Chapter 1: POWER

I enter the boardroom for the first time since my father’s funeral.This place used to feel like home, every time I brought him food, everytime I came to see him. The memories rush on me.But I won’t cry. Not now. His seat at the head of the table remains empty. Most of the board members greet me. Some offer polite nods, others looked at me with sympathy in their eyes. But the atmosphere was thick with tension. Jackson, the chairperson speaks first.“Let’s observe a moment of silence in honor of Leo Moretti.” We bow our heads. A minute passes. The silence is heavier than any words.Jackson straightens, clearing his throat before speaking.“We wanted to inform you before the official statement goes out.” He pauses and look at me.“The investigation into your father’s death has been officially closed. The suspect, Rowan Blackwood, was not found guilty. There will be no further action.” “What?” I stood up immediately, my chair screeching back. “Miss Moretti—” I cut him off. “What

Last Updated : 2025-09-04

Chapter 2: Legacies

He hands me a small evidence bag. Inside is a chain, my father's chain. “It was found in your father’s car. I thought you might want it.” “ oh “ I said, my shoulders dropping.A wave of disappointment washed over me. I had been hoping for something more. Something that could change everything. I clutched the chain tightly, as if I were holding a piece of him. For a moment, something strange flickered through me. Then I remembered the detective was still standing there. “Thank you,” I said softly. “It means a lot.” He nodded. “I figured it might.” “I thought it got lost with his ring,” I murmured, looking at the chain. “His ring?” His brow furrowed in confusion. “Yeah... My father always wore his wedding ring. Even after my mother died.” “Oh. It must havee fallen off, I guess.” “Yeah. It must have…” I hesitated, before asking, “Detective, if it’s not too much to ask... are you sure Rowan is innocent? It’s only been a month. More evidence could come up and—” “I understand yo

Last Updated : 2025-09-04

Chapter 3: Old friends and Foes

"Theodore-fucking-Marcellus "Everyone turned to me, every pair of eyes found mine like they were all waiting waiting for my reaction.Of course they'd choose himOut of everyone they could have chosen for the position they choose him.This explains why Zio did not want to tell meJackson was the first to recover. He cleared his throat loudly and smiled to Theo“Let’s give a warm welcome to Theodore Marcellus our new Executive Chairman.” There it was. Everyone was clapping.But I just stood there unmoving Theo stepped forward, in his tailored navy suit, confidence radiating off him. “Thank you,” he began, “It’s an honour to be trusted with this position. Leo Moretti was a visionary. I intend to carry that vision forward with integrity, and decipline taking The Moretti Empire towards greater heights.” My father’s name in his mouth made me want to scream. “I’m grateful to the board for this opportunity,” he continued. “And I look forward to earning your trust.” You already have i

Last Updated : 2025-09-04

Chapter 4: Apperances

“Lila,” Zio’s voice broke through the silence of the study, low but firm. “Sit down.” I did, reluctantly. It was weird for Zio to address me in his study, but I knew why. My fingers fiddled with the hem of my sleeve like I was a child again, waiting to be scolded. He sighed tiredly, then looked at me, he looked so tired he did not look like the man who used to sneak me pastries when Dad wasn’t looking. That felt like a lifetime ago. “You can’t keep doing this,” he said quietly. “The clubs. Drinking and partying recklessly.” I swallowed, my jaw tight. “I’m sorry.” “I know you are.” His eyes softened. “God, Lila. I miss him too. But grief doesn’t give you the right to burn down everything he built.” I flinched at that. He noticed, and immediately his voice softened again. “I don’t mean to sound cruel. I’m worried about you. You know how they see you. I don't want you to be affected by them ” “ The board doesn’t matter.” “They do now,” he said, sitting forward. “Leo’s gone. You

Last Updated : 2025-09-04

Chapter 5: True colours

I woke up with a pounding headache, my whole body was aching me.I tried to sit up, but my hands were tied behind me. Panic surged in my chest as I looked at my surroundings. I pulled the ropes, but they were too tight. My legs, at least, were free. I looked around me, I was in a room, there was only a single narrow bed around the corner and a water dispenser My hand starts trembling as the reality of my situation slammed into me. It was getting hard to breathe.My back pressed against the wall. I tried to lose my hand again, but was all in vainMy mind raced. The drink. That girl. But I didn't take the drink from he-- The door clicked open. I closed my eyes immediately and let my body go limp, pretending to be unconsciousness, heavy footsteps moved closer to me "What kind of drug did you put in her drink, Emma? She is still unconscious, " he said with his thick Italian accent A soft footstep followed "That's weird, she should have woken up by now", that voice, i recognised i

Last Updated : 2025-09-04

All Chapters of MARKED BY DECEPTION : Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

Chapter 1: POWER

Chapter 2: Legacies

Chapter 3: Old friends and Foes

Chapter 4: Apperances

Chapter 5: True colours