Semua Bab BOUND TO LOVE MY ENEMY: Bab 31 - Bab 40

(MARIANNA'S POV) I paced my room, fingernails digging into my palms as I considered my options. That audio recording could solve everything, but Vin's price was too steep. I needed to get it without giving in to his deal.My phone felt heavy in my hand as I called Luke."I might have something," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the flutter of anxiety in my chest. "A sufficient evidence that could work. But I need time to access it.""How long?" Luke's voice crackled through the speaker."Just give me until tomorrow. I'll handle it.""Fine. Whenever you are able to get it, give me a call."The call ended with a click that echoed in my silent room.Back home, I locked myself in my bedroom, pacing the floor until the carpet fibers had practically worn down. Sleep was impossible. My mind raced through scenarios, all the ways I could get that recording without playing by Vin's rules. The digital clock on my nightstand blinked 11:45 PM when I finally had a plan.“I hope this works”

(SOPHIA'S POV) My knuckles turned white as I gripped the edge of my desk, staring at the headline splashed across the newspaper. The news report completely debunked all Marianna's allegations. "Damn it!" I slammed my palm against the surface, sending a stack of papers scattering to the floor. My breaths came in short, angry bursts as I glanced at the article again, hoping I'd misunderstood.I didn't.It had Gregory Pearson's face splattered as he confessed. I angrily crumpled the paper, unable to glance at it for long. My carefully constructed plan was crumbling before my eyes just when I'd been so close to success. The familiar burn of rage clawed its way up my throat."How?" I hissed to the empty office. "How is she always one step ahead?"I grabbed my phone and dialed Niccolò's number with trembling fingers. He needed to know about this immediately. The call went straight to voicemail.I kept trying until the door to my office swung open without warning. Tyler stood in the d

(MARIANNA'S POV) I stood frozen in the living room, Vin's words echoing in my mind. ‘I'm not letting you go.’ A threat, plain and simple. Did he suspect my plans? Did he know I was searching for weaknesses to use against him? My phone's shrill ring broke through my spiraling thoughts. Sandra's name flashed across the screen. "Did you see the news?" she squealed without preamble when I answered. "Yes, just heard about it," I replied, moving away from the doorway where Vin had disappeared. "This calls for celebration! Drinks tonight?" I winced, memories of my last alcohol-fueled night flashing through my mind. "How about dinner instead?" I suggested. "Toast with actual food." "Fine, but you're no fun," Sandra laughed. "Duomo's at eight?" "Alright." Not Kingwicke, thankfully. The last thing I needed was to run into Sophia again. I needed to get everything off my head fast and only Sandra could do it. I drove out quickly to catch up with Sandra who was already there We got in

(VINCENZO'S POV) Why was she there? I kept thinking about the photos I got from surveilling her. Marianna in the same space with someone better left buried. "Get it together," I muttered to myself, taking another sip of whiskey as it's effect was intoxicating me already.I felt strangs of hair fall to my face, compelling me to look up. I saw her face blurry, her skin still as smooth and soft. I thought of calling out her name but I shook that thought out of my head as I grabbed my phone and paged him."Salvatore. My office. Tomorrow morning." I didn't wait for a response before hanging up.Sleep eluded me that night.I stood in Marianna's doorway, watching her slumped over her desk, hair spilling across scattered files. The steady rise and fall of her breathing drew me closer. Without thinking, I gathered her into my arms.As I laid her on the bed, her eyes snapped open."What are you doing in my room?" Marianna's voice icy despite her drowsy gaze."Don't you sleep properly?"Her

(MARIANNA'S POV) I sat on my bed, staring at the door Vin had just closed. His weakness? Me? My mind raced, searching for any meaning behind his cryptic words.Had I once heard a rumor about him that I'd forgotten? Did I possess some crucial information locked away in my memories? I even found myself desperately wishing for past life recollections to help make sense of his statement, but nothing came.My fingers absently traced the spot on my wrist where he had gripped me. The contradiction didn't make sense. If I truly was his weakness, why did he treat me like I was nothing? Why the threats, the intimidation, the coldness?I pulled my knees to my chest, replaying our every interaction in my mind. The gun incident two nights ago. The business meetings where he barely acknowledged me. The tense dinners filled with cutting remarks."If I'm your weakness," I whispered to the empty room, "then why do you act like I'm your enemy?"The silence offered no answers. Something wasn't adding u