Vincenzo's POVI saw her talking to Baltazar as I approached them, keeping my expression neutral. On the outside, I appeared indifferent, but inside, a wariness simmered. Baltazar had proven himself months ago by exposing the real traitor, yet my suspicion hadn’t entirely dissipated. Trust in our world was a fragile thing."What's going on here?" I asked, a hint of a smile playing on my lips.Annizah stood up, holding out a plate with a sandwich. "I brought you something. A peace offering."I took the plate, my smile widening. "Thanks, Bella. I appreciate it."Baltazar stood as well, giving her a reassuring pat on the back before turning to me. "I'll leave you two to it. Don't go too hard on her, boss."I chuckled, watching Baltazar leave, but my mind remained alert. Turning my attention back to Annizah, I softened. "You didn't have to do this, you know."She shrugged, looking a bit sheepish. "I wanted to. I'm sorry for earlier. I know you're just trying to protect us."Leaning down,
After the picnic, Vincenzo didn't take us back home. Instead, he drove us to his penthouse in the city. I glanced at him curiously, but his expression was unreadable, so I didn’t ask any questions. His actions always had a purpose, and I trusted him completely.The penthouse was just as luxurious as our home, but it felt different—more intimate, more secluded. As we settled in, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Vincenzo reassured me with a kiss and a soft smile, but there was a tension in his eyes that made me uneasy.Later that night, I woke up and found Vincenzo's side of the bed empty. The sheets were cool, indicating he had been gone for a while. Worry gnawed at me as I slipped out of bed and padded down the hallway.I heard his voice, low and intense, coming from his office. Peering around the corner, I saw him on the phone, his expression stern. My heart skipped a beat. What was he discussing at this hour?Before I could catch any words, he noticed me. He quic
After the picnic, Vincenzo didn't take us back home. Instead, he drove us to his penthouse in the city. I glanced at him curiously, but his expression was unreadable, so I didn’t ask any questions. His actions always had a purpose, and I trusted him completely. The penthouse was just as luxurious as our home, but it felt different—more intimate, more secluded. As we settled in, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Vincenzo reassured me with a kiss and a soft smile, but there was a tension in his eyes that made me uneasy. Later that night, I woke up and found Vincenzo's side of the bed empty. The sheets were cool, indicating he had been gone for a while. Worry gnawed at me as I slipped out of bed and padded down the hallway. I heard his voice, low and intense, coming from his office. Peering around the corner, I saw him on the phone, his expression stern. My heart skipped a beat. What was he discussing at this hour? Before I could catch any words, he noticed me. He
After the picnic, Vincenzo didn't take us back home. Instead, he drove us to his penthouse in the city. I glanced at him curiously, but his expression was unreadable, so I didn’t ask any questions. His actions always had a purpose, and I trusted him completely. The penthouse was just as luxurious as our home, but it felt different—more intimate, more secluded. As we settled in, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Vincenzo reassured me with a kiss and a soft smile, but there was a tension in his eyes that made me uneasy. Later that night, I woke up and found Vincenzo's side of the bed empty. The sheets were cool, indicating he had been gone for a while. Worry gnawed at me as I slipped out of bed and padded down the hallway. I heard his voice, low and intense, coming from his office. Peering around the corner, I saw him on the phone, his expression stern. My heart skipped a beat. What was he discussing at this hour? Before I could catch any words, he noticed me.
PROLOGUEI found myself gazing at the crowd, bewildered by the unfamiliar surroundings. How did I land in a place like this? Each person was adorned in exquisite dresses and sharp suits, radiating an innate elegance. It seemed as if grace and sophistication were second nature to everyone present.I wore a light blue backless dress, with my hair up in a tight bun and just a bit of makeup. It made me feel like a completely different person. My parents were busy chatting with some important people, not paying attention to me at all. I couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place in the fancy crowd."I see you've got a beautiful lady right here," an old man remarked, a smile playing on his face as his gaze rested on me. Uncomfortable, I couldn't help but avert my eyes. The way he looked at me sent shivers down my spine, yet my parents remained oblivious, seemingly turning a blind eye to the situation."Ah, yes, of course. This is our daughter, Annizah," my dad chimed in, placing a han
I don’t know what happened next. It happened so quick before I could even process it. The last thing I knew, I was inside his limousine, and we’re actually driving back to his place.To say I was scared is probably an understatement. After my parents talked to him, my mother ensured that an agreement about our wedding was made, pushing me to go with him instead of returning home.I casted a glance at him. He was leaning on the backrest with his eyes closed. His throat and Adam’s apple were exposed. His slicked hair has somehow lost its neatness and was now disheveled. He looked at peace, as if he wasn’t just about to ruin my life. However, despite that unfortunate fact, I couldn’t deny how attractive he was. He didn’t look like one of those guys I’ve ever seen. He was taller, more masculine, and goddamn hot.But then again, looks can be sometimes deceiving.Vicenzo isn’t someone I can trust my life upon. Although I am destined to marry him, that didn’t give me the full assurance that
I was escorted by a maid towards the room I’ll be staying at in this mansion. I was still shaking from shock and fear from what happened. I was terrified to say the least, and I couldn’t even bring myself to bat an eye as I was conscious about my surrounding. I feel like at my given moment, someone’s gonna jump and attack me.“Here, have some milk, miss,” a middle-aged woman said as she handed me a cup of warm milk. I accepted it with reluctance. She gave me a soft, kind smile. “My name is Arcel, and I’ve been working here for quite some time now. Master has never brought a woman home before, so we were all so thrilled to finally be meeting you, miss Annizah,” she said.I couldn’t help but to flinch. Not only did place felt scary, but the people were also oddly kind to be working in a place like this. I glanced at Arcel. She looked to be around her late twenties, with enough knowledge and experience to not be oblivious about what’s happening. And for that reason, I felt more scared th
My breath came in labored, heavy gasps as I watched him lift his shirt. His muscles flexed with each movement, drawing my attention. His body was rugged and disproportionately large, muscles in all the right places. Heat flushed through me uncontrollably, igniting my entire being.Vicenzo held my face, his gaze piercing, as if I were nothing more than prey in his eyes. "Listen to me, bellezza," he whispered. "I own you, baby. And I won't let you go. Not now, not ever."Through gritted teeth, I asked, "W-Why are you doing this?""Because you belong to me.""Don’t be absurd! Nobody owns me!" I yelled, frustration and anger bubbling up, but he only tightened his grip on my face, causing me to wince in pain."I do," he hissed, his glare intense, but it quickly softened into a smile. "You are mine, and I'll always ensure it stays that way. Do you understand?"Shivers ran down my spine as I observed the emotions flickering across his face. There was no denying it; Vicenzo was disturbed."Ju