DANTEAnna listened intently as I relayed what little information I knew about VH14. It wasn't much, but it was a start."I don't know much about it, but what I do know is that VH14 is a drug that was likely produced about fifteen years ago," I said. "There was an outbreak of a deadly virus, and the government granted scientists aid to research the virus and find an antidote. But during the process of creating the antidote, something more powerful was created. It was proven that the new substance produced was even deadlier than the virus if mismanaged."I paused, taking a deep breath. "The government requested that the scientists hand over the new discovery, but the scientist who produced it refused. He was reported dead a few months later, but the information on VH14 was never found."With a sly expression, Anna peered at me through a narrow opening between her eyelids, her focus unwavering. "Do you know the name of the scientist who discovered the drug?" she asked, her voice tinged w
ANNAAlthough it may seem selfish to some, I have not yet brought my mother home or asked Dante about her. Truth be told, I have a deep connection with my mother's love that I have carried with me throughout my life. However, I have not felt that connection for several months now. Perhaps I am a coward for avoiding my fears and not accepting the truth, but after killing Debbie just a few hours ago, I experienced a certain peace and closure. If I want the same peace and closure regarding my mother, I need to request her body from Dante, as he owes me that much.As I stepped out of the shower, water dripping from my body, I found Dante lounging on my bed, his long legs stretched out. It was a shock to see him there, and I couldn't help but yelp in surprise. Glancing at the door, then back at him, I stammered, "I thought I locked that door? How did you get in?"With a brazen grin, Dante eyed me up and down, licking his lips. "This is my house, sweetheart. Did you really think you could ke
DANTEAs I moved closer to Anna, I could feel the tension in the air. Her trembling hands and legs were a clear indication that she had been standing there for a while, perhaps listening to our conversation. The tear stains on her face and the fear in her eyes told me that she had heard more than she bargained for.I approached her cautiously, not wanting to startle her any further. "Anna? Baby? How long have you been standing there?" I asked, my voice soft and gentle.She wiped her tears and tried to compose herself, running her hand through her hair in an attempt to regain some semblance of control. "I just got here," she stammered, her voice shaking with nervousness. "Why do you ask?"I looked over at Matteo and saw the disbelief in his eyes. I shared his doubts - there was something about Anna's demeanor that didn't add up. It was clear to me that she had overheard our conversation, and that she was afraid of me because of it.I knew that Anna's fear was a result of my own actions,
DANTEGently carrying Anna to my bedroom, I carefully laid her down, clearing the wild strands of hair scattered all over her face. "I promise to make things right. I know you'll never trust me again, and I don't blame you. But I'll do anything to regain your trust," I whispered, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead before briskly leaving the room.In my office, I signaled Matteo to follow me. As we entered, I perched on my desk, not seeking the comfort of my chair. "We're paying Morello a visit before Anna wakes up," I declared.A smile played on Matteo's lips, and he obviously agreed with me. "What kind of visit are we talking about here? A friendly visit? A warning visit? Or a bloodbath?""A bloodbath. His death is long overdue.""Is this about what Anna revealed today?" he asked, his eyes narrowing in concern."This is about justice for Anna. She always wanted his head, and I must admit, Anna's recent revelation also plays a role." I replied, my voice determined.Matteo beamed at
DANTEAs I sat in the passenger seat, watching the speedometer needle climb higher and higher, I couldn't help but feel like Matteo was driving at a snail's pace. My nerves were frayed and my heart raced as I thought of Anna, lying unconscious and vulnerable. I couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out, that every passing moment could mean the difference between life and death for her.I raked my fingers through my hair in frustration, regretting my impulsive decision to attack Morello earlier that day. I had let my emotions get the better of me, and now the consequences of my actions were bearing down on me like a ton of bricks. Anna's safety was at risk, and I was the one to blame.Desperate for help, I fished out my phone and dialed Luca's number. He was the only person I trusted in moments like these, the only one who could help me make sense of the chaos that was unfolding around me."Hello Mr. Williams, to what do I owe this call?" Luca's voice was calm and collected,
ANNA Why is the bed so cold and hard? I'll have to let Dante know that this bed is due for changing. I can't even sleep properly on it. With a pout on my lips, I felt Dante's side of the bed to check if he is awake but when I touched nothing but a cold hard surface, I realized that I wasn't the only one affected by the coldness and hardness of this mattress. I wonder what time it is.' I opened one of my eyes with the intention of peering at Dante but what I saw got me yelping. As I slowly regained consciousness, I realized that I was not in my room but rather in a cold and dingy cell. The hard and unforgiving surface beneath me turned out to be nothing but a cemented floor. It felt like I was experiencing déjà vu, as the cell resembled the one where Morello had previously held me captive. In an instant, my heart started to race, and I began to panic. I frantically looked around, trying to assess my surroundings and find a way out.I struggled to recall how I had ended up in this godf
ANNAOrlando is convinced that there's more to my feelings towards Dante than just hatred, but I know better - or so I thought. Despite my intense loathing towards him for what he did to my family and to me, I have no desire to seek revenge. It might sound foolish to some, but there's a small part of me that can't help but feel some kind of affection for him.As I adjust my position on the cold, hard floor to alleviate the numbness in my backside, I try to recall how long I've been trapped in this hellhole. At first, I tried to keep track of the days by marking the sunrises and sunsets from the small window in my cell, but it quickly became a futile exercise. It's been so long that I've lost count.Orlando has made it his personal mission to ensure that every moment of my captivity is filled with agony. But when I say agony, I'm not referring to physical pain - it's the psychological and emotional pain that's eating away at me. It's been over two months since my abduction, and Orlando
ANNANodding my head, I decided to ask a question I've been yearning to ask like forever. “How long have I been here?"As I sat there, my mind was reeling. Five months? How had I been here for that long without even realizing it? I tried to maintain my composure and not lash out at him, but the anger and frustration were almost too much to bear."Why did you keep me here for over five months?" I finally asked, unable to contain my curiosity and resentment.He gave me a stern look and said, "manners, young lady."I took a deep breath and tried to collect myself, but the anger was still simmering beneath the surface. How could he expect me to just accept being held captive for that long? My frustration must have been evident, as he continued to speak."I wanted you to realize that nobody gives a fuck if you are missing," he said coolly. "I noticed that tiny hope you had in you that someone was going to rescue you, so I let you see for yourself."The realization hit me like a ton of brick