ANYA The past month had been a whirlwind of emotions and newfound happiness. In Vincenzo, I had discovered not just a protector, but also a companion who truly understood me. The sense of belonging and acceptance I felt within the estate was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Despite the busyness that consumed the estate, Vincenzo always made time for me. His dedication and thoughtfulness left me in awe, and my feelings for him deepened with each passing day. It was as if he had become an integral part of my world, filling the void that had plagued me for so long. One particular endeavour stood out during this time was Vincenzo's unwavering commitment to helping me face my fears. He recognized the hold that fear had on me, and he made it his mission to guide me through it. Patiently, he became my driving force, offering his constant support and encouragement. I remember the first time he took me for a drive in his car, his

VINCENZO"Vincenzo!" Nico's voice filled with alarm jolted me from the shock of being hit. In an instant, he pushed me down, his actions saving me from a potentially fatal shot. The searing pain in my stomach confirmed that I had taken a bullet.Matteo's eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for the hidden assailant responsible for the attack. His determination etched on his face, but despite his efforts, the source of the shot remained elusive. I touched my wounded stomach, feeling the warmth of blood on my hand, but I knew I had to stay strong."Are you okay?" I managed to ask Nico, my voice strained with pain."Boss, you've been hit," Blanca's voice trembled with concern, her worry palpable. They gathered around me, their faces etched with a mix of fear and determination."We need to get you to the hospital," Carlo suggested, his voice laced with urgency."No," I shook my head, mustering my resolve. "Let's go home."

ALESSIAThe weight of Vince's words crashed upon me, and I felt my heart constrict with a mix of anguish and disbelief. Anya, had come to mean so much to us, had reached such a point of despair because of the sins of her father. It tore at my soul to think that she had contemplated ending her own life because of the actions of someone she had no control over.Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought about the pain she must have endured, the burden she carried simply by being the daughter of Chirkov. It was unfair, unjust. Why did she have to suffer for the crimes committed by her father? Anya had brought light and joy into our lives, transforming the once mundane estate into a place filled with life and laughter. She had become my friend, my confidante, and losing her was a prospect too painful to bear.Before Anya's arrival, my days were filled with monotony. The estate was a dull and lonely place, with Vince and the ot

COSIMA  I have been a part of the Cassano family for as long as I can remember. It all started when Camila, Vincenzo's mother, took me in after the tragic loss of my husband.  She was a woman of compassion and kindness, always extending her care and love to those in need. I held deep respect for her, admiring her strength and resilience in the face of adversity. However, her husband, Vincenzo's father, was a different story. He was a man shrouded in darkness, his heart tainted with cruelty and brutality. It pained me to witness the way he treated Camila, inflicting pain and suffering upon her for the slightest of reasons.  I could never find it within me to harbor any liking or sympathy for him. Throughout the years, I had pleaded with Camila to leave her toxic marriage, to break free from the chains that bound her to such a heartless man. I urged her to prioritize her own happiness and well-being, to disregard

ANYAAs I slowly regained consciousness, my head throbbed with an unbearable pain. The dryness in my mouth made it difficult to swallow, and my body ached with a heaviness that felt suffocating. I mustered the strength to open my eyes, only to be greeted by a harsh and overwhelming brightness. I instinctively closed them again, shielding myself from the intense light.Confusion clouded my thoughts as I tried to piece together what had happened. The fragments of memories started to resurface, and the weight of reality settled upon me. The pain, the turmoil—it all came rushing back.Gathering my courage, I forced my eyes open once more, determined to face the harshness of the light. Blinking repeatedly, I allowed my eyes to adjust, gradually taking in my surroundings. And there, in that moment, my gaze fell upon Vincenzo, his eyes closed in what seemed like peaceful slumber.A mix of emotions washed over me as I looked at