All Chapters of The Lie that Binds: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Still at the De Ricco Night Club.The club throbbed with life—bass pulsing like a heartbeat through the floors, lights slicing through foggy air in neon streaks. Serena and Stefano had claimed a corner of the dance floor like it belonged to them. Music pumped around them, bodies moved in hypnotic rhythm, and yet all he saw was her.She laughed—god, that laugh. And it was reckless and full and entirely free. Her head thrown back, eyes sparkling under the strobe lights, hips rolling against him with a confidence that made his blood burn. Stefano couldn’t stop his hands from wandering—her waist, the small of her back, the edge of her thigh where her short dress ended and his temptation began.They ordered shots—two, then four, then she lost count. The tequila burned, but so did the way he looked at her as she licked the salt from her wrist. He dared her to outdrink him, and she tried. But she was already drunk on something else. Him. The night. This impossible feeling growing bigger by t

Next morning.Their bare bodies lay entangled on the cold marble floor, skin pressed to chilled stone. Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting silvery slashes across their limbs. The city outside had quieted to a hush, like it too was holding its breath.Stefano stirred first.His eyes blinked open slowly, adjusting to the dim glow. A quiet groan escaped him as he shifted, then looked down at her sleeping form—peaceful, her lashes resting like dark fans against her cheeks. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch featherlight.She didn’t wake.Stefano gently lifted her from the floor, her body limp in sleep. Cradling her close, he carried her to the bed, the silk sheets cool against her skin as he laid her down. He drew the covers over her and lingered a moment, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest, the curve of her lips still soft with dreams.He turned away and padded quietly to her kitchen.The condo was still, unnervingly so. The kind of stillnes

The early afternoon sun bled through the linen curtains, casting a warm hue over the living room as Stefano slipped his arms into his jacket. He looked effortlessly sharp, even though he hadn’t changed his outfit in days. A quick smirk played on his lips when he caught Serena eyeing him from the couch.“Stay in. Rest,” he said, brushing his knuckles against her cheek. “I’ll be back in an hour. Groceries, supplies… and maybe a change of clothes. God knows I need one.”Serena chuckled delightfully. The thought of him restocking for her marveled her. But she liked it a lot, leaning into his touch before he pulled away and headed for the door. The condo felt oddly silent once it closed behind him. For a few moments, she simply sat there, staring at the space he had just left.She hadn’t realized how much safer she felt with him around.Ten minutes hadn’t passed before the silence was broken—by the unmistakable hum of a car engine outside. She peered out the window, assuming it was Stefano

Into the manor they went.Serena’s eyes roamed the expansive interior, tracing the grandeur of it all—the high vaulted ceilings, the gold-framed paintings, the polished marble floor that gleamed under warm lighting. It was opulent but not ostentatious, and it carried a masculine elegance—dark woods, stone, and steel softened by curated pieces that whispered wealth and power.Even Stefano looked around, mildly surprised. Marco had taken initiative, and it showed. The broken ornaments had been restored, the antique frames replaced or repaired. Every corner gleamed with intention. Stefano didn’t know how Marco had pulled it off so quickly, but he silently appreciated it.“My…” Serena’s voice trailed as she gazed around in awe. “It’s... huge.”“It is,” Stefano replied with a faint smile, watching her reaction closely.He led her down a long corridor until they reached a wing adjacent to his. He opened the door to a spacious suite, stepping aside so she could enter first.“I had it furnish

Next Day. The morning sun cast golden warmth across the marble floor of Serena’s room, chasing shadows from the corners and kissing the silk sheets that no longer smelled like him. Her fingers reached over instinctively, searching for warmth that wasn’t there. But he wasn't right next to her.A quiet ache vibrated in her chest, one she tried to ignore. But when she saw a written note resting neatly on the nightstand, she eagerly reached for it. It read: ~ Morning, tésoro mio. Had to leave for urgent business. But I’ve made plans for us today. Wear something you’ll want to remember. —S ~Her lips curved into a faint smile despite herself. He always knew how to tug at her. She held the note against her chest for a second before tossing back the covers and padding to the bathroom.The steam of the hot shower fogged the mirror, wrapping her in a cocoon of warmth. But inside her head, it wasn’t peaceful. Marco's voice echoed faintly in her thoughts—his promise to see her soon. That cr