Prologue
My name is Cécile Garnier, and I've just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I just turned 25 two months ago and my life is supposed to be just beginning. Doctor Martins had said the cancer is advanced and it's likely that I will have a few months.his words the day he broke that sad news to me still echo in my mind like a death sentence. I remember the day at his office like it was yesterday. The look on his face, usually calm and welcoming, was lined with concern as he delivered the diagnosis and His gentle tone couldn't mask the gravity of the news. My mind raced with questions, but my voice was frozen with the sound of my heartbeat echoing in my ears. As Silence enveloped the room, the ticking of the clock became deafening. I never realized my body was trying to tell me something throughout those times I felt very tired and exhausted. But I kept brushing it off as stress from work. If only I had listened, I would have asked for help sooner Because I have a lot to live for; my parents, my brother Leo, My job and my friend chloe. But It's too late now. My mom's gentle tone and assuring voice echoed in my mind, I could still vividly remember her words to me “ Don't be angry with life, Cecile, instead use that energy to live each day to the fullest. Don't let the diagnosis take that away from you.” As I sobbed in my small apartment, the place that was once my sanctuary now felt like a prison, confining me to a life I never wanted. That was when I made up my mind to go to monaco. I've always wanted to visit the city. Besides I've been drawn to Monaco for reasons I don't even fully understand, mom told me that was where I was born. It's only fair if I give myself a one time treat and I long to leave a mark, a memory in the place where my life began. Chapter one the Art of Beginning Again Cécile Garnier I stepped into the grand lobby of Hotel Hermitage, one of Monaco's finest.The luxury and lavishness of the decoration took my breath away. I felt like a small fish in a big pond,but in a good way.I couldn't have afforded a place like that if I hadn't been working tirelessly and saving every penny for all these years denying myself so much. And boy! I'm glad I made this decision, where do I even begin, the ceilings were so high like they aimed for the sky, the chandelier danged effortlessly with its sparkling crystal drops. I couldn't tell if the sofa's were taupe or charcoal gray but they definitely looked soft and silky and the way they were arranged in cozy circles made me want to sink in and just stay there for a while. Very tempting but I had to make my reservations. I breathed in deeply inhaling the subtle scent of fresh flowers that filled the air, my mind was completely erased of every worry. I just couldn't wait to feed my eyes with what's left of this place. When I approached the reception desk, The receptionist was warmly exchanging pleasantries with guest while typing away on her computer. The gentle murmur of staff and guests filled the air. The receptionist with a warm smile greeted me in perfect french “Bonjour,madame” i said in response trying to sound confident “I would like the most expensive suite, please” The receptionist looked up at me,her eyes widened slightly in surprise before she smiled graciously “Of course madame, our most expensive suite is the imperial suite, with a stunning view of the Mediterranean. Shall I prepare the keys for you? I nodded,feeling excited. “ I'll take it” She smiled and began typing away in her computer while I watched her. without lifting her face she said “ the cost is…… But I quickly interrupted her “I don't care…. just show me how I can make the payment” “Very well then madame”She nodded back. “How long do you plan to stay” “Uhm, maybe a week” I replied a bit unsure. “Alright , May I have your card?” She asked with her hands outstretched waiting for my credit card. I reached into my handbag and handed it over to her. “You'll be assisted with your luggages” she added. After the payment was made, she handed the key over to me, welcoming me and wishing me a great stay. I felt like royalty while I made my way to the elevator which glided smoothly upwards. The moment I stepped inside my suite, I Knew I made the right choice. “This is the second best thing taking my breath away today.” I thought to myself It was even more breathtaking than I had imagined! The luxury is unmatched. The Mediterranean view was right there in front of me! Fluffy carpet ,elegant furniture and paintings. The living area was cozy and the bedroom magnificent. I threw myself on the huge king-size bed. Basking myself in its softness and scent . I was starting to get relaxed. The Telephone rang. Startling me for a moment. I picked it up. “yes?” The person on the phone sounded apologetic “this is the hotel management, I apologize for the disturbing ma'am, a very important guest has arrived, demanding for the most expensive suite…apologies again for the inconvenience … he stuttered “But.. we can't refuse him… we will have to move you to another suite… and we'll compensate you..” “isn't it a bit too early for another bad news” I thought to myself still trying to wrap my head around what the supposed hotel manager was trying to say. “Wait, just hold on let me get this straight” I shunned him cutting his statement short “What the fuck Is this supposed to mean? And what the fuck do you mean ‘An important guest’ Is this how the management here operates? I am an important guest just like who ever he is too” I said in a high assertive tone “I'm sorry for the inconvenience, I agree it's the managements fault as the receptionist would have informed you that the suite was already reserved “ he pleaded “I paid for this suite in full and I will not be moved. Tell him to find another suite,the management should sort it out with him. no one is ruining my vacation ” I said firmly and placed the phone back,feeling triumphant .He must be one of these spoiled rich folks that think they can get whatever they want. But over my dead body was he going to get my suit, the one thing that ever went right in my life and is still keeping that smile on my face. The phone rang again interrupting my thought and I let out a frustrating sigh as I picked it up. “What part of I'm not giving my suit up you don't understand?” am I being intimidated because I am a lady” I blurted out sharply But the manager maintained a calm but shaky voice, I could sense the nervousness in his tone “ I'm so sorry ma'am, but the gentleman is taking no for an answer,... he is demanding to speak with you.” The manager's voice cracked, “And why is that?” My eyes narrowed. “ Tell him am not interested” “ Ma'am, for your own sake, I'd advise you should just come,he is not a man you would want to disrespect ” The manager's voice was barely above a whisper this time, he sounded very scared. But I didn't care. I hung up still and also became curious Who was this “important “ guest and why he is so determined to get my suite,why can't he just go for another one” I thought to myself. Now there was a heavy bang at my Door! I was a bit hesitant about opening up but when I did. A tall powerful figure strutted In with his head held high, he gazed at me, and gave me a very intimidating look but I refused to back down. “Was he the important guest that wanted to speak with me?” I thought to myself “Who are you” I asked firmly.Luca crovetto. I Stood outside the door of the imperial suite with three of my men, my fist still clenched from the force of my knock, the manager's nervous whisper still lingered in my ear “she said she's not interested, please forgive her” He knew better, he had to plead on her behalf But I wasn't there to make a scene , I was here to get what I want. And what I wanted was that suite. Just a little escape from “ a human tragedy” the daughter of a rival mafia family “ the Barralis” Our families had a long standing agreement. I was betrothed to her from birth, it was an arrangement that would strengthen our alliance and secure our families power ending the Turf war between the both families. if I refuse to carry on with the marriage, I definitely facing the wrath of my family and the Barralis. my father would be furious and I might be cut-off from the family business or even be exiled. Her Father Don Amario Barralis, is one of the few men that I fear. He treated me like
Cécile Garnier What the hell just happened! Did I just challenge a man who just clearly told me who he was, A mafia Boss! This doesn't look Good! “Should I apologize or should I leave” I thought to myself, fear began to creep in on me No” I said, shrugging it off. “these rich mother fuckers, He started it first, just because he had the power he just wanted to show it off on me “ but again my cell phone rang this time, it was Chloe. grateful for that distraction.I smiled picking the phone up and placing it on my ear “ Hey Chloe,” I answered, trying to sound casual. “Cécile, are you alright?, you sound upset, ? chloe asked “I just had a run in with a rich dude, says his name is Luca Crovetto” I said trying to mimic the lucas voice. “ and I may have challenged him” “NO WAY!” Chloe let out a deafening scream that made me quickly pull the phone far from my ear. “ LUCA CROVETTO! AS IN THE MAFIA LUCA CROVETTO ? “yesss” I replied surprisingly rubbing my chin “Since wh
Luca Crovetto Otto And I were just leaving the district, feeling quite satisfied with my evening entertainment, when I spotted her, the same lady from earlier today. I remember that face vividly. It kind of amused me seeing her in the streets. What was she doing In this neighborhood of all places? Maybe she was there for the same reason as me, to have a good time. I nudged otto who was about to get the car door for me and i nodded discreetly towards the lady “looks like we have a familiar face here otto, the lady from the hotel, what do you think?” Otto observed her “ I'm seeing her here for the first time,is she lost?” “Lost?” I scoffed, placing my hands on each side of my pocket. “In this neighborhood? Unlikely” “Then it's likely madame Sophie sent her” Otto's suggestion made a whole lot of sense. But it cackled me up “Then this lady either has a lot of balls or she's very foolish. I responded. I had expected Sophie to dig up information on where I am, who I a
Chapter five Cécile Garnier I slowly opened my eyes, sluggishly taking in my surroundings. I was in my hotel suite lying on the bed “What happened?” I muttered, my dry mouth trying to form words as I tried to sit up, a sharp pain shot through my head and I winced in pain. My muscles were aching. I looked around my suite,My clouded mind struggled to recall what happened the previous night especially how I got to my room. Suddenly the events came flooding back, the robbery, the men who tried to molest me and then Luca! I remember him saving me from those men, dragging me to his car and bringing me back to the hotel. “ Did he bring me up to this place?” I asked under my breath, rubbing my temple. I tossed off the blanket and got out of bed, stumbling towards the dresser. My legs felt like jelly. I caught a glimpse of myself in the dressing mirror. And I recoiled in horror! My eyes looked sunken, my skin pale and I was still putting on my dress and sandals from yesterday.
Chapter SixLuca Crovetto “ I'm back to the ville as instructed,Father”I said firmly pacing the courtyard of my ville with my phone pressed to my ear.“ Bene” he wheezed, his voice still carrying its depth “Resta li, await further instructions”. “Father I have problem, I need to speak to you about the deal” I quickened my pace , frustration building inside of me.“What about it” he asked his breathing was laboured and faint “The consortium is insisting on seeing the United front of our families before they agree and seal the deal!”“And How is that a problem,son” he sounded reluctant and it made me scratch my head feeling the familiar frustration build up in side of me.“ Father, you know i can’t stand sophie, I know her, she's not exactly the most cooperative person” I explained Trying to keep my voice even.There was silence at the other end of the line which made me wonder if he was paying attention.I was getting restless, then he finally speaks again.“ Luca, we need Th
Chapter SevenCécile Garnier“I'm begging you!” I pleaded with the staff at the reception, my voice brittled in desperation while my two hands clasped together as I wrung them in a frantic plea. “I just need to find Luca crovetto, My ID and my bank cards are still missing” The receptionist, a lady dressed in a tailored navy blue uniform with a tight bun leaned in closely, her eyes seemed to hesitate, as if it was weighing the cost of helping me. She bridged her fingers together and her voice firm but gentle. “We still can't disclose any information about our guest mademoiselle, please try to understand” she repeated, She had been a little bit sympathetic at the beginning after I stormed into the reception asking about lucas whereabouts.The receptionist's gaze flicked to her colleague, a younger man who rocked back and forth with a little bit of impatience. his eyes rolled subtly before he looked away. I sensed a silent warning passing between them to maintain their neutr