บททั้งหมดของ Torn Between Two Mafia: บทที่ 71 - บทที่ 80

"Here," Malia encouraged, offering the bottle. "Drink this."Jenny accepted the bottle gratefully, tilting it back and allowing the icy liquid to soothe her parched throat. The chill was almost painful, a sharp contrast to the warmth threatening to close her throat. She lowered her head, feeling the weight of questioning gazes from others around the room."I'll handle this," Alexander assured Malia, his voice calm and steady. He instructed her to return to Dolf and assist the others. Jenny's breathing began to stabilize, yet sporadic waves of panic continued to wash over her, itchy and consuming like an unwelcome tide. Malia hesitated for a moment, the scene with Jenny revealing her scars fresh in her mind — the scars that mapped the first pain Julius had inflicted.Trusting Alexander, Malia eventually turned and slowly retreated to the others, leaving Jenny with a lingering look. Lemuel glanced in Jenny's direction as well, his usually cheerful demeanor overshadowed by concern. Malia

Jenny lay motionless as Julius stirred, pretending to be asleep. He shifted, sitting on the edge of the bed. She remained still, uncertain if he expected her to acknowledge his presence. She concentrated on maintaining a steady breathing pattern to feign sleep.Pain throbbed through her lower body, and fresh bruises were forming on her neck. She knew she needed to rise soon to conceal them. Over time, Jenny had mastered the art of using makeup to hide both the physical marks on her body and the exhaustion etched into her eyes—a skill developed from being kept up night after night and from concealing the evidence of a man's hands wrapped around her throat.More than ten minutes elapsed before Julius finally rose, collecting his belongings and dressing swiftly. To her surprise, he left the room quietly, softly closing the door behind him. She heard the jingle of his keys followed by the sound of the front door closing. The thought of his car parked outside all night stirred her anxiety,

Lemuel, feigning indifference to Jenny's curiosity about their plans, stood and brought a chair for her to join them. "Looks like you've had a rough night," he remarked with a teasing smile, gesturing towards her apron. Jenny glanced down to see the stains marking her apron, a blush coloring her cheeks in response.Sensing her embarrassment, Dolf intervened, "I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it. Here," he gestured to the empty chair, "take a load off."Jenny sat down eagerly, her attention drawn to the mapped-out drawing on the table that bore an uncanny resemblance to the opulent mansion of her childhood. As if forgetting her presence, Dolf and Lemuel delved into a discussion about a covert mission, with potential plans to dismantle a rival political family.With her delicate hands folded in her lap, Jenny listened intently, mentally cataloging every detail they mentioned. She couldn't resist correcting them when they discussed areas of interest, pointing out secret exits, potenti

Walking home alone, Jenny allowed herself a smile. She had finally gained a foothold in the Dark Wolves gang. Alexander's apparent trust was valuable, especially coming from someone of his status. This acknowledgment meant the world to her.Her thoughts drifted to Dolf and Lemuel, who also appeared to accept her presence, and she felt a quiet sense of triumph. Today, she would share her success with Julius. She only hoped it would suffice as she bit her lower lip in anticipation.Upon opening the door, she found Julius asleep on the couch, enveloped by its cozy features as he rested peacefully. She was taken aback; Julius was known for being prompt and composed. It puzzled her as their father would have harshly criticized such behavior. Was Julius slipping? The faintest smug smile played on her lips. Since being dismissed from their home, she had never seen him falter. The idea of Julius having a weakness was oddly satisfying.Careful not to make a sound, she slipped off her shoes, mo

Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity, Dolf and Lemuel reached an understanding. Trapped in her thoughts, Jenny missed most of their conversation, but the shift in Lemuel's expression suddenly caught her attention. "Let's make this interesting!" Lemuel shouted with a wicked grin, addressing Dolf more than Jenny. His words pierced her deeply.It was as if the whole world had turned upside down. Jenny had become accustomed to Julius and her father's harsh treatment, their sudden outbursts, but the betrayal by Alexander and Lemuel, whom she had come to see as family, felt far worse than any beating. She thought she would welcome physical pain if it meant she could return to the way everything used to be. Her heart longed for acceptance, especially from Lemuel with his bright smile and warm eyes. Regrets flooded her as she reminisced about their lighthearted conversations filled with laughter. He had made her feel like she belonged. Now, anxiety and self-loathing consumed her, wi