“So, is that bratty kid currently in Mn?”


    Luca asked with great enthusiasm as he enjoyed his breakfast. He posed the question to Rodrigo, his assistant. The news about Kaivan and Anne visiting the city of Mn had finally reached the middle-aged man’s ears.


    “Correct, sir. Mateo reportedst night. Even our people in Mn have confirmed this news. Our target is staying at the Four Seasons Mno while in Italy.”


    Luca finished his meal. After sipping down a cup of coffee, the old man adjusted his sitting position to be more rxed. Shortly after, he reached for a Cohiba Behike cigar that Rodrigo handed to him. For some reason, Luca preferred puffing on that Cuban cigar or enjoying a smoke than any other brand.


    “That means we don’t need to go through the trouble of baiting the woman out of her hiding ce.”


    Rodrigo took a slow breath. He could anticipate Luca’s reaction when he heard the news he was about to deliver.


    “But, sir… Kaivan didn’te to Italy alone. He brought Dominique with him and some of his henchmen for protection.”


    Exactly as Rodrigo had suspected, Luca immediately looked up. The man’s face tensed up instantly.


    “Darn it! Seems he’s been anticipating everything. Why did he have to bring along the Witch Hunter!” The middle-aged man’s jaw visibly tightened. He kept up a sharp grin to contain the emotions bubbling within him.


    “What if we ask the Cammora n for help, sir?” Rodrigo cautiously offered a suggestion. He knew well that Luca wasn’t the type of leader to casually ept proposals from others.


    “Yes.” To Rodrigo’s surprise, the old man nodded instead. “You’re right. We might indeed need to seek assistance from the Cammora. Everyone knows that Mn is their territory.”


    “So, sir, you agree with this n?”


    Luca nodded confidently. He had another n in mind as well.


    “I’ll personally contact the Cammora leader. I’ll ask them to be on guard in case the Witch Hunter tries anything with us. You know well that we can’t underestimate Dominique.”


    This time, Rodrigo nodded in agreement.


    “True, Dominique is too dangerous to attack without careful nning. So, what should I do now, sir?”


    Luca first set down the already-finished cigar. Straightening his posture, he prepared to rise from his seat.


    “Send our best people to keep an eye on Giorgino’s daughter. When the opportunity arises, bring the woman here.”


    “And what about Kaivan?”


    Luca grinned wickedly. His eyebrows arched.


    “As you know, the Cammora have an internal grudge against Kaivan Maximilian. So, I’ll manipte the Cammora leader into attacking, or even better, killing Kaivan as soon as possible. If a war breaks out with the Witch Hunterter on, Cammora will be med by the opposing side. This strategy will undoubtedly benefit our group.”


    Rodrigo smiled in agreement. He acknowledged that there was no one in this world more cunning than Luca. The middle-aged man had a knack for sowing discord among opponents. He didn’t hesitate to eliminate family members either, if they held dissenting opinions.


    “Quickly send our people to Mn. Devise a strategy as best as possible to ensure you can bring Giorgino’s daughter alive before me.”


    Once again, Rodrigo nodded with deep respect, obeying everymand given by Luca.


    “I will do that right away, sir.”N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ****


    Mn is the main city in northern Italy. It’s situated in the Lombardy region and is the most advanced area in Italy. Mn is known by everyone as a fashion center, alongside Paris, London, and New York.


    For a long time, Mn has frequently been the host of fashion-based events such as fashion exhibitions, world model fashion shows, fashion awards, and so on. That’s why it’s no surprise that this city in northern Italy holds the title of the most fashionable city in the world.


    Anne herself has set foot in Mn, Italy not for the first time. Before meeting Kaivan, she had attended several famous brand fashion shows and fashion awards events.


    Anne has cherished many beautiful memories in Mn. But for some reason, her current visit to this fashion city feels different from usual. There’s a mixture of fear and worry that she’s currently experiencing. Especially when she realizes that Kaivan will soon be leaving her to go outside the hotel.


    Anne has been focusing her gaze to observe Kaivan’sings and goings, watching him struggle with a tie that he can’t seem to get right. Feeling annoyed, she rises and directly blocks his path. She takes the tie from Kaivan’s hand and helps him put it on.


    “Why are you struggling with the tie like this, to the point of walking back and forth?”


    Kaivan lowers his gaze, observing Anne folding the knot of the tie that’s entwined around his neck.


    “I did it on purpose so you would scold me and then put it on for me.”


    Anne finishes tying the tie and immediately looks up. She huffs and puts on an irritated expression.


    “If you ask for help nicely, I would’ve certainly assisted you.”


    “Oh, really?” the man responds. “In that case, go ahead and put on my jacket too.”


    Anne, of course, lets out an exasperated sound. Why is the man in front of her bing even more mischievous? But before she could voice her protest, Anne’s intention to retort is interrupted when she hears a few knocks on the door. Mike enters, tasked with picking up Kaivan.


    “Mister, the board of directors has assembled and is ready for the inspection. Our agenda begins with the site check for the construction, followed by an internal meeting with the selected contractors.”


    Kaivan promptly grabs his jacket hanging on the couch. He puts it on quickly and approaches his assistant.


    “Let’s go. I have to finish everything on time.”


    Mike turns around to hold the door open, allowing his boss to exit first. But before he truly leaves, Kaivan turns back and speaks to Anne.


    “I need to finish my work first. Please don’t go anywhere. Stay here until I return. If you need anything, just ask the guard stationed outside,” he requests. “Remember! Don’t even think about leaving without me by your side.”


    Anne nods in understanding. This time, she chooses to follow all the instructions Kaivan has given her. Upon reflection, it is indeed safer to stay put and manage everything from within the room.


    After making sure her husband is truly gone, Anne quickly closes the door. She walks swiftly to the bedside table, grabs her phone, and dials someone’s number.


    “Hello… where are you right now? For God’s sake, I’m scared here all alone. What if enemies suddenly kidnap me?” Anne can no longer hide her fear. Among many countries, Italy is currently the one she avoids the most. Memories from a few months ago resurface when she nearly lost her life being chased by a gang of mafia.


    “Don’t be afraid, Anne. Isn’t that guy bringing several trained guards specifically to watch over you?”


    Anne takes a deep breath, not denying the truth in that statement. In reality, Kaivan did bring along a lot of guards to protect her.


    “Still, I’m scared. Remember, this is Italy. I feel like I’m surrendering myself directly to the enemy’sir.”


    “Anne, please, calm down,” the man attempts to soothe her. “Leaving you alone in London isn’t the right choice either. I’m sure Kaivan has considered everything.”


    “But at least there it’s safer. The mafia wouldn’t dare attack when in Neutral territory. No one guarantees my safety when I’m outside like now.”


    “Rx. I’m quite certain Kaivan’s people can protect you from any mafia threats. Everyone knows how capable Witch Hunter is when safeguarding their clients. So, stop being afraid. You’ll be alright. Kaivan will surely keep you safe.”


    “And by the way,” Anne’s tone suddenly bes serious, “I have a feeling Kaivan is starting to suspect who I really am,” she spectes. “Or perhaps he’s known all along and has been ying along with our game.”


    “I don’t know…” The man on the other end lets out a soft sigh. “But even if he does know the truth, I’m sure Kaivan won’t kick you out. It’s quite obvious he’s a good person.”


    “Good, you say?” Anne frowns, not epting it. “Kaivan is the most annoying man I’ve ever met.”


    “What else can we do? He’s the only one who can help us right now.”


    “Shouldn’t I just be honest about everything that’s been happening to us? Even if Kaivan is indeed as good as you say, he’d surely still help us.”


    “It’s not time yet to reveal all of this. Let everything unfold over time. What’s certain is, for now, just follow the orders I’ve given.”


    Unconsciously, Anne nods.


    “Fine. I won’t argue. I’ll continue to follow all the orders you give.”


    “That’s better.”


    “But when will you meet me again?”


    There’s a brief pause before the man on the other end speaks again.


    “As soon as possible. But for our next meeting, I’lle to pick you up to go. So, be prepared.”


    “I’ll always be waiting for that time. I hope after this, we won’t be separated like now.”


    “I hope so too. In that case, end this call soon. For safety’s sake, I suggest not contacting me while in Italy.”


    “Alright, take care of yourself.”


    ****


    “Since there’s no further need for revisions, thend expansion and the addition of several new building units can begin next week. We’ll send regr reports on the progress of the construction so Mister can monitor it without the need toe to Mn.”


    Kaivan nods in agreement. His mind remains focused on the Contractor he hired toplete thend expansion project for his hotel in Mn.


    “Don’t hesitate to inform me if there are any issues disrupting the construction process. You can contact me anytime, even outside of work hours. What’s important is that I want this project to be realized andpleted ording to the timeline I’ve set.”


    The man on the other side of Kaivan’s call nods in response.


    “We’ll expedite the project this time. I’m confident it will be finished before the New Year celebration.”


    “In that case, continue the work. I entrust everything to you,” Kaivan says. He extends his hand for a handshake. “Since it’ste now, I believe today’s meeting is sufficient. We’ll discuss the details moreter.”


    After the handshake, Kaivan promptly exits the meeting room. ncing at the wristwatch disying 9:00 PM, he quickens his pace to reach his room.


    Currently, all that’s on Kaivan’s mind is Anne. He distinctly remembers how the woman, who’s supposed to be his wife, fears heavy rain apanied by thunder just like tonight. Somehow, he’s certain that Anne is currently frightened.


    Hurriedly opening the door to his room, Kaivan walks straight to the bed. But the woman he was concerned about isn’t there. Slightly curious, Kaivan decides to check the bathroom this time, hoping she’s there. However, after checking, the result remains the same. Anne is not there.


    Filled with deep curiosity, Kaivan’s instinct leads him to search for Anne in the walk-in closet. And his guess is right. He spots the woman sitting hidden in a corner near the wardrobe. She’s curled up, tightly covering her ears with her hands.


    “Oh my goodness, Anne.” Kaivan exims as he approaches her. He urges her to rise from her seat. “Why are you hiding here?”


    Realizing Kaivan’s presence, without saying much, Anne rushes into his embrace. Burying her head against his broad chest, she starts sobbing uncontrobly.


    “I-I’m scared. Why did you onlye back now?” she protests with sobs. “I-I’m scared… I—”


    “Sshh…” Kaivan interrupts Anne’s words. He feels sorry for her fear. “I sincerely apologize for leaving you alone here. I should havee back sooner,” he says remorsefully. “Now you don’t need to be afraid anymore. I’m here. With you, apanying you.” Kaivan tightens his embrace without hesitation. Continuously reassuring Anne that she’ll be alright when she’s with him.


    “Come on. It’s better if you move to the bed.”


    Anne immediately shakes her head repeatedly.


    “I’m scared.”


    “It’s okay.” Once again, Kaivan reassures her. He reaches for Anne’s face, asking her to look into his eyes intensely. “I promise you’ll be okay. I promise.”


    Gently, Kaivan guides Anne to walk towards the bed. He helps his wife lie down and pulls the nket up to cover her entire body.


    “Have you eaten?”


    Anne nods weakly.


    “I’ve eaten since seven o’clock.”


    “In that case, rest now. I need to shower and change my clothes.”


    Just as he takes a step, the sound of thunder roars once more. Instantly, Anne, who was initially calm, jumps in fright and stands up. She clings to Kaivan’s body, hugging him tightly from behind. She cries deeply, feeling so scared. Memories of the past incidents flood her mind – how she and her mother had to endure a tragic ident during heavy rain and thunderstorms like the present.


    Anne has tried many ways to ovee the trauma that has haunted her for years. Yet, that fear hasn’t lessened one bit. Whenever it rains, the fear instantly grips her.


    “Please, don’t leave me,” Anne pleads. She doesn’t let Kaivan move away from her side even a bit. He even has to struggle to turn his body just to see his wife’s face.


    “I’m right here, Anna Maria. There’s no need to be this scared.” Kaivan tries to calm Anne, who’s still crying out of fear. “What can I do to make you stop crying?” Honestly, he feels somewhat puzzled now. Among all of a woman’s traits, crying is the only thing that can easily melt Kaivan’s heart.


    “Stay with me until I fall asleep. And don’t ever leave before I’m asleep.”


    Kaivan nods in agreement. He realizes there’s no other way than to fulfill Anne’s request. On one hand, he also can’t bear to see his wife continuously scared due to the trauma she’s currently dealing with.


    For the second time, Kaivan guides Anne to lie back on the bed. The next moment, he joins her. He embraces her, bringing her into his arms.


    “Now sleep. I’ll watch over you tonight.”


    Kaivan tightens the embrace, bringing his right hand to gently stroke Anne’s loose hair. He continuously tries to create aforting atmosphere until the beautiful woman falls asleep peacefully.