:SIXTY—ONE:

Imogen’s povI stood outside the police station beside my car as I waited for my husband to come out.The scorching sun was way too harsh but that didn’t deter me from anything I had in mind. No matter what was going to happen— I was ready to go ahead with my plan.The buzzing of the gates snapped me out of my thoughts, and my sight shifted to the gate to see Perry.His smile was the same— it had always been the same. Arrogant and hollow, like he thought the world bent to him. Two officers were with him as he walked forward, their presence almost amusing because even in cuffs, he moved like he owned them.Weird but I was prepared to make this quick.I had begged Silas to help me get him out— even had to lie just to get him out.Before I could gather my thoughts, they were already standing in front of me and that made me a lottle bit nervous but I had to keep myself steady.“Good day, officers,” I said as I took a quick sniff as a way to ground myself.“Mrs Cullen…”“Please,” I cut

Last Updated : 2025-09-04

:SIXTY—TWO:

Perry’s povI was about to pour myself a drink when I realized the house was too quiet. The villa was too quiet.I hated silence.It crept through the halls like a warning, getting into my bones until all I could hear was the echo of my own rage. My house should never feel like this… empty, and abandoned. She should have been here, on her knees if I demanded— her eyes lowered,and her lips ought to had been soft with apologies.But instead, I got nothing.“Imogen?” My voice cut through the stillness, sharp as a whip.No answer.I walked through the bedroom, my pulse raising as I met the bedsheet smooth, the pillows were untouched even the closet door were half open but empty of her.I sucked my teeth together, Where the fuck was she?I’d just walked out of a cage, I was in shackles. Shame pressing down on me like I was some fucking criminal. Me. Perry Cullen. After all that… after the humiliation of standing cuffed while officers smirked, after forcing my way back into my place a

Last Updated : 2025-09-05

:SIXTY—THREE:

Silas’s PovA cigarette burned in the ashtray beside me, smoke curling upward in slow and lazy spirals. Pete lingered by the door, his posture stiff, hands folded behind his back like the good soldier that he was.Still, he was restless— I could see it in the tightness of his jaw, the faint flicker of hesitation.His watchful eyes following me as I flipped through the paperwork I had no interest in. He cleared his throat once, then again, until finally I looked up.“Well?” I asked.“You need to get out of Rome for a while, boss,” he said finally. “Go back to New York. See your mother… she’s been asking of you, and you know she doesn’t like being ignored.”I smirked faintly, setting the papers aside. “My mother has never liked being ignored, but I’m sure she’ll live.”Pete pressed on, cautious but firm. “It’s not just her, Boss. Your business and deals… you’re off your game.”My eyes cut to him sharply. “Off my game?”He swallowed, shifted, but didn’t backpedal. Pete was loyal, too loy

Last Updated : 2025-09-06

:SIXTY—FOUR:

Silas’s PovThe restaurant was quiet, with only the soft glow of candlelight reflecting off the glasses and utensils.At the far corner, a man in a black suit stood with a violin tucked beneath his chin. The first notes poured out— haunting, rich, a melody meant for seduction. His bow slid across strings with precision, playing only for us.I’d hired him because silence wasn’t enough for her. Imogen deserved music, beauty, and luxury.I had found out that she enjoyed listening to the violin and this was an attempt to get her to relax and be free.I’d bought out the whole place. Privacy was not just a luxury— it was a necessity. Imogen didn’t belong under the gaze of strangers. She deserved to feel like the world bent just for her.I adjusted the cuff of my suit jacket, the silk black fabric clung tight against my shoulders. The weight of the watch on my wrist ticked steady and precise, though my pulse wasn’t nearly so calm. I didn’t bother pretending to look at the menu; the moment

Last Updated : 2025-09-07

:SIXTY—FIVE:

Imogen’s povI leaned back into the leather seat, my fingers nervously smoothing the fabric of my dress.He hadn’t spoken a word since the incident outside the restaurant. Not one. His hand rested on his thigh, the other rested lazily across the seat between us, but the silence wrapped tighter than chains.I was used to silent drive home but not from the one person I had craved the most and the silence was killing me.I stole a glance at him, his jaw was sharp, clenched, the faint scar at his lip deepening as his mouth pressed flat. Something brewed beneath the surface… something he wasn’t saying and I knew I had to get it out of him.Finally, I cleared my throat. “What’s with you?”His eyes shifted, catching mine, and for a second I wished I hadn’t asked because the look there was harsh and rough with danger and desire, wound so tight it made my pulse to elevate.He said nothing.I scoffed, trying to steady myself. “So we’re doing the silent treatment now?”Nothing. Just that st

Last Updated : 2025-09-08

:SIXTY—SIX:

Imogen’s povWe entered the house and barely a word was said to each other. He had taken out a cigarette from his stash and had lit it up as I could smell it from where I stood.“You can’t just stop like it, Silas,” I queried.He didn’t say anything, instead he took in a quick draw of the cigar and went straight to the bar to pour himself a drink. “Really? You’re just going to ignore me all over again?” I blurted out.He still ignored me making me feel like I was nothing and that pushed me over the edge. I took my purse and walked to the door.If he wanted silence, fine. I’d give it to him.My hand had barely touched the handle when his voice sliced through the air.“Where do you think you are going?” He asked.“Home or anywhere far from here,” I said as I tried to keep my voice steady but it betrayed me.“It is late and you don’t need…”“Yeah, like you care?” I blurted out, cutting him off.The corner of his mouth curled upward— a smile like I’d amused him, like my defiance was a t

Last Updated : 2025-09-09