. I examined it closely, my brow furrowing as I sought to understand its significance."What is this?" I inquired, my voice tinged with a mixture of urgency and frustration.The doctor's gaze met mine, his eyes filled with a sombre understanding. He exhaled heavily before delivering the weighty revelation. "She was poisoned. That bottle was found with the culprit."My fingers tightened around the bottle, my knuckles turning white as the gravity of the situation sank in. The vile scent that wafted from it reached my nostrils, assaulting my senses with its putrid odour."How come Anya could not smell this in her food?"