REBECCA Two weeks later… "Lynda, enough!" I exclaimed playfully as she persisted in tickling my sides. "Ouch! It actually hurts. Stop!" "Well, that's what you get for throwing whipped cream in my face," she laughed. "You did it first," I retorted, my words intermingled with giggles. "Ah, please... too much... I can't breathe..." "Do you admit defeat?" she growled, attempting to mimic Artemy's voice. This made me laugh even harder. "Yes, yes! Oh my God," I gasped as she gradually ceased her assault on my sides. 

ARTEMY"He's terrorizing our people. They're living in fear," Leon said, his voice filled with concern, as we exited my office. I struggled to contain my anger, but it coursed through me so strongly that my entire body trembled with its intensity. Ever since the news broke about Raffaele murdering Herman and seizing control, fear had gripped my organization. Knowing that he had killed a Boss and taken over, my people understood the seriousness of his threats. "What's our plan?" Brayden asked, walking beside me. "He won't lay a hand on my people. I'll make sure of it. Milandro, I want you to keep a watchful eye on everyone. Ensure the Watchers are attentive and report any and all information," I responded, trying to maintain a

REBECCAThe night before was a hazy blur, leaving me feeling ashamed that Artemy and the others had discovered me in such a vulnerable state. It pained me that they witnessed my moment of weakness. Artemy persisted in questioning me, coaxing me to reveal the truth. His words reached me like distant echoes, as if submerged underwater, while my body seemed to float weightlessly. He pleaded with me. He used every charm and persuasion he could muster. His desperation was palpable. He insisted that I was worth more than I believed, yet I couldn't bring myself to respond. He was mistaken. I believed I was worthless. I saw myself as a tainted, used, and empty vessel—a mere object of pleasure. His words hurt because they were b

ARTEMY  Restless, I paced back and forth in my office, consumed by thoughts of Rebecca. She occupied my mind throughout the entire day, her face haunting my every thought. The image of her fragile body in my arms, surrounded by her own blood, lingered relentlessly. Determined to resist the temptation to rush to her side, I had barricaded myself in the office, convincing myself that she needed time. However, it was a constant struggle to stay away from her when all I yearned for was to offer her solace. As the knock echoed through the door, irritation welled up within me, and I gruffly instructed the person to come in. The door swung open, revealing Avim entering the room. I turned to face him and demanded impatiently, "So? Did she say anything?"

REBECCA The memory was still vivid in my mind. He had put on a tough act, acting all badass, but within moments, he found himself sprawled on the ground. Lynda, who was lounging beside me on my bed, burst into laughter. I turned towards her, a smile forming on my lips as I listened to her story.   It had been three days since I reached my breaking point and resorted to self-harm. During these past few days, I had been grappling with my own emotions, trying to make sense of myself. I was rarely left alone. Lynda was by my side most of the time, and when she wasn't there, Nona was. Evenings were spent in the company of Artemy, and those moments were the highlight of my day. Every night, I eagerly anticipated the time when I would retreat to the piano room. After dinner, I would enter the room and patiently wait for Artemy. I would lose myself in pla