Chapter 21

Aurelia's POVVittorio was waiting for my answer, but my answer had never been clearer."No."One simple word. It sent the other end of the line into dead silence.A few seconds later, Vittorio's voice came back, laced with a sick kind of laughter."No?" he repeated. "Aurelia, are you really going to be this heartless?""Heartless?" I sneered. "Vittorio, I think you misunderstand the meaning of that word.""Fine. Fine," Vittorio's voice started to sound unhinged. "If you choose to hate me, then so be it.""Even if it's hate, I'll make you remember me for the rest of your life," his voice grew more agitated. "You'll never get rid of me, Aurelia. Never."His words pushed me over the edge."Remember you?" I laughed, a hollow, dead sound. "Vittorio, you seem to be laboring under the delusion that you still matter.""What do you mean?""You think I'm some soft-hearted woman?" I walked to the window, looking out at the Chicago skyline. "You think I'll go easy on you because of some old feeli

Chapter 22

Aurelia's POV"You sound nervous," Orion's voice came through the phone, tinged with a playful tone. "What's wrong, my princess?"Hearing how relaxed he sounded, the knot in my stomach loosened a little."The rumors..." my voice was still shaking. "Did you see them?""I saw them," Orion's voice turned gentle. "All of Chicago is talking."My heart jumped back into my throat."So you...""The only thing I feel when I see that filth is rage for what you endured," Orion cut me off, his voice a low growl. "Your past isn't something I 'accept,' Aurelia. It's part of you. And I claim all of you."Tears instantly blurred my vision."Orion...""And," his voice suddenly turned possessive, "I'm warning you. Don't even think about running away again.""I wasn't...""You were," he said with certainty. "I can hear the fear in your voice. You're afraid I'll leave you, just like that worthless piece of trash did."He was right. I was terrified."Listen to me, Aurelia," Orion's voice grew serious. "I,

Chapter 23

Aurelia's POVCarina's poisoned dagger was pressed against my neck. I could feel the venom slowly seeping into my blood."I want you and Vittorio to die together," Carina hissed in my ear. "You two belong together in hell."The guests were frozen in fear, but I could see Orion slowly moving closer."Carina, let her go," Orion's voice was calm and dangerous. "Whatever you want, take it out on me.""On you?" Carina laughed maniacally. "Who the hell are you? This is between me and them!""You want a life? Take mine," Orion said, his voice unwavering, his eyes locked on me. "I would die for her a thousand times."My heart felt like it had been struck.Even now, in this moment of danger, Orion just wanted to protect me.Just then, a side door of the cathedral was thrown open.Vittorio burst in, his clothes disheveled, fresh blood on his face."Carina!" He saw the scene and rushed forward. "Let her go!""Well, well, look who finally showed up," Carina smiled triumphantly. "I was starting to

Chapter 24

Aurelia's POVAs Carina’s poisoned blade was about to plunge into my artery, I closed my eyes, ready for the end.BANG.A single, deafening crack echoed through the sacred space.Carina's body snapped backward. A perfect, dark flower bloomed in the center of her forehead. Her eyes, wide with disbelief, were still fixed on me, full of resentment and hatred.Blood splattered across my wedding dress. I collapsed to the floor. The poison, the shock, the impact—it all sent my consciousness spiraling into darkness."Aurelia!" Orion's voice was a distant echo, growing fainter and fainter.With my last ounce of sight, I saw him rushing toward me. High in the organ loft, a shadow detached itself from the deeper darkness. It was a professional, calmly breaking down a sniper rifle, the job complete.Then, the world went silent.When I woke up, I was in a private hospital room. Sunlight streamed through the window, warm and gentle."You're awake?" A warm, magnetic voice spoke.I turned my head. An

All Chapters of Four Parting Gifts, Don Falcone: Chapter 21 - Chapter 24

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24