CHAPTER 10: BROKEN BONDS

KALININA COUTURE BOUTIQUE, MOSCOWA week had passed since the engagement party, and the wedding preparations were in full swing as the wedding between Donatella De Luca and Mikhail Morozov was only a week away. Donatella stood in front of the mirror at Kalinina Couture boutique, trying on a stunning long white gown that hugged her body perfectly. The dress featured a subtle flair from the knee down, adding a touch of elegance to her overall look. The V-line neckline accentuated her décolletage, and she couldn't help but rub her hands over the smooth fabric as she gazed at her reflection.Just then, her mother, Anastasia, walked into the room. "Perfetta!" her mother exclaimed, her eyes shining with pride.Donatella smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction with her appearance. But her mother's expression quickly turned serious. "Where is Mikhail? He should be here by now," she said, a hint of concern in her voice.Donatella shrugged nonchalantly. "Who cares?"Her mother dragged out her n

Last Updated : 2025-07-24

CHAPTER 11: A COLD UNION

MOROZOV CATHEDRAL,RUSSIAThe grand hall of the Morozov Cathedral was a fortress of power, where the city's most notorious crime families and mafias gathered to witness the union of their children. The air was thick with tension, the whispers and murmurs of the guests like a sinister hum.Mikhail stood at the front of the hall, his eyes cold and calculating as he surveyed the room. His gaze was a challenge, a warning to anyone who dared to cross him.The grand doors creaked open, and Donatella, a vision in a stunning silver crepe ball gown, stepped into the hall with her father, Ivan De Luca. The gown hugged her curves, its delicate straps showcasing her porcelain skin. The silver crepe cascaded down her body like a river of moonlight, its intricate beading and embroidery glinting in the dim light of the hall. Her veil was a fragile barrier between her and the world, delicately placed over her face, and her beauty was a knife's edge away from danger. The guests rose to their feet, thei

Last Updated : 2025-07-25

CHAPTER 12: FIRE AND ICE

MOROZOV CATHEDRAL, RUSSIA As they walked towards the car, Mikhail held Donatella's hand firmly in his. Their family members escorted them, beaming with pride and happiness. Just as they were about to reach the car, a voice called out, "Mikhail."Mikhail stopped and turned to face the speaker. Pakhan Sergei, his grandfather, walked towards them, a warm smile on his face. "Congratulations on your marriage, Mikhail," he said, his voice filled with pride. "And I hope we don't forget the contract. You are to produce an heir before one year ends."Mikhail's expression remained calm as he replied, "We are aware of that, Dedushka."The Pakhan nodded, his eyes gleaming with approval. Meanwhile, Ariana, Donatella's sister, ran to hug her, tears of joy streaming down her face. Donatella's mother joined in, embracing her daughter tightly.The Pakhan turned to Donatella's family and smiled. "La Famiglia De Luca, we welcome your daughter Donatella to the Morozov family. She is now officially one o

Last Updated : 2025-07-26

CHAPTER 13: BLOOD RUNS COLD

SAINT PETERSBURG,RUSSIA (THE BRATVA'S EMPIRE)Donatella stepped out of the elevator on the floor leading to the Pakhan's office, her eyes scanning the deserted hallway. She had been searching for Mikhail all morning, and a nagging feeling brought her to the Empire. The lack of guards surprised her, but she followed her instincts down a wing and up a staircase.As she climbed, a scream pierced the air. Donatella's heart skipped a beat. She quickened her pace, following the sound to a door at the end of the hall. The shouting continued, and she burst through the door without knocking.The scene unfolded before her: Nikolai, disheveled and glaring, stood over a crumpled figure on the floor. Donatella's eyes widened as she took in the chaos."What are you doing here?" Nikolai snarled, his eyes flashing with anger.Donatella's gaze never left the figure on the floor. "What's going on here? Why am I hearing screams from your apartment?"Nikolai sneered. "You think you have the right to ques

Last Updated : 2025-07-26

CHAPTER 14: SISTERS AND SURPRISES

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA (THE BRATVA'S EMPIRE)The Bratva's empire was buzzing with activity as staff scurried around, preparing for Donatella's 20th birthday celebration. Amidst the chaos, the sound of heels clicking on the floor announced the arrival of Valerie and Ariana De Luca, Donatella's sisters. They stepped into the foyer, their presence immediately noticeable.Donatella's face lit up as she rushed to greet Ariana, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Ariana!" she exclaimed, embracing her sister tightly. Ariana's eyes sparkled with excitement as she took in the opulent decor. "We're here!" Ariana said, twirling Donatella around. "And we're not leaving until your birthday celebration is over."Ariana chuckled, her gaze roaming the foyer. "Besides, we need to make sure you're still our Donatella, despite all this..." She waved her hand, encompassing the lavish surroundings. "Luxury." Donatella laughed, feeling a sense of comfort with Ariana by her side. "I'm still me," she

Last Updated : 2025-07-27

CHAPTER 15: THE BREAKING POINT

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA (THE BRATVA EMPIRE)The morning crept in slowly, like an unwelcome truth.Sunlight slanted through the tall windows of Mikhail’s bedroom, dappling the dark mahogany floors with streaks of gold. The scent of oakwood, smoke, and something darker—his cologne—clung to the air like a memory.Donatella stirred beneath the heavy covers, groggy and aching. Her throat felt dry, and her head throbbed as flashes of the night before hit her in fragments: crystal flutes of champagne, a room full of masked strangers singing to her in Russian, the Pakhan’s toast, Natalia’s quiet smile, Mikhail’s hand at her waist—Then… blackness.She sat up abruptly, the silk sheet slipping down her bare shoulder. Her eyes scanned the unfamiliar room in a blur of confusion and panic.Mikhail’s room.Her breath caught.He was there, across the room by the window, a stark silhouette against the morning light. Shirtless, only dark slacks hung low on his hips, a steaming cup of coffee in hand.