ã€ŠBargain Bride: The Billionaireéˆ¥æªš Forced Wifeã€‹


 Blackmail

    IN A SMALL AND OLD TREEHOUSE, Chiara slowly cut her medium-rare steak while smiling at the handsome man sipping his wine in front of her. As she put the small part of her food to her mouth to savor it, the man¡¯s eyesnded on her before giving her a yful wink.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on in that pretty head of yours, babe? You¡¯ve been staring at me for a while now,¡± the man asked his girlfriend while smirking.

    Chiara put her palm on her jaw as she smiled at him. ¡°I just can¡¯t believe that it¡¯s been four years since I said yes to you,¡± she let out a breathe of happiness and relief.

    ¡°That was the happiest day of my life, babe,¡± the man said as he reached for Chiara¡¯s hand and softly caresses it with his thumb.

    ¡°There will be more years ahead of us. I promised that I will marry you, right?¡± he added.

    Chiara nodded with determination. ¡°Yeah, I won¡¯t forget that. I¡¯ve always wanted to marry you.¡±

    The man suddenly stood up, walked around the table, and knelt beside Chiara. This made the woman turn her body to her side.

    ¡°Babe, what are you doing?¡± she asked. ¡°Stand up. The floor will ruin your clothes.¡±

    But the man didn¡¯t waiver. He just smiled at her before touching her right hand.

    ¡°Simone?¡± Chiara cold her boyfriend when he put her hand on his chest.

    Simone looked up at her before smiling. ¡°I know that I have my ownpses. I¡¯m not yet sessful and rich enough to support you. There are a lot of richer and prettier menpare to me, but you chose me. Thank you, babe.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes started to swell. ¡°Silly! Of course, I will choose you. I love you!¡±

    ¡°And I love you too, babe. I love you so much,¡± he kissed her hand softly. ¡°You¡¯re the best woman in my eyes. You¡¯re intelligence makes you so sexy. The way you carried yourself cannot bepare to others. Your smile brightens up my lonely days. Youugh sounds melodic in my ears. Everything about you is so perfect. You¡¯re perfect.¡±

    It is not the first time Chiara heard thosepliments from Simone, but she can¡¯t help but shed a tear everytime this happens. Her heart¡¯s starting to warm her whole body, as if those words from her boyfriend is enough to make her function.

    ¡°I¡¯m not perfect, babe, but I¡¯m trying. I want to be the best version of myself¡­ for you,¡± she responded while drying the tears flowing down her face.

    Simone stood up and used his thumb to help her. His huge hands covered both sides of Chiara¡¯s face.

    ¡°I promise to be with you for the rest of our lives. I promise to fight against whatever hinders our way. I vow to cherish, protect, and love you every day. Imit to give you the happiness you deserve and to be a responsible partner. I will be there in your ups, andfort you in your downs,¡± his face moved closer to hers before whispering his heart out. ¡°I love you.¡±

    ¡°I love you too. I love you more,¡± Chiara responded.

    Their lips met as they hugged each other¡¯s bodies. For them, this intimate act is enough to express how they love each other.

    They¡¯ve been friends since childhood. It was Chiara who fell first, and she fell hard.

    Staring at her boyfriend, Chiara cannot imagine how she will live if her man is not on her side. Whenever she¡¯s afraid, Simone is right there tofort and protect her. He¡¯s her knight-in-shining-armor. Her savior.

    ¡°I want us to marry as soon as possible, but I don¡¯t want to pull you into the next level if I still don¡¯t have the means to give you afortable life,¡± Simone spoke, breaking the silence.

    Chiara looked up at him. ¡°My family¡¯s well off. I can support for the both of us. We can survive for a couple of years with my money. I¡¯m sure that after that time, you¡¯re already sessful.¡±

    Simone shook his head, earning a pout from his girlfriend. ¡°I want to prove myself, not just to you, but also to you parents.¡±

    ¡°I want to be the man they could be proud of. A man who will not depend on their daughter¡¯s fortune,¡± he answered. ¡°Just a few more years and it¡¯lle true. Besides, we¡¯re still young.¡±

    Chiara smiled. Her man is always a responsible and independent one.

    Even though she really wanted them to get married now, she respected her partner¡¯s decision. She understood that it is difficult to build sess from scratch.

    Simone¡¯s starting his business, and is striving really hard to put in on top. Of course, she¡¯s supportive and willing to extend help by promoting his business to her parents¡¯ business partners.

    ¡°Promise me one thing,¡± Chiara spoke.

    ¡°Sure, what is it, babe?¡±

    She took a deep breath before speaking. ¡°Marry me before I turned 27.¡±

    Simone¡¯s eyebrows furrowed for a short span of time before smiling. ¡°Why 27? That¡¯s a very specific number babe.¡±

    She buried her face on his chest. ¡°My mom was 27 when she married dad. I want the same for me.¡±

    Simone chuckled and hugged her tighter. ¡°I promise that I will marry you before you turn 27. I will be sessful at that time. I have three years more.¡±

    The rest of their night was spent with them talking about their past and future. The two love birds are already starting to build their life in their minds ¨C a life where the two of them will live happily ever after.

    But the destiny has a different n.

    ¡°Mom? Dad? What¡¯s happening?¡± Chiara asked with confusion when she entered their house.

    ¡°Why are you kneeling?¡± she added. ¡°Mom! Dad!¡±

    Chiara looked around their living room. Unfamiliar faces greeted her. Men wearing ck suits, maybe over ten, are scattered around the area.

    She turned her eyes back to her parents who are still kneeling. Their eyes are filled with fear. Her mom¡¯s fingers are trembling while his dad is gritting his teeth.

    When Chiara turned her head to the direction where her parents are looking at, she saw an unknown mam sitting on their only one-man sofa: the ce where only his father could sit.

    In their home, sitting in that sofa signifies that the one sitting holds the most power. It is unquestionable for her father to sit on that sofa since he is the head of the house.

    But looking at the unknown man iming her father¡¯s spot made Chiara¡¯s blood boil.

    ¡°Who are you?! You¡¯re not suppose to be sitting there!¡± she pointed at the man while ring at him. ¡°Only my father can have that spot! Go away!¡±

    Instead of leaving, the man leaned his body forward and steepled his fingers. His eyesnded on Chiara.

    The first thing that caught Chiara¡¯s attention is his eyes. They were mismatched. Blue on the left and green on the right.

    ¡°Ezio Moris Vitali.¡±

    The man¡¯s voice brought shivers to Chiara¡¯s body. His voice is as cold as his eyes. His face has no emotion while looking at her, but his eyes has something beneath them that Chiara couldn¡¯t interpret.

    ¡°I don¡¯t give a damn on your name,¡± she spat out the words as an insult.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure I didn¡¯t misheard it when you asked me who I am,¡± Ezio answered before leaning back and resting his arms on the side.

    Chiara didn¡¯t listen to what he said. ¡°What are you doing here? Why are my parents kneeling?! I will call the police!¡±

    Ezio chuckled as if her words sounded like jokes on him.

    ¡°Go on,¡± he challenged her. ¡°You¡¯re actually doing me a favor.¡±

    Chiara became more confused because of his words. ¡°What?¡±

    He grinned. ¡°You can call the police, but not for me,¡± his eyes went back to her parents. ¡°But for your lovely parents.¡±

    Her eyes widened. ¡°Huh?¡± she looked at her parents, looking for answers. She kneeled beside them. ¡°Mom, dad, what¡¯s happening?¡±

    But her parents remain silent. Chiara couldn¡¯t understand what¡¯s happening and her parents won¡¯t answer. She¡¯s starting to get impatient.

    ¡°Looks like your parents want to keep you in the dark,¡± Ezio spoke.

    ¡°Mom! Dad! Tell me what¡¯s happening! I wouldn¡¯t be able to help you if you won¡¯t talk!¡± Chiara exploded in front of her parents.

    Suddenly, her father screamed at her. ¡°Because you can¡¯t do anything about this!¡±

    Her body shook. It was the first time her father shouted at her. No one shouted at her like that before.

    Chiara¡¯s eyes started to swell when she felt her mother¡¯s hand caressing her back.

    ¡°Dear, your father didn¡¯t meant to shout at you. He¡¯s just stressed,¡± her mom whispered.

    Her dad hang her head low. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, mia figlia, but you can¡¯t really do anything in this situation.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps, she can.¡±

    Ezio stood up and looked down on the three, his shadow towering all of them.

    Chiara knew that she was supposed to be scared at him. His eyes were like daggers that cut a wound open on their bodies.

    But she felt otherwise. She noticed that his eyes were warm whenever theynd on her.

    ¡°Chiara,¡± the man spoke her name in a cold yet soft way. ¡°You see, your parents has a lot of debt on me.¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s impossible! We¡¯re rich! We don¡¯t need to borrow money to anyone, even from you!¡±

    Ezio smirked at her braveness before looking at her father.. ¡°But that¡¯s not what it seems to me. Five years ago, your father asked me to lend him five million euros,¡± he started telling a story. ¡°If I remember it correctly, it¡¯s for his daughter¡¯s tuition.¡±

    He turned again to Chiara who was starting to connect the dots. ¡°You studied in Stanford, right? The money you paid for your tuition came from me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re lying! The money came from my parents business! Don¡¯t make me a fool!¡± she shouted.

    ¡°But you¡¯re already a fool from the start. Right when you believe that your parents¡¯ business is still functioning,¡± he answered, making Chiara look at her parents.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true, right? Mom? Dad? He¡¯s lying, right?¡± Chiara asked her parents, hoping to get a positive answer.

    ¡°Tell her,¡± Ezio spoke.

    But after some seconds, her parents didn¡¯t answer. That and the look in their eyes is already enough for her to understand that it was true.

    Looking back at her college life, Chiara nevercked of anything. She didn¡¯t have to worry about money because she thought that their family¡¯s still well-off.

    She could ask her parents to buy something for her and they wouldn¡¯t even hesitate for a second. They gave her all of the luxuries that she wanted.

    Chiara started to me herself on her mind.

    ¡°How much is it? Just five million euros, right?¡± she asked Ezio.

    He shook his head. ¡°Thirty.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s jaw dropped. The worth of their family didn¡¯t even reached twenty-five million, and now, they a debt more than that.

    Ezio looked at his watch before sighing. ¡°I still have some important business to attend. Since you can¡¯t pay for it, I have to sue the both of you,¡± he grinned before walking away. ¡°Prison¡¯s waiting for you.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s body turned cold when she heard that. The thought of her parents living in prison is too much for her mind.

    They¡¯re already old. She¡¯s sure that they won¡¯t be able to survive that kind of ce.

    Hurriedly, Chiara slide her knees and cling onto Ezio¡¯s legs. She hold in tight, not letting him go.

    ¡°Please! Spare my parents! Have mercy!¡± she pleaded. ¡°I will do everything! Just don¡¯t sue them!¡±

    Ezio was stunned on what she did. Seeing her kneeling and crying underneath him gives a stab on his heart. He can¡¯t watch such scene.

    ¡°Please! I beg you! Don¡¯t put them in prison! Take me instead!¡±

    Chiara¡¯s parents run to their child. ¡°No! Don¡¯t do that, mia figlia!¡±

    Her father looked up at Ezio. ¡°You can take me now! I¡¯ll take any punishment! Just leave my daughter alone!¡±

    The parents beg for Ezio to just punish them, but Chiara is pleading so hard for him not to punish her parents. It was an ufortable sight for him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t beg,¡± Ezio told Chiara, but she didn¡¯t waiver. She kept on begging and begging for him not to punish her parents.

    Her face is now wet because of tears, and her eyes are puffy. Her voice is also starting to get hoarse, but she didn¡¯t care. Not even a bit.

    ¡°Stand up,¡± Ezio spoke. ¡°Stand up, Chiara. Stand up and stop begging.¡±

    Chiara hurriedly stood up. She was about to speak when Ezio cut that off.

    ¡°Since you can¡¯t pay for the debt, I thought of another way on how you can pay me back,¡± he said.

    Chiara¡¯s eyes glistened with hope. ¡°What is it? I will do anything!¡±

    ¡°Marry me.¡±

    The whole room felt silent. Chiara¡¯s parents became stiff. They know what kind of man Ezio is. In the business world, he is ruthless. He will destroy anyone to pieces when they caused a little disturbance to him. Outside business, Ezio is a maniptive man who¡¯s known in ckmailing people to get what he wants.

    Just like what he¡¯s doing now.

    ¡°What?¡± Chiara stuttered. ¡°I can¡¯t marry you, I have a boyfriend. And I don¡¯t want to marry someone I don¡¯t love.¡±

    Chiara put a dagger on Ezio¡¯s heart without knowing, but his face didn¡¯t even changed a bit.

    ¡°Then leave him, as simple as that,¡± he answered, hiding the jealousy he¡¯s feeling.

    ¡°What you¡¯re asking is not simple. I won¡¯t do that! I love my boyfriend and I won¡¯t marry anyone except him!¡±

    Ezio didn¡¯t surrender. He will have her, one way or another.

    ¡°Your parents¡¯ debt is not simple, either. That¡¯s the only way I want,¡± he answered.

    Chiara shook her head before saying a firm ¡°no¡±.

    ¡°Choose. Either you marry me, or I¡¯ll send your parents to prison,¡± he said while his mismatched green and blue eyes darted through her soul.

    Chiara realized that she doesn¡¯t have any choice. She loved Simone, but she loves her parents more. Besides, it¡¯s her fault that her parents went on debt. If she just didn¡¯t became luxurious in her life, they wouldn¡¯t enter this kind of situation.

    In her mind, she¡¯s already apologizing to her boyfriend. She promised him, yet she broke it.

    With a shaky breathe, Chiara answered. ¡°I¡¯ll do what you want,¡± her eyes met his and both were engaged in a staring battle. ¡°Just leave my parents alone.¡±

    Hearing the response he wanted, Ezio sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll contact you tomorrow. I¡¯ll make sure to have the perfect wedding for you, cara.¡±

 Break Up

    AS EXPECTED, Ezio indeed contacted Chiara the next day. The whole Bianchi family is in chaos while waiting for the man to arrive in their house.

    It¡¯s too ironic. Just yesterday, they were in their knees and begging for him to spare them. But now, they¡¯re getting ready to wee him for lunch.

    ¡°Mi figlia, you don¡¯t have to do this. Just let us receive the punishment. We deserve it anyway,¡± Celine, Chiara¡¯s mother spoke while wiping their dining table.

    Fabio, the father, released a heavy sigh. ¡°You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re doing, mi figlia. I¡¯ll talk to Signor Ezioter about this.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Chiara firmly said while shaking her head. ¡°Mom, Dad. I can¡¯t let you go in prison. Besides, we only got in dent because of me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that!¡± Celine startled at what her daughter said. ¡°We chose to borrow from him not because you asked for things, but because we want to provide for you!¡±

    ¡°But if I haven¡¯t asked for anything, then you wouldn¡¯t have to give anything!¡± Chiara eximed as she put down the tes and utensils, creating a clinging sound.

    ¡°I already made up my mind. This is much better than putting you two in jail. Atleast, I can still see you and we can still go on with our lives,¡± she spoke softly and reached for her parents¡¯ hands. ¡°If he sued you, it will tarnish the reputation that you worked hard for. I don¡¯t want that. I want us to stay the same.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re sacrificing a joyful future ahead,¡± Fabio spoke. ¡°You won¡¯t be happy with your marriage.¡±

    ¡°But I won¡¯t be happy when you¡¯re in prison either. I prefer it this way,¡± their daughter responded.

    ¡°How about Simone?¡± Celine asked. ¡°Did you already told him about this? I¡¯m sure that he would disagree.

    Chiara shook her head and took a peak on her phone resting above the living room table. ¡°I have no n of telling him about our situation. I will break up with him as soon as possible. I¡¯m just gathering some courage.¡±

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but cried after saying those words. In her whole life, she never imagined that she will end their rtionship.

    She¡¯s head over heels for Simone. She even told herself before that she wouldn¡¯t marry anyone if the man is not him. But here she is, currently thinking of ways on how to tell her boyfriend ¨C soon to be ex-boyfriend ¨C about their break up.

    Chiara¡¯s deep thoughts were interrupted when their doorbell rang. Her mother hurriedly went outside to open the gate. On the other hand, Chiaraposed herself.

    Cold wind entered their home when Ezio took a step inside. His eyes firstnded on Chiara who forcibly smile a little at him.

    The lunch was uneventful. Everyone was quiet and waiting for Ezio to say something.

    ¡°This is quite a delectable meal,¡± Eziomented while gently tapping the napkin on the side of his lips. ¡°Who¡¯s your cook?¡±

    Fabio hesitantly motioned his hand towards his daughter. ¡°My daughter cooked the meals, signor.¡±

    Stunned, Ezio looked at Chiara. ¡°You cooked all of this?¡±

    Chiara nodded before looking down. ¡°I used to attend cooking lessons before. My best friend also taught me.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s eyes glistened. The thought of her cooking such delicious meal for him is enough toplete his day.

    Trying to hide his joy, Ezio cleared his throat and opened the topic that the family has been itching to talk about.

    ¡°Regarding the wedding, I created a marriage contract for our convenience,¡± he spoke and motioned one of his man to give the folder to Chiara.

    Fabio asked with confusion. ¡°What for, signor? I think there¡¯s no need for that.¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Ezio slowly tapped his fingers on the table. ¡°You know me, Mr. Bianchi. I love making written agreements, and this marriage is one of those agreements that needs it.¡±

    Fabio couldn¡¯t do anything but to hang his head low. There¡¯s no reason to have a debate against this man, for he knew that he will lose in the end.

    On the other hand, Chiara and Celine were busy reading the contract.

    ¡°This is such a short contract,¡± Chiaramented while holding the one-pager agreement, not minding her ringing phone.

    ¡°About the fourth section,¡± she said. ¡°Does it that you¡¯re the only one who can end the marriage?¡±

    Her parents read the part that Chiara was pertaining to. And indeed, the section said that ¡°this marriage contract will only be terminated, if and only if, Ezio Moris Vitali signed and sealed an annulment or divorce letter with the bride.¡±

    Ezio nodded his head. ¡°Since I¡¯m the one who created this marriage idea, I supposed that I¡¯m the only one who can end it. Besides, I¡¯m the one who will be in control on what will happen in this marriage.¡±

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but to grit his teeth. Her n to divorce him after having enough money to pay him won¡¯t work.

    It looks like Ezio doesn¡¯t have a n to let her go.

    ¡°I will cover everything about the wedding. Nevermind the expenses,¡± Ezio looked at Chiara. ¡°Just tell me what your dream wedding is.¡±

    Chiara was supposed to be jumping up and down with joy, but she can¡¯t make herself happy knowing that she will enter a loveless marriage.

    ¡°I will send the details,¡± she answered. ¡°I¡¯m not in a hurry. You can prepare for it for as long as you like.¡±

    ¡°I want the wedding to be held as soon as possible,¡± he firmly said. ¡°Within this month, preferably.¡±

    Their eyes widened. ¡°Isn¡¯t it too fast, signor? You can-¡±

    ¡°Nothing is too fast for me,¡± he stood up and fixed his necktie. ¡°I will choose the date and you have to conform with it.¡±

    ¡°Wait-¡± Chiara¡¯s words were cut short when her phone started ringing again.

    She cannot count how many times her phone rang today. The caller is always the same ¨C Simone.

    Although she really wanted to answer his calls, she has to stop herself. There is a problem on her te that needs to be solved immediately.

    Ezio¡¯s eyesnded on the ringing phone. ¡°That person keeps on calling. I¡¯m starting to get annoyed,¡± he looked at Chiara once again. ¡°Answer it.¡±

    Chiara doesn¡¯t need to be told twice. She picked up her phone and answered it. ¡°Hi,¡± she stuttered.

    Simone, on the other line, was shocked on how he was greeted by his girlfriend but didn¡¯t give much attention about it. ¡°Babe, I¡¯ve been calling you since morning. Are you okay? Did something happen?¡±

    She gathered all of her breathe before answering. ¡°I¡­ I want to talk about something. Can we meetter? Maybe at 3 PM?¡±

    ¡°Of course, babe. Do you have a ce in mind?¡±

    Chiara nodded even if Simone cannot see her. ¡°Yes,¡± her voice cracked. ¡°In our treehouse.¡±

    ¡°Sure, babe. I¡¯ll wait for you there. Gotta hung up now. I love you!¡± Simone said with energy, trying to lift up the mood.

    Chiara closed her eyes and whispered, ¡°I love you too.¡±

    Although her voice is too low for someone to hear, that phrase didn¡¯t escaped Ezio¡¯s ears. His jaw clenched while staring darkly at Chiara¡¯s phone, stopping to urge to destroy it.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Ezio to leave the Bianchi¡¯s house. After that, Chiara hurriedly went to her room to take a rest, and cry her heart¡¯s out.

    She cannot cry infront of Simer. She must not cry.

    ***

    Simone was all smiles when he saw his girlfriend entered their tree house. On the contrary, Chiara looked like someone she loves died.

    She¡¯s a wearing an all ck outfit, very different from the Chiara who likes to wear lively colors. Her puffy eyes are hidden underneath the make up. Her face is void of any emotion.

    ¡°Babe,¡± Simone greeted and hugged her, but she didn¡¯t hugged her back.

    Concerned, Simone looked at Chiara¡¯s face. ¡°Are you okay, babe? Tell me. Is there something bothering you?¡±

    Chiara gathered every courage that she had and looked straight into Simone¡¯s eye. ¡°Let¡¯s break up.¡±

    Silence covered the whole ce. After a while, Simone chuckled.

    ¡°Babe, that¡¯s not a good joke,¡± he said while trying to make his girlfriend smile. ¡°Come on. What is it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m serious. Let¡¯s break up,¡± Chiara repeated, each word giving a sharp pain on her chest.

    Of course, Simone wouldn¡¯t believe what she said. They¡¯ve been together for four years. He knew Chiara since childhood. Their love for each other is buried deep in their soul.

    Aside from that, they had just celebrated their anniversary yesterday. They were so in love yesterday. She was so in love with him yesterday. They even shared an intimate kiss before they went home.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true, right? You¡¯re joking, babe. You can¡¯t break up with me,¡± Simone said and tried to touch Chiara¡¯s hand, but she pulled away, making Simone¡¯s heart sank.

    For Simone, that action signifies that there is really something wrong on his girlfriend. He¡¯s starting to overthink the situation.

    Has she fall out of love?

    Did she found someone else?

    Did she realize that he is not good enough for her?

    Chiara, without Simone knowing, is shattering her own heart into bits. Her insides are breaking. She¡¯s hurting, but it is invisible to the eye.

    However, she already made up her mind. She won¡¯t drag Simone into the problem she has. It needs to be resolved by her or her family.

    Simone is too good to be drag in a mess that he has no responsibility. Simone¡¯s peaceful life must not be tarnished.

    She preferred it this way.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to be married soon,¡± Chiara started talking, trying not to stutter or crack.

    Simone¡¯s face fell. ¡°No. No. No,¡± he shook his head. ¡°That can¡¯t be true. No.¡±

    ¡°It is true,¡± she answered. ¡°It will be held before the end of the month. You cane if you want.¡±

    Simone¡¯s fingers ran through his hair. He hisses, trying yo understand the seemingly impossible situation.

    ¡°Who is he?¡± he asked. He touched Chiara¡¯s arms and shook her a little bit. ¡°How can you throw away our four-year rtionship for nothing?!¡±

    Tears started to fall in his face. ¡°We¡¯re just nning our future yesterday, and now, you already have a new man?! How is that possible?!¡±

    Chiara¡¯s face remained void of any emotion. ¡°We¡¯ve been seeing each other for months. You¡¯re just too dumb to notice.¡±

    Simone¡¯s world fell apart. Heating the love of his life admit that she cheated on him is too much for his heart to carry. Slowly, his knees lost their strength and he fell down on the floor, kneeling.

    Seeing his boyfriend kneeling on the floor and crying, Chiara felt like she couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Staying for more seconds will be torture.

    She took a deep breath. ¡°He¡¯s richer. He¡¯s much sessful. He owns a hugepany with several branches worldwide. He has lots of connection. He can give me the luxurious life that I want.¡±

    Chiara gave a fake smile even though Simone can¡¯t see her face. ¡°I just loved you because I thought you¡¯ll be rich by now, but turns out I¡¯m wrong. And I can¡¯t wait any longer.¡±

    She didn¡¯t wait for his reply. She walked out of their tree house ¨C the ce where their childhood and memories of love started.

    When she was already meters far from the ce, she ran. She ran without looking ahead. She can¡¯t even see the road she¡¯s taking. All that she wants is to leave that ce as soon as possible. She wants to leave the ce that reminds her of Simone.

    A sound of a screeching car can be heard infront of Chiara. It made her stop running.

    She can¡¯t seen who¡¯s car is it for her eyes are full of blurry tears, but the voice of the man is enough to know who it is.

    ¡°Get inside,¡± Ezio told her.

    Chiara didn¡¯t listen. She shook her head and ran away from him.

    But even though she ran faster than she could, it still has no chance against Ezio. He easily caught her, carried her in a bridal style and put her in the passenger seat of his car.

    ¡°Hush, cara. Stop crying. He doesn¡¯t deserve your tears,¡± Ezio spoke while putting her seatbelt.

    As if she didn¡¯t hit him, Chiara¡¯s crying became louder. ¡°I hate you.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s eyes and heart twitched at those words. ¡°I know, but you will marry me. Wether you like it or not.¡±

 Mother

    ¡°I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU, HUSBAND AND WIFE.¡±

    The whole cathedral was filled with ps from different people. Some are even whistling, while others are in poker face.

    On the first row, Chiara¡¯s parents are seen with fake smile while doing ps that don¡¯t even make a sound.

    With the priest signal, Ezio lift up the veil that¡¯s covering the face of his beloved.

    ¡°Finally,¡± Ezio thought to himself. He felt sessful, even though his ways to get Chiara is hical. But as a man who believes that the end justifies the means, he doesn¡¯t care.

    What¡¯s important is that they¡¯re already married.

    When the veil was removed, Ezio cupped Chiara¡¯s face and leaned forward to give a kids on her lips ¨C a kiss that he has been waiting for a long time.

    However, just a millisecond before his lipsnded on hers, Chiara moved her head to the side, making him kissed her cheeks instead. And it didn¡¯t escaped the priest¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°You may own me on papers, but I¡¯m not yours,¡± Chiara firmly said in a way that only the two of them can hear.

    Ezio tried to hide his disappointment. In his mind, he will be able to do romantic things he wanted to her once they get married, but what¡¯s happening is the otherwise.

    But Ezio is not the type of man who will surrender. He has a lifetime to love her and make her reciprocate that love.

    He won¡¯t stop until he got her heart.

    ***

    The newlyweds greeted everyone inside their reception. And every visitor that will nce on their direction cannot help but to notice the distance between the husband and wife.

    ¡°Just look at them. I pity that woman,¡± one of the visitors released a heavy sigh. ¡°That man must have forced her to marry him.¡±

    A woman opened her fan and gently swish it to herself. ¡°I heard that the bride¡¯s parents have debt on Signor Ezio.¡±

    ¡°Really? Poor thing. She must have sacrificed her future for her parents.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± a man holding a red wine entered the women¡¯s conversation. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what kind of hell their marriage will be.¡±

    ¡°She better hold on tight and ready herself. Living with a ruthless and maniptive man like Signor Ezio is one kind of torture, after all.¡±

    The murmurs of the guests didn¡¯t escaped Chiara¡¯s ears. Because of those words, she is now starting to regret her decision.

    She doesn¡¯t even know what kind of mam he is. She have only known him for a few weeks, and her impression on him isn¡¯t good at all.

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but to look stealthily at her groom, wondering if he could hear what the guests are whispering. They are just a few centimeters away from each other, yet it looks like Ezio couldn¡¯t hear what she can hear.

    As if Ezio can read her mind, he spoke. ¡°Their words are useless. Don¡¯t listen to them.¡±

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but to click her tongue. ¡°The more I listen to them, the more I regret agreeing into this marriage. I should have married my boyfriend.¡±

    ¡°Ex-boyfriend, cara. He¡¯s now an ex,¡± he said firmly.This is from N?velDrama.Org.

    From her peripheral vision, she saw him moved closer. She can feel the heat that his body is radiating.

    ¡°Any more word about that man and you wouldn¡¯t like what I will do to him,¡± Ezio threatened her.

    Chiara¡¯s breathing became harsh. Her grip on the skirt of her dress tightened. ¡°He has nothing to do with this. Leave him alone.¡±

    ¡°He has something to do on why you¡¯re acting like this. Forget about him.¡±

    She shook her head slightly. ¡°You can¡¯t control me,¡± she looked up to meet his mismatched eyes. ¡°I won¡¯t let you control me.¡±

    If Chiara only knew, Ezio has no n to control her in the first ce. But looking at their situation where Chiara still thinks of another man, he couldn¡¯t help but to do it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see about that,¡± he responded. ¡°Remember that you are the payment for your parents¡¯ debts. One mistake and your family will fall.¡±

    Chiara gave a stic smile. ¡°So you¡¯re really good at this, huh?¡± she let out an insulting chuckle.

    ¡°People are right when they told me that you love using people¡¯s weakness to make them do your bidding.¡±

    Ezio didn¡¯t even blink before he answered. ¡°I do love it when people do what I want, not when I manipte them.¡±

    ¡°Sounds the same to me,¡± she break off their eye contact and looked around the reception area. ¡°When are you going to let me go?¡±

    ¡°We just got married, yet you¡¯re already thinking of separation?¡± he asked while the waiter poured wine on his ss.

    ¡°I just can¡¯t wait to be free from you.¡±

    Ezio drank from his ss before speaking. ¡°I have no ns of letting you go.¡±

    He looked at Chiara who is now hiding her radiating anger. ¡°I will never file for a divorce, whatever tricks you may do. You will stay as my wife for as long as I¡¯m alive.¡±

    ¡°Then I should kill you, then. I should¡¯ve read something on getting away from murder to be ready,¡± Chiara responded.

    ¡°Be my guest,¡± he opened his arms wide and grinned at her. ¡°I¡¯d like to see you try.¡±

    Chiara was about to speak to the whispers of the crowd became louder. Every person in the area started to look at one direction ¨C the entrance.

    She couldn¡¯t help but to take a peek on something that seem controversial for the visitors ¨C something that is more controversial than their wedding.

    When the ocean of people gave way, Chiara saw an woman ¨C maybe in her 50¡¯s ¨C walking full of elegance in the red carpet. She¡¯s wearing a red infinity dress, which is way out of the theme. The woman walked like she owned the whole ce.

    Chiara was so stunned that she didn¡¯t even noticed that the woman stopped in front of her.

    ¡°You must be the unlucky bride,¡± the woman said while looking st her from head to toe.

    Before the bride could answer, Ezio¡¯s voice was heard. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    The hatred in Ezio¡¯s voice didn¡¯t escaped his wife¡¯s ears. Chiara looked at his direction and there she can see how his jaw and fists clenched.

    ¡°Could I not attend the wedding of my own son?¡± the woman answered.

    Chiara gasped for a little bit, but started to get confused afterwards. If she understood it correctly, this woman must be Ezio¡¯s mom. But why does it look like they have grudges on each other?

    ¡°The door is open. You may leave now,¡± Ezio spoke and grabbed Chiara¡¯s wrist to pull her away from his mother.

    ¡°Your wedding looks in and boring,¡± the woman started insulting the event while walking around the ce.

    She touched one of the decorations. ¡°Really? White and blue? Such dull colors. No wonder why everyone here, including your wife, is not enjoying the event.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s ears rang when he heard that. The fact that his mother insulted the color theme of their wedding made his blood boil.

    It was Chiara who chose that, after all. From the theme, decorations, and even the foods, it was Chiara who gave the suggestion.

    Insulting the wedding is like insulting Chiara herself.

    Ezio was ready to defend his wife, but Chiara interrupted his supposed words.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t say something nice, maybe it will be better for you to leave,¡± Chiara said while looking nkly at the woman.

    Elisa, Ezio¡¯s mother, raised her eyebrows at the bride. ¡°You really have guts to talk to me life that? You must¡¯ve forget that you are only his wife.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am,¡± Chiara answered. ¡°But you are only his mother. You don¡¯t have the right to barge in our wedding and ruin it.¡±

    ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t remember having your name on the guests list,¡± she added and made her voice louder. ¡°Guards! Take this woman out!¡±

    Ezio, who watched such scene for the first time, is in cloud nine. Even though Chiara was only defending herself and her choices, Ezio can¡¯t stop himself from thinking that she was doing it for him.

    ¡°Hah!¡± Elisa spat out. ¡°So, you¡¯re favoring this man?¡± she pointed out to Ezio.

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you that this man is a bad luck. Every person close to him suffered because of him! Because they can¡¯t tolerate him!¡±

    Sheughed maniacally while looking at her son. ¡°You are just a trying-hard person. Your business is useless. There are already a lot of mall chains in Italy yet you chose that business. You¡¯re like an idiot trying to fit in with the educated.¡±

    The guards started going to their direction, but Elisa wouldn¡¯t waiver.

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you that you¡¯re life will be a living hell with him! He¡¯s a pain in ass! That man is a monster!¡±

    But Elisa¡¯s words fell on deaf ears. When the guards reached her, she stopped talking.

    ¡°I know the way out. No need to escort me,¡± she said before looking at Chiara for thest time that day.

    ¡°Marrying him is the biggest mistake of your life. You¡¯ll realized it soon.¡±

 Love Me, Please

    THREE YEARS had passed, but there was no improvement in their rtionship. Instead, it became worse.

    At first, Ezio thought that maybe, when they are already married, he can make Chiara love him. But he was so wrong on many way.

    His ns to make her his and make love with her cannot be done. In their years of marriage, they never slept on the same room. Chiara chose to sleep in a guest room instead of sleeping in the master bedroom with him.

    But Ezio is a persistent man. He will sleep with his beloved in any way possible, so he would sneak on her bedroom every night.

    Just like today.

    His fingers ran through her hair as he stare on her adorable sleeping face. His movements are very careful not to wake her up.

    ¡°You look so peaceful,¡± he whispered under his breath.

    The back of his hand caressed from her temple to her cheeks, down to her jaw and neck. Ezio was trying his best not to lean down and kiss her, even though he can.

    ¡°When will you sleep in my room? When will you sleep beside me?¡± he asked her even though she won¡¯t answer. ¡°I don¡¯t like sneaking in your room every night, but I have to. It¡¯s the only way I can sleep with you.¡±

    He slowly moved his body toy down beside her. Unconsciously, Chiara moved closer to him and snuggled on his chest.

    It made Ezio smiled. It made his heart beat louder. Sometimes, he¡¯d wondering if Chiara can hear his thumping heart.

    ¡°How I wish you¡¯ll also do this when you¡¯re awake,¡± he spoke before kissing her hair. ¡°Just a hug in the morning from you is enough to make my day. I¡¯m just asking for a hug, cara.¡±

    Chiara babbled something that he can¡¯t understand. He just blew a soft but deep breath before closing his eyes to sleep.

    Just as before the darkness consumed him, he heard Chiara sleep talking.

    ¡°Babe,¡± she murmured while smiling.

    It took just one word from her to sh arge wound in his heart. Even if asleep, she can still remember his ex-boyfriend.

    It¡¯s been three years. Ezio wanted to question why she still haven¡¯t moved on from Simone, but he can¡¯t question it, knowing that he is also in love with her for several years and counting. He can¡¯t move one from Chiara even though they have no rtionship in the first ce.

    ¡°I wish you¡¯ll also call me like that. I wish you¡¯ll smile at me like that,¡± he prayed while closing his eyes, but he knew better. His prayers won¡¯t happen anytime soon.

    But as long as she¡¯s near him, it¡¯s enough. This will do for now.

    Before the sunrays shine on the window, Ezio is already awake -ready to leave Chiara¡¯s room before she woke up.

    He stayed hugging her for a couple of minutes before kissing her forehead and leaving the room hesitantly.

    This is his daily routine. Wake up before Chiara¡¯s awake, go to work, go home, stay in his room and wait for Chiara to sleep, sneak in her room, sleep, and repeat it all over again.

    He just hope that the day where he can finally sleep with her without sneaking wille true.

    A man can hope.

    ***

    It was an uneventful day for Chiara. Same things happen everyday since she got married.

    At first, she thought that Ezio will force her to do wife duties. She was thankful that her thoughts were wrong.

    Since the start of their marriage, he never forced her to sleep with him and give him his needs as a man. She can see that Ezio is trying to enter her heart. He will ask the cook to prepare her favorites. He will let her spend and max out his card without hesitation.

    However, the downside is he easily get angry on other men she will put attention to, especially when it¡¯s about her ex-boyfriend. Every time they will argue about something, Ezio will always bring up that she is her parents¡¯ payment for their debts and that she mustply on everything he asked.

    It was suffocating living with the man you hate. Even though Ezio has his own good traits, Chiara couldn¡¯t help but to notice the bad ones more. She always find herselfparing Ezio to Simone. From the way they speak, until to their characteristics and values.

    She is just trying to survive living with him and act like a happy couple in front of others. And on the next week, she will do it again. In front of his business partners for the birthday party of one of his investors.

    ¡°Babe, I miss you,¡± Chiara spoke while holding the picture frame that holds the photograph of her and Simone.

    She caressed Simone¡¯s face on the photo. It was taken during their second anniversary. Of course, she couldn¡¯t forget it. Simone brought her to a cat restaurant. It was the happiest day of her life ¨C the day where she petted a lot of cute cats.

    ¡°How are you? Have you already forgot about me?¡± she asked as tears started flowing from her eyes.

    Memories of their love shed on the back of her brain. In her mind, she was happily married with Simone. In her reverie, she was spending her days with him.

    ¡°I tried to forget about you, but I can¡¯t,¡± her voice cracked while talking to his picture. ¡°I love you so much.¡±

    She moved the picture near to her face and kissed it. Her hands moved to put the frame on her chest while reminiscing their moment.

    She can hear him say ¡°i love you¡±. It echoes inside her head. She can even feel the warmth of his touch. She hear the softness of his voice. She can feel him near her.

    She can¡¯t open her heart to anyone, not even to her own husband. In her mind, her heart always belongs to Simone. Her mind is locked up to love someone else.

    Chiara was thinking of her happy moments with him when she heard a loud thump near her.

    When she opened her teary eyes, she saw Ezio standing in front of her. His eyes are full of worry. She can¡¯t help but to remember Simone¡¯s worrying face andpare it to him.

    ¡°Cara,¡± he called her. ¡°Why are you crying? Does something hurt?¡±

    Ezio moved closer and tried to touched her arms, but Chiara hurriedly moved backward and hid the picture frame behind her. Of course, it didn¡¯t escaped Ezio¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± he asked. ¡°What are you hiding?¡±

    Chiara swallowed the lump on her throat. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Ezio, who has an idea on what she was hiding, cannot hide the irritation in his voice. ¡°I¡¯ll ask you again. What are you hiding?¡±

    ¡°I already answered you. It¡¯s nothing,¡± she responded.

    ¡°If it¡¯s really nothing, then why are you hiding it from me?¡±

    ¡°I said, it¡¯s nothing!¡± Chiara shouted at him. ¡°Just leave me alone!¡±

    But Ezio didn¡¯t listen. He took steps forward and reach for the frame that she was hiding.

    ¡°Go away!¡± Chiara screamed while trying to escape Ezio¡¯s hands.

    ¡°I won¡¯t leave until you show me what you¡¯re hiding,¡± he said. Ezio gripped one of her arms to stop it from moving and used his other hand to grab the frame away from her.

    But the grip wasn¡¯t strong enough because he doesn¡¯t want to hurt her, so Chiara easily fought back and nudge his hands away.

    ¡°I told you that it¡¯s nothing! Why won¡¯t you listen to me?!¡± she eximed. Chiara ran towards the door while holding the frame.

    However, just when she was about to step outside the room, Ezio was able to hit the frame with force.

    The frame when flying on to the side. It hit the wooden table and it bounced back,nding on the floor near Ezio¡¯s feet.

    He can see the photo clearly. He slowly picked it up and stare at it.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    There he was. The man he was jealous to for several years. The man who owns his beloved heart.

    ¡°Why do you still have this?¡± he asked, trying calm himself down.

    ¡°I just want to store some memory of him,¡± Chiara answered and tried to get the picture back, but Ezio extended her arms up.

    She couldn¡¯t reach it. Her 5¡¯3 height has no match to his 6¡¯5 height. Even if she tried to jump, she still wouldn¡¯t be able to reach it.

    ¡°I told you to dump everything that reminds you of him. How hard is it to do that?¡± Ezio spoke while ring at her.

    Chiara put her hand down and let out an unbelievable chuckle. ¡°You don¡¯t know how hard it is to do what you¡¯re asking.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s so simple, Chiara.¡±

    ¡°Nothing is simple when ites to Simone.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s ears rang. ¡°I told you not to speak his name again. Forget about him, Chiara.¡±

    ¡°I will never forget him. I can¡¯t forget him,¡± she spoke as her voice cracked. ¡°You¡¯re making me forget the person I love the most. You¡¯re making forget the most important part of my life.¡±

    ¡°I am your husband, Chiara. I am supposed to be the most important part of your life,¡± Ezio hissed and his grip on the frame tightened, making the ss of it shattered in to big pieces.

    ¡°You¡¯re just my husband on paper, but I¡¯m not considering you as one. And I never will,¡± Chiara answered and red at him. ¡°You may use all your power to own me, but you will never own my heart.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s patience just snapped. In swift moves, he threw the frame on the floor. The frame broke into smaller pieces

    ¡°What did you do?!¡± Chiara screamed and hurriedly tried to pick the photo.

    However, Ezio was faster than her. He picked the photo up and took a couple of steps into the firece.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Chiara shouted and ran towards him when she saw him trying to burn the picture. ¡°Don¡¯t do that! Please!¡±

    ¡°Do not beg, cara,¡± Ezio spoke with no emotion.

    He crumpled the paper in his right hand and threw it to the fire. The photo lit up and was consumed by the fire slowly.

    ¡°No! Simone!¡±

    Chiara ran to the firece and tried to save the photo. She kneeled and tried to get the photo from the fire.

    ¡°Chiara!¡± Ezio eximed when he saw her putting her hands on the fire. ¡°Stop that! You¡¯re hurting yourself!¡±

    But she wouldn¡¯t listen. Even though Ezio was pulling her away, she kept on moving forward and reaching the photo.

    She doesn¡¯t care if the fire will burn her hand. All she cares about is the photo of her and her ex-boyfriend.

    When she finally got it after several attempts, Chiara hurriedly left the living room. She ran upstairs and locked herself in her room, just like what she always do.

    ¡°Simone¡­ Simone,¡± she spoke while opening the crumple photo.

    When she finally opened it, she realized that a small part of her face ¨C the chin -, her neck, and the left part of her body were already burned, but she doesn¡¯t care. What¡¯s important to her is that Simone isplete and fine in the photo.

    Chiara hugged the photo of her ex-boyfriend until she fell asleep.

    When Ezio sneak into her room that night, he saw her sitting on the floor while hugging the photo. He carefully carried her andy her down on the bed.

    He tried to remove the photo from her hands, but her grip so strong that she doesn¡¯t want to let it go. In the end, Ezio decided to just let it go.

    Hey down beside her. ¡°I can¡¯t understand why you love him so much,¡± he spoke to her.

    ¡°I¡¯m here, but why can¡¯t you love me cara? Do I need to be like Simone for you to love me back? Am I that hard to love?¡±

    He waited for an answer, but of course, Chiara can¡¯t give him one.

    ¡°Love me, cara. Please, love me,¡± he whispered in her ear before sleeping beside her.

    Ezio will just cherish moments like this, because he knew that once the morninges, he will need to leave her side again.

 Murder Attempt

    IF THERE IS ONE THING that Chiara liked since she got married, it is the fact that Ezio is always all-out when ites to giving her material things, just like what¡¯s happening today.

    ¡°Use this,¡± Ezio spoke while handing a ck card to her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I won¡¯t be able to apany you while you shop.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± she spoke. She actually preferred it that way. In public, they need to act like a happily married couple just to avoid being the topic of daily gossip.

    She¡¯s actually quite ufortable doing those things, that¡¯s why she preferred to shop alone or go to public without Ezio.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Chiara stopped walking towards the door and look back to him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just give me a ck cardst month?¡±

    Ezio shrugged it off. ¡°I don¡¯t remember, but even if I did, just take the new one. I won¡¯t be needing that, anyway.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± she responded. ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll get going now.¡±

    ¡°Take care, cara,¡± Ezio spoke, but Chiara wasn¡¯t able to heard it because she hurriedly left the house.

    Ezio just blew a sigh before calling someone from his phone. After a few rings, the other person on the line answered.

    ¡°Signor, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not a call where you will say hello,¡± the man said.

    ¡°Yes. I want you to follow and guard someone for me,¡± Ezio spoke while looking outside the window, watching his beloved entered one of his cars.

    The man on the other line nodded. ¡°Is it your wife, perhaps?¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Ezio answered. ¡°She will shop in my mall brach in Esquilino. Two female bodyguards and three male bodyguards are with her.¡±

    ¡°I see, but why would you need my service if you already have bodyguards with her, Signor? I¡¯m sure that they can do their job well.¡±

    Ezio took a deep breath and tried to rx his body that¡¯s starting to be filled with worries and fear. ¡°You already know why, Dante.¡±

    Dante, on the other line, couldn¡¯t help but feel amuse and sad at the same time.

    Amused, because his friend believes in his capabilities that he can put his wife¡¯s safety in his hands.

    Sad for his friend, because he needs to experience this awful thing ¨C constantly worrying about his and his love one¡¯s safety.

    ¡°I won¡¯t fail you, my friend,¡± Dante spoke. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure that she wille home unscathed. And because I¡¯m a very generous friend, I will even report to you everything she did. Everything!¡±

    Ezio, who knew his friend so much, couldn¡¯t helo but to chuckle. ¡°How much?¡±

    ¡°You really know me well, my friend,¡± Danteughed on the other line. Even though he hasn¡¯t received the money, he¡¯s already happy. Of course, it¡¯s Ezio that he¡¯s talking about. That man will pay for anything that can get him what he wants.

    Money is not an issue for him.

    ¡°I¡¯m usually requesting for 5 million euros for this kind of service, but since you¡¯re my friend, I¡¯ll give it for only 4 million euros,¡± Dante answered while grinning.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wore 10 million to your ount.¡±

    ¡°Yes! You¡¯re really my bestfriend!¡± Dante jumped and punched the air while talking.

    ¡°I¡¯m you¡¯re only friend, dumbass,¡± Ezio spat out while chuckling. ¡°Just update me.¡±

    The two ended the call. Ezio stared outside before leaving the house for work.

    On the other hand, Chiara already reached Luminosa, the mall that Ezio owns. Everyone who saw her entered the ce stopped and bowed at her like she was some sort of royalty.

    And when she entered the boutique where she will purchase her dress for the uing party, the salesdies all turned their attention to her.

    ¡°Buongiorno, Signora,¡± the salesdies greeted her.

    One of them ¨C a woman with short hair ¨C stepped forward. ¡°What are you looking for today, Signora? Do you want to purchase a pre-made dress or you have a design in mind?¡±

    Since the party is in a week, Chiara chose the first one. The salesdy is more than willing to assist her. She¡¯s the owner¡¯s wife, after all.

    ¡°Can I see this one?¡± Chiara spoke while pointing to one of the dresses hidden in a transparent ss.

    Three of the male personnels worked together to open the ss container. Chiara walked towards the emerald dress: the first one that caught her eyes.

    It¡¯s an off-shoulder dress with thin straps on both sides. A see-through fabric covers from half of the arms to the wrist. The neckline is in a shape of heart and the skirt reached the floor. There are silver flower designs on the skirt and a huge leaf design on the right side of the hips.

    ¡°You can try it on, signora, and let me know if you like it,¡± the salesdy suggested to Chiara.

    And indeed, she tried it on. When she left the dressing room, everyone that saw her was in awe.

    ¡°How is it?¡± Chiara asked when she saw the people not talking.

    ¡°You look perfect, signora,¡± one of the female bodyguardsmented.

    ¡°Stunning.¡±

    ¡°Gorgeous.¡±

    ¡°Everyone will worship the floor you walked on.¡±

    Chiara was ttered on everypliment that she received. Well, all of those are honestments. She indeed looked like a goddess in that green dress.

    Her skin is glowing andplements the dress well. The length is also perfect for her height. She looked beautiful in every angle.

    Every person there has the same thing in their mind: there is no doubt that Signor Ezio is a good pair for Signora Chiara. They¡¯re both good-looking, afterall.

    In the end, Chiara decided to purchase the emerald dress together with an emerald and sparkling stiletto.

    As Chiara left the boutique, Dante gave an update to Ezio through a text message.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Scammer (Dante): Your beloved purchased a green dress. I don¡¯t know the correct shade. All I know is that it¡¯s green.

    Ezio, who read Dante¡¯s message couldn¡¯t help but to chuckle in delight. He was a hundred percent sure that Chiara bought an emerald dress. It was her favorite color when ites to clothes, aside from scarlet.

    ¡°Victor,¡± he called his assistant. ¡°Purchase an emerald suit for my investor¡¯s party.¡±

    The assistant didn¡¯t need to be told twice. He immediately looked for the best and highest quality emerald suit in Italy.

    While Ezio was busy on finishing his work so he can leave early, Chiara was jumping in excitement.

    ¡°Nick? Oh my god! Is that you?¡± she eximed when she saw a familiar face waving at her.

    ¡°Chichi!¡± Nick shouted and ran towards her. They touched each other¡¯s hands and jumped in circles while smiling at each other like children.

    ¡°How are you? It¡¯s been a long time,¡± Chiara asked while they sat down on one of the vacant tables in the resting lobby.

    Nick shrugged. ¡°Doing fine, I guess. I just have a lot on my te right now, so here I am, taking a break.¡±

    The two order sses of juice for the both of them. While waiting, they talked about their lives.

    ¡°How about you, Chichi? What¡¯s going on with your life?¡± Nick asked.

    Chiara sighed. ¡°Just so-so. I can¡¯t really say if I¡¯m feeling fine.¡±

    ¡°What? Why?¡± he asked, confused. ¡°Did something happen?¡±

    Suddenly, Nick¡¯s eyes fell on Chiara¡¯s hands. There, he noticed that she ks wearing a wedding marriage.

    ¡°You¡¯re married?¡± he asked. ¡°Congrattions!¡±

    Chiara gave him a fake smile. ¡°Yes, I am. Thanks.¡±

    Nick smiled like he remembered something that makes him happy. ¡°I still remember that Simone told me that he can¡¯t wait to marry you! I can¡¯t believe he will propose to you this soon! Wait, you¡¯re already seven years in rtionship, right?¡±

    Chiara shook her head and tried to stop her eyes from swelling. ¡°I didn¡¯t marry Simone.¡±

    Nick was stunned when he heard that. He has known Simone and Chiara since they were little. Even though he lostmunication with them when he migrated to the Philippines, Nick still knew the rtionship between the two and how deep their love for each other was.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know,¡± he apologized, especially when he notices that his friend feels ufortable in that topic.

    ¡°Oh, no need to apologize. It¡¯s fine,¡± Chiara told him and look at the servering to them to serve their juice.

    However, just as before the server could reach them, one of the customers identally bumped the waiter, making the sses fell on the floor.

    ¡°Oh my god! I¡¯m sorry!¡± the female customer eximed in shock. ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡±

    The manager hurriedly went to the scene to handle the situation. ¡°Signora, we will make another juice for you and the gentleman. I¡¯m sorry for the inconvenience.¡±

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°No worries. You don¡¯t need to make another one. Just made sure that your worker and thedy is fine.¡±

    Nick, on the other hand, noticed that the spilled juice that was supposed to be for Chiara is a little viscous. Although he tried to raised this to the manager, Chiara told him that she already need to go home.

    When the situation was handled and solved, they left the area and let the management do the rest.

    Chiara and Nick separate ways in the parking lot. She lost her energy right when Nick brought up Simone in their conversation.

    To make herself feel better, she just sleep in their whole ride back to Ezio¡¯s house. Little did Chiara know that she just escaped a murder attempt.

 Nuptial

    WHEN DANTE was sure that his bestfriend¡¯s beloved already reached their home, he pulled one of his phones and dialled Ezio¡¯s number.

    Ezio, who was in the middle of a meeting, didn¡¯t feel his phone vibrating.

    ¡°Motherfucker,¡± Dante cussed when Ezio wasn¡¯t able to answer the phone call. ¡°Answer me, motherfucker.¡±

    He called him again. While waiting for him to answer, one of his men entered the room.

    ¡°Boss,¡± the man greeted and extended his arm to give a folder. ¡°Here¡¯s the information that you¡¯re looking for.¡±

    Dante nod and dismissed the man. Fortunately, Ezio was able to answer the call on the second try.

    ¡°Hello-¡±

    Ezio¡¯s words were cut short by Dante. ¡°Don¡¯t hello-hello me, dumbass,¡± he said in a mocking tone. ¡°If you¡¯re cara¡¯s in danger, she will be dead by now.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s heart started thumping so loud because of fear. He hurriedly stood up and walked with huge steps to leave his office.

    ¡°What happened to my cara?¡± he asked with a firm voice, but full of worry. ¡°If something happened to her, I will cut your limbs one by one.¡±

    ¡°Rx, my friend,¡± Dante spoke while trying to calm him down. ¡°She¡¯s safe and sound. I just want to inform you that she¡¯s already home.¡±

    Ezio felt relieved when he heard that. He blew a heavy breath before talking. ¡°Give me updates. Now.¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay, Mr. Impatient,¡± Dante said in a yful tone before starting his report.

    ¡°Well at first, nothing eventful happened. Just like what I said earlier, she bought a green dress. Afterwards, she walked for a few moments and then,¡± he purposely stopped to make his friend curious.

    ¡°Them what?¡± Ezio asked. ¡°I¡¯m not paying you to give me iplete information.¡±

    Dante chuckled. He really likes messing with his friend. It alwayspletes his day.

    ¡°Then, she met a person. Guess what gender it is?¡± he said, imitating the tone of a gameshow host.

    ¡°A woman?¡± Ezio asked, hoping that his cara didn¡¯t meet up with a man. But if she did, there will be hell to pay.

    ¡°Engk,¡± Dante said which means that his answer is incorrect. ¡°Sorry to say, man. But she met a man.¡±

    Dante, who wants to mess with his friend more, made him jealous even though he knew that he is already filled with jealousy.

    ¡°I can¡¯t forget that she looked very happy when saw the man, my friend. She was smiling from ear to ear,¡± he started while holding hisughter. ¡°They even hugged each other.¡±

    Thest part was a lie. Chiara didn¡¯t hugged the man. He said that to make him more jealous.

    When he didn¡¯t hear anything but deep breathing on the other line, Dante knew that he is starting to hit his short patience. But that wouldn¡¯t stop him.

    ¡°They talked for a while before going for a walk around the mall. Chiara was so happy being with him that she wouldn¡¯t stop talking. I just don¡¯t know what they have talked about.¡±

    Dante was so amuse on teasing his friend, but on the other line, Ezio was full of jealousy, insecurity, and sadness.

    His head is telling him that the man that Chiara met up with is her ex-boyfriend, Simone. That would exin why she was so happy when she was with that man.

    Insecurities filled him when he realized that since their marriage, he never saw Chiara smiled because of him. Chiara never hugged him. Heck, she didn¡¯t even want to touch or hold him, not even his fingers.

    Even though he tried to make her happy by giving her what she wants and her favorites, Chiara is still irritated whenever he¡¯s near.

    He never had the chance to get close to her. They don¡¯t even eat together because Chiara prefers to starve herself than eat with him.

    He knew that Chiara will just leave her room when he¡¯s not around, so he chose to leave for work early and go homete. That way, she will befortable living in his house.

    Only in his house, not with him.

    ¡°Is the man named Simone?¡± Ezio asked when he calmed himself a little bit.

    Dante heard the difference in Ezio¡¯s tone. It sounds painful, so he stopped joking and turned serious.

    ¡°No, man. The man¡¯s named Nick. He¡¯s a foreigner,¡± he answered while reading the report that his man gave.

    Ezio doesn¡¯t know what to feel. He doesn¡¯t know if he will be happy because she didn¡¯t meet up with Simone, so if he will be much sadder because another man made his beloved happy.

    ¡°Before you think of anything, my friend. I¡¯ll read my report to you. Since I am a very good friend, I already investigated about this Nick-man,¡± Dante spoke and stood up while reading.

    ¡°He¡¯s a detective from Philippines. Based on my investigation, he¡¯s tonically rted to Chiara. They¡¯ve known each other since they were little and just lost their connection when Nick¡¯s family migrated to Philippines to live with their grandma. Also, Nick has a girlfriend, so there¡¯s nothing to worry about, my friend.¡±

    Ezio blew a sigh of relief when he heard that. They¡¯re just friends, he thought.

    He was about to celebrate in his mind when his friend spoke again.

    ¡°But that¡¯s not the important part,¡± Dante said. He took a deep breathe before giving a warning to his friend. ¡°Before you react to anything, let me finish reporting everything first. Okay?¡±

    Ezio didn¡¯t respond and let her friend talk.

    ¡°Someone tried to kill your cara.¡±

    It was just a short sentence, but it made his blood boil. He knew that he has a lot of enemies. Those enemies who will do anything to bring her down, like using his love ones to weaken him.

    ¡°Chiara ordered a juice. And of course, you told me to make sure of her safety, and one of those is the things that she will intake. I asked one of my men to check the juice and he saw one of the servers poured a powder on it,¡± Dante exined. ¡°I have the photos here. I¡¯ll send it to youter.¡±

    ¡°Anyways, she wasn¡¯t able to drink it since I asked my woman to nudge it,¡± he followed it with a shortugh. ¡°Long story short, your cara is safe and I saved the day.¡±

    Ezio stared at hisptop who is now ying the footage of the living room in his house. There, he can see her beloved enjoying the foods served to her.

    She was so happy and care-free, without knowing that someone tried to kill her earlier, because she¡¯s Ezio¡¯s wife.

    Because of Ezio.

    ¡°Give me the name of the bastard and the motherfucker behind that,¡± he said before ending their call.

    Ezio calmed himself by watching his cara. He just lookedposed on the outside, but there¡¯s a raging fire inside of him that wants to burn everyone who will hurt his beloved.

    On his mansion, Chiara was busy talking with her bestfriend. During her married life, her bestfriend is the person whom she can talk to.

    ¡°Chichi, can we meet sometimes?¡± Mazzini, her bestfriend, asked. They were on call.

    ¡°Maybe on Sunday next week?¡± Chiara suggested while sipping her chamomile tea. ¡°I have some matters to attend to so I¡¯m not avable this week.¡±

    Mazzini smiled on the other line. ¡°Sure! I would-,¡± her words were cut short when she remembered something.

    ¡°Hmm? Did something happen, Mazzi?¡± Chiara asked when her friend stopped talking.

    Mazzini hesitated to talked for she¡¯s scared that her bestfriend will feel ufortable. ¡°There¡¯s an event that I was invited to. It will on next Sunday. But actually, I don¡¯t want to go.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Chiara reacted. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You can go. We can always reschedule our meeting.¡±

    ¡°No, no, no. I don¡¯t really want to go there, as a respect for you,¡± herst words were almost a whisper, but it didn¡¯t escape Chiara¡¯s ears.

    ¡°Huh? What do you mean?¡± Chiara asked.

    Mazzini didn¡¯t want to make her bestfriend feel bad by mentioning that man¡¯s name, so she just gave me a subtle clue.

    ¡°Chichi, I can¡¯t really tell you what event it is. But if you want to know, I suggest you open your ount,¡± Mazzini said before sighing. ¡°Call me if you want someone to talk to, Chichi.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Chiara said. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. Bye and take care.¡±

    Chiara opened her ount, just like what her bestfriend said. At first, there are no special statuses in her newsfeed.

    But as she scrolls down, her thumb stopped on a certain post.

    Her whole body went stiff and cold. Her eyes are reading each letter that the post has. Every word are slowly making sense to her brain.

    And each word is a knife that stabs her already wounded heart.

    ¡°No, no¡­ It can¡¯t be,¡± she whispered under her breath.This is from N?velDrama.Org.

    But even thought she tried to say to herself that what she¡¯s seeing is not true, the reality is there to p her back to reality.

    Her eyes were quickly filled with tears. Her hands flew to her aching chest that made her phone fell on the floor.

    On the other hand, Ezio can see everything that¡¯s happening. And the words that made his beloved cried where clear and visible on his screen.

    Simone Russo and Alessandra Morelli¡¯s nuptial.

 Rival

    CHIARA HAS BEEN LOCKING HERSELF in her bedroom for almost a week now. Even during times where she¡¯s supposed to eat, she never went out. Ezio or any maid will just deliver her foods in her room.

    ¡°Cara,¡± Ezio spoke while putting down the tray that contains her food on the bedside table. ¡°It¡¯s already one in the afternoon. You have to eat you lunch.¡±

    He sat down beside her andbed her hair gently. Just like the past days, Chiara won¡¯t even speak and just continued on staring at nothing.

    Ezio took a deep breath before getting a spoonful of chickpea soup, one of Chiara¡¯s favorite.

    ¡°Open up, cara,¡± he said while cing the spoon near her mouth.

    Ezio smiled when she opened her mouth a little bit. It was just a small action, but it made him happy. For the past days, Chiara wouldn¡¯t even move her lips to amodate the food.

    He was happy at the thought that his beloved is now getting better. She¡¯s slowly rising up from the heartbreak she fell down to. And he will be there to help her in every step of the way.

    Ezio wiped the food that was left on Chiara¡¯s lips using his thumb. ¡°Do you want to go outside for some fresh airter?¡±

    Chiara was silent for a moment, but she slowly looked up on her husband before speaking. ¡°The party, it¡¯s today. Right?¡±

    Ezio was caught off guard because of her question. For the past days, he was so busy on looking after his wife that he forgot his other duties.

    ¡°Yes, the party¡¯s today,¡± he answered before scooping again. ¡°But we don¡¯t have to attend. Not when you¡¯re not feeling well.¡±

    Chiara shook her head before eating the food. She swallowed first and looked at him again with tired eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s your investor¡¯s party. You need to be there,¡± she said. ¡°It will give him a bad impression if you cancelled on thest minute.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯re not feeling well,¡± he responded while caressing her arm. It is the first time that his wife let him touch her body this long, and he wants to cherish every second of it.

    ¡°I won¡¯t go without you. I won¡¯t leave you here,¡± he added.

    ¡°I¡¯lle with you,¡± Chiara said. ¡°I¡¯m feeling well now. No need to worry about me. I¡¯ll apany you in the party.¡±

    Ezio was in cloud nine hearing that. Because of his wife¡¯s words and simple actions, he¡¯s starting to think that she¡¯s opening up to him.

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you say, cara,¡± he responded. ¡°We¡¯ll leave before six. I¡¯ll ready your things by then.¡±

    Hourster, Chiara found herself getting ready for the party. Although her heart is still aching by the fact their her greatest love is getting married to another woman, she can¡¯t let her life or other¡¯s life be ruined by it.

    This event is important for her husband. Even though they have a loveless marriage, she has to support him in any way possible. And this is one of those.

    ¡°Signora, this will suit you and your dress,¡± one of the maids, Althea, said while showing her a pearl ne.

    ¡°This one looks good when partnered to your silver ne,¡± she added as she put it on her neck.

    And she didn¡¯t disappoint. It indeed looks good. It adds a touch of elegance to her whole look.

    It took them a few minutes before going down to the living room where Ezio was waiting. When he heard the sound of heels hitting the wooden floor, he couldn¡¯t help but to turn his head towards the staircase.

    Ezio was in awe while staring at his beloved. There she is ¨C the light of his life ¨C walking towards him with sweetness and elegance. Her emerald dress shows the shape of her body and it moves in every step she makes.

    He was staring at her so hard that he didn¡¯t realize that she was already infront of him. Ezio just went back to his senses when she spoke.

    ¡°Do I look bad?¡± she asked because Ezio¡¯s silence is making her ufortable.

    Ezio slowly shook his head and looked at her from head to toe, and vice versa.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    ¡°You look gorgeous,¡± he said under his breath. ¡°You look perfect, cara.¡±

    Chiara felt ttered when she noticed the hint of admiration in Ezio¡¯s voice. She smiled a little bit before inviting him towards the car.

    On their way to the party, Ezio couldn¡¯t stop himself from looking at his beloved from time to time. And it didn¡¯t escape Chiara¡¯s senses.

    ¡°Eyes on the road, Ezio. Not on me,¡± she said, making Ezio turn his head back to the road.

    ¡°I can¡¯t stop staring at you, cara. I¡¯m sure that a lot of heads will turn to you tonight.¡±

    And Ezio wasn¡¯t wrong. As soon as the door was opened for the both of them, all of the guests turned their head and was stunned on how gorgeous the woman Ezio with is.

    ¡°She¡¯s beautiful.¡±

    ¡°She looks like an angel.¡±

    ¡°Is she Signor Ezio¡¯s wife? She¡¯s very elegant.¡±

    More whispers ofpliments can be heard inside the whole venue. One of those is the statement from the birthday man itself, Marco Leon.

    ¡°Signor! Signora!¡± Marco eximed when he saw the couple. ¡°Wee!¡±

    Ezio and Chiara smiled at him. ¡°Happiest birthday, signor,¡± Chiara greeted him and bowed a little bit.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Marco responded. ¡°You look fabulous tonight, signora. Very fitting for Signor Ezio. Look, both of you are wearing emerald suits.¡±

    Chiara made her smile wider. ¡°Thank you. My husband really loves to pair our clothes when going outside. It makes him happy.¡±

    Ezio, who was starting to blush on what his wife said, interrupted their conversation. ¡°Happy birthday, Marco. Please ept my humble gift.¡±

    Ezio gave a small but ssy paper bag to him. Marco opened it and his eyes widened when he saw the gift.

    ¡°Oh, goodness! This is such as wonderful gift, signor!¡± he excitedly said before revealing the gift.

    It was a watch, but not an ordinary one. It was the Jacob & Co. Billionaire Timeless Treasure. Marco Leon, who was known for collecting watches from different parts of the world, is on cloud nine having this gift.

    ¡°You made my day, signor!¡± he said and gave Ezio a man-hug. ¡°This is such a good part of my collection! Thank you!¡±

    ¡°No worries. I heard that you collect watches, so I thought of giving one of mine,¡± Ezio responded with a calcted smile. ¡°A special person deserves a special gift.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll add this to my greatest collection!¡± Marco spoke and pointed his hand to an area. ¡°Please enjoy the party, signor, signora.¡±

    When the couple was left alone by the host, Ezio guided his wife towards their table. He pulled a chair for her and made herfortable.

    ¡°What dish do you want to eat, cara?¡± Ezio asked while calling one of the servants.

    Chiara looked at the food table and pointed at something. ¡°I want that one, and just a lemon juice. I¡¯m not in the mood for wine today.¡±

    Ezio gave their orders to the servant who will deliver their food from the other table. While waiting, he couldn¡¯t help but notice that Chiara looks tired.

    ¡°Cara,¡± he called her. ¡°Are you okay? You look tired.¡±

    Chiara smiled a little bit before nodding. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m just a little bit hungry.¡±

    She is really hungry, but she made it an excuse to hide that she still doesn¡¯t feel fine after knowing that Simone is getting married to another woman. She wants to go home and lock herself in her room, but she doesn¡¯t want to ruin this day.

    After they have finished eating, Chiara thought that Ezio will go to his business partners and other investors who are also in the party. But the opposite happened.

    Ezio stayed with her the whole time, his hands ced on her waist like he was telling everyone that she¡¯s his.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you gonna talk to them?¡± Chiara asked while looking at his partners in business.

    Ezio shook his head. ¡°They wille here if they want to talk.¡±

    And he was right. After some moments, his business partners and investors came to them one by one.

    While watching them talk, Chiara realized that even though they are business partners, those people hold a lot of respect in Ezio. It looks like they look up to him.

    ¡°Luminosa¡¯s stock market price rose to 30% this year, signor. That¡¯s a huge aplishment! Congrattions!¡± one of the investors eximed.

    ¡°It¡¯s thanks to my employees. They¡¯ve been doing a good job in making the customers¡¯ needs met,¡± Ezio responded before turning to Marco, who was also in their circle.

    ¡°Marco, your worth increased a lot this year. I must say that I¡¯m impressed,¡± he added.

    Marco smiled widely like a proud man. ¡°Indeed, signor. Even I can¡¯t believe I reached this far. But of course, your worth can¡¯t bepared to mine. You¡¯re one of the richest people in Italy.¡±

    Ezio was about to answer when someone interrupted their discussion.

    ¡°Of course, you can have anything you want if you can make people do your bidding. Right, Ezio?¡±

    A man as tall as Ezio walked to their direction. He has a jet ck hair and brown eyes. His has a tanned skin and a small dragon tattoo in his neck.

    This man turned at Chiara¡¯s direction, looked at her from head to toe, before giving a pervert smile. It didn¡¯t escaped Ezio¡¯s sight. That action alone made him feel furious.

    ¡°Take your eyes off my wife, Giovanni,¡± Eziomanded him with his cold and firm voice. ¡°I won¡¯t hesitate to gauge them out if you keep on doing that.¡±

    ¡°My apologies,¡± Giovanni said with a yful smile as if he was ying with Ezio. ¡°You have such a beautiful woman beside you.¡±

    Giovanni turned his head to the birthday man. ¡°Happy birthday, Marco. I¡¯m sure you received my present earlier. Apologies for beingte.¡±

    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need to apologize,¡± Marco said. ¡°You¡¯re gift is extraordinary. I haven¡¯t seen such antique ring before.¡±

    Giovanni, who thought that his gift pushed an important button in Marco¡¯s heart, smiled proudly. ¡°I¡¯m d that you liked it. It¡¯s from Armano Darte, an shop of antique collections. That shop only has their branches on my malls. I hope you could visit someday.¡±

    It didn¡¯t escaped Chiara¡¯s eyed when Giovanni subtly looked at Ezio while saying the word ¡°malls¡±. That¡¯s when she realized that this man is the business rival of her husband.

    ¡°Of course! I would love to. I¡¯d like to see the stores you have with my wife,¡± Marco responded. ¡°She¡¯s a fan of antique collections, too.¡±

    Giovanni¡¯s face brightened, but it was fake. ¡°Really? My wife¡¯s an antique collector. I¡¯m sure they will click.¡±

    ¡°Wife? I thought you two are already divorced.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s statement made Marco and the other investors snapped their heads towards him. They all look surprised.

    ¡°I just heard from awyer friend of mine that your wife is undergoing a divorce procedure,¡± he added and looked apologetic. ¡°It must have been hard knowing that you two are already in almost a decade of marriage.¡±

    When Ezio saw how Marco¡¯s face became disgusted on Giovanni, he has to stop himself from smiling.

    He knew that Giovanni is trying to make Marco invest in his mall. Giovanni wants to steal Marco¡¯s investment from Ezio, but Ezio wouldn¡¯t let him.

    Throwing the fact the Giovanni¡¯s undergoing a divorce will give a bad impression on Marco. Marco¡¯s a very traditional and conservative when ites to marriage after all.

    ¡°Yourwyer friend must have sharp ears to hear that,¡± Giovanni said, irritation is evident on his face as he knew that he lost another investor. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll excuse myself. Thanks for the small talk, by the way.¡±

    As Giovanni left the group, everyone has their eyes on him.

    Giovanni stopped beside Ezio and leaned a little bit to his ear.

    ¡°Your wife looked so precious to you. Take good care of her. You might lose her one day,¡± Giovanni whispered. He grinned maniacally before leaving.

    The people around them didn¡¯t hear what Giovanni said, but Chiara¡¯s eyes saw how Ezio¡¯s fist clenched hard. She knew that Giovanni said something that made him furious.

    On Ezio¡¯s mind, his rival¡¯s sentences are not empty words. They are real threats.

    He already tried to kill his wife once, and Ezio¡¯s sure that he can do it again.

 Protected or Caged?

    ¡°I WANT TO GO OUTSIDE,¡± Chiara told the guards who are blocking her way out.

    The five guards all shook their heads. ¡°Apologies, signora. But we can¡¯t let you out.¡±

    Chiara blew out a harsh breath. Since that party, she was never allowed to leave the house even with bodyguards. Every movement of her was being monitored by either Ezio, a guard, or any other servant in the house.

    ¡°I just want to take a short walk. I¡¯ll be back after 15 minutes,¡± she responded, trying to convince the guards.

    ¡°Still a no, signora,¡± one the guards with silver hair said. ¡°Signor Ezio told us not to let you out without him.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s head started to get hot. ¡°Why do I have to wait for him? It¡¯s a damn walk! I won¡¯t escape or anything!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s for your safety, signora. Please just stay within the premises of the mansion.¡±

    Knowing that they wouldn¡¯t bulge, Chiara went inside the house once again while clenching his fists.

    ¡°Argh!¡± she eximed while pulling her hair. ¡°I hate this!¡±

    One of the maids went near her. ¡°Signora, we can take you to the garden. You can walk around there,¡± she suggested.

    Chiara turned her head to the maid. ¡°I¡¯ve been doing that for the past days. I want to see a new scenery!¡±

    The maid couldn¡¯t do anything to fulfill herdy¡¯s request. Even if she wants to apany thedy outside, they wouldn¡¯t be able to pass the gate.

    Ezio tightened the security, after all. Since the day of the party where Giovanni threatened him, he did everything to make sure that his wife will be safe.

    He added more trusted guards in and around the house. He also installed more cameras and hired people to check every meal that Chiara will eat. He couldn¡¯t let a single mistake pass. Just one wrong move and his beloved¡¯s life will be in danger.

    Even though Ezio¡¯s intention is pure, it didn¡¯t give a good effect on Chiara¡¯s perspective.

    For Chiara, her husband is trying to control every aspect of her life. She felt like he¡¯s caging her like a prisoner. She felt like Ezio¡¯s slowly taking over of everything. From everything she will eat, to people she will talk to, everything is under his control.

    She couldn¡¯t even have the privacy she deserves because of the cameras scattered around the house. She couldn¡¯t do what she wants without consulting him first.

    It¡¯s exhausting. It¡¯s making her choke.

    This became the usual routine in Chiara¡¯s life for days. Waking up, eating breakfast, trying to convince the guards to let her out, denied, staying inside the house or at the garden, and spend the rest of the day inside the house until she falls asleep.

    It¡¯s too boring, but exhausting at the same time. During those days, Chiara very seldom saw her husband. She will wake up to know that Ezio already left for work, and Ezio will came home to know that his wife is already asleep.

    But not today.

    Chiara was greeted by Ezio¡¯s manly scent when she walked down to the dining area. Hurriedly, she walked big steps and preparing herself for their conversation ¨C a conversation to convince Ezio to let her out.

    ¡°Ezio,¡± she spoke to the man sitting on the dining table, his back facing her.

    Slowly, Ezio put down the cup of coffee and turned his body towards his wife. ¡°Good morning, cara.¡±

    She didn¡¯t waste any time and went straight right to her point. ¡°I want to go outter. To the park.¡±

    Without giving it a second thought, Ezio shook his head. ¡°No.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s face turned sour when she heard that. ¡°Care to tell me why? The park is just a 5-minute walk. I¡¯ll be home in no time.¡±

    ¡°No. You¡¯ll stay here,¡± Ezio repeated. ¡°You can explore the other parts of the mansion if you want. Just do not go outside the gate.¡±

    She blew a loud breath. ¡°I¡¯ve been doing that for these past days! I already memorized the blueprint of this mansion!¡± she eximed. ¡°I want to go out! You can¡¯t keep me here forever!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, cara,¡± Ezio responded and stood up. ¡°You can¡¯t go out. You don¡¯t know how dangerous it is for you out there.¡±

    ¡°And why would it be dangerous for me? I don¡¯t have any enemy who can hurt me,¡± she replied.

    ¡°But I have lots of them,¡± Ezio answered.

    Chiara created a small chuckle. ¡°And what does it have to do with me? They¡¯re your enemies, not mine.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Because you¡¯re my wife. That¡¯s why.¡±

    She always knew that Ezio has a lot of rivals in his business. Chiara is aware how dirty those people can be, and how they can use other people to destroy their enemy. But her mind is too close to process everything.

    On the back of Ezio¡¯s mind, he is doing this to make sure that his wife will be safe. He has a good intention, but what he doesn¡¯t know is that keeping her inside is just a temporary escape from the reality.

    On the other hand, Chiara thought that her life is only in danger because of Ezio. He is a bad news to her. Her life was in chaos because of him. She cannot understand and appreciate the fact that Ezio is doing his best for her welfare.

    ¡°Maybe if I¡¯m not your wife, my life wouldn¡¯t be in danger,¡± Chiara spoke her impulsive thoughts.

    Those words were like the switch that made Ezio¡¯s day ruined. Even though he did his best to deny it, it is always a fact that his enemies are after Chiara because of him.

    He brought her to danger.

    Ezio quickly turned his sight away from her, hiding his hurting eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s just talk about itter.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t wait forter!¡± Chiara shouted. ¡°Let¡¯s settle this now!¡±

    ¡°I have to go to my office. I¡¯ll finish everything before we talk about this matter,¡± Ezio slowly walked pass his wife. ¡°See you.¡±

    Chiara turned her body towards him. ¡°You can¡¯t just leave without resolving this issue!¡± she eximed. ¡°It¡¯s your enemies who caused this! Yet I¡¯m the one who¡¯s suffering! You can freely go out and go wherever you want, yet I¡¯m stuck inside this mansion! This is unfair!¡±

    Her words fell on deaf ears. She even tried to go after her husband, but Ezio was too fast. Before she could step outside the door, Ezio¡¯s car is already pulling away.

    ¡°I hate you!¡± she screamed at the top of her lungs. She even picked up a small stone and threw it on his car, but it didn¡¯t even reach the target.

    Chiara felt so frustrated that she felt her tears starting to fall from her eyes. Before they could escape, she hurriedly ran to her room and locked herself.

    The knocks and voices of their maid telling her go get out were nothing. She poured all of her tears out while dialing the number of the people she wants to talk go for a long time.

    ¡°Mom, Dad,¡± Chiara¡¯s voice cracked while talking to her parents.

    Her parents, on the other line, suddenly became worried when they heard the voice of their only child.

    ¡°Mi figlia,¡± her mom called Chiara. ¡°What happened? Are you crying? Did Ezio hurt you?¡±

    She shook her head even though they can¡¯t see each other. ¡°Mom, I want to go home.¡±

    ¡°We know, mi figlia. We know you don¡¯t want to be there,¡± her dad said. ¡°Just divorce him and go home. I¡¯m sure we can a way out.¡±

    ¡°But he will punish you both,¡± she said, almost sounding like a whisper. Ezio¡¯s words on their first meeting echoed on her mind.

    She closed her eyes. Just the thought of her parents living in prison is pure torture for her. They¡¯re already old, and her father is on medication. They won¡¯t survive such cruel environment.

    ¡°But it¡¯s hurting you being with him. Nevermind me and your dad,¡± her mother told her with a soothing voice. ¡°It¡¯s our fault things turned out this way. You don¡¯t have to sacrifice your life and future for us.¡±

    But Chiara¡¯s mind is already made up. In her heart and mind, it is better that she will be the one receiving the torturous life instead of her parents.

    Her heart can¡¯t take seeing her parents behind the bars and eating prisoner¡¯s food.

    Living with Ezio is better than living in prison.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mom, Dad,¡± she said before taking a deep breath. ¡°I love you both.¡±

    She ended the call without waiting for their response. Chiaray down on her bed and stared at the ceiling for several minutes. Her mind imagining things that could have happened if Ezio didn¡¯t enter her life.

    She could have been living her best life with her parents, and Simone.

    As if on a cue, her phone vibrated and a certain message pops up on its screen.

    It was from Mazzini. Usually, getting a message from her friend is a good news. But as soon as she opened the chat, her whole body turned cold. Her heart started aching and her mind is in chaos.

    ¡°Tomorrow is Simone¡¯s wedding. Aren¡¯t you gonna do something?¡±

 Watching You Cry

    THE NEXT MORNING, Chiara and her maids hurriedly started their n when they saw Ezio left for work. Her heart is thumping, not because she¡¯s worried that she might get caught, but because she¡¯s not sure if she can be on time.

    It¡¯s already 9:30 in the morning. The wedding will start at 10 AM. The pressure and anxiety is on.

    ¡°Signora,¡± one of the maids named Fara called her. ¡°I have checked the back gate. There are no guards there, but there¡¯s two CCTV cameras.¡±

    Chiara turned her head towards the maid. ¡°Is there anyway to close the cameras just for a few moments?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, signora. I already blocked the lenses so they won¡¯t see you go out,¡± Fara responded.

    While they were talking, two other maids entered Chiara¡¯s room.

    ¡°They will help you exit the back gate, Signora,¡± Fara spoke while motioning her hand towards the workers before looking back at Chiara. ¡°But would you mind telling me where are you going? Signor Ezio will surely be mad if he found out that you went outside without his permission.¡±

    Sighing, Chiara spoke. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you the details, but one thing is for sure. My happiness depends on this.¡±

    She looked at her maid with pleading eyes. ¡°I need to go now. I might not arrive on time. Please, help me.¡±

    Fara smiled at her, reassuringly. ¡°No need to say please, signora. I¡¯ll dly help you.¡±

    She looked at the door before looking back again. ¡°Once you heard a scream about a fire, run towards the emergency stairs beside the music room. Go down and you will see a brown sliding door,¡± she put her hand on inside her pocket and revealed a key. ¡°Use this to open it. The door will lead you to a shortcut to the back gate.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Chiara reached the key and grabbed it gently. ¡°Thank you so much, Fara. I owe you one.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me, signora. It¡¯s my job,¡± she responded before telling Chiara that she will now start the n.

    As soon as they heard Fara screaming about a huge fire on the kitchen, Chiara and the other two maids ran to the direction of the music room. There, they used the stairs.

    Chiara¡¯s hands were trembling while trying to shoot the key to the lock. When her shoots kept in missing, one of the maid volunteered to help her.

    ¡°Let me open it for you, signora,¡± the maid spoke before helping her open the door.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Chiara replied while wiping her sweats on her forehead.

    When they heard the ¡°click¡± sound, they hurriedly ran outside. Chiara¡¯s heart is thumping so loud when she saw the back gate. It didn¡¯t took them long to reach it.

    ¡°Please be safe, signora,¡± the maids said. ¡°Use this to ask for a ride.¡±

    The maid gave her some bills and coins, and she epted. She just nodded before dashing through the neighborhood.

    Her feet were not used on running long distances, but even if she felt like they were going to give up, she kept on running.

    Atst, she arrived at the bus station that will pass near the church. Her whole body is covered in sweat and everyone is looking at her with curious eyes.

    She didn¡¯t even wait for the change. Chiara rode the bus that¡¯s ready to leave even though there are no seat avable. She stood near the door while grabbing the safety handrail beside her.

    The road was bumpy, and Chiara couldn¡¯t count how many times she almost fall. She wasn¡¯t used on using public transportation after all. Her mind was too upied on the fact the Simone might be already near the church, or maybe the wedding is already starting.

    She¡¯s too focused on the scenarios that might happen when she was pped back to reality when she felt the bus stopped.

    ¡°What happened?¡± she asked the driver while looking outside to see the cars and other vehicles stopped.

    The driver opened the window beside him and put his head outside. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. The lights must be faulty, ma¡¯am.¡±

    ¡°Can it be fixed immediately? I have something to catch,¡± she responded while looking at her phone.

    ¡°I can¡¯t say. If it¡¯s just the faulty lights, it can be fixed with-¡±

    The driver¡¯s voice was cut short when a man walked to him from the outside. ¡°Hey! You have to find another route. There was an ident on the intersection. The road will be closed until everything is settled.¡±

    Chiara stiffened when she heard that. The driver immediately followed the other vehicles making a u-turn to find the other route.

    ¡°How long is it going to take to arrive at this church?¡± Chiara asked the driver while showing him the invitation letter from her phone.

    The driver took a side nce before answering. ¡°Hmm, I think it will take about 45 minutes. That is, if there¡¯s no traffic.¡±

    It¡¯s currently 9:47 in the morning. Just thirteen minutes before the wedding starts. The bus will arrive on the church by 10:32 AM. She wouldn¡¯t be on time.

    Her legs started trembling. Her mind was in chaos. She¡¯s starting to look for solution, but everything seems empty. The only thing in her mind is that she has to arrive on time, and stop the wedding.

    She opened her phone and look for something ¨C a shortcut towards the church. When she already found the answer, she hurriedly told the driver to stop.

    That¡¯s it. She ran her way to the church using the shortcut that the map gave her. ording to the map, it will take her almost 30 minutes to walk to the church. She chose to shoot her shot.

    Chiara was too focused on arriving at the church that she didn¡¯t notice a familiar car following her. Her steps are fast, but not fast enough for a car, yet this car moves slow in order to match her pace.

    ¡°To the right,¡± Chiara thought to herself while going to the said direction. She felt like her feet are going to give up. Her knees are starting to tremble and she¡¯s covered with sweat. But that didn¡¯t stop her.

    Hope filled her whole body when she started to see the facade of the church she¡¯s looking for. Little did she know that she ran for almost 25 minutes.

    ¡°Simone,¡± she muttered under her breath while running towards the entrance.

    There are no people outside the church, but the speakers outside it made her realized that she¡¯s already toote.

    ¡°I do,¡± the first words that echoed on the church¡¯s speakers when Chiara arrived.

    The voice sounds very familiar. Of course, it¡¯s the voice of the man that she loved for years. The voice of the man that captured her heart for the very first time. The voice of the man she spent her childhood with.

    The voice of the man that she kept on loving even after marrying another one.

    It¡¯s Simone. Saying ¡°I do¡± to a woman that¡¯s not her. Even if Chiara is just peeking on the window of the church, her eyes can see the two people in front.

    Her eyesnded on Simone. He¡¯s still fine as before. He still has those shiny eyes that always looked at her with so much love.

    But right now, this man is looking with love at another woman ¨C the same way he looked at her before.

    ¡°I know that I have my ownpses. I¡¯m not yet sessful and rich enough to support you. There are a lot of richer and prettier menpare to me, but you chose me. Thank you, babe,¡± Simone started saying his vow to his bride.

    While the two lovebirds are smiling from ear to ear, Chiara is right there with tears falling from her eyes like avnche.

    ¡°No,¡± she whispered and touched the ss window as if she¡¯s trying to reach her beloved man. ¡°Stop.¡±

    Simone took a deep breath before touching Alessandra¡¯s hands. ¡°You¡¯re the best woman in my eyes. You¡¯re intelligence makes you so sexy. The way you carried yourself cannot bepare to others. Your smile brightens up my lonely days. Youugh sounds melodic in my ears. Everything about you is so perfect. You¡¯re perfect.¡±

    The whole crowd inside the church makes an ¡°aww¡± expression, for the vow that the man stated is so heartwarming and unique.

    But those people didn¡¯t know that the vow the man gave is the same as the words he said to another woman.

    Only Chiara knew. Simone told her the same vow before afterall. He told her the same things, before they were separated by destiny.

    ¡°I promise to be with you for the rest of our lives. I promise to fight against whatever hinders our way. I vow to cherish, protect, and love you every day. Imit to give you the happiness you deserve and to be a responsible partner. I will be there in your ups, andfort you in your downs,¡± his face moved closer to his bride and touched her cheek gently. ¡°I love you.¡±

    She waste. Chiara knew that. The man who promised her forever is now in another woman¡¯s arms, cherishing their new marriage that¡¯s full of love.

    ¡°But you promised me,¡± Chiara whispered while watching her man kiss another woman passionately. ¡°You promised that you¡¯re gonna marry me.¡±

    Of course, Simone couldn¡¯t hear her. The ps and cheers of their visitors covered the whole church.

    Defeated, Chiara slowly walked away from the scene. Her mind is nk and tears kept on falling. She can¡¯t even breathe properly.

    She¡¯s too upied by the fact that her greatest and first love is now owned by another, and she didn¡¯t notice that Ezio was right there, watching her cry because of another man.

 Last Request

    TWO WEEKS of silence. That¡¯s what every people inside the Vitali mansion experienced.

    Since the day Chiara went home with swelled eyes, everyone became quiet even if they don¡¯t know the reason why. The maids and guards, even those who are close to Chiara, didn¡¯t dare to say a word or asked about what¡¯s happening. All they can do is watch the closed bedroom door and wish that their Signora wille out.

    Out of all people inside the mansion, only two people can enter Chiara¡¯s gloomy room: Fara and Ezio.

    Fara delivered foods for her Signora everyday. On the first day, Chiara wouldn¡¯t even eat the food given to her.

    ¡°Signora, you can¡¯t starve yourself,¡± Fara said before sitting beside her and scooping a spoonful of chicken soup. ¡°You have to eat, signora. Even just a little.¡±

    But Chiara¡¯s mind is on somewhere else. Her mind is busymemorating the times were she and Simone are still together. Those happy times for the both of them.

    In her mind, she is contented and happy.

    ¡°Signora,¡± Fara¡¯s eyes are starting to form tears. It¡¯s already dinner time, yet Chiara hasn¡¯t eaten even a little yet.

    She touched Chiara¡¯s left cheek and tried to make her look at her direction. This seems to be effective, for Chiara¡¯s eyes moved and focused on Fara, making her leave her imaginary world.

    Fara ce the spoon near Chiara¡¯s mouth, and she let out a sigh of relief when Chiara opened her mouth to eat.

    ¡°You have to eat more, signora,¡± Fara said while a smile. ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten anything since morning. I¡¯m sure that you¡¯re famished.¡±

    It took a couple of minutes before Chiara was able to finish the soup. When Fara was sure that her signora is now ready to sleep, she left the room and went back to work.

    Chiara¡¯s situation became better after days. She ate on time, but they can¡¯t still talk to her, and every morning when Fara will give her breakfast, she can notice Chiara¡¯s swelling eyes from tears.

    It¡¯s almost two weeks since that day, and for those days, Ezio will sneak in on his wife¡¯s room.

    ¡°Cara,¡± Ezio spoke while gently caressing her cheek. He stared at her face while the cold wind from the terrace blew on them.

    Her face looks so peaceful, but Ezio knew that deep inside, his cara is hurting. She has a deep wound that will take years to heal.

    Even if he tried to think that Simone is the cause of it, he knew himself that it¡¯s not the truth. Chiara wouldn¡¯t be in this state if she and Simone didn¡¯t separate.

    If he didn¡¯t broke the two apart.

    ¡°What do you see in him that you still love him after those years?¡± he asked the sleepingdy. ¡°I tried to be like him. I tried to imitate him. Why can¡¯t you just love me back?¡±

    It¡¯s true. On the first year of their marriage, he tried to copy everything about Simone. From the way he dress himself, to the way he talks. He even bought a whole new wardrobe that is the exact style of that man. Perfume that smells like Simone. He studies his bodynguage, his emotions, and incorporated them to himself.

    He is willing to look like Simone in Chiara¡¯s eyes, if that¡¯s what will make her love him.

    But he failed. Chiara wouldn¡¯t eveny her eyes on him. She wouldn¡¯t even smell him or sit near him. She wouldn¡¯t talk to him or watch him from a far.

    He¡¯s basically a ghost to her.

    ¡°You¡¯ve already shed a lot of tears because of him,¡± Ezio spoke while wiping the dried tears beside her eyes.

    Hey down beside her, just like what he is doing every night since their marriage. His arms enveloped her body gently as if she was a fragile one.

    ¡°I promise that I will never hurt you. I promise that you won¡¯t be needing to shed a single tear for me. I¡¯ll make you happy everyday,¡± he whispered in her ear. ¡°Just love me back, cara. Just love me back.¡±

    Of course, Chiara couldn¡¯t answer. In her sleeping state, she was in a happy memory with her ex-boyfriend. Ezio¡¯s whispers fell on deaf ears. It¡¯s only Simone¡¯s voice that she could hear.

    Ezio couldn¡¯t help but rethink if his decisions in life, especially from the moment he forced Chiara to marry him.

    ¡°You were a ball of sunshine before I came,¡± he spoke, remembering the first day he saw his wife. ¡°But look at you now.¡±

    His fingers traced her lips that were always on a frown since they¡¯re together. ¡°I never saw you smile while living with me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re life was peaceful before I came,¡± his mind wandered on all the attempts of his enemies to hurt his wife. ¡°But I dragged you into this hellish life. You¡¯re always in danger because of me.¡±

    Ezio closed his eyes and made his decision. A decision that he never thought he will make in his life. A decision that will surely break him into pieces. A decision that will cut the happiness in his life.

    ¡°You¡¯re unhappy with me. You¡¯re miserable with me. You¡¯re always hurting with me,¡± a lone tear fell from his eyes. ¡°If you can¡¯t really love me, maybe it will be better to let you go.¡±

    His lips touched her forehead before hugging her and closing his eyes, praying that his cara will be fine by tomorrow.

    And God answered his every day prayer. One morning while Ezio was getting ready for work, the door of his beloved¡¯s room opened.

    ¡°Cara,¡± Ezio spoke under his breath when he saw Chiara step out of her room for the first time.

    His beloved slowly turned her head towards him, and he closed the steps between them. He was about to ask her about her well-being when she spoke.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve been a burden for the past weeks,¡± she said while looking at him with dead eyes.

    Ezio softened his look at her. ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize. It¡¯s fine,¡± he responded. ¡°Do you feel better now?¡±

    She nodded and waited for him to ask about the reason of why she became like that. But Ezio didn¡¯t speak anything about the matter, he just asked on how she feels and what she needs. And it confuses her.

    ¡°Do you want to eat anything? I¡¯ll ask the cook to prepare it,¡± Ezio asked her while they were going down the stairs.

    Chiara¡¯s steps where slow, perhaps because of spending most of her days sitting andying on her bed that he feet couldn¡¯t adjust immediately. It looks like she is going to fall in any minute, but Ezio is right beside her. He¡¯s making sure of her safety and very patiently waited for her in every step.

    ¡°Anything will be fine. I just want to eat something,¡± she replied.

    ¡°The cook prepared smi and eggs. There are also crossaint and other breads you may like,¡± Ezio said while they were walking towards the kitchen. ¡°You like strawberry jam, right? I can prepare the sandwich for you.¡±

    When Chiara sat on the dining table, the maids and cooks prepared her meal. Ezio sat beside her and picked up a toast before opening the bottle of jam.

    ¡°I appreciate this, Ezio,¡± Chiara spoke while looking at him. ¡°But I can manage now. Besides, you have to go to your office, right? It¡¯s already nine in the morning.¡±

    Ezio shook his head while putting the jam on the toast. ¡°The office can wait,¡± he spoke, but suddenly remembered his decision before that made his mood go down. ¡°Just, let me do this for you.¡±

    Ezio gave his all to give the best treatment for his wife. He¡¯s cherishing every moment, because he knew that this might be thest time that she will right beside him.

    He knew that he can¡¯t keep her forever. He can¡¯t force her to live with him and pretend that they are a happy couple. Three years is already enough to know that their rtionship won¡¯t improve. Those years are already a proof that Chiara¡¯s heart is not meant to be his.

    Despite feeling down, Ezio tried to lift up his mood and smiled at his beloved. He watched her eat with all of her heart, like it is a beautiful movie ying in front on him.

    After some minutes, Chiara finally finished eating. Ezio requested for a walk around their neighborhood, because he knew that Chiara really wanted to go outside. Fortunately, she epted.

    Both of them our quiet during their walk. They were walking side-by-side, yet Ezio is following wherever Chiara will go.

    Atst, they stopped on a mini-park inside their neighborhood. Chiara sat on a bench and watched the children ying under the heat of the sun.

    ¡°Mom and Dad used to bring me in parks like this when I was little,¡± she suddenly spoke, catching Ezio off guard.

    It is not because Chiara talked to him, but because since they got married, Chiara never shared any memories of her with her parents. She never told him anything personal.

    ¡°I love parks, especially those that are near to a body of water,¡± she added, reminiscing a memory in her head.

    ¡°Gargano,¡± Ezio spoke which made Chiara turn her head towards him.

    ¡°Huh?¡± she asked when she heard that familiar ce.

    Ezio looked at her. ¡°Parco Nazionale de Gargano.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I know that ce,¡± she answered and looked away to watch the running children. ¡°We went there before.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Ezio shrugged. ¡°You even went horse riding with you Dad, right?¡±

    That made Chiara¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. She looked at him. ¡°How did you know that?¡±

    ¡°I was also there. I saw you,¡± he answered and smiled softly, as if he remembered something: a happy memory. ¡°You were around 10-12 years old back then. I heard you asking your dad to trek but he wouldn¡¯t let you.¡±

    Her mouth gaped because everything he said is true. ¡°You already knew about me back then?¡±

    Ezio didn¡¯t answer, but his smile is enough for Chiara to know that she is right.

    No one dared to speak after that. They just spent the next minutes watching other people, or feeling the warmth of the weather.

    For Chiara, she was doing that to clear her mind. But for Ezio, he was gathering all of the strength he has in order not to falter after what he will do.

    Their silence was cut when Ezio spoke.

    ¡°Cara,¡± he called her. Chiara hummed before turning her head to him.

    Even if hesitating, Ezio reached out of Chiara¡¯s hand and touched it. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Chiara frowned when she heard that. ¡°Why? Why are you apologizing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for making you miserable,¡± he spoke, making Chiara stunned. She couldn¡¯t talk. She doesn¡¯t know why Ezio is suddenly talking about those things.

    ¡°I know that you were never happy to be with me in the first ce, I just forced you after all,¡± he added and took a deep breath.

    ¡°Before, I thought that maybe after we got married, you will learn to love me and we¡¯ll live happily ever after,¡± he started to confessing. Chiara couldn¡¯t believe what she was hearing, but she chose to listen.

    ¡°In my imagination, we¡¯ll get married, have kids, and live with each other until our hairs turned grey. I have lots of n for us, but I wasn¡¯t able to do anything of them.¡±

    His hand gripped hers tightly, but not to the point that it was ufortable. ¡°I know that you still love him, and maybe, you will never love anyone after him.¡±

    ¡°But he¡¯s married now. We can¡¯t be together anymore,¡± she replied. She was thinking that saying that will hurt her again, but it did nothing. She felt nothing. Maybe she was numb after all the pain, or she doesn¡¯t have any feelings for him anymore.

    ¡°I know,¡± Ezio spoke. ¡°I saw how heartbroken you are. I know that it¡¯s because of me. If I haven¡¯t broke you apart in the first ce, you wouldn¡¯t experience that heartbreak.¡±

    He looked intently at her eyes. His other hand caressed her face. He stared at her, like he was memorizing his face because he won¡¯t be able to see her again.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather have you away from me but happy, than be with me but miserable. I don¡¯t want to be the cause of your heartache, cara.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Ezio is trying so hard not to break in front of his light. He was stopping his tears from falling. He had to look strong.

    ¡°Cara, I know you wanted to be free from me,¡± his fingers her undereye. ¡°I¡¯m giving you a chance now.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked.

    He smiled sadly at her. ¡°You can request for divorce if you want. I won¡¯t bother you anymore. I won¡¯t ask you about your parents¡¯ debt. That way, you will be free from me.¡±

    Chiara couldn¡¯t believe what she heard that she wasn¡¯t able to respond immediately. She also couldn¡¯t exin her emotions. A part of her is celebrating because she will be free from this forced marriage, but a small part of her is hurting for unknown reason.

    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± she asked, not knowing what to say.

    Ezio nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it for a long time. I¡¯m sure about it. I just gave onest request before we part ways.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Can we have our first andst date before the divorce? I want us to have a good memory together. Just one date,¡± he requested with pleading eyes.

    Chiara didn¡¯t hesitate and gave it to him. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll grant it.¡±

    Ezio couldn¡¯t help but hug her. It may be a small thing for others, but for him, it is the only chance he has to build a memory worth remembering with his beloved. It is his only chance to make her smile. His only chance to show her how much he loves her.

    Because there won¡¯t next time.

 First Date

    AS REQUESTED, the married couple went on the date. Chiara looked at herself on the mirror while fixing her hair into an half-up and half-down hairstyle. She sprayed a little bit of hair spray before finishing it with a clip ribbon with pearls on top.

    ¡°Ezio,¡± Chiara spoke after knocking into her husband¡¯s door. ¡°I¡¯m done.¡±

    It didn¡¯t took long for the door to open. Chiara was greeted by her husband that¡¯s wearing a in baby blue shirt with ck jeans. It¡¯s a simple outfit but Ezio carried it well, making him look attractive and manly in her eyes.

    On the other hand, Ezio was stunned when he saw his wife. Chiara was wearing a midnight blue floral peplum top paired with a ck red bottom.

    Even it is just a coincidence, Ezio couldn¡¯t help but smile inwardly by the fact that they are wearing matching outfits.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Ezio cleared his throat before he could imagine more things. ¡°Are you ready?¡±

    Chiara nodded. ¡°Where are we going, by the way?¡± She has no idea what kind of date her husband created. All he told her is to wear somethingfortable.

    ¡°It¡¯s a surprise,¡± he responded with a yful smile.

    While walking out of the mansion, the workers greeted them. Everyone is on smiles knowing that their signora is now feeling well. Another thing that made them feel joyful is that the married couple now looksfortable with each other.

    ¡°Have a safe and enjoyable trip, signor, signora,¡± the maids greeted in unison.

    The two smiled at them before Ezio gave instructions and reminders. He told the workers that they might be homete, so Chiara assumed that they are going on a city far from their location.

    ¡°Hop in, cara,¡± Ezio spoke when he opened the door of the passenger seat of the car.

    Chiara smiled and headed inside. She was expecting that it will be a long ride, and it really is.

    She looked behind them and saw two cars following their trail. It was Ezio¡¯s bodyguards, and they will apany them to make sure of their safety.

    Before, she will get mad because of having lots of guards. But now, she appreciate it. She knew that her husband is worried about her safety. And knowing that her husband is right there to protect her, she doesn¡¯t have any fear while going out.

    She was focused on looking outside. It¡¯s been a long time since shest travel far from Ezio¡¯s mansion that she almost forget how the city looks like.

    Her staring battle with the tall buildings were interrupted when she felt a warm hand touched hers. She looked to her left side and saw that it was Ezio¡¯s hand.

    Before, she can¡¯t stand being with him and always get irritated whenever he tries to go near or touch her.

    Looking back, Chiara now realized that it was her fault their rtionship came out this way. She was too focused on her heartbreak from her ex-boyfriend that she became blind of her husband.

    She stared at his neutral face looking at the road. She can¡¯t believe that this handsome man beside her insisted on marrying her.

    He looked so serious, far from the man she saw the other night.

    It was dark and cold, but Chiara was woken up by the presence of another human inside her room. She opened her eyes a little bit to have even a small sight of the surroundings, but it was too dark.

    The only thing she can see is a silhouette of a man who is climbing on the railings of her terrace. Silhouettes might be broad, but the shape of it looks familiar.

    ¡°Ezio,¡± she whispered to herself. She can¡¯t be wrong, that bodybuild belongs to her husband.

    ¡°What is he doing?¡± she asked. She was about to open her eyes more when she saw him opening the door from the outside.

    Chiara is sure that she locked the door to the terrace, that¡¯s why it confuses her when Ezio was able to enter her bedroom.

    She hurriedly closed her eyes so that he won¡¯t know that he¡¯s awake.

    ¡°Cara,¡± Ezio¡¯s voice entered her ears. His tone was soft and caring, just like his touch.

    She felt the foam of the bed moved and his presence became nearer that their skin¡¯s already touching. Ezio continued to caress her cheek.

    Chiara tried her best to make her breathing even and pretended to be asleep.

    ¡°Are you still crying over him, hmm?¡± Ezio asked. ¡°Fara said you didn¡¯t finish your dinner. I know that you¡¯re still broken on what happened, but you can¡¯t starve yourself everyday.¡±

    Ezioy down beside her and hugged her body. It was the first time Chiara felt his body enveloping hers, and it actually feltforting. His warmth havefort to her chilling body.

    ¡°I attended an awarding today. Our mall was awarded as the most outstanding and best in customer rtion. Can you believe that?¡± Ezio started talking about his day even if he knew that Chiara wouldn¡¯t respond.

    On the other hand, Chiara continued on listening to him. She actually felt her heart getting lighter, and it started beating louder.

    ¡°I want to bring you on the awarding, but I think you¡¯re not healed yet. And oh, I remember. I saw a new restaurant down the 4th avenue. They have unli chicken wings and a lot more foods. All are unlimited! I¡¯m sure you will like it there. I¡¯ll bring you there next time.¡±

    Ezio continued on talking random things on Chiara. From what happened to his day, to what he recently discovered, even to what he overheard from other people. It looks like they are having deep talks but it¡¯s only him that doing all the talking.

    The same thing went on several nights. At first Chiara will just be woke up by either noise or feeling of another presence, until she found herself waiting for Ezio to enter her room every night.

    When Ezio fell asleep, Chiara opened her eyes and stared at him. It¡¯s such a shame that she didn¡¯t even make time to know him more before.

    ¡°Ezio, just let me cry my heart out. After this, I promise to make it up to you,¡± she whispered on his ear before closing her eyes.

    Chiara was brought back to the present when she felt the car stopped.

    ¡°Huh?¡± she thought to herself before looking around. The ce looks familiar to her, but she is sure that she hasn¡¯t visited the ce.

    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Ezio spoke while helping Chiara remove the seatbelt.

    ¡°Where are we?¡± she asked, but Ezio just smiled and take her outside. He was holding her hand and she followed his steps.

    Atst, a certain sign made Chiara gasped.

    ¡°Oh my god,¡± she said in shock. ¡°Centro Vista Daini?¡±

    She looked at Ezio, trying to ask using her eyes if what she¡¯s currently seeing is true. A nod from him makes her so excited.

    She giggled and pulled Ezio¡¯s hands towards the entrance. Both of them were greeted by the green scenery of the reserve, and of course, a lot of deers which makes Chiara¡¯s eyes twinkle.

    They have a tour guide that brought them to the different ces of the area. The reserve was small, but pleasing in the eyes.

    ¡°I like the tour guide. She¡¯s funny,¡± Chiara spoke while walking towards a group of deers under the trees.

    ¡°It¡¯s fascinating that she knows how to answer all of your questions. You like deers so much, huh?¡± Ezio asked.

    Chiara hummed a yes. ¡°I love all animals.¡±

    She hopped towards the deers and squat to pet the one in a loaf position. ¡°Cutie deer,¡± she spoke in a baby voice while rubbing the deer¡¯s head.

    Ezio just watched his wife petting every deer that she can see, even ying with some. He can see happiness radiating in her face, something that he was really craving to see for a long time.

    ¡°I¡¯ve really wanted to be here,¡± Chiara spoke while she wasying on Ezio¡¯sp.

    They¡¯re currently sitting on a pink checkered mat. Chiarained that she¡¯s already tired ying and running with deers so they had to rest first.

    ¡°I know,¡± Ezio answered before wiping the ketchup that she has on the side of her lips.

    Chiara¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. ¡°How did you know that?¡±

    Instead of answering her question, Ezio diverted the topic. ¡°I thought you and your family used to bring you to parks? Why haven¡¯t they brought you here?¡±

    She shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s too far from our house. We usually visited park near our city only,¡± she answered before looking at theke nearby.

    ¡°I see. Did you enjoy it?¡± he replied while brushing her soft hair.

    ¡°Of course!¡± she eximed. ¡°I met a lot of deers and I was able to pet them! That¡¯s a new experience!¡±

    Ezio smiled on her beaming face. ¡°I¡¯m d you liked it. Just tell me where you want to go and I¡¯ll bring you there.¡±

    He forgot that he promised his wife a divorce after their date. He was too happy to remember that. Well, Chiara forgot about it either. They are still not finished on their first date, yet she is already looking forward for the next one.

    Both of them became quiet afterwards. It was not the kind of silence that¡¯s ufortable, it was actually a silence of relief and contentment.

    While Chiara was busy looking at scenery, Ezio was focused on her. His eyes were on her only as if she¡¯s the only one that matters.

    Chiara turned her head to her husband. She stared at his mismatched eyes and touched his jaw.

    ¡°They¡¯re beautiful,¡± she thought to herself. The color blue and green suits his face. It made him more special in her eyes.

    ¡°Will out children have different colored eyes, too? Or will one have blue and the other one will have green? How about my eye color? Will they also inherit it?¡± Chiara asked herself and started to imagine how their kids will look like.

    She was just pulled out from her reverie when she heard Ezio spoke.

    ¡°Done staring, cara?¡± he asked with a yful smile on his lips. ¡°You can stare longer when we¡¯re at home.¡±

    She immediately looked away, making Ezio chuckle. Chiara tried to put his attention elsewhere.

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± she said.

    ¡°Okay, okay. Where do you want to eat, cara?¡± Ezio asked, trying to suppress hisughter because of his wife¡¯s embarrassment.

    Suddenly, a wicked idea formed in Chiara¡¯s mind. She won¡¯t let her husband tease her.

    ¡°I want to eat on the new restaurant on the 4th Avenue near our house. The one that serves unlimited wings,¡± she said while smirking inwardly.

    Ezio, who was stunned by was she said, blinked his eyes slowly for a couple of time before asking. ¡°That¡¯s a new one. How did you know about it?¡±

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help herself but to smirk. ¡°You told me about it, right?¡±

    Before Ezio could ask for more, she stood up. ¡°Hurry. I want to eat now. You don¡¯t want to know what happens when I get super hungry.¡±

    Ezio couldn¡¯t protest but he knew something was off. He never told Chiara about the new restaurant for they haven¡¯t spoke to each other for weeks. The only time he talked to her is while she was asleep.

    Sudden realization hit him while he was driving that he couldn¡¯t control himself on pushing the break.

    ¡°Hey, what happened?¡± Chiara asked when they stopped. She even look outside to see if it¡¯s a red light, but it¡¯s not.

    ¡°Why did you stop?¡± she asked.

    Ezio was about to answer when the cars behind him started to honk.

    ¡°Nothing. I just remembered something,¡± he answered while starting the car again.

    Chiara just shrugged and looked outside to watch the surroundings. On the other hand, Ezio was blushing from the inside. He can¡¯t stop thinking about the possibly that Chiara might be awake on those nights he sneaked in.

    Such an embarrassment, but he knew that he would do it again. Not just once, but a couple more times.

 Still Together?

    THE MARRIED COUPLE forgot about their deal, which is to go on with the divorce after their first date. They were very caught in their moments that they don¡¯t have enough time to think of anything.

    Ezio and Chiara started having more dates that what was nned. Most are not just ordinary dates. They are very unique, and it looks like Ezio can¡¯t run out of ideas.

    Their rtionship was built up as well, and Ezio couldn¡¯t help but smile in every second of the day.

    ¡°You look like a lovesick fool, man,¡± Dante spoke when he entered Ezio¡¯s office. ¡°Smiling when you¡¯re alone doesn¡¯t sound right.¡±

    Ezio picked up a pen and throw it at his friend who caught it easily before itnded on his face. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Hey, can¡¯t I visit my friend?¡± he spoke as he sat down on the visitor¡¯s couch.

    ¡°You just visit me whenever you need money,¡± Ezio responded while typing on his phone, smiling.

    Dante got up and ced his hand on his chest as if he¡¯s hurt. ¡°Damn, that hurts! You think I¡¯m after your money?¡±

    Ezio just shook his head while busy typing on his phone. Dante, who is curious, walked beside him and took a nce on his phone.

    ¡°Ooh,¡± he reacted while wiggling his eyebrows. ¡°You¡¯re exchanging texts with your cara. That¡¯s the first time.¡±

    But his friend can¡¯t hear him. He was too focused and all of his attention is on Chiara only.

    ¡°Wow, I¡¯m talking to a wall,¡± Dante said sarcastically before ying with the other things inside Ezio¡¯s office.

    After some minutes of boredom, Ezio locked his phone before looking at his friend who is now petting the tortoise in his aquarium.

    ¡°You seriously went here just to do that?¡± he spoke.

    Dante shook his head before looking back at him. ¡°I just heard a news.¡±

    ¡°A news? About what?¡±

    ¡°About you and your cara,¡± Dante replied as he sat down across his friend. ¡°People in the business circle are talking about the two of you. They said you¡¯re undergoing a divorce. I just want to check on you.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Ezio, who¡¯s mind already forgot about the divorce part, suddenly felt silent. He knew that he promised Chiara a divorce after one date, yet it is still not happening.

    ¡°But you look fine, my friend,¡± Dante patted his shoulder. ¡°The gossip must be false. You two are having a good rtionship.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Ezio spoke, making his friend stunned. ¡°I initiated it.¡±

    Dante gasped. ¡°Holy cow, man!¡± he eximed as he stood up and looking unbelievably on his friend.

    ¡°Divorcing her? You can¡¯t do that! You love her so much! You don¡¯t even want to let go of her!¡± he spoke and waited for his friend¡¯s reply.

    Ezio took a deep breath. ¡°I did. It¡¯s just¡­¡± he sighed and rested his back in the swivel chair. ¡°I can¡¯t endure seeing her hurting because I forced her into this life.¡±

    Suddenly, the memories of Chiara crying and broken entered his mind. He became selfish, and he doesn¡¯t want to do it again.

    ¡°If you¡¯re having a divorce, why are you still having dates?¡± Dante asked because he is really not convinced that Ezio could do that.

    He knew his friend. He knew how deep his love for Chiara is. He knew that his friend will do anything to own Chiara and her love. And hearing that he is the one who ended their rtionship is like a hallucination.

    ¡°I requested for onest date before we part ways,¡± he answered.

    Dante snorted. ¡°Onest date? But you had five dates this week!¡±

    ¡°That,¡± Ezio stopped because he doesn¡¯t even know how that happened. ¡°I don¡¯t have an exnation for that.¡±

    ¡°Well, I do!¡± Dante spoke. ¡°It¡¯s because both of you don¡¯t really want a divorce!¡±

    Ezio shook his head. ¡°No. She wants to have a divorce. It¡¯s the only way she can be free from me.¡±

    Clicking tongue echoed in the whole office as Dante is walking and shaking his head with his hands on the waist. ¡°Did she ask you about the divorce after your date?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Ezio answered.

    ¡°Then there¡¯s your answer,¡± he responded with a grin.

    Ezio looked at him with furrowed eyebrows. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want a divorce, my friend. She wants to stay,¡± he said proudly. ¡°Because if she really wanted the divorce, she would¡¯ve asked you after you went home from yourst date.¡±

    Ezio seemed pleased hearing that. Looking at the previous days, Chiara never brought up the divorce or anything that¡¯s rted to it. Instead, she would ask him about their next dates.

    For the past days, Chiara will always hug him before he left for work, and will wee him with open arm when he got home. Those were simple gestures, yet it is enough to make his day.

    ¡°What¡¯s your n now, my friend?¡± Dante asked when he saw Ezio organizing the papers on his table.

    With a smile, Ezio answered. ¡°Go home to my cara and bring her to a date.¡±

    Dante¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°What the fuck? Did you just have a date yesterday? And the other day before that? And the other other day before yesterday?¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± he responded. ¡°But my cara wants me to bring her to my mall. We¡¯ll enter every store we have.¡±

    Ezio picked up his bag and walked towards the door. His friend followed him who is still looking at him unbelievably.

    In Dante¡¯s mind, it is insane to bring a woman to a date everyday. It¡¯s also a pain in his wallet.

    The two men parted ways and Ezio was more than excited to be home. It didn¡¯t took him long enough to reach the mansion.

    As what he is expecting, Chiara is already waiting for him in the living room. She¡¯s wearing an off-shoulder ruffled cream top and a ck maxi skirt. Her hair is on a bun , making her soft neck exposed.

    ¡°Ezio,¡± she said and smiled. Chiara walked towards him and hugged his body. She even sniff his clothing afterwards.

    He hugged her back before kissing her forehead. ¡°It seems like you¡¯re ready for our date.¡±

    Chiara nodded before showing him her outfit and turning around for a 360 view.

    ¡°You look gorgeous, cara,¡± Ezio spoke and his thumb caressed her cheek. ¡°Give me a minute. I¡¯ll change.¡±

    EZIO AND CHIARA looked like they have their own world while walking around their mall. They have finished visiting every stall on the first floor, and they¡¯re now having their lunch on the second floor.

    This floor of the mall is reserved for the different restaurants and food stalls. There are so much choices that Chiara had a hard time picking one.

    ¡°All of the foods looked delicious. I want to try them all,¡± Chiara spoke while looking at the menu disyed at the food court.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to try that one?¡± Ezio asked while pointing a restaurant around the corner.

    Chiara shook her head and snorted. ¡°I¡¯ve been eating chicken for the past days. I won¡¯t be surprise if I have wings by tomorrow.¡±

    In the end, they chose a pizza restaurant because Chiara¡¯s mouth watered when she saw one.

    They are on their way to the restaurant when they bump into an unexpected person. Ezio¡¯s body stiffened and he unconsciously grabbed Chiara¡¯s waste, as if he¡¯s ready to pull her away incase something happened.

    ¡°What a coincidence, meeting you two when we¡¯re just talking about you,¡± Elisa, Ezio¡¯s mother said while looking at them.

    She¡¯s carrying a small, diamond-filled clutch bag on the right while a bunch of shopping bag on the other.

    ¡°Good afternoon, ma¡¯am,¡± Chiara greeted the woman in front of her. Even if she has a bad impression of the woman, she still decided to give some respect. They¡¯re outside afterall.

    Elisa just looked at her from head to toe before speaking. ¡°I heard that you¡¯re having a divorce. Why are you still out hear, pretending to be a happy couple?¡±

    Ezio has been nning on asking his wife about the matter, but having his mother bringing the topic back made his n failed. He was about to answer when Chiara spoke first.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where you got that information, ma¡¯am. But as you can see, our rtionship is doing well,¡± she responded with a smile even if she¡¯s really annoyed inside.

    For the past days, Chiara already forgot about the divorce. She¡¯s already slowly making it up to Ezio. It¡¯s just annoying that some people is spreading news about them.

    No one knew about the divorce. It¡¯s just her and Ezio. They haven¡¯t even talked to awyer or anyone. It¡¯s mystery how his mother knows about it.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Elisa¡¯s left eyebrow raised. ¡°I thought you already figured out that my son is a good for nothing man.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s ears flickered when she heard that. ¡°You may be his mother, but you don¡¯t have the right to insult my husband.¡±

    Ezio, on the other hand, is just listening to the word battle of the two. Deep inside, he is cheering for his wife to win and make his mother shut up. Hearing his wife defending him makes him want to go jump to reach the stars.

    ¡°I am his mother, so I know everything about him. I know what I said,¡± Elisa responded before looking at her son. ¡°He¡¯s nothing but a bad news. He is only living that life because of his surname that he got from his father.¡±

    Elisa put an emphasis on the word ¡°father¡±. After that, Chiara felt Ezio¡¯s embrace tightened. She didn¡¯t think about it and continued talking to the woman.

    ¡°What my husband has now is because of his own efforts. This mall was built from scratch. Hispanies were also built by him. And as far as I remember, he didn¡¯t inherit anything from you or his father,¡± Chiara responded.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, better mind your own business. Your son clearly doesn¡¯t want to have you around,¡± she added before clinging into Ezio¡¯s arms. ¡°Now, please excuse us. My husband and I will have our lunch. Nice talking to you.¡±

    With that the couple walked away, dismissing any more words that Elisa will say.

 Father

    THEIR MOOD suddenly went down because of their encounter with Ezio¡¯s mother. Chiara can see that her husband became quiet and stiff while they were walking.

    ¡°Ezio,¡± she called him and slightly tapped his bicep. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    Ezio, who is lost in his thoughts, went back to his senses when he heard his wife. ¡°Ah, yeah.¡±

    Chiara pouted at him. ¡°You don¡¯t look fine. Is it because of your mother?¡± she asked before leaning her head to his arms. ¡°Don¡¯t mind her. Let¡¯s just enjoy our date.¡±

    Hearing that made Ezio pleased. She¡¯s right. He should not let his mother ruin their special moment.

    Although a bit skeptical, Ezio smiled at her and touched her waist as they entered the restaurant. His mind is present in the moment but a portion of it is still looking back on his mother¡¯s words.

    Elisa reminded them about the divorce, yet Chiara dismissed it and hasn¡¯t talked about it until now.

    He¡¯s starting to think that Dante was right. Chiara must does not like going through the divorce.

    Just thinking about that makes him smile, which didn¡¯t escape Chiara¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Why are you smiling like an idiot?¡± Chiara asked while they were sitting on their table.

    Ezio shook his head and tried to hide his smile. ¡°Nothing. I just remembered something.¡±

    Although Chiara really does not believe that, she didn¡¯t think much about it. She is hungry and just wants to satisfy her stomach.

    ¡°I want to have this,¡± Chiara said to the waiter while pointing something on the menu. ¡°And this one,¡± she pointed another food. ¡°And this one, too.¡±

    The waiter nodded before writing doen the orders. He looked at Ezio before asking. ¡°How for you, signor?¡±

    Ezio just ordered one type of food. He knew that Chiara couldn¡¯t finish eating the foods she ordered. On their past dates, Chiara would order a lot of food when she¡¯s hungry. But when it¡¯s time to eat she can¡¯t even finish half of it.

    There are times she will just smile at Ezio and exchange her looks between him and the foods. And that is already a signal for him. A signal that says ¡°I can¡¯t finish my food. Eat it for me.¡±

    They were quiet while eating their lunch. Of course, Ezio doesn¡¯t want to interrupt his wife while eating. He knew how hungry she is right now.

    ¡°Ezio,¡± she called him while picking up a slice of bacon pizza. ¡°Can I ask something?¡±

    He nodded his head before swallowing his food. ¡°Sure. Fire away, cara.¡±

    Chiara gave him an innocent smile. ¡°My question is too personal. I don¡¯t think I should ask it but I really want to know the answer.¡±

    Ezio reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. ¡°I¡¯m your husband. You have the right to know everything about me.¡±

    With that, she becamefortable asking the question that she really wanted to ask her husband after their wedding.

    ¡°I noticed that your mother is mad at you. What happened?¡± she asked while looking straight into his mismatched eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s just bizarre for me. I grew up in an environment where parents love their children. So, seeing your mother insulting you is weird. It makes me so annoyed,¡± she added. ¡°Did something happen between the two of you? Or is she really like that since before?¡±

    Ezio already expected that his wife will ask that question, so it¡¯s not a shock for him. However, giving the answer makes him nervous inside. But he knew that he didn¡¯t do anything wrong, and his wife must know everything about him, just like how he knew everything about her.

    ¡°It¡¯s because of my father,¡± Ezio responded with a low voice.

    Chiara was suddenly shocked. She hasn¡¯t seen his father once, and when she asked Fara about it, she told her that Ezio¡¯s father died many years ago.

    She hasn¡¯t seen him in pictures. She hasn¡¯t even see any family pictures of the Vitali. All of the pictures inside their mansion is either Ezio¡¯s, Chiara¡¯s, or their wedding pictures.

    Ezio took a deep breath before looking at the past and telling it to his wife. ¡°Since I was little, my father was training to be the sessor of our business. It¡¯s already given because I am an only child.¡±

    Chiara knew the feeling. She also went through the same thing. However, she will inherit nopany because it¡¯s already bankrupt.

    ¡°He started teaching me about the art of negotiation, how to expand my connections, how to get what I want. He even brought me to hispanies everyday and show me how he works. I can still remember him giving me my first business task when I was only ten,¡± he added.

    Chiara can see happiness in his eyes. That¡¯s when she knew how happy Ezio is with his father. Teaching a child about business at such young age might be uneptable for some, but she knew that Ezio didn¡¯t take it at that way. She knew that her husband appreciates what gus father did for him.

    ¡°Years passed and he told me that I¡¯m all ready to enter the business world. He told me that I already have the skills to run ourpanies. He even believed that I will put ourpanies on top because I¡¯m a good businessman,¡± Ezio continued telling his story.

    ¡°As you know, there are a lot of quarrels inside the business world. We have a lot of rivalpanies,¡± he said before giving a deep breath, as if a bad news is going to be announced.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m not like my father who tries tomunicate with his rivals and go find for a win-win situation. I like to stick on what I do and what I want. My mindset is ¡®if anyone disagrees, they must be removed out of the way¡¯. I do not like negotiating with my rivals. If they want to bump on me, I will step on them,¡± Ezio spoke, fury is evident in his eyes.

    Chiara just stared at him and waited for him to tell her more. She knew that the reason why his rtionship with his mother turned out luke that will be revealed soon.

    ¡°Until one time, I got on an argument with a business rival. He was a huge business tycoon. Our fight was too intense that a lot of retaliation happened. Both of us lost millions of euros because of that,¡± he added before looking on the ss wall of the restaurant.

    ¡°Little did I know, he sent a gunman to go after me. Just a month after my 20th birthday, the gunman tried to kill me,¡± his eyes suddenly turned cold but sadness is still seen on it. ¡°My father use his body as a shield to protect me. He was shot several times. The gunman didn¡¯t stop shooting him. Maybe he is thinking that his bullet can reach me even if my father¡¯s shielding me.¡±

    Ezio closed his eyes and took a deep breath. ¡°We tried saving him, but a lot of bullets hit my father¡¯s head and heart. He didn¡¯t survive.¡±

    Chiara can feel the sadness that her husband is currently feeling. She wants to console him, hug him, and tell him that everything¡¯s alright.

    ¡°After my father¡¯s burial, my mother became different. She started to resent me, insulting me, and telling me that I am a bad news,¡± he shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m still grieving because of the lost of my father, yet, I felt like I also lost my mother.¡±

    ¡°She never looked at me lovingly after that. We lived on the same house but she never talked to me. She even leaves the table when I¡¯m eating. She didn¡¯t attend my graduation. She never stood beside me on my failures and sesses.¡±

    Ezio looked at the food in front of him. ¡°My mother said that I do not deserve to get anything from my father, because I am the cause of his death,¡± he added. ¡°She¡¯s right, so I left the house and started living from scratch. I used everyone my father thought me to build my ownpany, to survive.¡±

    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just lucky because my father left me with bunch of money. That¡¯s why I was able to support myself. But it¡¯s still difficult. I failed a lot of times, it cost me so much, but I don¡¯t want to fail my father again,¡± he stopped talking for a moment before speaking again. ¡°Sometimes, I¡¯m thinking that maybe things will be better if it¡¯s me who died that day. I am the target, but my dad paid with his life just to save me.¡±

    Hearing that, Chiara stood up and sat beside her husband. ¡°Don¡¯t say that. I¡¯m sure that your father didn¡¯t regret saving you. He protected you because he loves you and he knows that you have a great future ahead. You¡¯re previous to him,¡± she said while caressing his back.

    Ezio didn¡¯t answer. His mind is still flying on the day his father dies in his eyes. He can still see the blood and how his father fought for him.

    Seeing her husband lost in his thoughts, Chiara touched Ezio¡¯s cheeks and made him look at her.

    She gave him the most heartwarming smile she has. ¡°You¡¯re father is proud of you, because you didn¡¯t give up. You used his teachings to improve your life. That is his legacy. So don¡¯t ever think that his death went to waste, okay?¡±

    Ezio slowly nodded. Chiara gave him a peck of kiss in his forehead, catching him off guard. She gave him a hug while caressing his back.

    ¡°If it¡¯s you who died that day, we wouldn¡¯t be here right now. We wouldn¡¯t get married. We wouldn¡¯t experimenting this,¡± Chiara spoke before looking up at him. ¡°We¡¯re together because of your father, so I better thank him for that.¡±

    That was a harmless statement from Chiara, but for Ezio who is head over heel for her, those words meant a lot. Hearing that makes him think that his wife is slowly letting him in her heart.

    He hugged her back and kissed her hair. ¡°Thank you, cara.¡±

    He closed his eyes as they cuddled, not minding the eyes of other people. All that they care right now is each other¡¯s embrace, and cherishing a precious moment they hope that willst forever.

 Emergency

    EZIO WENT to his office with a smile that day. Well, at first, it was shocking for those who are working for him. They are used on seeing their boss on a poker or neutral face. He smiles once in a blue moon.

    However, it looked normal today since it¡¯s been happening for weeks. Their boss will arrive smiling, do his tasks with motivation, and came home excited.

    ¡°I really hope signor Ezio is like that everyday,¡± one of the male workers said while printing something on the machine.

    The other man nodded. ¡°I do hope, too. He didn¡¯t shout at us for weeks even when we messed up. Can you believe that?¡±

    ¡°And,¡± a female worker entered the conversation. ¡°Signor Ezio hasn¡¯t fired anyone for weeks! That¡¯s new!¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± the first man nodded. ¡°A week in thispany won¡¯t pass without him firing someone.¡±

    The three workers were about to do more of the conversation when Ezio¡¯s assistant, Luigi, looked at their direction.

    They gave him a formal smile before bowing and walking back to their working area.

    ¡°Signor,¡± Luigi spoke as they entered the elevator. ¡°I have a report regarding Giovanni Giordano.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s face tightened when he heard that name. Just the name of that bastard is enough to ruin his day.

    ¡°Tell me,¡± he spoke.

    His assistant opened a folder before speaking. ¡°Our investigators found out that Mr. Giovanni had private and separate meetings with the owners of Le ali di Davide and I gioielli di Maria. They found out that Mr. Giovanni bribed them to pull out from your mall¡¯s branches and transfer to him instead.¡±

    Ezio looked unbothered upon hearing that. ¡°Did they ept it?¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, signor,¡± Luigi answered while flipping the page. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Luigi gave two papers to Ezio. ¡°Those papers contain the letter of withdrawal from the twopanies. They submitted it yesterday, signor.¡±

    ¡°The investigators also reported that they are going to have their contract signing with Mr. Giovanni within this day,¡± Luigi added. ¡°What are we going to do, signor?¡±

    Ezio took a deep breath before sitting on his swivel chair. ¡°Let thosepanies transfer if they want,¡± he said.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we gonna do anything, signor?¡± Luigi asked. It is very weird for his boss not to retaliate in this situation. He has been working for him for years, and he never misses giving back to his enemies.

    Ezio just smiled while typing on his phone. ¡°Those are just smallpanies. They can¡¯t do much damage to us,¡± he said.

    ¡°But I can do damage to that Giovanni,¡± he added before putting his phone down. He looked at his assistant and Luigi already knew that his boss is thinking of something wicked.

    ¡°Find whichpanies in his malls has the highest ie and percentage on his business. Bribe them, too,¡± he spoke with a grin.

    ¡°But what if they don¡¯t agree, signor?¡± Luigi asked.

    Ezio still has the smug expression in his face. ¡°Simple. Use their weakness to make them do my bidding. Don¡¯t leave their building without them conforming to what I want.¡±

    His assistant smiled. ¡°Copy that, signor,¡± he said before reading his boss¡¯ schedule for that day.

    After some minutes of discussing the schedule and other matters for that day, Luigi spoke again. ¡°Your meeting with Mr. Gonzales, Mr. Ara, Mr. Ajello, and Mr. Candreva will start within ten minutes, signor. I just received a message from the faculty that they are already waiting on the conference room.¡±

    Ezio stood up before giving some reminders to his assistant. He walked to the conference room for his first meeting that day.

    ¡°He¡¯s finally here!¡± a man spoke when Ezio entered the room.

    Ezio sat on the middle seat before looking at the faces of the men inside. ¡°Greetings, my investors,¡± he said with a teasing smile.

    ¡°My investors, my ass,¡± Ermes Ara, the man with dark brown hair with highlights spoke. ¡°I really hate it when you act with formality.¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± Ro Candreva, the man ying a 8-ball pool game in his phone answered. ¡°It gives chills to my bones.¡±

    Ezio just chuckled at them. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of building another branch for Luminosa,¡± he said, starting their meeting.

    Kelleon Gonzales seemed interested on what he said. ¡°Still in Italy? Or overseas?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Overseas,¡± Ezio responded. ¡°Luminosa already has branches on 90% of the cities and provinces in Italy. I want to expand on other countries.¡±

    Kelleon nodded. ¡°I¡¯m suggesting you put one on Spain. My wife and Mama love shopping in Luminosa,¡± he said. ¡°They even left the country without telling me just to go shopping. And mind you, my wife¡¯s pregnant!¡±

    The man watching Ro ying, Fiore Ajello,ughed at Kelleon. ¡°Damn, man. Your wife is on another level.¡±

    Kelleon narrowed his eyes on him. ¡°It¡¯s my mother who pulled her to go shopping, but yes, my wife is in another level.¡±

    ¡°Another love-sick fool,¡± Ro sang, teasing his friend.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine with Spain,¡± Ermes said while shrugging. ¡°I saw the statistics and arge percentage of foreign visits in Luminosa came from Spain. We can also build one on USA and France.¡±

    Hearing his business friends¡¯ suggestions, Ezio stood up. ¡°Everyone who is agree on building a branch in Spain, raise your hand and say ¡®aye¡¯!¡±

    ¡°Aye!¡± all the men inside the conference room shouted in unison while raising their hands up in the air. Ermes even wiggled his arms.

    ¡°And that¡¯s all for today, my men,¡± Ezio spoke. ¡°I¡¯ll send you updates after some days.¡±

    The business friends walked out of the conference room as if they talked about a very serious matter. Everyone is in their poker face while walking.

    Suddenly, a faculty member walked towards Ezio. ¡°Good noon, signor,¡± she greeted. ¡°Signora Chiara is waiting for you in your office.¡±

    Hearing that makes Ezio excited. ¡°When did she arrive? Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    ¡°Just some minutes ago, signor,¡± the woman answered. ¡°I told signora that you have an ongoing meeting and she insisted to just wait for you.¡±

    Ezio nodded and dismissed the woman. The woman turned her back and walked. But before she could do five steps, Ro spoke.

    ¡°Nice ass, baby,¡± he said and followed it with a whistle.

    The woman looked at him with a re. In the woman¡¯s head, she wants to give a middle finger to the man. She just stopped herself because her boss in around. All she can do is re before walking away.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tease my workers like that. I¡¯ll punch you the next time you do that,¡± Ezio spoke.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Ro said defensively. ¡°I was just admiring her ass. I see nothing wrong about that.¡±

    ¡°But all of us do,¡± Ermes tapped Ro¡¯s shoulder.

    Kelleon turned to Ezio. ¡°We¡¯re leaving now, man. Thanks for the veryprehensive meeting.¡±

    Ezio justughed at them before his friends leave, giving him and his beloved the privacy they need. He excitedly walked towards his office. He even wished he could teleport to his wife that time because he really want to see her, even if they just hugged each other a few hours ago.

    ¡°Cara,¡± he greeted her when he entered his office.

    Chiara¡¯s face lit up when she saw him. She got up and ran towards his husband. ¡°Ezio.¡±

    They hugged each other for a couple of minutes, feeling each other¡¯s warmth andfort. When Ezio looked on his table, he saw a tupperware sitting on it.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± he asked while pointing at the tupperware.This is from N?velDrama.Org.

    Chiara smiled at him. ¡°It¡¯s caprese sandwich and potato focia bread,¡± she replied. ¡°I made them for you.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s heart was filled with happiness that he almost forgot how to breathe. ¡°You cook for me?¡±

    She nodded. ¡°I saw the recipe online and I tried it,¡± she pouted her lips. ¡°I made several tried before achieving a good taste.¡±

    ¡°You really did? You tried cooking good food for me?¡± Ezio can¡¯t hide his happiness and blushing ears hearing his wife saying that.

    ¡°Uh-hm,¡± she hummed while nodding. ¡°It¡¯s my first time cooking for you, and I don¡¯t want to give you sometime you wouldn¡¯t like.¡±

    He cupped Chiara¡¯s face and gave her a gentle kiss in the forehead. ¡°I will love everything you will give me, cara.¡±

    Chiara giggled and hugged him before pulling him towards the table. ¡°Sit here and let me feed you.¡±

    Ezio just watched and stared at his wife preparing the food for him. He can¡¯t help but smile as Chiara put the foods in his te. His smile even grew wider when she take a spoon of it and feed him.

    ¡°It tastes delicious, cara,¡± heplimented her cooking. ¡°Let me cook for you next time.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Chiara looked excited like s child. ¡°I want to see your cooking skills.¡±

    Ezio puffed his chest proudly. ¡°I am the best cook in Italy. You¡¯ll forget your name once you tasted my food.¡±

    Chiaraughed at her husband¡¯s confidence. She was about to feed him again when the office¡¯s door opened and Luigi came rushing inside.

    ¡°Apologies for the interruption, signor, signora,¡± he greeted while catching his breath.

    Ezio¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. ¡°What happened?¡±

    Luigi stood straight first before responding. ¡°There¡¯s been an emergency in your oilpany in Dubai, signor. A portion of it was caught in a fire.¡±

    Chiara panicked when she heard that. ¡°Did already put it out?¡±

    Luigi nodded. ¡°Yes, signora. However, there are some damages not just to the part of the warehouse but also on the houses and buildings near. They are still investigating how the fire started.¡±

    Ezio nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll fix it.¡±

    He looked at his wife before touching her hands. ¡°Cara, I need to go to Dubai and check what happened. I¡¯ll be gone for a few days.¡±

    Chiara suddenly felt sad. She was looking forwards staying at home with her husband because it¡¯s weekend, yet an emergency ured. But she can¡¯t put her feelings first. The damage to hispany must be huge and her husband needs to prioritize that.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll wait for you,¡± she responded. ¡°Just don¡¯t forget to update me, okay? You can call me if needed.¡±

    Ezio smiled and hugged his wife. ¡°I¡¯ll finish the work as fast as I could so that I can get home to you immediately,¡± he kissed her forehead. ¡°I will miss you.¡±

    ¡°I will miss you, too, Ezio,¡± Chiara replied before burying her face on his chest.

    The couple hugged each other for minutes, feeling each other¡¯s embrace, because they know that the days they are away from their beloved will surely be hellish. Days without seeing each other will be a heartache.

 Missing You

    CHIARA CAN¡¯T HELP herself but to feel sad while they were going to the airport. She insisted to go to the airport with Ezio before bidding goodbye to him.

    ¡°Cara,¡± Ezio whispered in her ear while they were travelling. His wife is on his left side with her head resting on his chest sideways. Ezio was brushing her hair using his fingers while slightly tapping her leg with his arms encircling her body.

    Chiara just hummed at him, waiting for his words. Even though they are still together, she is already imagining how sad her next days will be without her husband on her side. Even thought it will just take a few days, she still feels that her happiness was robbed from her.

    ¡°You¡¯re quiet. Care to tell me what¡¯s on your mind?¡± he asked while touching her jaw gently.

    She looked up at him with teary eyes. ¡°I won¡¯t see you for days,¡± she said, her lips trembling.

    Ezio, who saw his beloved almost crying, instantly hushed her. He hugged her body while swaying even though they are sitting.

    ¡°Hush, cara,¡± he spoke in a gentle tone. ¡°I promise to finish it faster so I can get home to you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a few days. You can talk to me via text or calls, okay? I¡¯ll update you everytime,¡± he added.

    Chiara straightened her body. ¡°Can¡¯t I just go with you?¡± she pleaded.

    Hearing that, Ezio nodded immediately. ¡°Sure, cara. I¡¯ll be morefortable and relieved if you wille with me,¡± he replied. ¡°We can also have our date in Dubai if you want.¡±

    She smiled at him. Now, she didn¡¯t have to worry being away from her husband. She hugged her back and all of her worries faded away.

    That gave them a temporary relief. However, just as they were about to enter the airport¡¯s gate, Chiara¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Ezio asked while they were walking towards the private ne.

    Chiara showed him the screen. ¡°Mommy,¡± she replied.

    They stopped walking and she answered the phone. ¡°Mommy? Did something happen? You don¡¯t usually call at this hour.¡±

    ¡°Mi figlia,¡± her mother¡¯s hoarse voice was enough for Chiara¡¯s heart to thump loud in nervousness. ¡°Your daddy.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes widened and fear became evident in her face. ¡°Huh? What happened to daddy?¡±

    ¡°He suddenly fell down and he¡¯s having a seizure right now! I don¡¯t know what to do, mi figlia,¡± her mother responded that was followed by her voice calling her husband¡¯s name and asking for help from other people.

    Her hands flew to her mouth after hearing that. Ezio, who saw his wife terrified, gently hold her hand.

    ¡°Rush daddy to the hospital, mommy. Do not feed him anything and make sure that his head has a soft thing under it. Tell me what hospital you will go, okay? I will follow you,¡± she said.

    When the call was ended, she faced her husband. ¡°Ezio, daddy is having a seizure.¡±

    Ezio hugged his crying wife. ¡°Do you know what hospital they went to? We¡¯ll go there.¡±

    ¡°But what about yourpany?¡± she asked while looking up at him.

    ¡°Mypany can wait. We have to make sure that your daddy is safe first,¡± he responded and prepared to call someone in his phone.

    Chiara hurriedly stopped him. She stopped him from getting his phone. ¡°No,¡± she said.

    Ezio¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. ¡°What? Why?¡±

    ¡°You have to check yourpany first. I can¡¯t let you sacrifice yourpany because of this,¡± she replied and grabbed his hands towards her body.

    ¡°But you and your family¡¯s much important than that, cara.¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here and take care of mommy and daddy. You will continue your flight to Dubai,¡± she said even though she doesn¡¯t really want that.

    ¡°Just make sure to,¡± she stopped for a bit because she¡¯s going to cry again. ¡°To update me ande home immediately, okay? Don¡¯t make me worry too much.¡±

    Ezio dried her tears using his thumb and kisses her forehead. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be away from you, cara. I can just stay here and put mypanyter one.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± she said firmly. ¡°Yourpany needs you. You spent years building them and I don¡¯t want it to go to waste. Let¡¯s just talk via phone. Besides, you told me it was just a few days. I¡¯m sure time will fly quickly.¡±

    Hearing his wife¡¯s decision, Ezio just smiled at her. They bid goodbye to each other. Ezio instructed his men to always look after his wife.

    After minutes of saying goodbye, Ezio, together Luigi, flew away to Dubai.

    Chiara¡¯s heart sank. She hasn¡¯t felt heartache like this before. The pain is too much, just like what she felt when Simone married another woman. Maybe what she¡¯s feeling right now is even worse.

    When she entered the car, she instructed the driver to drive her to the hospital her mother said. While in the car, Chiara¡¯s mind is filled with Ezio.

    ¡°What could he be doing right now? Is hefortable in his ne? Is his lunch enough to make him full throughout his flight? Does he also miss me? I wish I can forward the time so he can go home,¡± these words are lingering in her mind on the way to the hospital.

    Her mind is too clouded with her husband that she didn¡¯t notice that they already arrived.

    She hurriedly ran towards the room where her father¡¯s currently staying. The first person who greeted her is her mother.

    ¡°Mommy,¡± she spoke while walking towards her. ¡°Is daddy already okay?¡±

    Her mother nodded. ¡°Thankfully, they were able to save him in time,¡± she answered. Her eyes are still red, maybe from crying because of her husband¡¯s situation.

    Chiara sat beside her mom and looked at her unconscious father. She caressed her back. ¡°It¡¯s going to fine, mommy. Daddy¡¯s strong. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll recover.¡±

    Her mother just smiled before sniffing and asking her daughter. ¡°Where¡¯s Signor Ezio? He¡¯s not with you?¡±

    Because of her question, Chiara felt sadder again. Her shoulders went down and she stared at her wedding ring.

    ¡°He¡¯s going to Dubai right now, mommy,¡± she answered and bit her lips, trying to stop herself from crying.

    ¡°He left you here?¡± her mother asked. She doesn¡¯t believe that Ezio will leave his daughter alone.

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°I was supposed to go with him when you called. I told him to continue to Dubai without me,¡± she answered while her voice is shaking.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, mi figlia. I didn¡¯t know,¡± her mother spoke, feeling guilty because she felt like she was the reason why they were not together.

    Chiara looked at her. ¡°No, mommy. Don¡¯t apologize. I am the one who decided about it and I¡¯m sure that Ezio understand.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯re crying, mi figlia,¡± her mother said. Chiara didn¡¯t notice that tears are already flowing out from her eyes. She hurriedly wiped it with the back of her hand, but everytime she does it, more and more tears are still following.

    ¡°Mi figlia,¡± her mother spoke. Seeing her daughter crying right now is a pain in her heart. If she just knew that Ezio is leaving with her, she wouldn¡¯t have call.

    ¡°I miss him, mommy,¡± Chiara surrendered and cries in her mother¡¯s arms. Her mommy immediately encircled her arms around her daughter.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure Signor Ezio misses you, too,¡± she said while hushing her daughter. ¡°Just think that it will not take long, mi figlia.¡±

    Chiara sniffed and released herself from the hug. ¡°I can¡¯t help but think of him everytime. I don¡¯t even know if he¡¯s safe right now,¡± she said while wiping her tears. ¡°You know that Ezio has a lot of enemies. They might go after him.¡±

    Her mother immediately consoled her. ¡°Ezio is a strong man, mi figlia. He also a lot of body guards. I¡¯m sure he can handle himself just fine.¡±

    ¡°Ezio will not like it if you are stressing yourself because of him,¡± she added. ¡°He likes it when you¡¯re happy. I¡¯m sure he will be devastated if he knew that you are crying right now.¡±

    Chiara is just silent. She is just staring at her wedding ring. She can¡¯t remove Ezio from her mind. She can¡¯t stop worrying about him.

    Since they got married, it is the first time that Ezio was away from her. It is the first time that she wouldn¡¯t be able to see him for days.

    Even if she is just locking herself in her room before, she can still see him when he got home. She always see him staring at her bedroom door as if he¡¯s patiently waiting for her toe out.

    ¡°How about,¡± her mother spoke again. ¡°You try to divert your attention from him? Or you could do your hobbies so your mind will be upied? You could also make something as a gift for him when hees home.¡±

    Chiara seemed pleased hearing her mother¡¯s suggestion. ¡°Mommy¡¯s right. If I will do some things, I will be busy and will not miss him every moment,¡± she thought to herself.

    She just smiled at her mother and hugged her. On the back of her mind, she¡¯s patiently waiting for her husband¡¯s update. She wants to talk to him even over the phone. She¡¯s longing for his presence even though it¡¯s been minutes since theyst seen each other.

    She stared at her phone, hoping that any minute by now, it will light up and her husband¡¯s name will disy on the screen. She just hope that days will pass quick, and that she could hug her husband again.

 Genuine

    IT TOOK ONLY an hour for Chiara¡¯s father, Fabio, to wake up from being unconscious. The first thing he did is to look around, probably looking for something, until his eyesnded on Celine, his wife.

    ¡°Be,¡± Fabio called his wife in his endearment. His voice is somehow raspy and it sounds like he used a lot of energy to talk.

    Celine and Chiara hurriedly went near to him. Worries filled their because of the sound Fabio made.

    ¡°Cuore mio,¡± Celine called her husband and gently tapped his cheek. ¡°How do you feel? Does something hurt?¡±

    Fabio just closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of his wife¡¯s palm. On the other hand, Celine looked at her daughter and mouthed something.

    Chiara nodded before leaving the room. She walked towards the station where most nurse and doctors are located.

    ¡°Hello,¡± she said to one of the nurses she recognized. ¡°My father in 411 is now awake.¡±

    The nurse nodded before getting some things and following her. Before they could reach the room, they stopped on one of the office and the nurse called a doctor.

    ¡°Mommy,¡± Chiara called her mother who immediately turned to her. ¡°The doctor and nurse are here.¡±

    The nurse proceeded on getting the vitals of the patient before telling something to the doctor. The doctor flipped some pages on his board.

    ¡°The patient had an atonic seizure. It is usually gic. May I ask if you experienced something like this before, sir?¡± the doctor asked.

    Chiara¡¯s father nodded. ¡°I usually had seizures when I was a child, doc. It just stopped when I hit puberty ¡±

    The doctor slightly nodded and wrote something on the paper. ¡°I see. We scanned your body and thankfully, there are no injuries. There is also no infection. The only cause of your seizure is purely gics,¡± he handed us a paper. ¡°The patient¡¯s vital are all stable. In case something like this happened again, rush him again here and call me.¡±

    He take his leave after saying that Fabio can be discharged within the day. The family let out a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Cuore mio, do you prefer to be discharged now?¡± Celine asked her husband while brushing his hair very gently, as if she¡¯s after to break his skull.

    Fabio nodded. ¡°I want to go home. I¡¯m getting bored here.¡±

    Celine chuckled at her husband. She kissed his forehead. ¡°You got me really worried there. I thought I¡¯m gonna lose you.¡±

    ¡°Sorry for worrying you, be,¡± Fabio responded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m a strong man. I won¡¯t die easily. I told you we¡¯re gonna make a new child, right? A boy this time,¡± he added before winking at his wife.

    Celine yfully hit his arms. ¡°Silly. You know we¡¯re already old. I¡¯m near to menopause.¡±

    ¡°Just near, but not yet menopause. We can still make another one,¡± Fabio didn¡¯t really give up.

    Chiara scoffed at her parents. ¡°You should¡¯ve thought about that when I¡¯m still young,¡± she said jokingly. ¡°My younger brother will look like my child if that will happen.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Her parents justughed at her before continuing on flirting with each other. The more they flirt, the more Chiara gets jealous.

    She also wants to do that, but her husband is away from her.

    ¡°Mommy, Daddy, I¡¯ll take care of the bills,¡± Chiara said to her parents.

    Both of them nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll get your father ready for discharge while we wait,¡± Celine said before asking assistance from the nurse.

    Chiara left the room again and proceed to the cashier. While walking slowly, she¡¯s typing on her phone.

    Chiara: Hi, Ezio. Father¡¯s already doing well. He will be dischargedter. Call me when yound on Dubai. Take care.

    After hitting the button for ¡®sent¡¯, she paced up her walk towards the cashier. It didn¡¯t take her long to finish the payments.

    She kept on looking on her phone, waiting for Ezio¡¯s reply. However, she suddenly felt stupid because the travel time is around six hours, and it¡¯s only been almost two hours since he left.

    Chiara sighed while scrolling at her gallery, looking at the photos of her and her husband. She can¡¯t stop the corner of her lips from moving. Those photos are proofs of their good life, and it made her reminisce their dates.

    ¡°I miss him,¡± she whispered on her mind.

    She was too busy sliding the pictures while walking when a familiar voice called her name.

    ¡°Chiara!¡±

    Chiara looked around to see where the voice ising from. She is sure that the voice came from that man.

    When turned to her left, she saw a man waving at her, with a woman standing beside him.

    ¡°Simone?¡± she asked, checking if it is really him.

    The two walked towards her. ¡°Chiara, it¡¯s been years since I saw you. Myst update is you marrying Ezio Vitali.¡±

    Simone smiled at her, showing his perfect teeth. Before, Chiara¡¯s knees would melt by just seeing his smile. But now, she doesn¡¯t feel anytime.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she responded. ¡°It¡¯s been so long. How are you?¡±

    ¡°Doing fine,¡± Simone replied before putting his hand on the shoulder of the woman beside him. ¡°I¡¯m married to Alessandra now. You remember her, right?¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyesnded on Alessandra. She was about to smile at her when Alessandra rolled her eyes before giving her a side-eye.

    ¡°She¡¯s still a bitch,¡± Chiara thought to herself. Since they were studying, Alessandra has a habit of rolling her eyes to other women. Chiara can still remember that Simone said to her that he wouldn¡¯t like Alessandra because of her bad attitude.

    But look at them now.

    ¡°Yup, I remember her,¡± Chiara answered to his question. ¡°Mazzini also told me about your wedding. Congrattions!¡±

    Simone just nodded at her before looking somewhere at her back. ¡°Is your husband not with you?¡±

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°He¡¯s on his way to Dubai. Gotta fix some problem on his business.

    She might have seen it wrong, but Chiara saw how Simone¡¯s pupils increased their size after she said that. It looked like he¡¯s interested on what she said.

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± he said. ¡°How about his businesses here? Who would manage them?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll be away for only a few days. I¡¯m sure his businesses can survive without him on those days,¡± Chiara responded. ¡°What brings you here, by the way?¡±

    Simone¡¯s smile grew wider, but Chiara can see that it was a fake smile. ¡°For a check-up. Alessandra¡¯s pregnant.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes widened and her mouth gasped. She looked at Alessandra¡¯s tummy that was covered by her arms.

    ¡°Oh, my god,¡± she reacted. ¡°Congrattions!¡±

    She was indeed shocked by what she heard. They have been married for just a month and Alessandra is already pregnant.

    A part of her says that both of them must be really healthy, or they put a lot of effort to seed in pregnancy as much as possible. Simone¡¯s not getting younger anyway.

    However, a part of her also says that maybe, Alessandra is already pregnant before they even got married. From the looks of it, she must be three months pregnant. Her bump¡¯s very visible ¨C she just didn¡¯t notice it earlier.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Simone responded. ¡°How about you and Signor Ezio?¡±

    Chiara was taken aback by that question. She didn¡¯t expect that Simone would ask something like that.

    She and Ezio is already three years married, but nothing happened between them. She realized that Ezio never demanded her to fulfill wife¡¯s duties like intimacy.

    Ezio never tried to touched her, especially when she doesn¡¯t want to. He never forced her to do anything.

    Suddenly, a mix of appreciation and sadness filled her heart. Appreciation, because Ezio is such a good husband. Sadness, because they haven¡¯t even consummated their marriage yet. They don¡¯t have a child yet.

    She just gave a smile to the two after she gathered her thoughts. ¡°We¡¯re trying. It¡¯s just we¡¯re both busy in our own work. We¡¯re still having our alone time.¡±

    Alessandra suddenly whispered, but it didn¡¯t escape Chiara¡¯s ears. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re infertile.¡±

    Chiara didn¡¯t remove her smile even if she¡¯s already annoyed at Alessandra¡¯s action. ¡°My husband and I are both healthy. We just don¡¯t want to rush things up. Having a child is a huge responsibility after all.¡±

    Simone tapped his wife¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll have your own children in the future. Besides, it¡¯s hard to have your alone time with spouse when you already have children.¡±

    They chuckled at what he said. The two both know it¡¯s true. When they¡¯re still young, their parents will ask them to y outside so that they can have their alone time. They don¡¯t know what they mean at first, but as they grow older, they started to unfold it.

    Alessandra felt irritated because her husband is having a good time with another girl. Not just a normal girl, but his ex-girlfriend. So, she tugged his shirt before speaking.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired, babe. I want to go home.¡±

    Simone just nodded before looking at Chiara again. ¡°We¡¯ll take our leave now. Let¡¯s just catch up some other time.¡±

    They bid goodbyes to each other. Alessandra¡¯s sharp re to Chiara didn¡¯t escape from her sight. Chiara just raised her left eyebrow.

    ¡°This bitch¡¯s jealous. She thinks I will snatch her husband,¡± Chiara thought to her mind. ¡°I have my Ezio. He¡¯s way, way, way better.¡±

    She was rejoicing in her mind when she suddenly realized something.

    She¡¯s now certain that she has already moved on from Simone. She doesn¡¯t have any bit of feelings for him anymore. She didn¡¯t feel any jealousy towards Alessandra.

    During their conversation, her mind is filled of what if¡¯s ¨C what if Ezio is with her? What if Ezio and her already has a child?

    The thought of her and Ezio having their own child makes her feel butterflies in her stomach. She started to imagine how they will look like, how many children will they have, what names would they give.

    Before she could drown from her imaginary world, she take a look at the two walking away.

    Thest thing she saw before turning around is Simone getting his phone, probably calling someone.

 Lullaby

    AFTER MAKING SURE that her father is already fine, Chiara told her mother that she will go home to Ezio¡¯s mansion. Of course, her mother gave her the permission.

    ¡°You can visit us here if you¡¯re bored in your house, okay?¡± Celine told her daughter. ¡°You can also bring your husband here.¡±

    Chiara nodded. ¡°I will, Mommy. I¡¯m sure Ezio will like that,¡± she replied with a smile. ¡°My husband has been requesting me to bring him here. We¡¯re just busy for now.¡±

    Celine touched her daughter¡¯s cheek. She can¡¯t stop herself from smiling. She saw a lot of changes on her daughter.

    Before, Chiara wouldn¡¯t even want to talk about Ezio, or if they¡¯re talking about him, she would just say that she wanted to leave. She can still remember how her daughter criedst month because Ezio wouldn¡¯t let her out of the mansion.

    But now, Chiara is all smiles when talking about Ezio. She¡¯s even calling him ¡®her husband¡¯. It is also not hidden from Celine¡¯s knowledge that her daughter and Ezio¡¯s rtionship is getting better.

    Chiara would update her and her husband about their dates, may it be in texts or calls. And Celine always noticed that her daughter is beaming whenever that happens.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy for you, mi figlia,¡± she said.

    Chiara¡¯s eyebrows furrowed for a little bit. ¡°Huh?¡± she asked with confusion.

    Her mother just chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m happy that you¡¯re having a good life with Signor Ezio.¡±

    Chiara smiled before looking down at her hands, specifically on her wedding ring. ¡°It¡¯s my fault that our rtionship was not good before. I was too locked up on my past that I didn¡¯t give any chance to him,¡± she looked again at her mother. ¡°I want to do it right this time. I want to be a better wife for him, because I know and I see that Ezio is a good husband.¡±

    ¡°I know that you can, mi figlia,¡± Celine cheered her up. ¡°So when he got home, make sure to shower him with love, okay?¡±

    Chiara chuckled at her mom. ¡°Of course, mommy,¡± she pouted after that. ¡°I just hope he wille home now.¡±

    ¡°There, there,¡± her mother tapped her cheek.

    ¡°Be patient. Signor Ezio is missing you too. I¡¯m sure of that. Now,¡± Celine picked up a small box containing donuts. ¡°Have this donuts and go home. I made that.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes glistened. ¡°Oh my. I can¡¯t wait to taste this!¡± she eximed while taking a peek on what is inside the box. ¡°I¡¯m sure these taste good! Too bad Ezio can¡¯t taste them now.¡±

    ¡°When you visit us here, I¡¯ll make more donuts for the both of you,¡± Celine said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell my husband,¡± Chiara replied while they were walking towards the car that¡¯s waiting for her. ¡°See you soon, mommy! Take care!¡±

    Chiara take a look back at her mother waving at her car. She just went back to her business when she can¡¯t see her mother anymore.

    ¡°Signora,¡± the driver spoke. ¡°Shall I send you home? Or do you want to go somewhere else?¡±

    She loaded for a moment before deciding. ¡°I think I¡¯ll go home. I want to visit Luminosa again, but I think it¡¯s best to do that tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Sure, signora. Just call me when you¡¯re ready to go to Luminosa.¡±

    The drive to the mansion wasn¡¯t long. When she arrived, Fara and the other maids are waiting for her.

    ¡°Signora,¡± they greeted in unison. ¡°Shall we prepare for your dinner?¡±

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°No need. I have foods from my mother,¡± she opened the box that contains the donuts before giving each maid one piece.

    ¡°Here. My mommy made that,¡± she said while giving them a piece. ¡°Let me know your thoughts about the donuts.¡±

    Fara was the first one to take a bite on the donut. After the first bite, she saidpliments about the food. The other maids did the same.

    ¡°Great!¡± she eximed while pping her hands. ¡°I¡¯ll be in our room. Just finish your tasks and you can take a rest.¡±

    When Chiara entered Ezio¡¯s room, sheid down on the bed, feeling itsfort. She rolled on it a couple of times and just stopped when she felt tired.

    At the same time, she heard her phone vibrated.

    She hurriedly got up and opened her phone. Smile escaped her lips when she saw that it was a text message from her husband.

    My husband ? : Hi, cara. I¡¯m already in Dubai. I¡¯m d to hear that Sir Fabio¡¯s doing well.

    She was about to type her reply when another message from him came.

    My husband ? : I want to call you right now, but I¡¯m in the middle of meeting mypany¡¯s supervisor. Text me if you need anything. Mwah.

    Chiara giggled at thest part of his message. She can hear and imagine Ezio doing that. Lately, her husband would do that kissing sound when they are flirting with each other. He also loves to do that before she fell asleep or when she woke up.

    Chiara: Finish your work immediately so you cane home to me. I have donuts from mommy. Too bad you can¡¯t eat them. ??

    She thought that it will took time for her husband to reply, another text message came in under a minute.

    Chiara let out augh when she saw Ezio¡¯s reply. It was a meme picture of a cat crying while doing a thumbs up.

    She hurriedly opened her gallery and looked for another meme to send.

    On the other country, Ezio felt his phone vibrated from his hand. He opened it excitedly, not minding the chaos around him.

    His cara sent a meme of a Anya from Spy X Family doing a smug face. He can¡¯t help it when a chuckle escaped from his mouth. His beloved has been interested on that animetely, and he knew that her gallery has an album filled with Anya¡¯s face.

    His phone vibrated again.

    Cara ?  : Focus on your work first. I¡¯ll call youter. Mwah!

    Ezio just reacted a heart in his wife¡¯s message before putting his attention on what¡¯s happening around him.

    From the looks of it, Ezio is certain that it will take him up to two days to solve everything. He really wants to go home, but he has go finish everything first.

    ¡°What¡¯s the cause of the fire again?¡± Ezio asked the supervisor of his oilpany, Hanks.

    ¡°Cigarette, signor,¡± Hanks replied while bowing his head. ¡°A new worker used it while in thepany¡¯s premises.¡±

    He cannot look at his boss¡¯ eyes. He knew that he is liable on what happened on thepany. The loss might be not huge enough to make it unstable, but it¡¯s still a loss.

    ¡°Where¡¯s that worker?¡± Ezio asked with a cold voice. Hearing that made Hanks shiver even though he didn¡¯t do anything wrong.

    He just knew that the worker is in doom.

    ¡°Right this way, signor,¡± Hanks said before walking towards a certain part in thepany, praying that his boss will be a little bit merciful.

    A FEW HOURS PASSED and it¡¯s already 10 PM in Italy. Chiara still couldn¡¯t sleep. She was waiting on Ezio¡¯s texts.

    Chiara was doing her best not call her husband. She knew that he has a lot of work to do, and she might disturb him if she will call.

    ¡°I miss him,¡± Chiara said after blowing a long sigh. She started slowly rolling on the bed, sniffing the bed sheets, and smelling her husband¡¯s scent.

    She even tried counting sheep, but it didn¡¯t work. Her mind is still awake, waiting for Ezio.

    She was busy burying her face on one of Ezio¡¯s pillows when her voice vibrated. She opened it with excitement and giggled when the message came from her husband.

    My husband ? : Good evening, cara. It¡¯s 1 AM here in Dubai. I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯re still awake, but if you¡¯re sleeping, I hope you¡¯re dreaming about me. Mwah.

    Chiara didn¡¯t reply. Instead, she clicked on Ezio¡¯s name and called him. It only took a few rings for him to answer.

    ¡°Cara,¡± Ezio¡¯s voice echoed in her ear.

    Chiara didn¡¯t know why, but her eyes started watering when she heard his voice. They have been just away for some hours but it felt like she hasn¡¯t heard of his voice for years.

    ¡°You¡¯re still awake?¡± he¡¯s asking the obvious. Ezio was just surprise that Chiara is still awake at that hour.

    ¡°Obviously,¡± Chiara yfully rolled her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s already 1 AM there. Why are you still awake?¡±

    ¡°I just got to the hotel from thepany,¡± Ezio exined. ¡°There are a lot of things to solve here.¡±

    ¡°Will you be home by tomorrow?¡± she asked, hoping for a positive answer even if the chances are low.

    Ezio sighed. ¡°I¡¯m afraid not, cara. I still have to settle some things especially on those workers who were hurt by the fire.¡±

    Chiara felt sad because another day will pass without her husband on her side. She wants to tell him to go home now, but she knows that he can¡¯t left hispany in that state.

    ¡°I hope you can get home soon,¡± she whispered.

    ¡°Do you already miss me?¡± Ezio asked with a yful tone, teasing her.

    Chiara nodded even if he can¡¯t see her. ¡°I miss you, Ezio.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s eyes softened after hearing his wife. ¡°I miss you too, cara. I promise I will make up to you when I get home.¡±

    ¡°Just go home safe. That¡¯s more than enough for me,¡± she replied.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    The two talked for hours about their day. Chiara wants to tell her husband about meeting Simone, but she chose not to.

    She knew that Ezio is still jealous of her ex-boyfriend. Saying that over the phone might make some misunderstanding. It will be better for her to share that once he is home.

    ¡°The donuts mommy made taste so good!¡± Chiara shared to her husband. ¡°Mommy we should visit her next time and she will make donuts for us.¡±

    Ezio smiled hearing that. ¡°I would love that. Let¡¯s schedule it when I got home.¡±

    ¡°Oh, by the way,¡± Chiara replied. ¡°Do you have any food in mind?¡±

    ¡°Why? You¡¯re gonna cook for me again, cara?¡± Ezio asked with a ghost smile on his lips.

    Chiara nodded. ¡°Yup. I want to improve my cooking skills so I can cook more for you in the future.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s lips grew wider. ¡°I want an arancini, cara,¡± he said while imagining Chiara feeding him, just like what happened at his lunch. ¡°The sicilian one.¡±

    Chiara noted on it before moving their conversation. They talked sofortably that they can switch from one topic to another.

    They didn¡¯t even notice the time. If not for Ezio¡¯s 3 AM rm, they will continue talking.

    ¡°Cara, I know it¡¯s already midnight there. You have to sleep now,¡± he said while also getting ready to sleep.

    ¡°But I can¡¯t sleep,¡± Chiara pouted before an idea entered her brain. ¡°You told me before that you¡¯re good at anything, right?¡±

    Ezio don¡¯t know where that question came from, but he rode on it. ¡°Yes, cara. Why?¡±

    Chiara giggled. ¡°Then you can sing, right?¡± she asked. ¡°Sing me a luby to sleep, please.¡±

    ¡°No need to say please, cara. I will dly sing for you.¡±

    ¡°Yehey!¡± Chiara eximed happily.

    ¡°Now,y down on bed and befortable. Tell me when you¡¯re done,¡± Ezio spoke.

    Chiara did what he said and turned off the bedroom lights, leaving thempshade on. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±

    After a few seconds, Ezio started to sing.

    ¡°Fai ninna, fai nanna, polino de mamma.¡±

    Chiara started to feel her eyelids dropping. His voice is so gentle that she can feel it caressing her back to sleep.

    ¡°This is more effective that counting sheep,¡± she thought to herself while listening to her husband¡¯s angelic voice.

    ¡°Non pensare ai tuoi balhi, nessun mai li thera.¡±

    Chiara was slowly sucked into darkness. She can¡¯t see anything, but her whole attention is in Ezio¡¯s voice.

    She heard her mother sang that luby for her before. It was soothing. It was calming.

    But Ezio¡¯s voice has a different effect on her. That voice is like telling her that everything¡¯s going to be alright. That no one can harm her. That she¡¯s safe with him.

    Thebination of her tired body and Ezio¡¯s singing voice is enough to make Chiara fall asleep.

    ¡°Fai nanna polino, fai nanna mio bambino,¡± Ezio sang thest part before silence.

    He can heard the soft snore of his wife from the others side of the call. Before ending it, he leaned on the phone and whispered.

    ¡°Have a good night, cara. Te amo.¡±

 Fell

    A DAY PASSED without Chiara and Ezio seeing each other. From time to time, they will have video calls for a few minutes. It helped Chiara made him not miss him too much.

    However, there are times where Chiara won¡¯t receive updates from Ezio for a few hours. She understands, for her husband has a lot on his te right now. But she can¡¯t stop herself from worrying.

    So, in order to keep herself busy, she started doing her mother¡¯s advice: do some hobbies to pass the time.

    ¡°Fara,¡± Chiara called her maid after she finished her stroll in the garden.

    Fara stopped wiping the table and walked towards her signora. ¡°Yes, signora?¡±

    ¡°Can you give me a canvas and some watercolors? I want to paint,¡± Chiara said to her. ¡°I don¡¯t know if we have that here, but please buy me some if there¡¯s none.¡±

    Fara nodded at her. ¡°No need to buy, signora,¡± she responded. ¡°We have some art materials in Signor Ezio¡¯s art room.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes widened when she heard that. ¡°Ezio has an art room?¡±

    She hasn¡¯t heard of that. Well, it¡¯s not quiet surprising. Ezio¡¯s mansion is huge, and Chiara hasn¡¯t entered all of the rooms yet.

    ¡°Yes, signora,¡± the maid replied before asking Chiara to follow her towards the room.

    On the first floor of the mansion, they turned right from the living room. After passing a few doors, Fara stopped on the room with sliding door and opened it.

    ¡°Wee to the art room, signora,¡± Fara said while extending her arms side by side.

    Chiara¡¯s mouth gasped at what she saw. Different paintings were hang on the wall. One side of the room has the art materials that a person could think of.

    The colors of the paints were even arrange based on their shades. The paintbrushes are arranges based on their height, as well as the canvas. Chiara can see familiar brands of materials that she used way back in high school.

    It looks like a paradise for her.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that Ezio¡¯s into art,¡± Chiara said under her breath while looking at one of the artworks that is on a vellum board. It was a portrait of a woman standing beside a tree. She can¡¯t see the face of the woman, but she is wearing a lc dress.

    ¡°My mother said that Signor Ezio started having interest in arts when he was just a teenager,¡± Fara said. ¡°One day, signor went home, asking Signora Elisa to build a room full of art materials for him.¡±

    Chiara looked at her maid. ¡°And that is this room?¡±

    Fara shook her head. ¡°No, signora. The first art room was on their mansion in Mn. I didn¡¯t get to see it because I¡¯m still not working for them that time, but my mother said that it is huge.¡±

    Chiara smiled while her mind is imaging how her husband looks while his arms are flexing on each sway of the brushes. How serious he looks while creating a beautiful piece.

    When the maid left her alone in the art room, Chiara walked around to take a look at every painting.

    She noticed that each artwork was made on different materials. Some were portraits using graphites, some were from watercolors, some where from alcohol-based markers, while some were made from poster paints.

    Until she realized something, each painting he made has a woman in it. But those were not different woman. Actually, it is the same woman, just wearing a different clothing and have different hairstyle.

    The woman is in different ce in each art, but her face cannot be seen. It is either her face was blocked by another object, or she has her back turned from him.

    In all of the photos, the woman would wear either lc or green clothing.

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit of jealousy. She is notfortable by the fact that her husband really took time to draw a woman, not just once, but a lot of time.

    ¡°I wish Ezio will also draw me,¡± she said to her mind while wondering around.

    She shook her head while touching her chest, removing any jealousy she has in her body. ¡°I¡¯m his wife now. I should not be jealous,¡± she thought to herself.

    To point her attention elsewhere, Chiara picked up one of the nk canvas. However, just as she was about to pull it up, she noticed something on the wall.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± she asked while trailing the gap between the wall. She felt like there¡¯s something inside.

    Chiara tried to push the gap, and was shocked when the portion of the wall opened. She touched the moved part and pulled it towards her.

    Her eyes widened and her hands flew to her mouth as she discovered what was hidden behind the walls.

    It is a portrait. A life-size portrait.

    A portrait of her, in her teenage days.

    She was wearing a white off-shoulder top paired with an emerald green maxi skirt. Chiara can remember where it was taken.

    It was taken after she graduated in high school. Her parents brought her to Japan that day to watch a cosying event.

    The portrait was sealed inside a ss, as if the owner doesn¡¯t want it to break or be dirty. As if it is the owner¡¯s prized possession.

    While a huge smile on her her face and teary eyes, Chiara closed it again. She went to the nk canvas before closing her eyes, imaging how her husband look.

    It¡¯s just a matter of time before she could finish her obra maestra.

    IT¡¯S NIGHTTIME and Chiara is excited to talk to her husband again. It¡¯s been four hours since theyst updated each other.

    As soon as her phone rang, she hurriedly answered it.

    ¡°Ezio?¡± she talked over the phone.

    Her husband on the other end, didn¡¯t expect her to answer the call that fast. ¡°Do you always have your phone with you, cara?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yup,¡± she answered honestly. ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you to call.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s lips grew wider. ¡°I know that you miss me, cara. And I miss you too, so much,¡± he responded. ¡°I have a good news for you.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes glistened that she even stood up excitedly. ¡°You¡¯re going home?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes, cara. I¡¯ll be home by tomorrow morning. Maybe around 11 AM,¡± Ezio answered whileying down.

    He could hear Chiara squeal and giggle on the other side of the phone that he can¡¯t help but to chuckle. His cara must be really excited to have him home again.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy to hear that,¡± she said when she became sober.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure you are,¡± Eziomented with an amused grin.

    The two talked for hours again. They don¡¯t even know how they could keep their conversation running. They just keep on switching from one topic to another. They couldn¡¯t ran out of words.

    ¡°Cara,¡± Ezio called her. ¡°I¡¯ll buy you some gifts here in Dubai. What do you want?¡±

    Chiara was silent for a moment but her husband could hear her thinking while humming. She doesn¡¯t really know what she wants as a gift. She is just looking forward to see him again.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I can¡¯t really think of anything,¡± she responded before clicking her tongue. ¡°Surprise me, tesoro.¡±

    Ezio ran out of breath when he heard his wife called him using endearment. It was the first time Chiara did that. Before, she would always address him by his name.

    Hearing her sweet voice calling him ¡®tesoro¡¯ almost made his heart melt.

    ¡°Tesoro?¡± Chiara called her husband. ¡°Are you still there?¡± she asked when the other end went silent. She even checked if the call is still connected.

    ¡°Yes, cara,¡± Ezio spoke like he ran out of breath. ¡°I was stunned for a moment.¡±

    ¡°Stunned? Because of what?¡± Chiara asked innocently even though she is really aware of the reason. She knew that she caught him off guard by calling him that.

    Ezio cleared his throat before shifting to another topic. He doesn¡¯t want to admit that it was because of the endearment.

    They talked about random things and asked each other about their days. Timees for them to say goodbye to each other over the phone.

    MORNING COMES and Chiara couldn¡¯t be more excited. She even woke up at 4 in the morning to prepare the food for her husband: the arancini.

    It is not the first time for her to cook for him, but she is always motivated to do it. She prepared all of the ingredients before putting her heart out on the food.

    Her phone vibrated on the pocket of her apron. She washed her hands first before opening it.

    Tesoro ? : Good morning, cara. I¡¯m in the airport right now. See youter. Mwah!

    She just reacted on his message before going back to work. Her heart is thumping so fast because of excitement. Finally, after two days, she will have her husband again.

    On Dubai, Ezio was getting ready to ride the ne. After texting his wife, he walked to the departure area and towards the private ne while holding his gift for his wife.

    ¡°Is everything clear on the ne?¡± Ezio asked his assistant.

    Luigi nodded. ¡°Yes, boss. All clear. We have also double check everything.¡±

    He continued stepping more until he reach the part where a guard has to scan his body. He felt the guards looking at him, but he didn¡¯t mind. He¡¯s used to those kind of look.

    Behind him is his assistant and some body guards who were not tasked to check the ne.

    Ezio didn¡¯t say anything and walked towards the stairs of the ne. However, just as when he¡¯s about to enter the door, he heard his assistant screamed.

    ¡°Boss! Get down!¡±

    But it was toote. Ezio felt something hit his body. Pain sprung inside him and blood gushes out from his stomach.

    Another bang was heard. Ezio didn¡¯t know if it hit his body again, but he felt himself falling to the ground.

    More gunshots echoed in the whole area. Footsteps and screams are also lingering on people¡¯s ears.

    He didn¡¯t know how many of them hit his body. He can¡¯t heard anything anymore. The pain was too much to handle. His eyes are starting to get blurry.

    As his body made contact to the hard ground, Ezio whispered hisst word.

    ¡°Cara.¡±

 Worried

    ALMOST SEVEN HOURS had passed, but Chiara didn¡¯t receive any updates from her husband. She impatiently stood on the back of their main gate, waiting for her husband to arrive.

    She kept on looking between her phone and the view outside the gate. She didn¡¯t mind that she was sweating because of the heat and rays from the sun.

    ¡°Signora,¡± Fara called her while making sure that the umbre she¡¯s holding can cover Chiara. ¡°I think it¡¯s better to wait inside. Signor Ezio will get worried if he sees you sweating like this.¡±

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°No,¡± she said. ¡°I will wait for my husband here.¡±

    Fara just sighed. It¡¯s the third time she asked her signora the same question, but her answer remains the same. She looked at one of the other maids and signalled her somethings.

    After some minutes, the maid went back with a chair on her hands.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Fara said to the maid before looking back at Chiara. ¡°Signora, please sit on this chair. Your feet will hurt if you continue to stand.¡±

    Chiara didn¡¯t turn down her offer. She sat on the chair and anxiously tapped her feet on the ground.

    ¡°It¡¯s been hours. Ezio should havended in Italy an hour ago,¡± Chiara said, feeling her hands getting sweaty.

    Fara tried to cheer her signora up to lessen her worry. ¡°Maybe Signor Ezio is already on his way here, signora. He must have been driving now.¡±

    ¡°But he never fails to update me,¡± Chiara responded as she stares at her phone. ¡°He will update me if he alreadynded.¡±

    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s trying to surprise you, signora,¡± Fara said, trying to look for a reason not to worry.

    Chiara just blew a sigh and extend her neck to look outside. Her fingers are tapping the tupperware that contains some of the arancini she made for her husband.

    ¡°Signora, I think it will be better if you will ce the food inside,¡± Fara suggested. ¡°It might get spoiled easily because of the heat.¡±

    Chiara looked down on the food and gave it a thought. She really wanted to wee her husband with the food as soon as he arrived. But maybe, putting it inside won¡¯t make much difference.

    ¡°Okay,¡± she answered before giving the food to one of the maids to transfer it inside.

    Chiara rubbed her palms nervously. She kept on refreshing the conversation she has with her husband, hoping to get a text from him.

    ¡°I should call him,¡± Chiara whispered but still heard by Fara. The maid didn¡¯t say anything and let her signora do what she wants.

    Chiara clicked on her husband¡¯s name and put her phone on her ear. She heard the ringing tone before it changed to something else.

    ¡°Sorry. The number you have dialed is out of coverage area. Please try againter.¡±

    The sound ended but Chiara tried to call her husband again. The same thing happened for several times until Chiara gave up.

    ¡°He¡¯s out of reach,¡± Chiara said, her hands trembling because of worry.

    Fara doesn¡¯t know what to do either. When her signora felt worried earlier, she hurriedly dialed Luigi¡¯s number for she knew that he¡¯s with their Signor. However, his phone is also out of coverage.

    She even tried calling some of the guards she knew is with Ezio, but she couldn¡¯t contact them either. Fara wanted to be positive, but thest time something like this happened, their Signor was in danger.

    Although she wants to tell Chiara about, she chose not to. Her signora is pale because of worry, and saying that without any basis or evidence might worry her more.

    After more minutes of waiting, Chiara stood up, making Fara shocked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to his office,¡± Chiara said before walking towards the gate.

    Fara ran after her signora. ¡°Signora, just wait for Signor Ezio here.¡±

    Chiara faced the maid. ¡°If ever my husband came here, tell him to call me and I will wait for him in his office.¡±

    ¡°But Signor might not be in the office, signora,¡± Fara responded. ¡°Just for him here. It¡¯s dangerous to go out without him.¡±

    ¡°Ezio has a lot to do after that incident in hispany in Dubai. He might finish some works in his office today,¡± Chiara said with a hopeful voice. ¡°I just hope that he¡¯s there.¡±

    Fara didn¡¯t try to convince her more, because she can see that her signora is really adamant to do what she wants.

    ¡°Okay,¡± she said, defeated. ¡°Just atleast change your clothes first before leaving, signora.¡±

    Chiara followed her. She changed her clothes to a presentable but still afortable one. Before leaving, she grab the tupperware she was holding earlier.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give this to him once we met,¡± Chiara said, hoping that she will see her husband on his office.

    ¡°Signora, can Ie with you? You can¡¯t travel alone,¡± Fara asked while they were walking towards the gate.

    Chiara smiled at her. ¡°Sure. I think it will be better if you¡¯re with me. I¡¯ll also bring five body guards with us plus the driver.¡±

    Fara didn¡¯t need to be told what to do, she picked five guards who are always on call to guard their signora. They rode on one of Ezio¡¯s bulletproof cars with the driver and one guard on the passenger seat. The other guards are on different cars, following them.

    While on the way, Chiara kept on calling her husband, but the same thing is still happening. Later on, she chose to call her parents.

    ¡°Mi figlia, you called,¡± Fabio spoke on the other line. ¡°Are you going to visit?¡±

    ¡°Good afternoon, daddy,¡± she greeted and her trembling voice is evident. ¡°I want to visit but I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Oh, did something happen?¡± her father asked, noticing the worry in her daughter¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Ezio hasn¡¯te home yet, daddy. He¡¯s supposed tond here two hours ago, but he hasn¡¯t updated me. I¡¯m worried of him,¡± she exined. ¡°He told me before that he wants to visit you and mommy, so if ever he went there without me, please inform me immediately and tell him to call me.¡±

    ¡°We will, mi figlia,¡± Fabio replied. ¡°Do you know what airline Ezio used? I¡¯ll try to ask update from them if I can.¡±

    Chiara told her father the name of the airline. ¡°He¡¯s using his private ne, daddy. He left Dubai eight hours ago, based on his update.¡±

    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll look into it, mi figlia. I¡¯ll update you immediately.¡±

    They ended the call after some goodbyes. Chiara somehow felt a little lighter then before, but the worry if still there. She just hopes that her father can ask update about her husband.

    After some minutes, they arrived on Ezio¡¯s office. The staffs greeted Chiara with a smile. Of course, they know her. She always visits their boss for lunch.

    ¡°Good afternoon, signora,¡± one of the female staffs greeted her. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    Chiara went straight to the point. ¡°Is my husband here? Is he in his office?¡±

    The staff shook her head. ¡°No, signora. We were informed that Signor Ezio travelled to Dubai for some business matters. We were not told when he wille back,¡± she answered.

    Chiara¡¯s hope were crushed when she heard that. She didn¡¯t respond immediately but she kept on looking on her wedding ring and the container in her hand.

    When she becameposed, she gave a little smile to the staff. ¡°Thank you. Please inform me if ever he arrives. I¡¯ll get going now.¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    When they left and entered the car, Chiara rest her back on the seat, staring at nothing. Fara wanted to talk, but she can see that her signora is not in the right state.

    Chiara mind is in chaos. She doesn¡¯t know where to look for her husband. She wants to call Ezio¡¯s mother and update her about what happened to ask for help, but she knew the rtionship between her husband and his mother.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the airport,¡± Chiara suddenly spoke.

    ¡°Signora, you look tired. Please have s rest first,¡± Fara said with a worried expression on her face. The driver didn¡¯t also move, for he was hesitant to travel more kilometers because of his signora¡¯s condition.

    ¡°No,¡± Chiara firmly said. ¡°I can¡¯t get any rest until my husband is home. Drive to the airport.¡±

    No one spoke a word and the car started. While on the way, she called Ezio and Luigi, but both numbers are still out of reach.

    She¡¯s getting frustrated and anxious at the same time. She wanted to cry, but tears won¡¯t even form in her eyes. It felt like they are stuck and they kept on building up behind her eyes.

    When the car stopped, she hurriedly went outside to ask any personnel about her husband¡¯s flight. Just as she was about to speak to one, she felt her phone vibrated.

    Thinking it was her husband, she hurriedly opened her phone. But her hopes were crushed again when the screen showed her father¡¯s name.

    ¡°Daddy, do you have any update?¡± she asked when she answered the call.

    ¡°Mi figlia, I asked the airline you said for updates,¡± Fabio paused for a few seconds, gathering strength not for him, but for his daughter.

    ¡°What did they say?¡± she asked.

    Fabio blew out a breath. ¡°The record shows that Signor Ezio was supposed to leave at 8 AM in Dubai time, 5 AM here in Italy,¡± he started exining. ¡°But, their records shows no departure.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, daddy?¡± Chiara asked, not confused, but asking for more information.

    ¡°Ezio¡¯s ne didn¡¯t left Dubai. He didn¡¯t left Dubai, mi figlia. You husband is still not here in Italy.¡±

    There was a long silence after that, but Fara can see how her signora¡¯s hands trembled. Chiara¡¯s eyes started to get red as her grip on her phone tightened.

    ¡°I asked them what could be the reason, but the management told me that they cannot disclose it. I even told them that you are my daughter, but they insisted that they will just call you for updates.¡±

    Chiara didn¡¯t answer. Her arms just fell down together with her phone snd the food container in her hand. Fara hurriedly get down to picked up the things. She even looked at some guards with them to help her clean up the food that was now on the ground.

    ¡°I want to go home,¡± Chiara suddenly spoke before walking like a dead zombie towards their car.

    They hurriedly followed her. Fara was on her back, ready to catch her anytime her body falls down.

    Fara breathed a sigh of relief when they entered the car without her signora falling down. However, Chiara was so quiet throughout the travel. She just kept on staring outside with longing eyes as she caressed her wedding ring.

    When they arrived, Chiara didn¡¯t take a nce to the mansion workers greeting her. It looks like she cannot see or hear them.

    She just kept on walking towards Ezio¡¯s room. As she stepped her foot inside and locked the door, her body fell down on his bed.

    A wave of tears that she¡¯s been hiding for hours broke free like a dam that has been opened. She wasying down, making it difficult for her to breath.

    She hugged one of Ezio¡¯s favorite shirt, the one she¡¯s been sleeping with since he went to Dubai. She tried smelling his scent, but her blocked nose can¡¯t smell anything, making her frustrated.

    ¡°Where are you?¡± she asked while staring at Ezio¡¯s framed picture.

    She kept on asking the same question over and over again, looking for answers. Her grip on his shirt tightened. Ezio¡¯s shirt was soaked by her tears, but she didn¡¯t let go of it.

    ¡°Ezio,¡± she called his name several times.

    Chiara lost track of time as she was crying for hours. If not for her body shutting down because of fatigue, she wouldn¡¯t stop crying.

    Her body gave up and made her fell to sleep, giving her a temporaryfort before she faced a destructive truth that her husband¡¯s not going home anymore.

 Wake Up, Tesoro

    CHIARA¡¯S EYES were all swelled when she was woken up the sound of a ringing phone. As she opened her eyes, she can¡¯t still remember what happened hours before. She¡¯s all groggy and had difficulty opening her eyes.

    The phone stopped ringing after a minute. Just as when Chiara was about to go back to her slumber, the phone rang again. This time, she reached for her phone.

    Her whole body was awaken when she saw the name of the caller. Her fingers immediately swiped to answer the call.

    ¡°Ezio!¡± she eximed as she put her phone near her ear.

    Chiara was so excited to hear her husband¡¯s voice. Maybe because she was still sleepy earlier that she had forgotten what happened a day before.

    She was about to ask if her husband is already going home when another voice spoke on the other line.

    ¡°Signora?¡± a man¡¯s voice spoke, pain and uneasiness evident in his voice. ¡°This is Luigi, Signor Ezio¡¯s assistant.¡±

    Chiara stood up and removed the hair strands covering her face. ¡°Luigi? Where¡¯s my husband? Is he going home?¡±

    She heard a controlled sigh from the other line. Seconds of silence passed before Luigi spoke again.

    ¡°We¡¯re going back to Italy now, signora,¡± Luigi replied, not knowing what to say next or how he will give the news to his signora.

    ¡°Really?¡± Chiara¡¯s eyes beamed with happiness and her heart thumped with excitement. ¡°Is he going to be here before noon? I¡¯ll wait for him in the airport.¡±

    Luigi can sense the happiness on his signora¡¯s voice. It made him have a second thought. He doesn¡¯t want to wipe off that happiness on her face.

    But he has to do what he has to do.

    ¡°Signora, you have to know something,¡± he started speaking, gulping every strength. ¡°Please do not panic or anything.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Chiara asked, confused by Luigi¡¯s words. ¡°What is it?¡±

    Luigi took a deep breath first as he looked at the manying on the hospital bed, unconscious.

    ¡°Yesterday, when signor¡¯s about to get on the ne, a shooting incident happened,¡± he exined.

    ¡°What?!¡± Chiara eximed. The excitement and happiness she was feeling earlier were reced by worry and fear. ¡°What happened to my husband?! Is he fine?¡±

    Luigi shook his head even though Chiara can¡¯t see him. He stared at his signor, who is full of injuries in his body. Ezio¡¯s head is also covered with bandages. His boss, who he knew as a strong and indestructible one, is nowying unconscious and fragile.

    ¡°Signora, Boss Ezio was shot. Twice.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s world crumbled after hearing that. She suddenly went deaf and her whole body lose its strength. Her knees touched the ground as tears formed in her eyes.

    ¡°No, no, no,¡± she whispered to herself while brushing her hair, not believing what she just heard. ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m dreaming,¡± she said to herself. Chiara pped herself a lot of times. She can even feel the stings it gives everytime her palm touches her cheeks.

    ¡°Yes, yes. This is a dream. I just need to woke up. Wake up,¡± she spoke like a crazydy, not minding the pain she does to her body.

    Luigi, on the other hand, was stunned and worried on Chiara¡¯s words. ¡°Signora, please calm down,¡± he spoke to the other line.

    He grabbed his phone and texted Fara¡¯s number to inform her of what¡¯s happening. Their signor is already on the verge of life and death, he can¡¯t risk to get their signora hurt, too.

    ¡°Wake up, wake up,¡± Chiara spoke to herself while rocking herself back and forth, still kneeling. ¡°Wake up, Chiara. Your husband¡¯s going home.¡±

    Luigi pity his signora. She hasn¡¯t heard the full details, yet, she¡¯s already acting this way.

    As if on a cue, Fara rushed to open her signora¡¯s bedroom. ¡°Signora!¡±

    Fara ran the distance from the door to Chiara who is still kneeling on the floor, wet from the tears on her face. She looked so messy, as her hair is disheveled and her clothes are wet.

    ¡°Signora, please stop crying,¡± Fara spoke, not knowing how to calm her signora down. She reached for the phone on Chiara¡¯s hand.

    ¡°What did you tell signora?!¡± Fara eximed on Luigi.

    He sighed loudly. ¡°Fara, please calm signora first. After that, tell her that boss Ezio is still unconscious, but the bullets have been removed. Tell signora that we¡¯re going back go Italy and wait for us in boss Ezio¡¯s private hospital. We¡¯re going now,¡± he exined. Luigi didn¡¯t wait for Fara¡¯s response before ending the call.

    As Fara put the phone down, she turned to her signora who can¡¯t breath because of her nose being stuffy from crying. She reached for her and hugged her body, hoping that it will help her lessen her sadness.

    She doesn¡¯t know the full details, but from what she heard from Luigi, Fara is sure that their signor is indeed in danger. Just like her hunch yesterday.

    ¡°Please calm down, signora,¡± she spoke gently, stopping herself from crying, too. ¡°You have to be strong for signor. They¡¯re going home now.¡±

    She kept on caressing Chiara¡¯s back, waiting for her topose herself. Fara just hoped that nothing more serious happened, because she is sure as hell that their signora will be drowned if that will happen.

    Chiara, on the other hand, still can¡¯t process anything. Her mind is replying on thest time she heard Ezio¡¯s voice. How he asked her to cook for him. How they talked for hours about random things. How he sang her to sleep.

    THEIR WAY TO the private hospital is quiet and ufortable. After hours of endless crying, Chiara passed out, much to Fara¡¯s worry.

    Everyone in the mansion were in chaos while looking for solution on their signora¡¯s situation. Fortunately, Chiara woked up after some minutes, but she didn¡¯t talked after that.

    Until they bumped into someone outside their mansion.

    ¡°You looked like a mess,¡± Elisamented when she saw Chiara¡¯s face. ¡°Did you already divorce your husband?¡±

    With a dead eye, Chiara looked at her mother-inw before shaking her head. ¡°No. We¡¯re still together. I have no ce divorcing him.¡±

    Elisa¡¯s eyebrows raised. ¡°Then why do you look like that?¡± she asked with a condescending voice. ¡°You looked like someone died.¡±

    ¡°Ezio¡¯s in the hospital,¡± Chiara spoke with a low voice, but still enough for Elisa to hear. ¡°They told me he was shot.¡±

    Elisa couldn¡¯t answer immediately. Chiara thought she willugh at their misery, or maybe throw more insults to her own son. But, the opposite happened.

    Chiara saw how worry filled Elisa¡¯s eyes. If sudden, and it faded fast, but it didn¡¯t escaped from Chiara¡¯s sight.

    Elisa opened her mouth a little to say some words, but she closed it again and made a sigh before leaving.

    Chiara followed her mother-inw using her eyes. She can¡¯t be wrong. She saw how Elisa became worried after she told her what happened.

    Chiara knew that Elisa still cares for her son.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    But it is not the priority right now. She has to go to the private hospital and see her husband.

    ¡°Signora,¡± Fara called Chiara while fixing her seatbelt. ¡°Luigi told me that the bullet were already removed from signor¡¯s body. I¡¯m sure he is recovering now.¡±

    Fara said that to cheer her up for a little bit. She saw how Chiara¡¯s pupils dted for a moment, but she didn¡¯t spoke. For Fara, the reaction on Chiara¡¯s eyes is already enough to know that she is responding.

    ¡°We are only 10 minutes away to the hospital. Luigi informed me that they already arrived,¡± Fara continued. She told her signora on what room Ezio was currently staying. After that, silence filled the car.

    It¡¯s a good thing that even though Chiara is not talking to them earlier, her body is still moving. She let them clean her up and feed her earlier. If not, they would have brought her to the hospital with disheveled hair and wet clothes.

    When the car stopped, Chiara¡¯s eyes wondered the area. She hurriedly took off the seatbelt and left the car when she noticed that they are already in the private hospital of Ezio.

    Fara, as well as the other body guards, followed Chiara¡¯s quick steps. It didn¡¯t took them long to see Luigi waiting outside a room.

    At a certain angle, Luigi looked fine. However, when he turned his body to look at them, they noticed that he was injured as well.

    The lower right part of his neck has a huge bandage. He is only wearing a shirt, so the long bandage on his right arm is visible. It looks like he can¡¯t move his right arm because of that.

    ¡°Signora,¡± Luigi spoke and greeted Chiara with a bow. ¡°You arrived.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s my husband?¡± Chiara asked with a hoarse voice.

    Luigi didn¡¯t speak, but he looked at the door behind him as an answer. Just as when Chiara was about to walked inside, the door opened and a doctor in his white coat stepped outside.

    ¡°How¡¯s my husband, doc?¡± Chiara hurriedly asked the male doctor. She is rubbing her palm together, nervous of what he is going to say.

    ¡°Mrs. Vitali,¡± the doctor called her. ¡°Mr. Vitali is now stable. It¡¯s a good thing that he was operated immediately. The bullets didn¡¯t hit any vital organ. However¡­¡±

    Chiara knew that another bad news is yet toe. She gripped on Fara¡¯s hand, asking for strength not to pass out.

    ¡°Mr. Vitali¡¯s head was severely injured. I was informed by Luigi that Mr. Vitali fell down from the stairs of the ne,¡± the doctor continued before looking at the patient inside the room. ¡°He is still no responsive. Very minimal brain activity is recorded.¡±

    The doctor looked at Chiara. ¡°If Mr. Vitali doesn¡¯t wake up after 48 hours, we will consider him brain dead, oratose.¡±

    Chiara gasped. She was about to fall down when Fara and Luigi supported her. Luigi even flinched in pain because he used his right hand to help her.

    ¡°You can visit the patient now. Please call me if anything happens. Please excuse me,¡± the doctor spoke before leaving.

    Chiara, after moments of staring at nothing, slowly walked inside Ezio¡¯s room. Fara and Luigi were left outside to wait for her.

    Chiara closed her eyes while walking. She doesn¡¯t know if her heart can take the sight of her unconscious husband. Just from how the doctor and Luigi described her husband¡¯s situation, she can already feel that she won¡¯t like to see it.

    When she closed the door, she slowly opened her eyes, nervous to see Ezio¡¯s situation.

    ¡°Tesoro¡­¡± she whispered under her breath as she closed the steps between them.

    The sight is too heavy for her heart, but she hold on. Her husband isying unconscious, with bandages in his head because of the injuries he got from falling. His arms have small bruises and scratches.

    Just days before, they were talking with happiness. They were nning what to do after he goes home.

    Never in Chiara¡¯s mind she would imagine her husband going back to her in this state. Unconscious and almost lifeless.

    Chiara sat on the chair beside the bed. She gently touched his tummy that¡¯s covered with his hospital gown and nket.

    ¡°Tesoro, wake up. Please,¡± she whispered on his ears, hoping that he can hear her voice while in his reverie.

    But Ezio¡¯s body didn¡¯t move a bit. Chiara¡¯s tears fell down one by one. She caressed his cheeks while staring at his sleeping face.

    ¡°Please wake up,¡± she repeated. Chiara can almost hear Ezio¡¯s voice, telling her not to beg, because she knew how her husband disliked her begging for anything.

    She sniffed and hugged her husband¡¯s body, putting their face side by side with their cheeks touching.

    ¡°I promise to stay with you forever. Just wake up ande back to me, tesoro,¡± she whispered and closed her eyes, joining her husband in his deep sleep.

    At the back of her mind, she is ready to find and chase whoever did this to her husband. She will never let that bastard go.

    She already has a person in her mind. Once she found out who really is that person, she will make sure to destroy everything.

    He touched her husband, so there will be hell to pay.

 Enemies Nearby

    CHIARA IS RESTLESS for several days since Ezio was admitted to his private hospital. She never left his side, and will just not be with him whenever she¡¯s taking a bath. It was Fara and Luigi who are in-charge in bringing her food and clothes.

    ¡°Signora,¡± Fara greeted her when she entered Ezio¡¯s room. ¡°Here are the clothes you requested. I also brought a pair of your pajamas and vegetable soup.¡±

    Chiara just nodded at her maid before putting down the soup on the bedside table. ¡°Is there any update?¡± she asked Luigi who is standing behind Fara.

    Luigi shook his head slowly. ¡°As of now, we are reviewing the cameras on the airport. We are currently looking on the identities of the guards on the departure area.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t the airport has a record for that?¡± she asked, twitching her right eye. ¡°As far as I know, the airport higher staffs much have a list of their workers, including guards.¡±

    Luigi put his head down, ufortable with his signora¡¯s gaze. ¡°We asked for their records, signora, but the photos of the guards on their list don¡¯t match the ones we saw on the airport.¡±

    ¡°So the airport was infiltrated,¡± Chiara spoke as she gritted her teeth.

    The assistant was hesitant because he can¡¯t give a definite answer. ¡°I¡¯m not sure but there¡¯s a possi-¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Chiara cut his words off while slicing an apple. ¡°That wasn¡¯t a question.¡±

    The room fell silent. Fara and Luigi felt tensed just by the way their signora acted. She looks like she can stab anyone using the knife she¡¯s holding.

    No one dares to make her mood sour. Not now that their signora still can¡¯t cope with what happened to her husband.

    For the past days, Chiara ordered Ezio¡¯s men to investigate about what happened. She can¡¯t wait for the updates from the authorities. She wants to do this using her hands.

    Fara stared at her signora who is staring at her husband¡¯s sleeping face. It¡¯s almost 48 hours, and there¡¯s no improvement in his condition.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure someone knew that my husband is going home that day, so they used that chance to ambush him,¡± Chiara spoke, still staring at her unconscious husband.

    She sighed before standing. She walked towards the only window in Ezio¡¯s room and stared at the view outside.

    ¡°We already hired a police sketch artist to draw how those guards looked like,¡± Luigi spoke when heposed himself. ¡°I only saw two of them, while others see three. I can¡¯t say how many of them are there, but we are looking into it.¡±

    There was silence in the room again. Fara nudged Luigi using her elbow before giving him a wide eye, a sign that he must have said something wrong for their signora to be quiet.

    ¡°Call me if you already have the sketches,¡± Chiara responded before looking at them. ¡°You may leave now.¡±

    The two bowed their heads a little before leaving the married couple in the room. Silence covered the room, until Chiara walked beside her husband.

    She caressed his grazed cheek. ¡°I¡¯ll find whoever did this. I will make them pay, tesoro,¡± she whispered under her breath.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    She was waiting for her husband to respond, but nothing happened. Just a few hours left and the doctor might pronounce Ezio underatose state.

    As much as possible, Chiara doesn¡¯t want that to happen. She knew what can happen if someone wasatose: either they will be asleep for life or they won¡¯t be able to move anymore.

    She was hoping that Ezio would wake up, but her wish didn¡¯t came true.

    ¡°I¡¯M SORRY,¡± the doctor spoke. ¡°It¡¯s been over 48 hours but his brain is not responding. Not even a small movement of his body happened. I¡¯m afraid to say that Mr. Vitali is now underatose.¡±

    Chiara did her best not to crumble. She can¡¯t be too weak. Her husband needs her. She needs to be strong. For him.

    She took a deep breath before turning to the doctor. ¡°Is there anything I can do to wake him up?¡±

    ¡°The only thing I can suggest is talk to him while he¡¯s unconscious. We can hope for him to hear your voice,¡± then doctor responded.

    Chiara did that for the past days. She would talk to her husband from time to time about random things, even if she looked like an idiot waiting for an unconscious person to talk.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind, doc,¡± Chiara said before the doctor left.

    After Chiara locked the door, the tears she has been hiding for minutes finally escaped like a dam that has been opened.

    She used her hand to cover her mouth from creating any noise. She doesn¡¯t want her unconscious husband to hear her cries.

    She sniffed for a couple of times, dried her tears using the back of her hand, before making herself look presentable again. Luigi messaged her that he will be visiting again to ry a message. He can¡¯t see him in such vulnerable state.

    ¡°Tesoro,¡± she called Ezio while hugging his body. ¡°You¡¯ll be awake after a few days, right? You¡¯lle back to me, right?¡±

    She stared at his handsome face. Usually, she will stare at his mismatched eyes and drown in its beauty. But now, she can¡¯t see them. And she won¡¯t be able to see those shining blue and green eyes for long.

    Hours passed and Luigi arrived. He was carrying a two folders in his right hand.

    ¡°Good evening, Signora,¡± he greeted. ¡°I have the sketches of the guards we saw that day.¡±

    He extended his arms to give the first folder to Chiara. She opened it and was greeted by a face of man on his 30s with a thick mustache.

    She flipped through the pages, memorizing how each man looked like. After that, she took two photos of each pages before giving the folder back to Luigi.

    ¡°Use every connection we have to find those guys, but move silently,¡± Chiara spoke. ¡°I¡¯m sure that if they heard about us looking for them, they will hide. It will be harder for us.¡±

    Luigi nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll update you immediately, signora,¡± he replied before giving the other folder.

    ¡°What¡¯s with this?¡± Chiara asked.

    ¡°When you and Boss Ezio got married, he signed a document stating that if ever something happened to him, you will be the one in-charge of all of his wealth. That includes his investments, stocks, andpanies, signora,¡± Luigi exined briefly, but Chiara can understand the whole context.

    She read the document, and indeed, Ezio gave her the right to take full control of his wealth when he¡¯s not around. It includes representing him as the owner of hispanies. All of hispanies.

    Her heart felt the warmth of Ezio¡¯s love. She didn¡¯t know he can do something like this for her. It¡¯s too much, but Chiara know that Ezio trusts her so much to do this.

    ¡°Does it mean I have to go to hispany by tomorrow?¡± Chiara rified.

    Luigi nodded slowly. ¡°Your presence is not really needed if it was a regr day. However, the board members are demanding for a meeting. The condition of Luminosa is not stable after what happened to boss Ezio. They want to put someone new as in-charge.¡±

    ¡°They can¡¯t do that,¡± Chiara said calmly, looking down at the piece of paper in her hand.

    She kept the document in ce before looking at Luigi. ¡°Tell the board that we¡¯ll have a meeting tomorrow by 10 AM. Sharp. I don¡¯t want anyte attendees.¡±

    Luigi didn¡¯t need to be told twice and left to do what his signora asked him to aplish. At the back of his mind, the meeting tomorrow might be in chaos. He knew how greedy some of the board members are. They wouldn¡¯t ept Signora Chiara to boss them around.

    But they can¡¯t do anything about it.

    Back in the hospital, Chiara left the room. She asked Fara and the guards outside it to make sure that no one will enter.

    Chiara walked to the nearby restroom. Her mind is too busy thinking on what might happen in the meeting. She might have knowledge on business, but it can¡¯t bepared to Ezio¡¯s.

    But now, it¡¯s her responsibility to make thepanies stable again. Ezio just fixed the problem in hispany in Dubai. It¡¯s now her job to do the same in Luminosa.

    She¡¯s still clouded with ideas for the meeting when she saw a familiar woman hiding behind a thick pir of the hospital. The woman was not covering her face, but the pir is big enough to cover her body from the people outside the room she was spying on.

    Chiara¡¯s eyes can¡¯t be wrong. It was Elisa, and she¡¯s looking at the room where Ezio is currently located.

    She doesn¡¯t know what Elisa has on her mind, so she walked behind her. The woman must have not sense her, for she keeps on staring at Ezio¡¯s room.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Chiara asked, making Elisa startled.

    ¡°You seem to show up everywhere,¡± Elisa replied while giving a stic smile.

    Chiara raised her right eyebrow. ¡°Wrong. It¡¯s you who kept showing up everywhere. Why are you here?¡± she repeated her question.

    Instead of answering, Elisa turned her head on Ezio¡¯s room and answered her with a question. ¡°How is she?¡±

    After seeing worry in Elisa¡¯s eyes days before, Chiara knew that this woman still cared for his son. ¡°He¡¯satose. Still no improvement in his brain activity.¡±

    She heard Elisa sniffed and saw her gulp a lump in her throat. They kept quiet for a moment before Elisa broke the silence.

    ¡°His enemies are always nearby. Always,¡± she spoke firmly. ¡°Be mindful of your surroundings. Eradicate anyone who tried to harm you and him.¡±

    Elisa looked at her. ¡°Now that my son is ina, there are only two things that they can do before bringing hispanies down. Either they will target you, or they will kill my son in his helpless state. Guard him, always.¡±

    After saying those words, Elisa left and Chiara followed her using her eyes. As those words sank in to her mind, she sent a message to her detective friend, Nick.

    Chiara: Call me once you see this. I have something you have to investigate. This is urgent.

 Office Quarrel

    FIXING HER corporate clothes, Chiara looked at herself at the mirror. Her hair that was always free is now tied in a slick bun. She felt like a real corporate worker with her attire.

    ¡°You look fantastic, signora,¡± Faraplemented her while checking the schedule given by Luigi.

    Chiara smiled while looking at the maid through the mirror. ¡°Thank you, Fara.¡±

    After making sure that she looks presentable, Chiara left the mansion. It¡¯s been a few hours since she left Ezio under Luigi¡¯s care, and she can¡¯t help but to worry about his safety.

    The warning the Elisa gave yesterday still echoes in her mind. His enemies are nearby. Their enemies are nearby.

    Now that Ezio is still unconscious, it will be easier for them to target hispany. They might also take advantage of Ezio¡¯s situation and attack him while he was unconscious.

    ¡°Drive to Ezio¡¯s hospital first,¡± Chiara told the driver while texting on her phone.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to bete for the meeting, signora?¡± Fara asked. Ezio¡¯s office is almost thirty minutes away from the hospital.

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°I will just stay there for a few minutes. I have to settle some things.¡±

    Once the car was parked in the hospital¡¯s parking area, Chiara made her way to her husband¡¯s room. Five guards are standing outside his room, while there are tens of them roaming inside and around the hospital.

    But one man who looked out of ce is also standing with guard, holding aptop in his hand.

    ¡°Do you have the information I need?¡± Chiara asked as she approached Nick.

    ¡°Good morning to you, too, my friend Chiara,¡± Nick said with a sarcastic tone while shaking his head.

    Chiara scoffed at him. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for greetings. Do you have the information I need?¡±

    He smiled before nodding. That was the only answer that Chiara need. She entered the door which startled Luigi.

    ¡°Who is he, signora?¡± Luigi asked while pointing at the man behind her.

    ¡°My friend, Nick,¡± she answered. ¡°He is a detective.¡±

    ¡°The best detective,¡± Nick boasted.

    Fara couldn¡¯t help but to roll her eyes on the man. He looks and sounds like an arrogant man, and even though he hasn¡¯t done anything bad, he is starting to get on her nerves.

    ¡°Tell me what you discovered,¡± Chiara said while gently touching her unconscious husband¡¯s face.

    Nick ced theptop on the table and showed the contents on the other three people in the room.

    ¡°I checked the faces of those men you sent. It wasn¡¯t difficult finding them, actually,¡± he started and clicked something on the keyboard.

    Series of texts were shown, one of those are names of people. Chiara scanned the texts and found out that it was the information of those people.

    ¡°I found a lot about them. They all came from different ces, they live in different cities here in Italy. However,¡± he stopped for a moment before clicking a button. ¡°They all worked for the same agency.¡±

    ¡°What agency?¡± Chiara asked.

    ¡°Hades Agency.¡±

    Luigi closed his eyes, trying to remember where he heard that name. He can recognize it. He knew that he read or heard about it before.

    ¡°Is it an agency that provides protection? Like guards and securities?¡± Luigi asked.

    Nick nodded his head. ¡°Yup, but there¡¯s more than that. That information is already outdated.¡±

    He clicked the same button and the screen changes. ¡°Two years ago, that agency started providing more services since their first service, giving protection, is not really making money.¡±

    ¡°What more services?¡± Fara asked.

    ¡°Illegal ones,¡± Nick answered and winked at Fara, making her wanted to puke. ¡°They started using those guards and securities to be gunmen or snipers. They started epting missions¡¯ from clients who wanted to finish off or hurt someone.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s blood boiled after hearing that. She needs to find that agency and destroy it.

    ¡°That¡¯s not all I found out!¡± Nick eximed while beaming. ¡°I found out whomissioned these men to shoot your husband, Chiara.¡±

    ¡°Who is it?¡± she asked firmly, clenching her fists.

    Nick changed the screen and a familiar face was shown. ¡°Looks familiar?¡±

    ¡°Giovanni,¡± she whispered under her breath. She knew that they are business rivals, but he doesn¡¯t know that Giovanni can go through this length just to win.

    ¡°He is a rival of your husband in business. It¡¯s not surprising he will resort to something like this,¡± Nick said. ¡°What are you going to do next, Chiara?¡±

    Chiara closed her eyes. She took several deep breaths, calming herself. When she opened her eyes, Ezio¡¯s calm face greeted her.

    She cannot do any wrong move. She¡¯s not expert when ites to these things. All that she can do is make sure that her husband¡¯spany is stable until he woke up, and that he will be safe.

    ¡°Find every information about Giovanni,¡± she responded to Nick

    ¡°What information? You know me, my friend. I want specifics.¡±

    She looked at him. ¡°I want you to find any information I can use to destroy him or hispany. Weakness, secrets, anything.¡±

    Nick¡¯s eyes glistened with excitement. ¡°Now that¡¯s what I want!¡± he eximed. ¡°This is going to cost you a lot, but I¡¯ll give you a three percent friendship discount.¡±

    He grinned before taking hisptop. ¡°I¡¯ll give you updates within three to seven days. Wait for my call, my friend,¡± he said while walking towards the door. ¡°Bye!¡±

    When they heard the door closed, Luigi turned his head towards Chiara.

    ¡°Are you going to attack him, signora?¡± he asked, preparing himself for any business war that might happen.

    ¡°No, unless he does something I don¡¯t like,¡± she answered. ¡°Fara, stay here and make sure that no one will enter aside from me and Luigi.¡±

    Fara nodded. Chiara and Luigi fixed themselves to go to thepany and start the meeting that the board¡¯s been asking.

    As she stepped outside Ezio¡¯s room, Chiara took ast nce to her sleeping husband.

    ¡°GREETINGS, EVERYONE,¡± Chiara said as she entered the conference room. The board members and shareholders where all confused, seeing only Ezio¡¯s wife and not him. But they all, aside from one, stood up and greeted her back.

    When she sat on her husband¡¯s chair, she didn¡¯t waste any second and started the meeting immediately.

    ¡°I would like to hear your concerns,¡± she said while looking at each and everyone of them.

    A female member of the board, Anna Beneventi, spoke first. ¡°It hase to our knowledge that Mr. Vitali was shot on his way home from Dubai. We haven¡¯t received any updates regarding his situation. Thepany hasn¡¯tplied yet to those partnership requests and clients concerns. He is needed here. Can we have some updates to make sure that everything will be settled?¡±

    Chiara nodded at her. ¡°I received the reports you stated and reviewed them. I also sent emails as response to some and will send moreter. As of the moment, my husband cannot to any tasks as the doctor suggested for him to be fully recovered first,¡± she answered.

    They chose not to disclose the fact that Ezio is underatose. If they did that, she is sure that the board will be in chaos and everyone will try to threaten his position.

    ¡°However, my husband gave me the power to be in control of his empire temporarily, until he recovers from the incident,¡± she added, earning mixed reactions from the people inside the conference room.

    An old man who is a shareholder, Ro Ossani, chuckled and looked at her lowly. Chiara can already hear the words he is going to say.

    ¡°This is ridiculous!¡± he eximed. ¡°A woman like you cannot handle this empire! We have to appoint a man to lead this!¡±

    Chiara can¡¯t stop her eyebrow from raising, as well as the other female attendees. ¡°Care to suggest who would you like to lead this empire?¡±

    Old Ro grinned at her. ¡°We need someone with years of experience! Someone who capable of leading! A man! Not a woman like you!¡±

    ¡°I asked you who it is, not describe what that person is like,¡± she spat out to the old man.

    Ro didn¡¯t like the tone of her voice. ¡°Watch your words, little bitch. If there¡¯s someone here who is capable of leading, it is me! Me and I only!¡±

    The whole conference room fell silent. Luigi, who is taking down the minutes of the meeting, stopped writing and turned his head to Chiara.

    ¡°You? With years of experience?¡± Chiara asked with a mocking tone. ¡°I remember how your ownpany went bankrupt because your too impulsive and likes to paydies to make you happy at night. Capable of leading? Didn¡¯t you make your secretary do your own job while you where cheating on your wife¡¯s back?¡±

    Chiara researched every information about those attendees she deemed will cause chaos in thepany: those people who will question Ezio¡¯s decision and her temporary authority.

    ¡°You know what,¡± Chiara spoke. ¡°If my husband is here, Ezio would have pinned your face to the ground using his feet.¡±

    Ro¡¯s face turned pale. Chiara know how he fear her husband. Everyone in the room knew how Mr. Vitali treasured his wife, and for Ro to call him a bitch, they knew that Ezio will surely put him somewhere.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to tell my husband about it when I go home,¡± she added before looking back at the other attendees.

    ¡°To those who want Mr. Ossani to lead the empire, raise your hand,¡± she said while raising her right hand.

    The room was silent. No one dared to speak. No one raise their hand, not even the old Ro who is now gritting his teeth while looking at the ground.

    ¡°No one?¡± she spoke while looking at them. ¡°Okay. Do you have any suggestions? Nominations?¡±

    No one spoke. Actually, they don¡¯t know who is more deserving to lead the empire for the time being. They can nominate anyone, but the worry of that person to steal the position from Mr. Vitali is in their minds.

    One female shareholder, Janice Leone, broke the silence.

    ¡°It will be better for you, Mrs. Vitali, to lead the empire. As far as I know, you have experiences in handlingpanies. You graduated in a prestigious university. You have the skills needed for this. Besides, Mr. Vitali already gave you the permission to lead. I see nothing wrong about it,¡± she exined, earning nods from everyone except Ro.

    ¡°Nonsense! A woman like her can¡¯t lead this huge empire!¡± Ro shouted at Janice.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Sexist,¡± one of the male board members whispered before pouting his lips as if he didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°You have no right to question Mr. Vitali¡¯s decision. Mrs. Vitali is already amodating the concerns and requests since yesterday. She¡¯s doing well. Who are you to question that?¡± one of the male board members, Christo Rey Lauria spoke. ¡°You cannot use her gender to judge her ability. You are a man yourself, yet you are a failure.¡±

    That statement made Ro¡¯s blood boiled that heunched himself to throw a punch to Christo. Fortunately, the guards on duty stopped him on time.

    Chiara tapped her own on the table, making repeating sound. She looked nkly at the old man who is trying to escape the guard¡¯s grip.

    ¡°For someone who only has less than one percent of thepany¡¯s share, you have the guts,¡± Chiara told him. ¡°I don¡¯t even know why your hear. Your presence is not actually needed.¡±

    Before Ro could spat more words, the guard pinned his face on the table, as per Chiara¡¯s non-verbalmand, making his words muffled.

    ¡°Take him out. I don¡¯t want pests in this meeting,¡± Chiara spoke before turning her attention to the remaining attendees, not minding the screaming old, sexist man.

 Moved

    TWO OF EZIO¡¯S MEN, who are now under Chiara¡¯smand, entered his hospital room while carrying a huge cab. One other man has a mini fridge on his hand, while the others has sealed boxes.

    ¡°Are these enough, signora?¡± Fara asked while the men are entering the room one by one. ¡°I only packed seven of each clothes that you have.¡±

    Chiara nodded. ¡°Yes. That will do for now,¡± she responded while watching the workers put the things in ce.

    ¡°Move it to the right,¡± Chiara spoke while motioning her hand to the said direction.

    The men carrying the cab followed her instruction. When their signora nodded, they slowly out the cab down.

    ¡°That fridge,¡± Chiara spoke to the man holding it. ¡°Put it here,¡± she said while  pointing the space beside the small table.

    Chiara turned her head to the men who has boxes in their hands. ¡°Put those boxes beside the cab. I¡¯ll arrange the contentster.¡±

    Once the work is done, the men headed to leave. Chiara sat down beside her unconscious husband and stared down at him.

    ¡°Shall I put your clothes on the cab, signora?¡± Fara asked when Chiara didn¡¯t move to do it.

    She just nodded without looking at her. Chiara¡¯s eyes were focused on her husband.

    It¡¯s been weeks and there was no improvement on hid condition. He didn¡¯t do any small movement. Even his mismatched eyes are not responding.

    Chiara took a deep sigh and washed her hands on her face. On those weeks that her husband isatose, a lot of problems emerged in hispanies.

    There were missing funds. Somepany partners were pulling out after knowing that it is Ezio who will lead hispany. They even threatened Chiara that they will not go back for the partnership if she will not show Ezio to them.

    His condition is still kept secret from the public. The only information given to them is that he was shot and now recovering in the hospital.

    After Fara finished her task, she left the room for the privacy of the couple. She stayed outside with the guards.

    ¡°I¡¯m having a hard time, tesoro,¡± Chiara whispered to her husband. ¡°A lot of them doesn¡¯t want me to lead thepany. They¡¯re pulling out. I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±

    Small tears fell down from her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sure that someone¡¯s taking advantage of the situation. They¡¯re stealing our funds and profits.¡±

    Her hand massaged her temple while closing her eyes. It¡¯s been weeks since she had a good sleep.

    Aside from taking care of hispanies, Chiara also spent her days taking care of her husband and investigating what happened.

    Nick calledst week to update her, but he didn¡¯t give the report. He reasoned that he found out more information about Giovanni and he wanted to give everything.

    Chiara is still waiting for his call. The police didn¡¯t even find a lead. They said they can¡¯t find the culprit. Cameras from that day were suddenly corrupted. The culprit moves fast.

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to be strong. I know you will wake up,¡± she spoke lovingly to Ezio and caressed his cheek. ¡°I have a lot of ns for us. I will wait for you, tesoro.¡±

    Chiara didn¡¯t noticed the time and fell asleep while staring at her husband. If not for her phone ringing, she wouldn¡¯t slept the whole day while sleeping.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Chiara¡¯s sleepy voice said on the line after answering the phone.

    ¡°Mi figlia,¡± her mother, Celine spoke on the other line that wake Chiara¡¯s senses up.

    She hurriedly sat straight after hearing that. ¡°Mommy! You called. Is there a problem?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Nothing, mi figlia,¡± Fabio¡¯s voice echoed in the phone. ¡°We just want to ask if you¡¯re doing well. We¡¯ve been calling for the past weeks and your maid always tells us that you are busy.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± relief washed on her body. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, mommy, daddy. There are just lots of work in Ezio¡¯spany and I can¡¯t leave them alone.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Her parents felt worried, hearing the exhaustion on their daughter¡¯s voice. ¡°Are you eating well, mi figlia? You can¡¯t abandon your health. Your husband will be devastated if you didn¡¯t work on your health.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m still eating on time, mommy,¡± she answered. ¡°My problem is sleep. I only had an average of  three hours of sleep per day. The longest is five.¡±

    ¡°You should sleep well, mi figlia. It¡¯s important for your health. Less sleep means less energy,¡± her mother retorted.

    ¡°I know, mommy. It¡¯s just that, there are a lot of things on my te right now,¡± Chiara answered. Twenty four hours is not enough to finish all of the papers works that she needs to do.

    ¡°Well, me and your daddy will visit you and Ezio today. Is it a good time?¡± Celine asked.

    Chiara¡¯s eyes glistened with excitement. ¡°Yes, mommy! You can visit us now,¡± she responded before giving the hospital address and the room number. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you.¡±

    When they bid goodbye, the room fell silent. Chiara walked to the door and looked for Fara.

    ¡°My parents are going to visit. Please bring some snacks and drinks for them,¡± she told her maid which Fara immediately followed.

    IT JUST TOOK a couple of minutes for her parents to arrive. Fabio is carrying a basket of fruits, mainly oranges and grapes. On the other hand, Celine has Chiara¡¯s favorite biscuits and juice.

    ¡°Mommy, daddy,¡± she greeted and hugged them when they entered. ¡°You arrived fast.¡±

    ¡°Well, we were very excited to see you,¡± Celine spoke while her husband is cing their things on the table. ¡°How are you, mi figlia?¡±

    Chiara took a deep breath before answering. ¡°Tired,¡± she said honestly. ¡°Especially on work. People don¡¯t like me leading them. There are a lot of issues within thepany, too.¡±

    Fabio touched her daughter¡¯s back with assurance. ¡°It¡¯s really difficult at first, mi figlia. Don¡¯t mind them and just do your best in your job! Time will pass and they will ept you.¡±

    ¡°What if they don¡¯t?¡± she asked with doubt.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s their lost,¡± Celine spoke. ¡°You¡¯re intelligent and talented! You¡¯re flexible! You can learn and do almost anything! You will be a great businesswoman.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m that if Ezio¡¯s awake by now, he will be very proud of you,¡± Celine added while smiling at her daughter.

    Chiara can¡¯t help but to cry on her parents¡¯ arms. It¡¯s been a long time since she showed her feelings on someone she trusts.

    ¡°There¡¯s still no improvement in his condition,¡± she spoke between her sobs. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do to wake him up.¡±

    Fabio¡¯s shirt was soaked with his daughter¡¯s tears, but he didn¡¯t mind. ¡°Ezio¡¯s a strong man, mi figlia. He will be awaken in no time.¡±

    Chiara didn¡¯t respond and continued on crying. The sadness she¡¯s been penting up for weeks suddenly bursted.

    She heard a lot of hurtful words from the people in thepany. It worsen because of the old Ro who kept on bombarding her and looking for allies inside.

    But none of them can bepared to the pain of seeing her husband¡¯s unconscious state. Every day that she will woke up or went to the hospital, she¡¯s praying that his eyes were opened, but nothing happened.

    She missed his raspy, but sweet voice. She missed his loving words. She missed how he hugged him in any time of the day. She missed the feeling of him kissing her forehead. She missed him greeting her in the morning. She missed his open arms whenever he went home from work. She missed those expressive, mismatched yet unique eyes that darted through her soul.

    She missed everything about him.

    She missed him.

    So much.

    ¡°You know what, mi figlia,¡± Fabio spoke when Chiara¡¯s breathing became steady. ¡°When Ezio asked you to marry him, I didn¡¯t get shocked.¡±

    Chiara looked at her father with surprised eyes. ¡°What do you mean, daddy?¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± he looked at his left, trying to remember something. ¡°I¡¯m not naive from the fact that he has feelings for you.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± she asked confused before looking at her mother. ¡°Do you know this, mommy?¡±

    Celine just shrugged and looked at Fabio, signaling him to continue.

    ¡°I¡¯m a businessman, mi figlia, and so is he. We were in the same circle so I always see him,¡± Fabio started exining with a small and genuine small on his lips. ¡°When we first talked to each other, I was surprised by the fact that he knew about you!¡±

    ¡°He seems very interested in you. I saw how his eyes glistened whenever I will say your name and when we were talking about you,¡± Fabio added. He looked like a very proud father.

    ¡°And when I go to him to borrow money, he didn¡¯t hesitate even if it was a lot,¡± he rested his back on the chair and put his arm behind his wife.

    ¡°Ezio is a calcted and cautious man. I¡¯m aware how tedious and strict his process is when ites to borrowing money. But when I told him that it is for your education, he didn¡¯t asked for any documents and gave me the money immediately,¡± he exined, looking at his unconscious son-inw.

    ¡°I remember, when your nonno is still alive. He told me that he wanted Ezio to marry you,¡± Fabio spoke and gave her a wide smile. He touched the strands of hair infront of Chiara face and put them aside. He tapped his daughter¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°He said that Ezio looks at you the way I look at your mother, but deeper, and intense.¡±

    Chiara hasn¡¯t even processed what her father said, but her hand that¡¯s holding her husband¡¯s hand, suddenly felt a movement.

    Her eyes looked down at their intertwining hands. Her world suddenly move. Hope filled her chest. Light shone on her way.

    Ezio¡¯s pinky finger moved.

 Helping Hand

    ¡°THANK YOU,¡± Chiara spoke while shaking hands firmly with the businesswoman in front of her.

    Ms. Copp smiled at her. ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure. You are a great businesswoman, Chiara. No wonder Mr. Vitali is head over heels for you.¡±

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but to blush on Ms. Copp¡¯s words. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as apliment,¡± she responded while her eyes are beaming. ¡°I will make sure that your investment will grow in thispany.¡±

    ¡°I do not doubt that,¡± the woman said. ¡°With your skills and your husband¡¯s connection, I¡¯m sure the Vitali Empire will prosper more in theing years.¡±

    Their conversation was interrupted with a knock on the door. After a few moments, onedy entered carrying a tray with two mugs and a small kettle.

    ¡°I would like to invite you for an afternoon tea, if you wouldn¡¯t mind,¡± Chiara spoke.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind,¡± she answered. ¡°I have all day. I¡¯m just afraid you might have some things to do.¡±

    Chiara shook her head slowly with motioning the helper to put the tray on the table. ¡°I have finished my paper works for today. We can talk over a cup of tea.¡±

    The two newly-metdies struck up their conversation. Despite having almost ten years gap, they becamefortable with each other¡¯s presence.

    From their conversation, Chiara found out that Ms. Copp was a single mother, until tuberculosis ended her daughter¡¯s life.

    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine the pain you went through,¡± Chiara spoke gently after Ms. Copp narrated her life.

    ¡°It¡¯s difficult to bear, but I need go move forward,¡± she responded with a sad smile. ¡°After that, I didn¡¯t try to date any man or create my own family. I decided to live with myself.¡±

    They talked about random things like their favorites, their past experiences. Until their topic shifted to Chiara¡¯s married life.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t experience being married. How does it feel like?¡± Ms. Copp asked with curiosity.

    Chiara put down her cup before answering. ¡°I felt like my life became easier when I married him,¡± she spoke with a contented smile. ¡°The start of our rtionship didn¡¯t go well. It was my fault, actually. But Ezio didn¡¯t give up on me.¡±

    ¡°He showed me how he loves me. He gave me everything I need, everything I want. He knew me more than I knew myself,¡± she added. ¡°He might look like a scary guy, but he is loving and caring. I can¡¯t thank him enough for everything he did for me.¡±

    ¡°To find a love like that, is rare,¡± Ms. Coppmented. ¡°I hope Mr. Vitali will recover soon. I can see how sad you are when we talked about the incident.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I wish of that too,¡± Chiara said without telling her that Ezio isatose.

    It¡¯s been days since she saw his finger move while unconscious. The doctor said that it is s good sign: a sign that his brain is starting to work.

    Hours passed before Ms. Copp bid goodbye in the office. Since Chiara doesn¡¯t have anything to do, she decided to end her work minutes after the female investor left.

    It was then she was about to leave the office with Luigi knocked and entered.

    ¡°What is it, Luigi? Is there any problem?¡± she asked while putting back her things in her shoulder bag.

    Luigi shook his head. ¡°No, signora,¡± he answered. ¡°You have a visitor.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± she asked while looking at the door. She does not have any guest go expect today. Her parents went back to their house and Nick did not tell her anything.

    ¡°It¡¯s Sir Dante, one of Boss Ezio¡¯s friends,¡± he responded.

    Chiara¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. She have heard that name before, but she is not familiar with his face. Hesitant because she doesn¡¯t know him, Chiara told Luigi to let him in since he is her husband¡¯s friend.

    ¡°Good afternoon, Signora Chiara,¡± Dante spoke with a grin that is trying hard to look like a formal smile.

    Chiara motioned her hand to the visitor¡¯s chair. ¡°Please take a seat.¡±

    Dante made himselffortable. When Chiara sat down, she immediately went straight to the point.

    ¡°So,¡± she started talking. ¡°What brings you here, Mr. Dante?¡±

    The visitor made a fake shiver on her words. ¡°Signora, no need to call me Mister. Just call me Dante.¡±

    Chiara nodded. ¡°Okay, Dante it is. So what brings you here? Are you looking for my husband?¡±

    Hearing that, Dante faced softened and a sad smile appeared on his face. ¡°Chiara, I know what happened to my friend. Even if I look for him right now, I still wouldn¡¯t be able to talk to him.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes almost widen at Dante¡¯s words. By his statement, it is obvious that he already know about her husband¡¯s situation. She is sure that she told no one about it. Only his men, Fara, and Luigi know about it.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked, feigning ignorance.

    ¡°You know what I mean,¡± he answered. ¡°I know that you kept his situation hidden. That¡¯s for his safety.¡±

    Chiara didn¡¯t speak and waited for him for tell her more. He is her husband¡¯s friend, but she does not know him. She can¡¯t trust him right now.

    ¡°I know that you are wary of me, but I¡¯m here to help,¡± he spoke and gave her the brown envelope he is holding.

    Chiara slowly grabbed it from him. She looked at the enveloped and noticed that nothing is written on the outside.

    ¡°What is this for?¡± she asked while opening the sealed p of the envelope.

    ¡°Information-¡± he answered. ¡°-about Giovanni.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s head turned up to the man in front of him. She looked at him with wide eyes. Dante adjusted his body on his seat before exining.

    ¡°My friend and Giovanni have been business rivals for so long,¡± he started talking. ¡°I witnessed how these two attacked and retaliated against each other. Giovanni is a wicked man. He will use every connection that he has to make sure that Ezio will lose in the end. And shooting him in the airport is one of those things.¡±

    While listening to Dante¡¯s talking, Chiara scanned the papers inside the envelope through her eyes. Everything is detailed, from the basic information up go the current events in his life.

    The document have more than 10 pages. From scanning it, the document looks like an autobiography of Giovanni. It includes very personal information that only the closest person can know.

    Thest pages of the document contains various names of those people connected to him and what things made them acquainted. But that is not what caught Chaira¡¯s attention.

    A single page that contains certain information etched into her memory. She memorized every detail. She will use this to bring him down.

    ¡°Why did you bring this to me?¡± she asked after putting back the papers except the one page she deemed important. She put it in a xerox machine and created several copies.

    ¡°You¡¯re Ezio¡¯s wife,¡± Dante answered. ¡°He trusts you so much, so I know that I can trust you too.¡±

    Chiara slightly felt guilty. This person in front of her has a huge trust on her to give those information, yet, she is thinking bad things and doubting him.

    ¡°These are a lot of information. I won¡¯t ask how you find this,¡± she responded while hiding the papers. ¡°But why now? Why not before when Ezio is still fine?¡±Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Dante took a deep sigh. ¡°I have skills in finding confidential information, but I¡¯m not that good. Giovanni is too good in hiding his trails that Ezio and I cannot follow him,¡± he exined. ¡°He leaves nothing of everything he did, and it made it difficult for me to find these information.¡±

    ¡°It just so happened that someone with god skills in this field left these information public-¡± he quoted the word public in the air, ¡°- and that made me ess these.¡±

    Chiara thought that the person Dante might be talking about it Nick. He is the only person he knows that is also working on getting Giovanni¡¯s information.

    ¡°It¡¯s up to you how you will use these info,¡± Dante added while tapping his fingers on the table. ¡°I am sure you will make smart choices. Avenge my friend, Chiara. I¡¯ll be supporting you ¡±

    Chiara gave him a smile. ¡°Thank you so much for this, Dante. I¡¯ll tell you if I will be needing more of your help. As of now, we were still looking on those guards who shot my husband,¡± she spoke. ¡°We already have their identities. It¡¯s just that they are good at hiding.¡±

    Chiara gave him a photocopy of the pictures of those guards, as well as the information given by Nick. ¡°If you have time, please try looking for these people.¡±

    ¡°No need to say please. Ezio will choke me if he heard you saying that to me,¡± he let out a chuckle before getting the pictures. ¡°Besides, I will really do it without you asking.¡±

    When he took a look at the photos, he saw a familiar face. Heid the paper t on the table and pointed at it.

    ¡°Do you recognize this guy?¡± he asked Chiara.

    She titled her head to take a good look. Chiara tried to look for the familiarity of the man¡¯s face, but she doesn¡¯t remember him.

    She shook her head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t recognize him.¡±

    ¡°Remember when you went to Luminosa to buy dress for Marco Leon¡¯s birthday party?¡± he gave her another question to remember.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she answered because that is still fresh in her mind. It was the first day that Ezio and her went out as husband and wife. That is also the day she met Giovanni.

    ¡°Ezio asked me to guard you that day. You didn¡¯t see me but I monitor your moves and the things around you,¡± Dante exined. ¡°And this man, is the waiter that almost served you your juice that day.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes squinted a little. ¡°I do remember that happening. I was with my friend that time. I remember the waiter, but not his face.¡±

    ¡°I am sure that you don¡¯t know about this, but the juice that he was supposed to serve to you was poisoned.¡±

    Her hands flew to her mouth because of shock. She remembered that her juice spilled that day, that¡¯s why she wasn¡¯t able to drink it.

    ¡°My lover is the one who bumped this man. I told Ezio about it. We tried looking for this man, but he disappeared like a bubble,¡± Dante finished his exnation.

    She couldn¡¯t believe it. She was toofortable in her friend¡¯s presence and was naive by the fact that someone tried to poison her. Without Ezio and Dante, she would have been dead that day.

    ¡°Giovanni is the one behind it, isn¡¯t he?¡± she asked, clenching her fist and gritting her teeth afterwards.

    Dante nodded. It was the only confirmation she needed.

    ¡°Dante,¡± she called him with a firm voice. ¡°I¡¯ll bring that bastard Giovanni down. I have a n in mind,¡± she looked at him. ¡°Will you help me?¡±

    ¡°Of course, signora,¡± Dante answered. ¡°I¡¯m always at your service.¡±

 Uncle

    WITH CHIARA¡¯S PERMISSION, Dante visited his friend Ezio in the hospital. He followed the car where Chiara is riding. Three cars also followed them: Chiara¡¯s bodyguards.

    It didn¡¯t take long for them to arrive at the private hospital. It isn¡¯t the first time Dante stepped his foot in that ce. He actually visited him for the past weeks but kept his distance on his friend¡¯s room. Dante knows that Chiara is not familiar with him.

    ¡°There is my husband,¡± Chiara spoke when they entered the room. Fara was cleaning floor when they arrived.

    ¡°Signora,¡± she bowed to Chiara before looking at the man behind her. ¡°Sir Dante.¡±

    He nodded at the greetings of the maid. When they all settled down, Dante looked at his unconscious friend.

    ¡°He looks like a good person when asleep,¡± he joked and chuckled at hid own words. If Ezio is awake, he would have smack his head to the floor.

    Teasing an unconscious friend is an enjoyable thing to do.

    ¡°He really is,¡± Chiara responded with a smile while brushing her husband¡¯s hair gently. ¡°The doctor said that he has some improvements. I just hope he will wake up soon.¡±

    Dante was quiet for a short moment before speaking again. ¡°You know what? My cousin experienced the same thing,¡± he spoke from experience, remembering the old times. ¡°Well, she wasn¡¯t shot unlike Ezio, but she did fell on the ground.¡±

    ¡°Did she also beatose?¡± Chiara asked with a hint of interest in her voice. She could get some tips on how to take care ofatose patient and help him wake up.

    Dante nodded. ¡°Yup. A part of her head was fractured. Thankfully, she woke up after two months.¡±

    She felt hope filling her chest. Ezio and Dante¡¯s cousin almost have the same experience. If thatdy was able to wake up after two months, then Ezio can do that too. She believes in her husband.

    ¡°However,¡± Dante trailed off his words, much to Chiara¡¯s worry. ¡°She doesn¡¯t remember anything when she woke up.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± she asked as fear crept into her body.

    Dante looked at his unconscious friend for some seconds before looking at Chiara who is sitting across him.

    He can see her forehead wrinkled while waiting for his answer. Her hands that are touching Ezio¡¯s hair is slightly trembling in nervousness.

    ¡°What I¡¯m saying is that Ezio might experience the same thing,¡± he responded, clearing his statement. ¡°Ezio fell down from the top stair of the ne. The fall made a lot of damage on him. It is not impossible for him to lose his memories when he wakes up.¡±

    Chiara looked down on the ground, processing what Dante said. Her rational self is telling her that Dante it right. However, a small voice of her tells her that Dante is just making her panic and that it will not happen to her husband.

    ¡°You have to be prepared if ever that will happen,¡± Dante added. ¡°You are the closest person to Ezio. You can help him a lot.¡±

    ¡°What if he forgot me? What if he forgot about us?¡± she asked with her shaking voice.

    ¡°Then make him remember. Help him remember,¡± he answered with a firm voice. ¡°It will be difficult at first, but I¡¯m sure you can get through it. Ezio¡¯s mind might forgot you, but I¡¯m sure that his heart will never.¡±

    Hearing Dante¡¯s words, Chiara felt the burden a little lighter. She has to believe on her husband¡¯s love for her. She has to be there when he woke up. She has to be by his side while regaining his memories.

    She is his wife. She will be there for him.

    After some minutes of talking about Dante¡¯s experience in taking her care of his cousin before, Fara arrived with the snacks and refreshments for them.

    ¡°By the way,¡± Dante spoke after swallowing a bite on the pizza. ¡°I saw Ms. Copp left from your office. New investor?¡±

    Chiara nodded while taking a sip on her blue lemonade. ¡°We just signed some paper works earlier, chatted a bit before she left.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± hemented. ¡°Ms. Copp is a great investor. She wouldn¡¯t invest if she can¡¯t see any potential in yourpany.¡±

    ¡°Do you know her personally?¡± she asked. ¡°She seemed to be sweet woman.¡±

    Ms. Copp is a new person in her work life. She wants to know her better. On the first nce, Ms. Copp seemed to be a trustworthy person.

    ¡°I can¡¯t really say personally, but she was one of my clients before,¡± Dante responded. ¡°She filed an adultery case to her now ex-husband and she asked for my help to find evidences that will help her win the case. Long story short, we won.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. I just knew that they divorced, but I didn¡¯t know that it was because of adultery.¡±

    Dante clicked his tongue. ¡°Her ex-husband is a bastard. Ms. Copp is a kind woman. She didn¡¯t deserve those sufferings in her life,¡± he spoke. ¡°As far as I know, Ms. Copp is an advocate for women¡¯s rights. Aside from that, she was one of those people who were attacked by Giovanni when she didn¡¯t invested in hispany.¡±

    Their conversation went on. They talked about how Dante and Ezio met, how they became friends, and how Dante discovered that his friend has a thing on Chiara.

    ¡°I saw him staring at your picture from his phone,¡± he spoke while trying to hold hisugh. ¡°He looks like a love sick fool.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Chiara red at him. ¡°Don¡¯tugh at my husband!¡±

    Dante stayed for a few hours before leaving the hospital room. He offered Chiara to help her take care of his friend while she¡¯s at work, and she was happy to ept it.

    ¡°By the way,¡± he stopped walking mid-way to the door. ¡°I usually ask for payment whenever I get some information, but since you are a new client, it¡¯s free this time. The next one will be paid,¡± he spoke with a grin on his face.

    Chiara admired his confidence to tell her that, but she wouldn¡¯t back out.

    ¡°As far as I remember, I didn¡¯t ask you to investigate about it. You did it in your own ord. Technically, this is not my firstmission, but the next one is. The next one is supposed to be free,¡± she exined and smiled innocently.

    The grin on Dante¡¯s face faded. ¡°Bummer. You got me there,¡± he spoke before waving his hand and left.

    ¡°I¡¯m d that Sir Dante visited today,¡± Fara spoke while cleaning the table where they ate. ¡°I thought the news about Signor Ezio didn¡¯t reach him.¡±

    ¡°Do you know him for long?¡± Chiara asked while finishing thest remaining foods. She was hungry earlier and still have a lot of spaces in her stomach.

    Fara nodded with a smile. ¡°I knew him since my mother is still working for the Vitali¡¯s. They are very close like brothers.¡±

    Chiara smiled. She¡¯s happy that her husband has someone in his side: a true friend who is willing to help him anytime. But with payment.

    She haven¡¯t even finished eating thest slice of pizza when her phone vibrated. Chiara opened it when she saw a voice message that came from Nick.

    When she clicked the triangr button, Nick¡¯s voice yed on the phone.

    ¡°Hi, Chichi! I just finished gathering the information you need. I can¡¯t exin them to you right now since I have a new case, but the document will be sent in your email. Make sure to download it before five minutes before it will self-destruct after that time. Thank me with a food treatter!¡±

    As she finished listening to the voice message, a notification pops up. She hurriedly opened it and downloaded the file.

    When it finished downloading, the file on the email suddenly became nulled. She cannot download it again.

    ¡°I thought it will self-destruct after five minutes?¡± she asked to herself. ¡°It¡¯s been only a minute.¡±

    Ignoring what happened, she opened the downloaded file and was greeted by almost a hundred pages of texts and pictures.

    Her head ached just by looking at them. She removed the report given by Dante from her bag. That is when she noticed that the first pages where the same on what Dante gave her.

    ¡°It¡¯s really Nick who opened that file that Dante essed,¡± she spoke to herself, confirming her earlier guess.

    Since the document has a lot of pages, she decided to skim through it and just reviewed it deeper tomorrow. Chiara had the whole day to review the report and make a solid n on how to use it.

    While scrolling through the document, her thumb stopped in s certain page that has a familiar name written on it.

    ¡°Sigmund Russo?¡± she spoke while reading the text over and over again, making sure that she didn¡¯t read it wrong.

    Her eyes squinted. ¡°That is Simone¡¯s uncle.¡±

    His name is written the category of those people who are working for or with Giovanni. Doubt increases in her mind.

    She knew that man before, especially when Simone and her are still together. He is a kind and a gentle man. He is also very close to Simone, much closer than Simone is to his own father.

    Chiara take note of that information. If Sigmund is working for Giovanni, then it is not impossible for Simone to also do the same.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    She continued on skimming the pages. Chiara didn¡¯t notice the time. If Fara didn¡¯t enter and asked her what she wants for dinner, she wouldn¡¯t stop what she¡¯s doing.

    ¡°Anything with chicken,¡± she answered.

    Chiara was about to stand up and go check her husband¡¯s IV when her phone rang. It was an unknown number.

    She was hesitant to answer it. The call might be from Giovanni, trying to get their location. They told the press that Ezio is staying in their mansion for recovery, and not in the hospital. They don¡¯t want to risk his safety just to give information to the media.

    Seconds passed and the ringing ended. Missed call sign pop on the screen. Chiara stared at it, waiting for another call. If it is something important, the caller might call again.

    However, instead of a call, Chiara received a text from the same unknown number.

    ¡°Chiara, this is Elisa. Can we meet next week? Name the date, time and ce.¡±

 Mistress Attacks

    CHIARA MASSAGED her temple while reviewing the audit report sent by the head of the auditingmittee, Caterina. Every report doesn¡¯t make sense.

    ¡°Are you sure that you audited this correctly?¡± she asked while flipping the pages of the report.

    Caterina nodded. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. Those reports were reviewed by several staffs in our office before submitting it to you. I double checked everything, ma¡¯am.¡±

    Chiara slumped her back on the chair and took a deep and fast sigh. ¡°If the returns and profits are these huge, howe the marketing department reduced their budget?¡±

    ¡°As far as I know, ma¡¯am, the marketing department has excess budget from thest quarter that¡¯s why they settled for a lesser budget,¡± Caterina responded.

    Although her reason seem usible, Chiara can sense that thedy is lying to her. She scanned the report once again.

    The profits seem too huge to be true. The report only covers this month¡¯s cash flow, yet, it stated that one mall branch alone gathered 12. 7 million euros. The average profit they have in a month for a single branch is around 4 million euros.

    The data seemed fictitious. Chiara has a bad feeling that something is going on in the auditing department.

    ¡°Okay,¡± she closed the folder and put it aside. ¡°This will do for now. You can go on with your work.¡±

    Caterina smiled at her before leaving. When the door was closed, Chiara counted to thirty before dialing someone.

    ¡°Signora! Since you already called, just an update. The case you filed against Giovanni is now ongoing. The authorities arrested him this morning. ¡± Dante eximed on the other line. ¡°By the way, you need my help?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± she answered. ¡°My friend is busy right now so I¡¯ll give this work to you.¡±

    Dante, even though Chiara cannot see him, touched his chest and acted like he was hurt. ¡°Oh, that hurts! I¡¯m the second-choice.¡±

    ¡°That, and I want to im my freemission,¡± she said with a grin.

    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± he spoke with a surrendering voice. ¡°What can I do for my friend¡¯s wife?¡±

    Chiara walked to the window in the office and took a peak behind the blinds, making sure that no one is around the office.

    ¡°I want you to follow someone for me,¡± she answered.

    ¡°Woah!¡± Dante eximed as if he received such a challenging task. ¡°I¡¯m gonna stalk someone? I¡¯m in!¡±

    Chiara cannot help but to shake her head on Dante¡¯s actions. ¡°Sort of. You¡¯ll follow her and I want you to report everything she will do, especially if you can see something that can tell you that she¡¯s working for others.¡±

    ¡°I see, signora. Is it just a normal stalking or should I also monitor this person¡¯smunication? Like texts or phone calls?¡±

    Chiara took a second to think. ¡°Will there be a charge for that?¡±

    Dante grinned on the other line, smelling the money he will get from this. ¡°Of course, signora. I usually ask for three million for this, but I¡¯ll give it to you for only 2. 5 million.¡±

    ¡°Two million,¡± Chiara said. ¡°That¡¯s my final price.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± he reacted unbelievably. He thought that Chiara is also gant like his friend. He was thinking that Chiara will give me five million, since Ezio used to double his payment.

    ¡°I can go lower for 1. 5 if you want,¡± Chiara spoke, trying to tease the man on the other line.

    ¡°Damn it,¡± Dante cussed because the money flew away from his hands. ¡°I¡¯ll do it for two million.¡±

    Chiara smiled widely knowing that she won against a swindler. ¡°I expect your report within a week. Thank you for working with me. I hope for another discount next time.¡±

    The call ended before Dante could answer. Chiara went to her table and opened the inte.

    ¡°Luigi, bring me my lunch in the office. Thank you,¡± she spoke in the inte. A momentter, Luigi¡¯s voice was heard.

    ¡°Good afternoon, signora. I¡¯m currently working on the task you gave me. I can¡¯t send the lunch there but Victor will. He is also Boss Ezio¡¯s assistant, but he is more on the social and fashion part. Apologies, signora.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. She didn¡¯t know that her husband has two assistants with different specialties.

    She haven¡¯t seen this Victor before. She wonders what his tasks are.

    It didn¡¯t take long for someone to knock on the office¡¯s door. The knob twisted and the door opened, revealing a man that has a face of a teenager.

    ¡°Are you Victor?¡± she asked before the man could step in.

    He nodded. ¡°Yes, signora. I¡¯m Victor, one of Signor Ezio¡¯s assistant.¡±

    She motioned him to enter and the man stepped in with a stic bag on his hand. He gently put it in the table before bowing his head.

    ¡°These are for your lunch, signora. Sausage, potato soup, and meatball stuffed crescent rolls,¡± he spoke while removing each food from the stic one by one.

    ¡°There are a lot of foods to choose from. Why these?¡± she asked, challenging the new man.

    Victor¡¯d polite smile didn¡¯t falter. ¡°Signor Ezio gave us a list of your food preferences in case you¡¯ll be eating in his office, signora. I just picked what I deemed perfect for lunch.¡±

    Chiara can¡¯y help but to feel the warmth in her heart. Her husband really did things that can make her heart jumped in joy and roll in excitement.

    She opened the containers and started eating. Just one spoon from the potato soup is enough to fade the problems she has temporarily.

    ¡°It¡¯s the first time I saw you since I started working here. Aren¡¯t you tasked to be in the office?¡± she asked, trying to know the assistant better.

    ¡°Luigi is the one assigned in the admin tasks, signora. Signor Ezio assigned me in organizing his social gatherings. Most of my work revolves on picking the best suit for events and making sure that he will look presentable,¡± he exined.

    Suddenly, a memory shed in her mind. ¡°Are you aldo there when we went to Marco Leon¡¯s party?¡±

    Victor¡¯s smile grew wider, feeling d that his signora recognized him. ¡°Yes, signora. I was there for a short time to make sure that you and Signor Ezio has all the preparations you need to look morous in that event.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who chose his suit?¡± she asked. ¡°You really have a taste.¡±

    The conversation between Chiara and the assistant went on until she finished eating. Afterwards, Victor cleaned the table.

    ¡°Since Luigi is busy right now, I can give you tasks, right? But it is not about social gathering or whatever,¡± Chiara asked before the assistant leave.

    Victor nodded. ¡°Yes, signora. I can do any tasks as long as I will have some guidance.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s just a simple one,¡± she opened a certain folder from the shelf. ¡°The department staffs are having their lunch right now. I want you to find this woman,¡± she pointed the name and the photo of a person.

    ¡°She¡¯s from the auditing department. Tell her to go to my office,¡± Chiara added. ¡°But make sure that no one will know that I summon her. Talk to her when she¡¯s alone. Understood?¡±

    Victor nodded. ¡°Yes, signora.¡±

    The assistant left and Chiara went back to work. However, a minute hasn¡¯t even pass when someone barged in to the door, making a loud thud sound.

    ¡°Who are you? Who let you enter my office?¡± Chiara asked the familiar woman calmly.

    ¡°Bitch!¡± the woman shouted and ran towards Chiara to attack her. The woman targeted Chiara¡¯s hair.

    Chiara kicked the visitor¡¯s swivel chair towards the woman and clicked on the inte. ¡°Someone barged in my office. Sen-¡±

    She didn¡¯t finished her words because the woman pulled her hair with such huge force. Chiara shouted in pain and reached for the woman¡¯s hair while kicking her gut.

    ¡°Screw you! How dare you do that to my husband! I will kill you!¡± the woman shouted while pulling Chiara outside the office.

    When they almost passed the door, Chiara grabbed the side of it and forcefully closed it, making the arm of the woman stuck between the door and the wall.

    The woman screamed louder when Chiara pinned the door deeper that it left a deep mark in her arm. When the pain became unbearable, the woman let go of Chiara hair and pushed the door to the other side.

    ¡°My husband is now in jail because of you! You¡¯re reporting nonsense! I will sue you!¡± the woman shouted that droplets of her saliva kept on throwing from her mouth as she speaks.

    Chiara pushed the door harder. ¡°Husband? Would you like me to remind you that you are Giovanni¡¯s mistress?¡±

    The woman shouted profanities to Chiara. What Chiara didn¡¯t expect is that the other hand of the woman has a hidden cutter. The woman slipped her hand in the space of the open door and tried to sh Chiara¡¯s face.

    Fortunately, before the cutternded on her face, someone pulled the woman, making her lose the grip on it.

    ¡°Let me go! Let me go!¡± the woman shouted repeatedly while the guards are restraining her moves.

    Luigi and Victor ran towards Chiara who¡¯s hair is now in a mess. ¡°Are you hurt, signora?¡±This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.

    Chiara shook her head and looked at the woman who is still causing a scene. She squatted, making her face on the same level as the woman who is now slumping on the ground.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t give false reports. Giovanni tried to kill my husband,¡± she spoke and gripped the jaw of the woman.

    ¡°Isabe, right? Giovanni¡¯s mistress,¡± Chiara stated, remembering the report that Dante and Nick gave to her.

    ¡°I admire your courage for defending your bastard lover. His wife doesn¡¯t even make a fuss when I sued her husband, yet, a lowly mistress like you dared to attack me in my own territory,¡± she stared with hatred st the woman¡¯s eyes, tightening her grip that made Isabe cried in pain.

    ¡°I will make sure that Giovanni will live in jail,¡± Chiara spoke before smiling devilishly. ¡°Since you want to be with your lover so bad, why don¡¯t I send you to the same ce?¡±

    Chiara stood up straight before turning to the guards and assistants. ¡°File a case of trespassing, assault, and battery to this woman,¡± she said before looking at the Isabe. ¡°May you like your stay in jail.¡±

    The woman shouted at her again. Profanities and threats were said, but Chiara closed her ears for Isabe¡¯s words that faded as the guards dragged her outside.

 Ex-boyfriend

    ¡°ARE YOU SURE you want to go with me, Signora?¡± Fara asked as they exited the hospital. ¡°I think it will be better if you will stay with Signor. Let me and Luigi do the groceries.¡±

    Chiara shook her head and hopped on to the car. Behind them are five other guards that will be with them while buying.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± she answered. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I went to a grocery store. Besides,¡± she stopped for a moment and looked outside, longing for something. ¡°I want to buy things that Ezio will like, so when he wake up, the room is filled with his favorite things.¡±

    Fara didn¡¯t dare to argue more with her signora. It¡¯s been a long time since Chiara went outside to buy something. For the past weeks, all she did is working and taking care of her husband.

    While on the drive, Chiara was busy listing down things that Ezio would like to buy in a grocery store. Mangoes, tomatoes, seedless grapes, and all kind of foods that Ezio like is listed.

    ¡°Do you think this is enough, Fara?¡± she asked the maid while showing her the list from her phone.

    Fara tried her best not to drop her jaw on what she saw. The list of the things they will buy already upied fifty lines in her notes. What¡¯s funny is that their essentials are not listed yet. Those are just for Ezio.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s enough, Signora. I¡¯m sure Signor Ezio will be happy whatever you will buy for him,¡± Fara answered with a smile. ¡°Shall I also have a list, signora? I¡¯ll list down what we need in the mansion.¡±

    Chiara nodded and let the maid do her work before scrolling in her own list. She wants to think of more, but settled on just deciding when they are already at the store.

    A few minutes passed and they are already pushing two big carts with their guards walking around the store. The guard initiated to push the carts but Chiara declined.

    ¡°For hygiene, signora,¡± Fara spoke while pointing at the signage on the aisle. They pushed the cart and started putting things that they need.

    It was uneventful. They bought things in peace. Chiara¡¯s cart was filled up easily that one of their guards needed to change it to another one and put the former aside. On the other hand, Fara¡¯s cart is still half-way full.

    Nothing really exciting happened, until they bumped into someone that Chiara least expected to see.

    ¡°Chiara,¡± a familiar man¡¯s voice spoke from behind.

    She knew who the owner of that voice is. Her whole body tensed, but she acted cool. Chiara knew that she can¡¯t give any emotion away. Not now that she has doubts in him.

    Chiara slowly turned her body around and faced the man who just spoke. ¡°Hi, Simone.¡±

    Simone smiled at her with soft stares. ¡°It¡¯s been weeks since I saw you. How are you?¡±

    ¡°Doing fine. I just got busy with work this past few days,¡± she answered with a tone she used when they were still friends.

    His wide smile turned into an upside down one. ¡°I heard what happened to Ezio. It must be hard for you to do all of his job.¡±

    Although Simone¡¯s voice shows empathy, Chiara is not satisfied by his choice of words.

    He clearly said that he was sorry that Chiara has to do all the work. He is not sorry on what happened to her husband.

    This heightened her suspicion.

    Hiding her true feelings, Chiara acted how a friend would. ¡°Yeah, my husband-,¡± she said with emphasis, ¡°- has a lot of business. It¡¯s tiring, but at least now I know how to help him in his business. Besides, it¡¯s ttering to know that my husband loves me so much to give his businesses in my hands.¡±

    A foreign emotion shed in Simone¡¯s eyes for a short moment before it disappeared. ¡°I see. By the way, are you alone? I can help you with the groceries.¡±

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°No,¡± she simple looked at Fara who was watching them. ¡°I¡¯m with Fara.¡±

    ¡°Hi, Fara. Nice to meet you,¡± Simone greeted and waved at her.

    Fara smiled and waved back at the stranger. She doesn¡¯t know why, but she can feel that something is wrong with this guy. And a lot of times, her feelings were right.

    Simone turned his eyes back to Chiara. ¡°Ezio¡¯s still recovering, right? Where is he staying right now?¡± he asked with no malice in his voice.

    ¡°Why do you want to know?¡± Chiara asked back in her mind. Right now, everything that Simone says seems suspicious to her.

    ¡°In our house,¡± she lied through her teeth. ¡°I told him to get fully recovered first before going back to work.¡±

    Simone just nodded. He was about to speak again when Chiara cut him.

    ¡°How about your wife, Alessandra? Is she not with you?¡± she asked, looking at his behind and acting like she was looking for his wife.

    Simone scratched the back of his neck before answering. ¡°Alessandra¡¯s pregnancy is somehow sensitive. I don¡¯t want to risk it so I went here alone.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you really must take care of her,¡± she responded while trying to get more information. ¡°Is Uncle Sigmund still staying with you? I remember that he knew a lot about pregnancy.¡±

    ¡°Not really with us,¡± he answered, failing to notice what Chiara is doing. ¡°But he lives two blocks from our house. He¡¯s with Alessandra right now and making sure that the baby will be healthy.¡±

    ¡°So he really lives with them. I¡¯m sure he knows what his uncle is doing,¡± she whispered in her mind.

    She was about to ask more questions when someone tapped her shoulder slightly. Chiara turned around and see Fara.

    The maid leaned in her right ear before whispering. ¡°Signora, I¡¯m going to another aisle. Do you want to go with me?¡±

    Chiara smiled at her. ¡°I will be fine, Fara. I¡¯ll follow you in a bit.¡±

    Although hesitant, Fara left Chiara and Simone alone in the aisle.

    It¡¯s still early in the morning. Only few people are buying in the grocery. The aisle where they are currently standing is somehow far from the other shoppers.

    Chiara can see two of their guards walking nearby. It is not visible on some ends but she can see them. It is already an enough assurance if ever Simone tried to do something to her.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°How is married life, Chiara?¡± Simone suddenly asked her. ¡°Is Ezio treating you well?¡±

    She turned to him. ¡°I¡¯m more than happy and satisfied in my marriage. How about you? It has just been a few months since yours and Alessandra¡¯s wedding.¡±

    Simone didn¡¯t answer immediately and she can see that he¡¯s hesitating. It just confirmed her hunch that they only got married because he got Alessandra pregnant.

    Well, it doesn¡¯t concern her anymore. She has a loving husband waiting for her.

    Chiara was about to follow Fara on the other aisle when a hand grab her arm and pulled her.

    Fortunately, she has a fast reflex. She was able to picked a bottle of ketchup and mmed it in Simone¡¯s face before he could kiss her.

    ¡°What the fuck are you doing?!¡± she eximed, her voice echoed in the huge area of the store which made the other people inside rmed.

    The red color of the ketchup mixed with the blood that rushed out of Simone¡¯s cheek. But he looks like he doesn¡¯t feel anything. He just looked at Chiara like a puppy asking for help.

    ¡°Chiara,¡± he tried to reached for her face but she pped her hand. ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend in front of me. I know that you are not happy with your marriage.¡±

    He smiled like a sick man while trying to get close to her. ¡°I know that he forced you marry him. He¡¯s a bastard. You don¡¯t love him, right? I¡¯m the one you love. Let¡¯s get back together, baby.¡±

    With her rage filling her head, Chiara snapped. She pped Simone¡¯s bleeding cheek with huge force. The sound of her hand hitting his flesh was too loud.

    Chiara saw her guards running near to them. She can also hear Fara going to their direction.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel disgusted with your words?¡± she spat like a poison, earning a shocked expression from her ex-boyfriend.

    ¡°First of all, I am not pretending. I am happy with my marriage,¡± she said firmly while showing him the ring that Ezio gave to her during their wedding: the ring that is the symbol of their love. ¡°Second, do not call my husband a bastard. He is too decent for that word. Between you and him, you are the bastard one for trying to kiss someone¡¯s wife.¡±

    Two of her guards grabbed Simone in both arms. ¡°Hey! Let me go!¡± he shouted at the guards who are pulling him away from their signora.

    ¡°Chiara! Are these your guards? Tell them to let me go!¡± Simone eximed as he tried go break free from their grasps. However, his lean body is no match against the bulky body of the guards.

    Chiara walked near him. She look dead straight in his eyes.

    ¡°I pity your wife for marrying a jerk like you. A bastard who still thinks that his ex-girlfriend loves me. A fucker who dared to kiss someone¡¯s woman,¡± she gritted while her hands are balling into a fist.

    ¡°Chiara,¡± he called her with a soft tone. ¡°I know you love me, baby. Is that Ezio ckmailing you? I can stop him. Just go back to me,¡± he smiled like a crazy man before puckering his lips. ¡°Kiss me, baby. Tell me that you still love me. Let¡¯s build our promises with each other, okay? I lo-¡±

    He wasn¡¯t able to finish his words as Chiara pped him again. Disgust is evident on her face. Her eyes are squinting, her nose is scrunching, and her mouth looks like it consumed something that tasted bad.

    ¡°You are an ex-boyfriend. A past. I don¡¯t love you anymore. Keep that in your mind,¡± Chiara spoke before turning her back to him, letting her guards drag him to outside.

 Use It In Your Advantage

    CHIARA¡¯S RIGHT KNEE touched the soft pad first before her left one. With her hands grabbing the seat in front for support, she slowly kneeled and looked up at the statue in the middle.

    The church is silent like it always used to. The number of people inside can be counted using fingers. People who went inside were with someone they knew. Chiara is the only one who went inside alone.

    She sp her hands and closed her eyes, whispering her prayers with her heart.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a religious person, God. But please, hear my prayer,¡± Chiara said in her mind, talking to the Almighty Being.

    ¡°Please, wake my husband up. That¡¯s the only thing I want right now. Wake my husband fromatose and make him healthier.¡±

    She kept on repeating those words until she felt tired of talking in her mind. She looked up at the statue in front and ended her prayer.

    Fara greeted her when she left the church, the guards did the same. Today is Saturday, and it is not just a day for her to pray for her husband, but also to meet someone.

    ¡°Signora,¡± Fara spoke while giving a folder to her. ¡°Luigi stopped by to give this. He said it was the report from the auditing department.¡±

    Chiara nodded and ced the folder in her hand. She also grabbed another folder ¨C the one passed by Caterina. She flipped the pages of both folders and cross checked the data given.

    She massaged her temples as more discrepancies arise while she checked both of them. The data are not the same. The amount of profit indicated are far from each other by millions.

    Before she could lose her patience, Chiara closed her eyes and put the folders away from her sight.

    ¡°Phone, Fara,¡± Chiara said while taking deep breathed. Fara immediately grabbed the phone on the bag and handed it to her signora.

    She dialed a number which was answered immediately. ¡°Dante,¡± she spoke on the line.

    ¡°Yes, signora? Good thing you called, I was about to report to you,¡± Dante answered as his printer finished it¡¯s job.

    ¡°State the gist of your report first. I have a new job for you. A paid one this time,¡± she responded. The car stopped in the parking of a restaurant and she can already see the person she will meet from the window.

    She heard flipping of papers while Dante was exining. ¡°I followed that woman just like you said. And I discovered a lot about her.¡±

    ¡°First, she went to Giovanni¡¯s cell three times this week. My intel inside reported that Caterina provides food for Giovanni. From a far, you can see that there¡¯s something romantic going on between them,¡± he started. ¡°I have pictures of them here. I¡¯ll send it to you with the full report.¡±

    Chiara hummed and let him talk more. Her suspicions are right. Caterina indeed has a connection with Giovanni. That exins that discrepancies in the audit report. They are trying to sabotage thepany and make me think that it is doing well even if the reality is the opposite.

    ¡°Second, she has been giving confidential records of yourpany¡¯s partners and investors to Giovanni. Andstly, she was manipting the audit report. There is a picture of her throwing a report sent by a staff,¡± he added. ¡°That¡¯s pretty much the gist of the report. I¡¯ll send it to the hospital. Just tell me when.¡±

    Chiara took a deep breath. She was thinking of ways how to catch Caterina in act. She has to dig deeper, and maybe, find a weakness to use in her advantage.

    ¡°Thanks for this, Dante. Now for your new task,¡± she turned her head to the woman waiting for her in the restaurant. ¡°I want you to know why our sales and profit is decreasing. I have a feeling that someone is sabotaging us, again.¡±

    Dante pouted his lips as he received an ¡®uneventful¡¯ task. ¡°Sure, signora. But it will cost you.¡±

    ¡°Name your price.¡±

    ¡°2 million euros,¡± he stated with a grin. ¡°I actually want to give you a discount, but you tricked me before, so no.¡±

    Chiara rolled her eyes at his statement. ¡°Two million it is. Make sure to have the report within two weeks.¡±

    The call ended after their deal. After that, Chiara hopped out the car. Fara was left in the car while only two body guards went with Chiara to guard her inside the restaurant.

    As she walked inside, the woman stood up and offered her a small smile which she returned.

    ¡°I apologize for beingte. I still have to finish some matters,¡± Chiara spoke as she was standing beside the table.

    Elisa shrugged it off. ¡°No worries. I didn¡¯t wait that long,¡± she said and motioned her hand to the chair. ¡°Please have a seat.¡±

    As they settled, Elisa called for the waiter and had their order. When the waiter left, Elisa¡¯s eyes dropped to the ring Chiara has in her hand.

    ¡°He gave you a blue diamond,¡± she spoke while staring at the ring.

    Chiara showed it and extended her fingers with her palm facing her body. ¡°Yeah. I was actually shocked when I realized that it was indeed a blue diamond,¡± she spoke. ¡°It¡¯s kind of ufortable to wear it outside at first.¡±

    ¡°I understand what you felt,¡± Elisamented and a genuine smile formed in her lips. ¡°When my husband gave me a blue diamond ring, I was contemting whether to wear it outside or just make a duplicate.¡±

    ¡°You made a duplicate?¡± Chiara asked, interested because she was considering it too.

    Elisa shook her head. ¡°No. My husband doesn¡¯t want to. He said that he wants me to show the world that we were married: by this ring,¡± she caressed the ring in her finger using her thumb. ¡°He wants me to show this off.¡±

    ¡°Ezio told me the same thing,¡± Chiara responded while remembering how Ezio demanded her to wear it and not another ring like a child.

    ¡°Well,¡± her mother-inw chuckled. ¡°Ezio is like his father in several ways. He got her intelligence from him.¡±

    Chiara looked at the woman in front of her. The first time they met, she looked like she has a huge grudge against her child. But now, she looked like a mother who is proud of her son.

    ¡°Ezio is a lot smarter than the kids at his age,¡± she started sharing while looking outside the restaurant. ¡°He got elerated by three years. That¡¯s why he graduated early.¡±

    Chiara cannot help but to feel surprised and proud at the same time. She knew that her husband is an intelligent man, but not to the point that he was this genius.

    ¡°He wanted to pursue astrophysics before. He said he wanted to learn how the universe started, and how it will end,¡± Elisa had a sad smile on her face. ¡°He loves science so much.¡±

    ¡°What happened? Why did he end up in business?¡± she asked, surprised that she doesn¡¯t know about that fact. In their mansion, there was no sign of Ezio having interest in science. He never talked about it. Their library even have few science books only.

    Elisa took a deep breath as she looked back. ¡°He wanted to takeover our business, but it is not because he wants to. It is because it was his obligation.¡±

    ¡°You see, Ezio is our only child. There are no other people who will inherit our business. Only him.¡±

    Chiara cannot help but to feel sad for her husband. He had to let go of his dream in order to make sure that the business that his family took care for generations will be intact.

    ¡°Did you try to have another child when Ezio is still young?¡± she asked.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Elisa shook her head. ¡°We didn¡¯t. My husband was too afraid to try again that he had vasectomy in order not to get me pregnant.¡±

    She touched her belly. ¡°When I was still pregnant with Ezio, my husband did everything to make sure that he will be healthy. He never left my side and made sure that I will get everything that my body needs.¡±

    She was smiling at the first part of her sentence, but her eyes became teary as she continued.

    ¡°But when I was inbor, the doctor said that there is a high possibility that I wouldn¡¯t be able to handle giving birth. My body is fragile. Actually, my husband decided to save me,¡± she wiped the tears that are about to fall from her eyes. ¡°But I love my child, so I went throughbor. I almost didn¡¯t make it. My husband was so devastated with my condition. I was thinking that he might had some trauma because of it.¡±

    ¡°Nevertheless, we gave our love and attention to Ezio to make sure that he will have his needs and wants as he grew up,¡± Elisa smiled at her. ¡°And he did. He became a fine gentleman.¡±

    Chiara was touched by her story. She didn¡¯t know that they suffered like that. She didn¡¯t know that her husband was almost not born in to the world.

    But her mother fought for him.

    Elisa seemed to love her child so much that Chiara couldn¡¯t grasp how they ended up like this: a mother and son with grudges against each other. Did Elisa loved her husband too much to resent her child like this?

    They ended up talking more about Ezio. His childhood, his hardwork, his rtionship with his parents. Chiara tried her best not to talk about the death of Elisa¡¯s husband. It might made her change her mood.

    After eating, subtly gave her a folded tissue. When Chiara touched it, she noticed that there was something hard inside. Before she could react, Elisa stopped her.

    ¡°Inside that tissue is a memory card,¡± she spoke while smiling a little. She positioned her back facing the window. ¡°It¡¯s up to you how you will use that. Just make sure that Giovanni wouldn¡¯t catch you nor he will found out that the files came from me.¡±

    Chiara subtly imitated her position, for she noticed that Elisa is trying to hide something from the window.

    ¡°What?¡± she asked, confused on what her mother-inw is doing.

    ¡°I have a connection with Giovanni. He asked me to meet you to know where Ezio really is,¡± she confessed. ¡°His men are watching outside. Just act normal.¡±

    Chiara opened her bag and shed out a stic. She simple put the used tissue with the memory card inside and put it back like it was nothing.

    She started to give a room for trust to Elisa. Her mother-inw already know where Ezio is. She was visiting him from afar. Even after knowing that, she didn¡¯t report it to Giovanni and feign her ignorance.

    ¡°As much as I want to visit my son, I can¡¯t. His men are on me because Giovanni thinks that you will give me the information,¡± Elisa added. ¡°I will tell him that you told me that my son is in your mansion. Better create some hints that he¡¯s there, or Giovanni will doubt my report.¡±

    Chiara nodded. ¡°I will. Thank you.¡±

    They walked towards the exit of the restaurant. Elisa guided Chiara towards Ezio¡¯s car. Before Chiara left, she hugged her mother-inw, facing the restaurant and hiding her face from where Giovanni¡¯s men are hiding.

    ¡°You can visit him if you want. Just make sure that I¡¯m there and that they wouldn¡¯t follow you,¡± she whispered.

    Minutes after Chiara left, she received a text message from an unknown number.

    ¡°There is a presidential suite in the hospital and the bathroom of it has a hidden passage towards Ezio¡¯s private suite¡¯s storage room. I was using that suite for my check-ups until now. I can use my check-up as an excuse to visit my son, but I can only visit once a week.¡±

    Chiara smiled and typed her reply. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you at the passage.¡±

 Fake News And Statement

    SITTING IN FRONT of her newly boughtptop, Chiara is clutching the memory card in her palm. She became too busy for the past few days, solving the problems in the empire and taking care of her husband at the same time.

    Both things are not going well. The empire¡¯s stock market price is going down each day. People are still questioning her leadership and they don¡¯t listen to her. On the other hand, her husband didn¡¯t show any signs of improvement. He is still unconscious and the doctor is starting to worry because his vitals are unstable at some times.

    ¡°There are too many problems. They are punching me at the same time,¡± Chiara murmured to herself before taking a deep sigh.

    Her eyesnded on the smaller version of their wedding photo that¡¯s sitting on the top of her desk ¨C Ezio¡¯s desk. All of her exhaustion seemed to lifted up by an invisible thing when she saw how bright her husband¡¯s smile is.

    Earning the motivation that she needs, Chiara inserted the small memory card in to the adapter before putting it in the card slot of the newptop.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I just bought a newptop for this,¡± she thought to herself.

    Since the incident that included her husband, Chiara became too doubtful of her surroundings. Thus, she thought that someone might hacked in to her oldputer and use the information inside the memory card without her knowing it first. Besides, she doesn¡¯t know if the card is safe for herptop. It might have some malware.

    Opening the file manager, Chiara was greeted with thousands of files. But the number of files didn¡¯t shock her, instead, her attention was drifted to the two folders on the first row. One folder has an unfamiliar name of a man, while the one has the name of her husband: Ezio Moris Vitali.

    She hurriedly opened the folder that has her husband¡¯s name, and was greeted by different files, documents, photos, and recordings.

    ¡°What the hell,¡± she spoke and cusses in differentnguages escaped from her mouth as she read what¡¯s inside the files.

    It¡¯s almostplete. From the information of his grandparents, the business they offer, the people working for them. Even thetest audit report, both the real and the sabotaged one, is in the folder.

    Chiara¡¯s information are also inside. It looked like her autobiography. The current happenings in her life, even the meet-up with Elisa is also there. It was a good thing that it indicated that Elisa persuaded her to reveal where Ezio is, which is not really what happened that day.

    She exited the folder and went to another one. Ariti Gomez: the name of the folder. It is not familiar to her although she knew some people with the surname like that.

    Chiara opened her phone and called Nick. ¡°Hello, Nick! Are you busy?¡± she asked while scrolling to the endless pit of files.

    ¡°Hey, Chichi!¡± Nick greeted on the other side, police sirens are even heard. ¡°Not really. Just arrived at our station after having a big catch. What¡¯s up?¡±

    Chiara smiled since she was at the right timing. ¡°That¡¯s good. I want you to look up for the information of someone. His name is Ariti Gomez. Just the surface information. And,¡± she looked at the clock stuck on the wall. ¡°I need it now.¡±

    She heard the sound of clicking keyboards on the other side, a sign that Nick is already working on what she said. After a few moment of silence, he spoke.

    ¡°I got what you need, Chichi,¡± he said and clicked his tongue. ¡°Just a reminder that these information are really the surface, just like the one you can see in Wikipedia.¡±

    ¡°I understand. I just need a gist of who he is,¡± Chiara answered.

    ¡°Oo-kay,¡± Nick scrolled in hisputer. ¡°Ariti Gomez came from Spain. He¡¯s a child of a Baron. He was visiting in Italy for several years because of his fiance. The name? Nothing was mentioned. He was pretty a low-key guy. Unfortunately, he was found dead in a cliff in Mn. Police records said it was suicide.¡±

    Thest part made her shiver. She was starting to create various hypothesis on what happened to that Ariti Gomez and why his name is in the folder.

    ¡°If you are going to ask me, suicide cases are usually the tricky one,¡± Nick spoke after exining the report.

    Chiara squinted her eyes in interest and confusion. ¡°What do you mean tricky? In what sense?¡±

    ¡°Well, in my years in case solving, 6 out of 10 suicide cases were really murder. Although police found a suicide note in his body, it¡¯s still sketchy. Plus the fact that his fiance¡¯s name is not mentioned adds to the mystery,¡± he exined his thoughts. ¡°That¡¯s what I think. The seemingly easy as pie cases are usually the deep one. So make sure to look at all perspectives.¡±

    Someone on the other line, a woman¡¯s voice, called Nick¡¯s name with urgency and worry. ¡°Gotta hang up, Chichi. Text me if you still need anything.¡±

    Before Chiara could thank him, the call was ended. She turned to theptop again, contemting whether she will open a file or not.

    After giving it a thought, she scrolled down, looking for something that might have tell some clues on who Ariti¡¯s former fiance is and how he died. The spection that Nick said is echoing in her mind.

    She had opened files, went thru different voice recordings, and opened photos that has a picture of a man who she think is Ariti and a familiar woman. That must be his fiance.

    Atst, her fingers clicked thest part of the folder that contains videos.

    The more Chiara watched, the more her body is filled with fear. The more her stomach turns. The more she hates Giovanni.

    CHIARA WAS TAKING A SIP in her afternoon tea where Luigi barged into the office. He was holding a news paper and a folder on both hands.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± she asked while putting down the cup.

    Luigi¡¯s forehead is filled with sweat even though the whole building is air conditioned. He was also huffing as if he ran for miles and hours.

    He ced the folder in her desk before bowing. ¡°Signora, this is the financial report for the Hotel di Vitali,¡± he said, worry and fear is evident in his voice.

    Chiara already knew that it was not a good news, but she was still shocked when she saw how big the decrease in profit is.

    ¡°What?!¡± she eximed. ¡°How did this happen? Justst week, everything is fine. How did we lose such huge amount?!¡±

    Luigi gave her the newspaper. Her forehead creased while reading the front page of it.

    ¡°Downfall of Hotel di Vitali? : Hotel Received Thousands of One Star,¡± Chiara said to herself while reading the news. The title is already a giveaway, but she continued reading in order to have the full grasp of the situation.

    With a hot head, she forcefully folded the paper and threw it on the side. Someone must be behind that, and it doesn¡¯t take a genius to know who it is.

    ¡°Luigi,¡± she called the assistant. ¡°Open the hotel¡¯s website and check those reviews.¡±

    Luigi followed her and opened his phone. After some taps and clicks, he gave it to Chiara for her fo check.

    She just casually scrolled over the reviews. After that, she gave the phone back and stood up.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the technical department. After that, tell the press that I¡¯ll be releasing a statement about these damn reviews.¡±

    FLASHES AND CLICKS of cameras together with the journalists¡¯ voice greeted Chiara as she entered went outside the building. Luigi and Victor was in front of her, protecting her from the crowd, together with the other body guards.

    When Chiara positioned herself in the podium, the press was in chaos. Throwing questions after questions. Lights from the shes of cameras hurt her eyes but she remained standing.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°Silence, please,¡± she spoke through the microphone which sound scattered in the open area. Everyone became quiet and waited for her to speak. Only the sound of the clicking cameras and passing cars can be heard.

    Chiara took a deep breath before speaking. ¡°Today, I received a report that the Hotel di Vitali website was flooded with one star reviews. We all know that Hotel di Vitali is one of the biggest five star hotel in Italy, that¡¯s why this news was a shocked to us,¡± she started. Her eyes roamed around and she saw familiar faces of those people she doubts.

    ¡°Hotel di Vitali is always open for criticism. We are using those reviews to improve our service for our beloved customers. However, upon checking the reviews, we noticed that most of them are copy pasted,¡± herst sentence gathered a shocked reaction from the press. ¡°There are thousands of reviews so it was difficult to notice. But most of them are repeating and has the same words.¡±

    ¡°Aside from that, the technical team found out that the reviews and the ounts where all created at the same IP address,¡± the journalists started writing down heavily and bystanders were whispering to each other. ¡°It only means that the reviews came from one source. Thus, we concluded that someone is trying to put a dirt into Hotel di Vitali¡¯s image.¡±

    A journalist raised her hand and shouted. ¡°Who could it be, Mrs. Vitali? Is it apetitor of yours?¡±

    Chiara just gave a little smile. ¡°We were leaning into that, but we are also considering some perspectives. We will cooperate with the authorities to find who is behind this, and also, prove that those reviews are fake,¡± she answered calmly.

    ¡°Those reviews ruined the overall rating in your website. It can move your potential clients away. What will you do to fix this?¡± another journalist asked.

    ¡°Our technical team is already working on it. We will filter those repetitive reviews and remove them from the website. Also, we will strengthen the review policy to make sure that it is really our clients who are giving them.¡±

    From her peripheral vision, she saw someone looking at her with frustrated eyes. Her eyes are on him, but she saw how angry he is that Chiara get away from the mess that he made.

    Sigmund, Simone¡¯s uncle, together with Alessandra, turned their back from the crowd of people and left when the people started pping, admiring how Ezio¡¯s wife handled the chaos smoothly.

 In Danger

    AS SOON AS THE AUTHORITIES called Chiara, she hurriedly drove to the station. The search for the mastermind in the one-star review case has been ongoing for days, and it¡¯s pissing Chiara off. It¡¯s cutting her patience short.

    She knew who is behind that scheme, but she doesn¡¯t have the enough evidence to pin him. The authenticity of the files inside the memory card that Elisa gave her is still not verified.

    ¡°Mrs. Vitali,¡± one of the officers, a female with the name Madrigal in her tag, greeted her as she entered the station. ¡°We have found the one behind the scheme.¡±

    From the tone and statement of the officer, Chiara is sure that it is not Giovanni they were able to caught. Could it Sigmund? Or Alessandra? They were at her press conference that day. It could also be Simone. Or another stranger.

    They followed Officer Madrigal towards outside of the interrogation room. Behind the two-way mirror is a thin man with sses on, sitting on the right side, while another male officer is across him.

    Officer Madrigal pointed the thin man. ¡°That man is Rhnd Cafaro. The investigative team traced all of the one star review came from his hideout not far from the Hotel di Vitali branch in the centerpoint,¡± she exined. ¡°From our research, he is unemployed. However, we discovered high-endputers and devices in his hideouts.¡±

    ¡°So someone is financing him,¡± Chiara said with ¡°as a matter of fact¡± tone. Her thumb is making small circles on her arm while staring at Rhnd.

    Just from looking at him, you can say that he is a nerdy and techy guy. Big eyesses, deep eyebags that maybe came from few hours of sleeping or long exposure to gadgets, big shirt, and a short that reached his knee.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Officer Madrigal answered. ¡°We are looking at that possibility. My colleague will interrogate him. Hopefully, we can squeeze for some answers. His financer looks well-off after all.¡±

    After a moment of silence, all of them listened to the conversation of the two people on the other side of the mirror. A conversation between a police and a suspect.

    ¡°Why did you do it?¡± the police spoke while leaning towards Rhnd.

    The man looked at him with a poker face. ¡°Did what?¡±

    ¡°Giving thousands of fake reviews in Hotel di Vitali¡¯s website. That¡¯s defamation. That¡¯s libel.¡±

    Rhnd looked unbothered. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it,¡± he said, refusing to admit his crime.

    The officer remainedposed despite the suspect¡¯s denial. ¡°The evidences say otherwise,¡± he opened the brown envelope and removed the contents, cing it in front of Rhnd.

    Chiara moved closer to the mirror to see what the officer gave clearly. From her end, those looks like pictures.

    ¡°These are the pictures taken in your hideout. Five of yourputers operated for three weeks to give these fake reviews,¡± he pointed several pictures one by one while exining.

    Chiara thought to herself, ¡°So the fake reviews started weeks ago. I haven¡¯t even notice this,¡± she massaged her temple, getting headache because a lot of things are happening. ¡°If not because of the report and the news, I wouldn¡¯t even know it.¡±

    After giving some thought on where she had herpses, Chiara has a realization.

    ¡°The technical team is in-charge of of coborating with the customer¡¯s rtion team with this. The tech team must have monitor the website. Howe they didn¡¯t notice this it was ongoing for weeks?¡±

    Suddenly, she felt that there are a lot of mole inside their empire. If she cannot remove them as soon as possible, these moles will kill thepany like a parasite.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it,¡± Rhnd repeated even if the evidences are pointing him. He kept a poker face. Giovanni must have given him a lot of money to be like this.

    The officer looked at the clock on the left side of him. ¡°Mr. Cafaro, we are not doing this interrogation for you to admit that it was you who did it. We are asking you why you did it,¡± he exined before leaning back on the chair. ¡°Besides, your partner already admit the crime.¡±

    Rhnd made a smug face. ¡°Partner? I don¡¯t have a partner! I did those all by myself! Aren¡¯t I awesome?¡±

    The whole interrogation room fell silent after his boastful act. The moment that the silence covers him, Rhnd realized what he just said.

    ¡°Thank you for admitting the crime, Mr. Cafaro. Let¡¯s move to the next question,¡± the officer said calmly as he puts the pictures back to the folder.

    ¡°What?!¡± the suspect eximed. ¡°I, I d-¡±

    He stuttered while trying to take back what he said. When the officer looked at him with raised eyebrows, Rhnd sat back with a defeated look.

    ¡°Who told you to do that? Did you do it on your own ord or did someone ask you to do it?¡± he asked.

    Rhnd was silent for a little bit before looking back at the officer again. ¡°What¡¯s the punishment for libel?¡±

    ¡°Up to one year of imprisonment,¡± he answered. ¡°Or a fine up to 1, 032 euros.¡±

    ¡°How about for the mastermind?¡±

    ¡°More than the punishment I said earlier.¡±

    A smirk showed on Rhnd¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m already caught. What¡¯s the use of hiding his identity?¡± heughed like a mad man.

    Chiara was waiting for her husband¡¯s rival¡¯s name to emerge from his mouth. She is itching to add more cases on top of Giovanni. The current case on attempted murder is still not moving because ofck of witness, but  maybe, this one will put him behind the bars permanently.

    ¡°Who is it?¡± the officer asked again.

    ¡°Sigmund Russo.¡±

    Chiara doesn¡¯t know what to react. Disappointment, because it was not Giovanni who was behind the scheme, or relief, because the mastermind is now unraveled.

    The officer asked more question, but Chiara didn¡¯t listen to any of them. She just have some reminders to Officer Madrigal before leaving.

    She needs her husband¡¯s presence.

    ¡°MY HEAD¡¯S ACHING, mi tesoro,¡± Chiara spoke when she was left alone with her husband. Luigi and Fara just left to go back to the mansion and settle some things.

    She rested her head beside her husband, just near his shoulder. Her pointing finger making series of spirals in his skin, sometimes making other shapes and figures like it was a canvas.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where to put my attention to,¡± sheined with a pout. ¡°I haven¡¯t been this stress in my entire life.¡±

    She looked up at his peaceful sleeping face before touching his cheek. ¡°Please wake up,¡± she spoke before nting a kiss on his lips.

    As if on a cue, knocks where heard on the door. She stood up, expecting to see Elisa since she texted that she will visit her son again.

    For the past week, Elisa visited her son twice. The first one during her check-up, and the second one during her visit to her friend who is also confined.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    However, Chiara was taken aback when she saw her parents, together with Elisa, standing as she opened the door.

    ¡°Mi figlia!¡± Celine eximed with open arms, ready to hug her daughter.

    Chiara immediately hugged her parents and smiled at her mother-inw. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be here, mom, dad,¡± she spoke as they entered the room.

    She was locking the door when her father spoke. ¡°It was your mom¡¯s idea. She wanted to surprise you,¡± he said while putting down the fruits that they have.

    ¡°I also didn¡¯t expect to see Ezio¡¯s mother here!¡± her mother squealed like a child while sitting beside Elisa, abandoning her husband who is on the other side of the bed.

    ¡°I happened to bump into them while leaving my friend¡¯s room. Turns out they were going here, too,¡± Elisa exined.

    Chiara nodded to them before going back on her husband¡¯s side. As soon as she sat down, Celine touched her forehead.

    ¡°You¡¯re kind of warm, mi figlia,¡± she spoke while touching it repeatedly, making sure that she felt it right.

    Elisa also touched her neck, checking her temperature. ¡°You¡¯re burning up.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Chiara answered. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s just there are a lot of problems in thepany and I tend to travel a lot to check the others. I¡¯m not used to this amount of work, that¡¯s why body is like this.¡±

    Fabio gave her daughter a peeled orange. ¡°Eat this, mi figlia. Have you drank a medicine yet?¡±

    She received the fruits before answering. ¡°I haven¡¯t, dad. I didn¡¯t feel sick, actually.¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because you¡¯re in an air conditioned room. You won¡¯t feel that your cold or burning,¡± Elisa spoke.

    Celine nodded. ¡°You have to rest from time to time, mi figlia. That¡¯s not good for your health.¡±

    From the flow of their conversation, Chiara guessed that her parents doesn¡¯t know the recent events in the empire. The news about the fake reviews must have not reached them yet.

    The parents talked about random things, from their everyday routine, their own love story, even their experience on raising a child. Her parents even encouraged her to listen because the know that Chiara and Ezio will also raise their own children soon.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just go to thefort room,¡± Chiara spoke before leaving. Her dder is already full from the oranges and grapes she eat, as well as from the cold water she has been drinking since morning.

    When she arrived at thefort room, there was no one inside. It is not visiting hours, aside from those in the private facilities, so it¡¯s not shocking to have few people around.

    As she finished and fixed herself, she saw from her peripheral vision that Elisa is standing by the door.

    ¡°I heard what happened,¡± she spoke while wiping her hands with tissue.

    Chiara turned off the faucet. ¡°The fake reviews?¡±

    Her mother-inw nodded. ¡°Did you find out who was behind it?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Chiara also leaned on the closed door, facing Elisa. ¡°It was Sigmund. My ex-boyfriend¡¯s uncle.¡±

    Silence covered them for a short time. Elisa was about to speak when Chiara asked something that she really wanted to asked since she got the memory card.

    ¡°Are those real?¡± she asked. ¡°The files you gave me.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Elisa answered without hesitation. ¡°It¡¯s up to you if you will believe me, or how you will use those files.¡±

    She closed their distance and touched Chiara¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Let me remind you that like my son, Giovanni has a lot of connections too,¡± she said with a warning tone. ¡°You have to be wary of to whom you will give those files. You cannot trust anyone in the authorities. You don¡¯t know who among them has the connection to him.¡±

    Chiara gathered her thoughts, thinking of ways on how she can use those in her advantage without Giovanni knowing that it came from her.

    Giovanni can get away from everything if she did one wring move. One mistake, and all the advantage she has will be gone. Their rival has been attacking them several times and all that she did is defense. She needs to move. The key is already in her hand, she just needs to know what door she must open.

    After talking, the two left thefort room. They spoke about various things about thepany. Elisa even gave her tips on how to handle those people.

    The other side of Chiara¡¯s brain is still doubting Elisa, maybe because on how she treated her husband not just on their wedding but also on several asions. But another part of her wants to give her a chance. She did a lot for Chiara and Ezio. She gave information that will really help us pin Giovanni down.

    While Chiara was talking, Elisa suddenly pulled her towards the alley. Surprised by her mother-inw¡¯s action, Chiara tried to remove her hand from her grip.

    ¡°Shh,¡± Elisa spoke, silencing her, before looking at the other end.

    Chiara moved towards her to look what she¡¯s looking at. Her eyes couldn¡¯t focus at first, but after staring at the familiar woman walking towards one of the hospital room, Chiara¡¯s whole body was filled with fear.

    ¡°What is she doing here?¡± she asked her mother-inw.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Elisa whispered while eyeing the woman. ¡°Hurry, go back to my son¡¯s room and prepare to take him out. Find a ce of him where no one can see you and transfer him. He¡¯s not safe here anymore.¡±

    After that, Chiara ran back to her husband¡¯s room while her heart is pounding loud and fast.

    Isabe, Giovanni¡¯s mistress, just entered their private hospital. They might have known where her husband is. She needs to transfer Ezio to somewhere safe.

 Body Double

    AS SOON AS Chiara finished informing the doctor that she will transfer her husband, numbers of hospital employees gathered to make sure that Ezio and the needed equipments will be on the private ambnces they have.

    ¡°Luigi,¡± she called her assistant who is still in their mansion. ¡°Call the workers in our safe house. Tell them we¡¯reing.¡±

    The assistant hurriedly stopped what he¡¯s doing as soon as he heard the worried voice of his signora. ¡°What happened, signora?¡±

    ¡°Giovanni might have known that Ezio is still staying in the hospital and not in the mansion. I have to transfer him,¡± she responded while wheeling her unconscious husband towards the ambnce that¡¯s waiting for them in the private exit of the hospital.

    ¡°I¡¯ll inform them of your arrival, signora. We will make sure that the rooms are cleaned,¡± he stood up and ready to left the mansion.

    Chiara, on the other end, sat at the chair near her husband while her parents enter the ambnce. Nurses are wheeling the equipments towards the other ambnce.

    ¡°I¡¯ll meet you at the entrance of the safe house¡¯s gate,¡± she said before ending the call.

    Everything is already in order. They were about to leave when Elisa came rushing towards the ambnce. Chiara thought that Elisa wille with them to the safe house, but she stopped at the door, catching her own breath.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Chiara spoke while Celine was extending her arms to help Elisa enter.

    Elisa shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯te with you,¡± she said with disappointment and sadness in her voice. ¡°Wherever you will transfer him, I¡¯m sure that I can¡¯t find an excuse to go there. I can¡¯t visit my son anymore, or else Giovanni will doubt me.¡±

    She touched her son¡¯s foot, the only part of his body that is near to her. ¡°I will check if Giovanni is still after him. Make sure that no other people will know where my son is.¡±

    Chiara nodded. ¡°I will make sure that Giovanni will be upied that he will forget about my husband.¡±

    Elisa smiled, before letting go of her sons¡¯s body. ¡°Leave now. I¡¯ll take care of the rest.¡±

    The ambnce door closed and Chiara can still see her mother-inw watching them leave. When she can¡¯t see her anymore, Chiara turned her head to her husband, who is unaware of the happenings around him.

    She took a deep breath, thinking about Giovanni¡¯s mistress. ¡°What is she doing at the hospital? I made sure from the records that she and Giovanni don¡¯t have any person to be visited there,¡± she thought to herself.

    Chiara spent days before to study the records of the patients in the hospital. She wanted to make sure that no one among them has a connection to Giovanni. That way, his shadow won¡¯t be around the hospital.

    ¡°Where did I mess up?¡± she told herself while her hands are clutching her hair.

    Fabio immediately went to hush his child. ¡°Mi figlia, don¡¯t hurt yourself.¡±

    She looked up at her father¡¯s worried face. Chiara knew that she needs someone to help her vent out her feelings.

    The tiredness from work, the exhaustion from defensing thepany, the worry of having spies and moles around her, the longing for her husband. They are all pent out inside of her. The stack up like big brick on top of her head, waiting for her body to copse so that they could break her.

    She reached for a hug from her parents. Chiara knew that even if she acted brave and indestructible in front of her workers, enemies, and other people, she is still a weak person inside, waiting for her husband to wake up and console her.

    The whole trip to the safe house was silent. Only Chiara¡¯s sobs can be heard. The sound of the siren of the ambnce fell on deaf ears for the people inside.

    Suddenly, the ambnce stopped. Chiara looked outside and noticed that they are already at the gate of the safe house¡¯spound. She hopped off from the ambnce and looked for Luigi.

    ¡°Signora!¡±

    Chiara turned around and saw Luigi and Victor running towards her. Behind them are two white L300 cars, the ones on the mansion¡¯s garage.

    ¡°Help me transfer my husband that car,¡± she spoke when they got near. ¡°The equipments he needs are on the other ambnce.¡±

    The two assistants nodded. Luigi went to the ambnce that had Ezio inside and wheeled him out. On the other hand, Victor went to the equipments and transferred them one by one. Some of their men helped them while the others drove the ambnce back to the hospital.

    As soon as they were transferred to the L300, Victor and Luigi changed the drivers on both cars. The men were left on the gates go guard it up.

    It took them thirty minutes to arrive at the safe house. It is really hidden from the other upants in thepound. Aside from it is half an hour drive, a person will also have to drive across a forest to arrive. Also, the gate to the main safe house is hidden behind the bushes and can only be opened from the inside.

    ¡°To the master bedroom,¡± Chiara spoke when they already wheeled her husband out of the car. Luigi, Victor, and Fabio all carried him while walking up the stairs. It was kind of hassle because the master bedroom is minutes walk from the stair.

    Chiara felt relieved as soon as her husband was settled on their bed. The equipments he needed were also transferred inside.

    ¡°Thank you so much,¡± she spoke to the assistants and her parents.

    ¡°Signora, now that we have transferred signora here, how can the doctor check him up?¡± Victor asked while checking the stats of Ezio.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Chiara was silent of a moment. She haven¡¯t thought about that earlier because she was too upied on thinking where and how to transfer her husband.

    She can¡¯t let the doctor know where they are. Not because she thinks that the doctor is a mole, but because someone from Giovanni¡¯s side might follow him.

    ¡°There¡¯s a sea on the right part of thispound, right?¡± Chiara asked.

    It was Luigi who answered. ¡°Yes, signora. Shall we utilize the ships?¡±

    Chiara nodded. ¡°Use one helicopter to fetch the doctor from the hospital. Transfer him to the ship andnd on the port of thepound. Then drive him here,¡± she exined. ¡°Make sure that no other cars, ships, or even helicopters and drones will follow him. And also, only you or Victor will drive him from the port. The same will happen after the check-up.¡±

    They noted of what their signora said. ¡°Will this be regrly, signora?¡± Victor asked.

    She shook her head. ¡°It will be a hassle if we will do this everyday,¡± she answered and leaned her back to the seat. ¡°Just twice a week. Ask the doctor of the best possible days and report it to me.¡±

    When everything was settled, her parents and assistants left her in the room with Ezio. Her parents will check the room where they will stay for a while. On the other hand, the assistants are reaching out to the doctor for his schedule.

    Chiara slumped back to her seat and stared at her husband. Her pointing finger traced his eyebrows, to the bridge of his nose, to the valley of his lips. He looked like a god of beauty in her eyes.

    ¡°I can¡¯t understand myself why I pushed you away in the first year of our marriage,¡± Chiara spoke to him as if her husband is awake.

    She took a deep breath, regret eating her from the inside, starting from her heart. ¡°You were always good to me even if I¡¯m screaming at you,¡± she caressed his sleeping face while remembering the first three years of their marriage.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I chose to cry over that man instead of being a wife go you,¡± Chiara said with a disgust look at her face as she remembered her encounter with Simone in the grocery store. ¡°He looked so ugly in my eyes now.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t told you this, but I bumped into Simone the other day,¡± she starting telling him stories in his sleep. ¡°He told me that we should get back together. I was like ¡°no!¡± but he kept on insisting that I still love him,¡± she clicked her tongue. ¡°Who does he think he is to tell me about my own feelings?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re awake and you knew about what he did, I¡¯m sure you will break him bones,¡± she said to him and giggled. ¡°I won¡¯t stop you though.¡±

    Hours passed but Chiara didn¡¯t noticed it until her parents knocked on the room to tell her that dinner¡¯s ready. She was too upied on talking to her husband.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave my husband alone. I¡¯ll just have my dinner here,¡± Chiara spoke when her parents invited her to eat on the dining room with them.

    ¡°But we want to eat with you, mi figlia,¡± Celine spoke for it was a long time since her daughter ate with them.

    Suddenly, Victor popped on the door. ¡°We can move the foods here, signora, if you will permit. That table is enough for the you to eat on,¡± he suggested.

    Minutes after that, all the foods were transferred and the family sat on the table. Chiara invited the assistants to eat with them.

    It was an uneventful dinner. The family catch up with each other and the assistants shared some stories of them. The problems that Chiara is facing were thrown at the back of her mind. She wanted to feel peaceful for a little bit of time.

    ¡°Thank you for the delectable dinner,¡± she spoke to her assistants after her parents left to sleep.

    ¡°No thanks to me,¡± Luigi chuckled. ¡°It was Victor who cooked most of it, signora.¡±

    Chiara smiled at Victor who¡¯s ears were getting red. He looked so shy that someone knew that he cooks good.

    ¡°Thank you, Victor. I really liked the foods you made,¡± she said and tapped his back three times.

    Victor smiled and thanked her for thepliment. They were about to leave the master bedroom when Chiara realized something. She hurriedly grabbed Victor¡¯s arm and examined him.

    ¡°Signora?¡± Victor asked, confused on what she¡¯s doing.

    But Chiara didn¡¯t answer. She kept on looking on certain parts of him, making him conscious of how he looks, before looking at Ezio. She repeated them a couple of times before smiling like a good idea popped in her head.

    ¡°Victor,¡± she spoke. ¡°If you will turn your back, I will mistook you as my husband.¡±

    The assistant was taken aback, having certain thoughts on what his signora is nning.

    ¡°You both have the same color of hair. Your body built is almost identical. Although I¡¯m sure my husband is taller, but the difference is not that big,¡± she exined. ¡°If my husband is an actor, you can pass as his double.¡±

    ¡°Thank you?¡± Victor replied, not knowing how to respond because he doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s going on in Chaira¡¯s mind.

    Chiara gave a wicked smile to him. ¡°Victor, what do you think of being Ezio for some days?¡±

 Traitor Out

    IT¡¯S STILL EARLY in the morning but bad news greeted Chiara as she received a call from Dante. Giovanni was released from the pre-trial detention just that morning.

    ¡°How is that possible?!¡± she can¡¯t help but raise her voice, making the two assistants and Fara stopped from what they¡¯re doing.

    She took a deep breath and stood up from the swivel chair. Her fingers ran through her rain because of frustration. ¡°The trial is in three days. Why did they release him?¡±

    ¡°Apparently, the evidences we submitted are not enough. It was also reported to me that they gathered proofs that Giovanni is not connected to any shooters. Those shooters sign a sworn testimony that they don¡¯t know Giovanni,¡± Dante replied, fisting his hand on the other end of the call.

    Chiara clicked her tongue andugh at disbelief. Anger is starting to swim throughout her body. ¡°Not enough?¡± she asked, repeating what Dante said.

    ¡°Those evidences are not enough?! Are the police that dumb to say that?¡± her voice boomed inside the office.

    Those testimonies. She didn¡¯t see thating. She forgot that in a case, the only people who can point out who the mastermind are the suspects.

    ¡°The testimonies from the shooters weakened our evidences,¡± Dante responded. ¡°They all pointed the same person.¡±

    ¡°Who is it?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Marco Leon.¡±

    Chiara was dumbfounded when she heard that. Of all people, Leon is not one of those she will believe who will hurt her husband. She was putting him on a neutral side, from what she observed during hee encounter with him in his birthday celebration.

    ¡°Have he given a statement? Did the authorities got him?¡±

    Dante shook his head on the other line. ¡°That¡¯s the another bad news, signora. Marco Leon is missing,¡± he replied while scrolling through the report that was given to him. ¡°Police believed that he is hiding, but ording to my men, he wasst seen entering his buildingst week. They never found him after that. He didn¡¯t left the building.¡±

    If Chiara¡¯s hunch was right, Marco is just a false mastermind. Giovanni must have use him to divert the uses from him. If Marco is really hiding, he wouldn¡¯t be in his building and working like he did nothing when they started filing a case. He would¡¯ve use that time to hide himself while they were busy pinning Giovanni.

    But he didn¡¯t.

    He disappeared just a week before Giovanni was released, and a day before the shooters gave their testimonies. The timeframe is suspicious.

    ¡°Aside from that, I believe someone from the authorities is in Giovanni¡¯s side,¡± Dante added which made her feel more frustrated.

    ¡°How do you say so?¡±

    Dante clicked on a new file and texts pop up. ¡°Some of the evidences we submitted, especially the record that Giovanni recruited those shooters days before the incident, are all gone. They didn¡¯t reached the investigation department.¡±

    Chiara wanted to ask more, but her inte beeped and her meetings will start after a few minutes. She sighed before answering Dante.

    ¡°About the evidences, don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯ll take care of that matter. For now,¡± she walked towards the other three people inside the office to check the results. ¡°Investigate on Marco Leon¡¯s whereabouts. I¡¯ll handle the rest.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    She ended the call after Dante confirmed his tasks. Chiara took a good look at Victor¡¯s face and a wide smile was built on her face.

    ¡°You indeed have a talent in this, Fara,¡± she spoke while analyzing Victor¡¯s new features.

    Fara¡¯s cheeks reddened because of thepliment. ¡°Thank you, signora. It¡¯s been a long time since I did something like this. I¡¯m very inspired.¡±

    Victor¡¯s facial features became sharp, just like how Ezio¡¯s features look like. His nose became a little pointed from before. His lips became a little thinner but pinkish.

    If Chiara doesn¡¯t know every feature that her husband has, she might have mistook Victor as Ezio. Fara did a great job changing Victor¡¯s face by just using cosmetics and fillers.

    ¡°Man, you really look like Boss Ezio,¡± Luigi spoke whileughing, holding the cosmetics that they used.

    Victor red at him. ¡°Laugh more and I¡¯ll have Fara make you look like shit,¡± he spoke before turning to Chiara. ¡°What will I do now, signora?¡±

    ¡°We have to expose you to the public, but only on rare asions,¡± she answered. ¡°We will make a news that Ezio came back to work after almost two months of recovering. You don¡¯t need to speak when someone talks to you when we are outside. Remember, just do Ezio¡¯s resting face and I will do all the talking.¡±

    Victor nodded and tried imitating his signor¡¯s resting face. He can hear Fara¡¯s giggles and Luigi stopping his ownugh. He didn¡¯t mind them and just looked at the mirror, trying his best.

    A question popped in his mind. ¡°You and signor are a lovely couple. Am I required to show romantic gestures when we are outside?¡± he asked with hesitation in his voice.

    As much as possible, he doesn¡¯t want to do that. He knows that if his signor found it out, he will burst in anger, or worst, fire him. Just the thought of his signor scolding him is enough to shake his core.

    ¡°Just a simple holding hands will be enough,¡± Chiara smiled when she saw worry in Victor¡¯s face. ¡°Besides, you will only show yourself maybe once of twice a week, just enough to tell the people that Ezio is back.¡±

    Victor made a sigh of relief and smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best, signora.¡±

    Chiara nodded. ¡°Your first day as Ezio will start after my meetingter,¡± she turned to Luigi. ¡°Make sure that no one will see Victor leaving that building and make it look like Ezio just arrive after my signal.¡±

    After he nodded, Chiara ready herself for the meeting with the auditing department. She has a traitor to be kicked out.

    ¡°THESE TWO FOLDERS I HAVE are both the financial report fromst month,¡± she spoke while looking at the members of the auditing department, memorizing their faces and names.

    She put the folder in front of the member sitting on the nearest right side of her. ¡°Check it and pass it to the next one,¡± sho told the staff.

    ¡°If you will observe the obvious numbers, you can see that these reports have different contents,¡± she looked at Caterina whose nervousness is evident in her eyes from her peripheral vision.

    ¡°The one with the higher profits came was submitted by your head, Caterina,¡± she said while motioning her hand to the woman. ¡°While the one with lower profit and some losses came from Ida,¡± she pointed her other had to the woman who she got the second report from.

    Murmurs from the staffs can be heard as the reports were passed through the table. Some of them have their forehead creased while other kept on looking back and forth between the two reports. Other even gave meaningful nces to each other.

    ¡°Both reports must have the cashflow and earning for the past month, but they stated different numbers,¡± she reiterated. ¡°That means, one report is false.¡±

    A chubby woman wearing a floral top, who is named Luciana, raised her hand after Chiara spoke. She nodded at her before giving her the permission to speak.

    Luciana ced the microphone near her lips before speaking. ¡°The report with the higher profits, the one passed by Ms. Caterina if I¡¯m not mistaken,¡± she spoke while looking at their head, ¡°is different from the one I submitted to her.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± Chiara asked, stopping herself from grinning as the staffs of the auditing department stared at Caterina.

    Luciana nodded. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. I am the assistant head and all the reports that came from our staffs undergo to me before submitting it to Ms. Caterina for final checking.¡±

    Chiara looked at the people inside. ¡°Aside from Ms. Luciana and Ms. Ida, is there anyone here who can attest that the report submitted by Ms. Caterina is different from the one you checked or submitted?¡±

    All of the staffs raised their hands. That gesture is enough for Caterina to shake from fear. All of the people inside slowly turned their heads to her and red at her with questions.

    ¡°Why did you gave me a false report? Exin yourself, Caterina,¡± she spoke and threw the folder that contains her report to her. The edge of the folder even hit her right cheek that it created a reddish line.

    ¡°I, I,¡± Caterina stuttered while her hands are shaking. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything, ma¡¯am!¡± she spoke while shaking her head.

    Chiara titled her head to the side, annoyed on Caterina¡¯s acts. ¡°But all of your workmates are against you. They all confirmed that the report they created is different from the one you gave to me.¡±

    Caterina stood up, her forehead filled with tiny drops of sweat. ¡°They are all ganging up on me, ma¡¯am!¡± she eximed, earning confused looks from her workmates.

    ¡°They don¡¯t like me as the head, that¡¯s why they want me to get fired!¡± she spoke while huffing. ¡°That¡¯s right. They hate me so they made stories like this! I¡¯m a loyal worker to the Vitali. I won¡¯t betray you, ma¡¯am!¡±

    Chiara is starting to lose her patience, so she pulled the pictures submitted by Dante and threw it at the traitor. Caterina, and some of the workers sitting near her, picked up the photos. The whispers became louder.

    ¡°You are working with Giovanni, the rival of thispany and the man who almost killed my husband,¡± Chiara gritted her teeth. ¡°You think I¡¯m dumb not to find this out, huh?¡±

    With the evidences pping her face, Caterina¡¯s knees lose their strength and she fell down kneeling on the floor. She felt a presence walking near her.

    ¡°Are you still going to deny it?¡± Chiara asked while looking down at Caterina who is clutching a photo in her hand.

    Caterina threw herself to Chiara. She clung into Chiara¡¯s leg and looked up at her. ¡°Please! Spare me, ma¡¯am!¡± she pleaded while tears are falling from her eyes. She looked like a mess in front of her colleagues.

    ¡°I just love him so much, ma¡¯am! I can¡¯t say no! Please! Don¡¯t fire me!¡± she eximed and tightened her grip to Chiara¡¯s leg.

    Chiara became more annoyed and shook her leg to make her let go, but she kept on clinging more. When the workers saw this, they stood up and pulled Caterina away from their boss¡¯ wife.

    ¡°Let me go!¡± Caterina screamed and extended her hand, trying to reach Chiara. Her eyes are now full of hatred as they re on Chiara.

    ¡°You put my love on jail!¡± she spit but it didn¡¯t even reach Chiara¡¯s stiletto. ¡°I will kill you! I will avenge my love!¡±

    Chiara wanted tough at the delusions that this woman have. Instead of doing that, she threw another set of pictures to her.

    ¡°Look,¡± she said with a mocking tone. ¡°The man you love is having his best time with another woman.¡±

    Caterina shook her head vigorously. ¡°No! He said he loves me! He promised that he will marry me! He will leave that woman! I¡¯m better than that stupid blonde!¡± she said beforeughing like a crazy woman.

    Chiara wanted to feel pity to this woman because she was blinded by her love for the wrong man, but it looks like her screws in the head aren¡¯t tightly sealed after all.

    She looked at the guards who were called by the staffs. ¡°Throw this woman out of this building,¡± she told them before looking back at Caterina.

    ¡°Before you go, I would like to say that you¡¯re fired, and you¡¯ll spend years in prison for trying to sabotage thepany,¡± she spoke. ¡°See you in jail.¡±

    Caterina screamed as she was being pulled out by the guards. As seconds passed by, her screams faded until only silence can be heard.

    Chiara took a deep breath and looked down at the photo of Giovanni and Caterina. Fury started to ignite inside her.

    One traitor is now out. She just needs to find the others and make sure that they won¡¯t damage thepany anymore. She swore to God that she will make those traitors pay the damage tenfold.

 Fake Husband Meets Ex-boyfriend

    TWO SEEMINGLY loving couple went out of their mansion, for the first time in months. They were holding each others hands while walking towards the car that¡¯s parking on the wide space in front of their home.

    From a far, the two seemed to be drowing in love with each other. Just the nonexistent space between them is an enough proof to know how close they are.

    However, upon closer look, the man is stiff. His whole body is just going with the flow on what Chiara is doing, following her movements.

    ¡°Rx, ¡± Chiara told Victor when they are near the car they will use to go to the office.

    Victor cleared his throat, feeling uneasy. ¡°I¡¯m starting to question my decisions, signora, ¡± he responded without moving his mouth too much.

    On the outside, Victor who is posing as Ezio looked calm and collected, like thetter. However, chaos is moving inside of him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think signor will agree to this idea, ¡± he added while imagining the rampage that will happen once his signor found out what they are doing.

    Victor felt like he is cheating behind his signor¡¯s back by being intimate with his signor¡¯s wife ¨C by posing as him and holding her hand. If not because of Chiara¡¯s encouragement, Luigi¡¯s persuasion, and care for Ezio, he wouldn¡¯t do something like this.

    ¡°I think of that, too, ¡± Chiara confessed. ¡°But it can¡¯t be helped. It¡¯s been months. People are starting to wonder where my husband is. We need to have a substitute until my husband wakes up. ¡±

    When they reached the car, Victor opened the car door for Chiara. He was very careful not to forget everything that Luigi told him. From how Ezio act in public, to how Ezio act with Chiara. He memorized everything to avoid anypses.

    As his body entered the car, Victor blew a sigh of relief. He didn¡¯t anticipate that pretending to be someone is this exhausting.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I have to drag you to this situation, ¡± Chiara spoke to him with a gentle tone. ¡°I cannot think of anything to lessen people¡¯s questions about my husband¡¯s welfare. I just hope he will wake up as soon as possible so that we can return to normal. ¡±

    ¡°There is no need to apologize, signora, ¡± he said while giving him a smile ¨C the smile that Victor gives as Victor and not a smile as Ezio. ¡°I agreed to this for the sake of signor. Besides, I have a strong feeling that he will woke up anytime now. Let¡¯s hope for the best. ¡±

    Chiata nodded with a smile. She admired Victor¡¯s positive personality. She just pity him for he has to pretend for most time of the day.

    On the day she fired the spy in theirpany, it was also the first day Victor posed as Ezio in public. Her heart was thumping so loud that day, fearing that people will notice that the Ezio with him is a fake one.

    Fortunately, people bought their show. The questions about Ezio¡¯s situation gradually lessened until the word of Ezio¡¯s return scattered across the business circle.

    The ¡°pretend y¡± that daysted for just a few minutes, but Chiara noticed how exhausted Victor was after that.

    ¡°By the way, are there any updates about Giovanni? I haven¡¯t heard about him these past few days, ¡± Chiara asked him while chatting with Luigi who was left in their safe house with her parents and Ezio.

    ¡°Luigi told me that he kept a low profile. However, ¡± he gave her a picture that was given by Dante a few days ago. ¡°our former auditing head was seen with him a few days ago. It wasn¡¯t clear what they were really talking about, but someone heard that Caterina talked about pregnancy before Giovanni shoved him away.¡±

    That information piqued Chiara¡¯s interest. It doesn¡¯t take a genuis to knwo what happened between the two. Since it was confirmed that Giovanni and Caterina has a romantic rtionship, it is not impossible for them to be intimate.

    She guessed that Caterina might have gotten pregnant and Giovanni wants to throw her away. Besides, that pregnancy is a threat to Giovanni¡¯s falling marriage.

    ¡°Where is she now?¡± she asked, pertaining to Caterina.

    ¡°ording to thest update we gathered about her, she wasst seen in herte grandmother¡¯s home, ¡± he answered before giving the exact address.

    Chiara nodded. ¡°Apany me in her house.¡±

    Victor¡¯s eyes widened at her reponsed. ¡°Pardon, signora?¡±

    ¡°Apany me in her house,¡± she repeated. Chiara thought deeply of what her n will be. She has to utilized everything that is within her reach, and that includes Caterina.

    ¡°Apologies for asking but, why? You already fired her for being a traitor. I can¡¯t see anything as a reason for you to talk to her again, signora. Your ties are already cut off, ¡± he exined while trying to decipher what Chiara thinks.

    Chiara gave a meaningful smile. ¡°I¡¯ll try to convert her to our side. The fact that Giovanni sent her away means that she now hold a grudge against him. We can use that hate to make her work for us, ¡± she stated. ¡°Traitors do not have a permanent side, afterall. They work on the side where they will benefit more.¡±

    Hearing his signora¡¯s n, Victor had an aha-moment. Sometimes, he forgets how cunning Chiara is. He was too focused on the good nature that Chiara showed to them that he denied the fact that she can use people to work for what they want.

    He understand what Chiara is trying to do. If Giovanni can put spies in their territory, then they do it too. Maybe they can put more spies in his ownforr zone.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll apany you, signora. Do I have to act as Signor Ezio in that visit? Or just be myself?¡± he asked to prepare himself.

    ¡°Present yourself as Victor, ¡± Chiara responded before giving him a key to one of Ezio¡¯s cars. ¡°At 11 AM, we will go down to the lobby. You¡¯ll pretend to visit one of your business partners, ¡± she stated the name of the person she paid to scatter the news about ¡°Ezio¡¯s business visit¡± to him.

    ¡°I will apany you to the parking lot. Afterwards, drive to this address, ¡± she gave him a piece of paper where an address is written. ¡°Ezio¡¯s men and Fara will be waiting for you. Change your clothes and appearance before driving back to the office. Use the car that Fara will provide to you.¡±

    Victor nodded and noted everything in his mind. When the car stopped in the building¡¯s parking lot, Victor shifted his face to the one that is simr to Ezio.

    A poker face with eyes that could kill. He sealed his lips together to remind him not to speak and let Chiara do all the talking. He fixed his posture and made his stance more masculine like Ezio.

    As they walked out of the car, workers started greeting them. Although they have seen Ezio on the past days, they still can¡¯t believe that their boss is now back at work. Moreover, they were shocked to know that their boss is still letting his wife do all work.

    It actually made the people question why Chiara is still working knowing that her husband is now back. Their answer: Ezio wanted his workers to see that his wife is as capable as he is.

    People bought that excuse and the issue subsided after a short time.

    Like earlier, the two posed as a sweet couple. Chiara was greeting everyone back with her face that¡¯s beaming with a wide smile. Victor who is posing as Ezio on the other hand, just kept her poker face and nodded slowly to those who greeted him.

    Victor, as a weing and solicitous person, stopped himseld from greeting back and smiling to those people. The most difficult part of pretending as his signor is that they have opposite personality. Victor is the kind of man who will smile at you when you smiled at him. Meanwhile, Ezio is the kind of mind who will just ignore you even if you greeted him with the most polite and lively tone you have.

    However, just before Victor could click the elevator button, someone barged in to the building, screaming Chiara¡¯s name.

    The two looked at their back. There, they saw Simone pushing the guards out of his way. His eyes were focused on Chiara, until it went down to her hand. His eyes trailes the manly arm connected to his ex-girlfriend¡¯s.

    Simone¡¯s eyes darkened as he saw Ezio standing beside Chiara. The anger in his eyes is too evident that the people nearby didn¡¯t missed it.

    Chiara signaled the guards to let him go. Hearing that, Simone smiled. In his mind, he thinks that Chiara still cares for him. Because if she doesn¡¯t, she would have shoo him away immediately.

    ¡°Chi-¡±

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Chiara cut of his words before he could finished it. Annoyance is too obvious in her tone that Victor cannot help but to give her a small sideeye.

    Simone shrugged off her tone and kept his smile. ¡°I¡¯m here to take you back, baby, ¡± he extended his arms to reach for her but Chiara took a step back, hiding half of her body behind Victor.

    ¡°Take me back?¡± she asked before giving it a shortugh. ¡°Mr. Russo, I am happily married with my husband. Besides, aren¡¯t you married, too? Does your wife knew about this?¡±

    Simone ignored her words and continued on reaching for her hand. Suddenly, Victor used his body as a shield to hide Chiara from this man.

    Although this is the first time he saw him, Victor is aware of Simone¡¯s identity. Chiara was able to inform him about Simone and his wife beforehand.

    Simone red at him, but Victor red harder. ¡°Move away. I have to talk to Chiara, ¡± he spoke with a firm voice, trying to intimidate Victor.

    Following Chiara¡¯s reminders to him, Victor didn¡¯t speak. He just looked down at Simone without uttering a word.

    People watching them think that Ezio is too mighty to be exchanging words with an unimportant person like Simone. Besides, they know that Ezio can send someone off just by looking at them.

    Chiara, who still has a matter to attend to, couldn¡¯t wait for Simone to just leave. Impatiently, she picked her phone from her purse and dialed Alessandra¡¯s number which she got from Dante.

    ¡°Since you won¡¯t answer me, then I¡¯ll just call your wife to inform her that you¡¯re here, making a scene in our building,¡± she threatened and was about to touch the call button when Simone spoke.

    ¡°Okay, okay, ¡± he said while slowly walking backwards, admitting defeat. ¡°I¡¯ll leave now, but I will talk to you some other day.¡±

    Chiara smiled inwardly. It just confirmed her suspicion that Alessandra doesn¡¯t know what her husband is doing. She can use this informationter to put Simone in a checkmate.

    She made a deep breathe before walking out of Victor¡¯s shadow. She signalled the guard to put Simone away, where thetter didn¡¯t bother fighting back. He already admitted defeat. There is no need to cause more scene. Besides, the number of people watching them increased. He cannot embarrass himseld more.

    ¡°There is noting to talk about between us, ¡± she answered. ¡°Maybe, instead of making a scene here, you should just focus your attention to your pregnant wife. Pregnant women are sensitive. You should be with her at all times.¡±

    The guards escorted Simone out of the building. The people watching earlier also left the scene one by one. Chiara knew they will spread the news to other people and what happened might be a part of the talk of the town, but it doesn¡¯t bother her, even for a little bit.

    They won, for now, but Chiara knows that Simone will approach her again at any time he will have the opportunity to do so.

 Where Is Marco Leon?

    METERS AWAY from an old and creaky house, a ck Ford Mustang was parked. From the backseat, Chiara has her eyes glued to the stressed woman organizing stic bottles to different containers.

    It¡¯s been a few days since Chiara fired Caterina from work, yet the change in her physical appearance is very evident. Her eyes who were full of energy before is now as deep as a well because of eyebags. She looks like she didn¡¯t have a decent sleep for the past days.

    Her hair mid-length hair is disheveled. Her clothes are even not ironed properly as wrinkles can be seen in every side of it. Chiara also noticed that Caterina became skinnierpare from thest time she saw her.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    But most importantly, the little baby bump of Caterina is now showing. Looking back, Chiara remembered that it¡¯s been months since Caterina started wearing dresses  and skirts at work. She assumed it¡¯s to hide her swelling belly.

    ¡°She looks pitiful,¡± Victormented while looking at the same direction as Chiara. He can¡¯t help but to feel sorry for Caterina. He thought that the woman was blindes by her affection for their enemy that she wasn¡¯t able to think about the consequences.

    Chiara nodded as an agreement to Victor¡¯s words. ¡°Does she have any family members living with her?¡± she asked.

    ¡°As per Luigi¡¯s report,¡± he trailed off his words while looking at the folders. ¡°None. Her parents are dead and her siblings are now in another country. She¡¯s living alone.¡±

    Chiara took a deep breath, while thinking what to do next. She wanted to approach Caterina right now and use her against Giovanni. However, upon careful consideration, she cannot a hundree percent guarantee that Caterina will act on the way she wanted.

    ¡°Are you going to talk to her, signora?¡± Victor asked when he noticed Chiara¡¯s silence.

    She shook her head. ¡°I think today is not the best time, ¡± she answered, her eyes following Caterina who is now walking towards a couple and extending her hands while talking. Chiara cannot read her lips, but from the looks of it, Caterina might be asking for something: begging for something.

    ¡°It¡¯s been only a few days since shest saw Giovanni. She might try to approach him again. We wouldn¡¯t know what¡¯s on Giovanni¡¯s mind, ¡± she exined before wincing her eyes when the man pushed Caterina away from their way.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait for her to surrender. When she knows no one will be there for her, I¡¯m sure she will put her pride down and ask for our help, ¡± she added before telling the driver to go back to the safe house.

    Victor can grasp his signora¡¯s n. Wait for Caterina to lose all of her hope until she decided to work with them on their own ord. That way, they can be sure that Caterina really wanted to go against her former lover, giving them the advantage on the situation.

    They were halfway through the destination when Chiara¡¯s phone rang. She answered it when she noticee Dante¡¯s name on the screen as the caller.

    ¡°Hello, Dante, ¡± she greeted the person on the other line. ¡°Is there any update on what I asked you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, signora,¡± Dante spoke but his voice says that the update he has is not good or will not be satisfiable for Chiara.

    ¡°Where is Marco Leon?¡± she asked, hoping for a positive answer from him despite his low energy tone.

    A deep sigh can be heard on the other end of the call. ¡°We still cannot see any trace of Marco Leon. It looks like she just vanished into think air like a bubble,¡± he spoke.

    ¡°You said that he wasst seen inside his building, right? Is there no one who saw him going out?¡± Chiara asked with her furrowed eyebrows. On the passenger seat, Victor was listening to their conversation.

    It hase to his knowledge, as per Luigi, that Marco Leon who is one of Ezio¡¯s investors was missing. Authorities believed that Marco was hiding due to him being the mastermind on the shooting incident in Dubai which led to Ezio¡¯satose stage.

    However, like Chiara, Victor won¡¯t buy the assumption of the police. He had several encounters with Marco before, and he has a good rtionship with Ezio. Also, Vitali Empire¡¯s stocks is the one that gives the most in Marco¡¯s cash flow. He cannot see any reason for him to do such act.

    ¡°No one saw him exit the building, signora. I got the footages of every exit they have that day and days after that, but some parts were deleted and tampered with glitches, ¡± Dante exined while remembering the annoyance he felt while opening each empty and tampered footages. He knew that the person behind Marco¡¯s disappearance must have worked quick to hide the evidences.

    ¡°Also, ¡± he stopped talking and opened a file from hisputer. ¡°We tried looking for the guard stationed that day. However, we found out just yesterday that the said guard is now underatose. ¡±

    ¡°Comatose?¡± Chiara wondered. The person behind this act really nned everything to make sure that no witness will be left. ¡°How did he becameatose?¡±

    ¡°He was found just a few meters away from the Marco¡¯s building. He has a lot of bruises in his body and his head is bleeding severely when a civilian found him. A hammer was found in the scene which might have been used to hit his head, ¡± he answered and sent an email to Chiara containing the file which has the report about the said guard.

    After a few seconds, Chiara received the email on herptop. The file contains photos of the crime scene, as well as the information of the guard and his family. She kept on scrolling, looking for one important information.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t they found the DNA of the suspect in the hammer?¡± she asked, confused because the weapon to the crime was collected, yet there wasn¡¯t any report about it.

    ¡°They did, signora,¡± Dante answered. ¡°I wasn¡¯t able to get a softcopy but the copy of the results has been sent to your safe house. Unfortunately, no other finger prints aside from the victim was found.¡±

    Chiara cussed in her mind. She didn¡¯t imagine that the mastermind ¨C who she thinks is Giovanni ¨C will be this meticulous and careful. He must have nned it really well to make sure that nothing will be pointed back to him.

    ¡°But I think I know someone you can talk to regarding this signora, ¡± Dante added before sending a photo. ¡±

    ¡°Thest knownmunication made by Marco Leon is through is phone. He sent a message to his wife that he is leaving the building and will be home in 20 minutes, ¡± he exined. ¡°The photo of his wife is in the email I sent to you.¡±

    A familiar face of a woman greeted her as she opened the new email. Chiara saw this woman at Marco¡¯s birthday party. Together with the picture is the information about Sophia Leon.

    If there¡¯s someone a person must ask about a missing person, it must be someone who is close to that person. And Sophia is the closest one to Marco.

    ¡°Thanks for this, Dante. I¡¯ll talk to her tomorrow. The payment will be sent after a few minutes,¡± she answered. ¡°Please continue in this search. We have to find Marco as soon as possible.¡±

    CHIARA LEFT THE OFFICE early to proceed to her n. This day, Luigi will be apanying her as Victor was tasked to keep an eye on Caterina.

    Fara was preparing a small gift for Sophia that Chiara will bring. She is sure that Sophia is devastated because of her husband¡¯s disappearance, and she cannot meet her empty-handed.

    ¡°Do you think Sophia will like this?¡± Chiara asked while holding the box that contains an antique ne. They are now on the way to the Leon¡¯s residences.

    Luigi nodded from the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Mrs. Leon has a love for antique materials, signora. I¡¯m sure she will love that.¡±

    Chiara recalled during Marco¡¯s birthday that Giovanni gifted an antique material. Ezio told her that Giovanni did that to get Marco¡¯s good side and for him to invest in himpany and malls.

    ording to their investigation, the only thing that links Giovanni and Marco is their previous agreement about investment that didn¡¯t came to contract singing as Marco decided to invest in Ezio¡¯spany. After that, there were no known interactions between them.

    Chiara couldn¡¯t think of a reason why Giovanni used Marco as a scapegoat. If she is on his shoes, she will use another rival of Ezio to make sure that they will have the motive.

    She was loss in her thoughts that she didn¡¯t notice that they already arrived. It was Luigi¡¯s voice who brought her back to the reality.

    Chiara slowly walked to the gate and the guards let her in when she introduced herself. She was able to contact and inform Sophia of her visit yesterday.

    On the other hand, Luigi was left on the entrance gate.

    ¡°Good morning, Sophia, ¡± Chuara greeted her with a small smile in her lips.

    Sophia gave her an empty smile. She can notice how stress Sophia is. Papers, which Chiara noticed to be police reports, were scattered on the table.

    ¡°Good morning to you too, Chiara, ¡± Sophia replied. ¡°Please take a seat. I¡¯m sorry for the mess, ¡± she spoke while putting the papers back in ce.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a problem to me. I should be the one apologizing for disturbing you at this hour, ¡± she replied and extended her arms to give her gift. ¡°Please ept this gift. ¡±

    Sophia epted the gift and opened it in front of her. Her eyes twinkled for a short time when she saw the antique ne, but was reced with a longing emotion.

    ¡°Thank you so much for this, Chiara, ¡± she replied before trying the ne on. ¡°This is beautiful. I love it.¡±

    Chiara smiled at her remarks. ¡°I¡¯m d that you loved it. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make sure to give you every antique material I can see.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate it but there¡¯s no need for that, Chiara. Antiques are difficult to find and I think you deserve to have a collection of that,¡± she replied. Sophia looked at herself from the screen of her phone while caressing the ne.

    ¡°My husband always bring antique materials from wherever ce he go, ¡± she shared with a sad tone. Her eyes getting wet as seconds passed.

    Chiara touched her hand tofort her. ¡°I heard what happened to your husband. I will help you find him, ¡± she said.

    Sophia sniffed and tried so hard to stop herseld from crying. However, her emotions are eating her whole body that she ended up wailing in front of Chiara.

    ¡°He even told me he is going home, ¡± she spoke with red eyes and stream of tears falling in her cheeks. ¡°I waited for him. And hour pased but he didn¡¯t arrived. I called him several times but he won¡¯t answer. I don¡¯t know where to find my husband. They even usee him of shooting someone. , ¡± she looked at Chiara with helpless eyes. ¡°Please help me. ¡±

    Looking at Sophia¡¯s state, Chiara can see herself at her. She was in the same situation when Ezio didn¡¯te home from Dubai. She remembered those time were she went to every ce Ezio could go just to find even a shadow of him.

    She understood Sophia¡¯s situation. She was there before. The only difference is that Chiara received an update after a day. On the other hand, Sophia still has no clue even if it was weeks since he got missing.

    ¡°I will help you, Sophia, ¡± she assured her while caressing her back. ¡°Do you know any person who has a grudge against your husband? Maybe we can start with them.¡±

    Sophia shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know anyone who has an issue with Marco aside from some business associates. I have talked to them and the authorities but no one has a motive and they have valid excuses that time. ¡±

    ¡°I heard that he wasn¡¯t seen leaving his building. Do you think the suspect is just a worker there?¡±

    Sophia tried so hard to think of something. She tried to remember what were the errands of her husband that day.

    She stood up, walked to a drawer, and grabbed a thick binder. She went back on her seat and showed the binder to Chiara while opening it.

    ¡°For the past years, I will write Marco¡¯s daily errands here to know what time I can call and disturb him, ¡± she flipped on the pages until she reached the one that has the date where Marco wasst seen.

    Sophia pointed it and showed it to Chiara. ¡°Here are the things he did that day. Marco wouldn¡¯t interact with someone who he doesn¡¯t have a reason to talk to. If the suspect is inside the building, then it must be one of the people he interact with that day. ¡±

    Chiara looked at the list. It was a short one. Only three things were listed: meeting with the board at 10 AM, reviewing finance reports at 1 PM to 3 PM, and contract signing with Armano Darte at 4 PM.

    ¡°Do you know who are the people involved in these things?¡± she asked Sophia.

    ¡°I know who the board members are. I also know the people giving him the finance reports. But on thest one, ¡± she pointed the third bullet. ¡°I don¡¯t know who Armano Darte is. It¡¯s my first time hearing that name. ¡±

    The two woman talked for several hours, with Chiara getting clues and rying it to Dante. Before she left, she assured Sophia that she will use all of her resources to find Chiara. She also left three body guards to stay with Sophia and her children.

    While on the way home, Chiara was thinking about the people who Marco talked to that day. She has the list on her phone and Dante was looking for information about them.

    ¡°Who the hell is Armano Darte?¡± she asked in her mind. She grabbed her phone and typed on the screen to look for it.

    Instead of a person, a brand name was the one who popped up. The name of the owner is not stated in any links. All Chiara saw was Armano Darte is a shop for antique collections.

    Suddenly, a scene popped up in her mind.

    Giovanni¡¯s gift to Marco before came from Armano Darte, a shop which can only be seen inside his mall.

 I Love You In Your Sleep

    INSIDE THEIR SAFE HOUSE, Chiara was scrolling through inte, searching about the details on the said brand named Armano Darte.

    It wasn¡¯t a famous brand, as she can notice from the links she opened. There are very few news that features the same brand. Most of the posts were created by Giovanni¡¯s mall chains andpany.

    ¡°Have you heard of this brand before, Victor?¡± Chiara asked the man who is busy picking home clothes for their unconscious signor.

    Victor nodded. ¡°Of course, signora. No clothing and jewelry brand can escape my ear, ¡± he answered with full confidence. ¡°As far as I know, that Armano Darte was only established two years ago. It was Mr. Giovanni¡¯s side who made noise about it. However¡­ ¡±

    He stopped talking and chuckled for a short span of time, as if he remembered something funny. ¡°The debut of the brand was a flop.¡±

    Chiara pursed her lips to stop herself fromughing. ¡°Really? What makes you say it was a flop?¡±

    ¡°Well, ording to the gossips inside the business circle, Giovanni spent millions of euros for the marketing of the brand. If I¡¯m not mistaken, he also sent invitations to various antique collectors to attend the opening ceremony, ¡± he exined and typed something on his phone before showing pictures to Chiara.

    ¡°Only a few people attended the ceremony. Also, a lot of the reporters from media that he invited didn¡¯t show up. Only two of those media covered the ceremony, and both were only starting medias, ¡± Victor added while mocking the rival in his head.

    Chiara slide through the photos and she cannot help but to chuckle as she notice how the debut ceremony of Armano Darte became aughing stock. There were a lot of soft, elegant chairs outsidd the first branch of Armano Darte in Giovanni¡¯s mall. However, the attendees didn¡¯t even reach one-fourth of the total.

    The annoyance in Giovanni¡¯s face is evident in each photo. Only in the close up ones she can him smiling forcefully.

    ¡°Why did the others failed to attend?¡± Chiara asked even though she already know the answer. ¡°There are only a few antique stores in Italy. Having a new one must be a center of the crowd. What happened?¡±

    ¡°I assume it was because of Giovanni¡¯s reputation, signora,¡± Victor responded. ¡°That time, there are a lot of issues going on targeting him. Maybe the elites don¡¯t want to have his dirt, too.¡±

    ¡°I see, ¡± she moved her head up and down as a recognition. ¡°I¡¯m starting to think that Giovanni built that store to redeem himself. Perhaps, he can¡¯t control the issues on him that he have to resort to something that will divert people¡¯s attention, or maybe, something that will put him in a good spotlight.¡±

    Victor smiled at his signora¡¯s assumption. ¡°That may be right, signora. Unfortunately for him, it failed. That thing he hoped to save him from the dirty mud ended up throwing more mud at him.¡±

    Chiara stood up and hummed as an answer. She walked towards the side of her unconscious husband and caressed his face.

    The doctor said that his situation is improving. If that will continue, he might end up waking up after a few weeks. However, the doctor cannot guarantee that Ezio will wake with his memories intact. His body might also not move normally.

    But Chiara doesn¡¯t care about the negative things. All that matters to her is that her husband will woke up. If he will lose his memories, she can help him remember. If he can¡¯t move anymore, she can help him go through physical therapy.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    However, she still hopes that nothing bad will happend to him at the back of her mind.

    ¡°By the way, ¡± Chiara spoke, making Victor who is currently organizing the clothes by colors, types, and sizes. ¡°How¡¯s Caterina? Is there any update about her?¡±

    Chiara asked Victor to look after Caterina. He will take note of what¡¯s happenong in her life, especially if any person that is connected to Giovanni will interact with her.

    Following her is not a difficult task since the only ces Caterina go are her house and the nearby grocery store. However, since Victor is not used to this kind of task, following and watching her madr him feel like a criminal.

    ¡°Well, from my observation, there were no improvements in her life, ¡± he started exining. ¡°She doesn¡¯t have any other human interaction aside from where she¡¯s buying and her old neighbor who gives her food. ¡±

    ¡°Old neighbor?¡± she asked. ¡°Did you run a background check about that certain neighbor?¡±

    Victor nodded before grabbing a file from his case. ¡°It was Luigi who did the background check, signora,¡± he extended his hand for Chiara to reach it.

    ¡°ording to the report, that olddy is already living their before Caterina was even born. She was a close of friend of Caterina¡¯ste grandmother, ¡± he stated. Chiara also saw the same thing on the report.

    ¡°Another thing, signora, ¡± Victor gave three printed pictures to her. ¡°She was attacked by this woman whom she has a debt with. I wasn¡¯t able to find out how much she owes her but from the reaction of that woman, it must have costs a lot. ¡±

    The pictures show a woman in her 40s who has an angry look at her face. She was knocking on Caterina¡¯s home in the first picture. On the second one, she was pointing hardly to Caterina while shouting. Thetter has a tired and pleading look in her face. On thest picture, the woman pped Caterina, making her cheeks red.

    Chiara put the pictures aside. ¡°How about Isabe? Why was she seen in the hospital that day?¡± she asked. Chiara has been worried about what happened that day. If Isabe knows that Ezio is in the hospital that time, Giovanni must have known it, too.

    ¡°She was given an hour to visit as a request to the authorities. We don¡¯t know she managed to make them agree,¡± Victor spoke. ¡°Also, Signora Elisa called earlier. She confirmed that Isabe was there to check who signora is visiting. She was brought back to prison afterwards.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Chiara let out a breath of relief. ¡°Tell them we will push the case. I don¡¯t want that woman lingering around.¡±

    ¡°Yes, signora, ¡± Victor responded. ¡°By the way, Signora Elisa told me that she wouldn¡¯t be able to reach out to us after this. She¡¯s afraid that Giovanni¡¯s men might have some doubts.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± she nodded. ¡°Thank you for this, Victor. Please let me know if you need any assistance in your job.¡±

    Victor bowed slightly. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure, signora. I¡¯m happy to be at your service,¡± he stood up after finishing his work. ¡°I¡¯ll get going now.¡±

    When he was dismissed, Chiara picked up her phone from the table. It¡¯s been weeks since shest called her friend Nick. It hase to her knowledge that he was investigating a huge case so she decided to not disturb him for a while.

    She dialed her number and waited for him to answer. However, only the sound of a recording.

    ¡°The number you have dialed is out of coverage area. Please try againter.¡±

    She called for several times but the same response can be heard on the other line. ¡°Maybe he is busy, ¡± she thought and reminded herseld to dialed him againter.

    ¡°Mi figlia?¡± Celine¡¯s voice echoed from the outside of their room. Her mother took a peek of Chiara sitting beside her sleeping husband.

    Chiara smiled at her parents. ¡°Mom, Dad, ¡± she greeted them. ¡°Pleasee in.¡±

    She stood up and offered the sofa to her parents. When they sat down, their eyesnded on their sleeping son-inw.

    It was Fabio who spoke first. ¡°How are you, mi figlia? Is work getting better so far?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t really say if I¡¯m doing fine, Dad, ¡± she said truthfully. ¡°I have to fix a lot of things in thepany. The case we filed didn¡¯t even reach the trial and the suspect is still free and unpunished. One of my husband¡¯s investors is currently missing, ¡± her fingers ran through her hair because of frustration. ¡°There¡¯s so much things in my te right now. I don¡¯t know where to start.¡±

    Celine caressed her daughter¡¯s back. ¡°I understand your frustration, mi figlia. Don¡¯t worry, your Dad and I are here to help you. Just tell us what we can do, okay?¡±

    ¡°Your mom¡¯s right, ¡± her father spoke. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid to ask for our help. We take care of some those things so that you can focus with the most important one.¡±

    Chiara nodded. Shey down on her mother¡¯sp while her hand reached for her father¡¯s. ¡°Thank you so much, mom, dad. I¡¯ll let you know if I need help. For now, I¡¯ll try to fix these on my own.¡±

    The family of three spoke to each other, catching up with the past weeks where all of them became busy. It¡¯s been a long time since Chiarast talked to her parents like this.

    For the past weeks since they transferred in the safehouse, Chiara will left the house early ande homete. Sometimes, her parents are still waiting for her and helped her ready to sleep. But most of the time, it was Fara who is there when she got home.

    ¡°I saw Ezio¡¯s toe move the other day, ¡± Fabio shared. ¡°I asked the doctor about that and he told us that it was a good thing. It is a sign that Ezio¡¯s brain is having some activity. ¡±

    Chiara was delighted to hear that. She was only in their house for a long time during weekends, and it was once in a blue moon for her to see something like that.

    ¡°Also, ¡± Celine spoke with a huge smile. ¡°Yesterday while I was cleaning this room, I heard someone making a noise. When I checked it, the noise really came from Ezio!¡±

    Hearing that, Chiara couldn¡¯t help but to be in tears. She was happy, becauss finally, her husband is having observable improvements. However, at the same time, she was feeling disappointed at herself. She was too focused at work that she didn¡¯t have the time to look after her husband.

    When her parents left to sleep, the room fell silent. Only her breathing can be heard as well as the sound of the machine that helps her husband breathe.

    ¡°I¡¯m d that you¡¯re having improvements, tesoro, ¡±  she talked to the unconscious Ezio after she changed his clothes.

    She transferred her movable bed beside his andy down on it. Chiara touched her husband¡¯s cheeks and pressed it in a yful but gentle way.

    ¡°I¡¯m feeling tired and overwhelmed because of the work and things I have to aplish, but all of those things are for you so I know that it¡¯s worth it,¡± she whispered in his ear, hoping that he can hear her.

    She nted three small kisses in his left cheek. ¡°You look so handsome even while asleep, tesoro. You didn¡¯t even changed a bit even after months ofatose, ¡± she giggled silently. ¡°You¡¯re really God¡¯s favorite.¡±

    Chiara scratched the facial hair that¡¯s starting to grow on his chin. Even with those hair, Ezio still looked handsome. The beard even made him looked mature and better.

    ¡°I always pray to God that the first thing I will see is the morning is you waking up beside me,¡± she spoke with her whole heart. ¡°And I won¡¯t stop praying to Him the same thing.¡±

    She gave him a one long kiss on his lips. ¡°Te amo, tesoro.¡±

    The whole room fell silent. The moon¡¯s light reflected on the outsidd window as the cold wind blew the trees that surrounds them. Chiara closed her eyes right after saying those loving words that she failed to notice the single tear that feel from her husband¡¯s eye.

 Hello, Rivaléˆ¥æªš Wife

    CHIARA SAVORED the delicious vor of the Fettine al Pomodoro in her te. It waste afternoon, and she is just having her lunch.

    ¡°It¡¯s not good for your health to skip meals,¡± Ms. Copp stated with concern after sipping in her grape juice. She visited Chiara in the office to catch up and to see how the stocks are going. When she found out that Chiara will take her lunch outside, she apanied her despite having lunch a few hours earlier.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help it, ¡± Chiara responded after swallowing thest piece of her food. ¡°I have a lot of things to finish in the office today. I forgot that it¡¯s been nine hours since I ate. ¡±

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t visit, I must still be working until now, ¡± she added while shaking her head.

    Ms. Copp couldn¡¯t help but to sigh. ¡°Haven¡¯t you felt anything? If it was me, I would have pass out. I need to fill my stomach every six hours. ¡±

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°I was too focused on my work. I didn¡¯t feel my stomach growling until you mentioned it to me. ¡±

    The two women were engrossed in their conversation. The talk went smoothly and they tackled several things. First, it was health. Next, they talked about fashion. Until the topic became business and gossips.

    ¡°I heard that Mr. Vitali is now on your office. Is he already fully recovered?¡± Ms. Copp asked. She had heard that news when a business associate told her while she was travelling in Japan.

    Chiara nodded. ¡°He is now going back to work. Although my husband is not really fully recovered, the doctor said it will be better for him to go back to his usual routine.¡±Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    A lump was stuck on Chiara¡¯s throat. Although they have just met for a short time, she can consider Ms. Copp as a friend. Lying to her about her husband¡¯s situation makes her feel guilty.

    But it can¡¯t be help. She needed to lie to everyond in order to keep her husband safe. Once a word about Ezio¡¯s condition was out, everything might crumble.

    Victor will also be affected. People already know that her husband went back to work, and it has to be kept that way.

    ¡°I see, ¡± Ms. Copp nodded her head repeatedly. ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that. Now, he can help you with the business matters so you won¡¯t have to tire yourself to work. ¡±

    ¡°Besides, I¡¯m sure Mr. Vitali will not like it if he finds out that you are not eating on time!¡± she added.

    ¡°I can already imagine his face if he will find that out, ¡± Chiara chuckled. She was about to speak when her phone rang.

    She looked at the caller and excused herself from Ms. Copp. She walked towards the restroom and answered the call.

    ¡°Dante, is there any update?¡± she asked. Just a few days ago, she sent the names of the people that interacted with Marco the day he went missing. Aside from that, she also told him her suspicion about the brand Armano Darte.

    ¡°Yes, signora,¡± Dante replied. ¡°I have talked and investigated those people in the list you provided. Only three of them has no strong alibi but all of them doesn¡¯t have the motive for doing so.¡±

    Chiara nodded. ¡°How about the brand I told you?¡±

    ¡°Armando Darte is not owned by Giovanni, but it was owned by his mistress, Isabe, ¡± he responded.

    Chiara¡¯s left eyebrow rose when she heard the name. ¡°The bitch who dared to attack me in my own building? Does she even have the capability to run a business?¡± she spoke, mocking the mistress in her tone.

    Dante agreed with her. ¡°From the report, Isabe is the owner but it was Giovanni who did all the work inside the brand,¡± he answered. ¡°However, we cannot find the person from Armano Darte who attended that contract signing.¡±

    ¡°The cameras were empty. The staffs we interviewed didn¡¯t see anyone that presenting themselves as a representative of that brand. We¡¯re still looking on it, signora.¡±

    Chiara hummed as a response. ¡°It¡¯s fine. At least we have a progress. Make sure to check those three people you told me. I¡¯ll inform you if Sophia can remember something.¡±

    The two ended the call and Chiara let the restroom. However, just as she took a step outside, she can already hear themotion inside the restaurant.

    ¡°Stay away!¡± a big manly voice shouted. ¡°I¡¯ll stab this woman if you dare to attack me!¡±

    Chiara hid on the wall that separates the main floor to the rest room. From her position, she can see a bulky man standing with his back facing her. She cannot see who is the person in front, but she can see a pair of legs with a ck stiletto.

    ¡°You!¡± the man shouted to the waiter standing on the right side. ¡°Where¡¯s the money? Give it to me!¡±

    The waiter shook his head, refusing to give the money to the intruder. The man¡¯s face turned red in anger and Chiara can see the man moving his right arm.

    A deafening scream from a woman echoed in the while restaurant. Secondster, droplets of bright red blood fell on the floor.

    ¡°Give me the money, or I¡¯ll slit this woman¡¯s throat!¡± the intruder shouted at the staffs of the restaurant. ¡°Hurry up! Don¡¯t make me wait!¡±

    The staffs scrambled upon seeing the intruder nearly killing the hostage. No one dared to stop the man, fearing that the hostage might be in more danger than she already is.

    When the manager walked out of the authorized room with stic that has bills sneeking on a hole, the intruder¡¯s face turned into a grin. ¡°Hurry up! Give that to me!¡±

    Just a few centimeters before the intruder can reach the bag full of money, a huge shock of electricity covered his whole body. In just a snap, the bulky body of the man fell on the floor, and metal sound of the knife falling is heard.

    Chiara put her taser on the side and watched the intruder fell unconscious. Her eyesnded on the woman, the hostage, who¡¯s neck is bleeding lightly.

    Her face looks familiar but she ignored it and said, ¡°Miss, we should bring you to the hospital.¡±

    Ms. Copp walked near to them and put a gauze on the hostage¡¯s neck. She wrapped it in a way that¡¯s tight enough to stop the bleeding but not too tight that it will choke her.

    The hostage nodded slowly. Chiara and Ms. Copp, as well as two staffs of the restaurant apanied her. Fortunately, the hospital is just a few blocks away from their ce.

    The authorities arrived shortly after that. When the hostage was already taken care of, the restaurant offered to pay for the hospital expenses, but the woman decline.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. This is just a small cut, ¡± the woman spoke with a soft voice. Thankfully, the cut is not long and not deep. It doesn¡¯t have a threat to her life.

    The staffs proceeds to offer financial help, but the woman decline them repeatedly. In the end, they settled on paying fifty percent each.

    ¡°Do you feel fine?¡± Ms. Copp asked when the staffs and the authorities who interviewed the hostage alreadt left.

    She nodded before looking at Chiara. ¡°Thank you so much for saving me,¡± she spoke while touching the gauze on her neck. ¡°How can I repay you?¡±

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I just did what I know is right.¡±

    The woman smiled and offered her hand to Chiara. ¡°I¡¯m Monika,¡± she introduced.

    ¡°I¡¯m Chiara, ¡± they shook hands before Monika introduced herself to Ms. Copp.

    Upon hearing her name, Chiara now recognized who the woman is. While she was reading Nick¡¯s and Dante¡¯s report about Giovanni, she saw the same name Monika and her picture.

    The woman in front of her is Giovanni¡¯s wife. Monika is the wife of the man who almost killed her husband.

    ¡°Do you have any family members to contact?¡± Chiara asked her. As far as she knows, Monika and Giovanni are under a divorce procedure. However, she cannot say if they still have themunication or intimate rtionship between them.

    If Monika will have Giovanni fetch her in the hospital, then the two might still be in good terms, and it is not a good thing for her to be close to the rival¡¯s wife.

    Unexpectedly, Monika shook her head. ¡°I have no family. My parents are dead and I¡¯m an only child.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a boyfriend? A husband?¡± Ms. Copp asked out of nowhere. ¡°You seem to be just a few years younger than me.¡±

    ¡°I have a husband,¡± her voice sounded firm, like she doesn¡¯t want to talk about it or hate covered her upon saying that. ¡°But we¡¯re going to divorce. I don¡¯t even want to see his face.¡±

    ¡°Oh, ¡± Ms. Copp reacted. ¡°I¡¯m just worried who will apany you to home now that you¡¯re injured.¡±

    Monika just smiled lightly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. This is just a minor cut. I can go home on my own.¡±

    The two woman didn¡¯t push her further. They just talked about random things from food to health. They even exchanged numbers.

    When the doctor announced that Monika can be discharged, they all left and apanied her to ride a taxi.

    ¡°Thank you so much for taking care of me,¡± Monika spoke while standing beside the taxi she will use. ¡°Let¡¯s meet some other time.¡±

    The streetmp was shining on Monika¡¯s face, and when she turned around to enter the taxi, her short hair that reached only the bottom of her ears didn¡¯t cover her nape. And Chiara can clearly see the words tattoed on it.

    Ariti.

 Bumped by the Hatchback

    IN A SMALL RECTANGULAR TABLE, various elites and business people are having their conversation. Men dressed in suits and women in their dresses. One would think that the people in that table are very important. Just from the sophistication and elegance they elude, people inside the ce will really turn their head to them.

    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to have this afternoon with the both of you, Mr. and Mrs. Vitali,¡± one of the female business partners of their empire stated before they stood up to leave the ce.

    The women are busy conversing with each other while the men are shaking their hands, a sign that the meetup was a sess.

    Chiara smiled to their business partners. ¡°Thank you for inviting us today. I hope you liked our gift,¡± she responded as her hand touched the hand of her fake husband.

    ¡°Your gifts are extraordinary!¡± one male business partner spoke. ¡°I like it, oh no, I love it!¡±

    Series of chuckles can be heard because of his energy. They all walked towards the parking lot of the ce. It was still early in the afternoon and the sun is shining brightly, hitting Chiara¡¯s face as they stepped outside.

    ¡°Too bad Mr. Vitali is still not feeling well,¡± one of them stated with a sad tone. ¡°I hope you will recovered fully soon.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Chiara responded and yfully tapped the arms of her fake husband lightly. ¡°I was skeptical to bring him at first since he is still not feeling well, but my husband told me it¡¯s alright. Please bear with him for he cannot converse a lot at this moment. He gets exhausted easily.¡±

    The business partners, who trust Ezio so much, bought Chiara¡¯s excuse. Besides, they know what incident happened and it¡¯s not quick to recover from that.

    ¡°We should be the one apologizing,¡± a man spoke. ¡°We disturbed Mr. Vitali¡¯s resting hours.¡±

    The fake husband, Victor, shook his head and waved his hand. With a baritone voice that resembles Ezio¡¯s, which he practiced for hours, he spoke. ¡°No worries.¡±

    Those were just two words but their business partners looked at it as a precious thing. They thought that Mr. Vitali is exerting so much effort just to respond to them.

    Their business partners bid farewell and gave their thanks to the two. When Chiara and Victor entered the car, Victor slumped on his sit and drew a deep sigh.

    ¡°That was exhausting,¡± he spoke before drinking water from the tumbler. ¡°I felt like I lost my voice from hours of not talking.¡±

    Chiara chuckled for a short time before telling the driver to go to their safe house. ¡°You did a good job. I think they didn¡¯t notice.¡±

    ¡°My face feels so sticky,¡± Victorined while looking at himseld at the small mirror. He looked at Chiara with a pleading face before asking, ¡°Can I remove it now, signora?¡±

    She nodded at him and Victor wiped the makeup out of his face as fast as a lightning. He used several wet face wipes before the makeup waspletely off. Victor smiled when he saw his face went back to normal.

    ¡°I was worried the makeup might melt earlier,¡± Chiara spoke while typing in her phone. ¡°The air conditioner was just right above you.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t notice that, signora,¡± he replied before thinking of something. ¡°If it was signor Ezio in that situation, he would have the air conditioner transfer to another area.¡±

    Chiaraughed inwardly after hearing that. She knows her husband will really do that. After all, Ezio wants everything to adjust for him, well, expect Chiara. He is willing to adjust for Chiara.

    She dialed her friend¡¯s number. Chiara has been trying to contact Nick for days yet she hasn¡¯t received any reply to her texts or call backs.

    However, like the past days, only the system voice telling that Nick is unreachable greeted her on the other line.

    Victor heard his signora¡¯s loud sigh and he couldn¡¯t help but to ask. ¡°What happened, signora? Is there an emergency in the office?¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to call my friend, but he is always unreachable.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t we go to his ce?¡± he asked.

    ¡°No,¡± she responded while shaking her head and typing messages for Nick. ¡°we can¡¯t. He is on another country.¡±

    Victor¡¯s lips formed an ¡°o¡± and didn¡¯t speak for a few seconds before suggesting, ¡°How about his social media ounts? Or maybe you could text or call his friends or family.¡±

    ¡°He deactivated his social media ount, and I don¡¯t know his family¡¯s contact number,¡± she answered. ¡°I haven¡¯t talked to his parents since they migrated.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you could try his family¡¯s ounts?¡± he asked, not sure what to suggest.

    Chiara¡¯s eyes beamed after hearing that. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she responded. ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    After sending messages, Chiara felt worry covered her whole body. It¡¯s unusual for Nick not to be reachable for days. Is he that busy?

    At the back of her mind, she is thinking that something bad happened to her friend. Thest time they talked, he said that he was investigating a huge case. What if the person behind that is powerful and it attacked Nick?

    Chiara shook her head. Overthinking things won¡¯t make the situation better.

    Just after she sent message requests to Nick¡¯s family, she received a text from Sophia, thanking her for helping and that she just finished interviewing the three suspected staffs.

    Chiara replied, asking if she could call her. After a few seconds, she agreed and Chiara dialed her number.

    ¡°Hi, Chiara!¡± Sophia spoke from the other line.

    ¡°Good afternoon, Sophia. I¡¯m d that you already received the report. How is the talk to those three people?¡± she asked before closing herptop.

    Sophia hummed while thinking. ¡°We found nothing that can lead us to my husband,¡± she spoke with disappointment and sadness in her voice. ¡°They have people who can prove their alibis. We also found evidences that tell that they are not really the one who kidnapped my husband.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to do now?¡±

    The woman on the other line sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know. The only thing I¡¯m looking right now is the Armano Darte. I thought that was a person. Turns out it was a brand as per the report.¡±

    ¡°Yep,¡± Chiara replied. ¡°Actually, I already did a background check on that brand. I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°No worries!¡± Sophia eximed. ¡°Did you find something?¡±

    The car stopped on the side of a grocery store as per Chiara¡¯s order. Victor left to buy more water for him and some snacks. He has a hunch that the conversation his signora is engaged to will be long.

    ¡°That brand was owned by Giovanni Giordano¡¯s mistress, but my intel told me that was Mr. Giovanni who runs the business,¡± she started. ¡°I tried looking who the representative who attended the contract signing that day, but we still can¡¯t find anything.¡±

    She waited for a response, but Sophia has been quiet for a while. When Chiara looked at her phone to check if the call is still connected, she saw that it is still running.

    ¡°Sophia?¡± she asked. ¡°Hello? Are you still there?¡±

    Sophia¡¯s attention was turned back to Chiara upon hearing her voice. ¡°Sorry, Chiara. I was thinking about what you said.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± she replied. ¡°Do you remember anyone from that brand who approached your husband that day?¡±

    ¡°Well honestly,¡± she trailed off. ¡°I don¡¯t know anyone connected to that brand until you mentioned about Mr. Giordano¡¯s rtionship with the owner.¡±

    ¡°For the past weeks, Mr. Giordano visited our house. At first, it was just a casual meeting. Just to ask how we are adjusting in a new neighborhood,¡± she added. ¡°Until he starteding for business.¡±

    Chiara kept quiet but made sure to make sounds of recognition so that Sophia will know that she¡¯s still connected.

    ¡°And then I started noticing my husband not including me in their conversation, which seldom happens,¡± her voice became weak and pale. ¡°Then there are days that my husband is on a bad mood after meeting with Mr. Giordano.¡±Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Bad mood?¡± Chiara asked with interest. ¡°What could be the reason of that?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really know. I tried to ask my husband but he won¡¯t answer me. He just said it¡¯s nothing, ¡± she responded.

    When the line became quiet, Chiara spoke. ¡°I don¡¯t want to me someone, but what if Giovanni has something to do with your husband¡¯s disappearance?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t deny that I also have doubts with him,¡± Sophia spoke. ¡°I asked my husband not to entertain him because of his bad reputation. I don¡¯t trust him.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Chiara looked at the time. ¡°If you need help on investigating about him, just let me know, okay?¡±

    Sophia nodded. ¡°I will. I¡¯ll check if I can see something that can connect him to that day. I¡¯ll be in our building tomorrow, asking the staffs for more details. Thank you, Chiara.¡±

    When the call ended, Chiara saw Victor standing outside, just beside the car. He was looking at something.

    Chiara traced his sight, and from a far, she saw Caterina walking out of the grocery store. There is a stic that carries small container of milk and the other one has raw chicken.

    Caterina stopped on the end of the pedestrianne, waiting for the signal to cross the road. Chiara and Victor just watched her from a far.

    When the light for pedestrians turned green, Caterina and two other teenagers crossed the road. Caterina was left behind a few inches because of her having difficulties walking.

    However, just as she was about to reach the middle of thene, a ck hatchback drive straight through her, bumping her fragile body.

    Caterina¡¯s body flew meters away from her original position, and the ck hatchback escaped the scene, leaving the victim bleeding while clutching her baby bump.

 A Motheréˆ¥æªš Despair

    PEOPLE THAT SAW THE INCIDENT, including Chiara and Victor, was glued to their shoes. It was when Caterina was already on the floor when the onlookers started moving to help her.

    Chiara and Victor rushes to her side. When they arrived, a teenager boy was already checking her pulse and breathing. Chiara hurriedly called the nearest hospital to get some help.

    ¡°Miss,¡± the teenager asked. ¡°Can you here me?¡±

    He gently tapped Caterina¡¯s body, waiting for some bodily response, but thetter didn¡¯t move or made any noise. The teenager checked her pulse before saying, ¡°Her pulse is slow. We need to rush her to the hospital!¡±

    The ambnce hasn¡¯t arrived yet, but Victor hurriedly carried Caterina on his arms before running toward the hospital. Chiara, who was still panicking, didn¡¯t think twice but to follow the running Victor on foot.

    There was blood everywhere. Chiara is concerned for Caterina¡¯s health, but she is more concerned on the welfare of her unborn child. The blood was scattered on every step Victor takes, and they don¡¯t know where the blood came from; whether it¡¯s from Caterina¡¯s injured skin or from her intimate part.

    It didn¡¯t took long for them to hear the siren of the ambnce. Victor meet with the ambnce halfway and the rescuers transferred Caterina¡¯s bleeding body inside.

    Chiara was huffing while sitting on the side of the ambnce, staring at the rescuers trying the best of their ability to save her. She reached for her phone and called for the police.

    ¡°Hello?¡± she spoke when she heard a male voice on the other line. ¡°There was a hit and run incident,¡± she mentioned the name of the ce. ¡°The suspect ran away. Please look into this case.¡±

    After a few minutes, they wheeled Caterina¡¯s body to the emergency room. Chiara and Victor were left outside, waiting for the miracle to happen.

    ¡°What will happen to the baby?¡± Victor asked while sitting on the waiting chair, with his bloodied hands on his knees.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Chiara responded. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope both of them will survive.¡±

    A long silence between them ensued. The only thing they can hear are the noises made by the other people inside the hospital, as well as the honks of the vehicles outside.

    ¡°She was targeted,¡± Chiara spoke out of nowhere, making Victor look at her.

    He couldn¡¯t help but to ask. ¡°Are you sure, signora? How do you say so?¡±

    Chiara messaged her temple. She slowly stood up from her seat. She walked towards the small window on the alley, watching the cars outside.

    ¡°There were other pedestrians crossing the road at the time,¡± she started exining. She put her arms on a cross in front of her, recalling the earlier events. ¡°The car purposely smashed into her. I saw how that car swerve so it will hit Caterina.¡±

    Victor¡¯s eyes widened for a little bit. He wasn¡¯t able to see that earlier, but hearing what happened, it really make sense.

    The distance between Caterina and the other pedestrians were not that far. The other pedestrians might have been hit if it¡¯s not intentional. Bumping Caterina with precision, without affecting the other people crossing, is too much to be a coincidence.

    After giving it time to think, Victor responded. ¡°Could it be Mr. Giovanni?¡±

    Chiara didn¡¯t respond immediately. Actually, it was her first assumption. If the incident was really intentional, Giovanni is the only one she knows who have the motive to do such act.

    Caterina knows some of Giovanni¡¯s illegal practices. Although Chiara doesn¡¯t know on to what extent Caterina knows, she is sure that the information she has is enough to put their rival behind the bars.

    Also, if Giovanni knows that Caterina is pregnant, he might resort to some methods that will kill the unborn child. After all, Giovanni cannot afford to have another reason for divorce.

    ¡°I think so, too,¡± she replied. ¡°However, we cannot pin him unless we can find a strong proof that it was really him behind this.¡±

    Chiara let out a sigh. ¡°I witnessed how quick and wless Giovanni is when ites to hiding evidences and pointing his crimes to another person. He did it to my husband and Mr. Leon,¡± she exined. ¡°I am sure he can do it again.¡±

    ¡°He is a tough enemy,¡± Victormented. ¡°I wonder who are the people backing him up for him to get away in every crime he did.¡±

    She gave it a thought. Chiara knows that Giovanni¡¯s influence, also more on the bad side, can bepared to Ezio¡¯s influence. His wealth is also near to Ezio¡¯s, but his connection has been faltering since thest years.

    ¡°I have to look into that,¡± she responded, signing because there is another thing that was added on her te.

    She wants to give the task on looking for the suspect on Caterina¡¯s hitting incident to Dante, but she knows that he was busy investigating on Marco¡¯s disappearance.

    Chiara thought of Nick. He still hasn¡¯t responded to her and his parents haven¡¯t read her messages. She was worrying about him.

    Hours passed and Caterina was transferred to another room. Exhausted with their daily errands, Chiara slumped back on the chair beside Caterina¡¯s bed while Victor went outside to buy water and fruits.

    Chiara was on the verge of sleeping when her phone rang. She picked it up from the table and answered the call without looking at the name of the caller.

    ¡°Hello?¡± she spoke.

    Monika¡¯s voice echoed in her phone and ear. ¡°Good evening, Chiara. I hope I¡¯m not disturbing your day.¡±

    Chiara went back to her senses hearing that. It was an unexpected call. She didn¡¯t expect Monika to reach out to her that fast since the hostage incident.

    Besides, she is the legal wife of Giovanni. It¡¯s very ironic because one of Giovanni¡¯s mistress ¨C now former mistress ¨C is in the same room as her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she responded. ¡°I wasn¡¯t really doing anything right now. Why did you call? Is there a problem?¡±

    ¡°Not really,¡± Monika spoke. ¡°I was just wondering if you and Ms. Copp could apany me to shopping next Sunday? I want to give back your kindness to me.¡±

    ¡°Oh, of course! I would love to apany you,¡± Chiara replied, thinking that it is a chance for her to know Monika more. She was really interested on the tattoo Monika has on her nape. It was the same name of the man in the sh drive that Elisa gave. ¡°Have you talked to Ms. Copp already? I can call her after this.¡±

    Monika smiled at Chiara¡¯s response. ¡°Thank you for agreeing. And didn¡¯t bother, I will call Ms. Copp after this to inform her that you wille. I¡¯m sure she will also go.¡±

    The two talked for a couple of minutes. Catching up on Monika¡¯s health after the incident. Fortunately, her wound started to heal. But the doctor said that it will take weeks for it to be fully recovered.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Chiara reacted when her phone vibrated. ¡°Someone was calling me. I have to hang-up.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Monika replied. ¡°Let¡¯s see each other next Sunday! Take care!¡±

    Chiara ended the call after they bid goodbyes. She answered the another iing call from an unknown but familiar number.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    The man in the other line introduced himself as someone from the police. ¡°We received your call and report about a hit and run incident, ¡± the man spoke. ¡°We looked into it and we would like to discuss the matter. Are you a rtive of the victim?¡±

    Chiara looked for her words before answering. ¡°I¡¯m a friend of the victim.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Can you go to the police station, ma¡¯am?¡± the police officer asked.

    She looked at the unconscious Caterina on the bed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t. I¡¯m the only one looking after my friend,¡± she responded. ¡°Can you perhaps go to the hospital? If it is not bothersome.¡±

    The police agreed and said that they will be there within twenty minutes. Chiara gave the room number. Just as on exact time, Victor arrived carrying a basket of fruits and two bottles of water.

    ¡°The police will arrive after a few minutes,¡± Chiara informed him. ¡°They will discussed about the incident.¡±

    ¡°I hope they can find something,¡± he replied.

    They sat down and ate the snacks and fruits. After a few minutes, they heard a knock on the door. Victor went to peep through the hole before opening it.

    ¡°Good evening, officer,¡± Chiara greeted the uniformed personnel. They exchanged pleasantries before going to the main topic.

    ¡°We traced the te number of the car that hit the victim,¡± the officer started exining. ¡°However, as per our records, the car was reported as stolen two weeks ago.¡±

    ¡°Is there any way to know who the suspect is?¡± she asked. ¡°That person inflicted a lot of damage to my friend. She¡¯s even pregnant!¡±

    ¡°I understand your frustration, ma¡¯am. We will look into it,¡± he responded. ¡°We already found the car being abandoned on one empty lot, just a few meters away from the crime scene. The team is currently checking for fingerprints. We will update you as soon as possible.¡±

    Chiara was somehow relieved hearing that. ¡°Please update me as soon as you have leads. I will use my resources to make sure that the suspect will be punished.¡±

    They talked and interviewed for a few more minutes before the officer left. He gave a copy of the records of the car and a contact number.

    As soon as Victor closed the door, Chiara spoke. ¡°If this is Giovanni¡¯s doing, then he is doing a good job.¡±

    ¡°Signora, this is not a good time to praise the enemy,¡± Victor spoke before pursing his lips.

    Chiara chuckled while shaking her head. ¡°I just can¡¯t believe he can move and think that fast. I might have underestimated him.¡±

    The two were engaged in a conversation when they heard Caterina making a noise.

    ¡°Caterina?¡± Chiara asked and stood up to look at her. ¡°Are you awake? Do you feel fine?¡±

    Instinctively, Caterina¡¯s hands slowly moved towards her stomach. With a weak voice, she asked, ¡°My baby¡­ What happened to my baby?¡±

    Chiara was taken aback. She knew that it was the first thing Caterina will ask, but she is not sure how to respond to her. Not after remembering the sad news by the doctor.

    She looked at Victor for help, but he also doesn¡¯t know what to do. Caterina, who was ufortable with the silence, asked them again.

    ¡°What happened to my baby?¡±

    Chiara gently held her hand and looked at Caterina straight into the eye. ¡°Caterina,¡± she spoke. ¡°Please stay strong.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Caterina forced herself to sit but the pain overtook her body, making her to go back onying down. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Chiara took a deep breath before revealing the truth. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but your baby didn¡¯t make it, Caterina, ¡± she said with a shaking voice. ¡°You had a miscarriage.¡±

    Caterina shook her head furiously, not believing the words Chiara spoke. ¡°No, no, no!¡±

    She screamed while touching her belly, trying to find her small baby bump. When she can¡¯t feel anything, her screams became louder that it was unbearable for the human ears.

    ¡°No! My baby!¡± she started wailing, salty tears falling from her eyes while she was hysterically feeling for her baby.

    ¡°Go to hell, Giovanni! Go to hell! I hate you! I hate you! You killed my baby! I hate you!¡±

    She screamed and screamed with a sound Chiara hasn¡¯t heard before. She can¡¯t do anything but to watch the despair of a mother who just lost her unborn child.

    After a few minutes, Caterina¡¯s screams subsided and only hups and sobs can be heard. Her hand is still on her belly when she looked up at Chiara with hatred in her eyes.

    ¡°Giovanni killed my baby,¡± she spoke with a firm but shaking voice. Her voice was rasped after screaming for a long time. ¡°Help me bring down Giovanni. I will tell you everything I know. Just make sure that he will pay for my child.¡±

 Monikaéˆ¥æªš Greatest Love

    DAYS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE hit and run incident. Caterina was discharged earlier than they anticipated, for various reasons.

    She doesn¡¯t want to stay in the hospital anymore. Just the sight of the hospital machines and the smell of medicine make her remember that her child is already gone. Also, Giovanni¡¯s men might go after her. It is not difficult to find her in a public hospital, after all.

    ¡°Use this,¡± Chiara gave her a card. ¡°My men will meet you at the said ce. I will provide you a care taker and some guards to make sure that Giovanni will not find you.¡±

    Caterina received the card with a hesitating mind. She doesn¡¯t know why Chiara is still helping her despite being spied on and betrayed by her.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be Caterina anymore,¡± she added before handing her a pile of documents. ¡°You have to live with a new identity. Read these files while on the way and memorize every information. You will be needing that.¡±

    Caterina looked down on the files on her hands. ¡°What are you doing this?¡± she asked, looking up at her former boss, literally.

    ¡°Doing what?¡± Chiara asked back.

    ¡°Helping me,¡± she answered. Caterina looked down to avoid Chiara¡¯s gaze. She still feel guilty of asking for help to the person she betrayed before. ¡°I betrayed you and gave information to your enemy. Why are you still helping me?¡±

    She asked that because if she was in Chiara¡¯s shoes, she would have left herself bleeding on the ground and let herself die. Caterina felt that she doesn¡¯t deserve receiving help from her former boss.

    ¡°Before I answer that,¡± Chiara spoke. ¡°Tell me first why you decided to betray me and sided on Giovanni.¡±

    Caterina averted her gaze to some things so that she won¡¯t have to look at Chiara¡¯s eyes. With a shaking breath, she answered. ¡°I believed him when he told me that he loves me,¡± hatred is evident in her voice. ¡°He even said that we will build our own family, that he will make me his queen as long as I help him.¡±

    ¡°But he lied, right?¡± Chiara asked again. She stared at the woman in front of her who is shaking with anger.

    She slowly nodded. ¡°When you caught me, he didn¡¯t even think twice before abandoning me,¡± Caterina wiped the traitor tears that are starting to fall.

    ¡°He said I was a dumb bitch for believing him,¡± she chuckled sarcastically after saying those words. ¡°He told that he just used me so that he can destroy yourpany and dominate the mall chain industry. He evenughed and spat at me before throwing me away.¡±

    Caterina was crying, but not to the point that she was wailing like the other day. Her tears were a mixture of betrayal, sadness, and most of all, anger.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything wrong to him,¡± she spoke again while furiously wiping her tears, as if those liquids from her eyes disgust her. ¡°Is it my fault that I loved him? Is it my fault that he is a bad person? Is it my fault for biting his trap? My only mistake is that I loved the wrong person!¡±

    Her fists were formed into a ball while gritting her teeth. Caterina would have let him pass even if he will not recognize their child. However, now that her child is dead, she wouldn¡¯t just stand there and let him continue his bad doings.

    ¡°I understand your anger, Caterina,¡± Chiara responded after a short while. ¡°The reason why I¡¯m helping you is because I know that Giovanni also did you wrong.¡±

    She looked at her with determination. Chiara hold her hands gently. ¡°I¡¯m giving you another chance. Not just for yourself but also for your child. I need to bring him down, but in order for me to do that, I will need your help.¡±

    ¡°Anything, ¡± Caterina replied almost immediately. ¡°I will do anything. I want to destroy him!¡±

    Chiara nodded at her. ¡°The information you gave were already sufficient for me to remove those spies, ¡± she said while remembering the details Caterina said.

    ¡°For now, hide under a new identity and don¡¯t let him catch you. Call me if you are in danger. ¡±

    Caterina was able to leave the country undetected. Now that she already started gathering more information and evidences about Giovanni¡¯s spies in theirpany, she knows that she has the upperhand in the battle.

    ¡°We¡¯re already here, signora, ¡± Victor who was under the disguise of Ezio spoke.

    Chiara looked outside and saw that they already reached one of the branches of Luminosa. This is the meeting ce that Monika said to her days before.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    It was quite ironic. She is the wife of their rival who also owns chains of malls, yet she chose to shop on Luminosa.

    Victor opened the car door and Chiara went out. ¡°You can go home now, Victor. Luigi will be the one fetching meter. Thank you.¡±

    He smiled before bowing his head. When his signora is already out of his sight ¨C when she entered the mall ¨C Victor started the engine and went home.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Chiara to see Monika and Ms. Copp sitting on a waiting bench in the open area of the mall.

    ¡°Good afternoon,¡± she greeted the twi who immediately stood up when they saw her. The three exchanged cheek kisses before starting their bonding session.

    ¡°I think this suits you,¡± Chiara spoke while showing a ck backless dress to Monika.

    Monika blushed when she saw the dress. ¡°I like it, but I don¡¯t really wear dresses like that, ¡± she said with disappointment in her voice.

    ¡°Oh, why?¡± Ms. Copp asked. ¡°This dress will highlight your body better!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just not used to it, ¡± she answered while her eyes are looking at the dress. ¡°During parties, I will just wear a top and a pants or skirt.¡±

    Ms. Copp grabbed the dress from Chiara and put it on Monika¡¯s hand. ¡°Then it¡¯s time for a change! Go on and try that one.¡±

    Hesitating, Monika still nodded. She walked towards the fitting room while the two other women waited outside, excited for the reveal.

    After a few minutes, the door opened and it revealed Monika.

    ¡°Oh my,¡± Chiara reacted before smiling at the view.

    Monika felt conscious on how she looks. She can¡¯t pinpoint their reactions. ¡°Do I look bad?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t look bad, my dear,¡± Ms. Copp spoke while walking towards her. She touched Monika¡¯s shoulddr before gently making her turn around. ¡°You look gorgeous!¡±

    ¡°You should wear dresses like this more often,¡± Chiara suggested while admiring how Monika looks.

    The dress made her look a lot younger. It gave attention to the shape of her body. The color also looks good when partnered to her skin. Overall, Monika looked like an elegant, youngdy.

    It boosted her confidence. Finally, she found a type of clothing that suits her. They bought a couple of more things before deciding to have a lunch in one of the restaurants inside the mall.

    ¡°The food here is really delicious,¡± Monikamented after she finished her meal.

    ¡°Do you usually visit here?¡± Chiara asked with a hidden intention.

    Monika nodded. ¡°Yes. This mall is my go to ce whenever I will buy or eat something,¡± she answered while smiling. ¡°It was my mother who always brought me here when this was newly-built. This is a good ce not just for shopping, but also for resting. My favorite part is the artificial terraces in the highest floor.¡±

    ¡°No doubt. A lot of people really admires this mall,¡± Ms. Coppmented before taking at sip on her juice. ¡°The establishments here were also top notched. The customer service and great. And the ambiance? You will really feel like you¡¯re at home. It¡¯s veryfortable.¡±

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but to blush at thements and praises. Although she still hasn¡¯t revealed to Monika that she is the wife of Luminosa¡¯s owner, she still thinks that thepliments are for her.

    Their conversation progressed, mostly about girl stuffs like cosmetics and fashion. They wete too focused on their conversation, but it was interrupted when they heard a lot of people pping.

    The three of them looked around, finding what the cause of the people¡¯s amusement might be. And on the middle of the crowd, a man was kneeling in front of a woman. He was sliding a ring on her finger before standing up and kissing her.

    The two looked perfectly matched for each other, and the people know that they will be marrying soon.

    ¡°To find a love like that is rare,¡± Ms. Copp spoke while watching the love birds.

    Monika nodded. ¡°Truly rare. I hope they will prosper and make a loving family for their own and their kids, ¡± she said while her right fingers were slowly caressing the tattoo on her nape.

    ¡°Uhm, Monika, ¡± Chiara called her, itching to ask the question that she wanted to ask for a long time.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Monika responded.

    ¡°I saw the tattoo on your name. What does Ariti mean?¡± she straightforwardly asked. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind answering.¡±

    Monika smiled, but it was a sad one. Her eyes were filled with longing while still caressing her nape.

    ¡°Ariti is the name of my first and greatest love,¡± she answered to Chiara. ¡°Unfortunately, he wasn¡¯t with me anymore. He died before we even got married.¡±

    Ms. Copp, who knows the feeling of losing someone you loved, gently touched Monika¡¯s left hand.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s watching over you, guiding you for a good life,¡± she said.

    ¡°I hope so, too, ¡± Monika responded. ¡°It¡¯s been years but I still can¡¯t forget about him. I don¡¯t think I can love another man.¡±

    Hearing that, Chiara¡¯s suspicion was right. The marriage between Giovanni and Monika wasn¡¯t made out of love. It could be a marriage of convenience, hence, why they are under a divorce process.

    ¡°Nape is a very delicate part, my dear, ¡± Ms. Coppmented. ¡°Why did you choose to tatto his name on that part? You could have it near your chest.¡±

    Monika smiled, as if she remembered something that is a good part of her life. ¡°Ariti loves nting kisses on my nape, that¡¯s why I chose that part.¡±

    And that started their conversation about Ariti, Monika¡¯s greatest love. The adoration and love is evident in Monika¡¯s eyes whenever she will talk about him or their rtionship. She sounded like a proud wife while talking about his achievements.

    In just a short span of time, Chiara discovered a lot about Ariti and Monika ¨C and their rtionship as a whole. Hearing Monika¡¯s words, one would think that Ariti is a perfect man.

    However, a question with a possible answer is still lingering in Chiara¡¯s mind, and she knows that she is still not ready to know the truth.

 Road Shoot Out

    THE FIRST THING THAT greeted Chiara that morning is the sound of her ringing phone. The light of the sun doesn¡¯t even reached her face, but she was woken up by the ringing sound. Still sleepy, she reached for her phone on the bed side table.

    ¡°Hello?¡± she asked with her morning voice and her eyes still closed.

    ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t disturb your sleep, signora, ¡± Dante¡¯s voice echoed in her ear. ¡°It¡¯s already 7 in the morning and I assume that you¡¯re up. ¡±

    Chiara got up and sat on the bed. Her head turned to her husband sleeping on the side. ¡°Too bad, you woke me up.¡±

    Dante chuckled on the other line. ¡°I see, that¡¯s why you sounded like a whale with blocked nose.¡±

    ¡°If you are in front of me, my fist would havended on your face,¡± she replied while mocking and doing a sarcasticugh. ¡°I assume you called to give me updates?¡± she asked, shifting the topic back while caressing her husband¡¯s cheeks.

    ¡°Yes, signora, ¡± he spoke with confidence. ¡°This is about the list of names you sent me days before. I have gathered enough evidences to prove that they really work for Giovanni.¡±

    Chiara grinned a little bit after hearing that. ¡°That¡¯s good. Give the evidences to meter, ¡± she replied while thinking what to do to the evidences next. ¡°Shall we just meet halfway or will you go here in the safe house?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll just visit, signora, ¡± he answered. ¡°Wait, aren¡¯t you going to your office today? It¡¯s Monday.¡±

    She shook her head even though he can¡¯t see her. ¡°I won¡¯t. Ezio¡¯s doctor will be here before noon and I want to be there, ¡± Chiara looked at the calendar, her eyesnded on the date today that has a note about the doctor¡¯s visit. ¡°Besides, I¡¯ll be visiting Sophiater in the afternoon.¡±

    Dante was quiet on thr other line for a short span of time. ¡°About that case, signora, we still haven¡¯t found Mr. Leon. I was thinking of squeezing information from Giovanni himself, but I don¡¯t want to move without your confirmation.¡±

    She thought of the suggestion for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. A deep sigh escaped her body. Chiara was stucked between the choices of doing Dante¡¯s suggestion or not.

    ¡°Let¡¯s put that on hold for a while, ¡± she answered after thinking of it. ¡°If we will approach him this direct, it might put Marco¡¯s life in danger, assuming that he is in Giovanni¡¯s hands.¡±

    She knows how psychotic Giovanni is. She knows that man won¡¯t even think twice of killing Marco once they did a wrong move. The only choice they have is to pray that he wouldn¡¯t to anything to Marco, until they found a sufficient and strong evidence that will pin him.

    ¡°I understand, signora, ¡± Dante replied on the other line. ¡°I will continue the search. Please let me know if there any change of ns.¡±

    ¡°Actually, ¡± she stood up and walked towards the wooden cab. ¡°I want you to investigate about something new, but still connected to Giovanni.¡±

    ¡°Sure, signora. Just give me the details, ¡± he said before grabbing his pen and a notebook.

    Chiara pulled out some printed documents that contains news. ¡°I stumble upon something that I think is one of Giovanni¡¯s secrets. I want you to find his rtionship with Ariti Gomez. I¡¯ll send you the picturrs of that man, ¡± she exined while reading the printed news about Ariti¡¯s death.

    It was easy for her to obtain those news. Ariti was famous in his country as a businessman. His death became a huge news not just in the business circle but also in the masses. Several news outlets in the country and overseas featured his death. All of those stated the same thing, and that is Ariti died bymitting suicide.

    When Dante confirmed the details, the call between them ended. Chiara opened the intem. ¡°Fara, please bring the breakfast to my room. ¡±

    After saying themand, she went to their master bathroom and prepared a basin with tap water, a little bit of soap, and towels of various sizes.

    She sat down beside her husband and removed his clothes before cleaning him up. It is her usual routine in the morning. She will wake up, clean her husband and change his clothes, before starting her own day.

    While changing his clothes, Chiara¡¯s eyesnded on the calendar once again. Her heart swelled upon seeing a date that was circled with red marker with some hearts on it.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Their fourth year anniversary ising in two weeks. It makes her excited and lonely at the same time. Excited, because it will be the first time she will celebrate their anniversary. She has been avoiding and forgetting about it for the past years, throwing Ezio¡¯s effort to celebrate their day of marriage. Lonely, because her husband is still unconscious.

    She has a lot of ns on how to celebrate that special day. However, with Ezio still under aa, she will need to change her ns.

    Chiara started feeling the emotion of guilt once again. She med herself for not opening her heart to Ezio earlier, for not recognizing his efforts, and for not reciprocating his love on time.

    This time, she will make sure to give all of her love and care to her husband, because she is a hundred percent sure that Ezio deserves it more than anyone in the world.

    AFTERNOON CAME and Chiara was happy with the doctor¡¯s findings. Ezio¡¯s health is getting back on track and his brain is doing more activities than usual. It¡¯s just a matter of time before he wake up. She just hopes that Ezio will wake up before their anniversary.

    ¡°We¡¯re here, signora,¡± Victor who is under Ezio¡¯s disguise spoke from the driver¡¯s seat when they arrived outside of Sophia¡¯s home.

    They saw Sophia walking towards the gate, probably wanting to greet them after hearing the sound of a car parking. Victor opened the door for Chiara and at the same the she stepped out of the car, Sophia reached the entrance.

    ¡°Signor Ezio, Chiara,¡± she spoke. ¡°Good afternoon.¡±

    Victor just nodded at her, copying Ezio¡¯s nonchnt approach to other people. Sophia walked towards Chiara before giving her cheek kisses.

    Sophia¡¯s reaction to Victor confirmed her hunch that Sophia still doesn¡¯t know that the person who her husband was used of shooting is Ezio. And she would like to keep it that way.

    ¡°Pleasee inside, ¡± she offered to the two.

    Chiara spoke for the two of them. ¡°We would love to, but my husband needs to go home now. He has a lot of paper works to finish by today.¡±

    ¡°I see, ¡± Sophia turned to the man behind Chiara. ¡°Please have a safe trip going back.¡±

    When Victor left, the two women walked inside, catching up with each other at first before going straight to the main agenda of Chiara¡¯s visit.

    ¡°Sophia, ¡± Chiara spoke before putting down her cup. ¡°I went over the things you said and created a timeline based on it. I just noticed a few things.¡±

    ¡°Oh, sure. What are those thing you noticed?¡±

    Chiara cleared her throat first. ¡°You said that your partnership with Armano Darte was on processe since more than a month ago, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, ¡± Sophia nodded. ¡°I still have the records. ¡±

    ¡°I see. My only concern is that Armani Darte is owned by Giovanni¡¯s mistress, Isabe, ¡± she replied while remembering the events, ¡°However, by the time your partnership process with them started, Isabe was detained for trespassing and Giovanni was also on jail that time, waiting for the trial. ¡±

    ¡°The two people behind that brand is not around, so who could be the person your husband is conversing to that time?¡± she asked.

    Chiara spected that it might be a worker or staff of Armano Darte. However, based on her investigation, the partnership between the two were handled by the owner.

    ¡°All I can say is it is a man, ¡± Sophia answered. ¡°I heard the voice when I was outside my husband¡¯s office. I was about to leave when the representative, I think, arrived to negotiate with my husband. I think that was during their first meeting. ¡±

    Chiara was silent for a moment. She knew that the man can¡¯t be Giovanni, but she has a hunch that this man might be the same one Marco met before he disappeared.

    She continued to listen on what Sophia found out from her own investigation. Good thing that she didn¡¯t dare approach Giovanni about it, rather, she waited for something that will really point him.

    They just need to know who got Marco that they, and once they found that, they can easily link the person to Giovanni. That¡¯s what these women hope.

    On the other hand, Victor was driving back to the Vitali¡¯s mansion to end his disguise for the day. However, he didn¡¯t even reach half of the way when another car bumped into his.

    ¡°What the hell is that?¡± he eximed before the same car bumped him again. This time, the collision was stronger that it created a small car in the back window of the car.

    Victor elerated the car. It doesn¡¯t take a genius to know that the car is after him, or after Ezio, rather. He was about to reach for his phone to call Chiara when the car bumped him again.

    His head hit the steering wheel. The force was not strong enough to make him bleed or passed out, but it will surely leave a bump.

    The car was on full speed yet the other car is catching up on him. He passed several cars who were honking on him. He can even hear police siren from afar.

    When he looked at the side mirror, he saw a masked man putting his body out of the window, carrying a gun.

    Victor swerved the car to different direction, attempting to dodge the bullets. His first attempts were sessful, however, when a civilian car nearly bumped into him, his trajectory was spotted by the gunman.

    ¡°Damn!¡± he cursed and more cursed words escaped his mouth as more bullets rained on the car.

    The bullet prated one of his car tired, making it explode. Fortunately and right on time, a familiar car of Ezio¡¯s men showed up.

    The car went near the driver¡¯s seat while the gun man continued to shoot his tires. One of the back wheel exploded again and the car stopped in the middle of the road.

    ¡°Jump here!¡± one of Ezio¡¯s men shouted as he opened the passenger seat door.

    Victor didn¡¯t waste a second and jumped to the other car. Just as before his body is fully inside, another bullet was fired and this time, it hit his arm.

    He groaned in pain while preventing it from bleeding. Ezio¡¯s men shoot the car and if he saw it right, the gun man was shot on his head.

 Cleaning Up The Company

    AS SOON AS CHIARA HEARD the ambush which targeted Victor, she hurriedly ordered Luigi to change direction and go to their mansion instead to the safe house.

    ¡°Signora, ¡± Luigi asked with a confused voice while looking at Chiara on the rearview mirror. ¡°Did something happen?¡±

    Chiara clenched her jaw while calming herself. ¡°Victor was ambushed.¡±

    The assistant¡¯s eyes widened as he stepped on the elerator. ¡°He is doing fine, right?¡±

    ¡°I think so, ¡± she replied while dialing a number. ¡°Fara said that he is now receiving treatment. Good thing that he was only shot in his arm.¡±Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Luigi was relieved to hear that. After all, Victor became his best friend since he entered the Vitali empire. They were on every task, assion, and partnerships that thepany has.

    He considered him as a brother that he never had. If something bad will happen to him, Luigi will go lengths to find the culprit.

    On the backseat, Chiara dialed the head of Ezio¡¯s security, Gabriel. After just one ring, the call was answered.

    She didn¡¯t give him a chance to greet her. Chiara immediately went straight to her point. ¡°What happened? How did Victor get shot?¡±

    ¡°A car trailed him while on the way home, signora, ¡± Gabriel spoke with a voice full of respect. ¡°The men are about to follow them when another two cars went over to us. We have to take care of them first. Unfortunately, Sir Victor was shot while changing cars.¡±

    ¡°The fault is on me, signora. I should have been more careful, ¡± he added after his exnation. ¡°I will make sure to do better next time. ¡±

    Chiara released a sigh. ¡°We were lucky this time that Victor wasn¡¯t shot in a sensitive area, ¡± she replied. ¡°I am sure that something like this, or maybe worse, will happen again in the future. Make sure to keep an eye on him. ¡±

    ¡°I understand, signora, ¡± Gabriel responded. ¡°I have a news, too. ¡±

    ¡°Spill it out, ¡± she said.

    From the background, a screaming man¡¯s voice can be heard. Chiara was about to ask who it is when Gabriel answered her.

    ¡°We were able to capture one of the suspects, ¡± he started as he walked towards the man kneeling on the floor with his hands tied behind his body. ¡°Unfortunately, the gunman and the others died. Only the driver that trailed Sir Victor was alive. He is currently in our base. Would like me to send him to the mansion?¡±

    Chiara nodded her head. ¡°Bring him to the mansion¡¯s basement. I will be the one interrogating him. Make sure that he will live.¡±

    As the call ended, Chiara rested her back to the soft chair while massaging her temple. Too much things happened that day and more problems kept on arising.

    She closed her eyes, thinking why Victor was ambushed. She wants to think of another reason, but she cannot deny the fact that Victor experienced that because he was disguising as Ezio.

    Her husband is the target. It¡¯s just been a few weeks since they announced ¡°Ezio¡¯s recovery¡± but the enemy is already moving to knock him out again.

    The happening just convinced Chiara more not to tell anybody about Ezio¡¯s real situation. It will be safer for him if he is hidden. She nned to let him go out again after he has fully recovered- until he has the capacity to fight again.

    After a few minutes, the car entered the mansion. The maids and men are already waiting for their arrival. Standing in the middle of the pathway is Gabriel in his military uniform.

    ¡°Signora, ¡± they greeted her as soon as she stepped outside of the car.

    Chiara greeted them back before looking at Gabriel. ¡°Show me that bastard, ¡± she spoke.

    They walked down to the basement. Actually, this basement was supposed to be just a storage room for those things that they are not using anymore. As far as Chiara knows, Ezio nned to make the basement a mini version of the mansion so that they will have somewhere safe to stay during cmities. The basement is too tough to be destroyed.

    When her right footnded on thest part of the stair, she saw a man wearing a ck shirt top and pants. His back is bleeding while his wrists are starting to be wounded because of the tight rope.

    ¡°State your name, ¡± Chiara ordered him as soon as she was near his pathetic body.

    The man didn¡¯t speak, instead, he just looked up to Chiara before spitting at her. Fortunately, the spit didn¡¯t reached Chiara and it ended up on the ground.

    Furious, Chiara raised her hand and pped the man. The sound echoed inside the room. Chiara knows that she pped him too hard. His face has a red handprint and her palm is aching after that blow.

    ¡°I will ask you again. Another question this time¡± Chiara spoke while looking down at him. ¡°Who ordered you to ambush my husband?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t tell you, ¡± the man spoke with a voice that sounded so weak. Chiara didn¡¯t have more time to y games with him, and she¡¯s now irritated.

    Her head moved sideways while calming herself. ¡°I am willing topromise to you, ¡± she said. ¡°If you will tell me who is behind this, then I will give you anything you want as an exchange. Money? Name your price. Protection? Give me names. Power? Just tell me and I¡¯ll do that rest.¡±

    The man became silent. He just kept his head low, looking at the ground that¡¯s starting to be tainted with his blood.

    After a few moments, he spoke. ¡°More of us wille after you and your husband. Boss won¡¯t stop until you¡¯re both dead, ¡± he looked up and gave Chiara a mocking smile. ¡°Just give up, Mrs. Vitali and join your husband to death.¡±

    He is already getting on Chiara¡¯s nerves. She was about to p him again when the man suddenly threw himself to the ground, making his body fall with his chest touching the ground first.

    At first, Chiara didn¡¯t think much about it and ask her men to sit him up again. However, when they got him up, they noticed a piece of ss piercing his chest and a suspicious green liquid dripping.

    ¡°Check his body!¡± she ordered and the men removed the man¡¯s shirt.

    Gabriel touched the end of the ss piercing the man¡¯s body, and immediately noticed a thing that looked like a ne with a broken ss.

    The man¡¯s body started convulsing. His body shook as foams and blood spilled from his mouth. His eyes rolled back to it¡¯s sockets and he is creating an ufortable gurgling sound.

    Three men helped him byying him on his side and putting a soft thing under his head. However, just as before they could look for a medicak professional, the man¡¯s body stopped moving.

    Gabriel went back beside him and checked his pulse. ¡°He¡¯s gone, ¡± he spoke while still looking for a beating pulse and heart. ¡°He¡¯s gone, signora.¡±

    They burried the body on a nearby cemetery. It was a quick task because they cannot have the attention other people. Chiara was still shocked for it is the first time someone died in front of her.

    ¡°Did you have theb to check that green liquid?¡± she asked Luigi who just came back to the safe house.

    He nodded. ¡°Yes, signora. I also asked three moreboratories to be sure, just like what you said.¡±

    After hearing that, Chiara went back to their bedroom to take a rest. She still has a long day tomorrow.

    She wants to sleep, but the thought of the dying man keeps reying on her mind. She can¡¯t believe that the man will choose to die rather than to cooperate with them.

    It just lead her to wonder: what were in Giovanni¡¯s sleeves that he pull something like that?

    THE NEXT DAY, the whole Vitali Empire was shocked by the massive firing of workers and staffs. Most of the people fired where from higher positions ¨C five of them being heads and three were co-heads.

    The news spread quickly inside their corporate office. Several staffs started to feel worried, wondering if they will be next. The happenings was too sudden. Various people were called to the owner¡¯s office and they will found out that they are already fired.

    The reason is still unknown to most, but for the people involved, it was clear that they have been caught.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the sudden meeting and mass firing?¡± Ro, the old man who tried to humiliate Chiara before asked as soon as Chiara entered the conference room. He didn¡¯t even bother greeting her.

    Chiara looked at him with dead eyes. ¡°Since you¡¯re very eager to know the reason why, then I¡¯ll just announce it right now, ¡± she spoke before throwing a piece of folder with papers to him.

    ¡°You¡¯re only a shareholder yet you tried to sell off Vitali Empire¡¯s proposals, ¡± she spoke. ¡°Now I know why you¡¯re always here even if you¡¯re not needed. At first I thought you were a leech, turns out you¡¯re a traitor.¡±

    Ro flipped the pages that contains the evidences of his stealing files of proposals and selling it to the rivalpany. His eyes widened for a short time before turning to Chiara.

    ¡°This is nonsense!¡± he eximed. ¡°How dare you use me of doing something like this!¡±

    He was about to grab Chiara when Gabriel and his men pulled him away. He kept on resisting but an old man like him doesn¡¯t have the strength to bring down three bulky men.

    The folder that contains the evidence fell in the floor and one of the board members picked it up, until it was being passed on to all participants of the meeting.

    ¡°No! That¡¯s not true!¡± Ro shouted as the officials scanned through the files. ¡°Don¡¯t look at that!¡±

    The board members and huge share holders murmured their thoughts and disgust to Ro¡¯s betrayal.

    Thanks to the list given by Caterina, she was able to focus her attention on finding evidences about the spies. One of them is Ro. He was stealing various proposals before selling them to Giovanni. Caterina is the one giving the money to him and the other spies.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just meet each other in jail, ¡± Chiara spoke. ¡°You as prisoner and me as a visitor. Have fun in your new home.¡±

    The men pulled the screamimg Ro out of the conference room. When they can¡¯t hear his screams anymore, Chiara looked back to the remaining members.

    ¡°It hase to my mind that thepany was infiltrated by Mr. Giordano¡¯s underlings, ¡± the first sentence is enough to get reaction from them.

    ¡°I was able to fire and sue those people today, and one of them is Ro Ossani. Now, ¡± she stopped before sitting down on her chair. ¡°I would like to have your full cooperation. We need to fill the positions left by those traitors, and most are heads of departments. Also, I would like this day to serve as a warning for those who would dare to betray ourpany.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s firm words echoed in the room, and the people who heard that know that she is not bluffing. Chiara is not afriad of losing high-ranking staffs, and she will not hesitate to do it again, as long as it will keep her husband¡¯spany safe.

 Visiting An Inmate

    ¡°DO YOU REALLY WANT TO VISIT HIM, signora?¡± Luigi asked while driving to the biggest prison in Rome.

    In his mind, Chiara doesn¡¯t need to go their and visit Sigmund, who was convicted with libel for being the mastermind on dirtying Hotel di Vitali¡¯s image. He doesn¡¯t deserve to be in front of his signora after what he did.

    Chiara nodded. ¡°Yes,¡± she looked at the window from the backseat while watching the surroundings. ¡°I will try to get information from him, although I am not quite sure he will. His loyalty to Giovanni is as strong as a rock.¡±

    The assistant didn¡¯t say anything. He believes that what Chiara decided to do is the best.

    He looked at the rearview mirror and saw three cars not from a far. Since the ambush incident that made Victor wounded, they decided to put the following cars on a nearer scale.

    It was a good thing that Chiara was able to control the media on releasing the ambush incident. If she hasn¡¯t done anything, the news will spread like wildfire. And she doesn¡¯t want that, because it will attract more attention. Besides, it will be a gossip in the business circle that the Vitali are not careful for encountering two attacks in just a few months.

    ¡°What were the punishments given to Sigmund?¡± she asked after awhile.

    ¡°Five years imprisonment or they can pay a fine of two million euros, ¡± he answered.

    Truthfully, libel cases wouldn¡¯t have reach millions for a fine. However, since the crime was covered by the media and it created a huge downfall to the stocks of Hotel di Vitali, the punishment went higher.

    ¡°And it hase to our attention that they are nning to just pay the fine and bail him out,¡± Luigi added, irritation is evident in his voice.

    In his mind, they couldn¡¯t just pay the fine so he can be free. He must spend his time in jail, and honestly, five years is not enough.

    ¡°I see, ¡± she responded before making a mocking grin. ¡°They will just use their money to let him out. As far as I know, they don¡¯t have enough resources to have that huge amount of money. I wonder where they get their money from.¡±

    Chiara said that, but in her mind, she already has an idea on who is financing Sigmund ¨C no other than Giovanni. The Russo family is just in the middle ss, and she knew that they can¡¯t have two million euros to spend just to bail a criminal out.

    She pulled her phone out and dialed Dante. As soon as he answered the call, she spoke. ¡°Stop whoever that person who will bail Sigmund Russo out. Make sure they can¡¯t pay their fine. If you need more men, you can use mine.¡±

    ¡°This is noted, signora, ¡± Dante answered. He knew that it is an urgent matter because Chiara didn¡¯t even greet him. Her voice also showed urgency. ¡°I¡¯ll update you as soon as I finish the task. ¡±

    The call ended after his words as the car stopped in front the entrance of the jail. Chiara stepped out and looked around the ce. Hopefully, the security system of this jail is strong enough not to let Sigmund escape. She has a hunch that they will try that method.

    ¡°I¡¯m visiting Sigmund Russo,¡± Chiara said to the officer in the waiting area.

    ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with the prisoner, ma¡¯am?¡± he asked while typing something on the keyboard.

    Chiara thought for a moment before an idea popped in her mind. ¡°I¡¯m his niece-inw, ¡± she answered while giving a fake smile.

    The officer nodded before giving them a secluded cubicle for them to speak. Two police officers went to look for Sigmund.

    Inside of one of the cells in that jail, an old man who has his white hair showing is staring on the wall, not minding the chaos of the other inmates.

    ¡°I will crush that woman as soon as I was out,¡± he thought to himself while clenching his jaw. The memory of Chiara putting him to jail is still fresh in his mind.

    Several police officers arrested him while he was having the best life inside of a bar. He hasn¡¯t even fucked any girls around him, yet these officers pulled him out. It made him embarrassed, and being embarrassed is the thing he hates the most.

    His imagination was cut short when ge heard the clinging sound of the mettalic prison bar.

    ¡°04926!¡± one of the police officers shouted. It was his number inside this awful ce.

    Sigmund looked to his back and saw the two police officers looking at him. He slowly stood up before walking towards them.

    ¡°You have a visitor, ¡± the taller officer spoke while his hand is ying with a bat. ¡°Get out.¡±

    He squinted his eyes a little bit before asking. ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Sigmund thought that it was probably his nephew, Simone, who visited him. No one else visited him before aside from him.

    ¡°Your niece-inw,¡± the same officer answered.

    He was taken aback after hearing that. Alessandra is pregnant but Simone let her visit him. On the back of his mind, he tried to rationalize things. He was thinking that maybe Simone sent Alessandra on behalf of him.

    He walked outside of the cell before they locked it again. One of the police officers pushed him using his bat. He was irritated, but he couldn¡¯t fight in an environment like that.

    Sigmund just pointed his attention to Alessandra who was said to be visiting her. She must have the money to get him out of this shabby ce. Thinking that makes Sigmund excited.

    When they reached the cubicle, the officer pushed him inside and locked it immediately. His grinning face turned upside down when he saw the face of his visitor.

    ¡°She is not my niece-inw!¡± he shouted to the other part of the room, just by the door while pounding it using his hands that were cuffed. ¡°Let me out!¡±

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but to chuckle at his reaction. ¡°There¡¯s no use making noise. I have one hour to talk to you. Let¡¯s use it wisely, ¡± she spoke to the telephone in her end.

    Sigmund¡¯s face was red because of anger when he faced him. She just gave him a mocking smile and motioned him to sit.

    He put the telephone in his ear and mouth before speaking. ¡°What are you doing here, bitch?¡±

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be too mad, uncle,¡± she spike with a fake and soft voice that she used to have when she and his nephew are stull together. ¡°Your blood pressure might rise. It¡¯s bad for your health.¡±

    Sigmund felt more iritated while hearing Chiara¡¯s voice and seeing her face mocking him. He punched the ss wall that separates them, but it didn¡¯t budge. It stayed intact and he felt pain in his knuckles.

    ¡°I just visited you to ask a few questions,¡± she said before resting her back on the stic chair. ¡°Tell me, who¡¯s financing you? Who told you to ruin our hotel¡¯s image?¡±

    Sigmund smirked. ¡°I won¡¯t tell you, ¡± he answered. ¡°You won¡¯t know who it is. Besides, he is going to bail me out. And when that happens, I will choke you until you die. Maybe I can use your body a little bit, or make you my sex ve until you are no longer useful.¡±

    Chiara knew that Sigmund has a bad side, but she didn¡¯t expect him to be like this. The uncle she knew before when she and Simone are still together is someone who can¡¯t even hurt a person.

    But right now, he is theplete opposite. Chiara is convinced that this is his true colors.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to get out, ¡± Chiara spoke confindently. ¡°Your bail money won¡¯te.¡±

    Just a few minutes ago while they were waiting for Sigmund to arrive, Dante sent a message and a photo showing that they have stopped the man that was tasked to bail him out.

    Dante stole the money before sending it to a donation drive. The man was also abducted and is currently being interrogated.

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± he eximed. ¡°I will be out of here today! Just see, bitch! I wille after you!¡±

    Chiara rolled her eyes. ¡°Say want you want to say, old man. But that wouldn¡¯t change the truth. You will be stuck here not just for five years and no one will bail you out.¡±

    Sigmund¡¯s canine teeth were showing while he was repeatedly punching the ss partition. He looked like a hungry and angry dog in his current situation.

    ¡°Fight fair, bitch! Come here and let me show you who¡¯s stronger!¡±

    She couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Fight fair? You were the one who is not fair in the first ce.¡±

    Chiara stood up. ¡°I went here to give you a choice. First,¡± she extended her pointing finger. ¡°tell me who is behind this and I¡¯ll drop the case. If you will also give me evidences that will pin that person or will give a sworn statement, I will give you money. Just name the price.¡±

    Next, she extended her middle finger, making a peace or two sign. ¡°Or, you could keep your mouth shut about that person and rot inside this prison, ¡± she added. ¡°The choice is yours.¡±

    With that, Chiara left him wondering what choice he should make. The money is tempting, he could ask for hundreds of millions of dors and life to his life fully. But something is holding him back.

    When Chiara reach the car, she received a message from Fara.

    ¡°Signora, the doctor said that Sir Victor has already recovered,¡± her first text message said. However, after a few moments, she received another one.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°A woman is making a scene outside the mansion, signora. I don¡¯t know who she is but she is looking for you.¡±

    Chiara took a deep breath, thinking who that scandalous woman is. Only one person came to her mind: Alessandra.

 Accused of Infidelity

    CHIARA REPLIED TO Fara¡¯s message after reading it. If Alessandra wants to create chaos outside her mansion, then so be it. Chiara knew that she won¡¯t be able to do much damage to them. Rather, she will be the one who will inflict damage to Alessandra¡¯s image.

    Panic cannot be seen in her face. Actually, she was calm. Chiara clicked the call button with the name of someone above it.

    ¡°Signora? Good day, ¡± the woman spoke from the other end of the line.

    ¡°Good day, Caterina, ¡± Chiara greeted back while Luigi is busy starting the car. ¡°How are you doing?¡±

    It¡¯s been almost two weeks since Chiara sent Caterina to another country to hide from Giovanni. In Italy, Caterina is now considered dead after the hit and run ident. No burial happened as she has no other family in the country.

    ¡°I am doing fine, signora. It feels like a breath of fresh air, ¡± Caterina replied while sitting outside the window of her house. She was watching her flowers and nts while sipping chamomile tea.

    Chiara smiled a little at her answer. ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that. By the way, I actually called to update you about the leads you gave to us. ¡±

    ¡°Did you already catch them, signora?¡± she asked while remembering the information she gave to Chiara. It wasn¡¯t a long list, but the number of spies she gave is rming for thepany.

    Chiara nodded. ¡°The list you gave is urate. We were able to gather evidences against them and watched them, ¡± she responded, feeling the satisfaction of removing the traitors of thepany. ¡°I have fired all of them just today. ¡±

    ¡°I hope they also get dragged like me, ¡± Caterina joked and followed it with a smallugh. She can still remember how she was dragged out when Chiara discovered her doings.

    It was embarrassing, but if that didn¡¯t happen, she wouldn¡¯t find out Giovanni¡¯s true color. She would have continued on serving him and being a traitor to the Vitali empire. She cannot imagine hoe awful her life will be if Chiara didn¡¯t catch her.

    ¡°I did, of course, ¡± Chiara spoke with boastfulness. ¡°Some didn¡¯t fight back and admitted immediately, and I was merciful to those people. I let them leave by themselves without any issues.¡±

    ¡°But for those who tried to gaslight me and deny every evidences, I didn¡¯t hold back, ¡± she added with a smirk. ¡°I let my guards drag them and throw them out. It was satisfying if you will ask me, them defending themselves and turning the tables even if the evidence is right in front of their face.¡±

    ¡°I can see myself to them,¡± Caterina spoke and it made Chiara chuckled a little bit. She didn¡¯t even hold back in teasing her own self.

    Chiara cleared her throat. ¡°If you still have any information about Giovanni, even the smallest one, inform me about it. It might be helpful, ¡± she said, hoping to get more information from Caterina.

    She doesn¡¯t fully trust Caterina yet, that¡¯s why she was still being observed by her men. However, for the past weeks, Caterina followed their agreement and lived her life under a new identity. She even changed her style and appearance to blend with other people.

    Also, Caterina didn¡¯t have anymunication aside from her. When Chiara offered to give her a new phone, she said she preferred the keypad and outdated ones. She doesn¡¯t want to have social media ounts and will use the phone for texts and calls only.

    Chiara was pleased when Caterina said that. It will lower her exposure to other people and will be focused on having her own life.

    ¡°Does Giovanni being allergic to peanuts count?¡± Caterina asked to her as a response to her request. The question sounds funny, but she is serious on what she said.

    ¡°Maybe, ¡± Chiara responded. ¡°If we have no other choice, then we can use that information.¡±

    Caterina was silent for a little bit because she was thinking. She was looking for information about Giovanni or anything around him that can help them.

    ¡°Although we have a rtionship, I¡¯m aware that Giovanni has other women, ¡± she said in a low voice, but enough fir Chiara to hear her.

    ¡°Do you know who the other women are? ¡± Chiara asked for these women might also have information about Giovanni.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know their names, I just know how they look like, ¡± she answered. ¡°I will try to draw them based on my memory. ¡±

    ¡°And also, ¡± she trailed off her words, thinking of something. ¡°If I remember it correctly, Giovanni will attend the grand opening of Soleira. He will bring one of his women in that event.¡±

    Chiara recognized that event. A month ago, she received a card inviting her and Ezio to attend the opening of Soleira. Several people from the business field will attend.

    ¡°It can be his wife, ¡± Chiaramented.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Caterina shook her head while walking towards her art materials. ¡°He said that he was supposed to bring his wife but she declined.¡±

    ¡°I see, ¡± Chiara answered.

    Giovanni cannot bring Isabe, because thetter is still detained. He can¡¯t attend the event without a date, so he will really resort on bringing one of his mistresses.

    ¡°You can extract information from the other women. I just don¡¯t know how to do it but I¡¯m sure you will find something, ¡± she spoke.

    The two women ended their conversation when Chiara saw that they are arriving in their mansion. From a far, she can see the pregnant Alessandra making a scene.

    The moment she stepped out of the vehicle, Alessandra attacked her. She tried to grabbed her hair but Chiara was fast enough to dodge her hands. Alessandra ended up scratching her nails on the car. It did hurt her, but it didn¡¯t inflict even a small damage to the vehicle.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Chiara spoke calmly while her phone was being clutched in her right hand. ¡°You are making a mess in our territory.¡±

    Alessandra¡¯s ears were red because of frustration. ¡°Bitch!¡± sheunched herself to Chiara and grabbed the cor of her top.

    Chiara didn¡¯t attack back because she feared that she might put the baby¡¯s life in danger. Luigi also waited for Chiara¡¯s signal for him to step between.

    However, Fara cannot control her annoyance anymore. This pregnant woman has been making a scene and shouting for almost half an hour. Her annoyance and anger was pent up inside her.

    So, when she saw Alessandra hurting her signora, she didn¡¯t think twice before grabbing Alessandra¡¯s hair and pulling her away from Chiara.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Alessandra screamed while she was being pulled by Fara. She tried to scratch Fara¡¯s face, but thetter is taller than her so she opt on scratching her arms only.

    ¡°You have no right to hurt signora Chiara like that!¡± she shouted at Alessandra¡¯s face. ¡°I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re pregnant! I will really shove your face to the ground!¡±

    Fara pushed Alessandra towards the road while letting go of her hair. Alessandra looked like a mess but she didn¡¯t back out. She looked at Chiara with ring eyes.

    ¡°How dare you seduce my husband?!¡± she shouted while pointing firmly at Chiara. ¡°You¡¯re a slut! Leeching to another man even if you¡¯re married!¡±

    Chiara rolled her eyes to Alessandra, much to thetter¡¯s annoyance. Chiara didn¡¯t respond to her, instead, she waited on what more Alessandra will say. She even ignored the lurking shadow near them.

    The pregnant woman took huge steps to Chiara, but Fara used her body as a shield while ring at her with widened eyes. Alessandra tried to pushed Fara out of the way but the maid pushed her back using her own body ¨C her chest, specifically.

    ¡°I knew it! I knew you couldn¡¯t move on from Simone so you¡¯re seducing him now!¡± she continued to scream even if Fara was on her way. ¡°My husband wouldn¡¯t look at me anymore because you¡¯re seducing him! Bitch! I will ruin your face!¡±

    When Alessandra tried go attack once again, Fara grabbed both of her hands before putting it on her back. Alessandra cannot fight because of that and all she can do is hiss on Chiara.

    Chiara tilted her head to the right, staring at Alessandra. ¡°For you information, I didn¡¯t seduce your husband. I have my own, and he is way, way, better than him, ¡± she spoke before grinning. ¡°Actually, it was your husband who keeps on chasing me.¡±

    Alessandra¡¯s eyes widened for a little bit, not until they heard a man¡¯s voice.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true, ¡± Simone interjected while going to Alessandra to help her. He looked at her wife with pleading eyes. ¡°I would never cheat on you, baby. She just keeps on insisting that we get back together. I kept saying no because I love you. Don¡¯t listen to her. ¡±

    Luigi and Fara were both stunned on what the man said. He really wanted to turn the tables and make their signora the bad one.

    But Chiara didn¡¯t even panic. She just opened her phone while looking for something.

    Alessandra was about to screamed at her when Chiara shut her up by showing her phone.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to do this, ¡± Chiara spoke while showing a recording. ¡°But since you want to bring me to bad light, I have go expose the truth. Don¡¯t me me for whatever will happen.¡±

    The recording started ying. The more Alessandra listened to it, the more her anger rises, the more her stomach contracts, the more her tears began to fall.

    ¡°I know that he forced you marry him. He¡¯s a bastard. You don¡¯t love him, right? I¡¯m the one you love. Let¡¯s get back together, baby.¡±

    ¡°I know you love me, baby. Is that Ezio ckmailing you? I can stop him. Just go back to me,¡± he smiled like a crazy man before puckering his lips. ¡°Kiss me, baby. Tell me that you still love me. Let¡¯s build our promises with each other, okay? I lo-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to take you back, baby. ¡±

    Chiara stopped the recording and smirked to the two. Simone didn¡¯t expect that Chiara has a voice recording of their conversation. It exposed his deeds, and now Alessandra knows about it.

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Alessandra screamed as she hit Giovanni with her hands. ¡°Cheater! How dare you cheat on me!¡±

    Simone wanted to defend himself and create excuses, but the voice recording that they heard is enough for Alessandra not to believe anything he will say.

    While Simone was trying to stop Alessandra, they noticed a little bit of blood dripping from her thighs.

    ¡°Baby,¡± Simone spoke with a shaky voice. He pointed at her legs. ¡°Blood¡­ ¡±

    All of them turned their eyes to Alessandra¡¯s legs and they found her bleeding. Alessandra touched her baby bump with trembling hands.

    ¡°My baby, ¡± she whispered. ¡°Help!¡± she looked at her husband who is still shocked on what¡¯s happening. ¡°Simone, save our baby.¡±

    He hurriedly carried his wife and ran to his car to bring her to the nearest hospital. While they were running, Simone¡¯s ring eyes didn¡¯t escape from Chiara¡¯s sight.

 Monikaéˆ¥æªš Past

    IT¡¯S BEEN ALMOST A MONTH SINCE thest time Chiara talked to her mother-inw. Elisa hasn¡¯t reached out to her since they transfered Ezio to the safe house.

    ¡°Do you have any updates regarding Mamma Elisa?¡± she asked Luigi who was currently helping Victor and Fara in cleaning their room.

    Luigi put zipped the pillowcase cover before answering. ¡°Yes, signora, ¡± he stood up and walked towards his phone resting on the table.

    ¡°She wasst seen yesterday in herte husband¡¯spany, ¡± he showed Chiara a few photos of Elisa going inside a building. ¡°Staffs inside said that she had a meeting with somewyers from the De Santi Law Firm. The agenda of the meeting wasn¡¯t released.¡±

    ¡°Lawyers? De Santi Law Firm?¡± Chiara asked. She has ni idea what¡¯s going on in Elisa¡¯s mind. If she is really their ally, then she assumes that what Elisa did is for Ezio¡¯s welfare. Besides, she believed that Elisa is doing something good as she is talking with aw firm with great reputation.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not dig into her business, ¡± she added as she checked the IV tube connected to her unconscious husband. ¡°I think she¡¯s doing something. I just don¡¯t know what it is, but I hope it¡¯s for the good of us, especially Ezio.¡±

    Chiara gently touched her husband¡¯s face and caressed it slowly. Last time, she was woken up by her husband making small noises. It ured for a few seconds that didn¡¯t evenst half a minute, but it was enough to brought her to tears.

    When she had checked everything in her husband, she stood up and walked towards Victor who is now fully recovered from the ambush incident.

    ¡°Does your wound hurt?¡± she asked while watching him arrange the pillows from smallest to biggest.

    Victor shook his head. ¡°I feel fine, signora, ¡± he answered. ¡°The wound is not really deep. It¡¯s actually just a little bit deeper graze.¡±

    Chiara smiled upon hearing that. Because of the incident, they decreased Victor¡¯s appearance as Ezio from twice to thrice a week, to only once a week. They made sure that a lot of people will see him on those days.

    ¡°Signora, ¡± Fara called her from behind. The maid was clutching a huge pillow in front of her and it almost covered her whole top body.

    ¡°What happened to the pregnant woman?¡± she asked while pouting her lips. ¡°I haven¡¯t heard about her since that day.¡±

    Chiara knew that Fara felt guilty on what happened to Alessandra days ago. She bled that day, mostly because of stress from her husband. However, Chiara assured her that it is not Fara¡¯s fault.

    She just did what is right, and that is to protect her signora. The root of the problem is Simone, who kept on doing uneptable things behind his wife, even going to the extent of turning the me to Chiara.

    Chiara was thankful that she decided to record her interactions with her ex-boyfriend. If the recording wasn¡¯t done in the first ce, she¡¯s sure that Alessandra won¡¯t stop bombarding her and making false usations.

    ¡°I also don¡¯t have any updates about her, ¡± Chiara answered with no care to the people who are their current topic. ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t think we must involve ourselves to them. We don¡¯t have any liabilities on what happened. It¡¯s their problem to solve.¡±

    Fara nodded and turned her attention back to her task. Luigi on the other hand, showed a sheets that had Chiara¡¯s schedule for the day.

    ¡°Signora, you have a short meeting with the marketing department on eleven in the morning, ¡± he spoke while checking the document. ¡°After that, you don¡¯t have any work rted tasks. You just have a meet-up with Ma¡¯am Monika at three in the afternoon.¡±

    Chiara nodded after listening to him. It¡¯s a good thing that she doesn¡¯t have to do much today. She needs to focus on finding more about Giovanni, as well as looking for Marco.

    The former hasn¡¯t shown himself in public since his release, but Chiara¡¯s men reported that he went back on his business. It¡¯s also a wonder for Chiara why he hasn¡¯t bailed Isabe yet.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Chiara was in deep thought when someone knocked on the door. Fara walked towards it and opened it up. Celine, together with Dante is waiting for them outside.

    ¡°Mi figlia,¡± Celine spoke. ¡°Ezio¡¯s friend is here. He said he has a report for you. ¡±

    Chiara thanked her mother and gave a meaningful look to the three other people inside the room. The three bowed a little before walking outside, leaving only Chiara, her husband, and Dante inside.

    ¡°The man finally spoke, signora, ¡± Dante stated when the door was closed.

    It¡¯s been days since they captured the man who is supposed to bail Sigmund out of prison. That man is also determined not to give any information to them.

    ¡°I¡¯m surpised he didn¡¯t kill himself, ¡± Chiaramented while remembering what happened to the first man they captured.

    ¡°We made sure that he can¡¯t hurt himself, signora, ¡± he answered with a smug smile as if he¡¯s proud of what they did. ¡°Only us can hurt them.¡±

    Chiara shook her head upon hearing that response. ¡°So, what did he say?¡±

    Dante gave a sh drive to her. ¡°The voice recordings of his confession is inside that thing, ¡± he replied. ¡°He didn¡¯t confess anything about Giovanni, but he told us that he was working for the Bti Law Firm. He said that it was thew firm who is fighting for Sigmund¡¯s case and they also gave him the bail money.¡±

    ¡°Bti Law Firm?¡± she asked as she remembered something. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the greatest rival of De Santis Law Firm?¡±

    ¡°Yes, signora.¡±

    ¡°Did you find anything about the Bti Law Firm?¡± she asked again.

    ¡°They¡¯re biggest investor is Giovanni. Also, most of the cases they have is connected to Giovanni. It¡¯s either he is the perpetrator or an essory to the crime.¡±

    Chiara picked up the pieces of the puzzle. Elisa was talking to the rival of thew firm that Giovanni has a connection to.

    It seems like Elisa is now starting to move.

    HOURS PASSED AND CHIARA ARRIVED at Luminosa¡¯s branch in  Garbate. Monika was already waiting for her inside the restaurant that they booked.

    ¡°Too bad Ms. Copp cannot join us today,¡± Monika spoke while they were having their coffee.

    Chiara took a small sip before responding. ¡°She was really busy these past few days. I heard she was opening a flower business.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Monika¡¯s eyes lit up upon hearing that. ¡°So that¡¯s why she¡¯s been asking me about flowers and nts! I would love to visit it!¡±

    ¡°As far as I know, she will open it by the end of the year,¡± Chiara spilled the details. ¡°Personally, I would love to buy camellias from her. I have been suggesting that since she told me about her business.¡±

    ¡°Camellia is a great flower. The design of it¡¯s petals is almost perfect,¡± Monika replied. ¡°My mother used to have camellias in our old house, too.¡±

    Chiara smiled, knowing that she has somethingmon with the woman in front of her. ¡°How about you? What¡¯s your favorite flower?¡±

    ¡°Lilies,¡± she replied with a smile on her lips but longing look in her eyes.

    ¡°Why lilies? Thest time I smelled that, it smelled like pee, ¡± Chiara spoke with a disgusting face as she remembered how it smells like.

    Monikaugh at her reaction. ¡°It really does, but Ariti used to cut the pollens so it will smell sweet, ¡± she replied. ¡°He used to give me lilies every week. At first, they were real flowers. But when he learned how to crochet, he made me a bouquet of it.¡±

    Chiara can see how happy Monika is while talking about Ariti. She just wonders, if Giovanni didn¡¯t came in the picture, will both of them be happy?

    ¡°Monika, I don¡¯t know if I should ask this, ¡± she spoke slowly. ¡°But you told us that Ariti died because of suicide, right?¡±

    The woman nodded with a sad and upside down smile. ¡°He was found on a cliff and a note was found that was written by him,¡± she answered. ¡°It was too sudden.¡±

    ¡°Do you believe that he reallymitted killed himself?¡± Chiara asked again, pushing Monika closer to the edge.

    Monika¡¯s eyes widen upon hearing that. ¡°How can you say that?¡±

    ¡°I do not mean to dig in your business, ¡± she spoke with a formal but gentle smile. ¡°Base on your stories of Ariti, both of you are happy. I just don¡¯t think he will do something like that if both of you are fine, ¡± she exined. ¡°Also, I have a friend who is a detective. I saw a lot of suicide cases that were really murder.¡±

    Monika looked down and sighed. They were quiet for a while, only the noises of other people can be heard. Chiara gave her time to think.

    ¡°My current husband was the first to tell me that Ariti died,¡± she spoke after a moment of silence, earning a surprised look from Chiara.

    ¡°They were business partners, and they were supposed to have a conference that day in Mn. But it was only Giovanni who came back.¡±

    Finally, Monika was able to mention her husband¡¯s name. Chiara is now a hundred percent sure of Monika¡¯s rtionship with Giovanni.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t trust him at that time. I med him on what happened to my fiance, ¡± she confessed. ¡°But I had to marry him.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Chiara asked. ¡°Why would you want to marry the person you suspected who has a connection to your fiance¡¯s death?¡±

    Monika let out a sarcastic chuckle. ¡°He saved my father before. He was able to save him from being shot. My father taught he has to return the favor, so he forced me to marry him.¡±

    Monika sniffed and wiped the little tears that fell from her eyes. ¡°It was hell. Giovanni is just using our family for wealth and connection. Everytime I will speak against him, he will bring up the moment he saved my father. It was exhausting.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t trust him. I never trusted him. He also feels the same way as mine. He never included me in his business. I was blinded on what he¡¯s doing, but I know they are not morally right, ¡± she exined. ¡°But how can I fight? He has my father¡¯s blessing. He always sided on Giovanni instead of his own daughter.¡±

    Monika¡¯s body was shaking, so Chiara stood up and went to her side to hug andfort her. ¡°I understand what you¡¯re going through. You are so strong, Monika.¡±

    The two women were hugging each other. One is sobbing and letting herself out, while the other one is giving support andfort.

    Chiara doesn¡¯t know how long she have beenforting her friend. But she was interrupted because of a loud gasp from behind them.

    A woman is watching a news live stream on her phone, and the words written on it sent shivers to Chiara¡¯s bones.

    Marco Leon¡¯s body was found inside a drum.

 Wifeéˆ¥æªš Heartbreak, Husbandéˆ¥æªš Goodbye

    THE MOMENT MONIKA WAS feeling fine, Chiara hurriedly bid her goodbye to leave and go to Sophia. Her heart was thumping so loud that she cannot hear anything clearly.

    The news she saw was still circting inside her mind. She still doesn¡¯t know if it is true, or just a fake news going around on social media, but she cannit get it off her mind.

    When she reached the parking lot, Luigi and Gabriel noticed how restless Chiara is. They immediately walked towards her and guide her to the car.

    ¡°Signora, w-¡± Luigi¡¯s words were cut short when Chiara spoke.

    ¡°Drive me to Sophia¡¯s house, ¡± she said before opening the car door and stepping inside.

    Hearing that, Luigi immediatelyplied and Gabriel went to the other guarding cars to follow them. They don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening, but they know that something is urgent.

    As they drived towards Sophia¡¯s house, Chiara tried calling her several times. However, the woman wouldn¡¯t answer. Her phone is off and cannot be reached.

    ¡°Did she already received the news?¡± Chiara thought to herself while looking at the screen of her phone. ¡°Then is it true then? Is she already at the crime scene?¡±

    She tried calling Sophia once again, but she got the same result. She was about to text her when her phone rang and Dante¡¯s name popped on the screen.

    ¡°Signora, we have found some of Marco¡¯s belongings in an abandoned factory,¡± he spoke with a huffing voice when Chiara answered the line.

    ¡°Have you watched the news, Dante?¡± Chiara asked, her voice cracking while she spoke.

    Dante was confused on her question, but it made him feel uneasy. ¡°What news, signora?¡±

    She threw a shaky deep breath before answering. ¡°I don¡¯t have the strength to say it, ¡± she replied. ¡°But please check the news and check if it¡¯s true.¡±

    Dante, on the other line, asked one of his men to check the news from his phone. They scrolled down, looking for the news that might have a connection to Chiara, Ezio, or Marco.

    His finger stopped moving when he saw Marco¡¯s name on the screen. They werete, and he knew that. He just realized it by now.

    ¡°Signora,¡± Dante swallowed a breath. ¡°I think it¡¯s already confirmed. Marco¡¯s dead. ¡±

    Hearing that, Chiara¡¯s right hand flew to her mouth to stop herself from making noise. She turned her head up to stop her tears from falling.

    She failed to do her promise to Sophia. She wasn¡¯t able to find her husband. She failed.

    Luigi can see Chiara¡¯s reaction from the rearview mirror. He wanted to ask what happened andfort her, but he knew something serious was up. Something happened to make her react like that.

    ¡°Find the address where they found it and send it to me,¡± Chiara spoke when sheposed herself. She cannot be weak, not now when her friend just lost her husband. She has to be strong to work properly, to find the culprit, and avenge Marco.

    ON THE OTHER HAND, Sophia was inside a vehicle driven by her sister-inw. Her senses are not working properly. She cannot even hear what the other people are saying to her, especially her mother-inw who was just sitting beside her.

    ¡°Sophia, let¡¯s not lose hope. He might be still alive,¡± her husband¡¯s mother spoke to her in a gentle voice. She tried toforr Sophia even though she¡¯s also panicking and breaking inside.

    All of them received the news that Marco was found inside a drum. It was Marco¡¯s sister who informed Sophia of the news, and they are all on the way to the scene.

    Sophia was asking hersel. How did this all happened? At one moment, she and her husband were having the best time of their lives, drinking wine as they stare at the stars. They even talked and kissed before Marco went to work.

    And then in just one flick of a hand, he¡¯s gone missing. His traces cannot be found. Not even his shadow or a single strand of her hair can be seen anywhere. He bursted like a bubble, disappearing from sight.

    Then suddenly, someone said that he was finally found, but inside a drum. Sophia is not a genius, but she knows what that statement implied.

    She felt like she was going to lose her breath, that the oxygen is slowly leaving her lungs. Sophia¡¯s chest felt a stabbing sensation and she doesn¡¯t know where it came from.

    ¡°Marco¡­ my husband, ¡± she uttered under her breath while looking at nowhere.

    She doesn¡¯t even know how long have they driving, but Sophia just went back to her senses when her mother-inw tapped her and guided her out of the car.

    As soon as she stepped outside, she started hearing the siren of the police cars and ambnce. Police tapes also covered the area, keeping the press and the onlookers from entering.

    When the media saw Sophia and her family, they hurriedly put their attention to them. They began bombarding her with questions.

    ¡°Mrs. Leon, do you have any idea who did this to Mr. Leon?¡±

    ¡°Ma¡¯am Sophia, the authorities stated that Mr. Leon was hiding from them for attempted murder. Is it true?¡±

    ¡°Signora Leon, please give us a statement!¡±

    Camera clicks and shes almost blinded Sophia¡¯s eyes. Several voices are going in and out of her head that she doesn¡¯t know where to focus. Aisde from that, the heat from the very closed spaces because of the media crowding them became unbearable.

    ¡°Go away!¡± the sister-inw shouted at the press who is still trying to interview them, especially Sophia. ¡°Have some respect!¡±

    However, the media didn¡¯t back down. They continue to squeeze their way towards Sophia, even pushing the other people infront of them. When the mother-inw cannot hold it anymore, she started hitting the media with her bag.

    ¡°I said leave us alone!¡± she screamed as she threw her bag to a male reporter who almost hit them with the microphone. ¡°Can¡¯t you understand that?!¡±

    The media only backed down a little when some of them was hit and when the authorities interfered.

    When they entered the scene, the first thing Sophia saw was a body covered with white sheets, being wheeled by the medics towards the ambnce.

    ¡°Marco,¡± she called. ¡°Is that my husband?¡±

    With small but quick steps, Sophia lunged herself towards the body. The medic gently backed her down but she didn¡¯t listen to them. She continued to call for her husband, hoping that he will respond.

    ¡°Marco?¡± she called again, her hands shaking as she reached for the white cloth covering the body.

    The personnel tried to stop her, but even the Leon family tried to uncover the body, for confirm whether it is really Marco or not.

    Several hands pulled the white cloth, and the scene that greeted them shook their body to the core. The media immediately clicked their cameras to gather photos of the person.

    ¡°No, no, no,¡± Sophia spoke when she saw her husband¡¯s face under the sheets.

    His face was ck and blue, but it is still recognizable. It looked like he was beaten to death. His arms were twisted and the bone can be seen outside his elbow. Dried blood were also seen in his clothes and body. It was a horrific sight for anyone.

    ¡°No!¡± Sophia screamed at the top of her lungs. She grabbed her husband¡¯s body, not minding the smell of it. She pulled it closer to her side while checking for his pulse.

    But she found nothing.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Amore,¡± she hysterically spoke while looking for any pulse and checking his breathing. ¡°Amore mio, per favore svegliati. ¡± (My love, please wake up.)

    No matter how much Sophia called for her husband, no response came from him. He was immobile, eyes closed, and no breathing.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, we need to bring the body to the hospital for autopsy,¡± one of the medical personnel spoke to her, nudging her gently to back away.

    ¡°No!¡± Sophia shouted. ¡°He¡¯s not dead! My husband is not dead! There¡¯s no need for autopsy! He¡¯s alive!¡±

    She looked back at her mother-inw with pleading eyes. ¡°Mamma,¡± she called for her. ¡°My husband¡¯s not dead right? He¡¯s alive. Right?¡±

    She waited for her answer, but her mother-inw kept silent, her hands on her mouth making a muffled voice as she cried at the sight of her own son.

    Sophia, who didn¡¯t received a reply from her mother-inw, looked to the other members of the Leon family. ¡°Right? Marco¡¯s just resting. He¡¯s gonna wake up after this.¡±

    The members of the Leon family shook their head, even looking away from the horrendous and pitiful scene. Sophia cannot ept their response. Her brain kept on denying the truth about her husband¡¯s death.

    In her mind, Marco is just resting temporarily. That he will wake up and wille back to her.

    She hugged her husband¡¯s body, with tears falling from her eyes. She needs to feel his warmth, a thing she is always looking for everyday.

    But Marco¡¯s body is cold. Sophia has never felt her husband¡¯s body like this. Her mind might deny the truth, but her body can feel that her husband is not with her anymore.

    Marco might be resting, but he¡¯s resting forever.

 You Canéˆ¥æª› Escape, Isabella

    THE WHOLE PLACE WAS FILLED WITH people wearing ck dresses and suits mourning for the loss of one of the biggest businessman and investor in Rome. A ck vehicle carrying the casket is on the lead, while the people who shared their condolences is behind it, walking slowly.

    The very first people infront is the family, who still hasn¡¯t recovered from their loss. A sunshine of the family was snatched away from them, leaving them stucked in darkness.

    They were already walking for minutes, their feet aching from the distance they walked. Somber but melodic music, which were Marco¡¯s favorite, was ying on the background.

    The moment they arrived at the burial site, everyone seated down while the priest started the ceremony.

    In front of them is a white casket, which is opened on top. The lively picture of Marco Leon is seated on top of it, reminding the mourners of his happy characteristics.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Chiara gently touched and squeezed Sophia¡¯s hand, telling her that she is there to support her no matter what happens.

    Sophia gave her a small smile, but Chiara knows that behind those smile, she¡¯s hurting inside. Behind those sunsses are eyes filled with sadness and longing for her husband.

    ¡°You can do this, Sophia, ¡± she whispered on her friend, cheering her up. ¡°Mourn now and then you can fight for himter.¡±

    Sophia nodded. ¡°I will. I won¡¯t let his death be just like this. I will bring justice to my husband, ¡± she stated firmly before looking back to the talking priest.

    After the ceremony and the eulogy, the people who wanted to see the dead man onest time walked towards the open casket. Several people, including his friends and close businessmen, took one st nce at him.

    ¡°I will make sure to punish whoever did this to you,¡± Chiara spoke at his body. ¡°You were close to my husband, and I like you wife as my friend. She¡¯s great. I will take care of her. Don¡¯t worry and just rest.¡±

    Atst, after the crowd of people, Sophia was able to go near her husband¡¯s body. She thought her tears were gone after almost a week of crying, but they still fell as she stared at Marco¡¯s peaceful face.

    ¡°You still look handsome, amore mio, ¡± she spoke while her finger trailed the skin from his forehead, to the tip of his nose, until his chin.

    ¡°You are the best husband in the world. You made me happy everyday. You never made me cry, not until now, ¡± she wiped the tears on her cheeks while chuckling.

    She looked like a mess, but she didn¡¯t mind. ¡°I hope you¡¯re resting well, whenever you are. Please watch over me everyday and hug me to sleep, just like what you always do, ¡± she smiled bitterly. ¡°I will miss you. Te amo, amore mio.¡±

    For thest time, Sophia gave a long kiss to her husband. This kiss, she hoped, will guide her husband in the afterlife.

    A DAY AFTER THE FUNERAL, Chiara apanied Sophia to the police station. Thetter wasn¡¯t in a good shape before, thus, she didn¡¯t have the time and strength to know what really happened to her husband.

    She was hesitant at first. Sophia is not sure if she can face and hear the truth about her husband¡¯s death, but with Chiara and her mother-inw in her side, she felt stronger.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± the police officer greeted them as they entered the station. One man, who they assumed is the chief, was sitting behind a desk and waiting for them to sit.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to have you here, Mrs. Leon,¡± the man with the tag ¡®Chief Pessi¡¯ spoke to the two women from the Leon family before his eyesnded on Chiara.

    ¡°May I ask what are you doing here, ma¡¯am?¡± Chief Pessi asked with a different tone to Chiara. It didn¡¯t escaped Chiara¡¯s hearing.

    Sophia answered for her. ¡°She¡¯s a close friend of mine and my husband. I brought her here with me.¡±

    Chief Pessi didn¡¯t respond and looked at Chiara again, as if he wanted her go leave the station. Chiara invisibly rolled her eyes; she knew this chief doesn¡¯t like her and she wanted to know why.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Sophia,¡± she spoke to her friend while tapping her shoulder lightly. ¡°It¡¯s a family matter. I¡¯ll just wait for the both of you in the car.¡±

    Sophia hurriedly stopped her. ¡°No, Chiara. Please stay here,¡± she pleaded before looking back at Chief Pessi. ¡°Chief, please let my friend stay. I will be responsible for whatever will happen.¡±

    The chief couldn¡¯t disagree again or else he will be in a tight spot, so he just blew a sigh before nodding. ¡°Just make sure that you friend will not release any information without your permission.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Chief, ¡± Chiara interfered. ¡°I¡¯m not a snitch.¡±

    Chief Pessi ignored it and moved on discussing what happened to Marco. ¡°Based on the autopsy, Mr. Leon was beaten. A lot of parts in his body had bruises and wounds, most likely from wood,¡± he pointed a part of the autopsy that stated that.

    ¡°However, that wasn¡¯t the cause of his death,¡± his finger moved to another text. ¡°He was poisioned. The autopsy cannot detect what kind of poison it is, but it looks like a new one, maybe synthetic.¡±

    ¡°Did you find any leads that can point the suspect?¡± the mother asked with hope.

    The chief shook his head slowly. ¡°No other DNA in his fingernails or anything can be found. The drum doesn¡¯t have any traces as well,¡± he responded with a monotone voice. ¡°The truck that the civilian saw was abandoned in an empty lot. It was not registered, so we cannot find the owner.¡±

    ¡°The steering wheel?¡± Chiara asked. ¡°Did you check the steering wheel for fingerprints? Or the truck doors?¡±

    Chief Pessi seemed annoyed at her question, but he still answered it. ¡°Of course, we checked it,¡± he spoke with a sarcastic voice. ¡°But we didn¡¯t find anything.¡±

    The meeting was cut short when the chief was called for an operation. They were told go wait for updates through calls and promised that they will look deeper, but Chiara didn¡¯t believe that.

    The three walked towards outside of the chief¡¯s office. Suddenly, Chiara whispered in Sophia¡¯s ears.

    ¡°My men saw some of Marco¡¯s belongings. They are currently looking for traces,¡± she said with a voice that is only enough for them to hear.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell the police?¡± Sophia whispered back.

    Chiara smirked while remembering what the authorities did to their evidences before. ¡°Last time I submitted the evidences, all of it vanished.¡±

    Sophia¡¯s eyes widened, realizing what her friend mean. If the police cannot find anything, then her only hope are the belongings her husband left before he died. Those things must have some traces of the suspect, or suspects.

    Before they left, Chiara told them that she¡¯s going to visit someone detained in the same jail. Sophia and her mother-inw decided to go back first to the car, as the mother-inw is starting feel exhausted.

    Chiara walked towards one of the visitation guards and stated the name of  person she is going to visit. Unlike on the other prison, this police she talked to knows her, and gave her the ess to visit the person in the cell instead of going to a visitation cubicle.

    Eyes of female prisonersnded on Chiara as she walked towards the cells. They thought she¡¯s a new inmate, but upon not seeing her in handcuffs, they realized she is an important person.

    ¡°01725!¡± the police shouted on the second to thest cell from the entrance. ¡°You have a visitor!¡±

    When Chiara reached the cell, she saw the face of the person she wanted to visit: Isabe.

    The other inmates inside where shooed away by the police so that they can¡¯t ruin the conversation. He also took steps backward to give privacy to the two.

    ¡°Hi, Isabe. How are you doing?¡± Chiara spoke with a version of gentle voice she used when mocking someone.

    Isabe gritted her teeth and shook the jail bars. ¡°What are you doing here?!¡± she looked at the police behind Chiara. ¡°Throw this woman out! I don¡¯t want her here!¡±

    The prisoner woman was about to go back to her bed when Chiara pulled her hair and tied it to the jail bar.

    ¡°Don¡¯t leave when I¡¯m still talking to you, okay?¡± Chiara spoke. Isabe tried to remove her hair from the jail bar, but Chiara yanked the remaining hair towards her.

    Isabe reached how Chiara¡¯s hands and face but the guard hit her hands with the bat he¡¯s holding. She immediately backed down knowing that she won¡¯t win.

    ¡°I just visited to tell you that your precious Giovanni doesn¡¯t have a n to get you out,¡± Chiara said in her face as clearly as possible. She saw how Isabe¡¯s face fell after she said that.

    ¡°He was released more than a month ago. He hasn¡¯t visited you, right? Not even once?¡±

    The expression Isabe has is enough for Chiara to know that what she said is right. The reports hse received stated that no one visited Isabe since she was sent in jail, and Chiara was the first.

    ¡°Do you want to know why?¡± Chiara teased. She moved closer to Isabe and whispered. ¡°He already found a new pussy to fuck, and as far as I know, he will bring her to the grand opening of Soleira,¡± she gave a smug face to her. ¡°That new girl will experience the attention you worked so hard to have for the past years. I can¡¯t believe Giovanni will show off a new woman instead of you, who was his mistress for years.¡±

    Isabe¡¯s eyes started to water. Chiara knew she hit the bull¡¯seye so she decided to stop right pushing further.

    ¡°I¡¯m just telling you about it, as a concerned fellowdy,¡± Chiara spoke before leaving Isabe, who¡¯s mind was clouded with thoughts about what the former said. It was just a short conversation, but Isabe knew that she¡¯s doomed.

 Nickéˆ¥æªš Suffering

    A GROAN ESCAPED FROM Nick¡¯s lips as he woke up. He can feel his hands tied up behind him, and not just tied up but very tightly tied up. He is sure that if he can see his hand, it¡¯s already turning purple from the loss of blood and oxygen.

    Nick tried to open his eyes, but it¡¯s still ck. Only darkness can be seen from his eyes. However, he can feel a piece of cloth covering his sight. Like how his hands were tied up, the cloth covering his eyes was also tightly sealed, making it almost squeezing his head.

    ¡°He-, ¡± his words of asking help was cut short as it was interrupted by his own cough.

    The way he coughs sounds like his lungs wanted to go out from his body. Nick¡¯s throat were so dry that it is starting to hurt more as soon as he tried to speak.

    The whole ce where he¡¯s currently in smells awful. The smell is a mixture of iron, piss, and other things he cannot recognize. Nick tried to stand up, but his legs doesn¡¯t have the strength to do so. Every time he tries to get up, he ended up falling on his knees.

    Nick tried to remember what he was doing before this happened. His mind is still foggy. He cannot remember a single thing, and everything looks blurry in his mind.

    ¡°Fuck,¡± he spoke to himself while squeezing his brain for information.

    Atst, a single memory of prior events became clear. Nick saw himself walking out of the Philippine Airlines office after securing a ticket to Italy with the help of his connections.

    He just crossed the pedestrianne when a van pulled up in front of him. Several hands pulled him inside and before he could fight back, a metal thing hit his nape, turning him unconscious.

    Nick shook his head. ¡°I should have been morr careful,¡± he whispered, ming himself for the unfortunate event he is currently facing.

    Suddenly, sounds of footsteps echoed from the outside of the room. Nick tried to find out where the door is, but before he could that, a creaking sound was heard and the footsteps became louder and clearer.

    Nick can hear different footsteps, maybe from more than five people. Just the thought of having several people helding him captive is enough to bring chills to him body.

    ¡°You¡¯re finally awake!¡± a man¡¯s voice spoke. ¡°After several days!¡±

    ¡°His head must have been hurt pretty badly,¡± another man spoke with a mocking tone. ¡°Do you want daddy to kiss it so it won¡¯t hurt anymore?¡±

    The menughed in unison. Theirugh was like a devil who had an evil idea on how to torture a sinner. It was chilling and scary.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Nick asked with a cracking and weak voice. His sound is enough for the captors to know that he is not in a good shape, much to their delight.

    A man with long blond hair walked towards him before squatting so that their face will be on the same level. ¡°We¡¯re the power rangers!¡±

    All of themughed again, as if the condition of Nick amused them. Some of them even copied the pose of power rangers to mock Nick even though he can¡¯t see them.

    ¡°What do you want from me?¡± he spoke bravely. ¡°Money? I can give you that. Tell me what you want, I¡¯ll give it to you, and let me go!¡± he screamed to them. He is not even sure if he¡¯s facing them the right way.

    ¡°We don¡¯t want your money,¡± another man¡¯s voice spoke. Nick smelled and felt a smoke of cigarette hitting his face.

    ¡°But sure! We can you tell you what we want,¡± Nick can hear him grinning against his voice. ¡°Boys, what do we want?!¡±

    ¡°A punching bag!¡± they shouted in unison beforeughing evilly.

    Chills ran down to Nick¡¯s spine upon realizing what these men meant: for him to be their punching bag. He hurriedly moved backwards while kneeling, until his back hit a cement surface.

    Before a sound escape his lips, Nick felt a strong force hit his stomach. The force was too much for his already weak body to endure. He curled into a ball, trying to hide his sensitive area from the abuser.

    ¡°Stop! Stop!¡± he screamed at them, but his words fell on deaf ears. Another hard object hit hit arm, another one targeted his leg. Some even kicked him to his side, exposing his back before hitting the same spot.

    Nick tried to kick back the captors, but one hand caught his feet before hitting it repeatedly. He screamed and screamed, hoping that someone might hear his plead for help.

    He doesn¡¯t know how many minutes passed, but the men stopped viting his body. He heard the nging of metallic bottle caps falling to the ground  and sounds of gulping.

    Nick threw out blood from him mouth. He tried to crawl, looking for a way out when suddenly, someond held his shoulder.

    The hand of a man grabbed the cloth covering his eyes before pulling it down to his neck. Nick was greeted by a man who¡¯s the top half of the face was covered.

    He looked around and saw several men wearing the same mask. They were drinking liquor while looking at him, and he doesn¡¯t like the way they look at him.

    The man infront of Nick grabbed his chin before making him look back. ¡°We¡¯ll give you a chance. If boss arrived in a minute, then we will go easy on you. But if not,¡± his left hand went down to Nick¡¯s intimate area. ¡°Then all of us are gonna have fun using your body.¡±

    The man grinned and licked his lips, making Nick feel disgust. When the man let him go, he looked around trying to find the exit.

    He found two doors: one on the floor they¡¯re in and one on the higher floor, just above adder. He saw that the first door is unlocked. It must be the real exit.

    Secondster, Nick heard footsteps from the outside and shadows getting near to the door. The man who was talking to him earlier spoke, ¡°Today must be your lucky day.¡±

    Nick wanted to punch him in the face, but the only thing he can do is re at him which received a manicugh from the man.

    ¡°Boss,¡± the man greeted the other person who is wearing a golden mask. He bowed down to the person he called ¡®boss¡¯.

    The boss walked towards Nick, his shoes making squeaky sounds on the floor. ¡°You must be Nick,¡± the boss said.

    Nick looked up and red at him. ¡°Who are you?¡± he asked with the strength he has left.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to know you I am,¡± the boss replied and grinned. ¡°I¡¯m just here to tell you not to meddle with my business.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Nick replied before he coughed out blood. Some of the blood almost reached the shoes of the boss, who immediately moved backward.

    The boss smirked at him. ¡°You know what I¡¯m talking about, ¡± the boss squatted down and his pointing finger found Nick¡¯s chin. ¡°You¡¯re investigating about Ariti Gomez¡¯s death, aren¡¯t you? I suggest you stop what you¡¯re doing if you still love your life.¡±Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°Why?¡± Nick asked cheekily. ¡°Are you afraid I might find something?¡±

    Even if the man hides half of his face, Nick can still recognize him. He had investigated about him a lot before. He had seen a lot of his photos.

    ¡°You know, I can kill you here right now and no one will know about it,¡± the boss replied, ignoring Nick¡¯s question. ¡°Tell me, do you work for Chiara Vitali?¡±

    Nick didn¡¯t hesitate to deny the truth. ¡°Who¡¯s that? I don¡¯t work for that person.¡±

    ¡°Stop lying,¡± the boss gritted his teeth. ¡°Tell me who you work for. I know you work for Vitali¡¯s bitch.¡±

    Although Nick is annoyed as someone called his friend a bitch, he hide his emotions. ¡°I don¡¯t know who that person is. I don¡¯t just work for any person. I work for the government,¡± he spoke.

    The boss ran his fingers through his hair and smiled evilly. ¡°Let¡¯s y a game, Nick,¡± he said. ¡°You are quiet a pretty man. It¡¯s a waste if I will kill you easily.¡±

    ¡°I will give you five minutes to leave this ce,¡± he added. ¡°If you did that, then I will let you go. But if not,¡± he caressed Nick¡¯s cheeks before continuing. ¡°You¡¯ll be our ythinh until your we got tired of you.¡±

    Two men released him. Nick felt relieved when the rope on his wrists came undone.

    ¡°Your time starts now. Goodluck, Nick.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Nick rushed outside, not minding the pain his body is feeling. He didn¡¯t think of anything. He focused on his goal of escaping, because he knew he will face more suffering if hef failed to escape. This is his only chance.

    The moment Nick ran outside, the boss thought to himself. ¡°He won¡¯t be able to escape. I¡¯ll make sure of that, ¡± he said confidently to himself.

    However, his confidence won¡¯t do anything. Because as soon as Nick left the warehouse, he clicked on the small button on the button of his pants. He just hoped the signal will reach the people he hoped will save him.

    God must have heard his prayer, because as soon as he heard the captors getting near to him, a familiar car of his senior dashed towards his direction.

    ¡°Hop on!¡± Detective Javier shouted as she opened the car door. Nick reached for the car and pushed himself inside. The moment the door was closed, a bullet hit the window. Nick was thankful it was bullet proof.

    Detective Javier drove back to the city, swerving the car fo avoid the bullet from prating any wheel. From the backseat, Darwin opened a small hole and fired his gun towards the enemies until they finally escaped.

    On the other hand, the boss gritted his teeth as his captive escaped from his hands. ¡°I should¡¯ve killed him, ¡± he spoke with anger before shooting one of his men who was shot by Darwin on the leg. His bullet prated his brain, leaving him dead.

    Frustrated, the boss entered his van. The moment he stepped inside, he removed his mask, revealing his face.

    ¡°Drive to the airport. We¡¯ll go back to Italy,¡± Giovanni told the driver before resting his back on the chair. ¡°I¡¯ll have to take care of Ezio¡¯s cara.¡±

 Happy Anniversary

    WHITE CEILING AND WALLS greeted Nick as soon as he opened his eyes. The light was too much for his eyes that they started to hurt after a few seconds. He shut his eyes while trying to move his body.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move, ¡± a familiar voice of a woman spoke. ¡°I¡¯ll break your leg more if you try to move.¡±

    Nick tried to open his eyes once again. He purposely avoid the bulb on the ceiling and turned his head to the right. A denim pants greetes him together with a pair of hand.

    ¡°Senior,¡± he spoke weakly. His voice is strained as if he shouted for a long time.

    He slowly looked up and with squinting eyes, he saw Detective Javier looking down at him with a poker face. He felt relieved as soon as he saw him.

    He is not in that awful ce anymore. There are no captors or abusers here. He knows he is safe in this ce.

    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked, using the strength he has.

    Detective Javier raised her left eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯m the one who should ask that to you. What happened?¡±

    Nick looked at her and didn¡¯t answer. He has a lot of things to say, from the reason why he was abducted, to what those people did to him. He wanted to speak, but the killer ache in his throat is too much.

    When Detective Javier noticed that her subordinate won¡¯t speak, she threw a deep breath. She sat down on the chair beside his bed.

    ¡°Lia called me,¡± she started speaking. ¡°She said she can¡¯t contact you. At first, I thought you were busy in Italy. I didn¡¯t look for you since you filed a leave. I thought you were doing fine. ¡±

    ¡°But when I contacted your parents, they told me you haven¡¯t messaged or called them either,¡± she peeled a banana before biting into it. She swallowed first before she continued. ¡°That¡¯s when I know something was wrong.¡±

    ¡°Darwin checked the records and we found out that you didn¡¯t leave the country, ¡± she looked back to Nick who is just listening attentively to her. ¡°We tried to find you, but the only thing we saw is the van who abducted you that day.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not registered, just as I expected. Every investigation we did only reached a dead end,¡± then she threw a small button up and down from her hands. ¡°Until you sent us a signal.¡±

    She smiled cockily. ¡°You were lucky that we have a case nearby. If we were far away, we wouldn¡¯t arrive in time. Who knows what could have happened?¡±

    Nick felt a shiver in his body. He doesn¡¯t want to think of what could have happened to him if Detective Javier and Darwin didn¡¯t arrive in time.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± he replied to their good deeds. He wanted to say more, but his aching throat always stopped him.

    ¡°Do you know who those people are? We have to punish them in ordance tow, ¡± she asked.

    ¡°They did a lot of damage to you,¡± her eyes looked around his body. ¡°You look awful.¡±

    Nick just gave a bitter smile before responding. ¡°I know who the boss is. Leave it to me, ¡± he spoke in a very slow and weak voice.

    Detective Javier didn¡¯t push it more. She knows that Nick does have the capability to find those people, and she will just be there to support and help him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to Italy,¡± Nick spoke after a moment of silence.

    Detective Javier nodded. ¡°Sure, but only after you recovered.¡±

    ON THE OTHER PART OF THE PLANET, Chiara is busy filling up red and white balloons with hydrogen. She is all smiled while pushing the air pumper towards the balloons.

    ¡°Mi figlia,¡± Fabio called his daughter. ¡°Do you need help with those balloons?¡±

    Chiara shook her headhead while doing her work. ¡°I¡¯m fine, dad. I can finish this all.¡±

    Fabio just smiled while watching his daughter happily decorating their bedroom. After Chiara filled up all of the balloons, she taped them to the wall while doing a certain shape.

    Her parents, Celine and Fabio, just watched her doing most of the decorations. Chiara has a smile on her face, already celebrating the very important day of her life.

    ¡°I never imagined our daughter doing something like this for her husband, ¡± Celine spoke as she was unboxing the other decorations her daughter boughtst time.

    ¡°Well, she is already grown up,¡± Fabio replied while helping his wife. ¡°It¡¯s just sad that Ezio couldn¡¯t celebrate this day with her.¡±

    Celine looked at their son-inw who is still unconscious. ¡°It¡¯s been months. The doctor said he has some improvements. When will he wake up?¡±

    ¡°No one knows, ¡± Fabio spoke. ¡°Let¡¯s just not ruin this day and look at the brighter side. They have been married for four years, that is what matters.¡±

    His wife nodded with a smile before continuing their task. On the other hand, Chiara was enjoying her own work.

    She downloaded a lot of inspirations for the decoration until she opt for a red and white design. The balloon were arranged in heart shape and a foam calligraphy of ¡°Happy Anniversary¡± is in the middle.

    Chiara made most of the decorations by herself. Her talent for handicraft emerged while nning their anniversary celebration. She created some dangling heart designs that are taped on the ceiling. She also created flowers from papers and added it as a part of their decorations.

    It didn¡¯t took long for her to finish everything. Her parents and Fara helped in cleaning the trashes away until the room is back to being spotless.

    Chiara sat beside her unconscious husband. She reached for his cheek and gently caressed it using her thumb. After staring at him for a long time, Chiara stood up and grabbed the photobook on the other table.

    ¡°I know a lot about you. You always tell me stories about you and your family, tesoro, ¡± she spoke as she sat down. ¡°Now, it¡¯s my time to tell my own stories. I hope you can hear me.¡±

    Chiara opened the photobook and she was greeted of her pictures as a baby. She positioned the photobook in a way that Ezio can see the pictures, if he wakes up.

    ¡°This is my first photo as a child. Dad took it after I became one week old, ¡± she spoke while pointing the photo. ¡°This one was during my christening. I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m crying in the photo, maybe because I¡¯m a baby. But mom told me that it was because of the holy water the priest poured in my head. She said I hated water when I was a child.¡±

    She flipped the pages of the book and told Ezio the stories behind each photo. The doctor said it will be better for someone to talk to Ezio even if he¡¯s asleep, to make sure that his brain can pick up the sound waves.

    Chiara took a long time deciding how they will celebrate their anniversary, and she settled with this. It was intimate, just only her and her husband.

    ¡°Wait, tesoro, ¡± she spoke while putting down the open photobook in the table. ¡°I¡¯ll just drink water.¡±

    She stood up and poured some water from the dispenser. She was too focused on telling stories to her husband that she didn¡¯t notice that it was already night time.

    Chiara looked at the clock and she found out that half an hour passed since eight in the evening. From the mini fridge, she pulled out a small cake before lighting up the candle.

    ¡°I made this myself, tesoro,¡± she spoke as she sat down. ¡°I hope you can taste this when you wake up.¡±

    She cut two slices from the cake after blowing the candle: one for her and one for Ezio. She ate her part before continuing on telling her childhood stories.

    There were a lot of photos. The book doesn¡¯t even include her photos after elementary school. Hours passed and Chiara finally reached thest page.

    ¡°This one was taken after I finish elementary school. My parents brought me to the newly opened yground in Florence. I met a lot of children that day and I -¡± her words were interrupted when a portion of icing fell on the photobook from her fork.

    She hurriedly removed the icing from the page. Suddenly, she noticed a familiar face on the part where the icing fell.

    Chiara looked carefully at the photo, and noticed the child¡¯s face resembles her husband.

    ¡°Tesoro, ¡± she called for him. ¡°Is this you?¡±

    The boy that¡¯s photobombing Chiara¡¯s shot also has the same eyes as Ezio. He was staring at Chiara who was ying on a swing.

    Chiara looked at the other photos that were shot that day, and in each of them, the boy that resembles Ezio is on the background, always looking at Chiara.

    There was this one photo, where Chiara was sticking her tongue out to the boy that looked like Ezio. Even if she was teasing the boy, he has this smile on his face.

    ¡°So we have already met before,¡± she spoke under her breath. ¡°Too bad I can¡¯t remember our interaction.¡±Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    She put a bookmark on those pages and noted herself to create duplicates of those. Chiara closed the book, went to brush her teeth, and did her evening routine.

    As she left the bathroom, Chiara nced at the clock and found out that only a few minutes are left before the day ends.

    She sat beside her husband and whispered. ¡°I enjoyed this day, tesoro. I¡¯m sure we will celebrate more anniversaries together in the future.¡±

    Chiara touched his cheek and closed her eyes while resting her head in his side. ¡°I promise to make it up to you. I will make up the years I wasted for nothing. You¡¯re the best husband in the world, and I will do my all to be the best wife for you. I promise to shower you with love and care everyday.¡±

    ¡°My only wish is for you to wake up. I promise to wait for the day you will open you eyes again. And when that timees, I will make sure to treasure it, ¡± she spoke with all of her heart. ¡°Te amo, tesoro. Please wake up.¡±

    Chiara lifted her head to nt kisses on her husband. However, just as she opened her eyes, mismatched orbs ¨C blue and green ¨C that is filled with tears met her gaze.

 Finally, Youéˆ¥æª™e Awake

    CHIARA¡¯S WORLD STOPPED uponnding her eyes on her husband. Her body forgot how to breathe for a moment. Her mind stopped functioning and it became cloudy. The sounds of crickets and air conditioner suddenly stopping ringing in her ears.

    Her eyes wete fixated on the mismatched eyes of her husband. Those different colored eyes that darted through her soul as if he is looking inside of her. Those eyes that captivated her heart. Those blue and green orbs that made her heart thump quickly.

    Suddenly, she was thrown back to reality when those eyes blinked at her. Chiara caught arge amount of breath that it almost choked her. Her eyes that were once fixated on her husband started to feel hot.

    Before she knew it, dam of tears fell from her eyes. And she¡¯s not the only one who¡¯s crying. The now conscious Ezio also has tears falling to the corner of his eyes.

    ¡°I¡­ A..,¡± Chiara couldn¡¯t find ant words to say. She wanted to talk to her husband, just like what she did earlier, but her lips and mind couldn¡¯t form any words.

    Is it perhaps because she talked too much for hours today? Or is it because after months of waiting, her husband is now awake? Is it because of the surge of emotions flowing through her body?

    Ezio blinked again. This time, it was longer than a usual blink that Chiara worried that he might go back to his slumber again.

    ¡°Mom! Dad!¡± Chiara shouted at the door while gently holding her husband¡¯s face using her shaky hands. ¡°Mom! Dad! Help!¡±

    She didn¡¯t stop shouting for her parents. Time by time, she would look at her husband, who she always find staring at her with teary eyes.

    ¡°Does something hurt?¡± Chiara asked, her voice cracking in the middle of the sentence.

    She inspected his body, looking for a part that might be giving difort or pain to her husband.

    ¡°Does your head hurt? Huh? Can you hear me?¡± she asked repeatedly to Ezio who just stared back at her.

    Chiara didn¡¯t know what to do. She was overwhelmed by different emotions that she doesn¡¯t know what to feel at that time. Her entire body is in chaos.

    ¡°Mom! Dad! Help me!¡± she shouted once again while her right hand was running through her hair and her left hand was wiping the tears on her eyes.

    The door suddenly opened, revealing her mom and dad with their sleepy eyes, but she can see that they were startled.

    ¡°Mi figlia, what happened?¡± Fabio spoke as he dashed towards his daughter while holding his wife¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Doctor,¡± Chiara responded as she reached for her husband. ¡°Call the doctor, please.¡±

    Celine¡¯s eyes widened as her hands flew to her lips. Her hands started to tremble while looking at her son-inw who is now awake.

    Fabio, although shocked, hurriedlyposed himself and reached out the private doctor. It was alreadyte at night, and they hoped the doctor will respond.

    ¡°Do you feel anything?¡± Chiara talked to her husband while touching certain part of his body, hoping to get a response from him.

    ¡°Can you see me?¡± she waved her hand infront of her husband. ¡°How about this? How many is this?¡± she asked while holding up two fingers.

    When Ezio didn¡¯t respond, Chiara moved closer to him. ¡°Can you hear me, tesoro? Can you hear my voice?¡±

    Ezio didn¡¯t talked nor moved, and that frustrates Chiara. Her lip trembled as she tried to wipe the tears that seemed to be never ending.

    ¡°Can you remember me?¡± Chiara asked with all of the hope she have left. ¡°I am your wife. Do you remember me?¡±

    The doctor arrived without Ezio saying anything. He was immobile, like a mummy. He was stucked in his position, not moving even an inch. The only movement he did was blinking his eyes.

    Although Chiara wanted to be near her husband, her parents gently backed her away to give the doctor ess to the patient¡¯s body. Chiara kept on looking on her husband, checking him and the reaction of the doctor.

    When the doctor removed his stethoscope, Chiara hurriedly asked. ¡°How¡¯s my husband, doc?¡±

    ¡°His vitals are stable. I did a physical exam on him, ¡± he flipped a page on his clipboard. ¡°His pupil size dtes and constricts normally. His breathing pattern is also normal.¡±

    ¡°But why is he not responding to me, doc?¡± she asked once again, worried of her husband¡¯s situation. ¡°I kept on talking to him earliee but he wouldn¡¯t respond.¡±

    The doctor nodded in small movements. ¡°For now, Signor Ezio cannot move or speak. But don¡¯t worry, this is pretty normal foratose patients,¡± he gave a paper to Chiara. ¡°We just need to have him undergo some physical and speech therapy sessions for faster recovery.¡±

    ¡°How long will it take for him to recover?¡± Fabio asked the doctor.

    ¡°I¡¯m not certain, signor, ¡± he replied. ¡°It varies from person to person. Some people took only days. However, some will take years. He is responding to stimulus, as I observed from his pupils, so there is a huge chance that he wille back to normal.¡±

    The doctor went back to Ezio¡¯s side. ¡°Signor, if you can hear me, please blink once.¡±

    All of their eyes are fixated on Ezio, waiting for him to respond through moving his eyes. Suddenly, just some seconds after the doctor spoke, Ezio blinked once.

    It made the people inside feel relieved. Then, Chiara tried the same thing. ¡°Tesoro, blink twice if you can feel my hand on your arm.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes became teary again as her husband blinked twice as a response.

    Chiara nodded and leaned towards her husband. She held his hand and touched his face. ¡°It¡¯s fine. We will work this out, okay? Everything will be fine, ¡± she gave a smile to her husband. ¡°You will recover and we will go back to normal again.¡±

    MORNING CAME and the first thing Chiara did is to expose her husband in the sun. It was a suggestion by the doctor to expose Ezio in the sun for a few minutes to get some vitamin D and regte his circadian rhythm.

    For now, since Ezio still cannot move, the doctor suggested to put him in a wheelchair if they will go outside, or just open the curtains to let the sunshine in.

    ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful morning today, tesoro,¡± Chiara spoke with a smile while pushing the wheelchaie gently. They are currently in the front yard of the safehouse and Chiara was wheeling her husband around.

    She pointed the perg sitting on the side of the yard. ¡°Let¡¯s go over there. The sun can directly shine on you in that area.¡±

    It was only 6:30 in the morning. The sun is up but the heat is normal. It still feels a little cold, butfortable, even if a person is exposed directly to sunlight.

    When they reached the perg, Chiara sat on the wooden chair and made her husband face her. With a smile, she spoke.

    ¡°I thought of using this perg to celebrate our anniversary, ¡± she said before looking around while pointing some parts of it.

    ¡°We can put some curtains in this part,¡± she pointed the back of the perg before switching it to the sides. ¡°And these parts two.¡±

    ¡°We can have our candle light dinner here. Fara is good at designing tables and chairs,¡± she said. ¡°Mom can cook for our meal. I want to do it but my cooking skill is not great.¡±

    ¡°But I can bake for us, ¡± she added befofe turning her face back to her husband. ¡°I baked a cake for our anniversary yesterday. I will bake another one for you once you have recovered.¡±

    She fixed the cor of the polo shirt that her husband is wearing. It was ruined by the wind. She gently brushed his soft hair to put it back in ce.

    ¡°I like this perg, ¡± she spoke. ¡°Let¡¯s build one or two in the mansion once we came back. We can have a rest there, or have a celebration.¡±

    A thought suddenly crossed her mind. ¡°We can also have a mini perg for our future children,¡± she said, already seeing the future. ¡°They can y house in that ce and have fun in the yard.¡±

    Chiara held Ezio¡¯s hand and caressed the wedding ring in his ring finger. She was staring at it for a long time, thinking of something.

    ¡°I looked for you that day, ¡± she spoke out of nowhere. ¡°I was excited because you were going home, but the day passed and you didn¡¯t reach out to me. Until Luigi called and told me what happened.¡±

    She threw a deep breath before making an upside down smile. ¡°It was difficult without you. I don¡¯t even know if I¡¯m doing what¡¯s the best for thepany, but I managed to make it stable until you return.¡±

    ¡°Every night, I was praying that when the morning came, you will be beside me, awake,¡± she looked up at her husband, tears starting to get on her sight. ¡°And He finally heard me.¡±

    Chiara reminisced the past night were she would cry beside her unconscious husband, whispering and begging him to wake up.

    ¡°I have decided long ago. I won¡¯t divorce you, tesoro. I want to be your wife until the end, ¡± she spoke, earning a tear from Ezio.

    ¡°You waking up is the best anniversary gift you can give to me,¡± she reached for his face. ¡°Te amo.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    With that, Ezio finally felt how soft his wife¡¯s lips were. Even if he¡¯s immobile, he will never forget the first time his wife gave him the kiss he¡¯s been craving for a long time.

 Ezioéˆ¥æªš Road To Recovery

    AS GIVEN BY THE DOCTOR, Ezio undergoes a speech and physical therapy. It was done to make him recover faster froma.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Results are already seen as days passed by, which made the doctor shocked and d of his condition. On the first day, Ezio had difficulties even in moving one finger. He also cannot make noises, even a small one.

    On the second day, Ezio can now move his fingers and toe nails, which made Chiara burst to tears. It was just a small improvement but it means a lot. The next days were more vigorous but just enough for his condition.

    Days passed and Ezio can now sit by myself, move his head as well as his arms. The only downside is that he stil cannot speak. He can make small noises, but not even bber a word.

    It was morning and Chiara was helping Ezio eat. It was suggested by the doctor to let her husband hold the utensils and feed himself. That way, he is still under therapy even without the therapist¡¯s supervision.

    ¡°Wrap your fingers around the spoon,¡± Chiara spoke gently to her husband while watching him move slowly. She was very patient even if he moves very slow.

    Atst, Ezio held the spoon on his right hand. His wife motioned the te with sunny side up egg. ¡°Go on. Cut a portion of the egg.¡±

    Ezio moved his hand slowly towards the egg sigting on the te. The spoon made a contact to the yolk, and slowly, Ezio pushed it down. The force was not enough to cut the crisp part underneath the egg, but as long as Ezio sessfully cut a part, it was enough for Chiara.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, ¡± she spoke. ¡°You¡¯re doing well, tesoro. Now, try to scoop that portion and eat it.¡±

    Ezio had difficulties scooping the egg. It kept on moving away from him whenever he tried go scoop it. Chiara can see the frustration in Ezio¡¯s face and she even heard him grumble while trying to scoop the egg for the nth time.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± she gently spoke to him while massaging his bicep. ¡°Just keep on trying. You can do it.¡±

    After several trial, Ezio finally scooped the portion of the egg. Then slowly, he put the spoon in his mouth with his shaky hand, and savored the taste of the sunny side up egg made by Chiara.

    The wife pped her hands with her eyes beaming at her husband. ¡°That¡¯s great! Let¡¯s just do this everytime and I¡¯m sure it will be easier for you.¡±

    Minutes passed before the finished eating. Like the other days, Chiara exposed her husband to the sun. The only difference is that Ezio is not in a wheelchair this time.

    Chiara, with the help of her father Fabio, guided Ezio outside. One arm of Ezio is hanging in Chiara¡¯s shoulder, while the other one is on Fabio. Slowly, they were helping him move his feet, imitating a walking person.

    It took them a lot of minutes before they reached the bench where they usually rest. ¡°Thank you, dad,¡± she spoke to her father who just nodded at her before going back inside the safe house.

    Chiara sat beside her husband while wiping the sweat on her forehead. She rested her head on her husband¡¯s shoulder, and thetter slowly reached for her hand, before squeezing it.

    ¡°I want to tell you what happened while you were asleep, ¡± she looked up at her husband who is also looking back at her. ¡°But let¡¯s just have that when you are fully recovered. A lot of things happened and I¡¯m sure we can talk better about it once you are fully healed.¡±

    Ezio blinked twice to her statement, a symbol that he agreed go it. Seeing his response, Chiara smiled. Ezio¡¯s blinking has been their way ofmunication since then.

    ¡°I was thinking of making you type your voice, but it might affect your speech therapy, ¡± she stated. ¡°I¡¯ll just wait until you can speak again.¡±

    The two bathe themselves under the shine of the sun. No one talked. They just listened to the sound of nature. The presence of each other is enough tifort them.

    ¡°I have to go to the officeter,¡± Chiara said. It will be the first day she will go to the office and dopany tasks after Ezio woke up. ¡°We will have a meeting about the construction of new branch of Luminosa in Spain.¡±

    She received a report that the agreement was conducted on the day Ezio left for Dubai. It was postponed since then, and the investors are already looking for the updates on progress.

    ¡°I have to tell you something,¡± she pouted at her husband. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell anyone about your condition then, only the trusted ones. When peoe started to look for you, I had fo resort for something.¡±

    Ezio cocked his head to the side, confused on what she¡¯s saying. Chiara find this movement cute and funny.

    ¡°Well, I asked your assistant Victor to pretend to be you,¡± Ezio was about to make noise when Chiara spoke again. ¡°Before you react, he just pretended to be you in front of other people. It¡¯s just once or twice a week. Don¡¯t worry because he is just pretending and we don¡¯t do any other stuffs.¡±

    After hearing that, Ezio looked away from Chiara, who earned a chuckle from thrtter. She yfully hugged him from the side while nting kisses on his jaw.

    From her perspective, she saw Ezio smiling like crazy. ¡°Don¡¯t sulk, tesoro, ¡± she said at him before hugging him tighter.

    Chiara was ying lovingly with her husband when someone suddenly shouted.

    ¡°Ezio, my friend!¡±

    When they look behind them, they saw Dante who is on all smiles with his arms in the air, as if he was going to give a hug. He ran towards them and before Chiara knew it, Dante lunged himself to Ezio, hugging her husband.

    ¡°Hey!¡± she pped Dante¡¯s arms away from Ezio. ¡°Be careful! Do not squeeze my husband!¡±

    But Dante didn¡¯t even budge. He kept on hugging his friend while teasing him. ¡°My sugar daddy is now awake. I¡¯m so happy, ¡± he spoke while drying the invisible and fake tears of him.

    ¡°That¡¯s my husband!¡± Chiara spoke, possessiveness dominating her body. She punched Dante on the face before forcefully removing his arms that are linking against her husband.

    ¡°Ouch!¡± Dante eximed while touching the part that Chiara punched. ¡°Why did you punch me?¡±

    ¡°I told you to stop hugging my husband,¡± she replied with her hands on her hips. ¡°I¡¯m the only one allowed to do that.¡±

    Dante gave a cocky smile, enjoying himself while teasing Chiara and Ezio at the same time. ¡°Possessive, I see. But I really miss my sugar daddy. I can¡¯t help it.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s ears turned red. ¡°He¡¯s not your sugar daddy! Stop calling my husband like that.¡±

    ¡°But he gives me money, ¡± he replied while trying to hug Ezio again, which Chiara stopped by hugging her husband first.

    ¡°In exchange of information, duh!¡± Chiara rolled her eyes. ¡°Go away! Don¡¯t disturb us.¡±

    Danteughed at the sight of the two. The wife was just ring at him. It took him a minute topose himself.

    ¡°Signora, you can¡¯t make me go home. You called for me, remember?¡± he spoke with confidence. ¡°I¡¯ll be Ezio¡¯s babysitter for today while you go to work.¡±

    He opened his phone and showed Chiara the screen. ¡°And there¡¯s only half an hour before your meeting starts, signora.¡±

    ¡°Oh my god!¡± she eximed before turning to her husband. ¡°I need to go to the office as soon as possible. Will you be fine here with Dante?¡±

    Although Ezio doesn¡¯t really wanted to be alone with his best friend, he doesn¡¯t have a choice but to let Chiara work. It is more important, after all. He blinked twice and nodded slowly as a response.

    ¡°Thank you, tesoro, ¡± she gave him a kiss on the lips. ¡°I¡¯ll be back as soon as we finished the meeting. Take care, okay? Te amo.¡±

    The moment only the two men were left, Dante¡¯s lips turned into a grin. His mind is already creating ideas on how to tease his best friend while he can¡¯t fight back. Just thinking of it makes him excited.

    On the other hand, Ezio started to regret letting this man alone with him. He is sure that Dante will tease him to the highest level. He made a note to himself to have his revenge once he recovered.

    THE MEETING ABOUT the new branch of Luminosa in Spain finished early. Chiara was actually shocked that they finished within a hour.

    Ezio¡¯s investors, and friends too as per Luigi¡¯s report, were very easy andfortable to work with. They have various linking ideas that sounds good to her, and it made the decision making easier.

    ¡°Now that the building and construction permits are done, as well as the other paper work, we can start on building the new branch, ¡± Chiara spoke to the other attendees. ¡°We will send updates as soon as we have progress. Rest assured that the construction will start within this month.¡±

    Victor, who was under the disguise of Ezio, is sitting beside Chiara, making himself busy by reading the paperworks that wete submitted to Chiara. He cannot have contribution to the meeting aside from nodding to Chiara when he was asked.

    It made his friends, the attendees of the meeting, confused on his actions. Even if Chiara told them that her husband was easily exhausted, they still have some doubts.

    However, no one dared to question them.

    When the meeting ended, the attendees bid their goodbye one by one. Thest person to leave the meeting room is Kelleon Gonzales. He is one of her husband¡¯s closest friends, aside from Dante. The two knew each other since their teenage years.

    Before Kelleon stepped outside the room, he looked back to Chiara. ¡°I know that Ezio,¡± he pointed subtly to Victor who is sitting in his chair. ¡°is fake.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes widened for a little bit upon hearing his statement. But she was able topose herself. She didn¡¯t foresee that another person can see through their n.

    Before she could respond, Kelleon spoke. ¡°I¡¯m on your side. No word wille from me, ¡± he gave a formal smile. ¡°I just hope that my friend is in good hands.¡±

    Hearing that madd Chiara feel relieved. Before Kelleon could leave, she answered. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. My husband is doing fine.¡±

 His First Words

    THERE WERE NO NEW things in their routine for the past days. Chiara wakes up, helps her husband with his morning routine, goes to work, goes home, then spend the the remaining hours of the day with her husband.

    Chiara usually ended her shift at work early to spend more time with her husband. She would finish all of her tasks quickly and efficiently. The only times she will be homete is when they have an urgent meeting at work.

    Ezio, on the other hand, spent most of his hours at the safe house, having his physical and speech therapy. The doctor wille to them every two days to monitor his progress. His inws were there to supporr and guide him throughout the process when his wife is not around. Dante, much to Ezio¡¯s annoyance, is also in their safe house almost every day.

    His best friend really spent the time teasing him instead of helping him, but he knows he can¡¯t do much to get back at him. Dante knew that, of course, that¡¯s why he is living the moment.

    Like today, Chiara watched her husband eating with ease. For the past few days, Ezio would have difficulties on eating by himself. Sometimes even spilling some food because of shaky hands. But now, Chiara can¡¯t help but smile because her husband can move his arms faster than before.

    ¡°Let¡¯s try to walk againter, okay?¡± she spoke to her husband as she wiped the food remains beside his mouth. Ezio nodded his head slowly.

    Her husband can now stand on his own, but has difficulties on moving his leg to step. The only he can do that is simr to walking is sliding his feet one at a time. His leg cannot support the whole body if the other one will step.

    But Chiara didn¡¯t look at it at a negatively sense. She focused on the improvements her husband has andplimented him whenever he can do something new.

    The only part of him that had a very slow progress is his speech. He still cannot say a single word, not even his name. However, he can say letters and their sounds.

    After they finished eating, Ezio helped in cleaning the table even if he is just standing and not walking like his wife. Chiara is the one who put the dishes in the sink and Fara will take care of itter.

    ¡°Do you want to go outside?¡± Chiara asked her husband. It is already nine kn the morning and the sun is shining brightly. She¡¯s afraid the sun will be too much for Ezio.

    Ezio looked outside before shaking his head. After that, he pointed the living room and Chiara alreadt knew what he meant. She guided and supported her husband on stepping slowly towards the room.

    It took them almost three minutes to reach twenty meters of distance. She let her husband sat down on the couch. Before Chiara could sit down, her phone rang.

    Her eyes instantly widen when she saw the caller ID. She hurriedly answered the call.

    ¡°Nick? Is this really you?¡± she asked. Ezio suddenly turned his head to his wife upon hearing a familiar name. That¡¯s the name of the man who was with Chiara when she bought her dress.

    On the other line, Nick spoke. ¡°It¡¯s me, Chichi. I a-¡± his voice was interrupted when his friend spoke.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°Where did you go?!¡± she eximed. ¡°I was trying to reach you but you wouldn¡¯t respond! I thought something happened to you!¡±

    Nick chuckled on the other line, stillying on the his bed because he has to rest from leg injury. ¡°Something really happened to me, Chichi,¡± he responded.

    ¡°What?¡± she asked with a confused tone as she sat beside her husband. ¡°What happened?¡±

    Nick told her everything. From his n to go to Italy, the abduction, the masked men, the boss, his investigation about Ariti, and even how he was saved by hisrades. He gave every information to his friend.

    ¡°It¡¯s Giovanni, isn¡¯t it?¡± she asked after seconds of silence. Ezio squeezed her hand gently and Chiara leaned to her husband for support.

    ¡°Yes, I am sure of that, ¡± Nick answered. ¡°I didn¡¯t see his whole face, but I recognized him even with half of it being covered with a mask.¡±

    Chiara took a deep breath. ¡°They kidnapped you because you were investigating about Ariti Gomez¡¯s case, right?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes, ¡± he replied. ¡°They directly told me not to meddle and investigate about that case.¡±

    ¡°So he is really hiding something about that case,¡± Chiara stating the fact. Although she has an idea why, she cannot move immediately as her proofs are not enough to pin the suspect.

    ¡°By the way, why are you investigating about it?¡± she asked when she realized something. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you to work on that part. ¡±

    Nick created a he-he-he sound. ¡°I just thought of doing it. I thought you forgot to tell me so I initiated, ¡± he said as an excuse.

    ¡°Oh really? Well, your initiative lead you to being kidnapped and almost killed,¡± Chiara said before rolling her eyes to her friend.

    ¡°Hey! I was being a good friend,¡± he defended himself.

    ¡°Being a good friend doesn¡¯t require being kidnapped, Nick,¡± she replied back.

    Nick just backed down because he knew his friend wouldn¡¯t stop scolding him unless he stopped making excuses. He surrendered and told his friend that she is right.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that case. I¡¯ll handle it, ¡± she told Nick. ¡°For now, take care of yourself and recover. Just call me if something suspicious happened.¡±

    The call ended after they catch up a little bit. She also shared the news of her husband waking up as she kissed Ezio¡¯s cheeks.

    Just as they were about to cuddle, Luigi suddenly entered the leaving room, catching his signor and signora is such intimate position.

    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t see anything,¡± he apologized and was about to left the room to give them privacy.

    ¡°Of course you see something,¡± Ezio thought to himself, annoyed that his time with his wife was interrupted.

    Chiara fixed herselc before turning to Luigi. ¡°Did something happen?¡± she asked.

    The assistant nodded before giving a brown envelope to his signora. ¡°Awyer from the Bti Law Firm visited Sigmund Russo in prison, signora.¡±

    Chiara opened the envelope and saw some pictures of a woman, in herte 30s, entering the jail where Sigmund is located. It was small but her identification card that is hanging from her neck has the word ¡°Bti¡± in it.

    The next photo has the woman talking to Sigmund inside a visitation cubicle. She doesn¡¯t know how their men got the  shots, but it just means they¡¯re efficient.

    Other photos has thewyer showing a paper to the inmate. The contents cannot be seen but Chiara assumed that it is connected to his case.

    Ezio just watched his wife and his assistant. He had an idea of what¡¯s happening, because Chiara started telling him what he missed little by little since his condition improved. As of now, he cannot help, but he made a note to himself to make more resources that can help them.

    ¡°I have a bad feeling about this,¡± Chiara spoke. ¡°We may have stopped them from bailing him out, but I am sure they can find another way. Illegal or not. ¡±

    She thought for a moment before giving orders to the assistant. ¡°Bribe thiswyer to stop what she¡¯s doing and oppose Giovanni, ¡± she said with a nk eye. ¡°If she doesn¡¯t want to work with us, then find a weakness of hers.¡±

    Luigi gulped upon seeing his signora. She now looked like Ezio who is nning something wicked.

    ¡°What will I do with the information, signora?¡± he asked even if he has an idea of what it will be.

    ¡°ckmail her,¡± she said while shrugging. ¡°Make sure the information is something that can shake her world. That way, she will do what we will tell her.¡±

    Ezio cannot help but to smile and feel proud of his wife. If he can talk, he could have told her how proud he is and for her to keep up a good work.

    HOURS PASSED AND LIKE BEFORE, Chiara helped her husband take a half shower before going to bed. At first, Ezio is kind of shy being naked in front of his wife. Of course, they haven¡¯t been this intimate before. He is nervous.

    On the other hand, Chiara just told him that she already saw everything he hides because she was the one who cleaned him up when he was still in aa. Just thinking and imagining that scenario is enough for Ezio to blush.

    ¡°Tell me if you cannot reach a part, ¡± she spoke to her husband while Ezio is trying to clean his back.

    Chiara wanted to help her husband, but the doctor said it was good to let him do it to exercise his flexibility.

    Afterward, while Ezio is drying his body, Chiara is looking for his pajamas. When she entered the bathroom, she saw Ezio has the towel wrapped on his lower body.

    Chiara can¡¯t help but to scrunch her nose. ¡°I told you I¡¯ve already seen it, ¡± she spoke while walking towards him. ¡°Get naked. You have to put on these pajamas.¡±

    Feeling shy, Ezio removed the towel that covered his intimate parts and blushed when he saw his wife staring at it. Chiara grinned, stopping herself from teasing her husband.

    While she was busy helping him button his top, she suddenly heard someone spoke.

    ¡°Cara.¡±

    The voice was rasp, weak, and slow, as if it came from someone who has a terminal disease or was beaten. But she knew were that voice came from.

    She looked up at her husband who was staring at her with a small and gentle smile. His mismatched eyes filled with love and adoration while focusing on her.

    ¡°Is it you?¡± she asked, her voice cracked on thest part. ¡°Did you call for me?¡±

    Ezio¡¯s smile grew wider. ¡°Cara.¡±

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help herself but to burst into tears. It¡¯s been months since shest heard her husband¡¯s voice, and hearing it now feels so surreal.

    She cupped his face. ¡°Can you say it again? Can you really talk now?¡±

    ¡°Cara,¡± he repeated. Chiara¡¯s body shook as she cried a bucket of tears. She hugged her husband, feeling the heat of his body against her even with their clothes as a hindrance.

    Ezio¡¯s pajama is now wet with her tears, but Chiara still couldn¡¯t stop crying. Her husband gently caressed her back while humming slowly.

    He touched his wife¡¯s chin and made her look up at him. Ezio pulled her face towards him and made their foreheads and noses close together. Their breath fanned each other¡¯s faces, but the warmth of it isforting.

    With all of his strength and ability, he whispered to her. ¡°Te amo, cara.¡±

 Motivation To Heal Faster

    CHIARA WAS ON ALL SMILES AS she watched her husband slowly walked around their bedroom without the guidance of any person. His footsteps were slow and calcted, as if he will fall from standing on any moment. But that doesn¡¯t stop him from trying.

    Ezio was opening the curtains to let the sun shine inside their room. His moves were somehow slow but it was faster than the other days.

    Chiara just stared at her husband, watching him walked around the room. Her eyes are squinting to the smallest form as she pretends to be asleep.

    Slowly, Ezio went back to their bed and sat beside Chiara. She closed her eyes and steadied her breathing. Although she cannot see what her husband is doing, she can feel him caressing her face with the back of his hand.

    It sent electric sensation in her body, and she cannot help but to purr against his touch. Ezio¡¯s finger traced the line between her lips, and she has to hold back not to tease him.

    After a few moments, she felt a warm thing making contact with her forehead. Ezio¡¯s lips nted kisses on the different parts of her face: forehead, cheeks, nose, and side of the lips. Until it went down to her neck, sending tingling sensation to her.

    His moves were slow, adding a romantic touch to his intimate movements. Ezio took a long time kissing his wife¡¯s delicate neck, until he cannot help himself but to bite and suck the skin.

    Chiara groaned against that move. She opened her eyes, meeting the mismatched ones of her husband. Ezio grinned but she can see his ears blushing.

    ¡°Good morning, cara,¡± he spoke in a slow manner while smiling at his wife.

    Chiara giggle before giving him back harmless kisses. ¡°Good morning to you too, tesoro,¡± she replied.

    Her husband hugged her from the side, and continued on kissing her face and neck, intentionally avoiding her lips to tease her.

    It is their morning routine since Ezio had some drastic improvements. He would wake up first, and then kiss and hug his wife until she woke up.

    ¡°Kiss me,¡± Chiara demanded while pouting her lips, craving for his lips to be on hers.

    Ezio just chuckled at her before going back on what he¡¯s doing. It irritated Chiara, because she really wanted to taste her husband¡¯s lips, but he wouldn¡¯t let her.

    Annoyed, she cupped her husband¡¯s face who cannot fight back because of his weak strength at that time. She hurriedly snatched a kiss from him.

    At first, it was just a shallow kiss, until Ezio yfully bit his wife¡¯s lower lip, making her groan and open her mouth. Instinctively, Ezio pushed his tongue inside hers and yed with it. He explored her mouth as they hugged each other, feeling their warmth.

    Their lips fitted into each other as if they were puzzle pieces. They forgot to breathe for some seconds, just focused on savoring each other¡¯s lips.

    ¡°Oh my god,¡± Chiara reacted when their lips seperated. They are both huffing, both of their chest going up and down, as they catch their breathe.

    Ezio smiled yfully while looking at his wife who¡¯s eyes were glued on his lips. He about to go for another kiss when they heard continuous knocking in their bedroom door.

    ¡°Mi figlia!¡± Celine shouted from the outside of the room. ¡°Are you awake? The breakfast is ready. Just go down with Ezio and join us.¡±

    Chiara hurriedly sat down and fixed herself, including her pajamas who was messed up as they kissed earlier.

    ¡°Yes, mom!¡± she shouted back. ¡°We will be down in a minute!¡±

    When Celine said ¡°okay¡±, they heard his footstels moving away from their room. Chiara stood up and helped her husband stood up. However, just as Ezio was on his feet, he pulled Chiara towards him and kissed her again.

    ¡°I have a feeling that this will escte quickly if we will stay longer here in the room,¡± Chiara spoke after their heated moment.

    Ezio chuckled as his hand massaged his wife¡¯s nape, with some hair tangling with his fingers. ¡°Then shall we stay here longer?¡± he teased while his eyebrows are moving up and down.

    Chiara yfully pped his arms. ¡°Silly,¡± she spoke. ¡°You¡¯re not fully healed yet. ¡±

    Her arms snaked around her husband, and they moved their bodies side by side, feeling contented. Ezio kissed her cheek and she felt him smile against her skin.

    ¡°You mean we can do it when I¡¯m healed?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yep, ¡± Chiara grinned. ¡°So make sure to heal quickly.¡±

    Hearing that, Ezio made a note to himself to recover as quickly as possible. He is so excited to im his reward, and it motivated him to heal faster.

    LUNCH TIME PASSED BY and the safe house became loud as Dante crashes inside again, much to Ezio¡¯s annoyance. His friend¡¯s teasing moments decreased as he had more improvements, but it still doesn¡¯t stop Dante from going in and out of the safe house as if it is his.

    ¡°Ezio my friend!¡± he shouted while rummaging inside their refrigerator until he settled with the chocte ice cream he found.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Ezio asked while clinging to Chiara and annoyed at his friend for disturbing their intimate time.

    Ezio has been sticking to his wife like a leech, going wherever she goes. He always wanted to see his wife around and would immediately look for her just seconds after she was out of sight.

    ¡°Aww,¡± Dante faked a sad face to annoy his friend more. ¡°Don¡¯t you miss me, my sugar daddy? It¡¯s been two days since Ist visited you. ¡±

    Ezio¡¯s face scrunch upon hearing it. His friend now has a knew nickname for him which is ¡°sugar daddy¡±. He doesn¡¯t know where it came from, but he is not shocked. Dante changes his nickname for him every once in a while.

    ¡°Just thinking of you being my sugar baby makes me want to vomit,¡± he spoke in a slower than normal pace.

    Dante smirked with happiness upon seeing improvements on his friend. Thest time he was in the safe house, Ezio can only speak short sentences.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. I know I¡¯m your favorite sugar baby,¡± he grinned wider. ¡°You gave me lots of money afterall.¡±

    ¡°The only person I will give my money to is my wife, ¡± he responded. ¡°Now leave us alone, ¡± he added before resting his head in his wife¡¯s shoulder, which earned a giggle from Chiara.

    Dante ignored his friend and sat down on the couch across the two of them. He opened the ice cream before eating a spoonful of it.

    ¡°I actually went here to invite you over a business,¡± he spoke as he looked for something in his phone. Secondster, he showed a photo to them.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Ezio asked because all he saw are nts and flowers.

    ¡°This is Ms. Copp¡¯s new business, ¡± he spoke like a proud man. ¡°She will open it by the end of this year. I want you to support her. Not really necessary invest in her business, just more on promoting it.¡±

    Ezio cocked his head to the side. ¡°Ms. Copp?¡± he rified. ¡°Isn¡¯t she the owner of Copp Museum and Copp Weapon Industries?¡±

    ¡°Yep, ¡± he nodded. ¡°She will be opening a new business. A flower business this time.¡±

    ¡°Her businesses are not linked to each other. I wonder why she kept on moving from one business to another,¡± Eziomented on his mind. ¡°Well, she¡¯s good at handling the first two businesses of their family, I think she can do this new one.¡±

    He looked at his wife  before asking. ¡°What¡¯s your decision, cara?¡±

    Chiara smiled. ¡°She is a friend of mine, of course I will support her.¡±

    ¡°We will support her,¡± Ezio answered his friend.

    Dante smiled and only gave a thumbs up as his mouth is still full from eating. Ezio looked at his friend who seemed please on Ms. Copp, and he couldn¡¯t help but ask.

    ¡°It¡¯s unusual for you to do something like this, ¡± Ezio spoke. ¡°Do you have feelings for Ms. Copp?¡±

    His question made Dante cough and almost threw the ice cream out. He was taken aback by his friend¡¯s question

    In his mind, he knows that Ezio is already thinking of him as a two-timer cheating bastard.

    And he is right. Because Ezio is really thinking of the same thing. He was already judging his friend.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Hey!¡± he spoke when heposed himself. ¡°Don¡¯t be too malicious. I don¡¯t have feelings for her! I have a girlfriend!¡± he defended himself.

    Chiara, who doesn¡¯t bought his reason, raised her eyebrow. ¡°Oh? Then why are you too focused on helping Ms. Copp? It¡¯s suspicious.¡±

    Dante wanted to defend himself, without knowing that the two were only teasing him. It¡¯s good to see him annoyed and defensive at the same time.

    ¡°Fine,¡± his shoulder fell as if he is going to surrender. ¡°It¡¯s my older brother.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s eyes widened upon hearing his friend¡¯s answer. ¡°Damian?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I only have one brother, duh?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s back?¡± Ezio asked, shocked that his friend¡¯s brother came back to Italy after being away for several years.

    ¡°Yep,¡± Dante spoke. ¡°He said he¡¯ll be staying in Italy for good, and it doesn¡¯t take a genuis to know that he is staying because of Ms. Copp.¡±

 Motheréˆ¥æªš Love and Worried Friend

    THEIR CONVERSATION was cut short when the doctor and Ezio¡¯s therapist arrived. Gabriel and Luigi, and sometimes Victor, were in-charged on checking if no one followed the people entering and leaving their house.

    That includes checking their cars or any vehicles, scanning them and the vehicles for trackers and any suspicious devices, confiscating anymunication devices, and many more. The machineries and tools that sometimes they need to enter and use for the therapy sessions are also subjected for scanning and checking.

    They were checking very vigorously, which Chiara thinks that came to fruition because Giovanni hasn¡¯t found Ezio even until now that he is awake.

    Chiara kissed her husband before he was transferred to the room that is intended only for his check-ups and therapy. She has to be away from her husband during that time because she knew that Ezio will focus on her instead on the therapy.

    ¡°Do you have any news about Giovanni?¡± Chiara asked when Ezio and the doctors, together with her parents amd a few guards, entered the other room.

    ¡°I was told he was spotted entering his mall in Guidonia, ¡± he replied and showed a photo from his phone. ¡°My men said he did nothing much inside aside from shopping. He went back to his house after that.¡±

    ¡°When was this taken?¡± she asked. Chiara remembered that Nick said Giovanni was there when he was abducted. She assumed he left after her friend escaped.

    What¡¯s bothering Chiara is that Giovanni is suspecting her of working with Nick about Ariti¡¯s case. His suspicion is true, and Chiara couldn¡¯t let him attack them first.

    Chiara knows that Giovanni is linked on Ariti¡¯s death, maybe to pave the way so that Monika will marry him. However, shecked evidence. The video she has from Elisa doesn¡¯t show any other person aside from Ariti himself.

    ¡°Just four days ago. He wasn¡¯t seen after that, ¡± Dante replied. ¡°It¡¯s either he did not leave his house, or he is good at escaping.¡±

    ¡°I have my bet on the second one,¡± Chiara answered while shaking her head.

    Dante chuckled and put his phone back to his pocket. It was more believable after all.

    ¡°By the way,¡± Chiara spoke when she thought of something. ¡°Do you know anything about Chief Pessi?¡±

    ¡°Are you reading my mind?¡± Dante asked out of nowhere which earned a re frum his bestfriend¡¯s wife. ¡°Just kidding, ¡± he made a peace sign. ¡°I was about to tell you something about him. Another reason why I visited.¡±

    ¡°So there¡¯s something bad about him, ¡± Chiara spoke as Fara entered with the pitcher of juice and sses in her hands. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t go here if it is not bad.¡±

    Dante clicked his fingers. ¡°You got it, signora,¡± he responded.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with him?¡±

    ¡°Well, aside from the fact that our evidences against Giovanni went missing under his care, I dig through records and found out that it was Giovanni¡¯s parents who funded his education in the police academy,¡± heid down the papers he got from his bag.

    Chiara picked up a paper and read the contents. It is a record of schrship for Chief Pessi and the benefactors were really the older Giordanos.

    ¡°Do they have any more beneficiaries for this schrship?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes, signora, ¡± he pointed another paper which Chiara picked up. ¡°Some were the current workers in theirpany. Ro Ossani¡¯s daughter was also a beneficiary before she became an ountant. Five beneficiaries becamewyers under Bti Law Firm, which includes the one who¡¯s assigned to Sigmund Russo.¡±

    Chiara nodded, recognizing what he said. From the looks of it, she has suspicions that the Giordano family used the schrship program go nt professionals in various fields who will work for them and will follow they sway of their hands.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Chief Pessi was on the top of their ss back in the days, which was the reason why the Giordano family chose him for that program,¡± he added.

    ¡°Or maybe they chose him because they don¡¯t want anyone questioning once they put him in a higher position. If you have the skills, no one will doubt your promotion, ¡± Chiara replied.

    Dante nodded because he thought of the same thing. ¡°Actually, he was promoted to being a Chief from a new policeman just after three years.¡±

    ¡°You mean from being a constable, he jumped up to being a Chief Sergeant?¡± she asked with a shocked voice. ¡°But I thought one would need five years of service for that?¡±

    ¡°Not just five years, signora, ¡± Dante replied. ¡°You cannot jump from one rank to anothee without having the previous one. It¡¯s like a prerequisite. That¡¯s why a lot of people questioned his ranking.¡±

    ¡°However, ¡± he took a deep sigh. ¡°His skills were superb. A lot of Director Officers recognized his efficient job and they didn¡¯t dare question his credibility.¡±

    ¡°I know he has mad skills. I watched him in the television a lot of times, ¡± she stated as remembered her encounter with him in the police station. ¡°But I have a bad feeling he is not just meddling with my husband¡¯s attempted murder case against Giovanni. I have a hunch he will do the same thing to Marco¡¯s case as well.¡±

    She turned her head to Dante. ¡°Have you checked the belongings Marco left in that warehouse you mentioned?¡±

    ¡°Yes, signora. We followed what you said, ¡± he replied and motioned his hand to another paper. ¡°We had it tested overseas and left some of it here in Italy. The result wille within a month.¡±

    ¡°I hope we can find something that can be linked to Giovanni,¡± she massaged her temple. ¡°That guy¡¯s good at hiding his traces. I can¡¯t catch him.¡±

    It¡¯s getting her frustrated. Everytime Chiara will do the offensive side and corner Giovanni, he can find a way to cut ties to those he worked with. They went back to zero everytime this happens.

    Chiara hoped that things will go smoothly now that Ezio is near recovery. Her husband might know a lot  about Giovanni. They will work together to bring him down.

    ¡°Go home, Dante, ¡± Ezio¡¯s voice echoed in the living room. The two looked to him and they Ezio walking towards them with Chiara¡¯s parents and the doctors at their back.

    ¡°It¡¯s my time with my wife. Shoo,¡± he pushed his friend away before hugging his wife, craving for attention.

    When everyone left aside from them, they transferred to their bedroom for more privacy. Ezio doesn¡¯t want anyone to ruin his quality with his beloved.

    ¡°Tesoro,¡± Chiara spoke while she was running her fingers through Ezio¡¯s hair. They wereying down in the bed, Ezio¡¯s head resting on Chiara¡¯s chest.

    Ezio was humming and making circr movements on Chiara¡¯s skin. ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Your mother,¡± she said, not knowing how to start telling him what his mother did for him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about mamma,¡± he felt him pout. ¡°Our mood usually turned sour when we talked about her.¡±

    She kissed his hair before responding. ¡°I¡¯m sure your mood will lighten once you heard me.¡±

    Ezio looked up at his wife with questioning eyes. ¡°Did something happen?¡±

    ¡°Your mother helped me when you were still unconscious,¡± she spoke, remembering how worried Elisa was on her one and only son. ¡°She gave me information about Giovanni and helped me transferring you here when they almost found you in the hospital.¡±

    Ezio was stunned when he heard that. He didn¡¯t even notice that his eyes are starting to worry, which made Chiara worried.

    ¡°Tesoro? Are you okay? Why are you crying?¡± she cupped his face before looking at his head to see if something hurts.

    Ezio buried his face on Chiara¡¯s face and she felt the warm tears wetting her shirt. It wasn¡¯t too much, but enough to know that Ezio is crying.

    ¡°Mamma still cares for me,¡± he whispered, as Chiara felt him smile against her skin.

    She caressed his back,forting him. ¡°I even doubted her at first, but she was really worried about you. Sometimes she will sneak in the hospital just to take care of you.¡±

    Ezio seemed please to hear that. He felt like he want to ran to his mother and hug him after these years of longing for a mother¡¯s love

    ¡°However,¡± Chiara¡¯s tone became sad. ¡°We can¡¯t go near her right now. Giovanni still thought that you two are not in good terms, and you must keep it that way until he is punished.¡±

    ¡°But don¡¯t worry, Mamma Elisa is also moving secretly against him. We just have to work on our own to make things easier,¡± she added.

    Ezio nodded at his wife. ¡°I will recover quickly so that I can help you, ¡± he said before kissing her lips.

    ¡°By the way, tesoro. I have a bad news,¡± she spoke after their short kiss. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I have to spoil the moment but I don¡¯t think I can wait for the right time to tell you about it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, cara, ¡± his hand went to his wife¡¯s arm while looking up at her. ¡°Tell me.¡±

    Chiara took a deep breath before speaking. ¡°Marco Leon¡¯s dead.¡±

    She exined to her husband what happened, from the start to end. The more Chiara exined the situation, the wider Ezio¡¯s eyes be. Each information was too heavy to be consumed.

    ¡°I¡¯m worried of Sophia,¡± she spoke, thinking of her friend. ¡°The whole family¡¯s still mourning. I¡¯m not even sure if she has someone by her side.¡±

    ¡°Can we visit her tomorrow?¡± she asked. ¡°If ever you think you can go to long distances.¡±

    Ezio smiled and nodded. ¡°Of course. We have to be there to her. That¡¯s the least thing we could do for her and Marco.¡±

    Chiara was pleased on her husband¡¯s response. She thanked him before pulling him close, cuddling him. It is the limit of what they can do for now, but she knew that they will go to the higher level as soon as he recovered.

    And she is excited to fully consummate their marriage.

 Visiting The Widow

    THE MOMENT EZIO STEPPED inside the car, he pulled down the partition before attacking his wife with neck kisses. He hugged him from the side and his hands traveled from her back up to her nape.

    Chiara noticed that her husband became more clingy than before. Well, he is not clingy before that incident because Chiara wouldn¡¯t let him. She remembered how hard she ignored and moved away from his advancements towards her.

    She wanted to p and punch herself for being so close-minded to her husband before. If she didn¡¯t waste their time by bawling her eyes over her ex-boyfriend, she is sure that they would have their own children by now.

    She returned the kisses with the same ferocity. It wasn¡¯t deep and rough; it was sweet and romantic. Chiara knew that her husband doesn¡¯t use his full strength at that time, and she knew that his kiss will be deeper once he recovered.

    Chiara wanted to make their kiss deeper, but she¡¯s afraid she might exhaust her husband out. He is not fully healed yet, so all she can do and settle with this.

    ¡°You have been making my lips as your dessert,¡± she spoke while grinning at Ezio, his lips glistening with their liquids.

    Ezio chuckled and kissed the side of her lips. ¡°It¡¯s my favorite dessert, cara,¡± he replied as he licked his own lips. ¡°Sweet, delicious, and of course, it came from you.¡±

    A thoughtes to Chiara¡¯s mind that she can¡¯t help not to say. ¡°I have another thing that came in me which is also sweet and delicious,¡± she said and winked to her husband afterwards.

    Ezio¡¯s mindgged for a moment, processing what his wife said. He knew that it is a joke, but his mind might be in a red ping because he really cannot understand it.

    Seeing the confused look in her husband¡¯s face, Chiara pouted and and crossed her arms. ¡°You¡¯re so slow. I won¡¯t joke to you anymore.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Cara,¡± Ezio tickled her neck so that she will look at him. ¡°I just came fromatose so I can¡¯t do much mental exercises like that.¡±

    Chiara didn¡¯t buy his excuse, but she didn¡¯t ignore her husband. She gave him time to think about her joke.

    ¡°By the way, cara,¡± he called her as he remembered something he talked with his assistant. ¡°Luigi told me about the reviews on our restaurant. Who is that Sigmund? Why did he do that?¡±

    ¡°He is the uncle of Simone,¡± she answered and she felt her anger rising upon hearing that old man¡¯s name. ¡°I have a hunch that he is working for Giovanni. I found out that they were business partners.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s body stiffened upon hearing the name of his wife¡¯s ex-boyfriend. He doesn¡¯t know what happened between them while he was unconscious, but Fara told him before that she met Simone while they were out with Chiara. Fara refused to say what happened and told him to just ask Chiara.

    But he was afraid. He is worried of what his wife will answer. Before he went unconscious, Chiara still have some feelings for Simone. He can still remember how she cried when Simone got married.

    Chiara noticed that her husband became quiet, and she thought something happened. ¡°Tesoro? Are you okay? You became quiet.¡± The back of her hand touched his forehead to check his temperature.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± he spoke. ¡°Since that Sigmund is Simone¡¯s uncle, I assume he might have talked to you about his case? Did you two talk?¡±

    Chiara, who is ignorant of the jealousy her husband is feeling, just answered naturally. ¡°Actually, I was shocked that he didn¡¯t talk to me about his uncle¡¯s case. But we talked, ¡± she said. ¡°He barged in the office while Victor was there posing as you. ¡±

    She spat out an insultingugh as she remembered how think her ex-boyfriend¡¯s face that day. ¡°He even told me that I still love him and that we should get back together,¡± she imitated Simone¡¯s voice on thest part.

    ¡°What do you replied to him?¡± Ezio asked, looking down while holding his wife¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Of course I told him no! Duh!¡± she eximed. ¡°I don¡¯t know why he still believed that I still love him. He must be sick in the head!¡±

    ¡°I have my husband, and I love him!¡± she added with determination. ¡°I don¡¯t get why he keeps on bothering me instead of focusing on his own wife!¡±

    Hearing Chiara¡¯s response made Ezio feel relieved. His lips couldn¡¯t help but to strecth into a smile. Chiara was speaking a lot of things, but the only thing that Ezio has in mind is how Chiara loves him.

    ¡°Why the hell are you smiling?¡± Chiara asked when she noticed Ezio¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m all annoyed here but you look like you¡¯re enjoying it!¡±

    Ezio shook his head hurriedly. ¡°I¡¯m not enjoying you getting angry, cara,¡± he defended himself.

    ¡°Then why are you smiling like an idiot?¡±

    He pursed his lips before answering. ¡°I¡¯m just happy that you already forget about him.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s face softened. She knew what her husband is trying to imply. She reached for him and buried her face in his neck, inhaling his scent.

    ¡°I love you, don¡¯t ever forget that,¡± she whispered in his ear.

    MINUTES PASSED AND they arrived in Sophia¡¯s house. It still looked the same as before, aside from those nts in their front yard that were already dying. The flowers that Sophia kept just by the side of her gate is now brown and dried up.

    When the guards saw them, they greeted the couple before opening the gate to let them in.

    ¡°Madam Sophia is inside, ¡± one of them spoke while they were walking towards the main door.

    The door is widely opened, and they can see Sophia sitting in her usual spot in the couch. She was flipping a book. Sophia was sitting not foo far away from the door, and Chiara can see the nkness and longingness in her eyes.

    Chiara knocked on the door thrice. ¡°Sophia?¡±

    The widow looked towards the door and was shocked to see Chiara standing beside it. What made her eyes wider is seeing Ezio behind her friend.

    Shame and guilt ran across Sophia¡¯s eyes upon remembering what the authorities told her about her husband¡¯s case. She heard the footsteps going towards her. She wanted to stand up and ran away from them, to save herself from embarrassment, but her feet were glued on the floor.

    Chiara sat down beside her friend and touched her hand gently. ¡°I know you¡¯re not feeling well, but we decided to visit you to check how you are coping, ¡± she spoke.

    She felt her husband sat beside her, as she felt the couch moved and saw him from her peripheral vision.

    Sophoa was quiet, with her eyes staring at the photo album that has all of their pictures with her husband. It was the bank of their memory from their young days up to this year.

    Staring at those pictures reminded her of how happy and contented they are with their life. She remembered how she and Marco lived from day to day, a life filled with love andcked of worries.

    After moments of silence, Sophia spoke. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Chiara was shocked on her friend¡¯s words. ¡°What?¡± she was stuttering. ¡°Why are you apologizing?¡±

    Sophia looked at the both of them, before her eyes settled on Ezio. ¡°The authorities told me that it was my husband who ordered to shoot you, ¡± she spoke as her voice cracked. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± her handsnded on her eyes to hide her tears.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know, ¡± she sniffed and her eyes getting redder. ¡°But my husband won¡¯t do such thing. I -¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not him,¡± Chiara interrupted her words. ¡°I¡¯m sure that Marco was falsely used.¡±

    Sophia¡¯s cry came to a halt, stunned of what she heard. The police told her that Ezio was heavily injured after that shooting incident that her husband ¡°allegedly¡± nned. She can¡¯t understand why Chiara wouldn¡¯t believed what the authorities said, even if the gun men pointed her husband.

    Then, it was Ezio¡¯s turn to speak. ¡°It wasn¡¯t Marco. I¡¯m sure of that,¡± he said. ¡°I saw one of the suspects, and I know that he was working for Giovanni.¡±

    While he was recovering, Chiara told him about the statements of the gun men which made Giovanni free from the case. Even without Chiara telling him that Marco was used, he already knew that the statements are lies.

    The one who shot him is the same man who he saw was guarding Giovanni at one event. The face of the man was hidden when he¡¯s guarding, but the lion tattoo on his right cheek is a dead giveaway.

    ¡°Then I must clean my husband¡¯s name,¡± Sophia replied with urgency. ¡°He died, and people think he is a criminal. Cleaning his name is the least thing I could do for him.¡±

    Chiara nodded and caressed Sophia¡¯s back. ¡°We will work on that, but we cannot clean himself if Giovanni and his men are here to put dirt on it.¡±

    Then she added. ¡°His name will only be clean once the real mastermind behind that crime. We must pin Giovanni and reveal the truth.¡±

    ¡°What should I do?¡± Sophia asked. ¡°I will do anything to avenge my husband. No matter how much it takes.¡±

    Hearing that, Chiara knew that her friend is going to help them willingly, for the sake of herte husband. With that, she told her that n she has to bring Giovanni down.

    It was a detailed n, but a long one. Good thing that Chiara has a patience longer than that.

 Welcome To Soleira

    CHIARA SLOWLY TWIRLED AROUND in front of the mirror while looking at herself. It¡¯s been a long time since shest wore an evening dress. If she recalled it correctly, thest time was during Marco¡¯s birthday celebration.

    Her hair is done in a braid-bun style, with some loose hairs dangling on each side of her face. She only have a natural look makeup, which made her plump lips look glossy, and her face looks ethereal under the moonlight.

    She slid down her hands on her curves that is evident and being hugged by her dress. It is a ck off-shoulder one with big ruffles on top. The end of the dress reached the floor, hiding her silver and glittery ankle strap heel.

    She finished her look with drop earrings  with a raindrop-shaped diamond crystal on the end. She is also wearing a riviere diamond ne, paired with a bracelet with the same design.

    ¡°You look gorgeous, signora,¡± Fara spoke while pping, and her eyes fixated on Chiara. She bent to get Chiara¡¯s silver purse with ck lining.

    Chiara smiled. ¡°Thank you, Fara. You did a good job.¡±

    The two walked down to the first floor of the safe house. They are not even in the lowest part of the stairs but Chiara can already hear her husband¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Make sure I look good,¡± he said using his authorative voice that Chiara only hears from him when he is giving orders. ¡°I have to be perfect for my cara.¡±

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but to smile at her husband¡¯s words. She wanted to surprise him when she was already near to him, but her heels are making noise that Ezio turned to his back before she could even reach the floor.

    She saw how Ezio¡¯s eyes dted when he saw her. His lips even parted while looking up and down at her body. Victor, who was helping him with his suit, needed to adjust his position just to make his clothing better.

    ¡°Cara,¡± he spoke when he was able topose himself.

    ¡°Good evening, tesoro,¡± she replied while walking towards him. She gave him a quick kiss on his cheeks, before looking at his appearance. ¡°You look handsome.¡±

    Ezio smiled at herpliment. He was wearing a ck tuxedo paired with ck leather shoes. His hair was neatlybed towards the back. His facial hair was also freshly shaved, giving him a younger and cleaner look.

    The assistant and maid guided them to the Lamborghini Urus S they are going to use. Luigi was waiting beside the car, wearing a formal suit because he is their designated driver for tonight.

    Gabriel and other bodyguards are also waiting beside the other five cars they will use. Ezio wanted to make sure that Chiara is secured at all times, especially that they will be facing Giovanni in an event after months.

    Chiara still have no idea who Giovanni¡¯s date will be, but she is sure that Caterina was right when she said that it is not Monika. She called Monika a day after the event and her friend confirmed that she was in France and wouldn¡¯t be back for almost two weeks.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    She didn¡¯t know how long they have been driving towards the event ce, because she was too focused on thinking what will happen, and also, staring at her gorgeous husband.

    ¡°Let me help you, cara,¡± her husband spoke as he extended his arms for her to reach. Chiara smiled ¨C he is really a gentleman.

    ¡°I¡¯m gentle only to you, cara,¡± he said as if he was able to read his wife¡¯s mind. He gave her a killer smile before his hand travelled towards her waist, telling other male species that she is his.

    They walked towards the entrance of Soleira, a resort for elites and billionaires of Italy. It is the first one in the capital, and elites are now eyeing on reserving such morous ce.

    They talked to other attendees, mostly about business and Ezio¡¯s recovery. More people swarmed towards them as they noticed Ezio and Chiara. Men are focused on entertainment and conversing with Ezio, while their wives showed interest to Chiara.

    They have already talked to a lot of people, but they haven¡¯t seen Giovanni or his shadow anywhere. It¡¯s either he hasn¡¯t arrived yet or he doesn¡¯t have the intention to attend. Nevertheless, they still remained vigt because he can arrive at anytime.

    After several minutes of speeches and messages, the ribbon cutting part is nowmencing. The owner of Soleira, Rafael Corsi, cut the ribbon that signifies the opening of their new business. Afterwards, the attendees slowly entered the lobby of the main building of the resort.

    Drinks and courses were served to the guests while the host is entertaining each of them. It was peaceful and enjoyable, the ssical musics from La Triviata are ying in the background.

    After thest music, Chiara can clearly hear the murmurs and whispers of the people inside the resort. She hid herself by turning towards her husband whose eyes are on the entrance of the hall. Chiara cannot help but to smile ¨C their n starts now.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t she the one who just lost her husband?¡±

    ¡°Husband? You mean Marco Leon?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s Mrs. Leon, right? Is she invited?¡±

    ¡°I heard her husband was stuffed in a drum.¡±

    ¡°Oh my, poor thing. May he rest in peace.¡±

    ¡°Her husband¡¯s a murderer.¡±

    ¡°I heard that her husband attempted to assassinate someone.¡±

    ¡°He deserves it.¡±

    Although Sophia wanted to p every single person who badmouthed her husband, she remainedposed and the gentle smile on her face remained.

    Slowly and elegantly, she walked towards the host of the party. With an angelic voice, she spoke. ¡°Thank you for inviting me, Signor Rafael. I hope you and your business to be a sess.¡±

    Rafael¡¯s eyes glistened as he looked at Sophia. ¡°No worries, mi amica! You¡¯re always wee here.¡±

    Those business people who wanted to get close to Rafael and his business, intervened. ¡°Signor Rafael, don¡¯t you know who this woman is?¡± a man expressed his disgust for Sophia. ¡°Her husband is a murderer!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± another man agreed to the first man. ¡°Who knows if she is his aplice? We can¡¯t have a murderer in our circle!¡±

    Rafael was quick to defend his friend. ¡°That im wasn¡¯t even proved! How dare you use my friend!¡± he eximed as he put Sophia on his back. ¡°Those who won¡¯t respect my friend also disrespect me! Then you are free to leave!¡±

    No one dared to offend Rafael anymore. They know his connections in and out of Italy, and getting to his bad side will not benefit them. Besides, all of them in this event have the intention to be one of Soleira¡¯s partner.

    Rafael¡¯s sister, Ruby, tried to ease the tension by diverting the attention of the guests. She showed them a presentation of the rooms and facilities inside the resort. It sessfully brought back the lively atmosphere in the room, but the guests still cannot forget the fact that Sophia is there.

    Suddenly, Chiara felt that someone is staring at her. She knew who that person is, so when Sophia walked passed in front of them like a stranger, Chiara spoke.

    ¡°Tesoro, I can¡¯t stand the environment here. A murderer¡¯s wife is just nearby,¡± she said with a volume that is enough to be heard by other guests nearby, including the person they wanted to see their act.

    Sophia stopped for a moment. She looked at Chiara and Ezio from head to toe before walking away and ignoring them.

    Outsiders who doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s happening will assume that they are not in good terms, and the gossip about it scattered to different people inside the hall, until it reached the ear of the person they targeted.

    ¡°Really?¡± Giovanni asked his date while twirling the wine in his hand. ¡°They must have a beef between each other. I wonder what that is.¡±

    His eyesnded on the woman wearing a ck dress, standimg beside her husband who is supposed to be dead if his men aren¡¯t dumb enough in holding a gun.

    Isadora, his other mistress, replied to him as she touched his chest. ¡°Hmm, pretending to know nothing, I see, ¡± she whispered before biting his earlobe.

    Giovanni chuckled at her statement. Between all of his mistresses, Isadora is the roughest and the most feisty one. She¡¯s good at everything, and that includes in bed.

    She can be trusted with his deepest secrets, she even knew about his attempts to kill Ezio, and sometimes helped on executing his ns.

    ¡°I¡¯ll y them for a little bit,¡± he spoke before drinking the wine in one go. ¡°Wanna join, mia principessa?¡±

    Isadora giggled, excited to humiliate their rival, especially Chiara. She¡¯s annoyed at the facts that other businesses recognized Chiara even if she was just a substitute for her husband. She was able to make a good name for herself in a short time, something that Isadora cannot do.

    On the other hand, Chiara noticed that the two are walking towards them. Her husband instinctively pulled her closely by the waist, grabbing her from danger.

    ¡°Such a possessive move, Signor Ezio,¡± Giovanni spoke as his eyesnded on Ezio¡¯s hand on Chiara¡¯s waist. Then he smiled smugly. ¡°Maybe you didn¡¯t know that your wife was seducing someone behind you back.¡±

    Thest sentence he spoke made the guests turned their head towards them. Other people looked at Chiara with judging eyes, while others were confused.

    ¡°You must have such huge ears to hear a unique gossip, Mr. Giordano,¡± Chiara replied instead of her husband. ¡°Unfortunately, the news you have is fake. Just like your face.¡±

    Guests whisperes to each other. It is not out of their knowledge that Giovanni underwent a face surgery to achieve a better face. It was a topic years ago and Giovanni made a lot of effort to put the news down, but it was brought up so easily just now.

    Giovanni smiled and ignored her remark before looking at Ezio. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re not aware that your wife has been trying toe back to her ex-boyfriend. I saw them being intimate with each other.¡±

    He was trying to push Ezio¡¯s button, but Ezio was so secured by his wife¡¯s love that he wasn¡¯t affected by his words.  He remained in a poker face while caressing his wife¡¯s skin.

    ¡°You saw them? Really?¡± he asked with a mocking tone. ¡°You were in prison for more than a month. I wonder where you saw them. In jail?¡±

    Whispers became louder and a lot of people gasp upon hearing Ezio¡¯s statement. No one knew that Giovanni was sent to prison.

    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why he wasn¡¯t seen for a long time.¡±

    ¡°He was in prison? How many time was he sent to prison for thest years?¡±

    ¡°I wonder what he did this time.¡±

    ¡°He was a criminal yet he has the guts to put a dirty image to the Vitali?¡±

    ¡°He even dared to make Mrs. Vitali a cheater!¡±

    Hearing the people talking about him in a bad way, Giovanni cannot help but to feel annoyed. This wasn¡¯t his n.

    Suddenly, Isadora spoke with her eyebrow raising. ¡°How dare you talk to Giovanni like that? Apologize to him!¡± her finger pointed firmly to Ezio.

    Chiara pped Isadora¡¯s finger away. ¡°You don¡¯t have the right to make my husband apologize,¡± she stated firmly. ¡°Giovanni is the one who startes this mess by making false usations about me. Did he even apologize?¡±

    ¡°Do not intefere our conversation!¡± Isadora screamed at her.

    Chiaraughed at her confidence. ¡°You are the one who must be removed to this conversation,¡± she responded. ¡°I don¡¯t even know why you¡¯re here. You¡¯re not Giovanni¡¯s wife, as far as I can remember.¡±

    Chiara smirked upon dropping another thing that can humiliate the two of them. Just after she said that, people especially those who are married eyed on Giovanni.

    ¡°That¡¯s not his wife? Why did he bring her here?¡±

    ¡°She must be his mistress! What else could be the reason?¡±

    ¡°How ironic of him to paint Signora Chiara as a cheater, if he himself is one.¡±

    A lot of guests gossiped about it, making Giovanni¡¯s ear turned red in anger. He was about to scream at Chiara for humiliating him when they heard a loud thud and a scream from an area.

    Guests turned there heads towards the sound. Everyone¡¯s hands flew to their gaping mouth as they saw a woman on the floor, bleeding and unconscious.

    As the people around them scattered to look for help, Chiara looked up on the floors of the building.

    On one floor, she saw a woman running away from the railings. Not far from the woman is an unknown man hugging and protecting Chiara¡¯s friend, Ms. Copp.

 Bonettiéˆ¥æªš Downfall

    THE MEDICAL PERSONNELS as well as the police authorities, led by Chief Pessi, arrived just a few minutes after the incident. Chiara wasn¡¯t able to see the whole scene except the bloodied body of the woman. Ezio hurriedly pulled her to his side and put themselves in a safe ce. They even see Giovanni and his mistress, Isadora, went to the other end of the hall, away from the awful scene.

    ¡°Let me go!¡± a voice of a screaming woman echoed inside the hall. Guests couldn¡¯t help but to look from who the voice ising from.

    Chiara also removed her face from being buried on her husband¡¯s chest to look at the scene. Her eyes widened when she saw the woman who is now being pulled by the police, is wearing the same dress of the woman who ran away from the railing on one of the floors.

    ¡°Did she pushed the woman off?¡± Chiara thought to herself.

    The woman, whose old rose dress is now stained with dirt and hair loose and ruined, didn¡¯t stop on shouting on the policemen¡¯s face. Her hands kept on wiggling, trying to escape the tight grip of the officers.

    But her petite body doesn¡¯t have the enough strength to outdo the two officers dragging her out. On the back of them, just a few meters away, a man was running and huffing.

    ¡°Sera!¡± the man called the woman in old rose dress. He looked with anger at the officers. ¡°Where are you taking my wife? She¡¯s innocent!¡±

    The woman he called Sera looked at him with pleading eyes asking for help. ¡°Dear, help me please. I didn¡¯t do anything, ¡± she spoke with teary eyes.

    He cooed her wife and shushed her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know you did nothing wrong.¡±

    He was about to grab his wife when other officers blocked his way. ¡°We have witness that this woman pushed the victim. She will be put under interrogation. If you want to defend her, then find awyer and go to the station, ¡± the tallest officer beside Chief Pessi spoke before signalling the men to get the woman out.

    The couple screamed each other¡¯s name, with their arms failing to reach other¡¯s embrace. Sera was pushed inside the police car before she was taken away by them.

    While Chiara was watching the scene unfold, she saw Ms. Copp on the corner of her eye. She pulled her husband toward¡¯s her friend¡¯s position.

    ¡°Chiara,¡± Ms. Copp spoke when they are near. Her hand was grabbing the suit of the man beside her.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Chiara asked before whispering. ¡°I saw near the suspect, did you see what happened?¡±

    Ms. Copp took a deep breath. ¡°Yes, I saw it. I was just beside that woman, ¡± she answered, her eyes almost teary.

    The man beside her hurriedly wiped the small tears beside her eyes. ¡°I know you¡¯re scared. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m here. She can¡¯t hurt you, ¡± he spoke lovingly to Ms. Copp.

    Ezio¡¯s eyes widened upon seeing the face of the man. ¡°Damian?¡± he asked while looking at his appearance.

    The name rang a bell for Chiara. She remembered that Dante mentioned that the name of his older brother is Damian, who he guessed went back to Italy because of Ms. Copp.

    The way he hugged her friend and wiped her tears, Chiara can already see the emotions this man has for Ms. Copp. However, even though he is her husband¡¯s bestfriend¡¯s brother, Chiara cannot give her trust to this person until he can prove himseld. She wouldn¡¯t hand her friend to him that easily, no matter how affectionate he looks.

    ¡°Mr. Vitali,¡± Damian spoke before bowing a little bit to show respect. Ezio just nodded back to him.

    ¡°Why would that woman push the victim?¡± Ezio asked.

    No one answered his question. Even Chiara doesn¡¯t know how to answer her husband. The only thing she can think of is that those two women have a beef between each other. That is the only logical reason she can find.

    After a moment of silence, Ms. Copp suddenly spoke. With a shaky voice filled with hatred, she stated.

    ¡°I was the one who¡¯s supposed to be pushed, not the woman. Serafina was after me.¡±

    THE NEWS ABOUT the death of a woman inside Soleira spread like a wildfire. Chiara was worried that the unfortunate event will have a negative impact on the resort, but her worries were nothing. The Soleira continued to soar, especially after paying for everything on the woman¡¯s medical and funeral bills.

    Although the celebration was cut short, the couple still did what they nned that day. They were about to meet Giovanni and his another mistress. Humiliating them is a bonus.

    Chiara and Ezio was on the way to their main office, since it was the first month Ezio wille back to work. The two were engaged on nning their week when Chiara received a message.

    Seeing that it came from Sophia, she hurriedly opened it to read her updates.

    Sophia: Hi, Chiara. The mistress just invited me for a lunch with her circle. Should I go?

    Chiara typed on the keyboard of her phone. They nned to get Sophia close  to the enemy, which she agreed as a revenge for her husband. It was risky and difficult, but they have to put on a show.

    Chiara: You can go if you want. Just make sure not to give much information about you, but take a lot from them, especially from Isadora. Take care, Sophia.

    She turned off the phone after replying as they have already arrived in their building. Her husband opened the door for her before guiding her towarda outside.

    ¡°He is really a gentleman,¡± she thought to herself. Feeling lively, she gave a peck of kiss to her husband¡¯s cheeks, which made thrtter blush.

    With their hands intertwined, they walked towards the elevator to start their day. Chiara was worried that Ezio might get exhausted easily, since he just came froma, from he proved her wrong.

    He worked as if he didn¡¯t encountered an incident and wasn¡¯t put in a life and death situation. He worked efficiently while giving flirty remarks to his wife.

    Ezio decided to make Chiara her secretary. His wife requested to him before to let her work in theirpany, just because she doesn¡¯t have anything to do and she wants to help him in managing thepany.

    It¡¯s a win-win situation for Ezio. He will be able to have his wife beside him almost 24/7. They will be together both in home and work. Aside from that, he could imagine the flirty and nasty things they could do inside their office.

    Just like today.

    Slurpy sounds echoed inside the office of the president, with his secretary sh wife. The married couple stopped their corporate tasks and put their attention in their heated bodies.

    ¡°Is doing things like this a kink of yours, huh? Tesoro?¡± Chiara whispered to his ear before biting it yfully.

    She was sitting in his table while Ezio was standimg between her parted legs. They were still fully clothed, yet they can already feel the heat of each other¡¯s bodies.

    Ezio chuckled while teasing his wife by rocking his hips back and forth, touching her sensitive part with his hard one on every thrust. The clothes as barried between them didn¡¯t stop them from feeling each other¡¯s movement.

    He cupped the back of her head once again, as his other free hand roamed on his wife¡¯s body. Chiara let out a moan as his hand caressed her breast with a little force. It fitted perfectly under his palm, making him think that Chiara was really made for him.

    Their lips locked into a kiss again. Chiara couldn¡¯t help but to move her hands on Ezio¡¯s back and pulled him closer. They were closer to each other now, and the heat became more evident on each other¡¯s skin.

    Chiara¡¯s right hand travelled to her husband¡¯s nape, teasing it for a few seconds, before travelling up to his hair.

    On the first days of their intimate moments, Chiara noticed that Ezio loves it when she touched his hair while they were exchanging kisses, especially if she will grab and pull some hair.

    Ezio responded by biting her lower lip, making her open it wider to amodate his tongue who was impatiently waiting for the time to attack. The moment his tongue explores his mouth, several knocks were heard om the door.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Although they were annoyed because of the interruption, they still stopped and fixed the appearance of each other. When they already looked decent, it was Ezio who told the person outside to open the door.

    ¡°Boss,¡± Luigi spoke when he saw his signor. He went inside and gave them an ipad, showing a piece of news from a website.

    ¡°It was announced that thewyer who was supposed to put Sigmund Russo out of prison was removed from theirw firm. Also, her license was revoked, ¡± he reported, saying the exact topic on the news he provided.

    Chiara turned her side to the side on a certain angle. ¡°What was the reason?¡±

    ¡°It was found out that she breached a contract and confidentiality within her clients. Authorities also found out that she have been letting unlicensed people to use her name as awyer, deceiving a lot of citizens,¡± he responded with a faint smile which didn¡¯t escape the eyes of the couple.

    Chiara took a deep breath. She realized that Luigi revealed the information to the public because thewyer didn¡¯t cooperate with them. Well, they need do to it. They cannot risk to set another man of Giovanni free.

    ¡°Aside from that,¡± Luigi slid his finger on the screen and other tab was opened, but it was still a news one. ¡°Authorities are now investigating the Btiw firm, as they have leads stating that thew firm is connected to the hical deeds of the saidwyer.¡±

    Ezio seemed surprised that the authorities did that. Usually, aw firm isn¡¯t affected even if one of theirwyers was punished. So, what changed?

    ¡°Did you do it?¡± he asked his assistant, who immediately shook his head.

    ¡°The attack was not from our side, boss, ¡± he answered. ¡°Our intel found out that a connection from De Santisw firm gave the lead to the police.¡±

    His smiled became wider as he continued. ¡°Also, the De Santisw firm requested to open the case of Boss Ezio¡¯s shootinh incident.¡±

 Vitaliéˆ¥æªš Old House

    THE MARRIED COUPLE were holding each other¡¯s hands as they walked towards the house that holds a special ce in Ezio¡¯s heart. The moment the house was in full view from their perspective, Chiara felt her husband¡¯s hand tighten while gripping hers.

    The house only has two floors with a rooftop. It has a modern style with abination of ck and cream in the interior, with some wood finishes. The gate is enormous. Chiara thought that it was almost three times of her height. She felt small while standing behind the gate.

    ¡°Is it locked?¡± she asked her husband when she realized that the gate is closed. She tried looking between the gaps of the rails in order to see what¡¯s ahead.

    ¡°Yes, cara,¡± Ezio answered before a nging sound of metals was heard. ¡°But don¡¯t worry. I still have the keys.¡±

    He picked one of the keys, the grey one, and used it to open the gate from the outside. Ezio used one of his hands to push the gate open while the other one is intertwined with his wife¡¯s hand. Their bodyguards, headed by Gabriel, were left on the gate to guard and make them safe.

    ¡°You still have your keys in this house?¡± Chiara wondered. ¡°I thought you left many years ago.¡±

    Ezio gave a small smile. He can still remember the day he left this house, just months are his father¡¯s death. With a heavy heart, he left his mother and started again, until he was able to build his own name.

    ¡°I was looking forward for the day I wille back here,¡± he answered his wife. ¡°That¡¯s why I decided to keep the copy of the keys I have. It¡¯s a good thing Mamma didn¡¯t rece the locks.¡±

    It¡¯s been almost a decade since Ezio left, and the fact that his mother, Elisa, didn¡¯t change the locks means that she is still waiting for her child to return. It just means that she is still weing her son on their first home.

    The front yard of the house is well kept, and Chiara wondered if Elisa has workers to clean the inside and outside of the house every now and then. The flowers are still blooming and the nts have healthy leaves, as if there is still people living inside.

    Chiara found out that Elisa left this house just a few months after Ezio left, on the exact one year anniversary of her husband¡¯s death. She guessed that it must be hard for Elisa to stay in a ce that will remind her of herte husband.

    Ezio opened the main door using another key in his hand. They were greeted by a minimalist interior. The whole area is spacious with only a few walls separating each part of the house.

    From the main door, the first thing they saw is the living area. The cream and ck couches were resting in the middle part, with a staircase towards the second floor on each side. On the left is the main kitchen and the dining area. While on the right is another living room, but with speakers and television.

    ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful, tesoro,¡± Chiara spoke while admiring the ce. She looked around, inspecting every designs that captured her interest.

    Ezio slowly sat down on the open living area, with his eyes staring at the backyard with their own swimming pool. Chiara joined her husband and looked at the same direction.

    ¡°Babbo used to have a barbecue party every Sunday in our backyard, ¡± Ezio spoke, reminiscing the past moments with his father. ¡°He will cook for us and Mamma will get me ready for swimming. It was a tradition of us every Sunday. It¡¯s repetitive, but I enjoyed every moment of it.¡±

    His eyes flickered a lot of emotions at the same time. Chiara couldn¡¯t figure it out. It might be sadness, longing, regret, or other emotions that she cannot name.

    ¡°You are close to your father, right?¡± she asked while caressing his hand that¡¯s resting on her leg.

    Ezio nodded. ¡°We were close. I¡¯m close to both of my parents before, ¡± he responded. ¡°Mamma and Babbo will always make time for me even if they are busy with business and work. They were never absent on the most important events of my life.¡±

    ¡°In this living room, Mamma used to teach me. This is the ce where sheplimented my intelligence, stating that I am a gifted gift, ¡± his smile became wider while speaking. ¡°Babbo also used to y with me here. He also taught me about business in this ce.¡±

    He guided Chiara to stand up and they walked towards the main kitchen. They stopped on the dining table. It was a resin table, with forest design underneath. The chairs have detailed designs of trees and leaves. Above the table is a straight chandelier with five mini-bulbs, and on top of it are a few leaves and vines.

    Ezio hugged his wife from the back before pointing towards the empty space of the wall in front of them.

    ¡°Mamma used to put tarpaulins on that part. Sometimes she would decorate it with balloons and colored foils. Whenever we celebrate something, usually about my academics, we would celebrate it in this part of the house.

    His hand slowly touched the resin table and he slid it towards the edges. ¡°Mamma will cook delicious foods for us. Before eating, they will give me their gifts before telling me that I am the best child in the world.¡±

    ¡°I was full of love growing up,¡± he kissed her cheek. ¡°But it all went down when my father died.¡±

    She felt his fingers tremble on her skin. Chiara touched him gently, a message that she is right there with him. She looked at his troubled face with worry.

    ¡°In just a few moments, our perfect lives were ruined by an outsider. My mother hated me for being the reason why my father died,¡± he continued. ¡°I was ming myself that I cannot bare to live with Mamma anymore. I thought that seeing me brought pain and harmful memories to her, so I decided fo leave and make her life peaceful.¡±

    ¡°I always look at her from afar. I thought she was doing good since Mamma always looked radiant outside. I always made sure Mamma is safe, because I don¡¯t want to lose another parent.¡±

    As they hugged each other, Chiara¡¯s eyesnded on the refrigerator. It was a huge one that the stocks canst for months for a small family, but it was not as huge as their fridge in the mansion.

    On the doors of the refrigerator were papers with mas on top that kept them in ce. She doesn¡¯t even need toe closer because she can already see that the papers were drawings.

    The papers looked old, and Chiara has a hunch that those were Ezio¡¯s drawings when he was a child. A photo of him in elementary school graduation was also on the refrigerator.

    ¡°Tesoro, where¡¯s your room?¡± Chiara suddenly asked when she remembered the rooms upstairs.

    Ezio showed a yful smile at her. ¡°Why, cara? Do you want to do something?¡± he asked as his eyebrows moved up and down.

    Chiara pinched his arm, realizing his flirtatious movements and nasty mind. ¡°Stop being so green-minded. I¡¯m just curious about your room. ¡±

    He just chuckled at her before pulling his wife towards the second floor. On the right, she saw the only door with stickers and decorations outside.

    ¡°Ezio,¡± Chiara read the big letters fixed on the door. The door has stickers, mostly heroic characters and some male cartoon heroes.

    Ezio opened the door and they were greeted with several books inside. Almost all sides of the room has books. A queen side bed is resting on the middle part. On the right side are hisputers and other gadgets. Just by looking at the room, Chiara knew that his parents really gave him everything he wanted and needed.

    She walked towards the only part of the wall with no books. Rather, that part is filled with medals, trophies, and ques.

    ¡°You are an overachiever, ¡± Chiaramented while reading the contents of each award.

    She heard him chuckle behind her before she felt his body touching hers. Ezio¡¯s finger touched the grandest trophy sitting in the middle of the wall.

    ¡°I always won in everypetition. These awards are the proofs of it,¡± he stated, looking loud and proud.

    When Chiara was finished reading every award, she walked towards the bulletim board near hisputer, just above the study area.

    Cut outs from newspapers were pinned on the board, and folded colored papers were beside those things. Curious Chiara took a good look at the contents.

    She noticed that all news were about Ezio, but those news were about his achievements as a businessman. Thetest news on the bulletin board is about Ezio securing a partnership with one of thergest business in France, which just a few months ago.

    Chiara knew that Ezio couldn¡¯t be the one to design this bulletin board. The only person who can do this Elisa.

    She opened one of the folded colored papers, and her eyes suddenly went teary. Sniffing, Chiara pulled her husband closer.

    ¡°I thonk you should read this,¡± she spoke before patting his back gently.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Ezio moved closer to the paper, reading it¡¯s contents.

    ¡°I¡¯m so happy when I read this news. My son is really talented and genuis. Imagine, he wasn¡¯t even in his thirties, yet he managed to secure such arge deal! My son will be the biggest, wealthiest, and most sessful businessman man not just in Italy, but in whole Europe. I¡¯m sure his father is so proud of him. I just hope my son will visit me again.¡±

    He opened more of the colored papers, reading each of the messages his mother wrote for him throughout these years.

    ¡°My son¡­¡±

    ¡°He is the best¡­¡±

    ¡°I know he can do it¡­¡±

    ¡°I missed him¡­¡±

    ¡°I want to apologize¡­¡±

    ¡°Please visit Mamma¡­¡±

    ¡°I love you, my child¡­¡±

    Turns out, Ezio wasn¡¯t only the one looking after his mother. Elisa is also updated on what¡¯s happening in his life, celebrating his sesses silently.

    With teary eyes and a smile, he pulled out a bond paper with borders, the same paper he used to write on for letters for his parents before, and some colored pencils and ballpen.

    He poured his heart out on the paper. Each sliding movement of the pens and pencils showed his emotions and words that he kept to himself for several years.

    After finishing it, he gently pinned the paper on the middle part of bulletin board, hoping that his mother will read his message for him: a message of love and longing for a mother¡¯s affection.

 A Case Reopened

    IT¡¯S STILL EARLY in the morning when Chiara and Ezio went to the De Santis Law Firm, the one who initiated the reopening of Ezio¡¯s case against Giovanni. By the time they reached the lobby of the building, Chiara was greeted by a familiar face.

    ¡°Attorney Falco?¡± she asked upon seeing the man waiting for them on the lobby.

    The man greeted them a good morning while bowing. He has a smile on his face and their arrival doesn¡¯t seem to surprise him.

    ¡°Do you work for thisw firm?¡± she asked to an old acquaintance.

    Attorney Falco nodded. ¡°Yes, signora. I was epted in thisw firm when we were halfway throughout Signor Ezio¡¯s case,¡± he answered politely.

    Attorney Nolo Falco was thewyer who handled case before, with Dante¡¯s help. She only saw him a few times, especially when they are talking about the evidences, since it was Dante who mostly did the work for her as she was upied on taking care of her husband and thepany.

    He was a solo practitioner when they met, and it surprised her that he is now working for the De Santisw firm. But seeing his skills during their time working together, she knew that he deserved to be in this prestigiousw firm.

    The only bad thing that happened during the time he was handling Ezio¡¯s case is the loss of evidences. However, Chiara was sure that it is not his fault. She was their when they submitted the evidences, together with Dante. So the fault is really on the lead investigator that time, who was Chief Pessi.

    ¡°Are the one who initiated to open my husband¡¯s case?¡± Chiara asked. She remembered telling Attorney Falco to do everything to open the case again, after the chief announced that the case is now closed as Marco Leon, who was pointed as the suspect, is now dead.

    He shook his head. ¡°No, signora. Actually, before I could suggest it to the higherwyers in this firm, they are already considering that, ¡± he responded. ¡°All I know is a benefactor of our firm suggested it.¡±

    Upon hearing her answer, only one person entered Chiara¡¯s and Ezio¡¯s mind. The person is no other than Elisa. When they traced back Elisa¡¯s moves, they found out that she had been going in and out of the De Santisw firm just within a week after the case was close.

    ¡°I see. Thank you so much for considering my husband¡¯s case,¡± Chiara responded. ¡°We were actually here to talk to your firm about the case. Is there any person in-charged with that?¡±

    ¡°Yes, signora,¡± Attorney Falco answered before motioning his hand towards the elevator. ¡°This way, please.¡±

    They followed thewyer in front of them. While they were walking towards the elevator, Ezio leaned his lips to his wife¡¯s ear and whispered.

    ¡°Who is this guy?¡± he asked with a hint of jealousy in his voice. Chiara was observing him while she was talking to thewyer, and she can see from his eyes that he is ready to break thewyer¡¯s neck if he will get closer to Chiara.

    ¡°He is thewyer who handled your case against Giovanni before,¡± she answered, brushing her lips on his face. ¡°I know you are jealous. I can smell it from it.¡±

    She giggled and touched her husband¡¯s hand. ¡°It¡¯s just purely about the case. You don¡¯t have to worry. I¡¯m all yours.¡±

    Ezio seemed satisfied with her answer, but still rejected the idea of him being jealous. ¡°I¡¯m not jealous. I¡¯m more handsome, wealthier, and more sessful than him. I¡¯m better and you deserved the best: me.¡±

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but tough at his boastfulness. She wondered: is this the same man who was insecured when her attention was on her ex-boyfriend?

    ¡°Yes, tesoro,¡± she replied sweetly. ¡°You are the best. No one can bepared to you.¡±

    It increased Ezio¡¯s ego and he pulled her closer, even if they are already close, to show to everyone that Chiara is his and his alone. He looked at the eyes of every man who daredy their sight on his wife, ring at them before sending a message to back away.

    The moment they entered the elevator, Ezio cupped the behind of his wife. Chiara red at him before pointing thewyer with them using her lips, sending a message of ¡°There is another person here. Don¡¯t be nasty or I¡¯ll spank you.¡±

    But Ezio didn¡¯t seem to mind her warning and squeezed her butt again. Chiara almost let out a noise because of that act.

    Ezio bit the insides of his cheek, trying to supress the smile andugh emerging because of his wife¡¯s reaction. Since he fully recovered, he doesn¡¯t stop on flirting and teasing his wife by touching her.

    Chiara, who is annoyed in the outside but giggling in the inside, stomped on Ezio¡¯s foot to give another warning. The pain was not too much but it made Ezio closed his eyes and retreat his feet.

    His hand stopped teasing her and just rested on her waist, much to Chiara¡¯s contentment.

    The elevator opened and they were guided towards one of the offices in the floor.

    ¡°This is the office of our Senior Associate Attorney. He will be handling the case, as requested by our benefactor, and I will be a supporting attorney since I already have the grasp of the case, ¡± Attorney Falco spoke before adding something. ¡°If you want to check his legitimacy, skills, or anything connected to him, please just inform us and we will be d to provide you the needed information.¡±

    Ezio nodded. ¡°That¡¯s noted. We will just contact you for rifications about the new attorney of the case. For now, we would like to talk to him.¡±

    The door of the office opened and they were greeted by an older man, maybe in hisst 40s, who looked aloof and serious. He stood up when he saw the couple and his staff attorney.

    ¡°Signor, Signora Vitali,¡± he greeted them. ¡°A pleasant morning. I have been waiting for your visit. Please have a seat.¡±Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    As soon as they rested on the visitor¡¯s chair, with Attorney Falco standing beside the seated senior associate attorney, the main agenda of the meeting was opened.

    ¡°I¡¯m Attorney Primo Cardona. I assumed that my staff attorney informed you that our benefactor, who requested to open the case, assigned me to handle this together with Attorney Falco, ¡± he started exining.

    ¡°As of now, we have been discussing about the missing evidences. He, ¨C ¡± Attorney Cardona pointed at the otherwyer. ¡°- informed me that the evidences went missing under Chief Pessi¡¯s watch. Is that right?¡±

    Chiara was the one to answer. ¡°Yes, attorney. We have submitted the evidences for the uing trial, but all of them went missing, which leads to us to be in the disadvantage of the case.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± he responded before pulling a folder and handling it to Ezio and Chiara. ¡°Because of that, we submitted a request to change Chief Pessi as the leading investigator of the case. As of now, we haven¡¯t received the final decision of the court, but Chief Pessi has been sending us inappropriate messages regarding the matter.¡±

    ¡°Inappropriate messages?¡± Chiara wondered. ¡°What kind of messages, specifically?¡±

    ¡°Most messages were attack to our new staff attorneys, while others were challenging the request we submitted, ¡± Attorney Falco responded before showing some messages from the said Chief.

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but scoffed at the threats given by the chief. Her blood boiled a little upon reading how he tried to stop the transfer of investigation. In Chiara¡¯s mind, it is already obvious that Chief Pessi is working for Giovanni. Just by the time he started wailing when he doesn¡¯t have the control spoke a lot on who he is working for.

    They talked for almost an hour regarding the case. They also finished some of the required paper works before they ended the meeting.

    ¡°Thank you so much for trusting us,¡± Attorney Cardona spoke while shaking hands with Ezio and Chiara. ¡°Rest assured we will send updates about the case as soon as possible. I am hoping for a positive result on this.¡±

    When they left the office, Attorney Falco guided them back to the lobby. Chiara couldn¡¯t help but ask when she remembered something.

    ¡°Attorney, I read about the issue on Bti Law Firm. Do you have any updates on what happened to them?¡± she asked.

    ¡°As far as I know, they are currently under investigation. The heads of thew firm were found connected to the hical procedures of one of theirwyers, ¡± he answered. ¡°They also found out that there are a lot ofwyers in that firm who authorized unlicensed people to use their names aswyers to earn money.¡±

    Chiara nodded, sensing that the downfall of the Btiw firm ising. They exchanged pleasantries before they went to the parking lot, getting ready to go home.

    As soon as Chiara entered the passenger seat with her husband on the driver¡¯s seat, she saw familiar person slowly walking towards the entrance of thew firm.

    The woman looked around subtly, seemingly looking for something, or someone. The moment her eyesnded on Ezio¡¯s car, she stopped for a little bit.

    Elisa pretended to call someone from her phone, as her eyes looked at Chiara seating inside her son¡¯s car. The window was open, and she saw her daughter-inw signaled a thumbs up for her.

    Elisa smiled and nodded slowly at her. They¡¯re now moving, and she hoped that her sacrifices wille into fruition when the timees.

 Getting The Enemies Closer

    FROM THE OUTSIDE, you see a woman without worries, without sadness, and living a good life. The way she carried herself towards her ¡°newly found friends¡± made her look like she had no emotional baggage inside.

    However, when you look deeper, you will see that everything is just a mere fadace. It¡¯s just a strong and thick wall she made in order to hide the looming shadows of sadness. Behind those seemingly normal woman is a widow mourning for the death of herte husband.

    And she¡¯s here for revenge.

    Sophia graciously walked from the entrance of a restaurant with foreign cuisines, that is reserved just for them. She wore a friendly and innocent smile as she grew nearer to those women waiting for her inside the restaurant.

    ¡°She¡¯s here!¡± Isadora, who is wearing a casual maroon peplum top with red pants, spoke when she noticed her.

    Sophia smiled wider, hiding the disgust and anger she felt towards the woman. She subtly hid her first phone inside the secretpartment of her bag before stopping beside their table. Sophia gave her a cheek to cheek kiss before wandering her eyes on the otherdies inside.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for beingte,dies,¡± she said in an apologetic yet gentle voice that can captivate many. ¡°There¡¯s been an emergency on the road. I hope you didn¡¯t wait for me that long.¡±

    Isadora quickly dismissed her apologetic demeanor, and forgave her immediately. ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize. You¡¯re not reallyte,¡± she motioned for Sophia to sit beside her chair.

    Once Sophia was resting on the chair, the same as the otherdies, Isadora touched her back and introduced her to others.

    ¡°Ladies, this is Sophia Leon,¡± Isadora spoke while pointing her whole hand to Sophia. ¡°She is also a friend of mine. I hope you could get along.¡±

    Sophia shook hands with the otherdies who introduced themselves. Thedy with thick eyeliner was named Amanda. The one with the darkest shade of lipstick was named risse. Lastly, the one who looked youngest with blond highlights on her hair introduced herself as Milca.

    Thedies ordered their food first. They talked about businesses of their family, but most part of the conversation circled about jewelries and other shiny things.

    Sophia wasn¡¯t really engaged in the conversation, as she was more interested on antique collection. However, she has some knowledge about it that made her look like one of thosedies who liked crystals like diamonds and jade.

    It didn¡¯t take long for them to finish their lunch. As the servers cleaned their table, thedies engaged on a more personal conversation.

    It was risse who first asked a personal question to Sophia. ¡°I hope I wouldn¡¯t hurt you in anyway, but I¡¯m just curious. Are you Marco Leon¡¯s wife? You know¡­  the one that¡­¡±

    risse wasn¡¯t as bold as the color of her lipstick. It was supoosed to stirred up emotions inside Sophia, but years of practice of hiding her true emotions came to fruition today.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, ¡± she responded, looking unaffected on the woman¡¯s question. ¡°To answer your question, yes. I am his wife. My husband is Marco Leon.¡±

    Sophia can hear small gasps from thedies, aside from Isadora, which she already expected. From her peripheral vision, she saw Isadora grinning a little bit.

    ¡°Oh my,¡± Milca spoke. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your lost. I know it¡¯s difficult to experience that thing. I witnessed my auntie going through the same thing.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ¡± Amanda agreed on her friend¡¯s remark. ¡°You¡¯re so strong, Sophia. If that would happen to me, but God please no, I don¡¯t know if I would want to see another day.¡±

    Thedies were emphatic, giving words of courage andfort to Sophia. Until Milca asked something that Isadora wanted to open.

    ¡°I heard from my other circle that Mr. Leon was a suspect of attempted murder before he died,¡± Milca asked with caution. ¡°I believe that¡¯s not true. You are a kind woman, and I¡¯m sure your husband is the same. Don¡¯t you want to clear his name?¡±

    Milca¡¯s question and statement was harmless for herself, but it made Sophia build doubts to the woman. From the moment her husband died, she doesn¡¯t trust anyone aside from Chiara, Ezio, and herte husband¡¯s family.

    This time, Isadora entered the conversation. ¡°Milca¡¯s right. Sophia, if your husband wasn¡¯t a criminal, you should clear his name even if he is already dead. That way, his sould can really rest in peace.¡±

    Sophia nodded, hiding her true emotions and desire to p and roll Isadora¡¯s face on the ground. She alreadt practiced what to say as a response to this question.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I am already working on that, ¡± she replied. ¡°However, I still do not have the connections and capacities to clear my husband¡¯s name. I need to have people to help me. Those who used my husband are powerful, and fighting against them will take a lot of effort.¡±

    Sophia smiled inwardly, because she knew that by saying that, Isadora will be willingly extending help, which is what they nned in order to get closer to her and Giovanni.

    ¡°I know you will find the right person to help you,¡± Isadora spoke, pertaining to herselc. ¡°If you will need any assistance, you can call us. We are friends, after all.¡±

    Thedies continued their conversation. It was casual and harmless, yet Sophia kept an eye on every word they will say, especially those that came from Isadora. Sophia also took notes on what she shared to them, keeping on saying the truth but not those critical information.

    By the time the three women left, Isadora invited Sophia to take a walk inside the mall, the one that Giovanni owns ¨C the Giordano Malls.

    They entered one botique that Isadora stated was her favorite. She casually looked around, staring at the dresses and clothes without the interest to buy anything. Just from one look, she knew that the boutiques in Luminosa have better quality.

    ¡°Sophia, ¡± Isadora called her while holding a clothing in a hanger. ¡°You can choose anything you want. It¡¯s on me.¡±

    ¡°Oh, thank you for your generosity, but there¡¯s no need for that, ¡± Sophia immediately dismissed her. ¡°Just enjoy shopping, and I¡¯ll apany you.¡±

    Isadora gently pulled her towards the lines of clothing. ¡°I won¡¯t take a no as an answer, ¡± she cheekily said with hidden intent. ¡°It¡¯s a tradition for me to treat my friends on our first get-together. Come on and choose! Don¡¯t be shy.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want, then -¡± Sophia pointed on a silver dress in a ss container, just beside the entrance of the store. ¡± ¨C I want that one.¡±

    Isadora¡¯s smile remained on her face, even if she was shocked that Sophia will choose the dress with the highest price. However, she just dismissed it. In her mind, the more expensive she will give to Sophia, the more she will be loyal to her.

    They just stayed in the boutique for almost half an hour. Isadora bought a lot and ordered some of her body guards to send those purchases to her home. Meanwhile, Sophia decided to put the dress inside her car before they walked around the mall¡¯s garden.

    ¡°Sophia, ¡± Isadora called her. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind talking about your husband.¡±

    Sophia silently shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s fine. What do you want to talk about him?¡±

    Isadora grabbed that answer as an opportunity to start her n. ¡°You told us earlier that you needed people to help you clear your husband¡¯s name, ¡± she said, and with a glint in her eyes, she continued. ¡°You¡¯re lucky. The right person is just in fromt of you.¡±

    ¡°She took the bait,¡± Sophia thought to herself while supressing a devilish smile.

    Sophia pretended to touched and shocked. ¡°Really? You will help me?¡± she asked like an innocent girl who was given hope at her dark times.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Isadora answered. ¡°I will help you, but you have to tell me who those people are so that we can know how to fight them.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    In Isadora¡¯s mind, she can already hear Sophia saying the names of the Vitali. And she wanted her confirmation.

    ¡°Ezio and Chiara Vitali,¡± Sophia answered, moving to another phase of their n. ¡°They are the one who used my husband.¡±

    Isadora grinned inwardly, feeling the sense of triumph now that she has gathered another enemy for the Vitali ¨C an ally for her and her lover, Giovanni.

    With a pitiful and innocent look, she gently touched Sophia¡¯s hand. ¡°I can help you, but you have to listen to what I will say. Will you trust me, Sophia?¡±

    Sophia nodded immediately. ¡°I will do everything you will ask, as long as it will help me clear my husband¡¯s name, ¡± she responded. ¡°Tell me what to do. How can I get back to those who wronged my husband?¡±

    Isadora felt like the sess is now within her hands. ¡°You and your husband were investors in theirpanies, right?¡± she asked. ¡°You have to keep an eye on those two, especially on their new partners and those shipments of their products,¡± Isadora said as she remembered that Vitali has apany that ships hygienic products.

    ¡°Just keep an eye on them?¡± Sophia asked. ¡°How would that help in clearing my husband¡¯s name?¡±

    Isadora¡¯s smiled grew wider, as she can already foresee what will happen to their n. ¡°If you want to clear your husband¡¯s name, we must first get back to the Vitali, ¡± she exined. ¡°Your husband¡¯s image andpany was tarnished. Don¡¯t you want to do the same for them?¡±

    ¡°Just give me everything you can get from them. Schedules, names, anything. Then I¡¯ll tell you what we will do next, ¡± she added. ¡°It will be a slow process, but I assure you, you can clean your husband¡¯s name and have your revenge on them.¡±

    Sophia nodded. ¡°I will do that. I will do whatever it takes for my husband.¡±

    After a few minutes, the two women headed towards their home. Isadora, was ecstatic that she ry the information immediately to Giovanni when she went home.

    ¡°You¡¯re really the best, mia principessa,¡± Giovanni whispered in her ear.

    The woman giggled as she brush herseld on the man¡¯s body. The two didn¡¯t even mind that Giovanni is still married, as they tangled each other under the sheets, sharing each other¡¯s heat.

    On the other hand, Sophia arrived at her house. She immediately opened her original phone before sending a message to her friend.

    ¡°Phase 1,plete, ¡± the message read before deleting it after sending.

 A Juicy Gossip

    ¡°ENJOY THIS DAY, mom, dad,¡± Chiara spoke to her parents when they arrived at the Luminosa.

    Celine was hesitant to be away from her daughter, since it¡¯s been months since they lived under the same roof after Chiara got married. ¡°Are you sure you wouldn¡¯t need us?¡± she asked her daughter while holding hands with her husband.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about us, mom, ¡± Chiara spoke while encouraging her parents to take a day off. ¡°You deserve to entertain yourselves once in a while. Consider this as a treat for taking care of my husband.¡±

    Ezio, who heard how caring and aodating his inws when he was unconscious, gave them a reassuring smile. ¡°Mamma, Pappa, you have done a lot of Chiara and I. This is just a token of appreciation for your good deeds, ¡± he spoke with politeness. ¡°Besides, Chiara and I will just be on the nearby building. You can reach out to us whenever you want.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Chiara eximed while gently pushing her parents towards the entrance of the mall. ¡°Now, enjoy this day and date yourselves! You can leave anytime! Even exactly on the closing hours!¡±

    Their daughter seemed enthusiastic that her parents will now have their alone time: a time to date themselves just like what they did when they were younger.

    Chiara nned this, with the help of Ezio, of course. She noticed that it¡¯s been long since her parents went out together to have some leisure time. And now that her husband was fully recovered, she wanted to gave them this time to enjoy themselves before they going back to their mansin in the center.

    ¡°Okay, okay, ¡± Fabio spoke, gently guiding his wife towards the ss door. ¡°Just call us if you will need anything, okay? We will be home before five in the afternoon.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t mind even if you will go home at 10 in the evening!¡± Chiara eximed with beaming eyes while clinging to her husband, who is just staring how cute his wife is.

    Celineughed for a little bit at her daughter¡¯s response. ¡°That¡¯s too much. We want to share a dinner with you,¡± she spoke before bidding goodbye to them.

    The old couple walked towards the main lobby of the mall, which is an indoor garden. This is one of Celine¡¯s favorite part of the mall. Every part of this building is breathtaking, and she can¡¯t believe that the owner of this prestigious infrastructure is her daughter¡¯s husband.

    ¡°Shall we eat first or do you want to check the terraces?¡± Fabio asked his wife who is busy admiring the natural and man-made creations in the garden.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Celine thought for a moment before her right hand went down to her stomach. ¡°Let¡¯s have our lunch first. I want our sight-seeing date to be uninterrupted.¡±

    After having their lunch, which they found out was already on the house as reminded by Ezio, they were guided towards the terraces of the mall. The staffs gave them their own private mini perg to take a rest anytime they wanted.

    ¡°Be,¡± Fabio called his wife. ¡°What have you noticed on our daughter these past few weeks?¡± he asked.

    Celine smiled as she took a picture of thendscape view from the terraces. One of the reasons why Luminosa, especially the main branch, was famous to people is because of the breathtaking view it provides once you were in the upper floors of the mall. It oversee the whole Rome, capturing every buildings,ndmarks, and water bodies surrounding it.

    ¡°Our Chiara has been lively since Ezio woke up, ¡± she spoke, stating her observations. ¡°She looked happier, unlike before were there are times she will get lost in her thoughts. Also, our daughter looked healthier. I bet she had better sleep and healthier routine now.¡±

    Fabio nodded at his wife¡¯s response. He saw the same thing. Chiara¡¯splexion improved after Ezio get up froma. Well, if the same thing would happen to him, he is a hundred percent sure that he will also go through the same thing.

    While they were busy taking pictures to show to their daughter and son-inwter, a familiar voice called for their names.

    ¡°Celine? Fabio?¡±

    The two looked at the direction where the voice ising from. They were both surprised upon seeing old friends of them.

    ¡°Delle? Zack?¡± they spoke in unison.

    The couple in front of them aged just a little bit from thest time they saw them. The four of them were close friends since their sophomore year in college, and they continued to have good rtionship until Delle and Zack married each other and migrating to Find.

    ¡°Oh my god!¡± Celine and Delle eximed. The two women hugged each other while the men shook their hands together.

    They caught up in an engaging conversation, with the topics revolving to their life after marriage, as well as the current happenings of their children.

    ¡°Our youngest just graduated in college,¡± Delle spoke while caressing her husband¡¯s arm. ¡°It¡¯s good to see my children doing well in their careers.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear, ¡± Celine replied with enthusiasm. ¡°Your second son is now married, right? Did they stay with you in Find?¡±

    Delle nodded. ¡°Yes. They bought a house in the same neighborhood. It¡¯s a good thing that my daughter-inw lived in the same area, ¡± she responded before remembering something. ¡°How about Chiara? Is she married? It¡¯s been years since myst update about that precious child.¡±

    ¡°Oh yes, ¡± Celine soundes so proud. ¡°My daughter has been married for four years.¡±

    Delle took a sip on her tea. ¡°Oh my, who is this lucky man? Do you have your grandchildren already? I love babies!¡± she spoke as she giggled like a teenage girl. Well, Delle really loves babies. No wonder she and Zack have six children.

    ¡°My daughter and son-inw were still striving in their career, but I heard they will try to conceive soon,¡± she responded as she remembered the time her daughter asked her about how to get pregnant effectively. That straightforward question almost sent her husband to faint.

    ¡°And her husband,¡± she tried to hide her smile buy miserably failed. ¡°My son-inw is the owner of this mall.¡±

    Delle lose her grip on the tea cup. Luckily, her husband still has fast reflexes and he was able to catch the cup before it fell down. Delle was still dumbfounded that it was her husband who spoke for her.

    ¡°You mean, Chiara¡¯s husband is Signor Ezio Moris Vitali?¡± Zack asked.

    It was Fabio¡¯s turn to respond. ¡°Indeed, my brother. Our son-inw is Ezio. Our daughter is now a Vitali.¡±

    Delle, who just recovered from shock, spoke. ¡°They are a perfect pair!¡± she eximed as she pped her hands. ¡°Signor Vitali is a renowed businessman in several fields, while Chiara is a gifted child with multiple niches! They are sopatible!¡±

    ¡°Having such an aplished son-inw made you proud, didn¡¯t you?¡± Zack nudged his friend using his shoulder. ¡°Your grandchildren will surely have a good life ahead! And you two, too!¡±

    The two showered Celine and Fabio¡¯s daughter and son-inw with praises. They can¡¯t stop talking about how sessful Ezio is from a young age, and how Chiara is a multi-talented child who is also flexible wherever field she is in.

    Celine and Fabio couldn¡¯t stop smiling and look proud for their daughter and son-inw. Although the start of their rtionship isn¡¯t that good, what matters for them is what¡¯s happening in the present, and on the future.

    Suddenly, Delle¡¯s phone beep, interrupting their conversation. The three let her read the message on her phone, and the contents made them curious as Delle¡¯s eyebrows furrowed while reading it.

    Zack also leaned towards his wife because of curiousity. His face also did the same reaction as his wife. Celine was about to ask what happened when Delle spoke.

    ¡°They just got married this year, right?¡± she asked while looking to her left, as if she is trying to remember something.

    ¡°Who is it? Who just got married this year?¡± Celine asked as she was lost in the conversation.

    Delle showed her the screen of her phone, revealing its contents. ¡°The first daughter of the Morelli¡¯s and Chiara¡¯s friend, Simone. Do you remember them?¡± she asked.

    Celine read the contents on the screen, memorizing it to ry the information to her daughter. ¡°Yes. They just got married this year, ¡± she answered. ¡°They already filed for divorce? It¡¯s been just a few months!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised, too!¡± Delle eximed. ¡°I wonder what happens for them to get a divorce that quick.¡±

    Fabio tried to recall his conversation with his daughter. He remembered that Chiara told him something about the two before. His eyebrows met while trying to remember his daughter¡¯s word.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Alessandra-, ¡± Fabio pertained to the first daughter of the Morelli¡¯s. ¡°- pregnant?¡±

    Delle hurriedly looked at him as she heard a juicy news. ¡°Really? Where did you get that information?¡±

    ¡°From my daughter, Chiara,¡± he answered before looking at his wife. ¡°Chiara told me that Alessandra was pregnant when she met her.¡±

    ¡°Oh my,¡± Delle reacted as her hands flew to her mouth. ¡°What will happen to the child? Isn¡¯t it too early to have divorce?¡± she asked. ¡°Or maybe, her husband did something worse for her to do things in such extent.¡±

    By the time Celine and Fabio got home, their minds were upied with their conversation with Delle and Zack, most importantly, the news about Alessandra and Simone.

    ¡°Mom! Dad!¡± Chiara greeted them at the door while she was wearing a pink apron. Ezio on the other hand, was also wearing a matching pink apron.

    ¡°Did you have fun?¡± their daughter asked while helping them put down their purchases on the living room.

    Her parents nodded. ¡°We had a lot of fun, mi figlia, ¡± Celine spoke after hugging her daughter and her son-inw. ¡°I have a lot to share about our date, but I have something to tell.¡±

    ¡°Oh, what is it?¡± she asked, as Chiara sensed it is something controversial. Her mother has a glint in her eyes that was only there when she found out some issues or gossips.

    ¡°Alessandra and Simone are getting a divorce,¡± she spoke straight to the point.

    Ezio was shocked hearing the statement. After all, his wife wasn¡¯t able to tell him about the incident that happened outside their mansion. He didn¡¯t know that Alessandra bled because of Simone.

    On the other hand, Chiara was relieved. She is sure that Alessandra was the one who initiated the divorce. By doing that  Alessandra is cutting of Simone and Sigmund at the same time.

    ¡°That¡¯s a shocking news, mom,¡± Chiara replied. ¡°But let¡¯s not meddle with their affairs and focus on ours. We don¡¯t want any negative energy, after all.¡±Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    She guided her love ones towards the dining area, were the dished she and her husband made were served.

    But on the back of her mind, she was thinking about the text messages that Alessandra sent for the past few days, asking for her to meet up.

 His Personalityéˆ¥æªš Back

    MOANS AND GROANS filled the whole CEO¡¯s office in the Vitali Empire¡¯s building. For the people outside, that hour is just a normal time of the day, as they were busy finishing their workloads needed for the day. They where oblivious to the noises their bosses are making in their office.

    Chiara grabbed her husband¡¯s hair as Ezio went down to her intimate area. That part is so sensitive that just a breath from her husband made her whole body shiver. Her grip tighten as Ezio stick out his tongue to taste her skin.

    ¡°Oh my,¡± she moaned as her back arched because of the sensation. Her husband teased her entrance using his wet tongue, its tip gentlypping her folds and her sensitive bud.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tease me, tesoro,¡± Chiara pleaded to her husband as her hand tried to push his head towards her skin. ¡°Give it to me, please.¡±

    She felt him smile against her skin. Just a secondter, his lips covered her wet bud, sucking it like a nipple. Chiara almost pulled Ezio¡¯s hair because of the sensation.

    Her moans grew louder as Ezio licked andpped her folds, and it even went louder to the point her voice cracks when he entered two fingers inside her. It explored her insides, seemingly looking for the best spot to tease.

    When he found the right rhythm for her, Ezio multitasked on moving his fingers in and out as his tongue do the second work. He can taste his wife¡¯s juices, tingling his tongue, and it encouraged him to do more; to mess her more.

    After a few strokes, he felt her body shudder with sensation as he tasted more of her juices gushing out from her. Chiara let out a long and satisfied moan before her grip on his hair was removed, and her hands rested on her sides.

    Ezio stood up and stared at his wife¡¯s delicate face. Her forehead glistening with sweat even though the whole room is air conditioned. Her chest was heaving, moving up and down, as she seemed to be catching a lot of breaths.

    Suddenly, a sound of a zipper being opened and a belt hitting the ground was heard. Chiara opened her eyes to see what her husband is doing.

    Ezio pulled Chiara¡¯s feet until it was dangling from the edge of his table. Chiara saw his smiled at her before going down to kiss her lips. One of his hands touched the table for support, while the other one touched his wife¡¯s jaw to deepen their kiss.

    He was so hard that his manhood doesn¡¯t even need a support to guide it in her entrance. With the sloppy liquis surrounding his wife¡¯s folds, his manhood entered it with ease, even creating a lewd sound.

    ¡°Tesoro,¡± Chiara spoke between their kisses, adding more carnal desires to her husband.

    He slowly moved in and out of her, savoring the warmth and tightness of her body. Chiara cannot believe how insatiable her husband is, because on the first years of their marriage, he never showed any glimpse of lust for her, even respecting her physical boundaries.

    Now, since he was fully recovered and she took the initiative, Ezio wouldn¡¯t let a day pass without them savoring the heat of each other¡¯s body. Just once a day isn¡¯t enough for him.

    Today, he ravished her once just after she woke up, and another one before they went out for work. Now, he is having her third meal with her.

    Ezio groaned as he plunged himself deeper and deeper each time, hitting all of Chiara¡¯s sensitive spot. Their lips still entangled as he ravished her body, and his right hand went from her jaw, down to her breast, before teasing her small buds for a short time. Then, it slid down to her folds, looking for the sensitive bud that hepped earlier.

    ¡°Too much, ah!¡± Chiara eximed as Ezio yed with different parts of her body at the same time. The pleasure was too much for her to take that her eyes rolled back, blinding her.

    She was starting to question how her husband got that good in this matter. The first time they did this, Ezio looked like he was still learning, as if he doesn¡¯t know what to do. But just after a few weeks, he now looked like a professional.

    Chiara locked her husband using her legs, making his go deeper with every thrust. She was about to hug him closer when they heard a voice from the intem.

    ¡°Signora Chiara, Ezio my friend, I¡¯m here, ¡± Dante¡¯s voice echoed in the intem. ¡°I have something to report.¡±

    Hearing that, Chiara assumed that Dante has an important thing to report. Thus, she slightly pushed her husband away from her body.

    ¡°Dante¡¯s outside,¡± she spoke between her moans. ¡°We to talk to him.¡±

    But her words fell on deaf ears. Ezio kept on thrusting fast and hard that the whole table shake, the paper contents scaterring on the floor. She wanted to stop her husband, but her body betrayed her. Her body automatically received his thrust, moaning his name like a drug.

    Dante, on the other side of the door, doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s happening inside. He tried talking to the intem several time, only not to receive any response.

    He decided to just sat outside and read some magazines. He thought they were having a meeting, so he waited, not having an idea on what¡¯s going on inside.

    Back at the office, Ezio¡¯s groan louder as he felt his releaseing. He already made his wife reached heaven a couple of time, and now, it¡¯s his turn.

    Hearing her husband¡¯s growl, Chiara intentionally contracted her muscles, making her insides tighter than before. It created a strong sensation on Ezio¡¯s manhood, which encouraged to make his release faster.

    After three pumps, a warm liquid shoot inside Chiara¡¯s canal. Both of them closed their eyes, savoring the feeling of ecstasy with each other¡¯s embrace. Ezio nted kisses on her face while huffing.

    When the pleasure subsided, they let Ezio¡¯s manhood to beid, before it pulled out itself. Chiara felt something was missing when their body separated.

    ¡°We have to clean up, cara,¡± Ezio whispered before biting her ear.

    He chuckled as his wife giggled, her face still flushed because of their intimate deed. He reached for the tissue before cleaning both of them.

    After a few minutes, the office now looked like nothing nastu happened inside. Chiara even opened some air freshener and sprayed perfume so that the smell of their deed will not be noticed.

    Chiara fixed her husband¡¯s suit as Ezio did the same to her. They looked at each other in the mirror andughed together because of their doings.

    ¡°He must be waiting for a long time. Let¡¯s get him in,¡± Chiara spoke. Her husband kissed her for once before opening the door for Dante.

    Dante, who was almost asleep, was startled when he heard the door opened. He hurriedly stood up and saw his friend and his wife standing. He even looked around to see who they have a meeting with before him.

    ¡°It¡¯s just the two of you?¡± he asked when he saw no one aside from them.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Ezio nodded with a poker face, trying to supress a smile. ¡°Yes. What makes you think we have another visitor?¡±

    ¡°But it took you a long time to open the door,¡± he responded. ¡°I thought you-¡±

    His words stopped when he thought of something green. His face contorted while looking at his friend. ¡°Really, man? In office? Really?¡±

    Ezio looked at him as if he was innocent. ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked, while he wasughing out loud inside.

    Chiara nudged her husband before looking at Dante. ¡°Pleasee inside. Sorry for making you wait.¡±

    Without a question, Dante walked inside the office while holding a attached case. He looked like awyer because of his attire, which was very seldom because he looked like an idle person looking for a job most of the time.

    ¡°So,¡± Chiara spoke after she sat on the couch. ¡°What is your report all about?¡±

    Dante opened the attached case before handing the couple different papers that contains the report. ¡°The result of the examination on Marco¡¯s belongings has been given to us. The contents are on the paper I provided,¡± he spoke while motioning the papers.

    ¡°We found out several fingerprints in his belongings, especially on his wallet and bag,¡± he exined, as he pointed the picture that contains the things Marco left. ¡°We run an investigation on those prints and we found out that those prints came from these mercenaries.¡±

    He gave another set of papers. There are pictures of different men, together with their information. From the looks of it, there are over ten men in the list. Just the thought of these people torturing Marco before he died sent chills to Chiara¡¯s bones.

    ¡°Did you found where these mercenaries came from?¡± Ezio asked while examining and remembering the faces of those men. ¡°Most mercenaries are under various organizations.¡±

    ¡°They were from Pescara, ¡± Dante answered. ¡°We were still not sure of the specific ce, but we were leaning between the northern and eastern part of it.¡±

    Ezio rested his back on his chair. ¡°Giovanni grew up in Pescara.¡±

    It was just one sentence, yet it mean a lot. Chiara was wondering how Giovanni got those mercenaries, but hearing that sentence from her husband made her think that Giovanni really have a lot of resources and people to use.

    ¡°Aside from that,¡± Dante gave a picture of a shoe which they assumed was owned by Marco. Nothing was really interesting in the picture until Dante pointed his finger to certain spot with red paints. ¡°A drop of blood was retrieved on his shoe. The blood came from one of the mercenaries.¡±

    ¡°However, we didn¡¯t find anything that could connect to Giovanni. We were thinking of interrogating some of the mercenaries, but we still need your permission,¡± he added.

    Ezio gave him the permission immediately. ¡°Interrogate one of them. Make sure it will be discreet or Giovanni will think that we¡¯re moving against him.¡±

    ¡°How could I do it discreetly, my friend?¡± Dante asked. ¡°We have to kidnap that person, of course. That won¡¯t be discreet.¡±

    ¡°Then make it look like he wasn¡¯t abducted by us,¡± Ezio replied with a glint in his eyes, before it softened as he looked at his wife. ¡°Use other people who have a bad impression on that mercenary you chose. Make it look like they abducted him.¡±

    Dante¡¯s smile grew wider. ¡°That¡¯s my friend! Wee back!¡± he eximed as he was happy that his friend is now back on his ruthless and maniptive personality.

 A Friendéˆ¥æªš Divorce

    ¡°THEY REALLY HAVE THE COURAGE to fight against us,¡± Chiara spoke to her husband as she read Sophia¡¯s message to her. The message contains Isadora¡¯s n on framing thr Vitalipany into something illegal.

    Ezio clicked his tongue while signing some papers. ¡°Don¡¯t they have a better n? nting drugs soundsme,¡± he stated with a mocking tone.

    ¡°Lame?¡± Chiara asked her husband. ¡°Drugs are illegal. Don¡¯t you know what will happen if they sound some in ourpany?¡± she added with her hands on her waist. ¡°Ourpany¡¯s image will crumble and, you and I will be in trouble.¡±

    Ezio chuckled before standing up and hugging his wife from the side. ¡°Of course, cara, I know that, ¡± he nted a kiss on her neck. ¡°But also know how to counter it.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Chiara asked with her eyebrow rising. ¡°And how would you do that?¡±

    ¡°That part¡¯s on me,¡± he grinned. ¡°You¡¯ll know once it happened.¡±

    Chiara just threw a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m worried on Sophia. She¡¯s entering the enemy¡¯s base, ¡± she spoke before she remembered something.

    ¡°If we will counter Isadora¡¯s n, wouldn¡¯t that make her doubt Sophia?¡± she asked. She didn¡¯t wait for her husband¡¯s answer and went on chatting her friend.

    On the other hand, Sophia was sitting inside a restaurant, alone in the table because Isadora went to the bathroom.

    Her eyes are subtly looking at Isadora¡¯s phone whose screen is touching the table, avoiding others to read the contents. But Sophia has ns how to do that.

    She subtly put her double mirror under the table, and slowly moved it underneath the phone. With only the dd table separating them, Sophia can clearly see the message Isadora received.

    ¡°We¡¯ll nt the drug on the Vitali¡¯s conference room within this week. Send the money ASAP. ¡±

    Sophia pretended not to see anything. She pretended to take a selfie but she is really texting Chiara using one hand. After the message was sent, she received a reply after a moment.

    Chiara: Wouldn¡¯t she doubt you if we found the drugs?

    Sophia replied quickly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She doesn¡¯t know that I know.¡±

    After sending the message, Sophia hurriedly opened the guest user and pretended that she was not texting. It was the view that Isadora saw upon leaving thefort room.

    The first thing she checked subtly is her phone. It was still upside down and the marker she put wasn¡¯t moved. Isadora smiled inwardly knowing that Sophia didn¡¯t poke with her phone. It was a test, and Sophia passed in Isadora¡¯s mind.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Isadora spoke, trying to see the screen of Sophia¡¯s phone. She looked like she was texting somebody, because of her fingers typing heavily.

    Sophia looked at her with a calm appearance. ¡°I¡¯m supporting these idols,¡± she showed her phone with a livestream and several usersmenting on the live, including Sophia. ¡°The group with thergestments will win.¡±

    Isadora checked the contents and found out that Sophia was telling the truth. Her doubts subsided before she sat down.

    ¡°My husband and I will have our dateter, ¡± Isadora spoke. ¡°I have to leave early.¡±

    ¡°Oh my, where will you have your date?¡± she asked innocently. ¡°Marco and I used to date in Venice.¡±

    Isadora proudly answered her. ¡°We¡¯ll have our shopping date in Rinascente Roma Tritone, then a dinner in MAIO.¡±

    ¡°Those are such expensive ces. You¡¯re really living a luxurious life, ¡± Sophia replied. ¡°I enjoyed this day. Thank you for treating me again. I¡¯ll be paying for us next time.¡±

    After they parted ways, Sophia blew a sigh, as she sessfully survived another day with her husband¡¯s murderer.

    BACK IN THE OFFICE, Chiara was ready to leave before her husband. She fixed herself before checking if she¡¯s already done with her tasks.

    ¡°I want to go with you, ¡± Ezio demanded while pouting. He looked like a child ready to throw a tantrum.

    Chiara shook her head while smiling. ¡°You cane with me if you¡¯re free, but tesoro,¡± she pointed to a certain direction. ¡°You see those papers? You still have a lot of work to finish by this day.¡±

    ¡°I can order Luigi and Victor to do this,¡± he argued. ¡°Let me go with you.¡±

    ¡°You have to do that by yourself,¡± her hands rested on her waist. ¡°When you wereatosed, Luigi and Victor did almost all of the work while guiding me. Now that you¡¯re healed, you must do your responsibilities like a model boss.¡±

    She kissed his puffing cheeks before speaking. ¡°Bye! I¡¯ll see you at hometer before six in the evening. Love you!¡±

    Chiara didn¡¯t wait for her husband to respond and went towards the door. Earlier this morning, Chiara received a message from Monika, saying that she already arrived from her trip on France.

    Thetter invited her to meet up, since she has a lot to share from her trip. They invited Ms. Copp to join them, but she refused as she has an emergency in theirpany.

    Just after a few minutes, Chiara arrived at their meeting ce. From the entrance door of the restaurant, she can see Monika waiting for her with shopping bags with brand names under the chair.

    ¡°Have you been waiting for so long?¡± Chiara asked after giving a cheek to cheek kiss to Monika.

    ¡°Oh, not really,¡± she answered. ¡°I just arrived. By the way,¡± she picked up the bag under her chair. ¡°These are my gifts for you.¡±

    Chiara was surprised to know that it¡¯s for her. She assumed that the other one was supposed to be for Ms. Copp.

    ¡°Thank you so much, Monika,¡± she spoke while opening the shopping bag with a brand name ¡°Bvlgari¡±. She was greeted by two boxes inside.

    The first box contains a Bvlgari rose gold ne with a green jade pendant. The other box contains a ring with the same characteristics.

    ¡°This is so beautiful,¡± Chiara spoke while trying the ring in her finger. ¡°Thank you, Monika,¡± she added. ¡°I haven¡¯t prepared for a gift for you.¡±

    ¡°No worries. You mentioned that you liked jadest time, and I remembered you when I saw that,¡± Monika spoke. ¡°I¡¯m happy that you liked my gift. I wonder if Ms. Copp will like it. It¡¯s the same design but instead of jade, it has diamonds.¡±

    They ordered their food, just a light snack and juice. They finished their food first before catching up.

    ¡°How¡¯s your trip to France?¡± Chiara asked. ¡°I remember you said that it will only take you two weeks, but you stayed their for almost a month.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, ¡± Monika replied with a satisfied smile. ¡°The reason why I went to France is to ask for my family¡¯s support and connection to rush the process of the divorce.¡±

    Chiara was surpised hearing that. She knew that Monika and Giovanni are now under a divorce procedure, but she didn¡¯t expect that Monika will make a move to finish it quickly.

    It looks like Monika really wanted to cut off her ties with Giovanni, which is a good thing for Chiara.

    ¡°So, how was it?¡± Chiara asked. ¡°Did they help you?¡±

    Monika mentiomed before that her father dotes Giovanni too much, for the reason that thetter saved him. Chiara was worried that her father might stop their divorce procedure and force Monika to continue their rtionship despite Giovanni¡¯s infidelity.

    ¡°Thankfully, it went well. I was able to convince my father,¡± she answered. ¡°Good thing that I prepared photos and videos of Giovanni cheating on me. If not, I¡¯m sure my father will dismiss my request.¡±

    Chiara was about to speak when her phone rang. Thinking that it was from her husband, she hurriedly reached for her phone to check.

    Her eyebrows furrowed upon seeing an unknown telephone number on the screen. The number doesn¡¯t look familiar, so she decided to let it ring and not to answer.

    ¡°Who is it?¡± Monika asked when she saw her friend not answering the call.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s an unknown number,¡± she spoke. ¡°I don¡¯t want to answer this. Maybe just a scam call.¡±

    They continued talking until Chiara received another notification. This time, it was a message from Sophia.

    Sophia: Chiara, are you avable today? I would like to talk to you regarding Isadora. Even over a call will be fine.

    Chiara replied to her. She wanted to talk to Sophia, but she has priormitments and she promised Monika that she will stay with her before night time.

    Chiara: I¡¯m sorry, Sophia. I¡¯m currently having a meet up in Rinascente Roma Tritone. I¡¯ll call youter. Would that be fine for you?

    Chiara went back on talking with Monika. Thry conversation revolved on her stay in France, especially about the process of their divorce.

    ¡°My husband doesn¡¯t want to sign the divorce papers at first, but when I ckmailed him that I will expose his infidelity, he finally signed,¡± Monika spoke. ¡°However, I didn¡¯t realize that he used a pen with disappearing ink. I just noticed it when I check the divorce papers once again. ¡±

    ¡°A pen with disappearing ink?¡± Chiara asked, surprised to hear such thing. ¡°There is such a thing?¡±

    Monika nodded. ¡°Yes. I think the ink will disappear after contacting with friction for several minutes,¡± she answered. ¡°It was a bold move from him.¡±

    ¡°I had to resort to some things in order to make him sign again,¡± she added with a sigh. ¡°My father used his connection to rush the process. I¡¯m happy to announce that we¡¯re officially divorced,¡± she added while showing a paper stating the same.

    Chiara looked shocked upon hearing it. She thought that the process was only rush, but still ongoing. Monika¡¯s father must have a strong connection in Italy for him to do that.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy that you escaped such unhappy and toxic marriage, Monika,¡± she reached for her hand. ¡°You¡¯re so strong to go against him.¡±

    Monika smiled and it reached her ears. ¡°Thank you for supporting me, Chiara,¡± she spoke, her voice cracking on thest part.

    ¡°I was worried that people might look at me differently because I¡¯m a divorced woman,¡± she spoke with a low voice. ¡°I grew up in a family that doesn¡¯t recognize divorce. My elders are very traditional and they value religious practices so much, that¡¯s why I¡¯m hesitant to open this to them.¡±

    ¡°Some of our family members told me that no man would want me knowing that I¡¯m a divorced woman, that it will tarnish our family¡¯s reputation,¡± she added, trying to wipe the tears forming on the corner of her eye.

    Chiaraforted her. ¡°Divorce is not a thing to be ashamed of. It just shows your strength and courage to escape a rtionship that destroy you,¡± she assured her. ¡°If Ms. Copp is hear, she would understand how you feel. She was a divorcee too, so she knews how hard it is.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Monika looked up at her, shocked to know that Ms. Copp was also divorced.

    Chiara nodded. ¡°It¡¯s fine to be sad, but you also have to be happy that you¡¯re already free from him.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    They hugged each other, with Chiara givingfort to her friend, who also happened to be the ex-wife of their rival.

    ¡°Thank you, Chiara. It¡¯s good to have a friend like you.¡±

    While they were celebrating in silence, Chiara¡¯s phone beeped with another message. She removed herself from the hug to check the message.

    Sophia: Isadora is also in that ce with Giovanni. Take care, Chiara.

    Reading that, Chiara subtly asked Monika to check another ce, far from the current area they are in. She also reasoned that rush hour is approaching and it will difficult for them to be stuck between the heavy traffic.

    The moment they left the restaurant, they rode on each other¡¯s car. Monika drove her own while Chiara has one of Ezio¡¯s bodyguards to drive for her.

    When they drove off, Chiara saw a car that just parked in the area. After a few moments, Giovanni emerged from the car, with Isadora following his steps.

 She Who Dares To Seduce Him

    MONIKA WAS ABLE to go home without encountering Giovanni or Isadora that day. Thankfully, Sophia told Chiara about and she was quick enough to react to the situation.

    Chiara went home before the sun sets, because she knew that her husband would go insane if she will bete even for a second. Thest time Chiara waste, Ezio hysterically looked for her, even calling her parents and using three-fourths of his men to look for her, even though she was just stuck in the traffic.

    While getting ready to sleep, Chiara thought of something she would like to ask her husband. Fromying on her back, she turned sideways, facing Ezio.

    ¡°Tesoro, I still don¡¯t know if I should respond to Alessandra¡¯s texts,¡± she spoke to her as her hand rested on his chest, feeling him breathing normally.

    Ezio used his thumb to caress her thigh using circr motion. ¡°I don¡¯t want to dictate you on what to do, but I think we have to know what information she has,¡± he responded. ¡°But we have to be careful. The ce must be open and public so that my men and I can monitor you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t trust that woman, but if working with her means we could know more how to bring Giovanni down, then so be it,¡± he addrd, giving a reassuring smile to his wife.

    Chiara touched his face and stared at him. ¡°I know you will say that,¡± she spoke. ¡°I will meet her and I will decide the ce. I just hope she won¡¯t do anything stupid.¡±

    Ezio nodded at her before giving her phone. She texted Alessandra back, but before she could send the message, Chiara received a call from another number ¨C the same unknown number that called her while she was talking to Monika.

    ¡°This number called me several times today,¡± Chiara told her husband. ¡°I was waiting for this person to text before I answered the call. I even sent a message, but the person wouldn¡¯t respond. It just kept on calling.¡±

    Ezio looked at Chiara¡¯s ringing phone in her hand, contemting wether to answer the call or not.

    ¡°Don¡¯t answer it for now,¡± he spoke. ¡°We don¡¯t know if that call has tracking abilities. We¡¯re still in the safe house.¡±

    Then he added. ¡°If the same number would call tomorrow while we were in the office or other ce aside from our house, then you can answer it.¡±

    Chiara immediately understood what her husband mean. If the caller might be trying to know her location, it is safe to answer the call when they¡¯re outside.

    She smiled, realizing how strategic and intelligent her husband is. It just made her fall in love with him more.

    Ezio, noticed the lovingly way of how his wife looked at him. He licked his lips and his hand travelled to her neck.

    ¡°Am I getting any tonight?¡± he asked while his eyebrows were moving up and down yfully.

    Chiaraughed at her. ¡°You look like a honry dog,¡± she spoke.

    Ezio didn¡¯t disagree on her words. ¡°Yes, I am really horny for you. Please give me something tonight, cara,¡± he replied before kissing her neck.

    She moved her neck to give more ess go her husband. She was about to sumb to him when she thought of something.

    ¡°This is very random, but I don¡¯t understand how Giovanni has so many mistresses,¡± she spoke. ¡°I already met three of them: Isabe, Caterina, and Isadora. I wonder how many mistresses he has.¡±

    Ezio pouted at her. ¡°That¡¯s a good way to ruin our sexy night, cara,¡± he spoke, annoyed that their intimate time was interrupted.

    ¡°Hehe, I just can¡¯t help to think what they saw on him,¡± she added before touching his face once again. ¡°You look more handsome than him, yet I don¡¯t see any woman going after you.¡±

    ¡°Then what do you call yourself?¡± Ezio asked cheekily, teasing his wife.

    Chiara didn¡¯t back down. ¡°I didn¡¯t go after you. You chased me. Remember?¡± she said, speaking facts that made Ezio quiet. ¡°I remember that you forced me to marry you, and that proves that you¡¯re the one who really went after me.¡±

    Ezio became quiet, he just wanted to have a sexy time with his wife, now she¡¯s saying that no one is going after him. It¡¯s just the same thing as saying that he is not handsome at all!

    He sulked, before turning his back to his wife, and burying his face on the pillow. Chiara, suddenly felt she did something wrong. She wad just teasing him, not really to the point he will be annoyed. She didn¡¯t expect that he will sulk.

    With the want to make it to her husband, she hugged him from the back and nted kissed on his neck.

    ¡°Are you mad at me, tesoro?¡± she used her sweet voice, as if talking to a child. ¡°I¡¯m just joking. I do not intend to annoy you.¡±

    She hugged him tighter, giving more kisses to his skin while trying to remove the pillow covering his face. ¡°You¡¯re handsome. No other woman will go after you because I already own you. I¡¯ll destory anyone who tries.¡±

    When Ezio still didn¡¯t respond, Chiara used her secret method to make him forgive her. Her hand slowly made its way down, before resting near his crotch.

    She felt his stiffened, and Chiara knee that victory is within her grasp. She slowly caressed the skin before whispering. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, tesoro. How can I make it up to you?¡±

    Just one question, and her husband lunged himself to her, using the opportunity to share the warmth and feel the love they have for each other.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    MORNING CAME and it was another day for them to work. It wasn¡¯t supposed to be a busy day for Ezio and Chiara, but since the payday is tomorrow, they still need to do a lot of work.

    ¡°Cara,¡± Ezio called his wife. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the store next to the building. It¡¯s almost lunchtime.¡±

    Chiara heard him but didn¡¯t look up as she was busy double checking every document in front of her. ¡°Can¡¯t you ask someone to get the food? It will be a hassle for you to go down.¡±

    ¡°Luigi and Victor are both busy. Besides, I have nothing to do since I finished my tasks,¡± he spoke. He was about to tease his wife because she still wasn¡¯t done with her work, but decided to zip his mouth. He doesn¡¯t want her angry, after all.

    ¡°Sure, tesoro. Take care!¡±

    They kissed each other before Ezio left. Minutes passed, and Chiara was still focused on her task. The moment she finished thest document, she stood up and stretched her body.

    Her eyesnded on thr clock. It¡¯s been almost thirty minutes since Ezio left and he still hasn¡¯t returned. Worried, Chiara decided to check on him.

    The moment the elevator arrived at the ground floor and its doors opened, a scream from a familiar voice was heard.

    ¡°Scram!¡± Ezio shouted. She hurriedly walked towards the noise and saw a woman almost kneeling on the floor with a bottle of water in her hand.

    Chiara approached her husband. ¡°Tesoro, what happened?¡±

    She checked his body before looking at the woman below them. That¡¯s when she noticed that Ezio¡¯s pants is wet. What caught her attention is that the wet part is exactly on Ezio¡¯s crotch, as if someone intentionally targeted that part.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Madam Chiara,¡± the woman spoke with apologetic voice. She was still kneeling on the floor. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to wet Signor Ezio¡¯s pants. My bottle slipped and itnded on him. I¡¯m sorry, Madam.¡±

    Then, she reached out for a handkerchief in her pocket. ¡°Let me clean it up for you, signor,¡± she spoke before her hand extended, trying to wipe the wet part on Ezio¡¯s pants.

    Ezio was about to kick the woman when Chiara grabbed the woman¡¯s hand, gripping it tightly until it became ufortable for the woman.

    ¡°Wiping it won¡¯t do anything,¡± she spoke. ¡°Why are you here, anyway? This area is reserved for the CEO,¡± she pointed the golden metal bars and red ropes that divides the ce for the CEO and the ce for the other employees.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Madam,¡± the woman hang her head low. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that I¡¯m not allowed here. I wasn¡¯t told about it. I¡¯m just a new employee.¡±

    It was Ezio who spoke this time. ¡°Every employee were oriented about the parts of this building, and that includes this area,¡± he said while ring at the woman. ¡°Besides, there¡¯s a sign just before you can enter. Are you blind? Maybe you don¡¯t even know how to read.¡±

    The woman¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I didn¡¯t see it, signor. I¡¯m so sorry! Please forgive me.¡±

    Ezio clicked his tongue. This woman not only wet his clothes, but also tried to seduce him earlier. She kept on following him even if he was on the restaurant where he bought his and his wife¡¯s lunch. Just remembering how she tried to show her body was enough for Ezio to be angry.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for forgiveness,¡± Ezio spoke. The woman thought that her boss will let her mistake passed. In her mind, she thought that her ways of seducing him worked, that¡¯s why he was letting her go.

    ¡°You¡¯re fired. Get your things and leave. If you¡¯re still here when the lunch time ends, I¡¯ll have the security to throw you out,¡± he said firmly with a warning re before touching his wife¡¯s waist and entering the elevator, going back to their office and leaving the woman dumbfounded.

 Call From The Unknown

    CHIARA IMMEDIATELY ASKED Victor to get a new pair of suit for her husband the moment they arrive at the office. She can feel her husband¡¯s annoyance to the woman, but he hurried to her side and hugged her, as if he was asking forfort.

    ¡°I already asked Victor to bring you new clothes,¡± she whispered in his ear while helping him in putting down their lunch on the table.

    Just after a few minutes, they heard a knock on the door. Chiara opened it and was greeted by Victor who has. a huge paper bag in his hand.

    ¡°Thank you, ¡± she said before going back to her husband.

    Ezio was just standing in the middle of the office like a child who is waiting for her mother to get his towel and clothes. When Chiara locked the door, he immediately removed his clothes as fast as a lightning.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to you thefort room?¡± she asked her husband. ¡°Getting naked in the office seems inappropriate.¡±

    Ezio put on the new clothes given to him. ¡°Just days ago, we were naked in this same office but you said nothing.¡±

    Her face turned red, knowing that her husband was referring to their intimate act in the office. She just ignored him and waited for him to finish before helping him with his necktie.

    Chiara removed the food from the stic containers and they had their lunch. There are only a few minutes left before they can go back to work, but Chiara didn¡¯t rush her husband since they already finished their tasks for that day.

    After filling their stomach, Ezio cleaned the table and went back to cuddle with his wife. The scenario on the ground floor crossed in Chiara¡¯s mind once again.

    ¡°Why did you fire her?¡± Chiara asked her husband who¡¯s ying with her hair as they sat on the visitor¡¯s couch. ¡°She didn¡¯t do anything aside from wetting your pants.¡±

    Ezio squinted his eyes before answering. ¡°Cara, don¡¯t you know that before, a week wouldn¡¯t pass without me firing anyone?¡± he spoke as a matter of fact.

    ¡°And you think that is a good excuse?¡± Chiara challenged him. She knew about that since Luigi told her one time that Ezio stopped firing people when Chiara and him started to be in good terms. But she can feel that there is another reason why Ezio was so angry at the woman earlier.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Ezio took a deep breath. ¡°She tried to seduce me,¡± he spoke.

    Chiara stiffened at his response. She didn¡¯t expect that he will say that. ¡°Seduced you? How? When?¡±

    ¡°She followed me when I bought our lunch,¡± he exined, remembering how the woman act earlier. ¡°She was insisting that she will help me, which I refused several times. When I was waiting for the food, she approached me again and tried to show her,¡± his eyes went down on Chiara¡¯s breast before pointing to it. ¡°That.¡±

    Chiara looked down at her chest and her face contorted in annoyance. ¡°Did you see it?¡± she asked, sending a warning re to her husband.

    ¡°Of course, not!¡± Ezio put his hands up in thr air as if he wanted to surrender. ¡°Your breasts are the only one I will look at. Can I have a taste now?¡±

    She yfully hit his arms before going back to the topic. ¡°You¡¯re really shameless. So, what happened next?¡±

    ¡°I turned my back to her and changed ces,¡± he added. ¡°But she still followed me. When I walked back, she tried to rub her skin on mine,¡± then he grinned. ¡°I pushed her.¡±

    Chiara smiled at his statement. Maybe that¡¯s why she saw the woman¡¯s arm having a few scratches. He indeed pushed her.

    ¡°But she was really persistent, cara,¡± he added more. ¡°When I was about to go to the elevator and tell you what happened, I felt something cold in my pants. Then I saw her pouring the water. It wasn¡¯t an ident, cara! She intentionally did that!¡±

    Chiara¡¯s hunch was right. The way Ezio¡¯s pants was wet was really intentional. Her blood boiled just by thinking that another woman tried to catch her husband¡¯s attention.

    ¡°You made the right choice by firing her,¡± she responded. ¡°I don¡¯t want anydy flirting with you,¡± she pulled Ezio¡¯s necktie so that he will be closer to her. ¡°You¡¯re mine, okay? Tell that to those women.¡±

    Ezio giggle inside him, but he only gave a wide smile before kissing her lips. ¡°Yes, cara. I¡¯m yours.¡±

    They frenh kissed each other, not minding that they are in the office. As they were near on losing control, they heard a series of knock on the door.

    ¡°I almost forgot!¡± Chiara spoke before standing uo, fixing herself. ¡°Dante texted that he has an update.¡±

    Ezio pouted. ¡°Can¡¯t he just send the update over the phone? This is the second time he interrupted our sexy time,¡± he spoke.

    ¡°As far as I remember, this is the first time,¡± Chiara responded. ¡°The first time Dante went here, you didn¡¯t mind him and continued ravishing me. That doesn¡¯t count as an interruption.¡±

    Before Ezio could argue, Chiara opened the door and let her husband¡¯s friend in. Dante looked surprised that they opened the door quick, unlikest time where he waited for several minutes.

    ¡°So, what did you find out?¡± Ezio asked his friend, hiding the annoyance because of their interrupted time.

    ¡°We were able to catch the mercenary who left a trace of his blood,¡± he rested his back on the couch, and he looked like he was disappointed of the result. ¡°We interrogated him, but we still cannot find anything that will connect them to Giovanni.¡±

    ¡°But he revealed that the man who paid them sent a masked woman who gave them the deposit of their payment,¡± he added. Dante pulled a bunch of stapled paper from his bag before giving them to Ezio.

    ¡°We dig into the transaction records of those mercenaries. It was difficult to retrieve since they used different name, but we were able to find it, ¡± he spoke as Ezio and Chiara read the contents of the paper.

    While they were scanning the pages, Ezio pointed at one name of a sender, who transfer 300, 000 euros to one of the mercenaries¡¯ ount.

    ¡°Romano Enterprises,¡± he read that certain line in the paper, as his pointing finger slide through the page, from the sender¡¯s name to the transaction number.

    Chiara turned her head to her husband. ¡°Does that ring a bell?¡± she asked, because the name of that enterprise isn¡¯t familiar for her. The surname Romano is somehowmon in Italy.

    ¡°Isadora, Giovanni¡¯s mistress number three,¡± he chuckled. ¡°is the granddaughter of the Romano Enterprise¡¯s CEO.¡±

    He steepled his fingers and grinned. ¡°It might be a direct connection to Giovanni, but atleast we knew that his mistress is involved with this.¡±

    Suddenly, a thought crossed in his mind as a familiar glint formed in his eyes. ¡°I wonder what Mr. Romano will do once he found out that his precious granddaughter paid mercenaries to kill someone,¡± he stated.

    Dante knew what¡¯s going on inside his friend¡¯s mind. Knowing Ezio, he will use his connection to Mr. Romano to reveal the deeds of his granddaughter.

    But Ezio wouldn¡¯t reveal it quickly. He is the kind of person who will give you several clues, destroying you little by little, and by the time you noticed him, the final blow was already done.

    His maniptive, cunning, and strategic means brought Ezio to where he is right now. It was hical, but he was able to make people loyal to him by having knowledge and evidences of the skeletons in their closet.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let the mercenary go. We will use him once the timees,¡± Ezio spoke as his face went back to being innocent, the face he used when he is with his wife. ¡°Leave the rest to me. For now, I have another task for you.¡±

    Dante¡¯s face beamed with happiness after hearing his friend¡¯s words. ¡°Another task, another money. What is it, my friend?¡±

    ¡°Check the CCTV footages around 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the ground floor. You will see a woman who poured water on me,¡± he clicked his tongue before speaking again. ¡°Find that woman¡¯s background and tell me if you found something fishy about her.¡±

    Turns out, Ezio also has some doubts to that woman. In his years of building his business empire, no woman tried to do such bold act to him. Just one stare to them is enough to make those women shut their mouth.

    But the woman earlier is a new case. Even if Ezio pushed her away, literally, she didn¡¯t back down. Instead, she tried creating a scene. She¡¯s just a newly hired staff, yet she has the guts to offend her.

    Besides, it seems that the woman was ready for the things that happened. When she followed him earlier, she offered a basket to put their put. When he pushed her, she has a disinfectant in her pocket. Andstly, when she poured the water on him, she had a handkerchief ready.

    Those were very small details, but it didn¡¯t escape Ezio¡¯s sight. He thought that someone might be waiting for him to react impulsively and use it against him.

    The moment Dante left to go to the cafeteria, Chiara grabbed her phone to check on Sophia. But she was greeted by several missed calls.

    ¡°Tesoro,¡± she called her husband. ¡°The same number called me again. Just a few minutes ago.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t able to hear her ringing phone as it was under silent when she was in work. The number called four times within three minutes. If this is not an emergency, Chiara doesn¡¯t know what it is.

    Suddenly, her phone rang again. The number shed on the screen multiple times.

    ¡°Answer it, cara,¡± Ezio whispered to his wife before giving her a peck of kiss.

    Chiara clicked the green button on screen. She put the phone on her ear and spoke. ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡±

    Just after a few seconds, the person in the other end of the call spoke.

    ¡°Chiara?¡± Sigmund¡¯s voice echoed in her voice.

 Revelations From Alessandra

    ¡°I¡¯M WILLING TO HELP YOU,¡± those were Sigmund¡¯s words before the call ended. A voice of a man stating that his call time was over while Sigmund was talking, and various voices of other people screaming to remove Sigmund because he has been using the phone for a long time.

    Chiara looked at her husband, contemting whether they should ept his help. On the day she visited him in prison, Chiara extended help because she still doesn¡¯t have enough connections to get more information.

    But now that her husband is awake, and she have Sophia and Caterina to give her updates, she doesn¡¯t think that she will need Sigmund¡¯s assistance. However, she is curious on what information Sigmund has, or maybe, a physical evidence against their rival.

    ¡°Shall we ept it?¡± Chiara asked her husband. She doesn¡¯t want to decide for the two of them. ¡°I don¡¯t know how he can help us now that he is still in prison.¡±

    Sigmund can¡¯t do much aside from giving statements they can use against Giovanni. But that¡¯s not what they need right now. They need physical evidences.

    Caterina and Sophia gave her statements they got directly from their rival, but in the court, those words are considered to be ¡°easy to twist¡±. On the other hand, physical evidences are honored in the court.

    Ezio took a moment to think how to answer the question. ¡°He is now reaching out to us, because he knew that Giovanni cannot pull him out anymore,¡± he said as a matter of fact.

    ¡°Did the authorities finally close the Bti Law Firm?¡± she asked as she wasn¡¯t updated on what happened to the saidw firm.

    Her husband nodded. ¡°They were closed just two days ago. Lawyers under them were all under investigation,¡± he replied.

    ¡°So that¡¯s why,¡± Chiara spoke, grasping the situation. ¡°Giovanni doesn¡¯t have anywyers to pull Sigmund or Isabe out, and Sigmund is desperate enough to reach out to us.¡±

    Ezio rested his back on the chair. Thinking about the old man words. It hase to his knowledge that the old man was the mastermind on ndering the image of his hotel.

    He knew that they shouldn¡¯t trust that old man, but Ezio cannot let the opportunity pass from his hands.

    ¡°Cara, you will meet Simone¡¯s wife tomorrow, right?¡± he asked.

    Chiara nodded. ¡°Yes, tesoro. She already agreed on the ce and time that I gave,¡± she answered. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Try to get some information about Sigmund through that woman,¡± he replied and gave a calm smile to her. He wanted to maximize all of their resources before attacking their rival. ¡°You mentioned that she was with Sigmund during your statement about the hotel, then that means that they are working together. That woman might give a glimpse on what Sigmuna knows.¡±

    Chiara understood what he said. She has to squeeze all of the information that she can on their conversation, without being too obvious. She already nned the questions in her head, and she hoped that all of those things will be answered.

    A day passed and Chiara is now on the way towards their meeting ce. Ezio was in the same car as her, reminding her about where he positioned his mean and where he will be waiting and monitoring their conversation.

    Ezio, as usual, went all out on making sure of her safety. Atleast 20 body guards where with them, scattered around the ce and ready to protect her once another person did something bad.

    ¡°Should I apany you, cara?¡± Ezio asked his wife when they arrived at the meeting ce. They were surrounded by gardens filled with flowers and nts.

    From a far, they can see Alessandra waiting on a table just right in the middle of the area, the part that Chiara chose. It¡¯s right beside the entrance, and only a ss window separated it from the outsidd, giving Ezio and the other people more ess to view them.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Chiara spoke. ¡°It might set her off if I will bring another person. Besides, she mentioned that she wanted to talk specifically to me.¡±

    Ezio nodded as a response. His eyes tell that he is hesitant to let Chiara go alone, but he understood what she said.

    Before Chiara left the, she gave him a peck of kiss. The moment she stepped outside, she prepared herself for what could happen, including the questions she is going to ask.

    Alessandra stood up when she saw Chiara approaching her. Just from one look and Chiara knee that thest weeks have been restless for Alessandra. Her eyebags were deeper than before, even leaving a dark spot under her eyes. She also looked thinner, making her baby bump evident.

    The moment they seated on the chair, Alessandra opened the topic immediately.

    ¡°I won¡¯t beat around the bush,¡± she spoke, her voice hoarse. She looked down, as staring into Chiara¡¯s eyes felt like she was sucking her soul and energy.

    ¡°I want to apologize for making a scene outside your house before, and for using you of seducing my husband,¡± Alessandra said with a low voice, but enough for the two of them to hear. ¡°well, future ex-husband.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes widened for a short time before going back to her neutral face. She didn¡¯t expect that Alessandra will apologize to her.

    Way back in high school, Alessandra was one of the ¡°mean girls¡±. Even if she did something wrong before, such as hurting and bullying other students, she never apologized. She never took the me even if the school head interfered. She was a woman with such a high pride.

    ¡± I understand, and I ept your apology,¡± Chiara responded. Actually, she already epted to herself that Alessandra won¡¯t apologize, so her stating won¡¯t changing anything. But she felt relieved hearing those words from her.

    Alessandra was silent for a moment, contemting what to say. Before she arrived, Alessandra already practiced in her head what she wanted Chiara to know. But now, she seemed to be lost for words.

    ¡°I know I¡¯m not in the ce to say this to you, but our marriage wasn¡¯t made with love,¡± she spoke, her voice cracked in mid-sentence. ¡°When you married Signor Vitali, Simone was heartbroken, and I took advantage of that.¡±

    ¡°I was with him the entire three years, helping him move on with you. I settled in being a rebound, because at the back of my mind, I was hoping that my efforts wille to fruition, and that he will love me the same he loved you.¡±

    She gave a bitter smile to Chiara, as small tears fell down from her cheeks. Her heart felt like it was being crushed as she reminisced the times she became a stupid woman for love.

    ¡°It was supposed to be your 7th year anniversary. Simone got drunk and something happened between us,¡± she added. ¡°I got pregnant, and I used that to lock him in a marriage. I used my family¡¯s influence to force him to marry me.¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I thought everything will be fine once we got married, that he will finally forget about you,¡± she shook her head repeatedly. ¡°But I was wrong. He kept mentioning you everyday,paring me to you. I endured it, because I was hoping that he will open his heart to me. That maybe, our child can be a bridge to tie us together.¡±

    ¡°When a friend of mine saw you together, I just lost it. I didn¡¯t think twice before attacking you, ¡± Alessandra admitted. ¡°It didn¡¯t came to my mind that he might be the one trying to get you back.¡±

    She wiped her tears andughed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just want to let this out.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Chiara replied. ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize. It will be better for you to let your emotions out, especially now that your pregnant.¡±

    Alessandra¡¯s hand went down to her stomach. Her eyes softened as she remembered that a life is inside of her: her life, her light, her hope.

    ¡°I already filed for a divorce. I¡¯m sure Simone will also agree to sign it, ¡± Alessandra spoke.

    ¡°What about the baby?¡± Chiara asked.

    ¡°I will raise the baby alone,¡± the pregnant woman answered. ¡°My parents supported the divorce, and they will help me in taking care of my baby. I won¡¯t let my baby be near to Simone.¡±

    Her voice is full of hatred for her husband. Alessandra gulped beforeposing herself. ¡°I called to tell you something about Giovanni.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes flickered upon the mention of their rival. ¡°Giovanni? What do you know about him?¡±

    Alessandra took a deep breath before speaking. ¡°He used to visit our house before Uncle Sigmund was sent to prison, ¡± she chuckled ironically. ¡°Actually, he even offered me financial support and guidance fore my career, in exchange of being his mistress.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyebrow raised upon hearing that. She didn¡¯t expect that Giovanni will ask Alessandra to be his mistress, given that he has other mistresses, and a wife at that time.

    ¡°I refused. I loved Simone so much. But Giovanni kept on going to our house. Usually, Simone and him were talking about something, but I don¡¯t know what it is. They stayed in a separated room during their meeting,¡± she added.

    ¡°The day we saw you in the hospital, Simone called Giovanni and told him that your husband is in the other country.¡±

    Ezio, who was listening to their conversation, tasked some of her men to retrieve Simone¡¯s call record and the recording of the conversation. That could be a physical evidence if Giovanni mentioned something about his incident.

    ¡°Also, Giovanni was the one who ordered Uncle Sigmund to nder yourpany,¡± Alessandra revealed. ¡°My words might be not strong enough, but I think Uncle Sigmund still has the message of Giovanni from his phone. He might also know more thing about him. All I know is that they already knew each other before Simone and I got married.¡±

    When their conversation ended, Chiara guided Alessandra towards the exit and helped her ride their family¡¯s car. Before they could ever reach the car, a familiar voice called Chiara.

    ¡°Chiara! Baby!¡±

    Her face contorted with anger. Simone is here, and she is sure that having him nearby will not be good for Alessandra.

    When Simone saw Alessandra with Chiara, he immediately pointed towards the pregnant woman.

    ¡°What are you doing here? Did you hurt Chiara?!¡± he eximed to Alessandra, jumping into conclusion.

    He was about to pull Chiara away from Alessandra when Chiara hit him with her handbag. ¡°Go away!¡±

    ¡°Baby! Chiara! Did she tell you something? Maybe that¡¯s why you¡¯re angry at me,¡± he looked at Alessandra with hatred. ¡°Bitch! Don¡¯t you dare destroy my rtionship with Chiara! You¡¯re nothing but a woman who use pregnancy to lock me in a loveless marriage!¡±

    Chiara was ready to protect Alessandra from Simone¡¯s p, when a muscr hand stopped Simone, gripping his wrist tightly before cracking the bones.

    Simone screamed in pain as his wrist became dislocated from Ezio¡¯s strength. Ezio was ring at him, full of hatred for almostying his hands to Chiara, and for calling him baby.

    ¡°If you dared to go near my wife again, I will make sure that you won¡¯t be able to walk anymore,¡± Ezio warned him before giving him a final kick that made Simone drop to the ground.

 Lying Shooters

    ¡°YOU HAVE A board meeting, so I¡¯ll check the case alone,¡± Chiara spoke to her husband while changing to formal clothes.

    She helped him tie his necktie before putting on a pale green blouse partnered with a ck skinny jeans. Ezio wanted to argue, because he wanted to go with her to the chief¡¯s office for the progress of their case.

    Just yesterday, Attorney Falco sent them a text message saying that the new chief and lead investigator of Ezio¡¯s shooting case has an update. He asked them to visit to his office. However, Ezio had a scheduled board meeting today, thus, Chiara will attend alone.

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just go after the meeting?¡± Ezio asked, subtly telling his wife that he really wanted to apany her.

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°We have to be there early since the chief has another case to handle by afternoon,¡± she responded. ¡°Besides, it won¡¯t take long. I¡¯ll go back to your office once we¡¯re done.¡±

    He didn¡¯t force her anymore. He knew that his wife has point, and he can¡¯t be with her everytime. There will be times where they are separated from each other, in different ces at the same time.

    ¡°I heard Alessandra went back to their city,¡± Chiara shifted the topic. The conversation they had is still in her mind. She noted to herself to visit Sigmund one of these days to gather evidences.

    Although the ndering case wasn¡¯t really heavy, it will be enough for them to find more loopholes on Giovanni¡¯s side. She just hoped that the evidence Sigmund has will be strong enough to pin their rival.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about them,¡± Ezio replied with an annoyed face. ¡°Especially that Simone. I don¡¯t get why he keeps on following you. If my patience was cut, I would really beat him up.¡±

    Chiara chuckled. She remembered how Ezio reacted when Simone approached them the other day. ¡°Your punch and kick were enough to send him off,¡± she spoke before touching her husband¡¯s chest. ¡°You look so strong, like an Alpha Male, tesoro,¡± she teaded as she bit his ear lobe, earning a growl from him.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°I also think that Simone is trying to get close to me because of Giovanni,¡± she added. ¡°Remember Alessandra said that they were talking privately. Who knows how deep their connection is?¡±

    Ezio agreed inwardly on what his wife said. If they really have a connection, it will be normal to think that Giovanni wanted to use Chiara and Simone¡¯s old rtionship to get back to Ezio and destroy him at once.

    ¡°I promised Alessandra that I will help her get back to Simone,¡± Chiara grinned as a n was currently building in her mind. ¡°He almost hit her, after all. If we weren¡¯t there, who knows what he could have do to Alessandra?¡±

    Ezio scratched his chin, thinking deeply. ¡°I¡¯m just wondering how Simone found out that you were there. The conversation was within you and that woman. So, how did it reach him?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I know how,¡± she answered. ¡°I know that you¡¯re doubting Alessandra, but don¡¯t worry about her.¡±

    ¡°Care to tell me what your hunch is?¡± Ezio asked while moving his eyebrows up and down.

    ¡°I told him,¡± she answered, earning a re from Ezio. Sheughed at his reaction; she already knew that he will look like that after what she said.

    ¡°Before we went to the restaurant, I sent an anonymous message to Simone about the meet up,¡± she exined. ¡°I want to know how he will react. And just as I expected, he threw allegations to Alessandra, just like what he did when he told her that I was seducing him.¡±

    She used that opportunity to know how Simone will stand. At first, she still left some room for doubts, thinking that Simone will man up and protect Alessandra.

    But the opposite happened. Instead, he tried to get Chiara¡¯s favor and made it look like Alessandra was tainting his image to her. He even threw insults and tried to hit her, not even considering that she was pregnant with his child.

    ¡°He is an awful guy, ¡± Eziomented. ¡°Good thing I forced you to marry me.¡±

    Chiaraughed at his statement. It was funny, but it was true. If Ezio didn¡¯t interfere, she would have married Simone. Who knows what kind of hell she would experience with him?

    After an hour, Chiara arrived at the police station where the office of the new lead investigator of their case was located. When she walked towards the entrance, Dante and Attorney Falco was waiting.

    Dante waved at her like a close friend while the attorney bowed his head as a sign of respect. She greeted them both before heading inside.

    Prior to the visit, Ezio has Dante investigate about the new chief who is also the lead investigator. The results he got was positive. He doesn¡¯t seem to have any connection to Giovanni, or Isadora, or any other people they considered as their rival.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t bring a lot of guards?¡± Dante asked when she¡¯s alreadt just beside her.

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°I only bought five with me. The others were with my husband while the rest were patrolling.¡±

    Dante shrugged his shoulder and didn¡¯t speak until they reach the window that shows the inside of the interrogation room. Outside, a uniformed personnel with a tag ¡°Chief Bruno¡± on his left chest.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± he greeted the three people who just arrived. He introduced himself briefly before motioning them to look at the interrogation room¡¯s window.

    He pointed the three men in orange clothing sitting inside together with five other uniformed personnels. There is aptop with a few machineries inside. Wires were attached on one of the prisoners, that is connected to theptop of one of the policemen. A woman in whiteb coat is standing on the other end, carrying a clipboard and a pen. She was watching the monitor of theptop and the prisoner.

    ¡°We were interrogating the shooters before you came. That man is thest one,¡± Chief Bruno exined. ¡°We asked them questions about the case, and  put them under a polygraph, to check the uracy of their statements.¡±

    He gave papers to Chiara and to the other two men with her. ¡°As of now, all of them were found lying on almost all of the questions, especially when we asked them about Mr. Marco Leon as the mastermind.¡±

    ¡°Did they mention any names?¡± Dante asked.

    Chief Bruno shook his head. ¡°They didn¡¯t. When we asked them who the mastermind is, they kept on answering Marco Leon. We want to mention another names such as the person you suspected, ¡± he spoke, referring to Giovanni. ¡°But we can¡¯t do that. That will be hical on our part. I hope you understand.¡±

    Chiara nodded before turning her eyes back to the shooters. The interrogator asked questions rted to the case, and Chiara noticed their electro-dermal activity increased, as well as their blood pressure. It could be signs that they are ufortable with the question, and that they are lying.

    When the interrogation was done, Chief Bruno reported another thing. ¡°One of them revealed that they received the payment in cash. We will issue a search warrant so that we can check their houses and assumed bases to look to those money. We might find any fingerprints, ¡± he spoke.

    ¡°Thank you so much, Chief,¡± Chiara responded. ¡°Please let us know if there¡¯s anything we can do to assist you.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate the help. You have been cooperative. We will update you as soon as possible,¡± he answered respectfully. ¡°By the way, if possible, we would like to have the bullet the shooters used to Signor Vitali. We weren¡¯t able to retrieve the firearms since it was submitted to the previous investigator, but I was hoping you could provide even a bullet.¡±

    ¡°If the firearms used were rare, it could make the scope smaller and helped in making the investigation quicker,¡± he added.

    Chiara nodded and looked at Dante meaningfully. ¡°Attorney Ferrera-¡± she spoke, referring to Dante. ¡°- can provide you that thing. He still has the bullet that shot my husband and his assistant.¡±

    After a few words, they parted ways. Dante was the first to went home upon checking that Chiara¡¯s ride and guards were already nearby. Attorney Falco rode a bus to go back to the De Santis Law Firm and update the case.

    Chief Bruno guided Chiara towards her car. However, just as when they were about to part ways, Chief Bruno found a van driving near them. Suddenly, the door opened and he saw a pistol sneaking through it.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± he screamed before pulling Chiara towards his back, using his body as shield. The bullet hit the chief¡¯s stomach, but he didn¡¯t mind the pain and reached for his own gun.

    The body guards also attacked the van, shooting the tires and the small space between the open door. One bullet pierced through the backseat of the van. At the same time, a bullet flew in the air, hitting Chiara¡¯s leg.

    The other door of the van opened as it swerved to go back to where Chiara currently is. Seeing hands reaching for her, Chief Bruno pulled Chiara towards the guards, ignoring his bleeding stomach.

    Chiara was hissing as the pain that bullet brought emerged. Three of the guards put her inside the bulletproof car, before driving it off and fleeing from the scene. One guard used a clothing to stop her leg from bleeding, as the other one called their boss.

    Back in the police station, the two remaining guards lunged themselves to the moving van. One of them shoot through the broken window, knocking the shooter unconscious.

    The driver tried to shoot the guard, but the van suddenly hit a wall, causing thr front part to be destroyed and his head to hit the steering wheel.

    Police officers from the station ran outside upon hearing the sound of bullets. Two of them hurriedly carried the chief towards the nearest hospital. On the other hand, Ezio¡¯s remaining men in the scene cuffed the driver and the shooters, preparing to punish and squeeze them for information.

 A Bag Of Powder

    WHILE LISTENING to the speaker of the meeting, Ezio spotted a bag of white powder just under one of the drawers inside the conference room. If a person wouldn¡¯t focus their eyesight on that area, it cannot be noticed.

    He didn¡¯t mind the bag of powder and turned his attention to the meeting. From time to time, he would look at the bag of powder and observe the people inside the room if they also noticed the same thing.

    After almost two hours, the meeting was over and Ezio was thest one to leave the meeting room together with Luigi.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Lock the room, ¡± he gave a pair of gloves to Luigi and a transparent stic that contains a strand of hair. ¡°You know what to do with that thing. Make sure you won¡¯t leave a trace.¡±

    Luigi nodded before going back inside the conference room to do his task. On the other hand, Ezio went back to his office and prepared to live. His wife hasn¡¯t sent an update since their meeting started. Thest message she sent was when she arrived in the police station.

    He was about to call his wife when Victor came rushing to the office. He was on a rush that he forgot to knock on the wooden door.

    Ezio was about to scold him for impudence when Victor spoke, making his heart thump faster and for his sweats to turn cold.

    ¡°Signor! Signora Chiara was shot!¡±

    Those whete just a few words, but it almost made Ezio faint. He didn¡¯t waste any second and ran the distance from the office to the private parking lot. His men who are patrolling around the building also rushed towards their cars to follow their boss.

    Victor hasn¡¯t even buckled his seatbelt when Ezio stepped furiously on the pedal, making him fell down from the backseat.

    ¡°Fuck! Can¡¯t this car move faster?!¡± Ezio cussed while driving fast on the highway. He had overtaken several cars, and it felt like their flying.

    Victor felt that they¡¯re going to die from the speed of the car. His heart almost stopped beating when Ezio overtook a van, and they were greeted by a trucking on their way. He closed his eyes, waiting for the impact, just to found out that they swerved back on thene safely.

    After a few minutes, they arrived at the hospital where Chiara was admitted. They were informed that Chiara was undergoing a small surgery to remove the bullet from her leg.

    Ezio waited outside the surgery room, his neck extending as he tried to look from what¡¯s happening inside the room. His palms were sweating so much that he had to wipe from time to time.

    ¡°Signor, they¡¯re here,¡± Victor spoke upon arriving after looking for the people that Ezio requested.

    Ezio straightened his back and looked back at the body guards who were supposed to protect Chiara. He was emitting an aura that¡¯s so dangerous, that it can swallow a person¡¯s energy.

    His eyes were full of hatred and disappointment. He was gritting his jaw as he looked at them one by one, memorizing the faces of the guards who failed to protect his wife.

    ¡°Am I paying you so much money just to ck on your job?¡± he asked them. The guards remained looking down while kneeling shaking their head.

    ¡°Then exin this!¡± Ezio roared while pointing at the door of the surgery room. ¡°Why did my wife got shot while all of you are unscathed?!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s our fault, signor,¡± one of them responded. ¡°We were careless. We will ept any punishment.¡±

    Ezio grabbed the cor of one of the men and threw him to the wall. The force was too much that the man let out a groan because of pain.

    ¡°I¡¯m paying you to protect my wife,¡± he spoke to them. ¡°That includes being near to her all the time, checking her surroundings, and even catching a bullet for her.¡±

    He turned his back to them to look back to the surgery room. ¡°Pray that my wife will be fine. Because if something happened to her, you won¡¯t be able to leave this hospital,¡± he spoke with a cold voice. ¡°Leave. I¡¯m sick of seeing your faces.¡±

    Footsteps echoed in the hall. Victor walked towards his signor to report. ¡°The crime happened just outside the police station. The chief was shot in his vital organ while protecting Signora Chiara,¡± he spoke. ¡°Policemen from that same station tried to arrest the shooters, but they¡¯re already dead.¡±

    Ezio turned his head to the assistant. ¡°Did they found out the cause of their deaths?¡±

    ¡°One of the shooters was shot in the head. The driver¡¯s head was pierced with a ss due to the impact of hitting a wall, ¡± he responded before giving a paper. ¡°The other two shooters drank cyanide, poisoning themselves.¡±

    Ezio massaged his temple. He has a strong hunch that it was Giovanni who sent those men. Probably because they¡¯re moving the case against him. What he can¡¯t understand is why those men chose to kill themselves rather than surrendering to the police.

    He asked Victor to ask the help of Dante in looking for the background of those men. He looked backed and saw the surgery room opened. A doctor emerged from the door with a relieved reaction on her face.

    ¡°Are you a rtive of the patient, Mrs. Chiara Beatrice Vitali?¡± the doctor asked while walking towards them.

    Ezio nodded. ¡°I¡¯m her husband, ¡± he answered while looking at the room. ¡°How¡¯s my wife? Please tell me that she¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°We were able to remove the bullet,¡± the doctor smiled. ¡°Fortunately, the bullet didn¡¯t hit any bone, just her muscles. She just need to rest and let her wound recover.¡±

    After a few minutes, Chiara was transferred to a private suite. She still unconscious by the time they arrive. Her left leg has a bandage. Aside from that, she doesn¡¯t have any wound or scratches.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Chiara to wake up. The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes is her husband¡¯s mismatched orbs. She smiled even though Ezio¡¯s face was full of worry.

    ¡°Cara,¡± Ezio cupped her face and kissed her forehead with tender. His lips are shaking while kissing her, and he let out a sigh of relief afterwards.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Chiara asked upon feeling her husband¡¯s palm. ¡°You feel so cold. Did something happen to you?¡±

    ¡°You happened, cara,¡± Ezio replied. ¡°I¡¯m so worried, fuck. Good thing it was only your leg that was shot.¡±

    Chiara smiled tofort her husband. ¡°Chief Bruno protected me. If not for him, I wouldn¡¯t bern fatally shot,¡± she responded. ¡°I will thank him once I recovered.¡±

    Fara arrived at the hospital, bringing fruits and lunch for Chiara and Ezio. After she left, Ezio fed his wife. At first, they were just talking about the updates of the case, until a question popped into Ezio¡¯s mind.

    ¡°This wasn¡¯t the first time that Giovanni¡¯s men chose to kill themselves rather than cooperating with us,¡± Ezio spoke. ¡°I wonder what Giovanni has on her sleeves for them to be that loyal to him.¡±

    Chiara was silent for a moment, thinking about the question. ¡°Giovanni doesn¡¯t have a lot of resources, especially now that hispany is in a brink of copse,¡± she stated.

    These past months, various nees emerged about Giovanni¡¯s investors pulling out from hispany and his workers resigning. Thepany¡¯s stock went down a lot.

    ¡°Besides, Giovanni didn¡¯t resort to this extent before,¡± Ezio added. ¡°We had our fair share of battle, but it doesn¡¯t include lives of other people.¡±

    Chiara turned to her husband and took a bite on the apple on his hand. ¡°What if someone more powerful is backing him? I can¡¯t remove that possibility.¡±

    AFTER A FEW DAYS, while Chiara was focusing on recovering, a huge news about the Vitali Empire reached their ears.

    ¡°A bag of methamphetamine?¡± Chiara asked the policeman who entered her ward.

    The policeman nodded. ¡°A bag of methamphetamine was found inside the conference room. And based on the CCTV footages, thest people to use the room are the board members. That includes Mr. Vitali,¡± he exined.

    Ezio, who was sitting beside his wife, looked calm and collected. He looked like the news that a bag of illegal drug was found in his own building wasn¡¯t a big deal.

    ¡°I swear to thew that I am not included in any illegal deeds,¡± Ezio spoke with confidence. ¡°I¡¯ll be willing to cooperate with the authorities. But I suggest to look at that drug and check for fingerprints or traces.¡±

    He stood up, elluding an aura of authority. ¡°I can also give the list of people who entered the room before us, if that will help in the investigation.¡±

    The policeman looked delighted that Ezio was willing to cooperate with them. ¡°Then we will ask for your statement and a permission to do the same to your board members who were present that day.¡±

    Ezio nodded. ¡°Sure. As long as it will help in unveiling the case.¡±

    Just before the policeman left the room, another uniformed personnel knocked at the door. He was carrying aptop in his hand. ¡°Sir!¡± he gave a salute to his superior before reporting.

    ¡°We found a strand of hair on the bag. It was stucked between the tapes, sir,¡± he reported. ¡°They¡¯re already checking the evidence, sir.¡±

    He turned theptop around so that the screen is facing the superior. ¡°We also retrieved this footage, sir.¡±

    Ezio grinned inwardly, knowing what¡¯s about toe. When the video was yed, a woman in a cleaner clothing entered the conference room. For the first minutes, she was cleaning the room thoroughly. However, before she left, she reached for a bag of powder in her bag and put it under one of the drawers. The video ended after that scene.

    ¡°Good,¡± the policeman nodded before looking back to Ezio and Chiara. ¡°We will update you about the case. One of my men will get your statementter,¡± he spoke to them. ¡°Now, please excuse me.¡±

 Simoneéˆ¥æªš Defeat

    THE JANITRESS who nted the illegal drug inside the Vitali building was caught within a day. She was found packing up her things in her apartment when the authorities arrived.

    At first, the janitress tried to put up a fight and ran from the authorities, but every exit was blocked by them, leaving her no chance to escape. In the end, she surrendered and followed them to the police station.

    ¡°Is that you?¡± the interrogator asked the janitress while ying the footage they retrieved from the conference room. She wanted to shake her head and deny, but her face was clear in the video.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Yes,¡± she answered briefly, not looking at the man in front of him but on the monitor instead.

    The interrogator wrote down something on his paper. ¡°Why did you do it?¡± he asked. ¡°Did someone ordered you to nt that drug? Or did you act by yourself?¡±

    ¡°Someone told me to do that,¡± she answered before biting the insides of her cheek.

    She was torn between telling the truth and revealing the mastermind, and, keeping her silence and suffer with the punishment alone. She didn¡¯t expect that the authorities will find the bag and her quick.

    The janitress nned to escape within the same day she nted the drug, but she received a call, stating that they will triple the payment if she will stay until the end of the week.

    She did it, thinking that she can get more money for her. However, she didn¡¯t expect that it will put her in danger.

    ¡°Who is this someone?¡± the policeman asked.

    The temperature inside the interrogation room was low, which is cold enough tofort a person, but not cold enough to make them shiver. Despite the low temperature, the janitress¡¯ hands were sweating, and she can feel her entire body heating up as her blood pressure rise.

    She was still contemting between her choices. Neither of those choices will be good for her, nor will put her out of prison.

    Suddenly, an idea formed in her mind. ¡°It was Signor Vitali,¡± she answered, pinning Ezio. The man who ordered her wanted to nder the reputation of the Vitalis, and for her, throwing his name is the best choice.

    ¡°Signor Vitali asked you to nt an illegal drug inside his own building?¡± the interrogator chuckled with sarcasm. ¡°You think we, the police, will buy your statement?¡±

    She looked at him with confidence even though her heart was beating fast and loud because of nervousness. ¡°That¡¯s the truth. Signor Vitali cannot find a ce to hide his drugs, so he asked me to hide it in the conference room,¡± she rebutted.

    ¡°From the way you ced the bag of methamphetamine, it doesn¡¯t looked like you tried to hide it, ¡± he argued before showing photos of the bag under the closet. ¡°If you were really tasked ti hide it, shouldn¡¯t you put it inside the closet? Instead, you chose a ce where it is exposed, but cannot be easily found by others. Your statement has a lot of loopholes.¡±

    Even though she was presented by a fact, the janitress didn¡¯t back down. At the back of her mind, she was thinking that the man will help her out of the prison, since she did a good job by framing Ezio and pinning him more to the police.

    ¡°I am telling the truth. It was Signor Ezio who owned that bag of illegal drug,¡± she reiterated to the police.

    The police sighed and leaned to his chair. ¡°A strand of hair was found inside the bag of methamphetamine,¡± he spoke, earning a wide eye from the janitress. ¡°After a few days, we will check who the owner of the hair is. Let¡¯s see if it¡¯s yours or from the person you worked for.¡±

    The janitress panicked. She is sure that there is no traces inside and outside of the bag. She meticulously checked it before nting it in the conference room.

    ¡°Howe they found a hair in it?¡± she thought to herself. ¡°Did I missed it? Have I been careless?¡±

    If the police found who owned the hair, and it turned out to be the mastermind, then she will surely rot in prison!

    Before she could convince the authorities that it was really Ezio, she put back in her cell, where she will spend the next days, months, or even years of her life.

    AFTER A FEW DAYS, the result of the investigation came. Outside the Russo¡¯s residence, police were scattered and waiting for their superior¡¯s signal. Onlookers can¡¯t help but to be curious on what¡¯s happening, on why police where knocking outside the Russo¡¯s house.

    Just a few knocks and the door of the residence opened. Simone was shocked to see the policemen scattered outside his house.

    ¡°Sir,¡± he called the leader of the police. ¡°Is there anything I can do to help you?¡±

    The policeman showed a piece of paper to him. ¡°You¡¯re under arrest for possession of illegal drugs and false usation,¡± he cuffed the hands of the shocked suspect. ¡°Everything you will say can be used against you in the court. You have the right to have yourwyer, and if ever you don¡¯t have capability, the government will provide you one to defend yourself.¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± Simone looked shocked while the police was arresting him. ¡°What? I didn¡¯t do anything!¡±

    The police dragged him out of his house, but he was persistent. He grabbed the side of the door and pulled himself away from the police¡¯s grip.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any illegal drug!¡± he screamed and defended himself. ¡°I didn¡¯t used anyone! I was in my house for the past week! I didn¡¯t do anything!¡±

    He kept on defending himself, stating that he didn¡¯t do anything illegal, but the authorities won¡¯t listen. The warrant of arrest is enough for them to get and bring him to the police station.

    ¡°Come with us, then defend yourself afterwards,¡± the police firmly said before signalling some of his men to help him pull Simone out.

    ¡°No! I won¡¯te with you!¡± he shouted while trying to escape. He kicked the police¡¯s foot and tried to ran to the backdoor of the house.

    Unfortunately for him, three policemen were waiting on the other exit, blocking his way. He was sweating and trashing to the police, telling them to go away and listen to him.

    ¡°Alessandra!¡± he shouted his soon to be ex-wife¡¯s name, asking for help. ¡°Help me! Tell them I¡¯m innocent!¡±

    He kept on shouting Alessandra¡¯s name, while escaping the grip of the police. When they got a hold of Simone, he began kicking his feet and using his cuffed hands to hit the authorities.

    While he was trying to escape, a door from a bed room opened slowly. It caught the authorities¡¯ attention and Simone looked hopeful.

    ¡°Alessandra,¡± he spoke. ¡°Help me. I¡¯m innocent, right? You know that.¡±

    When the woman behind the door stepped outside, the policemen including Simone were shocked by her appearance.

    Just minutes earlier before the authorities arrived, Alessandra looked bold and arrogant. They were having a discussion about the divorce, and Alessandra arrived looking like a wife of an aristocrat.

    But now, Alessandra looked beaten up. Her cheeks are red, probably from being pped. She has wounds and scratches on her face. Her upper lip is swollen and bleeding.

    Overall, Alessandra looked like she was abused physically, earning a re from the authorities and a confused look from Simone.

    Alessandra opened her mouth to speak. ¡°Help me,¡± she pleaded with a weak voice. Suddenly, she fell on her knees. Two policemen caught her before she reached the ground.

    She pointed to Simone slowly. ¡°He¡¯s hurting me. Help. Please. ¡±

    Alessandra looked like a damsel in distress. She looked weak in the eyes of the people around her. The evidence of physical abuse is enough for the police to add another case on Simone.

    They dragged Simone outside while the others were helping Alessandra. Simone looked back inside his house, shocked and confused why Alessandra looked like that.

    ¡°She¡¯s pretending!¡± he shouted to the police while moving himself to escape from their grip. ¡°I didn¡¯t hurt her! I¡¯m innocent! Help!¡±

    The police didn¡¯t listen and threw him inside the police car. He kept on screaming and screaming, but those were useless. Evidence were already in their hands, and the authorities are just waiting for them to arrive at the station.

    AFTER A HALF AN HOUR, Simone was being dragged to the station¡¯s office to meet the chief. Right now, he was still cuffed and wearing an orange shirt: a clothing for prisoners.

    The moment he arrived at the office, a punchnded on his face, making him fall to the ground. He hasn¡¯t recover from the shock and the pain, yet another punch hit his stomach.

    He rolled over to protect himself, but it was useless as another punchnded on him.

    ¡°Bastard!¡± an old man¡¯s voice screamed at him. ¡°How dare you hurt my daughter! Go to hell!¡±

    Simone received a kick from different people. He was alreadt coughing blood and he felt like he will pass out because of the pain. But just before his eyes went ckout, the police interfered.

    Alessandra¡¯s father was fuming mad while ring at Simone. ¡°If not for my daughter¡¯s request, I wouldn¡¯t let you marry her!¡± he screamed and spat on Simone. ¡°Useless being! You even hurt my daughter who did nothing but to love you!¡±

    Simone tried to open his eyes, and he saw Alessandra hiding in her mother¡¯s embrace. She still looked beaten up.

    Simone doesn¡¯t know why she looked like that. He nevery his hand on her, well almost. But he never did that to her, and it made him confused.

    ¡°Did she do this to get back to me?¡± he asked himself and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°She really wouldn¡¯t let me go peacefully.¡±

    He didn¡¯t hear what the people around him are saying, but he heard words such as ¡°abuse¡±, ¡°sue¡±, ¡°jail¡±, and ¡± bastard¡± from Alessandra¡¯s father.

    Suddenly, Simone felt a strong pain from his stomach that he couldn¡¯t help but to threw up blood. Before he could pass out, Simone saw a familiar figure from a far.

    Ezio was standing with a grin, and Chiara, with a bandage on her leg. The two of them looked like they just won a huge battle.

 Truth Behind Aritiéˆ¥æªš Death

    ¡°HE¡¯S NOW OUT OF OUR WAY,¡± Chiara spoke while watching the police bring Simone back to his cell.

    He was pretty beaten up. The authorities brought him to the medics earlier, and they found out that his body suffered a fatal blow from Alessandra¡¯s father¡¯s attacks. However, the Morellis were merciless enough not to let Simone stay in a medical ward, rather, they put him back on his cell where he will receive treatments.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°The Morellis are really furious at him,¡± Eziomented as he remembered how red their faces because of anger. ¡°I can¡¯t believe he beat his own wife. What a bastard.¡±

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but to smile on his reaction. ¡°Well, technically, he never beat her up,¡± she responded.

    Ezio cocked his head towards his wife. His eyes squinted at her, confused on the statement before asking. ¡°What do you mean, cara? Didn¡¯t you see Alessandra¡¯s face? She looked like she was a made a punching bag.¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t hurt her,¡± Chiara reiterated, smiling because her n worked sessfully. ¡°We just made it looked like he did.¡±

    She promised Alessandra that she will help her get back to Simone. He may had never hurt her physically, but his words were enough to cut a deep wound in Alessandra¡¯s heart. Besides, she wanted to give back the favor for her statements before that can help in pinning Giovanni.

    Just a few days ago, she asked Alessandra to go back to Rome and visit Simone on the day she provided. She exined her n, which is to frame Simone for physical abuse.

    Alessandra is great when ites to using cosmetics, and she used that to make herself looked beaten up. Chiara intentionally asked her to visit Simone on the day of the police¡¯s visit to give a double blow to him.

    Ezio¡¯s n to frame Simone on the illegal drug is their n A. The hair they used was retrieved by Alessandra. Their first n to frame Simone is already strong, but Chiara wanted to make sure that he will have a difficult time releasing himself from prison.

    That¡¯s why she made a n B. This time, she included Alessandra¡¯s family,  the Morelli, in the picture. That way, Simone will have more enemies pinning him to his downfall.

    ¡°You framed him, too,¡± Ezio spoke with surprised face, before smiling widely like a proud man. ¡°That¡¯s awesome, cara!¡±

    He showered her face with kisses, from the forehead, to her nose, and to her lips. Even her jaw didn¡¯t escapes his sweet kisses.

    Ezio was so proud that his wife was able to execute such wless n, even including the Morelli, who were one of the top families in Florence. He can¡¯t help but to chuckle, not just because Chiara did a good n, but it was also better than his n.

    ¡°You¡¯re the first person to say that framing is an awesome thing to do,¡± Chiara replied with a cheeky smile. ¡°I just made that to make sure that it wouldn¡¯t backfire to us. With the Morelli on the way, he won¡¯t suppect that it was us who did everything.¡±

    While the two were staying in the parking lot of the police station, Alessandra approached them. She still has the fake bruises and wounds on her face.

    ¡°Thank you, Chiara,¡± she said before hugging her. She was crying, not because of sadness, but because of joy.

    Chiara hugged her and caressed her back,forting her. Ezio just stood beside the two women, giving them time and privacy. Although he doesn¡¯t really like Alessandra, he chose not to shoo her away because she¡¯s pregnant, and that she helped them in framing Simone.

    Alessandra was the first one to let go of the hug before her hand rested on her baby bump. She was sniffing and holding back some of her tears.

    ¡°The divorce will be done immediately,¡± she spoke. ¡°Papa said he will do everything to rush it. Aside from that, he will not get anything from me in the divorce. Rather, he will have to pay me for the damages he did.¡±

    Chiara gave her a reassuring smile. ¡°He can¡¯t go after you anymore,¡± she responded. ¡°I¡¯m sure that your family will do anything it will take to protect you,¡± her eyes went down to her baby bump. ¡°And your baby.¡±

    Alessandra looked back to her family who was busy finishing some papers. ¡°I¡¯m lucky to have them,¡± she said.

    After a few minutes, Ezio and Chiara left the police station. It was Ezio who suggested it since Chiara cannot stand up for a long time due to her injury. Seeing Simone behind the bars and Alessandra getting what she wanted is enough for them.

    ¡°Does you wound hurt?¡± Ezio asked after he put down his wife on their king size bed. He removed her rubber shoes before gently massaging her feet, earning a satisfied groan and smile from Chiara.

    ¡°No,¡± she answered. ¡°I really thought I won¡¯t be able to walk after that incident. Good thing the bullet didn¡¯t hit my bone.¡±

    Ezio sat beside her and trailed kisses on her neck. ¡°If you became crippled, I¡¯ll carry you everyday, cara, ¡± he whispered with so much love that made Chiara shudder.

    Since the shooting incident, Ezio didn¡¯t ask for any intimate acts except from kisses and hugs. She knew that he is giving her enough time to rest her wound, and that includes not straining her body, especially her leg.

    She made a mental note to reward him once she recovered.

    Chiara hugged him from the side before rest her head on his chest. ¡°It¡¯s good to be back in this mansion,¡± she spoke while looking around at the bedroom.

    Just days ago, they left the safe house and went back to their mansion. They left some things behind like clothes and other essentials, just incase they will be needing the safe house on some other time.

    ¡°I remember you telling me to have a perg in the mansion,¡± Ezio responded as he remembered Chiara¡¯s words the first day he woke up. ¡°I¡¯ll have my men do that. What design do you want?¡±

    Chiara giggle and reached for herptop to show the references of what she wanted for their perg. Ezio listened with interest on her words, while staring her face. Little by little, her words didn¡¯t reach Ezio¡¯s ears, and her husband was too focused on staring at her beauty.

    ¡°You¡¯re not listening,¡± Chiara spoke when she noticed her husband lost while looking at her.

    Ezio blinked and smiled at her. ¡°I just can¡¯t believe that you¡¯re now my wife,¡± he spoke.

    She pinched his nose and chuckled. ¡°We¡¯ve been married for four years, tesoro. And I¡¯ll be your wife until the end, even if you like it or not.¡±

    Their faces moved closer to each other, but was interrupted when someone knocked on the door, which was followed by Luigi¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Signor? The representative of Romano Enterprise is on the telephone,¡± he spoke behind the semi-closed bedroom door.

    Chiara looked at her husband. ¡°Romano Enterprise? Isn¡¯t that Isadora¡¯s family¡¯spany?¡± she asked.

    Ezio nodded. ¡°Now that Simone and Sigmund are in the prison, we can now attack those people who are closer to Giovanni, and that includes Isadora,¡± he answered with a grin.

    ¡°I¡¯ll support your n, tesoro,¡± she replied and kissed his cheek. ¡°Go and rock that call!¡±

    When Ezio left the bedroom, Chiaray down and tried to sleep. She closed her eyes for several minutes, and even counted sheeps. She reached a hundred but sleep seemed to be avoiding her.

    She got up again and looked around the bedroom, finding something that might entertain her. Chiara got up from the bed and opened the drawers, in hopes to find something that can catch her interest.

    Suddenly, her hand stopped when she saw the sh drive that Elisa gave to her before. She picked it up and realized that she hasn¡¯t told her husband about the contents; she just told him that Elisa gave a sh drive.

    Chiara connected the sh drive to herptop and opened the folders. Other files doesn¡¯t seem to help them in using Giovanni. Most files include the list of their investors and partners.

    The cursor moved towards the file of Ariti Gomez. Chiara wanted to know why Giovanni has a file dedicated only to Monika¡¯s ex-fiance. She opened the only video inside, and scrutinized it. However, she can¡¯t find anything that will point Giovanni¡¯s, or other people¡¯s, connection to the content of the video.

    She was watching the video when Ezio entered the room. ¡°What are you watching, cara?¡± he asked with furrowed eyebrows as he heard someone screaming at the video.

    ¡°This is the sh drive that Mamma Elisa gave to me before,¡± she answered and showed the video to her husband.

    She pointed the man on the video. ¡°This is Ariti Gomez, he is the fiance of Monika, Giovanni¡¯s ex-wife. He died because of suicide.¡±

    Chiara moved the cursor so that the video will start over again. The video started by showing the recorder¡¯s car bumping the ck car in front of it. The impact was getting stronger and stronger after every hit until it stopped.

    The person recording the video hopped off from the car and the video was focused on the car in front of it. Ariti went out from his car, which is now dangling on the edge of the cliff. Ariti¡¯s head is bleeding, and he can¡¯t walk properly.

    Suddenly, the person recording the video hit Ariti with a metal rod. Ariti kneeled on the floor, coughing blood. He  looked up at the person and his eyes widened.

    Chiara saw the emotions in Ariti¡¯s eyes: shocked and betrayal. She saw Ariti trying to say something but the blood on his mouth came out first.

    The person recording the video spoke something in French. ¡°That¡¯s Giovanni¡¯s voice,¡± Ezio said upon hearing it.

    Then, the person kicked Ariti towards the edge of the cliff. Ariti tried to fight back by grabbing the person¡¯s pants, but the person kicked him more. He kicked his face, his arms and his hands, until Ariti fell on the cliff. Thest thing they saw in the video is Ariti¡¯s bodyying on the ground, bleeding with his eyes wide open.

    When the screen turned ck, Chiara looked at her husband. ¡°The voice of the man who pushed Ariti to his death is Giovanni. But we cannot see him in the video. How can we use this as an evidence?¡±

    Ezio moved cursor to go back to a certain part of the video. He stopped at the part were Ariti was kneeling on the floor, just after he was hit by metal rod.

    He zoomed the video to the car¡¯s window. There, they saw Giovanni¡¯s reflection.

 Unknown Man

    A LOUD BANG and a cracking sound echoed inside the one of the rooms in Giordano¡¯s Building. A phone call just finished, and the man threw it because of frustration. It was then followed by a hissing sound from a man¡¯s mouth.

    Giovanni mmed his fist against the table, making the things on it bounce. He ran his fingers through his hair before gripping it tightly, hurting himself.

    ¡°Damn that woman!¡± he screamed and kicked the swivel chair beside him. His face was red because of anger. Even the veins on his neck were pulsating.

    He lit up a cigarette in order to try to calm himself. He puff a smoke in the air before inhaling it through his lungs. ¡°That Alessandra is a pain in the ass!¡± he shouted while smoking. ¡°After Simone agreed to marry her, this is how she will pay?! By framing him?!¡±

    He gritted his teeth, almost destroying each of them. Giovanni walked towards the bookshelf and threw the books and folders to the ground. He didn¡¯t even care if he will hit anything, nor stop when the ss vase broke because of his action.

    ¡°Babe!¡± Isadora called before walking towards him. ¡°Stop making a mess!¡±

    She tried to grab his arms and stop him from throwing more things, but her strength cannot bepared to Giovanni. He even pushed her away from him, making her stumble and almost fall.

    Giovanni red at Isadora. ¡°Who told you to act like that?!¡± he scolded her. ¡°Who told you to nt that drugs?! Look what happened! Simone is now on jail because of you!¡±

    Isadora stood straight and faced her lover. ¡°That wasn¡¯t for Simone!¡± she screamed at his face, as her voicebox ached because of the force. ¡°It was supoosed to frame Ezio!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you to frame Ezio!¡± Giovanni poked Isadora¡¯s temple with huge force, her head turning to the side. ¡°Why did you act recklessly?! I lost my connection to Ezio¡¯s wife! Useless bitch!¡±

    Isadora pped her lover hard, and it left a red mark on his cheek. ¡°Don¡¯t call me a bitch!¡± she shouted, her body shaking because of anger from his insults.

    ¡°Why are you so mad that he¡¯s on jail? He doesn¡¯t help us at all!¡± she added. ¡°He can¡¯t even do his job properly! Your only task for him is to seduce Chiara and use her against Ezio. But did something happened?¡±

    Isadora widened her eyes and shook her hands while looking at him. ¡°Nothing!¡± she shouted. ¡°Nothing happened! Ezio¡¯s wife didn¡¯t even look at him! That Simone cannot give us the information that we want! He is the one who is useless! Not me! He is a useless bastard!¡±

    Suddenly, Giovanni grabbed Isadora¡¯s neck and gripped it tightly, leaving no way for the air to go in and out of her lungs. ¡°Don¡¯t call Simone a bastard,¡± he spoke coldly to her as he tightened his grip more.

    Isadora¡¯s eye almost left their sockets. Her face is slowly turning blue because as shecked of air. Her hands tried to hit Giovanni¡¯s arms, telling him to let her go.

    Before she could pass out, Giovanni threw her to the wall of the office. She groaned loudly because of the impact, before catching up for air that she lost for a minute.

    Isadora was coughing and heaving when her lover approached her. Giovanni grabbed a handul of her hair and looked down at her teary face.

    ¡°Do not act on anything unless I told you so, okay?¡± he spoke to Isadora, now using a gentle tone. He looked soft and warm, as if he didn¡¯t choke and hit her to the wall.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    He cupped her cheeks and wiped the tears of pain from her face. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, mia principessa,¡± he added before smiling at her, the smile that he used to im his mistresses. ¡°Just don¡¯t do this again, okay? Next time, if you will do something, tell me first. Do you understand?¡±

    Isadora didn¡¯t have another choice but to nod at her lover, who switched from one personality to another in a quick manner.

    ¡°Good girl,¡± Giovanni replied, seemingly delighted on her response. ¡°Now, make me happy and make up for your mistakes.¡±

    A sound of belt hitting the ground and an opening zipper was heard, before Giovanni pulled out his manhood. It was stillid, but the size is enough for a woman¡¯s mouth to water.

    He pped Isadora¡¯s face gentle using his manhood, enjoying the sensation and warmth on every hit. ¡°Open your mouth, mia principessa,¡± he spoke to her.

    When Isadora opened her mouth, she was expecting that Giovanni will enter his manhood on her. However, before doing that, Giovanni spat and his saliva went straight to her mouth.

    ¡°Swallow it,¡± he ordered with authority to the kneeling woman. Isadora doesn¡¯t have a choice but to follow him. Even if feeling disgusted, she swallowed.

    Giovanni smiled at her action. ¡°Good,¡± he said before invading her mouth with his manhood.

    They usually don¡¯t engage in blowjobs, as they prefer to go to the main course. Isadora¡¯s mouth is not used to his size, but he didn¡¯t gave her time to adjust.

    Instead, he rammed her mouth immediately as soon as he entered. His hand were resting on the back of her head, making it stay on their ce as he thrust in and out of her.

    Isadora felt her mouth getting numb from minutes of vition. But she can¡¯t do anything but to grab Giovanni¡¯s legs for support.

    After a few minutes, Giovanni¡¯s action became faster and deeper. He felt a strong sensation building inside his body. His grip on Isadora¡¯s hair became tighter, earning a groan of pain from her.

    ¡°Fuck,¡± he moaned as he shot thick strings of white liquid inside her mouth. He pushed her head towards his body, until her lips were touching the base of his manhood.

    Isadora gagged at the sudden movement and tried to pull herself away, but Giovanni¡¯s strength put her in ce that he wanted. Some of the liquid went straight to her throat, and her body instinctively swallowed the rest.

    As hee down from the high, Giovani slowly moved out of Isadora¡¯s mouth, leaving her coughing and spewing out a few of the remaining cum.

    ¡°Cleain it up,¡± Giovanni ordered to her. Isadora leaned to lick him clean, until no spot is covered with cum.

    He put his manhood back to his pants and patted Isadora¡¯s cheeks. ¡°If that happens again, this will not be your only punishment,¡± he spoke. ¡°Do you understand?¡±

    Isadora nodded as she doesn¡¯t have the strength to speak. Her lover didn¡¯t respond and went to leave the office, making Isadora alone in between the mess he made.

    THAT NIGHT, Isadora received a call from Sophia. She was resting her aching back, due to Giovanni¡¯s violence.

    She wasn¡¯t angry at him. Instead, she wanted to apologize to Giovanni for acting recklessly. She thought that he will be happy and proud of her if she managed to frame Ezio. However, her n failed, and it ended up destroying one of Giovanni¡¯s aces.

    ¡°Hello, Sophia,¡± she spoke, trying to hide her hoarse voice. ¡°Did something happen? Why did you call?¡±

    Sophia¡¯s voiced reverberated on the other end of the call. ¡°Isadora, I was just wondering. How¡¯s the n to get back to the Vitali?¡± she asked. ¡°It¡¯s been almost two months since my husband¡¯s death, and I still can¡¯t do anything.¡±

    She made her voice weak and cracked, to make it look like she was hurting that she cannot get revenge to the Vitali. But on the other line, Sophia was grinning from ear to ear, as she knew that Isadora¡¯s n failed.

    ¡°Actually, Sophia,¡± Isadora replied. ¡°The n A started a few days ago, but it failed. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t tell you about it. I was worried they might get back to you once they found out that you were connected to that.¡±

    Isadora¡¯s excuse seem usible, but Sophia knew better. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll try toe up with another n. I¡¯ll tell you about it one of these days,¡± she responded. ¡°It¡¯ste now, Isadora. You should take a rest. Thank you for helping me. I owe you a lot.¡±

    When the call ended, Isadora tried to call Giovanni. She hasn¡¯t seen him since their argument in his office. She wanted to apologize and make it up to him, because she knew that the blowjob she gave cannotpensate to the damage she caused.

    However, she cannot reach his number. She tried calling again and again, but he is still unreachable.

    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s still mad at me,¡± she said to herself, having a unfamiliar but ufortable feeling in her chest.

    Instead of calling him once again, Isadora sent a text message to him. She wrote her apology and the reason why she acted like that. She stated that she wanted to make it up for him, and that she didn¡¯t act alone.

    Before she went back to bed, Isadora received another call. Thinking that it was Giovanni, she hurriedly ran to the table to grab her phone. But her face fell down upon seeing a familiar phone number: the powerful man who supports Giovanni and her.

    ¡°Hello, signor?¡± Isadora spoke to the other line upon answering the call.

    An old man¡¯s voice answered her. ¡°Isadora, I heard what happened,¡± he said, pertaining to the fail frame up scheme.

    ¡°Howe they found Simone¡¯s hair on the drugs?¡± she asked. ¡°You told me that there¡¯s no single traces on that thing. Now, Giovanni is angry at me even it was your fault because you¡¯re careless.¡±

    The old manughed on the other end of the call as if their failure brought enjoyment to him. ¡°We really underestimated that kid,¡± he answered. ¡°I assume he found out about the drug, and used it to eliminate one of your aces.¡±

    ¡°You mean, Ezio is the one who put Simone¡¯s traces on that drug?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yep,¡± the old man spoke. ¡°How he gathered that trace from Simone? I don¡¯t know,¡± he chuckled once again. ¡°He is a tough rival, like his father. Too bad his father¡¯s dead.¡±

    Isadora didn¡¯t respond. She just realized that it wasn¡¯t her fault; it was because of Ezio that their n failed. She balled her fists because of frustration.

    ¡°Very well, I called you to give you a task,¡± the old man spoke again, while caressing a picture of a woman. ¡°Now that the janitress we paid to nt the drug was arrested, it¡¯s time to silence her.¡±

    Isadora understood what he meant. Since the time they worked for him, they received financial and connection support from big families andpanies. But in return, they will need to do the dirty work for him.

    ¡°Make sure she wouldn¡¯t be able to speak anything about us. Kill her as soon as possible,¡± he added. ¡°Goodluck¡±

 Search For Evidence

    IT¡¯S EARLY IN THE MORNING yet Chiara and Ezio were both on the way towards the prison where Sigmund is currently staying. Now that they removed Simone out of the way, and Ezio¡¯s n to attack Isadora is currently in the making, it is a good move for them to find the physical evidences that will pin their biggest rival: Giovanni.

    ¡°Do you think someone is backing him?¡± Chiara asked her husband while scrolling through Giovanni¡¯s information that were once provided by Nick before.

    Ezio rested on his seat. He was lost in thoughts for days because of that question. ¡°Given that I have more connection and wealth than him, I think so,¡± he answered. ¡°But the question is who?¡±

    Chiara read the names of all people connected to Giovanni ¨C workers, family members, investors, business partners, and even former colleagues. She made a research on their current standing, hoping to find who among them has the capability to back Giovanni and give him such power.

    ¡°I still can¡¯t find anything,¡± she added and closed herptop with frustration. ¡°No one in this file can be powerful enough to back him up.¡±

    She gave theptop to her husband, who put it back to their bag. ¡°That person or those people backing him must have a lot of power for those men to be loyal,¡± Chiara said before turning to Ezio. ¡°Those men who shot me and Chief Bruno were escaped criminals with heavy cases.¡±

    ¡°If you will think about it, they can just escape once they¡¯re arrested, just like what they did before,¡± she added, her hands making various signs while exining. ¡°But they chose to poison themselves.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s eyes glistened as a hunch formed in his head. ¡°Maybe they chose to die because that¡¯s the easy way out,¡± he spoke.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± his wife asked.

    Ezio turned his head to her and smirked. ¡°Have you watched movies where people chose to die because their punishment for failing is much worse than that?¡±

    Chiara¡¯s mouth formed an o-shape upon understanding what he meant. If that¡¯s really the case, then the man behind Giovanni must have various methods to make those criminal kneel for him. That, and he must be insane like them.

    ¡°If Giovanni really have someone behind him, I¡¯m afraid,¡± she said in a low tone, almost a whisper.

    Ezio touched her back while his right hand settled in her waist, as if hugging her from the side. ¡°Why would you be afraid?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t know who we¡¯re going against with,¡± she answered while looking straight into his mismatched eyes. ¡°That¡¯s scary. We don¡¯t know that person but they know us. They have the upperhand in this battle. Aside from that, I can sense that this person is twisted. That person didn¡¯t even think twice ordering others to kill people.¡±

    ¡°I understand your fear, cara,¡± he responded before cupping her face and kissing her forehead. ¡°But remember that you¡¯re with me in this battle, and I¡¯m with you. You won¡¯t be alone.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right here, fighting with you and protecting you,¡± he added and gave a reassuring smile.

    He made their forehead touch, and he stared at her twinkling eyes, filled with delight. Slowly, he leaned to kiss her lips  with love and passion.

    ¡°Signor, Signora, we¡¯re here,¡± Luigi, their designated driver to today, spoke as he parked the car outside the prison.

    Ezio helped her wife step out of the car, offering to carry her small bag. They walked with their hands intertwined towards the entrance, where they were greeted by the guards.

    Chiara and Ezio waited on the visitation cubicle given to them. After a few minutes of waiting, the person they wanted to visit emerged from the door, with a cuff on his hand and a police man guarding him. The moment the old man entered the cubicle, the police left and locked the door.

    Sigmund looked thinner from what Chiara remembered. His cheekbones were more evident and his eyebags became deeper and darker. His facial hair also grew long, but not enough for him to be unrecognizable.

    ¡°We can get you out of here,¡± Chiara went straight to the point as the visitation time is limited. ¡°You told me over the phone that you will cooperate with us, is that right?¡±

    Sigmund nodded before speaking. ¡°What do I need to do? I¡¯ll do anything as long as I will be out of here.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s behind your case?¡± Chiara asked while Ezio was just silent on the side, observing the old man. ¡°Who told you to nder our hotel¡¯s image?¡±

    The old man was silent for a moment, and Ezio sensed the hesitation in his face. Sigmund¡¯s eyes were moving in an ufortable manner. The sound of the metal cuffs making contact with the ss echoed in the telephone they¡¯re using.

    ¡°Are you backing out?¡± Chiara asked with her left eyebroe raised. ¡°If you can¡¯t give us the information, we cannot help you. Our help is not for free. Give us what we need and we¡¯ll pull out of here. in and simple.¡±

    But Sigmund didn¡¯t respond. In his mind, he was torn between telling the truth and keeping it for his sanity. However, a part of him knew that he cannot survive in this environment, especially when he¡¯s not the one who pulled the strings of the case.

    Chiara was getting impatient. She was tapping her wedge shoe on the floor while waiting for him to answer.

    She just wanted to hear Sigmund¡¯s answer andpare it to Alessandra¡¯s words. If both of them mentioned Giovanni, then both of them are telling the truth.

    Hearing no response, Chiara stood up and was ready to leave when Sigmund hurriedly spoke, not wanting to waste the opportunity that was given to him.

    Days before, his mind is already made up that he will cooperate with them. He doesn¡¯t know what came to him for him to be this cowards even when given an opportunity to clear his name.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Giovanni!¡± he screamed that made Chiara stop from walking away. ¡°Giovanni Giordano! He was the one who ordered me to do it! He wanted to ruin the Vitali¡¯s image!¡±

    Chiara looked back and him while Ezio smirked from his seat. He tapped the seat behind him and his wife went back to it, her eyes glued to the old man.

    ¡°Words aren¡¯t enough evidences in the court,¡± she spoke and gave a small smile. ¡°Those can be twisted. Do you have another evidence that can prove that?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered. ¡°My phone has a copy of our text messages. You can see our call records. Those messages can be the evidences.¡±

    He was desperate. He didn¡¯t care what will happen as long as he can leave that prison and leave normally again. He just hoped that his phone and the messages can still be retrieved, because that¡¯s the only thing that can save him now.

    ¡°Then where¡¯s your phone?¡± Chiara asked him.

    ¡°In our house,¡± he answered, pertaining to the house where Simone and Alessandra stayed when they got married ¨C the same house where Simone was arrested.

    Chiara nodded and squeezed her husband¡¯s thigh, a sign that they already got what they want from him.

    ¡°Once we gathered those evidences, we will file a case against Giovanni,¡± she said. ¡°And if we won, that¡¯s the time we will pull you out of here. So pray that your messages will work.¡±

    She stood up with poise while holding her husband. ¡°We will update you about the progress. For now, what we can do is to provide you a private cell. It¡¯s nice making business with you.¡±

    With that, they leave the prison and headed home. Ezio didn¡¯t waste any time and ordered his men to look for the evidence in that house. Gabriel and Luigi led the search, while Ezio and Chiara waited for the result.

    While waiting, Chiara used the time to send an email to Monika. It was anonymous, and she¡¯s how Monika will react once she saw the contents of her email.

    It just took two hours before their men came back. Luigi handed them all of the gadgets they found in that house, and some documents that they were able to receive.

    There were only three gadgets inside. One is aptop while two were phones. Chiara opened the ck one first. Upon seeing the screen withrge fonts and high brightness, she knew that the phone is the one Sigmund mentioned.

    She opened the messages app, and looked for Giovanni¡¯s name. True to his words, their chats were still in that phone.

    ¡°He¡¯s careless,¡± Eziomented while helping Chiara in taking a screenshot of those messages. ¡°If I were him, I would have deleted everything the moment I sent these messages. No traces, no chance of getting caught.¡±

    Chiara grinned at his statement. ¡°But it is a blessing for us that he is careless,¡± she responded.

    After taking a screenshot of those messages, she transferred it to Ezio¡¯s phone, and thetter created multiple copies. Chiara looked for more information inside the phone before setting it aside.

    ¡°Tesoro, can you ask Dante if he can retrieve the recordings of Sigmund and Giovanni from this phone?¡± she asked. ¡°That might help us.¡±

    Ezio nodded before calling his friend. While their conversation is ongoing, Chiara looked for more inside the other gadgets. Unfortunately, none of them contains crucial information.

    Then she proceeded on looking at the paper documents that their men retrieved. Some of the ducuments were bank records, payslips, government-issued papers, and work documents.

    Until Chiara found a brown expanding envelope. She opened it and was greeted by several papers. However, the first document immediately got her attention.

    ¡°So this is what had been holding him back,¡± Chiara murmured to herself while scanning the contents of the documents.

    It was a copy of Giovanni¡¯s birth certificate, stating that his biological father is Sigmund.

 A Past To Remember

    MONIKA WAS GETTING READY to end her day when she received an email. The email of the sender isn¡¯t familiar, so she chose to ignore it and closed herptop afterwards, thinking that the email must not be urgent.

    She walked towards the balcony of her room, inhaling a full hand of fresh air from the cold night. With a warm tea that help her sleep on her hand, Monika looked around the estate, reminiscing some memories from the past.

    ¡°Mi vida,¡± the baritone voice of the 27-year-old Ariti echoed in 25-year-old Monika¡¯s ears.

    She felt his warm lips kissed her nape, a delicate and sensitive part of her skin that Ariti loves. Monika turned around to face him.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    A handsome man, with chiseled jaw, hazel eyes, and aristocratic nose, greeted her eyes. His face is really a sight to behold, and Monika wouldn¡¯t mind seeing this face for the rest of her life, greeting her every morning once she opened her eyes.

    ¡°Amore mio,¡± she spoke before giving him a yful kiss on the lips. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you will visit?¡± she looked down at her clothing and pouted. ¡°Look at me. I look like a bum.¡±

    Ariti chuckled, which is enough to make Monika¡¯s knees wobble. His palm touched her nape and pulled her closer to him. Their foreheads touched and she can smell his minty breath against her nose.

    ¡°You will still look like a queen to me even if you¡¯re wearing old clothes with holes,¡± his nose moved to y with hers.

    Monika pouted at his statement, then she remembered something. ¡°Why are you here?¡± she asked because her boyfriend just popped up out of nowhere in her family¡¯s house.

    ¡°Can¡¯t I visit my girlfriend?¡± he asked with a sulking tone. ¡°Don¡¯t you miss me?¡±

    Sheughee at how fast Ariti sulk. Just a few words from her is enough to change his emotion and mood. Her hands went up to his neck and locked him in.

    ¡°I missed you, of course,¡± she replied, wooing him. ¡°I¡¯m just wondering because you¡¯ve been busy these past few days. I thought you have a lot of things to do,¡± Monika exined herself.

    Ariti¡¯s eyes twinkled at her. ¡°I was busy because I was preparing something for you, mi vida,¡± he answered with a huge smile in his face, as if he is excited to say something.

    ¡°Come with me, and I¡¯ll show you something,¡± he added before pulling her towards the gate of her family¡¯s mansion.

    ¡°Wait! Wait!¡± Monika eximed while pulling herself. Ariti looked at her with furrowed eyes brows. ¡°I need to change first. I don¡¯t want to look like I just woke up.¡±

    With that, they ran upstairs towards Monika¡¯s room. Since Monika¡¯s parents were strict, Ariti had to wait outside her room. After a few minutes, they flew outside to go to the ce that Ariti wanted to show to his beloved.

    The car stopped outside a huge gate, and it looked like they will enter another house. Someone opened the gate for them before Ariti parked the car inside.

    He gently pulled his girlfriend out of the car. Monika was greeted by a huge house, maybe a mansion because of its size. She looked around and saw that the front yard is a garden, filled with flowers, but mostly lilies.

    It was still afternoon, and Ariti toured his girlfriend inside the mansion. He exined every part of it, together with what materials those parts were made. The mansion is so huge that it was already nighttime when they finished.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the backyard, mi vida,¡± Ariti told her which she happily agreed to. Her feet were aching because of hours of walking inside the mansion, and her boyfriend just finished massaging it to ease to pain.

    Her lips opened in awe upon seeing the changes in the frontyard. When they arrived and toured it, the frontyard just had a garden and a fountain.

    But now, a small perg is seated just behind the fountain. Yellow-ish lights covered the top and columns of the perg, with white and ck curtains covering every side of it.

    Leaves and flowers in red color were used as a decoration on the side of the perg, and hanging vines were on top. The vines also have lights on them, lighting up the ce.

    In the middle of the perg is a wooden table with white and red fabric. It has a vase with Monika¡¯s favorite lilies in the middle, two candles lit the table up. Two chairs on opposite sides of the table were resting.

    The whole ce spoke romance. Monika knew that Ariti is a romantic man, but he never did something like this. Their previous dates were almost eating out and visiting other ces.

    ¡°Do you like it, mi vida?¡± Ariti asked before kissing her nape once again. Her bob cut hair gave him a lot of ess to his favorite spot.

    With teary eyes, Monika looked at him. ¡°I don¡¯t like it,¡± she replied that almost madr Ariti¡¯s heart fall. ¡°I love it!¡±

    She jumped into him with joy. Ariti caught her mid-air and hugged her back. Monika nted several kisses on his face before resting her feet on the ground. She pulled him towards the table.

    The couple shared their dinner that day. Both of them were filled of happiness, delight, and love while looking into each other¡¯s eyes. They cherished that moment ¨C a new part of their core memory.

    After a few minutes, Ariti invited Monika to walk around the frontyard. Monika was admiring the lilies and the beauty of the garden when Ariti suddenly kneeled down on one knee.

    ¡°Amore mio, what are you doing?¡± she asked with confusion.

    Suddenly, Ariti reached for something from his pocket. He grabbed for a small, maroon, and square box, and it revealed a golden ring with a huge diamond on top. The parts around the golden ring is also filled with small diamond.

    ¡°Mi vida,¡± Ariti called for her. ¡°You¡¯re the woman I value the most. You¡¯re my life, my light. You¡¯re the reason I wake up and survive everyday. I don¡¯t want you to snatch by anyone,¡± he chuckled at his own words. ¡°I want to spend my life with you. I want to build a family with you. I want you to bear my children. I want to take care of you everyday, until we got older and weaker. Will you marry me?¡±

    Tears fell from Monika¡¯s eyes as she stared between her boyfriend and the ring. He doesn¡¯t know how long Monika waited for him to pop the question.

    Without hesitation, she answered him. ¡°Yes! Yes! I will marry you!¡±

    Ariti slid the ring in her finger, his hands were even shaking because he can¡¯t believe that the woman he loves agreed to spent her life with him.

    When he stood up, he immediately attacked her with hugs and kisses, showing her how happy he is now that they are going to be married.

    ¡°I spent years to build this house,¡± he spoke lovingly to her. ¡°We will build our family here. Our children will grow up in this ce,¡± he looked at her before kissing her lips. ¡°This ce will be the witness of our love.¡±

    Monika went back to the present as she felt herself suffocating and a sound of breaking ss echoed. She didn¡¯t notice that she had been crying for minutes. The tears blocked her airways, making it difficult for her to breath.

    The shattered cup of tea fell on the ground. Some of its parts hit her feet, but she mind the pain. Instead, she bent down to pick up the pieces of ss and threw them to the trash.

    In a dark and cold night, Monika was alone. It was very far from before. When Ariti was still around, the mansion is lively. There is no time where she felt lonely.

    But since he passed away, Monika saw how the ce shifted. She felt alone even if she has workers around. The presence of her beloved bursted up like a bubble.

    She didn¡¯t went back to her family¡¯s mansion, and chose to stay in the house that Ariti gifted to her. Even when she got married to the man she doesn¡¯t want, she chose to stay in the ce that reminds her of Ariti.

    Monika cleaned her wounds alone. She cried upon remembering how gentle and caring Ariti was when cleaning her wound before. He doesn¡¯t even let her get any scratches, not even wounds.

    Everyday in her life, Monika cannot help but topare every events from how they were before when Ariti was still alive.

    In her sleep, Monika can see her beloved jump from the cliff. Everytime she will try to save him and pull him up, someone¡¯s hands will push Ariti towards his death.

    Just like before, Monika woke up in the middle of the night, sweaty and heaving, while shouting Ariti¡¯s name. Her hand reaching for something that¡¯s not there.

    She stood up to drink water. She cannot sleep anymore. This is her body¡¯s system everyday. She will sleep, and once she dreamt of Ariti¡¯s death, she will wake up, and she won¡¯t be able to sleep again.

    Monika decided to open herptop to finish some works in thepany. It is her past time. It made her forget the pain for losing the man he loved the most.

    As she opened the email, the email she received fromst night emerged. Now that her mind is clear, she read the subject of her email.

    Her hands tremble, contemting whether to open the email or not. Just the subject line of the email is enough to make her heart raise.

    ¡°Ariti Gomez didn¡¯t kill himself,¡± the subject line from anonymous email stated.

 Giovanniéˆ¥æªš Arrest

    WITH TREMBLING HANDS, Monika clicked theptop¡¯s touchpad and opened the email. There was no text on it aside from the subject line. The only thing she saw is a link towards a video.

    Her eyebrows furrowed, as she can¡¯t find any reason why a video was there. She was expecting for a file of investigation result, not some media. She was hesitant to open it, as she had a hunch that the file might contain some virus.

    Monika was using her workptop, and she can¡¯t risk it to be attacked by some malware. However, her eyesnded on the subject line again. Her mind is tirn between the two choices: ignore the email thinking it was a virus or read it and risk theptop¡¯s security.

    She decided to go with thetter choice. It was herte beloved that was the topic of the email. She was thinking that this video might tell something about his death.

    Before Ariti died, their wedding is already scheduled a month after that. Of all people, Ariti was the one who is looking forward for that day. He spent years on preparing the wedding, giving the dream location and theme that Monika wanted.

    And then all of a sudden, he died. Not just a normal death, but suicide. Monika never believed the statement of the police that Ariti killed himself. Not even when they saw his suicide letter nor when two witnesses stated that he jumped by himself.

    Monika firmly believed that someone pushed him off the cliff to kill him, but the people around her were adamant to convince her the Ariti did that by himself.

    She cannot forget the letter that Ariti wrote before he died: Life¡¯s been tough. I¡¯m barely surviving everyday. I want to end this suffering.

    Every aspect of his life had been doing good at that time. His business was booming, together with thepanies he inherited from his father. He had a good health. And most of all, he was getting married to the woman he dreamt for so long.

    The video loaded, and the thumbnail showed a familir back of a car ¨C Ariti¡¯s car that he used when he went to Mn before he died. From the thumbnail, she can see her ex-fiance¡¯s back on the driver¡¯s seat. The perspective of the video might have came from another car just behind Ariti¡¯s.

    She clicked on y, and various noises emerged from the speakers of herptop. Her eyes were fixated on the screen, not leaving it for a moment. The longer she watched, the more her heart thumped inside her chest, wanting to get out.

    Her body shook as she watched another person hit her beloved with a metal rod. More tears fell from her eyes as the other person pushed Ariti to the cliff, even kicking certain parts of his body so that he will lose his grip.

    Monika screamed, her hoarse voice echoing inside the whole mansion in the middle of the dawn. Her hands reached for Ariti in her screen, trying to save him from falling to his death.

    ¡°Amore mio, amore,¡± she hysterically called for him while hugging theptop. The screen touched her chest as dam of tears fell down to her cheeks, until it reached theptop.

    Monika rocked herself back and forth. Her screams of depression didn¡¯t stop even if she already lost her voice.

    For several years, people make Monika believed that she was such an uncaring fiance for letting her man die by himself. For a long time, she carried the guilt that she was not enough for Ariti to keep on living. Monika med herself for her fiance¡¯s death.

    Monika felt that she will pass out. No one will help her in the middle of dawn, as her maids and staffs were all out of the mansion after four in the afternoon.

    Unexpectedly, the door of her bedroom opened, and her head maid rushed in with panicked reaction.

    ¡°Signora,¡± the head maid called for her before rushing towarda Monika. She tried to remove theptop from Monika¡¯s grip, but thetter won¡¯t budge.

    Instead, the head maid tried to calm her down. She made Monika take normal and steady breaths. Monika was shocked to see that someone is still inside the mansion at that early time.

    Another maid entered the room, carrying a ss of water. They made Monika drink when she calmed down. Fortunately, the head maid decided to stay for the day. If not, they don¡¯t know what could have happened to their signora.

    When Monikaposed herself, she hesitantly looked at the video once again. This time, the video stopped and was zoomed in to the window of Ariti¡¯s car.

    A familiar face was shown on the screen. Monika¡¯s knuckles turned white as she gritted her teeth. The man who made her life miserable for years. The man who married her only for her wealth. The man who didn¡¯t respect her as a woman. The same man who killed her beloved.

    Monika was determined to make Giovanni pay. She will go through lengths just to make sure that he will be punished for what she did to her Ariti. That the same day, Monika ordered her subordinates to check if there¡¯s another autopsy that was done at the time of his death. Days after that, once she gatherrd enough evidence, she filed a case against Giovanni.

    Giovanni and Isadora were exchanging each other¡¯s heat when series of loud knocks on his office in the Giordano¡¯s building interrupted them.

    Thinking that those were just employees who need to talk to their president, the two ignored the knocks and Giovanni went on thrusting inside his mistress. Their moans and groans echoed in the room together with the loud knocks.

    However, the knocks became louder that it sounded like someone is kicking the door. With annoyed expression, Giovanni pulled himself out and stood up. He put on his clothes, same as Isadora, before opening the door.

    He was about to scold the person outsidd when he was startled that there are police officers outside his room. Before he could even react, one of the police cuffed his hands and pulled him out.

    ¡°You¡¯re under arrest for murdering Ariti Gomez,¡± the police spoke with authority before ordering his men to take Giovanni out.

    ¡°What?¡± Giovanni asked with confusion while the policemen pulled him out. ¡°I didn¡¯t kill him! He killed himself!¡± he eximed.

    The police looked nkly at him. ¡°You can ask for awyer to defend you. For now, you will be imprisoned. We have evidences in hand,¡± he spoke before looking back at him men. ¡°Take him out.¡±

    Isadora, who just wore her dress, ran towards her lover. ¡°Sir, he didn¡¯t kill anyone! You must be arresting the wrong person!¡± she pleaded while pulling Giovanni, releasing the grip of those policemen.

    But her strength cannot bepared to them. Instead, other one policeman pulled Isadora out of the scene and told her to just visit Giovanni in the prison.

    Staffs and workers watched the scene unfolding before them. Most of them whispered between the crowd, stating their disappointment for their president. Some were just silently watching, but quietly enjoying the scene.

    ¡°Let me go!¡± Giovanni screamed at the policemen. ¡°Don¡¯t you know who I am? I am the president of thispany! I am powerful enough to remove you from service! I know Chief Pessi! He will surely punished you!¡±

    But Giovanni¡¯s words don¡¯t have any effect on the authorities in front of him. Instead, the head police looked at him as if mocking him for saying those words. ¡°Chief Pessi is suspended, so he can¡¯t help you. Stop spouting nonsense.¡±

    The pushed Giovanni towards the police car while Isadora followed them on foot.

    ¡°Baby! I will get you out! I promise!¡± she shouted to him while standing outside the car. ¡°Just hang in there!¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Giovanni hurriedly moved towards the window of the police car, but another officer was blocking his way. ¡°Call him! He can help us!¡± he spoke, pertaining to the man backing them up.

    Hours after he was imprisoned, someone visited Giovanni. Before he arrived at the visitation cubicle, he was filled with hope that the man or Isadora visitef him to pull him out.

    However, his hope was crush upon seeing Monika waiting for him. The moment he sat down, Monika went straight to the point and asked. ¡°Why did you kill him?¡±

    Giovanni feign ignorance in the matter. ¡°Killed who? I didn¡¯t kill anyone,¡± he spoke. In his mind, he just need to deny any allegations until Isadora pulled him out.

    Losing her patience, Monika pulled up her phone and showed him the downloaded video. The video of Ariti¡¯s death yed on the screen.

    ¡°What?¡± he reacted. ¡°How did you get that?¡±

    He is sure that he hid that video very well. He had not opened it since he got married to Monika. In his mind, he cannot delete the video because it showed how he won between his battle against Ariti.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have the right to know how I got this,¡± Monika said with gritting teeth. ¡°I¡¯m asking, why did you kill him!¡±

    Giovanni didn¡¯t budge. He looked uneasy, but he kept hisposture. ¡°I don¡¯t know where you got that, but that¡¯s edited. I didn¡¯t kill him.¡±

    Monika stood up upon realizing that Giovanni won¡¯t tell the truth to her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I also have other evidences in hand,¡± she replied, pertaining to the autopsy and the fake witnesses he used. ¡°Let¡¯s see each other in court.¡±

    On the other hand, Isadora tried several times to call the man. It took her until afternoon before he answered.

    ¡°Help us, please,¡± Isadora spoke when the old man answered. ¡°Giovanni was arrested for killing Ariti Gomez. You can pull him out, right? We will do anything you want,¡± she pleaded.

    The man on the other line chuckled, as if mocking her. ¡°That¡¯s out of my problem. If I asked Giovanni to kill Ariti, I would have help you. However,¡± he puffed a cigarette while staring at a woman¡¯s photo. ¡°He did that on his own ord. I can¡¯t help you. And if you will call again to ask the same thing, I can¡¯t guarantee that I can answer you again.¡±

    ¡°But-,¡± Isadora was about to argue when the old man ended the call. She stared at the screen of her phone, gripping it tightly.

    She doesn¡¯t know who she can ask for help. The only person backing them up doesn¡¯t even want to help them. Now that Giovanni¡¯s in prison, Isadora is afraid for him and herself ¨C because Giovanni can turn her in anytime.

 A Meeting With The Romano

    WITH A PERVERTED GRIN, Chiara sneaked inside the master bathroom, not minding that her husband is taking a bath inside. She tiptoed inside and closed the door slowly, in order not to create any sound.

    The sound of the shower and sshing water echoed inside the bathroom. She can also hear the deep yet soft hums of her husband. The smell of his soap lingered on Chiara¡¯s nose, and she cannot help but to inhale them until it sketched into her lungs.

    From her position, she can her naked husband filled with bubbled on over his body. His muscles flexed with his movements, which made Chiara felt hot. She licked her lips before removing every piece of clothing on her body.

    When the running water removed the soap bubbles on Ezio¡¯s body, Chiara suddey lunged herself on his back before yfully biting his earlobe.

    Ezio was caught off by this action, but he rxed immediately upon feeling the familiar touch and warmth of his wife.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been naughty this past few days, cara,¡± Ezio whispered before gently pushing Chiara towards the shower wall. He nibbled the lower part of her lips, biting it gently and teasing her.

    He noticed that Chiara became bolder as days passed. Since Ezio woke up, he was the one who always initiated their ¡°making love time¡±. However, this past week, it was Chiara who made the first moves.

    Ezio couldn¡¯t help butment that Chiara is wilder than him. If Ezio would initiate only when their alone, his wife would start it even if there are people around. Sometimes, he tried to stop her but Chiara would either smile and continue or sulk and ignore him for the whole day.

    ¡°That¡¯s it. I want that,¡± Chiara softly moaned as her husband nted kisses on her neck while his hand yed with her sensitive spot between her legs.

    Ezio chuckled on her skin, adding another pleasurable sensation to her. She didn¡¯t even notice that the shower head is already off. What she focused on is her husband¡¯s fingers on her skin.

    Ezio slowly entered one of his fingers in her with ease, as she was already wet from his kisses and touch. Chiara arched her back and moved her hips closer to him, putting his finger deeper inside her.

    She bucked her hips back and forth, making her bud contact his palm. Realizing what his wife wants, Ezio used his fingers to find her spot while rubbing his palm on her sensitive bud.

    Chiara moaned in every thrust as she hugged his neck for support. She felt so high and the pleasure became too much for her to handle. Suddenly, her body shuddered as something inside her bursted. Her legs lost their strength and Ezio had to carry her so that she won¡¯t fall on the shower fall.

    Ezio put his arms under her knees and lifted her up, until her entrance is touching the tip of his erect manhood. Chiara¡¯s eyes were still closed, savoring the previous burst of pleasure that she felt.

    He was looking at her flushed face, memorizing every corner of it, staring at her like she was a sculpture that was made with intricate details. He gave a long kiss on the skin between her breast before pushing himself inside, bing one.

    AN HOUR PASSED and Ezio was ready to leave for a business meeting. It was the meeting that they have been looking forward to. Not because they can snatch such good andrge profit deal, but because this meeting can destroy the closest person of their rival: Isadora. And if they¡¯re lucky enough, it can also destroy Giovanni.

    Although his wife already sent the video of Ariti¡¯s death to Monika, they were informed that Monika made a move, but they don¡¯t know the specifics. They have been too busy these past few days, filling the vacant roles in thepany and removing inefficient workers.

    The only thing Luigi reported to him is that Giovanni were escorted by policemen the other day. The news about that scattered quickly inside the business circle that it made the stocks of the Giordano to shrink to the bottom.

    Aside from that, they haven¡¯t heard anything on what happened next. Ezio hoped that Giovanni¡¯s crime against Ariti will be enough to put him in prison.

    ¡°Text me once you arrived, okay?¡± Chiara reminded him before he entered the car. His wife was clinging to him, as if he doesn¡¯t want to let him go.

    As much as he wanted to bring her with him, he isn¡¯t the one to decide. It was the Romano Enterprises who stated that they wanted Ezio in the business meeting. Maybe he can bring his wife next time, if there will be next time.

    He kissed her forehead and smiled. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll update you. I¡¯ll be home before dinner,¡± he replied and caressed her right cheek. ¡°Te amo.¡±

    ¡°Te amo,¡± Chiara responded and kissed his lips. She even wanted to deepen the kiss as she craved for more, however, she knew that her husband has something important to attend to.

    On the way to the meeting, Victor, who was in the passenger seat, reported. ¡°Signor, your men reported that Giovanni Giordano has been imprisoned. His case is ongoing and the trial might be happening within this month.¡±

    Ezio grinned inwardly upin hearing that. His wife was right when she said that Monika will go through lengths once she found out the truth about her greatest love¡¯s death.

    It just made everything easier for them. If Giovanni is in prison and Ezio is on the way to destroy Isadora, then the only thing that they have to make sure is that there is no one who will back them up, and if there is one, they have to destroy that person, too.

    They arrived after a few minutes. He saw Isadora¡¯s grandfather who is the President of Romano Enterprises, Lucio Romano, entering the restaurant. Ezio is sure that Lucio reserved a VIP suite for them.

    He decided to stay in his car for a while, since his meeting partner just arrived. Ezio reached for his phone to chat and update his wife, when he saw a message from her.

    From: Cara

    ¡°Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.¡± ¨C motivational quotes for today

    `

    Ezio smiled while reading her message. Since he came back from work, Chiara would send him motivational quotes, especially when they are not together. It¡¯s been going on for almost two months, and Ezio even made a document to collect all of the motivational quotes Chiara sent.

    After sending an update that he already arrived, Ezio stepped out of the car. The moment his eyesy down on Lucio Romano, the main act has already started.

    LUCIO IS AN aodating man. That¡¯s what Ezio noticed after minutes of being with him. They talked directly about their business contracts, exining different parts and uses as well as making agreements that will benefit the both of them.

    They were inside one of the VIP suites of the restaurant. It was a space on the balcony that overlooked the city of Rome. The area was reserved for them, and they can talk about whatever they desired.

    After thatst course was served, the servers left them alone to have their private conversation. The two businessmen alreadt signed their contract, and it¡¯s going on legal terms as their ownwyers worked on them.

    ¡°I heard you¡¯ve been married,¡± old Lucio spoke, opening a much personal conversation. ¡°How¡¯s your married life?¡±

    Ezio put down his ss that is half-full of water. ¡°Ecstatic,¡± he answered with a wide smile. ¡°I¡¯ve been married to my dream woman. I can¡¯t ask for more.¡±

    Lucio can¡¯t help but to follow Ezio¡¯s contagious smile. ¡°I like how you reacted when I asked that question. No doubt you have a happy marriage,¡± he replied before sighing. ¡°I just hope my granddaughter would get married before old age followed me.¡±

    ¡°Do you only have one granddaughter?¡± Ezio asked, feigning his ignorance.

    ¡°Yes. My grandchildren were all men!¡± he eximed before chuckling. ¡°My grandchild Isadora is the only woman, that¡¯s why I cherished her the most.¡±

    Ezio pretended to be shocked. ¡°Isadora? That name sounds familiar,¡± he spoke, holding back a grin on his face.

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Lucio was surprised. His eyebrows raised for a moment as his face looked hooked in the conversation. ¡°My granddaughter¡¯s name is quite umon, but not really unique. Maybe you happened to meet her? Can you tell me how she looked like?¡±

    Ezio acted to think of something, even though he already practiced in his mind how he would answer the man¡¯s question.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°She¡¯s almost at the same height as my wife,¡± that¡¯s the first thing he said even though Lucio doesn¡¯t know who his wife is. ¡°That Isadora has a brown, short, wavy hair. I think she was wearing one of Fendi Spring 2024 Couture Collection. It was the dark brown dress with a huge opening on the chest.¡±

    Lucio was shocked upon hearing Ezio¡¯s response. He remembered that Isadora requested him to buy the same dress before the opening of Soleira. He agreed her request and made her the representative of the Romano Enterprises for that event, since he cannot go.

    ¡°Did you meet her in the grand opening of Soleira?¡± Lucio asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ezio answered afterwards, putting a facade of an innocent man. ¡°However, that Isadora had a date that time. They were too intimate that I felt jealous. I even asked my wife to do it to me, too,¡± he lied. ¡°However, I might have pointed out the wrong woman.¡±

    Ezio waited for the man in front of him to speak. That¡¯s the bait that he threw, and he is a hundred percent sure that Lucio will bite it.

    ¡°A date?¡± Lucio asked. Isadora went alone that day, only having a driver and a few bodyguards. He doesn¡¯t know any man who could be in a rtionship with her. Everytime he would ask her, Isadora will answer that she doesn¡¯t have time for men.

    However, the way Ezio described that way is the same as how Isadora looked that day.

    ¡°Who is that Isadora¡¯s date?¡± he added.

    ¡°Giovanni Giordano,¡± Ezio answered. The moment he saw how Lucio¡¯s ears turned red, he knew that Isadora will be doomed after this meeting.

    Lucio knew who that man is, and he knew that Giovanni is married. If Ezio recognized the right Isadora, then it only meant one thing: Isadora is a mistress of Giovanni.

    As if on a cue and due to Ezio¡¯s luck, the nearby building with a digital billboard suddenly showed up a news that made Lucio¡¯s blood boil.

    Romano Enterprises were found to be paying mercenaries to kill a man.

 Isadoraéˆ¥æªš Grounded

    ¡°MERCENARIES? WHAT MERCENARIES?¡± Lucio eximed while looking at the digital billboard with wide eyes.

    A scandal about hispany just emerged out of nowhere, and a new business partner of him saw it right in front of his eyes. In Lucio¡¯s mind, Ezio would back out now that the image of Romano Enterprises has a dirt in it.

    Panicking, Lucio looked back at Ezio. Thetter has no emotion on his face as he watched the news ying on the billboard. He looked like nothing is going on in his mind, but in reality, he is rejoicing as the news can be a key to strengthen Lucio¡¯s doubts on his own granddaughter.

    ¡°Two mercenaries who were suspected on killing thete businessman Marco Leon were arrested this afternoon. Upon investigation, thetest payments for these mercenaries came from the Romano Enterprises, amounting 300, 000 euros,¡± the male news reporter spoke on the screen before a photo of bank transaction records appeared on the screen.

    Some of the information on the record were blurred, aside from the transaction made by the Romano Enterprises, as well as the amount they sent.

    ¡°One of the arrested mercenaries confessed that the money that came from the Romano Enterprises was the payment for killing Mr. Leon. More updates will be posted in our official website and pages,¡± the reporter added before another news came by.

    Lucio¡¯s palms were sweating. He is sure as hell that he wasn¡¯t the one who sent those money. He wasn¡¯t the one who ordered those mercenaries to kill that businessman. However, since he is the president of thepany, all of the me will pointed towards him.

    ¡°Is it true?¡± Ezio asked, his cold voice brought chills to Lucio¡¯s body.

    Lucio hurriedly denied the news. ¡°Of course, not!¡± his voice breaking and shaking in every word. ¡°This might be a propaganda against us. The Romano Enterprises won¡¯t do such thing!¡±

    Ezio was silent for a moment, thinking on how to push the old man to the edge. Suddenly, he stood up and fixed his suit. His movement made Lucio gulped and he panicked more, thinking that Ezio might end their deal.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a week to fix that,¡± Ezio spoke. ¡°Within a week, you must prove that yourpany isn¡¯t included in that crime. If not, then our deal is off,¡± he added. ¡°You¡¯re a businessman, too, Signor Lucio. I¡¯m sure you wouldn¡¯t want to be connected to people with dirty image.¡±

    With that, Ezio, together with his two assistants, left the restaurant. Inside, the three were rejoicing as they can foresee the sess of their n in the future.

    On the other hand, Lucio¡¯s mind was im chaos. He just got a good deal, yet a single use in on the way to steal it from his grasps. He called for his staffs while walking towards the parking lot.

    ¡°Exin to me what the fuck is happening!¡± Lucio screamed at his higher staffs.

    Thea, the secretary, stepped forward while hugging a folder on her chest. ¡°Signor, the finance department went through the records, but they didn¡¯t find those transactions,¡± she said as her voice shool because of nervousness.

    ¡°That transaction must be edited, Signor,¡± Rick, his assistant, replied. ¡°They must have used thepany¡¯s name to ruin us!¡±

    Lucio cocked his head to his assistant. ¡°Do you take me for a fool?¡± he gritted his teeth. ¡°The money came from the same bank we used! The ount number is the same! And you dare to say that it¡¯s edited?!¡±Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°We cannot remove that possibility, signor,¡± Thea responded, almost crying because this is the first time their president became this angry. ¡°The photo must also be edited. It must be the rivals who-¡±

    Thea wasn¡¯t able to finish her words when a strong p hit her left cheek, giving it a red mark. The force was so strong that her small body stumble to the side, almost falling to the ground.

    ¡°Find proofs that those money didn¡¯t came to thepany!¡± Lucio shouted. ¡°I don¡¯t need your words! I don¡¯t need your hunches! I want evidences!¡±

    His ears turned red and his nostrils red with anger. He pointed firmly on each of the people around him. ¡°If you can¡¯t give me positive result within two days, I will fire all of you and I¡¯ll make sure that nopany will hire you again! Do you understand?!¡±

    The staffs lose their strengths because of the president¡¯s words. Two days, or even a week is not enough for them to clean the Romano Enterprises¡¯ name.

    Suddenly, one of the male staffs named Adrian, the head of finance department, went down on his knees. He bowed down to the point that he is kissing the ground.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, signor! I¡¯m sorry!¡± he eximed, as his hands trembled while touching the ground. ¡°Forgive me, please! Signorina Isadora asked me to do it!¡±

    Lucio¡¯s blood boiled upon hearing the staff¡¯s words. He mercilessly kicked the man¡¯s head, threwing him towards the side of the parking lot.

    The other staffs gasped as they witnessed the scene. Other even looked away, as they cannot bear to see what¡¯s happening.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Lucio asked with a cold voice.

    Adrian touched the side of his forehead that is starting to bleed. ¡°Signorina Isadora ordered me to send those money, signor. She also ordered me to delete it from our transaction record, in exchange for money,¡± the man cried before grabbing the president¡¯s leg.

    ¡°Forgive me, signor! I¡¯m sorry! I don¡¯t have the strength to disobey Signorina!¡± he pleaded repeatedly.

    Lucio looked down at him. ¡°You can¡¯t disobey her, so you betrayed me? Do you really think I¡¯m stupid to believe your reasons?!¡±

    He looked at his guards while pointing at Adrian. ¡°Get this man and throw him to prison! From this day, this man doesn¡¯t have any connection to the Romano Enterprises!¡±

    Adrian looked puzzled. He just confessed the truth, thinking that it is the right thing to do and that Lucio will let it pass, considering that he already had a lot of contributions within the decades of staying in hispany.

    ¡°No! Signor!¡± he screamed as two bulky guards dragged him out. ¡°Forgive me! Signor!¡±

    His screams fell on deaf ears. Adrian screamed again and again, until his voice faded from the background. Then, Lucio looked at the remaining bodyguards on the scene.

    ¡°Find Isadora and give her to me. I¡¯ll teach that woman a lesson she won¡¯t forget,¡± Lucio ordered them before driving back to their mansion.

    AFTER ALMOST TWO HOURS, screams from a woman was heard inside the living room of the Romano mansion.

    Isadora, who¡¯s hair and face was messy, was being dragged by the guards of his grandfather. She was just standing inside a telephone booth, trying to call the man to help them, when those men came rushing to bring her home.

    ¡°How dare you to touch me!¡± she screamed at the guards who was restraining her movements. ¡°My grandfather will fire all of you!¡±

    When she heard footsteps that came from the stairs connecting to the second floor, Isadora looked to that direction. Her eyes were filled with hope, that her grandfather will help her, and arrogance, because she thought that those guards will be punished.

    ¡°Nonno,¡± Isadora used her soft and innocent voice as she dared toin. ¡°Look at these guards, they were hurting m-¡±

    A crisp sound of p echoed inside the living room. The guards and the maids of the mansion were shocked to see Lucio hurt his own granddaughter: the one he treasured the most.

    Since Isadora was born, she was pampered by her grandfather. He gave everything she wanted, from material to  non material things. She nevercked love, money, attention, and gifts growing up.

    Lucio was very protective of his one and only granddaughter. He never even let a single flyy on her skin, and will even go through lengths of merciless actions to punish those who tried to wrong his granddaughter.

    ¡°Nonno? Why?¡± Isadora asked, with teary eyes as the pain of the p shook her body.

    ¡°Why? You¡¯re really asking me why?¡± Lucio stopped himself from pping her again as he clenched his fists, making his knuckled turn white.

    He showed him a copy of the bank transaction record. He shoved it at Isadora¡¯s face. ¡°This is why!¡± he shouted. ¡°How dare you use thepany I built for decades for your illegal schemes!¡±

    Isadora¡¯s eyes widened as she saw the record. She was sure that it was deleted from thepany¡¯s database. Howe his grandfather found out?

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not true, nonno,¡± she shook her head and lied. ¡°I didn¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me, Isadora,¡± Lucio replied. ¡°Adrian already confessed to me. Now, if you want me to lessen your punishment, tell me who told you go pay those mercenaries. I know you wouldn¡¯t do that in your own ord.¡±

    Isadora stayed firm on her lies. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about that, nonno. I didn¡¯t do it!¡±

    ¡°Is it that Giovanni?¡± he asked, making Isadora stunned. Isadora was quick topose herseld again, but it didn¡¯t escape Lucio¡¯s eyes. He knew that he hit the bull¡¯s eye.

    Isadora couldn¡¯t find the right words to say. She didn¡¯t expect that her grandfather would know what¡¯s going on between her and Giovanni. She was careful for their rtionship not to reach her grandfather¡¯s ears.

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know him, nonno,¡± she lied even though Lucio already saw through her.

    Lucio became silent as he realized that forcing her to confess now would be a waste of time. Ezio only gave him a week, and he has to make Isadora confess while cleaning thepany¡¯s name. Or else, his efforts for the past decades will be thrown to waste.

    He looked at the guards holding his granddaughter before ordering them. ¡°Put her in her room and locked her inside. Lock the door, even the windows. Remove everything she can use to contact people,¡± he spoke before turning his head back to Isadora. ¡°You¡¯re grounded, and I won¡¯t let you out until you confess everything to me.¡±

 Confessions From Isadora

    INSIDE THE NEWLY BUILT perg of the Vitali mansion, Chiara and Sophia were engaged in a conversation. It was still early in the morning, but the two women couldn¡¯t help but discuss the current happenings on their rival.

    Chiara took a sip on her green tea before putting the cup down on the table. ¡°My husband told me that Isadora¡¯s grandfather was furious,¡± she told her friend.

    ¡°And also, Giovanni was in prison, again,¡± Chiara rolled her eyes upon saying the word ¡®again¡¯ and chuckled. ¡°We don¡¯t have to worry about it. The evidence about him killing his ex-wife¡¯s fiance is strong enough to put him in jail for decades. Your attorney is on the way to present the evidence about him being the mastermind on Marco¡¯s death. It¡¯s only a matter of time.¡±

    Sophia sighed and couldn¡¯t help but to feel relieved and teary at the same time. ¡°A lot of things happened since my husband¡¯s death that I had difficulties to choose where to focus on,¡± she spoke with a brittle voice before looking at her friend. ¡°I¡¯m lucky to have you as my friend.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Chiara smiled and hold Sophia¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m the one who is lucky to be your friend. Without you, we couldn¡¯t have known their moves. I¡¯m so d you stayed loyal to us.¡±

    ¡°Silly girl,¡± Sophiaughed and yfully hit her friend¡¯s arm. ¡°Betraying my friend is one of the least things I would do. Besides, Marco and Ezio were also close,¡± she gave a bitter smile upon remembering her husband. ¡°If Marco is here, I¡¯m sure he would have thrown a party for the two of you. He really treasure his friends so much.¡±

    Chiara felt touched on her words. ¡°I¡¯m sure your husband is so proud of you while watching you from above,¡± she replied and the two women looked up at the blue and peaceful sky.

    Sophia started to see her husband¡¯s face formed with the use of the white clouds. She can see him looking at her, offering a huge smile where his teeth can be seen, and his eyes were almost close as the smile reached his ears. Just the typical Marco she fell inlove with.

    ¡°I remember, when we were still dating, Marco told me that he felt fine and happy as long as I lived happily and peacefully,¡± she took a deep breath. ¡°From now on, I will do my best to relive my husband¡¯s memories, his dreams, and the legacy he left behind for the two of us.¡±

    Chiara tapped her back twice. ¡°Go and do what you think is right. I¡¯ll be here to support you,¡± she said.

    They shared a small meal with tea for the next minutes. From the balcony of their master bedroom, Ezio watched his wifeughing with her friend on the backyard.

    He has a small smile on his face while staring at her. He was so focused on his wife that he didn¡¯t felt that someone entered the room without his permission.

    ¡°Yow, lovesick fool,¡± Dante¡¯s voice echoed in the air out of nowhere.

    Ezio snapped back to reality before turning his upper body back to look at his friend. With a scowling face, Ezio asked. ¡°What the hell are you doing here? How did you enter? Don¡¯t you have work?¡±

    ¡°How did you enter?¡± Dante imitated Ezio¡¯s voice in a mocking manner. ¡°Duh, the door is open,¡± he said while pointing at the door of the master bedroom.

    He walked towards Ezio and stopped just beside him before imitating his friend¡¯s voice again, much to Ezio¡¯s annoyance. ¡°Don¡¯t you have work?¡± he spoke. ¡°Duh, I¡¯m working for you. You didn¡¯t give me more task so technically, I don¡¯t have work today.¡±

    ¡°Go away,¡± Ezio pushed him back with his left hand. The force he used wasn¡¯t even enough to move a person yet Dante suddenly fell on the ground and touched his chest, as if he was very hurt.

    ¡°Ouch!¡± he overreacted. ¡°You hurted me, huhu. I will tell Chiara about this.¡±

    Ezio scoffed at him but he couldn¡¯t help but chuckle afterwards because of his friend¡¯s reaction. ¡°As if my wife will believe you,¡± he said confidently. ¡°Go away, don¡¯t bother me. I¡¯m busy.¡±

    ¡°Busy with what?¡± Dante nagged like a wife with his hands on his hips. ¡°Watching your wife talk with someone? That made you busy?¡±

    Without giving it a though, Ezio nodded. ¡°You won¡¯t understand since you don¡¯t have a wife.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so full of yourself. I¡¯m nning to propose soon,¡± Dante spoke and reach for the railings of the balcony, just a step beside Ezio.

    ¡°When is soon?¡± Ezio teased. ¡°You¡¯ve been together for like, ten years. I thought you¡¯ll stay in dating phase forever.¡±

    Dante sat on the railing, not that they are currently in a higher floor. ¡°I¡¯m just waiting for her to be sessful in her field,¡± he answered, making him almost lost in his thoughts of his girlfriend before snapping back to reality when a leaf hit his face.

    Ezioughed at him instead of helping him friend remove the leaves that were blown to him. When Dante removed the leaves, he went down from the railing and just sat on the chair of the balcony.

    ¡°By the way, I went here not to bicker or tease you,¡± he spoke. ¡°Well, yes. I really wanted to tease you,¡± he retracted his statement. ¡°But I just want to report that Isadora was grounded by her father. ording to my men, Lucio wouldn¡¯t let Isadora out of her room until she confessed the truth.¡±

    Ezio grinned. ¡°Looks like Lucio Romano is still in his right mind,¡± hemented. ¡°I was doubting if he could punish his precious granddaughter. Turns out he still stuck in his morals.¡±

    After a few minutes of exchanging words and bickering with Dante, Ezio went down to the backyard and told his wife about what Dante reported.

    ¡°Interesting,¡± Chiara spoke with a familiar glint in her eyes. ¡°You only gave a week to Lucio, but knowing Isadora, I¡¯m sure she can wait that long. She can keep her silence for a long time. She¡¯s loyal to Giovanni, after all.¡±

    ¡°What can we do to make her confess?¡± Sophia asked. ¡°It¡¯s not like she would tell her grandfather out of nowhere.¡±

    Chiara looked at her with a raised eyebrows. ¡°I have a n, and you¡¯re the star of it. Are you ready to show your acting skills again, Sophia?¡±

    THAT NIGHT IN THE ROMANO MANSION, the maid who is tasked to send food to Isadora entered the bedroom. She was carrying a tray full of heavy meals, which is enough to fill Isadora¡¯s stomach until the next night.

    Aside from locking her in her room, Lucio punished Isadora by making her eat only once a day. That¡¯s why, when the maid entered the room, Isadora¡¯s stomach was already twisting in pain. She¡¯s not used on not eating on time, especially because she has stomach ulcer.

    ¡°Food,¡± her mouth watered as the aroma of freshly cooked buttered shrimp entered her nose. ¡°Please, I¡¯m hungry. Give me the food.¡±

    The moment the tray was put down on the ground, Isadora attacked it like a lion that wasn¡¯t able to eat for weeks. She didn¡¯t care how messy she looked, and just focused on eating her first meal since she was locked.

    There were no other things inside the room aside from a nket and a foam mattress. Lucio¡¯s men removed everything inside to make sure that Isadora cannot use anything to escape.

    After Isadora finished her meal, the maid put back the tes and utensils back to the tray. Before leaving, she put a pouch on the foam matress and spoke.

    ¡°Use that one to escape. Call the number inside the phone,¡± she said before leaving the bedroom.

    Isadora immediately opened the pouch and found an phone with an old model. It is not touch screen, instead, it is the kind of phone that is small and has a keypad.

    She opened it and saw that the only applications inside the phone is messages, contacts, calls, and calctor. Isadora opened the contacts and found a familiar number inside. With trembling fingers, she dialed the number amd anxiously waited for the other person to respond.

    After a few rings, the call was answered. ¡°Isadora? Is this you?¡±

    ¡°Sophia!¡± Isadora eximed but she hurriedly shut her mouth, afraid that the guards outside her room and in the balcony will hear her.

    Locked herself inside the bathroom and whispered. ¡°Sophia, help me. My grandfather locked me in my room! I can¡¯t escape!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I heard it,¡± Sophia responded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll help you. Just listen to everything I will say, okay?¡±

    Filled with hope and determination, Isadora nodded and listened to Sophia¡¯s n, memorizing everything she said.

    24 hours after that call, Isadora heard three knocks from her balcony. The door to the balcony opened and a man greeted her.

    ¡°Madam Sophia sent me here,¡± the man spoke, while the guards were unconscious. ¡°Come with me.¡±

    He helped Isadora escaped the mansion. They climbed down to the ground before running towards the exit as if someone is going after them. When they passed through the small gate at their backyard, they ran more until they saw a taxi parked just a few blocks away from the mansion.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Isadora spoke to the man before entering the taxi. Sophia told her that a taxi will be waiting for her near their mansion, and it will bring her to the border of Italy and Slovenia. That way, her grandfather will have difficulties finding her.

    It was almost a seven-hour drive, and Isadora breathed a full air of freedom while feeling the cold wind hitting her face from the opened window of the taxi. She didn¡¯t sleep in the entire ride, as she was anxiously looking at the back of the taxi to check if someone is tailing them.

    Finally, Isadora saw the border from a far. There were no other cars aside from their taxi, which is unusual but Isadora put the worry away as she thought that she could finally escape.

    However, just as when they were a few meters towards the border, several cars and vans lunged towards them, blocking any form of escape.

    Panicking, Isadora looked around to look for an exit, but all she can see wete the vehicles blocking them. Suddenly, familiar armed men stepped out and walked towards them.

    Isadora exited the taxi and tried to ran to the other side of the road, but her speed cannot bepared fo the speed of those men. She was pulled back before she could run away.

    ¡°Let me go!¡± she screamed while trying to kick the men holding her. However, her screams fell on deaf ears.

    She tried to bite one of the men but was pped by another one. The force used was too much for her body that her ear started ringing from the inside, and lost her hearing for a few moments.

    Her eyes widened as she saw her grandfather emerged from one of the cars. He looked furious, as his eyes seethed with exasperation. As he reached Isadora, another p was given to her face, worsening the pain in her cheek and ear.

    ¡°Nonno,¡± she spoke with a brittle voice. She tried to look pitiful, but she knew it wouldn¡¯t work now that her grandfather is in the brink of bursting at her.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°You really dare to escape from me?! To escape from your mistakes?!¡± Lucio shouted at his granddaughter. ¡°You think I¡¯m fool enough not to know you will try to betray me?!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± she replied with teary eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to do that, nonno. Please forgive me!¡±

    But Lucio was cold and stiff as a rock. He didn¡¯t let her pleadings to blind him. He will have her to confess, one way or another.

    ¡°I¡¯ll only forgive you if you will tell me who ordered you to kill that man!¡± Lucio eximed, the veins in his neck showing up because of anger. ¡°Confess now or you won¡¯t like what I can do to you, Isadora!¡±

    However, she didn¡¯t respond. In her mind, her grandfather wouldn¡¯t so much worse things to her. He won¡¯t torture her to confession. She thought that those were just empty words.

    Besides, Isadora thought that Sophia will help her again and again, since she thought that Sophia needed her to ¡°clean¡± herte husband¡¯s name.

    But her hope came crashing down when she saw Sophia stepped out of a car, followed by Chiara and Ezio. The couple has a smug expression on their face, while Sophia just looked at her nkly.

    ¡°Sophia,¡± she spoke as her voice broke. ¡°Sophia, I th-¡±

    ¡°No hard feelings, Isadora,¡± Sophia spoke and grinned at her. ¡°You were behind my husbands death. It¡¯s just natural for me to turn you in.¡±

    Now, Isadora realized that she had been yed. She was manipted by the hands of their enemies, and the woman she thought was dumb enough to believe her. Isadora realized that everything was nned, from the way they met Sophia, to how their n failed, and how her grandfather found out about her deeds and her rtionship with Giovanni.

    Her legs lose their strength as the weight of her actions took a toll on her. Now, with Giovanni in prison and no friend to help her, Isadora cannot escape her grandfather¡¯s wrath.

    Isadora knelt on the ground and started wailing, but her grandfather wouldn¡¯t buy it until he got what he want. ¡°Isadora, confess now and everything will be fine,¡± he urged her granddaughter softly, hoping that she will follow his words.

    Crying, Isadora looked up at her grandfather. ¡°It wasn¡¯t me, nonno! I just paid them using our ount, but the money didn¡¯t came from us! It was Giovanni and Kazimir who ordered those men to kill Marco!¡±

    Suddenly, Ezio¡¯s head snapped towards Isadora upon hearing a familiar name aside from Giovanni.

    ¡°Kazimir told Giovanni to kill Marco to close Ezio¡¯s case! He yed us, nonno! We helped him in bringing the Vitali down, but he just abandoned us when Giovanni was caught!¡±

    Aside from Ezio, the other people around Isadora doesn¡¯t know who the other man is. The person they knew is only Giovanni.

    Chiara felt her husband tensed up. She can even hear his breaths getting sharper, and his fist trembling slightly as if he wanted to punch someone.

    ¡°Tesoro?¡± she called for him. ¡°Are you okay? Do you know who is that Kazimir?¡± she asked.

    With a shaky breath, Ezio answered. ¡°Of course. I wouldn¡¯t forget that man,¡± he gritted his teeth as his eyes became filled with hatred. ¡°That Kazimir killed my father.¡±

 Who Is Kazimir?

    EZIO THRUSTED in and out of his wife, releasing the frustration he felt for the past few days. It was deep, fast, and rough, and it made their bed shake and sound like it was almost going to break.

    His right hand rested in Chiara¡¯s neck as he piston her from behind, while his left hand yed with her sensitive bud down there. Chiara epted every thrust that reached her spot, pushing her to the edge of a blinding climax.

    ¡°Fuck, cara,¡± Ezio moaned in her ear as he moved faster, almost reaching the end of her canal.

    Chiara responded with a moan. She had came a couple of times, and her body lose its strength to move with her husband. Sheid down on the bed, on her stomach, and just savored the feeling of ecstasy.

    Suddenly, Ezio turned her body towards him and heid down on the bed, making Chiara on top. She doesn¡¯t have any energy left, so she fell down on her husband¡¯s body, while his manhood is still inside of her.

    ¡°Are you tired, cara?¡± Ezio stroke her hair gently as he whispered in her ear. Both of them were heaving but Ezio was slowly moving in and out of his wife, making it a time for rest before going in to the battle again.

    Chiara moaned and slowly nodded as a response. He chuckled and ced and soft kiss on her hair while caressing it.

    His hands moved down to her arse, gently smacking it twice before groping it. He rested his hands underneath of it and guided Chiara. Her arse bounced up and down on his manhood, making it balls deep as it swallow him whole in every movement.

    ¡°That¡¯s it, cara,¡± he moaned when his wife moved in his own ord.

    His lust heightened as she sat straight, showing him her naked front while riding him. Chiara almost instinctively bit her lips as her hands touched her breasts.

    The sight was too much for Ezio to hold, and he started to buck his lips, much faster than Chiara¡¯s rhythm. One of his hands guided her hips to the rhythm that¡¯s pleasurable for the both of them, as his other hand reached for his bud.

    Chiara rested her hands of his chest, looking for support, as Ezio started to take control of their deed once again. Her whole body shook at his movements, with her breasts bouncing to the rhythm.

    Suddenly, Ezio groaned and Chiara felt a warm liquid shooting up inside her. She even felt his manhood pulsating, giving her more pleasure.

    Minutes passed and Chiara was still resting on top of her husband. She felt him caressing her hair and her back, while softly humming. The movements were making her drowsy, but she doesn¡¯t want to sleep yet.

    ¡°Did I tire you so much?¡± Ezio asked his wife when he felt her move on top of him. His manhood is nowid and hanging between their bodies.

    Chiara nodded. ¡°I almost passed out,¡± she replied while making circr traces on his skin.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, cara,¡± Ezio spoke before hugging her tightly. ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°Shh,¡± Chiara interrupted his words. ¡°Why are you apologizing? I loved it,¡± she said while smiling softly at him. ¡°Besides, I know you need to release your stress out. These past few days have been tough for you.¡±

    Ezio grinned at his wife¡¯s answer. ¡°So I can do this whenever I feel stressed?¡± he yfully asked while his eyebrows moved up and down. ¡°I¡¯m stressed again, cara. Let¡¯s make love.¡±

    Chiara hit his hard biceps. ¡°I¡¯m tired. You can try again tomorrow,¡± she responded before looking up at him again. ¡°How¡¯s the investigation?¡±

    He sighed, and with that, Chiara knew that the result is not good. ¡°We still can¡¯t find anything,¡± he answered before squeezing Chiara¡¯s hand, as if he is asking for support.

    They were silent for a minute. Chiara was looking for words to say. She has a lot of things to ask, but she is not sure how to do it without making her husband sad or angry.

    ¡°I want to ask something, tesoro, ¡± she asked out of nowhere, not looking directly at her husband¡¯s eyes. ¡°But you might be ufortable with this.¡±

    ¡°Just ask away, cara,¡± he assured her. ¡°You¡¯re my wife. I¡¯ll answer any question that you have.¡±

    Chiara was silent for a moment before speaking. ¡°How did you and that Kazimir became your rival? I remember that Giovanni became your rival because both you wanted to dominate the mall industry. But what about him? His technology business is very far from yours.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not really because of business,¡± he answered while looking up at the ceiling. ¡°It was because of Mamma.¡±

    Chiara looked up at him. ¡°Mamma Elisa? Why? What happened?¡± she asked.

    As far as Chiara knew, Elisa didn¡¯t do anything to their business when Ezio¡¯s father was still alive. It was his father and Ezio who did all the work while Elisa was only there to supporr him.

    ¡°He tried to vite my mother,¡± he answered as his fist clenched because of anger.

    Chiara¡¯s eyes widened at his respose. ¡°Tried to vite? You mean, like sexually?¡± she asked, checking if she understood it correctly.

    Her husband nodded as a response. ¡°Pappa told me that Mamma and Kazimir were arranged to be married by my grandparents. However, Pappa was quick enough to marry Mamma before they could even start the engagement. Besides, Mamma was pregnant of me that time,¡± he told her as he sniffed her hair, her flower scented conditioner entered his lungs.

    ¡°It angered Kazimir. He lied low for years and came back when he was already dominating the tech industry,¡± Ezio added. ¡°By the time he came back, I was already handling half of our businesses. He tried to use me to get close to Mamma, even giving me promising business deals. But I declined, and it made him angry.¡±

    ¡°Months after that, our family attended a business gathering. Mamma told us that she will use the powder room with her friends. When Pappa followed her, he saw Kazimir trying to rip of Mamma¡¯s dress,¡± he tried to control his anger. ¡°Thankfully, Pappa was stronger than him and he was able to kick him off my mother. No other people saw that, which is a good thing because Mamma could have been the center of gossip after that.¡±

    Chiara understood what he meant. Even in a modern society, there are still some people who will me the victim of sexual assaults. Some would even say that they wanted it in the first ce. It is sickening, and she wondered why there are people who think like that.

    ¡°He is sick,¡± Chiaramented. ¡°Can¡¯t he just ept that Mamma Elisa doesn¡¯t want him?¡±

    Ezio shook his head. ¡°He didn¡¯t stop after that. Even if Mamma told him that she won¡¯t marry him even if Pappa is out of the picture, he didn¡¯t stop, ¡± he replied. ¡°That day Pappa died, he sent his men to kidnap Mamma. We were lucky that Dante¡¯s parents were there, and his attempt failed.¡±

    ¡°He disappeared after that. We tried looking for him while I was attacking hispany. I made sure all of his assets and shares will lose. I didn¡¯t stop until hispany went bankrupt,¡± he added.

    Chiara creased her forehead as she asked. ¡°If he doesn¡¯t have any asset orpany, howe he was able to back up Giovanni? Where did he get the resources he used to attack us?¡±

    ¡°He lied low before and came back stronger,¡± he answered. ¡°I¡¯m sure he did that again this time. We already looked at the biggestpanies here in Italy to check their owners and investors. But we still can¡¯t see anything, even his shadow.¡±

    Chiara sighed as their problem becamerger. ¡°I¡¯m worried for Mamma Elisa,¡± she spoke. ¡°She¡¯s not staying with is right now. That Kazimir might go after her.¡±

    She sat down beside her husband. ¡°I¡¯ll go to Mamma Elisa while you visit Giovanni in the prison tomorrow,¡± she suggested.

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just go to Mamma first and then visit that bastard next?¡± he asked with his eyebrows furrowed. ¡°I want to be with you to keep you safe,¡± he pouted.

    ¡°To keep me safe or to do something nasty with me?¡± Chiara raised her eyebrows.

    Ezio pursed his lips, trying to hold hisugh. ¡°Both.¡±

    THE NEXT MORNING, Chiara and Ezio parted ways together with their own guards. Ezio arrived at the prison after almost half and hour. When he arrived at the visitation cubicle, Giovanni was already waiting for him.

    The rival¡¯s hand were cuffed, and he¡¯s wearing an orange shirt with his code. There were guards roaming around and checking them from time to time.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°How¡¯s your stay?¡± Ezio mocked as he sat down in front of him. He looked intently in Giovanni¡¯s eyes and noticed that he looked worse than before.

    ¡°You¡¯re really asking me that?¡± Giovanni chuckled before looking away as he can¡¯t hold the stare Ezio gave to him. ¡°Look at my body and judge if I¡¯m doing fine.¡±

    That¡¯s when Ezio noticed that Giovanni has several wounds and bruises all over his arms. His neck also has a bandage while a small part of his head became bald.

    ¡°That fucker Monika did this. She really wanted me dead,¡± he spoke and clicked his tongue.

    ¡°You deserved it,¡± Ezio replied with no remorse. ¡°And for thr next couple of days, the Leon family will alsoe after you. I don¡¯t even need to move a finger. Those families will do the job for me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll have three cases. One, for murdering Ariti Gomez. Two, for being the mastermind on Marco Leon¡¯s death. And three, for attempting to murder me,¡± he added while showing his counting fingers. ¡°You¡¯ll live the rest of your life here. You¡¯ll rot in this prison for your sins.¡±

    Giovanni just chuckled as if his statement didn¡¯t affect him at all. ¡°For the record, I know that I¡¯m guilty on the first two cases. But on attempting to murder you? It¡¯s not me, man,¡± he slumped his back on the chair and smirked. ¡°Someone else is after you. You should watch out.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate the warning, but your mistress Isadora already told us about that fucker Kazimir,¡± he answered.

    ¡°Good,¡± Giovanni spoke. ¡°If you will ask me where he is, I can¡¯t give you anything. We justmunicated using phone. I can give you his number, but nothing more.¡±

    He looked at his right side and smiled bitterly. ¡°He promised me that I will own the mall industry once I did what he said. He has a lot of resources, do you know that? His wealth can bepared to yours. Well, the only advantage he has is he doesn¡¯t think twice snapping someone¡¯s head to dead.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t be shocking-¡± he looked back at him and stared with dead eyes. ¡°- if Isadora and I will die after a few days.¡±

 A Plane Crash

    CHIARA ARRIVED AT THE old mansion of the Vitali, just a few minutes after Elisa told her that she was currently staying at that ce. She bought some fruits and other foods with her, and some things that her husband told her to bring for his mother.

    Victor was the designated driver as Luigi went to the prison with Ezio. Gabriel, the head of the security, was also with her as well as a couple of their body guards.

    In that morning, Ezio tried to convince Chiara so that he will go with her and just visit Giovanni some other time. But Chiara knew that her husband just wanted to use that as an excuse so that he can be with her the whole day.

    She doesn¡¯t disagree with that, however, Chiara thought that it will be better for Ezio to visit Giovanni and interrogate him as soon as possible. She was worried that Kazimir might do something to Giovanni before they could even squeeze him for information.

    Besides, Chiara hasn¡¯t exined to Elisa that she told her son about what happened when he was unconscious, especially the part where Elisa helped them. She wanted to tell her slowly before letting them meet again, in order to avoid some awkwardness. They haven¡¯t been in touch of each other for so long after all.

    ¡°Victor,¡± Chiara called for the driver while admiring the flowers she bought from Ms. Copp in her hand. ¡°Do you have any idea who Kazimir is?¡±

    The assistant looked at her from the rearview mirror. ¡°Kazimir? You mean Kazimir Colombo?¡± he asked.

    Chiara nodded. ¡°Yes. Do you know anything about him?¡±

    ¡°Luigi told me about him when I was just a new assistant,¡± he answered. ¡°He was also a business rival of Signor Ezio, but all I know is that their rivalry is too deep that it resulted to a lot of retaliation, making them lose millions, or even billions.¡±

    She remembered Ezio telling him the same thing. If Chiara was right, Victor must have been a new worker for the Vitali while their rivalry was ongoing. Perhaps, Victor doesn¡¯t know a lot about Kazimir.

    ¡°I remembered that he was the dominator of the tech industry in Italy, but I wasn¡¯t really interested in that so I can¡¯t tell you much, signora,¡± he looked apologetic as he cannot give helpful response to her.

    Chiara gave him a small smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know someone who might knew him well,¡± she answered, pertaining to Elisa.

    After a few minutes, their car entered the old Vitali mansion. It still looked the same as thest time, the only difference is that the main door of the mansion now have a gray rough rug underneath.

    ¡°Chiara,¡± Elisa greeted her and helped her in entering. ¡°You arrived quickly. Come in.¡±

    She smiled and bowed at her mother-inw before showing the things they bought, which were mainly carried by Victor. ¡°Mamma, I bought some foods for you,¡± she spoke while pointing to the basket that Victor has in his hands.

    ¡°These were given by Ezio,¡± she added while giving Elisa the paperbag which contains his gifts for his mother. ¡°My husband is sorry that he can¡¯te with me today. He had to visit Giovanni and get information from him. I hope you understand.¡±

    Elisa looked shocked before her eyes went down to the paperbag. She slowly epted it as her eyes became teary. ¡°My son gave this to me?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes, Mamma. Ezio spent days on looking for a good gift for you,¡± Chiara smiled at her with assurance. ¡°He promised to visit some other day. We just have a lot of things to cater right now.¡±

    The old woman suddenly hugged the paperbag, as if it was something valuable and she doesn¡¯t want to let it go. ¡°Thank you, Chiara,¡± she replied as her voice cracked. ¡°Come on. I prepared some foods for you.¡±

    The entered the dining room and Chiara was greeted by several foods on the table. Victor put the other things down on the couch before giving the two women their privacy.

    Chiara ate the foods with so much gusto. From time to time, Elisa would give her more food, stating that those were good for women who are trying to conceive a child.

    Chiara smirked inside of her. For the past few days, she felt some changes in her body. She became more clingy to her husband, asking for attention every now and then. Sometimes, she would even ask him for various food and some bizarre requests.

    She is still not sure if she¡¯s pregnant, but she won¡¯t be surprised if she really is. Considering that they made love several times a day, it is only eptable for her to be pregnant.

    Chiara decided to wait until her first day of menstruation. If she will have it, then there is a huge chance that she is really carrying a baby.

    After finishing the food, Elisa invited Chiara to walk towards the backyard, which is an extension of the garden from the front yard.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Chiara spoke out of nowherr while touching the pinkish flowers.

    ¡°For what?¡± Elisa asked her daughter-inw as she can¡¯t remember anything that she should be thankful for. ¡°Is it because of the food?¡±

    Chiara chuckled while touching her belly that is full of food. She looked like a pregnant woman now. ¡°Silly. I¡¯m thanking you for helping us in Ezio¡¯s case and for working with the De Santis Law Firm.¡±

    Elisa smiled at her before looking to the scenery of the garden. ¡°It was nothing. That¡¯s what I¡¯m supposed to do, to protect my child,¡± she answered with a beaming expression. ¡°Ezio might be a man now, but in my eyes, he is still my little baby boy.¡±

    ¡°Well, he is indeed a baby,¡± Chiara joked as she remembered how childish her husband could act sometimes. She can still remember everytime he will sulk in the corner of the room just because she didn¡¯t greet him a good afternoon.

    The two women wete engaged in a conversation, mainly about Ezio and catching up in their married life as well as the progress of their investigation and the case. And Chiara used this as an opportunity to open the topic she wanted.

    ¡°Mamma, I don¡¯t want to ruin the mood, but I really want to ask something,¡± she spoke, preparing herself for the reaction Elisa might give she asked the question.

    ¡°Go on, p,¡± Elisa responded as she encouraged her to speak.

    Chiara took a deep breath before asking. ¡°We found out that someone is backing Giovanni up. That person is Kazimir Colombo,¡± she said and turned her head to Elisa. ¡°Can you tell me something about him? Ezio mentioned that you were acquainted before.¡±

    She tried to make her statements as light as possible. After all, Kazimir tried to vite Elisa before, and it still might have some effects on her until now. Bringing a topic connected to Kazimir is already a risk.

    Elisa stiffened upon hearing that name. ¡°He conspired with Giovanni?¡± she asked, obviously shocked by what she heard. ¡°But, he disappeared a long time ago! Ezio made sure he wouldn¡¯t have any wealth or power left. How could that happen?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have any idea,¡± Chiara answered while shaking her head. ¡°Even Ezio was confused when he heard that. But he told me that Kazimir did the same thing before. You know, disappearing thening back stronger. He could¡¯ve done it again this time.¡±

    Elisa was obviously startled. She started breathing heavily, feeling ufortable. ¡°I didn¡¯t really have interaction with Kazimir prior to the arranged engagement. Our first meet was during a dinner meeting between our families, but he seemed to know me before that,¡± she exined.

    ¡°I¡¯m not oblivious to the fact the he is interested in me. After that dinner meeting, I heard that he told my parents that he wanted to speed up the engagement and marry me a week after that,¡± Elisa looked down and her hands trembled slightly. ¡°I was supposed to tell my parents about my pregnancy that day. I was so scared. I thought they will tell me to get rid of my baby.¡±

    She wiped the small tears from the corner of her eyes. ¡°I told my secret boyfriend that time and Ezio¡¯s father, Masimo, about the engagement and my pregnancy. He didn¡¯t hesitate to bring me from Florence to Rome. He married me immediately,¡± there was a small smile on her lips.

    ¡°Kazimir was devastated that time and he tried to send his men to kill my husband. However, my husband was more intelligent and strategic than Kazimir. He is always a step ahead of him,¡± she added. ¡°When I gave birth to Ezio, Kazimie suddenly disappeared and lied low for the time being, and we were peaceful, until he came back.¡±

    Elisa shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know why he kept on chasing me. I already turned him away several times. Why can¡¯t he understand that I don¡¯t want him?¡±

    ¡°There are really stubborn people,¡± Chiara sighed as she felt pitiful and worried of Elisa. ¡°The more you drive them away, the more they wille back and annoy you.¡±

    Elisaposrd herself again. ¡°I will help you in finding information about Kazimir¡¯s whereabouts. I¡¯m sure he is still in Italy. I¡¯ll talk to his closest people about him,¡± she spoke.

    ¡°Please be careful,¡± Chiara reminded. ¡°He might go after you.¡±

    ON THE OTHER HAND, Isadora was trying to free herself from the grip of her grandfather¡¯s men. She kicked their foot, hoping they will let her go, but they were too strong for her.

    ¡°Nonno! I don¡¯t want to leave!¡± Isadora screamed as the men dragged her inside the private ne.

    Lucio looked at her with no expression. ¡°This is for your own sake, Isadora. I¡¯m doing this to protect you,¡± he spoke. ¡°The Vitalis were generous enough not to file a case against us. Just stay in Morroco for a year and you can go back here.¡±

    Isadora doesn¡¯t want to leave, mainly because Giovanni was still in prison and Kazimir¡¯s men might go after him. No one will protect Giovanni in prison, unlike her who has her grandfather¡¯s guards all the time.

    ¡°Just a year, right?¡± Isadora asked him. Lucio nodded.

    She looked down, obviously getting to surrender. ¡°Nonno, can you please look after Giovanni? You don¡¯t need to bail him out,¡± she looked at him with pleading eyes. ¡°Just make sure he is safe.¡±

    ¡°What did that man gave you for you to be head over heels for him?¡± Lucio clicked his tongue in annoyance.

    ¡°Please, nonno. Just make sure that no one will harm him,¡± she pleaded once again.

    Lucio had no choice but to agree on his granddaughter¡¯s wish. Besides, there no harm in keeping that man safe. It¡¯s not like he will pull him out of the prison.

    After a few minutes, the ne took off from an airport in Italy, going to Moro where Isadora will live her new life. Her heart ached at the fact that she will be away from Giovanni, living her life while her love is stuck in a prison.

    But she cannot do anything right now. The cases against Giovanni were strong enough to make him pay for years. The only people who she believed can help them wouldn¡¯t help them either. It¡¯s just her and Giovanni now.

    Suddenly, while she was busy on her own thoughts, the ne shook violently that Isadora fell from her seat. She tried to stand up, but the ne shook again like she was experiencing an earthquake.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?!¡± she shouted to the guards and maid with her.

    They all looked like they don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening. One of the guards volunteered to check the pilot. However, when they opened thr cockpit, both the pilot and co-pilot where bleeding and unconscious.

    The whole ne was in chaos. The guards tried to click auto-pilot, but the button doesn¡¯t seem to work.

    ¡°Does anybody know how to fly a ne?¡± one of the guards screamed while trying to control the situation.

    However, before someone could answer, the ne came rushing to the ground. Isadora screamdd while holding tightly on her seat. She closed her eyes, praying that she won¡¯t be dead.

    Suddenly, a loud crash was head in the middle of a forest. Pain shot through Isadora¡¯s body as they fell down. She didn¡¯t see what happened, but she felt her body being thrown away and her head hitting a hard surface.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    She doesn¡¯t know if she became unconscious for a while or not, but when she woke up, she saw a tall man grinning at her like he was crazy.

    ¡°You¡¯re a beauty,¡± the man spoke. ¡°Too bad our boss wants you dead. He doesn¡¯t want any loud mouths after all.¡±

    Without hesitation, the man stabbed Isadora with a broken part of the ne¡¯s wing. The stab was so deep that it passed through Isadora¡¯s body, targeting her heart.

    Before darkness consumed her, the only thing in Isadora¡¯s mind is that the man might being for Giovanni next. Kazimir wouldn¡¯t really leave them alive.

 Kazimiréˆ¥æªš Desire

    WATCHING FROM THE INSIDE of a tinted car, Kazimir watched a woman walked from the building of his old techpany towards a nearby coffee shop. The woman talked to a previous employee of him. He cannotprehend what they were talking about just by looking at their lips, but one thing is sure: they are talking about him.

    Inside the coffee shop, Elisa spoke to the previous secretary of the Colombo Technologies, hoping to get an answer on the man¡¯s whereabouts. It¡¯s already afternoon, the sun is preparing to rest, and Elisa had talked to almost ten of Kazimir¡¯s previous employees, all for her to get nothing.

    ¡°The only thing I¡¯m sure about is that Signor Kazimir left Italy and lived in Pnd,¡± thedy in her early 30s answered her. ¡°He told us that he will retire for good, and we haven¡¯t heard about him after that. Signor Kazimir just gave us a million after thepany went bankrupt.¡±

    Elisa noted it down on her phone, especially the part where Kazimir went to Pnd. ¡°Do you anyone who might have went to Pnd with him?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Signor Kazimir¡¯s assistant, Jacob, went to Pnd with him,¡± thedy answered before sipping a few from the coffee. ¡°He went back here in Italy justst year.¡±

    Elisa thought about it for a moment. She has a hunch that when that Jacob came back, Kazimir must have came back in Italy, too. There is a huge chance that he is just hiding in the shadows around them, watching them from a far and waiting for the right time to attack.

    ¡°Did that Jacob tell you anything about Kazimir?¡± she asked once again. ¡°I really need to reach Kazimir out.¡±

    Thedy looked apologetic and shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but Jacob doesn¡¯t answer any question about Signor Kazimir. When we asked him if signor will build the techpany once again, he dismissed us and said that Signor Kazimir doesn¡¯t want anyone to talk about him.¡±

    Thedy opened her phone. She looked for something inside before showing the screen to Elisa. ¡°This is Jacob¡¯s number. If you really need to talk to Signor Kazimir, I suggest you talk to Jacob directly. I hope this will help.¡±

    Elisa typed the cellphone number in her phone before saving it in her contacts. ¡°This is a huge help. Thank you so much,¡± she responded.

    After a few minutes, the two women separated their ways. Thedy went back to her newpany just beside Colombo Technologies old building, while Elisa walked to the parking lot and entered her car.

    Once seated, she typed a message to Chiara.

    To: P (Chiara)

    I talked to Kazimir¡¯s former secretary. She told me that he went to Pnd after hispany went bankrupt. Attached here is the number of Kazimir¡¯s assistant. Can you look for his information? I¡¯ll try to talk to him.

    After sending the message, Elisa threw the phone to the nearby shelf and started the car. Suddenly, the hairs on her body rose upon feeling ufortable. She felt that someone or something is watching her.

    Elisa looked around the car, seeking for someone who might be staring at her. She looked at the backseat to check if there¡¯s another person inside, but there is nothing.

    She dismissed the ufortable feeling and she drove the car away from the coffee shop.

    As Elisa¡¯s car left, Kazimir ordered his driver to drive directly towards the shortcut to Elisa¡¯s house ¨C the Vitali¡¯s old mansion. He didn¡¯t follow Elisa, instead, he went to her house first because he is sure that she will stay there.

    In didn¡¯t take long before Kazimir saw Elisa¡¯s car going near the Vitali¡¯s old mansion. His eyes were fixated on the woman. He doesn¡¯t even blink, as he felt that the woman will disappear the moment he closed his eyes.

    Elisa stopped the car before steeping outside to open the gate. There were no other people inside the mansion aside from her, so she had to do everything by herself.

    Kazimir¡¯s eyes focused on Elisa¡¯s butt, especially on how they moved as he walked. He felt his pants get tighter as his manhood became hard.

    When Elisa bent down to pick up the keys that fell down, Kazimir couldn¡¯t help but to lick his lips and groaned. That movement didn¡¯t escape the driver¡¯s eyes. He felt disgusted on how his boss acted, but he can¡¯t say anything. He was just a mere worker who tolerated his boss¡¯ actions because of money.

    Kazimir¡¯s mind were full of lewd and immoral thoughts. Just by watching the woman he was obssessed for years, his mind couldn¡¯t help but to think of ways on how to make her his.

    The moment Elisa entered the mansion, Kazimir called someone.

    ¡°Guard Elisa¡¯s house and make sure that no other man will enter. Kill every man who tries to go near my woman. Do you understand?¡±

    The person on the other line nodded and the call was ended. From the car, Kazimir took onest nce before telling his guard to go home.

    Kazimir opened his phone and went straight to his gallery. His lips formed a pervertrd smile upon checking Elisa¡¯s photos that were either saved from the inte or shot by his men who are guarding and stalking her.

    He arrived at his mansion, which is located at a ce inside the woods, away from the civilization. It is a good ce go hide, and for him not to be noticed by his enemies.

    The moment he entered the mansion, Kazimir went straight to the master bedroom. The cold air from the air conditioner touched his skin, and it just heightened his carnal desires.

    The whole room is not an ordinary one. A normal person would think that an obsessed person with twisted personality lived here ¨C and that¡¯s a fact.

    Every side of the bedroom is filled with pictures of Elisa, from teenage to present. He has a picture of her wearing school uniform, celebrating her graduation, and even a picture of her presenting in front of a crowd.

    He has a picture of Elisa¡¯s first time in a bar, drinking liquor with her friends. He even has one picture of her passed out on a couch. Another picture of her talking to another man is pasted on the wall. The man on the picture has a lot of red X marks all over his head.

    A lot of other pictures, ranging from decent to those ones that were obviously taken by a pervert man. Indecent pictures of Elisa werepiled on one side of the bedroom, just across the king size bed.

    Kazimir reached out for his favorite picture of Elisa ¨C the one where she¡¯s wet from the rain and wearing a yellow sundress. It was a photo of her, just weeks before she was married to Masimo.

    The wet sundress of hers hugged every curve of her body, highlighting her breasts that were too much for Kazimir to resist. He had been dreaming ofying in bed with Elisa, savoring her body as he made her moan.

    ¡°Belleza,¡± Kazimir called for Elisa while touching her face in the photo. He traced her nose, down to her lips, thinking how sweet they would taste.

    In Kazimir¡¯s mind, he was just a man longing for Elisa¡¯s affection and attention. He doesn¡¯t think that he is insane, because if he is, he would have taken advantage of Elisa¡¯s solitude in her mansion and do everything he wanted to do to her. But he didn¡¯t, that¡¯s because he is still in the right mind.

    Kazimir walked towards the small board in the darkest part of his room. In the middel of that board is a cut out picture of Elisa and Kazimir that were ced right beside of each other. It was surrounded by hearts and the words ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Colombo¡± and ¡°Elisa Colombo¡± were pasted on the sides.

    On one corner of the board, Masimo¡¯s picture is pasted. Several pins and small knives were stuck to his face, with the words ¡°eliminated¡±, ¡°Elisa is mine¡±, and other words telling that Masimo stole Elisa from Kazimir.

    On the other corner, a picture of Ezio and Chiara on their wedding day was posted. Both of them have red X marks on their faces.

    ¡°Belleza, you wouldn¡¯t get mad if I will eliminate them too, right?¡± Kazimir asked Elisa¡¯s photo as if she will answer to her.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    He chuckled and kissed the photo, his saliva covering the photo paper. ¡°I really love you, Elisa. I want your whole attention,¡± he whispered while caressing it. ¡°I¡¯ve already removed Masimo out of our way. The only person left is your son.¡±

    Kazimir let out a maniacugh that reverberated inside the bedroom. ¡°Once he¡¯s gone, no one will break us apart. I¡¯ll have your whole attention, and no one will steal you from me. We¡¯ll live happily ever after, belleza. That sounds fun, right?¡±

    Kazimir looked out of his mind, talking to an inanimate object. He reached put down the photo before reaching for his phone to call somone. His other hand reached for one of the knives in Masimo¡¯s picture before stabbing Ezio and Chiara¡¯s picture repeatedly.

    ¡°Follow Ezio¡¯s wife,¡± he spoke while stabbing the pictures repeatedly, as if he is killing them. ¡°Get her once she is alone. I¡¯ll use her to kill my love¡¯s bastard son.¡±

    The moment he ended the call, Kazimir reached for Elisa¡¯s picture once again beforeying down on his bed. He removed his manhood from his pants, freeing them.

    He slowly stroked it up and down, imaging that it was Elisa¡¯s hand that was pleasuring him. Kazimir kissed the picture once again, while making himself go near to his release.

    This will do for now. He can endure and wait until Elisa was all for himself. He was able to wait for several years, and now that she¡¯s just within his grasp, he will do whatever it will takes just not to let her go.

 Attack On The Law Firm

    A SHOCKING NEWS reached the Vitali household one morning. They¡¯re peaceful morning was ruined as Luigi exined to them the current happenings in the Romano Family.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Chiara asked with widened eyes, her hands trembling slightly as she held tighter to her utensils.

    They haven¡¯t even finished their breakfast when Luigi and Victor came rushing to the dining room to report such unfortunate news, specifically about Isadora.

    ¡°Yes, signora,¡± Luigi looked bothered while speaking. ¡°The rescue team found out the everyone inside that ne dead, including Isadora.¡±

    Ezio put down his coffee mug before asking. ¡°Did they already check the cause of death? Is it solely because of the ne crash?¡±

    ¡°They just rescued the bodies, boss, and they will conduct an autopsy,¡± he answered. ¡°However, as of now, nothing looks unusual about their deaths. Aside from Isadora, the pilot, and the co-pilot.¡±

    Luigi gave his boss his phone and showed some pictures that were taken on the scene. The first picture showed the bodies of several people who were the victims of the ne crash. Nothing unusual can be seen as the bodies and the parts of the ne were just scattered around.

    On the next picture, the photos of two pilots were seen. ¡°Both the pilot and co-pilot were found with gunshots on their stomach and neck,¡± Luigi spoke. ¡°However, they found no guns in the scene, not even in the forest where the ne crashed.¡±

    Ezio nodded before turning to the third andst picture. There he saw Isadora¡¯s body, with her eyes still widely opened. For a normal person, the sight is ufortable for the eye.

    ¡°Isadora was found just a few meters away from the main body of the ne,¡± Luigi added. ¡°Unfortunately, her body was stabbed by a part of ne wing. She cannot be revived when the rescue them arrived.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s hands flew to her mouth because of shock. Just a few days before, Lucio Romano called them to not to file a case against Isadora, which theyplied in exchange for some business benefits.

    Lucio promised to send his granddaughter abroad and help them with Giovanni¡¯s case. The flow was smooth, and Ezio suggested to do that as soon as possible so that Kazimir won¡¯t be able to follow them.

    Turns out Kazimir was a step ahead.

    ¡°Her death was nned,¡± Ezio spoke. ¡°I¡¯m sure of that. Kazimir must be behind this. When I visited Giovanni, he told me indirectly that Kazimir won¡¯t let them stay alive, as he feared that they will turn him in.¡±

    Chiara was nervous of the recent happenings. She can¡¯t understand how Kazimir found out about Isadora¡¯s departure. Did he infiltrate the Romano Family before to keep an eye on Isadora?

    ¡°Giovanni will be the next one,¡± Chiara added to the statement of her husband. ¡°As much as I hate him, we can¡¯t let him die. He is the only witness we have that can turn against Kazimir. We just need to make him cooperate with us.¡±

    Ezio rested his back on the chair and gave a deep thought. ¡°If Giovanni is still in the right mind, he will cooperate with us. But if he is a loyal dog to Kazimir, then we can¡¯t make him speak,¡± he said before making a deep sigh.

    He turned his head to Luigi and Victor. ¡°Ready the car. I¡¯ll talk to the bastard and hope that he will cooperate with us,¡± he ordered before dismissing them and turning to his wife with gentle eyes. ¡°Come with me, cara.¡±

    Chiara pursed her lips. She knew that Ezio knew she has something to visit to the De Santis Law Firm, but he still insisted her toe with him.

    ¡°I have to go to thew firm. I told you about it yesterday, right?¡± she asked while raising her eyebrows at him.

    Ezio hugged her from the side. ¡°I¡¯ll send you to thew firm first before going to Giovanni,¡± he responded before kissing her neck. ¡°Wait for me at thew firm, okay? I¡¯ll fetch you. I won¡¯t be long. Besides, the prison is just a few minutes away, just a walking distance.¡±

    Chiara nodded and hummed before going back to eating. The sight of Isadora¡¯s dead body is still fresh in her mind.

    She felt sad, mainly because Isadora is still a young woman like her. It¡¯s just that she became connected to the wrong people with no morals and remorse. She was a victim of her wrong choices, and those mistakes came crashing down on her now.

    Chiara couldn¡¯t help but to feel bad for Lucio. He is old and Isadora is the only grandchild that was staying with him. His other family members were on the other parts of Italy. Isadora¡¯s death will surely give a huge blow to him.

    After an hour, the married couple were inside the car, going to their different errands for that day.

    ¡°Tesoro,¡± Chiara called for her husband while at the back of the car. ¡°Are those cars yours?¡±

    Ezio nodded. ¡°Yep, why?¡±

    She furrowed her eyebrows upon seeing more than five of Ezio¡¯s car following them. ¡°How many cars and guards did you bring?¡±

    ¡°I think eight cars?¡± he answered, unsure of the specific number. ¡°For the guards, I think I brought 30 plus. ¡±

    Chiara looked at him with awe. ¡°More than 30? Are you trying to build a batallion of guards?¡±

    Ezio pursed his lips before answering. ¡°I just want to make sure of your safety, cara,¡± he replied as he gently touched her hand. ¡°You were shot before, and I don¡¯t want that to happen again. Putting more guards on you will make sure of your safety.¡±

    She didn¡¯t respond, instead, she looked back to see the cars following them. If she can remember it correctly, there were more or less five guards with herst time. Even with that number of guards, she was still shot in the leg and Chief Bruno was shot fatally.

    ¡°Did I go over the line?¡± Ezio asked, worried that his wife might have felt that he is caging her again, just like what he didst time by locking her up in the mansion.

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m just surprised, that¡¯s all,¡± she assured him. ¡°I also think this will be better. How many will go with me and how many will be with you?¡±

    ¡°Half will be with you while the remaining half is mine,¡± Ezio spoke and grinned cheekily. ¡°I don¡¯t want to beatosed again.¡±

    Chiara yfully pped his arms. ¡°Silly. I won¡¯t let that happen,¡± she said before resting her head on her husband¡¯s chest.

    Ezio immediately ran his fingers on her hair, stroking it gently while humming. The feeling¡¯s sofortable that Chiara can feel herself getting drowsy.

    ¡°Before, Pappa was confident that Kazimir won¡¯te back, so they lowered down their security,¡± Ezio spoke out of nowhere. ¡°But one day, Mamma was kidnapped by Kazimir.¡±

    His eyes were mixed with sadness, fear, and hatred as he continued. ¡°It was a good thing that Pappa was quick to act, and he was able to stop Kazimir from doing uwful things to Mamma,¡± he took a short pause and sighed. ¡°Kazimir told Pappa to kill himself, and he will let Mamma go. He¡¯s sick, right?¡±

    Chiara gasped upon hearing her husband¡¯s narration. ¡°What happened next?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really know the specifics, I was overseas that time. But Pappa was able to trick Kazimir and Mamma was saved,¡± he answered before turning his head back to his wife. ¡°I¡¯m afraid Kazimir might use the same trick again. You¡¯re my weakness, cara.¡±

    Chiara squeezed his hands and looked at him straight into the eye. ¡°I will try my best to be safe, and you should do the same thing. Whatever happens, always put yourself first, okay?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re asking the impossible, cara,¡± Ezio said while pouting.

    AFTER A FEW MINUTES, Chiara is now talking to Attorney Falco about the progress of the case. They were in the receiving lobby of the building. Just beside Chiara is a ss window that extended from the room to the floor.

    The guards with Chiara were scattered inside and outside of the building. Five were stationed outside, another five were standing near Chiara and Attorney Falco, while the remaining five were checking the parameters of the buildings.

    ¡°We have to get evidences about their testimonies, signora,¡± Attorney Falco spoke after listening to Chiara¡¯s words. ¡°Although testimonies can be useful, this man we¡¯re talking about must be powerful. We have to gather more to pin him down.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Chiara nodded at him. ¡°I¡¯ll have my team to investigate about it,¡± she answered.

    ¡°Thew firm will do everything we can to find a link to this Kazimir Colombo,¡± the attorney added. ¡°When ites to Giovanni¡¯s other cases, the victims will push through the case, as expected. Ms. Monika and Mrs. Leon already expressed their agreement on us. Just a few steps and he can be punished ordingly.¡±

    After their conversation, Attorney Falco left Chiara in the lobby to finish some tasks. Chiara reached for her phone while finishing her orange juice and banana cake.

    ¡°How are you?¡± Chiara asked the person on the other line before sipping a little from her ss.

    Nick responded with energy. ¡°Chichi! I was going to call you!¡± he eximed. ¡°And for your question, I¡¯m doing very fine. My body already recovered from the incident, and I have a good news!¡±

    ¡°What good news? For me or for you?¡± Chiara asked cheekily.

    Her friend chuckled on the other line before standind up from his seat. He just finished his work and is ready to go home.

    ¡°For you, of course!¡± he replied. ¡°I¡¯m going to Italy this week! Yey!¡±

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s good. You can help me with something,¡± Chiara responded.

    Nick furrowed his eyebrows. ¡°I¡¯m going to Italy for a vacation, not to work,¡± he responded, obviously he doesn¡¯t want to get the task his friend will offer.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have any choice,¡± Chiara grinned. ¡°You have to help us or you won¡¯t be able to go home.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± he eximed. ¡°Then I¡¯ll just find another country to visit.¡±

    Chiaraughed before biting a small piece from the banana cake. ¡°Just kidding, but I really have a task for you. Can you do it before travelling to Italy?¡±

    ¡°Sure, Chichi. Tell me the details,¡± he replied.

    Chiara told him everything about Kazimie, from his involvement in Ezio¡¯satose, to killing Isadora. She asked him to find more information about him and if possible, his coordinates or people who are currently working for him. She also added that it is urgent to investigate about the assistant of Kazimir.

    Just after the call was ended, Chiara stood up from her seat and is ready to leave. However, one of the guards shouted.

    ¡°Get down!¡± he screamed before using his body as a shield for Chiara.

    She went down on the ground and covered herself using her hands and bag. Three guards surrounded Chiara from the window, which was shattered because of a bullet that came from nowhere.

    Some of the ss debris hit the one of the guard¡¯s leg and back, but they didn¡¯t falter and continued on protecting Chiara, while ushering her out of the building.

    Another bullet was fired and this time, it almost hit the head of the guard on Chiara¡¯s left side. Thankfully, he was able to put his head down and dodged the bullet. It ended up hitting the wall beside the elevator.

    The other guards looked for the source of the bullet, while the other people called for police to rescue them, and medics to treat those who were also affected by the shattered window.

    ¡°There were more than one shooters! Escort signora out!¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice echoed in the lobby while the other guards were rescuing the other people inside the building.

    The three guards, including the bleeding one, pulled Chiara towards the back of the building. One of Ezio¡¯s car stopped infront of them and they hurriedly entered.

    As the car left the De Santis Law Firm, Chiara saw two snipers in two different ces: one in the front building and one in the rooftop of a nearby university.

 Work With The Rival

    EZIO ARRIVED in the prison after a few minutes. It was not that far from the De Santis Law Firm were he sent his wife off. As expected, Chief Bruno is already waiting for him in the entrance of the prison.

    ¡°Signor Ezio, nice to see you again,¡± Chief Bruno greeted while standing like he wasn¡¯t shot in a vital organ just a few weeks ago. He looked tough in his chief police uniform, as if he was free from any weaknesses.

    Ezio nodded and greeted him back. ¡°I see that you¡¯re now in a good shape,¡± he spoke while examining his body for any pain using his eyes.

    ¡°By the way, thank you for protecting my wife. You did a better job than my men,¡± he added before clicking his tongue, a sign of disappointment for his men.

    Those men who failed to protect his wife were sent to guard theirpanies. He doesn¡¯t want to fire them from their job, so he thought of another position for them.

    New and efficient ones became the recement for their positions, and this time, Ezio reminded them that Chiara¡¯s life is much important than theirs, and they should risk their lives for his wife.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± the chief responded while a small bow. ¡°It¡¯s my job to protect the lives of the people and bring justice to them. Catching a bullet is just a small thing.¡±

    Ezio chuckled while they headed inside the prison. Various police officers greeted them on their way in. ¡°I would think it¡¯s a small thing if you saved any other people, but it¡¯s my wife we¡¯re talking about, so it¡¯s a huge thing for me.¡±

    ¡°I owe you one, so feel free to reach me out if you need assistance or something,¡± he added.

    ¡°I appreciate your gratitude, signor, but it¡¯s really my job. However, I would not refuse your assistance,¡± Chief Bruno answered before talking to one of the officers to fetch Giovanni for a visit.

    They waled towards one of the visitation cubicles ¨C the same one that Ezio used before. That area was specifically chosen by Ezio, because the ce is far away from the other people in the prison and just near a CCTV camera, just incase Giovanni thought of doing something wicked.

    ¡°By the way,¡± Ezio spoke as they got near the cubicle. ¡°I heard what happened to Chief Pessi. Is he really suspended?¡± he asked.

    Chief Bruno nodded. ¡°Yes, signor. It was the higher ups who initiated the investigation about Pessi. They received an intel that he might be working for the Bti Law Firm, and we used that opportunity to add his negligence on the evidences of you case against Giovanni,¡± he exined before grinning. ¡°He is talented and efficient. Too bad he sided with the bad guys.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Ezio answered while nodding repeatedly. ¡°That will take a huge blow on his reputation that he took care for years. I¡¯m sure he will go down together with Giovanni.¡±

    Chief Bruno agreed to his words before changing the topic. ¡°Attorney Falco told me about Kazimir Colombo¡¯s alleged connection and being the mastermind behind Giovanni¡¯s cases,¡± he said. ¡°We were trying to get a warrant for him, but we don¡¯t have enough evidences. Please present one as soon as possible so that we can help with the search.¡±

    ¡°Sure. We¡¯re now working on it, but Kazimir is too good at hiding,¡± Ezio answered as he remembered Dante¡¯s frustrationst time he asked him about Kazimir¡¯s whereabouts.

    ¡°I have heard about him before,¡± the chief responded. ¡°He is good at cleaning hisc traces. We had a hard time when we were just dealing with Giovanni. I¡¯m sure it will be more difficult dealing with Kazimir.¡±

    The two men talked for a short moment before they saw Giovanni and two other police officers walking towards them. Chief Pessi excused himself before leaving the two people with rivalries in between alone.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Ezio stared at Giovanni with a nk expression. He observed him as Giovanni was just looking down, obviously hecked of sleep and nutrients, as he became much thinner than before.

    He has a lot of things to say to his rival, but Ezio doesn¡¯t know how to start, of how to approach him in a way that will surely make Giovanni go against Kazimir.

    Ezio took a deep breath and stared at the man who had been silent since he arrived. ¡°Isadora¡¯s dead,¡± he spoke.

    Giovanni¡¯s eyes widened and he immediately looked at Ezio with surprise and fear in his face. ¡°What?¡± he asked, his voice stuttering even though it¡¯s just a single word.

    ¡°Isadora is dead,¡± he repeated. ¡°She was on the way to Moro when her ne crash. She was stabbed using a ne wing. You could judge if that¡¯s an ident or a murder.¡±

    Giovanni was loss of words while staring at Ezio. He already expected that his and Isadora¡¯s lives were now in death note since he was put in prison and when Isadora revealed Kazimir¡¯s connection to them. However, he didn¡¯t expect that it will be this soon.

    ¡°I will be next,¡± Giovanni muttered under his breath. ¡°He will take me next. I¡¯m sure of that.¡±

    Ezio raised his left eyebrow. ¡°Of course, you¡¯ll be next,¡± he answered. ¡°It¡¯s only the two of you. One is dead and one is still alive. Just count a few days and you¡¯ll be dead.¡±

    Giovanni chuckled while shaking his head. ¡°Did you visit me here just to say that? Did you really want to see me miserable?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I want to see you miserable. After everything you¡¯ve done, I believe I deserve to see you suffer,¡± Ezio answered with indifference. ¡°But no, I didn¡¯t visit you just for this.¡±

    Ezio leaned forward and looked at him straight in the eyes. ¡°We¡¯re currently on the hunt for Kazimir, and since you¡¯re the only one with connection to him who is still alive, I need your cooperation.¡±

    ¡°Did you really think I¡¯ll cooperate?¡± Giovanni asked with a mocking tone. ¡°We¡¯re rivals. What makes you think I¡¯ll help you?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re still in the right mind, you¡¯ll cooperate with us,¡± Ezio answered and grinned. ¡°Isn¡¯t it unfair that you¡¯re here, rotting in prison, while that old bastard man is free to do whatever he wants? You¡¯re living in a cramped and smelly ce, yet that man who used you is livingfortably in his ce. Do you really want to end up as a scapegoat who wasn¡¯t able to do anything? A loser?¡±

    Ezio¡¯s words hit Giovanni¡¯s pride heavily that it threatened to fall. Ezio knew that one of the things that his rival hate is being used, and being a loser. He wanted to boil Giovanni¡¯s blood, make him angry to Kazimir for using him, and make Giovanni turn against him to help Ezio.

    Giovanni chuckled. ¡°You really know how to push my buttons,¡± he answered before leaning on his chair. He sighed heavily before speaking again.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be dead soon, and I want to bring that fucker with me,¡± he spoke. ¡°But if you¡¯re looking for physical evidence, I can¡¯t provide you one. His orders on us were made over a phone call. A statement is the only thing I can offer.¡±

    Ezio smiled inwardly. He didn¡¯t expect that it will be this easy to make his rival work with him. He thought that Giovanni must have a lot of grudges on Kazimir.

    ¡°Do you have a pen and paper? Write down his number,¡± Giovanni told him like a boss.

    Ezio pulled his phone and Giovanni looked at him, confused because phones are not allowed inside. But he dismisses it knowing that Ezio hold a lot of power in Rome.

    Giovanni recited the number that Kazimir used to contact them. Ezio double-checked it before saving it in his contacts.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if he is still using that one, but I hope that will help,¡± the rival added afterwards.

    Ezio put his phone back to his pocket. ¡°Now, about your statement. Ourwyer will talk to you, and make sure you will say everything you know, everything that has a connection to Kazimir,¡± he said. ¡°You know you still can¡¯t get out. Your ex-wife and the Leon Family were after you. The only thing I can provide is security and safety while you¡¯re here.¡±

    Giovanni nodded. ¡°That¡¯s enough for me. But can you send me to another cell? I don¡¯t need a private cell, just decent cellmates who doesn¡¯t make noise at night,¡± he requested.

    ¡°Sure,¡± he answered nonchntly. ¡°You have to be alive until we got Kazimir. We will need your statement once we¡¯re on a trial.¡±

    ¡°I hope your security will be enough to make me stay alive until that day,¡± he chuckled. ¡°But I¡¯ll cooperate. I won¡¯t let that bastard live free while I¡¯m suffering for the crimes he created.¡±

    Ezio nodded and thanked him before leaving. He forwarded Giovanni¡¯s request to Chief Pessi, which thetter arranged immediately.

    Just as Ezio stepped on inside the car to fetch his wife from thew firm, he received a text message from Chiara.

    From: Cara

    Tesoro, someone tried to shot me in thew firm. Don¡¯t worry, I wasn¡¯t hurt. Your men got one of the snipers. I¡¯ll be waiting for you in our house.

    Ezio¡¯s heart quickened and he immediately ordered Luigi to go back ti their mansion. Although Chiara already mentioned that she wasn¡¯t hurt, he still need to see her to make sure everything¡¯s alright.

    They arrived in the mansion after a few minutes for driving. Ezio was greeted by Chiara who was sitting on their living roomfortably, as if her life wasn¡¯t in the brink of death just a few moments ago.

    He hurriedly attacked her with a hug and kissed her forehead. ¡°Are you okay? Are you hurt?¡± he asked while checking her body.

    Chiara shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I wasn¡¯t hurt. Your men were quick to react, although you have to check the one with tattoo. I think he was grazed by a bullet,¡± she answered before pointing at the door that leads to their basement. ¡°They captured one of the snipers. I think you should check it. I¡¯ll go to our bedroom. I feel so sleepy.¡±

    She yawned and stretched her back. It was just noon but she wanted to sleep already. Chiara thought of booking a check-up, but she wanted to finish everything especially their hunt on Kazimir before doing it.

    Ezio guided his wife towards their bedroom. He tucked her in the bed and adjusted the temperature of their air conditioner. He made sure she wasfortably sleeping before asking Fara to guide his wife.

    He went down to the basement where Gabriel and some of his men were waiting. The unfamiliar man ¨C the sniper ¨C is tied up on a wooden chair.

    ¡°Signor,¡± Gabriel greeted and bowed to him. ¡°We were able to capture only one of them. The other sniper jumped from the building, and he¡¯s dead now.¡±

    Ezio nodded before walking towards the unconscious sniper. One of his men gave him a small ck bag, and spoke. ¡°This bag was with this man, signor.¡±

    He opened the back and looked for the things inside. There was a caliber-45 gun, some small chips, a camera, and a small binder.

    Ezio¡¯s eyes sharpened as he saw the contents of the binder. His jaw tightened and he immediately send some of his men to guard his mother.

    Inside the binder were stolen photos of Elisa, usually the recent ones, and it doesn¡¯t take a genius to know that those photos were meant to be given to Kazimir.

 Searching for Kazimiréˆ¥æªš Assistant

    EZIO INFORMED CHIARA about the photos that they collected from the shooter, and Chiara talked to Elisa about it. She forwarded the photos to her mother-inw before going back to her husband.

    ¡°How¡¯s the talk with Giovanni?¡± she asked as she sat down beside him. ¡°Did he agree to work with us?¡±

    Her husband gave her a smile before answering. ¡°He did. I was able to convince him. Well, I didn¡¯t really convince him because he already wanted to get back to Kazimir.¡±

    Chiara felt relieved upon hearing that. She knew that even if Giovanni is their rival, they still need him to seed in defeating Ezio¡¯s father¡¯s murderer. He is the only link that they have, and they can¡¯t lose him.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy to hear that,¡± she responded. ¡°But did he ask for something?¡±

    She knew that Giovanni might use that opportunity to ask for something to Ezio, and she reminded her husband about it before he went to the prison. Giovanni is a man who liked to take advantage of any situation to get what he wants and to turn the favor to his side. It is not a surprise if he will ask Ezio to free him from his cases.

    ¡°Yep, but nothing really huge,¡± Ezio replied before his hand rested on his wife¡¯s shoulder. ¡°He just asked for protection while Kazimir is still on the run, and to give him decent cellmates,¡± he added before chuckling. ¡°Just small requests.¡±

    Chiara¡¯s eyes widened for a bit. ¡°Really?¡± she asked, surprised that only trivial matters were requested by their rival. ¡°Only that?¡±

    Ezio nodded. ¡°He knew he cannot escape from the prison. Besides, even if I will pull out my case against him, his ex-wife and the Leon family will still hunt him. He knew he had to spend his life in prison.¡±

    ¡°He chose to stay in prison rather than requesting to be free from the case?¡± Chiara asked again, as she cannot believe that those were the only things that Giovanni asked. ¡°He knew you have the power to pull all of the cases, of fabricate lies to give the me to someone. Didn¡¯t he think of that?¡±

    Ezio grinned before leaning on the couch as he rested his leg on the other end of the bed. ¡°I¡¯m sure he thought of that, but he knew I wouldn¡¯t agree. Monika and Sophia are both your close friends. Besides, he really wanted to get revenge to Kazimir and drag him to hell with him. That¡¯s enough for him to work with us.¡±

    Chiara nodded. She was skeptical at first, but upon hearing her husband¡¯s exnation, it all made sense. A man who has no escape will drag anyone with him. If he can¡¯t win the battle, Giovanni will make sure that Kazimif will go down with him.

    ¡°How about the shooters? Were they identified?¡± she asked as she remembered the shooting incident that happened while her husband is away.

    Ezio opened his phone and scrolled the contents before clicking the recent email he received. ¡°Dante found out that they came from Pnd and worked as military personnel in that country. They were illegal immigrants here in Italy.¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Military?¡± she asked while cocking her head slightly to the side. ¡°Does that mean that Kazimir has a connection to the military in Pnd?¡±

    Just by thinking of that possibility already made Chiara nervous. If that is true, then their enemy must be powerful. In Italy, even if Ezio is one of the biggest businessman, he doesn¡¯t have a connection to the military directly.

    ¡°Maybe, but I hope not,¡± Ezio answered while massaging his chin. ¡°We looked into their backgrounds and these men were retired from the military. I don¡¯t know how Kazimir were able to control them, but let¡¯s take this as a warning. You have to be careful, cara.¡±

    ¡°You mean, we have to be careful,¡± she corrected. ¡°As well as Mamma Elisa. Now, I¡¯m sure that he still can¡¯t move on from Mamma Elisa. I just can¡¯t understand why he would go after our lives.¡±

    ¡°Maybe he knew that Mamma won¡¯t choose him,¡± he answered as he remembered how Kazimir killed his father. ¡°He might use our lives as bargaining chips fo control Mamma, but I won¡¯t let him. I¡¯m sure Mamma¡¯s life will be hell once she was with him.¡±

    Chiara looked at her husband and urged him. ¡°Let¡¯s visit Mamma Elisa some other time,¡± she said.

    Her husband nodded. Besides, he also wanted to visit his mother, and apologize for leaving her alone for the past years. He also wanted to send his gratitude for helping his beloved while he wasatosed.

    Before they went to sleep, Chiara sent the report that Nick sent just a few minutes ago to Elisa. Nick was able to find the identity of Kazimir¡¯s assistant through the number that Elisa forwarded. However, Nick said that there were only a few information about him. His traces ended when they went to Pnd, but Nick said that he will look deeper, although it might take a couple more days.

    THE NEXT MORNING, Elisa continued her search for Kazimir. She didn¡¯t find any more useful information, because everything that connects to Kazimir seemed to end with his assistant.

    For the past days, she sent nonstop messages to the number of the assistant, hoping that he is still using that one. However, her messages were never read and she wasn¡¯t able to receive any responses from him.

    She tried calling him one time, but the number is out of reach. That¡¯s when Elisa concluded that the assistant is not using the number anymore. But that doesn¡¯t stop her from moving.

    ¡°Is this guy familiar to you?¡± Elisa asked a stranger in the street while showing the picture of Kazimir¡¯s assistant, Jacob, to a stranger that she saw on the street. The stranger shook her head before walking away.

    Elisa looked for Jacob as if she was looking for a missing person. She finished interviewing those people who worked fro Kazimir before, and she found nothing. That¡¯s why she resorted to do think method, even if the chances are slim.

    She stopped a lot of strangers that day, going from one ce to another, in hopes that someone might recognize Jacob from the picture and tell her where he lives.

    Afternoon came and the sun is almost setting down, but Elisa¡¯s efforts showed no significant result. Her feet are already aching but she still continued her search.

    On the Colombo¡¯s hidden mansion, Kazimir received a report from one of his men who were incharge in following Elisa. Kazimir¡¯s blood boiled upon reading the message kicking the nearby table until it fell down.

    ¡°Elisa started in the morning, and you¡¯re just telling me about this now?¡± he asked his men over the phone before screaming on him. ¡°It¡¯s already afternoon! She must be tired!¡±

    The man on the other apologized, and exined that they didn¡¯t know that she would go that far. Kazimir cussed at them before giving them instructions.

    ¡°Let her know where Jacob is,¡± he ordered before grinning. ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯s looking for me.¡±

    When the call ended, Kazimir couldn¡¯t help but get excited by the fact that Elisa is looking for him, even going through various efforts just to find where he is. Just the thought of Elisa working hard for him is enough to put a smile in his face for the rest of the day.

    Before, it was him who chased Elisa. Now, the tables have turned.

    Back in the streets, Elisa stopped a man wearing a ck polo shirt before showing Jacob¡¯s photo. ¡°Sir, do you recognize this man?¡± she asked.

    The man took a look at the photo. His eyebrows were furrowed while staring at the photo, before it changed as he nodded.

    ¡°I know that man! Jacob, right?¡± the man responded.

    Elisa¡¯s eyes lit up. After hours of hardships, she finally found someone who knew Jacob. ¡°Yes! Do you know where I can find him? I really need to talk to Jacob.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯m sure Jacob will visit the Red Club today. He¡¯s been a regr customer at that club,¡± he answered.

    Elisa thanked him before riding her car towards the Red Club. That club is known for offering prostitutes to their club members. She knew it wasn¡¯t safe, but she can¡¯t risk the opportunity. Besides, in her mind, no one will take an interest on her at that club. She is sure that only young men were visiting that ce.

    After a few hours, Elisa arrived at the Red Club. The ce is just near to a river and a forest. It was somehow secluded but still near to the city.

    Elisa entered the club with ease as she presented her ID. It was almost ten in the evening, and the life of the club is staring to rise. Men in their different ages were sitting on different couches inside, with one or moredies entertaining them.

    The night is still young yet some of the peoe in the club were already engaging in intimate acts. Elisa can¡¯t bear to watch the happenings around her that she chose go close her eyes as she saw something nasty. She focused on her mission to see Jacob.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Elisa greeted the female bartender who is busy mixing drinks. ¡°By any chance, is this guy here?¡±

    The bartender looked at the photo and nodded. She used her right hand to point at a direction. ¡°He¡¯s right there. Just be careful, that area¡¯s going pretty wild.¡±

    Elisa thanked the woman before walking to the said direction. As she got nearer, she heard moans from different women in the area. She tried to shut her eyes but the noises they made were too loud for her.

    Suddenly, her eyes widened upon seeing the man she¡¯s been looking for in that area, humping his lower body on the woman who is on all fours, while his two hands were busy ying with the sex of two other women.

    Elisa gasped at the sight and quickly looked away, but Jacob already saw her. He immediately went on thrusting faster and came inside the prostitute.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back,dies,¡± Jacob kissed the three women on the lips before putting on his clothes and walking towards Elisa.

    ¡°Signora Elisa,¡± he greeted her. Elisa looked at him up and down and made a sigh of relief upon seeing that he is already dressed up. ¡°What can I do for you?¡±

    Elisa cleared her throat and went straight to the point. ¡°I want to meet Kazimir. Tell me where he is,¡± she said.

    ¡°I understand that you want to meet Signor Kazimir, but I cannot give you his exact address,¡± he answered before putting his hands on his pocket. ¡°Signor can meet you, just tell me the date and ce.¡±

    Elisa was skeptical. She just wanted to know where Kazimir lived and tell her son about it, but of course, they wouldn¡¯t tell her. At the back of her mind, she was contemting whether she would meet him or not.

    If she would meet him, then she can get information about Kazimir. However, it might put her life in danger and Kazimir might do something to her. But if she wouldn¡¯t meet her, then her efforts will be in vain and they wouldn¡¯t get a lead.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll inform you about my decision,¡± Elisa answered.

    Jacob nodded before grabbing a drink from a waitress and groping her ass. ¡°Just visit me here at night once you have your decision,¡± he said and smiled. ¡°Signor Kazimir will be happy to meet you.¡±

 Mother-Son Reconciliation

    CHIARA INFORMED her mother-inw that she and her husband will be visiting her in the Vitali¡¯s old mansion. Ecstatic, Elisa gathered her staffs to clean the house. The whole mansion was meticulously cleaned from the top to bottom, curtains and sheets were changed, and every corner were spotless.

    Elisa was busy organizing the dining table when the doorbell rang. She hurriedly asked her cook to continue cing the foods on the table while she quickly walked towards the gate to greet her son and her daughter-inw.

    ¡°P,¡± Elisa greteed her daughter-inw before turning to her son. ¡°Mi figlio. Come in, I¡¯ve cooked for you.¡±

    Elisa grabbed their hands before pulling them gently inside the mansion. The first thing Chiara noticed is that the curtain of  the floor to ceiling living room is now changed from cream to white.

    ¡°Mamma Elisa must have prepares a lot for our arrival,¡± Chiara thought to herself.

    On the other hand, Ezio was taken aback by his mother¡¯s action. Before they arrived, he was preparing himself on how to talk to his mother, how he will apologize to her, and how he will make it up for the years that was lost.

    However, just by seeing his mother¡¯s excited face and her gentle action, his worries of him that Elisa might be angry faded. Before, Chiara used to urge him that his mother is not angry at him, that she doesn¡¯t feel any hatred towards Ezio. Upon seeing his mother now, he realized that Chiara¡¯s words were true.

    Elisa offered them a lunch, which actually looked like a feast because of the huge amounts of foods on the table. They gathered around and ate with gusto.

    The first things Ezio noticed is that the foods on the table were mainly his favorites. A lot of the foods were the ones that his mother used to cook when he was still young and staying in the mansion. Various memories entered his mind and he cannot help but to smile on those happy events.

    After a few minutes, Chiara was so full that she needed to stand up and stretch her back. ¡°My tummy looks so big,¡± Chiara spoke while massaging her stomach that is filled with foods.

    Ezio chuckled at his wife before helping her walk. ¡°You sure have a lot of appetite today, cara,¡± he spoke while staring at her tummy.

    It was bloated that he could mistook her for being pregnant. His thoughts of his wife carrying a child in her womb sent butterflies in Ezio¡¯s stomach. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder when they are going to be blessed with a child.

    He turned to his mother before inviting her. ¡°Mamma, shall we take a walk to the garden?¡± he asked.

    Elisa doesn¡¯t need to be told twice and hurriedly stood up to apany them. She was on all smiles and almost teary, as she heard her only son call her ¡°mamma¡± again. It was the sound and the word that she had been longing for to hear for the past years.

    While walking, they couldn¡¯t help but to catch up on what happened with their lives, until their conversation switched to Ezio¡¯s childhood.

    ¡°He was a naughty child,¡± Elisa told her daughter-inw while they were sitting on a bench that overlooked the mountains.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not,¡± Ezio hurriedly defended himself while shaking his head repeatedly. ¡°I¡¯m a very good child, cara. Don¡¯t listen to Mamma¡¯s words.¡±

    But Chiara didn¡¯t listen to her husband. Instead, she turned to her mother-inw and asked her. ¡°Really, Mamma? I wonder what my husband did for him to be that naughty.¡±

    ¡°Well, he just put a big rock inside his ssmate¡¯s bag,¡± Elisa answered beforeughing. ¡°He wasn¡¯t caught, though. He just told me about it.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t remember doing that one,¡± Ezio feigned his ignorance. ¡°I¡¯m too good to do something like that.¡±

    Chiara clicked her tongue and looked meaningfully to her husband. ¡°He is naughty until now. No wonder if he¡¯s like that when he was a child,¡± she teased him.

    Ezio knew that his wife and mother were just beating him up, so he didn¡¯t mind. Instead, he felt contented and happy seeing themughing their hearts out.

    After a few minutes of talking outside, Elisa told them to stay in the living room since the sun was already on its peak. As they entered, Elisa became serious and informed them about what she found out on the previous day.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°You found his assistant?¡± Ezio asked her mother after her talk.

    Elisa nodded. ¡°I found him in the Red Club. Actually, it was difficult finding him. Her previous colleagues don¡¯t have any idea where he is. I was just lucky enough to bumped into someone that recognized him from that club.¡±

    ¡°Did you talk to him, Mamma? What did he say?¡± Chiara asked while noting down the information that Elisa said on her phone.

    Elisa turned to her. ¡°He didn¡¯t really gave me a useful answer. I wasn¡¯t able to get Kazimir¡¯s hideout, but he told me that I can meet Kazimir. I just need go give the date and ce, and he will meet me,¡± she answered, recalling Jacob¡¯s answer.

    ¡°It might be a trap,¡± Ezio spoke while thinking deeply. ¡°I¡¯m sure he still wanted you, Mamma. He might use that meet up to get you from us again. It might put your life in danger.¡±

    Ezio knew what Kazimir was thinking. His request looked like a simple one, but there were a lot of malice and dark intentions behind it. Kazimir is so meticulous that he will prepare for that event to make sure that Elisa won¡¯t escape.

    He already failed capturing Elisa more than once, and Ezio is sure that he learned from those failures. His next n might be a close to being foolproof one, so they need to be careful.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m also thinking,¡± Elisa replied. ¡°But I¡¯m afraid we might can¡¯t get any information anymore if I won¡¯t meet with him. If offering myself can help us bring him down, then I won¡¯t hesitate to do it.¡±

    ¡°No, Mamma,¡± Chiara and Ezio immediately disagreed in unison. ¡°We won¡¯t resort to that. We will find him, one way or another. But using you won¡¯t be on the list,¡± Ezio added.

    Elisa was having second thoughts. If Kazimir is really after her, then can¡¯t she just offer herself so that he will leave Ezio and Chiara alone?

    While she was drowning in the arguments in her mind, Chiara¡¯s phone rang and Nick¡¯s name popped up on the screen.

    ¡°Nick?¡± Elisa asked. ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± she added as the name doesn¡¯t sound familiar to her.

    ¡°It¡¯s a friend of mine, Mamma. He is a detective, an efficient one. Aside from Dante, Nick also helped me in investigating when my husband was still unconscious,¡± she answered before answering the call.

    The call was in loudspeaker, and all of the people inside the mansion heard Nick¡¯s shouting voice. ¡°Chichi! Where are you?! I¡¯ve been waiting outsidd your house for ages!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Chiara eximed while looking with furrowed eyebrows at her phone. ¡°You¡¯re outsidd my house?!¡±

    ¡°I just said that! Didn¡¯t I told you that I sill visit Italy?¡± he answered. ¡°Nowe home to you hubby¡¯s house. I¡¯m hungry and I have something to report.¡±

    The call ended before Chiara could respond. She looked surprised at her phone before chuckling. ¡°That Nick dared to boss me around,¡± she spoke while clicking her tongue.

    ¡°Is he really like that?¡± Ezio asked because he thought that his wife¡¯s friend is a thoughful and gentle one, as described by Dante before.

    ¡°No, he¡¯s just hungry,¡± Chiara answered. ¡°Let¡¯s go back. I¡¯m sure Nick already has the report about Kazimir. I just hope it will help us.¡±

    It didn¡¯t took long for the three of them to arrive at the the mansion. When they arrived, Nick was already being served by Fara with food and drinks in their living receiving area.

    ¡°How did he found out our house?¡± Ezio whispered to his wife while staring at Nick who seemed not to mind their arrival, and continued to munch on his foods.

    ¡°He¡¯s a detective, so it¡¯s not shocking,¡± she responded before walking towards his friend.

    Nick looked up and gave her a thumbs up before reaching for a folder inside his bag. He gave it to Chiara as he exined the contents.

    ¡°That Kazimir Colombo is good at hiding,¡± Nick started after he swallowed his food. ¡°After his immigration to Pnd, there were no other records of him. Home? None. Contact number? None. Work? None,¡± he added. ¡°It looked like he vanished after stepping in Pnd.¡±

    ¡°So, you didn¡¯t find anything?¡± Ezio asked while looking at him, observing the man who is new from his sight.

    Nick turned to him. ¡°About Kazimir, none. But,¡± he told Chiara to go to the next pages of his printed report. ¡°I looked deeper on his assistant, Jacob Rizzo.¡±

    Chiara, Ezio, and Elisa looked at the contents of the report. An unfamiliar name was written on it, making them confused.

    ¡°Augustine Severino?¡± Elisa asked after reading the report. ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Jacob Rizzo ¨C Kazimir¡¯s assistant ¨C  worked as an executive assistant in a constructionpany called August Builds Co. It is the biggest constructionpany in Warsaw. The owner? Augustine Severino. Sources said he was a good friend of various senators and government personells in Warsaw,¡± Nick spoke before leaning on the couch. ¡°I search who that Augustine Severino is, but it looked like he doesn¡¯t exist at all! No records, no face, no pictures. Nothing!¡±

    Chiara squinted her eyes. She knew what are the implications of the information that Nick found out. It¡¯s either this Augustine Severino has a connection to Kazimir, or he is Kazimir himself.

 Kazimiréˆ¥æªš Call

    AFTER THEIR SHORT MEETING, Chiara and Ezio let Nick stay in the guest house inside thepound of their mansion. Nick actually thought of paying for a hotel, but he dly epted their offer, most likely because he doesn¡¯t need to pay for anything, even for food.

    ¡°Mamma, are you sure you don¡¯t want to stay here?¡± Ezio asked his mother while she was getting ready to leave. His wife and him urged Elisa to just stay in the mansion, in order to keep her safe.

    Elisa shook her head. ¡°I want to stay in our old house. Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll be fine,¡± she answered, assuring her son. ¡°I¡¯ll visit again some other time. For now, I¡¯ll try to find more information about Kazimir and maybe convince his assistant to talk.¡±

    ¡°Just don¡¯t meet up with him, Mamma,¡± Chiara reminded while clinging to her husband. ¡°Let us work on the shadows. I¡¯m sure Dante and Nick can find more about him. We will update you as soon as possible.¡±

    Earlier, Nick promised to dig deeper about the Augustine Severino and Kazimir Colombo, as well as thetter¡¯s assistant. It was difficult for him to investigate when he was still in the other country, and he hoped that stepping in the Italian soil will make it easier.

    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll remember that,¡± Elisa responded. ¡°I¡¯ll have your father¡¯s old securities back to the mansion. I don¡¯t feel safe being alone. I feel like I¡¯m being watched.¡±

    Sometimes,te at night, Elisa would feel goosebumps all over her body. She can feel another presence near her, but even if she looked around, she can¡¯t see no one.

    She thought she might have been too paranoid, so she decided to just dismiss it. However, that ufortable feeling of being watched continued for weeks, and she can feel it even if she¡¯s not at home.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send some of my men to patrol around the mansion, Mamma,¡± Ezio spoke before ordering the head of security, Gabriel, to tasked some men to do the job. ¡°They will look around the parameters of the mansion. If you felt that someone is watching, then maybe your sense is right. We have to check it.¡±

    Suddenly, Nick emerged from Chiara¡¯s back which made them startled. ¡°Nick!¡± Chiara eximed while looking at her friend with furrowed eyebrows.

    Nick gave a ring to Elisa, which earned a judging look from Ezio. ¡°What¡¯s that? Are you proposing to my mother? Hell no!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Nick looked at Ezio, before turning to Chiara as if asking for help. ¡°I¡¯m not proposing, idiot!¡±

    Chiara red at Nick. ¡°Don¡¯t my husband an idiot!¡± she shouted and hit her friend¡¯s back, earning a groan of pain from thetter. ¡°Take it back or I¡¯ll make sure you can¡¯t get out of Italy!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just joking!¡± Nick hurriedly apologized to his friend¡¯s husband. He doesn¡¯t want to be stuck in Italy afterall.

    He then turned to Elisa who is now holding the ring. It looked like a normal, although not as extravagant and luxurious than what Masimo used to give to her, it still looked decent.

    ¡°That ring has a GPS tracker on it,¡± Nick exined while massaging the part of his back that was hit by his friend. ¡°Since you won¡¯t be under our surveince for 24/7 and your safety is not guaranteed, we need to know where you are.¡±

    Elisa put the ring in her left forefinger before turning back to Nick. ¡°Thank you for this,¡± she said with a formal smile.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s what it is for,¡± Ezio scratched the back of his neck while chuckling. ¡°Take care, Mamma. We¡¯ll work on it and hopefully we can find Kazimir before he does something.¡±

    Afterwards, Elisa left with Gabriel and a few of Ezio¡¯s men. In the Vitali mansion, Luigi reported that Giovanni¡¯s trial for murdering Ariti and Marco will be on the next week.

    ¡°I wonder how many years he will be on the jail,¡± Chiara spoke while eating the grapes on a bowl. ¡°Those were huge offenses, considering that he tried to cover up Ariti¡¯s death and used other men to kill Marco.¡±

    Ezio leaned on her and grabbed one grape. ¡°I think the minimum years would be thirty,¡± he answered before popping the grape into his mouth. ¡°It might be higher, though. Or maybe a life sentence.¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s fine with him?¡± she asked.

    Her husband nodded and hummed. ¡°As long as Kazimir will go down with him, then he¡¯s fine with spending the rest of his life in prison.¡±

    ON THE COLOMBO MANSION, Kazimir was informed about the people who visited Elisa. His lips formed a smirk while looking at the pictures of Elisa, Ezio, and Chiara leaving the Vitali¡¯s old mansion together.

    ¡°I knew it,¡± Kazimir spoke before lighting up his cigarette. ¡°She still has a connection to her son. That Giovanni is dumb enough to think that a loving mother like Elisa would hate her own flesh. It¡¯s his fault he made Elisa close to him. Dumbass.¡±

    He asked for a scissor from one of the young maids. Once it was on his hands, he cut Elisa from the photo before putting it inside his wallet. He proceeded to cut Ezio¡¯s and Chiara¡¯s head on the picture, before throwing it to the firece, burning it up fo ashes.

    ¡°Signor, Signora Elisa went back to the mansion,¡± one of his men reported. ¡°But she was not alone. She was with a lot of guards, and their currently patrolling around the area.¡±

    Kazimir put the scissor down before standing up and pulling the young maid to his side. He turned his back to his man and spoke, ¡°Make sure those bastards won¡¯t find you. Kill anyone who dares to obstruct my way to Elisa.¡±

    With that, he went back to his bedroom. Kazimir pushed the young maid to the bed. As if the maid is already used to what¡¯s happening, she reached for a mask with Elisa¡¯s face and wore it.

    She removed all of her clothes while Kazimir was removing his. He put on a condom before positioning himself between the young maid¡¯s legs. Without any warning, he thrusted himself inside, ravanging her walls.

    ¡°Fuck, Elisa,¡± he groaned while humping in and out of the maid, staring with lust on the Elisa-mask that she is wearing.

    The maid tried her best not to make any sound. Kazimir disliked hearing any sound from her any whore he has, because it stopped his fantasy of him fucking Elisa. She just epted every thrust of him while biting her lips hard.

    The maid¡¯s hair is simr to Elisa¡¯s straight and lively ck hair, while her body is almost near to hers. Kazimir imagined that it was Elisa who is underneath her. He could almost hear her muffled cries and groans, adding ti the carnal desires he is feeling.

    ¡°Belleza, te amo. Sarai mio. Te amo,¡± he moaned repeatedly as he felt his releaseing.

    With a few thrusts, he spilled his hot seed inside the condom beforeying down on the side of the bed. The young maid hurriedly left the room while dressing herseld up, leaving Kazimir who is still savoring the climax that he felt.

    When he opened his eyes, it immediately softened upon seeing Elisa¡¯s pictures on the ceiling. His lips formed a smile as he remembered what Jacob reported: Elisa was looking for him.

    ¡°Are you interested on me now, belleza?¡± Kazimir talked to Elisa¡¯s picture. ¡°I¡¯ll have to make it difficult for you first. I¡¯ve waited for you for years, and I think it¡¯s your time to chase me.¡±

    He chuckled as he felt happiness inside of him just by imagining Elisa looking and chasing him. In his mind, he could foresee that one of these days, Elisa will tell Jacob that she wanted to meet him, and he cannot wait for that day. He imagined them eating in a fine dining restaurant, talking their hearts out as he poured Elisa¡¯s favorite wine for him. And then they will have a walk afterwards, maybe watch Elisa¡¯s favorite romance movies, or watch the beautiful fireworks from the rooftop as he hugged her from behind.

    However, days already passed but Kazimie didn¡¯t receive any update from Elisa or Jacob. He was looking forward on their meeting, and he was always checking his phone and excited to hear from Jacob that Elisa already agreed to meet him.

    ¡°Jacob!¡± Kazimir screamed at the phone as his assistant answered. ¡°Don¡¯t you have any updates on Elisa? Did she already agreed to meet me?¡±

    Jacob on the other line, pursed his lips because he is about to say a bad news to his boss. ¡°Signor, Signora Elisa hasn¡¯t contacted me these days. I think she¡¯s still busy.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not busy!¡± Kazimir shouted that the assistant needed to put the phone away from his ears. ¡°Elisa¡¯s just inside her mansion, resting, and not doing anything. She¡¯s not busy! Howe Elisa¡¯s still not asking to meet me, huh?¡±

    ¡°I,¡± Jacob tried to find an excuse. He wanted to say that Elisa might not want to meet with him, but he is sure as hell that it will just make Kazimir angrier.

    ¡°Nevermind,¡± Kazimir spoke before the assistant could respond. ¡°I¡¯ll find a way to make her meet me.¡±

    After he ended the call, Kazimir opened his contacts and looked for Elisa¡¯s number, which was saved in his favorites. He then proceeded to type a message, hoping that it will make her meet with him.

    On the other hand, Elisa received a text message from an unknown number. She doesn¡¯t even need to ask because she already knew who the sender is.

    From: Unknown

    Belleza, I know you want to talk to me. Just tell the date and ce, and I¡¯lle. Te amo.

    Only one person called her ¡°belleza¡±. That¡¯s the endearment that Kazimir used when he met her.

    She hurriedly deleted the message. At first, she thought he wouldn¡¯t message her again. However, two days passed and she continued to receive messages from Kazimir. The first ones were gentle, but theter ones have a threat hidden behind it.

    On the third day, Kazimir couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Without thinking, he dialed Elisa¡¯s number. At that time, Elisa was video chatting with Chiara.

    ¡°He¡¯s calling me,¡± Elisa spoke while showing her ringing phone on theptop screen. ¡°Should I answer it?¡±

    Chiara hurriedly called for her husband and Nick. They both entered the video chat and Nick was typing heavily on hisptop, trying to enter the call.

    ¡°Answer it,¡± Nick answered while still focused on hisptop. ¡°I¡¯ll track where the call ising from.¡±

    Elisa followed his intruction. ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Belleza,¡± Kazimir¡¯s voice echoed in the line, making the hair in her body stand up. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you respond to my texts? I¡¯ve been waiting for you,¡± he spoke with a pleading voice.

    The call was on loudspeaker, so Chiara, Ezio, and Nick can hear Kazimir¡¯s voice. They muted their microphones, while Nick as busy tracking Kazimir¡¯s location.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to meet you,¡± Elisa answered straightforwardly.

    Kazimir¡¯s face became serious. ¡°Then why do you want to know where I am? To tell your son? To turn me in?¡± his voice from firm.

    Chiara was shocked when she heard Kazimir¡¯s voice on the other line. ording to Ezio, Kazimir is just four years older than Elisa, making him atleast in mid orte 50s. However, his voice doesn¡¯t sound like an old man. One could mistook him being in the same age group as Ezio.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Stop this, Kazimir,¡± Elisa replied. ¡°Leave my family alone!¡±

    Kazimir felt a surge of lust as he heard Elisa call his name, but he supressed it. ¡°I won¡¯t stop until I have you, belleza. Now, if you don¡¯t want me to do something you might regret, meet me. I¡¯ll give you until Thursday to decide.¡±

    The call ended and Nick mmed his fist on the table. ¡°Damn! I can¡¯t find his location!¡±

    Ezio looked at the screen of hisptop. Various red dots can be seen on different parts of Italy, until it faded. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°His call came from different ces in Italy. Those red dots show were the signal came from,¡± Nick answered. ¡°He must have used a device to jam the connection.¡±

    Ezio and Chiara noted down the ces that have a red dot earlier. They were in the middle of writing when Nick spoke again.

    ¡°I noticed there were some ces where the signal didn¡¯t disappear. One in Florence, two in Terni, and another one in Rome,¡± he said. ¡°I suggest you send your men to these ces, especially the one in Rome. It¡¯s a forest, you might find him there.¡±

 Giovanniéˆ¥æªš Trial

    OUTSIDE OF THE LAW COURT in Rome, various journalists from different media outlets gathered. Reporters were finding their own spaces to have a better scoop of one of the most famous trials in Italy: Giovanni Giordano¡¯s trial.

    Clicks from journalists and shes from their camera can be seen and heard outside thew court. It¡¯s still early in the morning, yet the crowd already filled the area. Some people even wanted to enter the court in order to see what¡¯s happening.

    The first people to arrive is the Leon Family. Sophia, together with her inws emerged from a van. All of them wore a poker face as they walked towards the entrance of thew court.

    Hurriedly, the media personnels ran to them, blocked their way, and asked for some questions about the case. The guards of the Leon Family as well as those who were working for the government tried to block the journalists¡¯ way towards the family. However, they were stubborn and determimed to get their statement that they even extended their arms to get to any member of the Leon family.

    ¡°Mrs. Sophia, how many years do you think will be given to Mr. Giovanni as a punishment?¡± one of the female reporters to squeezed herself between the guards asked as she put the ck microphone towards Sophia.

    The widow looked calm and looked at the reporter. ¡°I hope for a life imprisonment,¡± she answered straightforwardly.

    Another reporter, a male this time, used his height as an advantage to make his way towards the family. ¡°Life imprisonment? Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s too much for a punishment, Madam Sophia?¡±

    Sophia and her family continued on walking as she answered. ¡°It¡¯s not too much. Actually, that¡¯s not enough for what he did to my husband,¡± she responded as they got near to the stairs that will lead them to thew court.

    One journalist went to Marco¡¯s mother. ¡°Mrs. Leon Sr, do you think that the defendant will be proven guilty?¡±

    Marco¡¯s mother nodded while staring straight ahead. Her children helped her climb up the stairs as she has difficulties because of her old age. ¡°I¡¯m confident that we will get the justice that we want. We have enough evidences that could pin him,¡± she answered.

    The other journalists would like to ask more questions and statements from them, however, the family already entered thew court, joining the other people inside.

    ¡°Please wait outside, and we¡¯ll cater youter. Only one journalist per media can enter,¡± one of the marshalls spoke to the reporters who were eager to enter the court.

    Suddenly, another luxurious car stopped in front of thew court. The journalists swarmed towards the car, as they recognized who the owner is.

    ¡°Ms. Monika! How do you feel when you found out that it was your ex-husband who killed your ex-fiance?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been married to Mr. Giovanni for years. Don¡¯t you feel anything now that you¡¯re going against you husband?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Monika, it hase to us that your father arranged your marriage with Giovanni. Does your father know about Giovanni¡¯s trial?¡±

    Several questions echoed in Monika¡¯a ears, buy she chose to ignore them. She walked towards the entrance while letting her guards take care of the reporters who were bothering her.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am! Just one statement, please!¡±

    The reporters plead for her to talk or answer just one of their questions. They tried to break the barrier of guards that covered Monika.

    Before Monika could walk upstairs to thew court, she stopped and turned to the reporters. They hurriedly pointed the camera and microphones towards her, waiting for her to speak.

    ¡°Mr. Giovanni murder my fiance because of greed for wealth and power. My father was supportive of me on this case,¡± she spoke, answering the questions of the reporters. ¡°The only verdict I will ept for this case is for him to be found guilty and rot in prison.¡±

    She turned her back to the reporters before entering thew court. As she entered, she was surprised to see Chiara and Ezio sitting inside, just beside her assigned seat.

    ¡°Chiara?¡± Monika asked as she reached her friend. ¡°You¡¯re here? Why?¡±

    Chiara found the confusion on Monika¡¯s voice and face. She gently patted the space beside her, and Monika seated. Her friend still has the questioning look, so Chiara answered her truthfully.

    ¡°I hope you won¡¯t get mad, but,¡± Chiara swallowed a lump in her throat before speaking again. ¡°I was the one who sent that video.¡±

    Monika was still confused, trying to think what video Chiara was talking about. Suddenly, her eyes widened upon remembering the recent video that she received ¨C the one that helped her know Giovanni¡¯s true colors.

    ¡°That came from you?¡± Monika asked and Chiara nodded slowly. She breathed a sigh of relief when her friend smiled at her.

    ¡°Silly, how can I be mad at you?¡± Monika spoke. ¡°If you didn¡¯t gave me that video, I would have spent the rest of my life thinking why Ariti left me. I wouldn¡¯t have given justice to his death.¡±

    They engaged in a conversation, mostly about their recent happenings and their hunch on the final verdict for Giovanni. After a few minutes, various reporters entered in an organized way. They upied the seats at the back.

    Shortly after that, police officers led by Chief Bruno entered thew court. Just behind them, Giovanni in orange shirt with cuffs on his hands followed with two police officers escorting him.

    The people inside the court, especially those who were supporting the victims, threw insulting words to Giovanni. Someone even tried to punch him in the face, but was stopped by the police.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the trial to start. Evidences of Giovanni¡¯s deeds were presented, and there were a lot of them. Most of the evidences came from Monika¡¯s side.

    Afterwards, Dante ¨C who is representing the Leon Family ¨C walked in front to present the evidences of Giovanni¡¯s connection to the mercenaries who killed Marco Leon.

    Then he asked the defendant, ¡°Did you pay those mercenaries to kill the victim?¡±

    Giovanni didn¡¯t even hesitate to answer. ¡°Yes,¡± he said, earning a bad reaction from the audience in the court.

    ¡°Why did you use the Romano Enterprise¡¯s name to pay them?¡± Dante asked again while standimg confidently in front of a lot of people. Ezio can feel that his friend is enjoying the attention.

    ¡°I want to hide my traces,¡± he answered shortly. He doesn¡¯t want more suspicions about the Romano Enterprise to emerge. Besides, he made a word to Ezio that he will clean Lucio¡¯spany regarding this matter.

    Dante nodded before turning to the judge. ¡°I have no more questions, Your Honor,¡± he said before going back to his seat.

    Giovanni was ufortable being out, let alone being surrounded by several people. One of them could be sent by Kazimir, and he might die. He almost got a heart attack when someone tried to hurt him earlier.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    He can¡¯t die yet. Not when Kazimir is still on the run.

    After the break, the verdict on Giovanni¡¯s case was announced. A man ¨C the court clerk ¨C stood in the middle, reading the verdict.

    ¡°In the case of People vs. Giovanni Giordano, the jury finds the defendant guilty of first-degree murder of Ariti Gomez and Marco Leon. The court sentences the defendant a life sentence with no bail,¡± the court clerk announce.

    Afterwards, the gavel banged and the court is adjourned. The family of the victims were crying, not because of sadness but because of joy and relief, as they got the justice that they deserved.

    Giovanni didn¡¯t dare to look at them. All that he was thinking at that time is to get back to the jail alive. Some of Ezio¡¯s men ¨C those who were tasked on guarding Giovanni ¨C escorted them out.

    Before Giovanni could leave, Ezio spoke in a tone that only them could hear. ¡°We¡¯ll move against Kazimir. For now, make sure you¡¯ll be alive on the day of his trial.¡±

    All of them left the area. Ezio and Chiara rode on separate cars, as Ezio needed to finish some paper works in the office.

    ¡°I¡¯ll fetch you in Mamma and Pappa¡¯s houseter,¡± Ezio spoke because Chiara will visit her mother and father. ¡°Wait for me, okay?¡±

    Chiara nodded. ¡°Okay. Come quick, okay?¡± she asked before sending a text message to her husband.

    To: Tesoro

    With a smile and a song, life is just like a bright sunny day. Your cares fade away. ¨C motivational quotes for today

    Ezio chuckled by the fact the Chiara sent him a message even though they¡¯re standing face to face.

    Chiara kissed him before bidding goodbye to her husband. They separated ways with a feeling of relief, as their friends got the justice for theirte loved ones.

    ON THE COLOMBO MANSION, Kazimir was watching the news about Giovanni¡¯s trial while cluthing his phone. He grinned, knowing that Giovanni fell down without him.

    Kazimir turned the television off before staring back at his phone, waiting for a text message from the woman he¡¯s obsessed with. His grip on the phone became tighther, as his blood boiled.

    It¡¯s been a day since the time he gave to Elisa. He couldn¡¯t wait anymore, so he decided to make a move. He will make sure that Elisa will regret not meeting with him.

    BACK ON THE ROAD, Chiara was dozing on and off while travelling. It didn¡¯t escaped Victor¡¯s eyes, so he asked her while he was driving.

    ¡°Signora, are you feeling fine? Are you sleepy?¡± he asked while checking her in the rearviee mirror.

    Gabriel, who was observing their surroundings, looked back to Chiara and noticed that she¡¯s sleepy. ¡°You can sleep, signora. I¡¯ll wake you up once we arrived.¡±

    Chiara was too sleepy to respond, so she just gave them a thumb up beforeying down on the backseat. She closed her eyes and let her drowsiness im her.

    Just before Chiara could sleep, a strong force hit the left side of their car, pushing them away from the main road. Victor didn¡¯t even noticed the car going towards them, because it was moving so fast.

    ¡°Damn!¡± Gabriel cussed while grabbing his gun from the holster. He opened the car window on Victor¡¯s side and tried to shoot it.

    However, another car from the right side bumped into them. Their car is now being squeezed by two other cars. Chiara panicked and grabbed her phone to call her husband, but another impact from the back hit them. It sent the three of them fly towards the front.

    Gabriel was the first to recover. He hurriedly put his signora under his protection, as he looked around, looking for the cars of Ezio¡¯s men. But he can¡¯t see them. The only one he can see is the one that¡¯s crushed on the side of the expressway. The three cara squeezing them blocked their sight.

    Gabriel shot the car on their right side, targeting the wheels. It popped and sent the car swerving on the side of the road. However, they didn¡¯t notice that they were being pushed towards the edge.

    Everything happened so fast. At one moment, Chiara was trying to leave the car with Victor and Gabriel. Just after a few seconds, the car behind them elerated, pushing them forward.

    Chiara felt her body being thrown away, as Gabriel tried to lessen the impact of the falling car to her body. Chiara saw how Victor¡¯s head hit the steering wheel and the car door several times. She was getting dizzy. Her surroundings felt like rotating as they fell.

    She doesn¡¯t know how long they¡¯ve been falling, but Chiara woke up coughing because of smoke. She felt hot all over her body, as pain shot through her core when she opened her eyes.

    When she looked around, mes were surroundings her. She can¡¯t see anything but fire. The tip of her fingers was caught by one, but she can¡¯t feel the pain. Her body suddenly became numb.

    Blood fell down from Chiara¡¯s forehead, as some parts of her skin were burnt by the fire. When she looked down, she saw the unconscious Victor, also bleeding from head to toe.

    ¡°Tesoro,¡± Chiara whispered, feeling that this will be her end. Tears fell down from her eyes. Just a few minutes ago, she was looking forwars spending the day with her husband and her parents. But now, everything behind chaotic.

    Her energy slowly left her body. The pain came back, and it¡¯s much worse the earlier. Chiara screamed as she felt the fire burning her fingers.

    Her voice became hoarse, asking for help. Suddenly, she felt a pair of hands grabbing and pulling her. But she was too weak to respond.

    Thest thing Chiara saw was Gabriel pulling her out of the burning car, before darkness engulfed her, hoping that once she woke up, she will see her husband¡¯s face looking at her lovingly.

 A Car Crash

    EZIO BOUGHT A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS for Chiara and some gifts for his inws. He was all smiles while travelling down the road, excited to see her cara and visit her parents. He reached for his phone from his pocket, and typed a message to his wife.

    To: Cara

    Cara, I¡¯m on the way to Mamma and Pappa¡¯s house. Do you want me to buy anything? Just tell me. Te amo.

    He sent the messaged and looked outside the window while waiting for his wife¡¯s reply. He caressed the bouquet he is holding and smelled it. Ezio is sure that Chiara will like the flowers, especially because it was also bought from her friend, Ms. Copp.

    Minutes passed and Ezio didn¡¯t receive a reply from his wife. It was unusual, since his wife will always reply to him no matter what she¡¯s doing, even if she¡¯s sleeping.

    He sent another message to his wife, waited for a minute before deciding to call her number. However, the phone was out of reach. Ezio tried to call it several times, even calling the other number that his wife used, but both numbers cannot be reach.

    ¡°Fuck,¡± Ezio muttered under his breath, panicking because of what¡¯s happening. He tried to calm himself, thinking that his wife is just busy being with her parents, or maybe she¡¯s enjoying theirpany so much that she didn¡¯t notice his calls and texts, or maybe her phone is now with her.

    He dialed the number of his inws, hoping to receive a positive response from them. Ezio¡¯s heartbeat thumped faster as he waited for their response, the ringing phone echoing in his right ear.

    ¡°Boss, are you okay?¡± Luigi asked from the driver¡¯s seat. He heard his signor cussed from the back.

    Ezio took a mouthfull of air. ¡°My wife¡¯s not answering her phone,¡± he answered while anxiously waiting for the other line to respond.

    Luigi hurriedly opened his phone while driving, before dialling Victor¡¯s number. However, the same as Chiara¡¯s, Victor¡¯s phone cannot be reached. Luigi tried it again, only to get the same result.

    Finally, Chiara¡¯s parents answered the call. ¡°Ezio? Is this you?¡± Fabio¡¯s voice echoed on the phone.

    Ezio sighed upon hearing his father-inw respond. ¡°Pappa, did my wife already arrived in your house? I can¡¯t reach her number. I¡¯m getting worried,¡± he spoke while rubbing his palm on his leg.

    ¡°My daughter?¡± Fabio asked with confusion. ¡°I didn¡¯t see Chiara. She didn¡¯t tell us she will visit. Is everything alright?¡±

    Ezio almost spoke all profanities known to mankind after Fabio spoke. He can feel his tears almost escaping his eyes. ¡°We were supposed to visit you, Pappa. My wife came first, and I thought she already arrived at you ce.¡±

    ¡°Oh my, no. She¡¯s not here. Have you tried calling your mother? Maybe she¡¯s with her?¡± Fabio suggested while calling his wife over, informing them about what happened.

    ¡°I will call Mamma,¡± Ezio answered as he ran his fingers through his hair. ¡°Please inform me once you see my wife.¡±

    He ended the call and his trembling fingers typed to call his mother. However, the car suddenly went on a break, and Ezio looked confused at Luigi.

    ¡°What happened? Why did we stop?¡± he asked before looking around.

    From a far, three familiar cars were blocking the expressway. Ezio hurriedly left the car and walked towards those three, so as Luigi. The cars of his men also stopped and they followed their boss.

    The nearer Ezio got to the cars, the faster his heartbeat be. He can hear his heart beating quickly inside his ears. When they can already see the cars clearly, Ezio couldn¡¯t help but lose a breath.

    All of the cars were severely wrecked. The front of the sedan was crashed into pieces that the headlight reached the driver¡¯s seat. The windows were shattered into pieces while the men inside the sedan were squeezed and bleeding; their body were already ck and blue as the medics tried to pull them out.

    The SUV wasn¡¯t that fortunate either. The doors were all removed and bullet shots can be seen on every side of it. Half of the body of one of the men were thrown to the back of the SUV, just in the middle of the shattered back ss. The other men inside were all dead as well.

    The crossover car was the worst of all. It was turned upside down, and the head of the people inside were squeezed to the ground. It is missing two wheels on the front, while the windows were also destroyed.

    All of the people inside those cars were the men who were tasked to protect and guard his wife. Ezio felt his body getting numb that he can¡¯t hear the authorities calling for him.

    ¡°My wife,¡± he muttered under his breath while looking around, trying to find the car that Chiara used before they separated earlier. ¡°Where¡¯s my wife?¡±

    The authorities couldn¡¯t answer him. They just arrived a few minutes ago, and the three cars were the only ones they saw.

    Ezio ran around the expressway like a crazy man. He kept on looking on every car that looked like the one he owns. ¡°Cara!¡± he shouted while running and looking for her. ¡°Chiara!¡±

    Luigi and his men followed him. Suddenly, they heard the siren of a car from a far. Ezio¡¯s feet almost involuntarily ran towards that direction, looking for the source of the sound.

    His feet stopped working as he saw a various police officers going down the cliff beside the expressway one by one. On the bottom of the cliff, a familiar te number of a car together with ashes and burnt things were resting.

    ¡°Cara¡­¡± Ezio muttered under his breath as he stared at the fire engulfing the bottom of the cliff. ¡°Cara!¡±

    Suddenly, Ezio climbed up to the railing of the expressway, trying to jump down to the cliff. The police officers and his men pulled him back in time, stopping him from thr dangerous act that he wants tomit.

    ¡°Cara!¡± he screamed while wailing like a  child. Ezio kicked and punched the men stopping his movements as his eyes were fixated on the fire. ¡°My wife! My wife¡¯s there! Safe my wife!¡±

    The police officers wete saying something to her, but Ezio¡¯s ear became deaf. He kicked the feet of one officer before biting the arm of another one.

    Once they removed their grips from him, Ezio tried to jumped on the railings again while shouting for his wife¡¯s name. ¡°Chiara! I¡¯ll save you!¡±

    But Ezio was pulled back by Luigi, who cannot stop himself but p him hard. ¡°Boss! Are you out of your mind?!¡± Luigi lost his patience and snapped. ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll be alive once you jumped down?! Are you stupid?! ¡±

    Ezio didn¡¯t listen to him. He kept on reaching for the railing, watching the authorities stop the fire before retrieving whatever was left there.

    ¡°My wife¡­ Save my wife, please!¡± Ezio screamed and pleaded to the police officers. His eyesight getting blurry and it ached because of the huge amount of tears that he cried.

    Back on the expressway, the authorities retreived three bodies together with some parts of the car that wasn¡¯t caught in the fire. Ezio hurriedly ran towards the examining them through his teary eyes.

    ¡°No, no. My wife¡¯s not there,¡± Ezio spoke while shaking his head repeatedly, trying to convince himself that his wife is not there, and that she¡¯s safe.

    The bodies cannot be identified, because everything is badly burnt, especially the face. The clothes of those people were also burnt into ashes. Nothing can be use to identimy them.

    Ezio closed his eyes and tried to calm himself. He convinced himself that his wife is still alive, that she must be somewhere safe. He convinced himself that he will still see her waiting for him in their mansion, and that she will greet him with a huge smile and open arms.

    Gritting his teeth, Ezio went back to his car and swerved back to the expressway. Luigi and his men were left with the burnt bodies that they don¡¯t even know if it¡¯s really Chiara or not.

    Ezio mmed into the breaks, pushing the car to the limit. His eyes were fully of hatred and sadness at the same time. His knuckled turned white as his grip tightened around the steering wheel.

    Ezio entered a forest, just near the Red Club where Elisa saw Kazimir¡¯s assistant. He drove and drove, trying to find Kazimir inside that ce. Ezio tried to focus and forget the sight of the burnt bodies he saw earlier. His tears threatened to fall once again, and he has no choice but to wipe it out.

    ¡°My cara¡¯s not dead. My cara¡¯s not dead,¡± he spoke repeatedly while driving. ¡°My cara¡¯s not dead. Cara¡¯s waiting for me.¡±

    Ezio wanted to hit his head repeatedly, so that he would forget the sight of the burnt bodies. He wanted to go back to time so that he would have choose to bring his wife to thepany with him instead of letting her travel alone.

    He let out a loud scream the disturbed the silence of the forest. Ezio punched the windshield repeatedly, until it cracked, making his knuckles bleed.

    ¡°Cara,¡± he whispered with a cracked voice as tears fell down to his cheeks. ¡°Don¡¯t leave me, cara.¡±

    Suddenly, Ezio spotted a huge house from a far. He mmed on the breaks harder and he crashed the gate within seconds.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Ezio left the car and walked with heavy steps towards the mansion that he guessed belongs to Kazimir. He kicked the front door with much force, expecting to see the old man behind it.

    However, he was only greeted with silence. On the wall, words written using blood were seen and it read: Don¡¯t me me. I only want Elisa.

 Goodbye, Chiara

    CELINE AND FABIO HURRIEDLY ARRIVED at the morgue the moment they received Luigi¡¯s call. Fabio would have made his car fly over the city if it can, just to arrive faster.

    When they received the call, all that the married couple heard is that their daughter was caught on a car crash and a fire. They didn¡¯t even finished the call before running towards their garage to fetch their child, even though they don¡¯t know where to go. Luigi even needed to send them the address because they won¡¯t answer his call.

    Celine¡¯s hands were trembling. Just a few minutes earlier, they received a call from their son-inw, looking for their child. They felt ufortable and worry covered them after that call, but they chose to stay positive, thinking of other reasons why they can¡¯t contact their daughter Chiara.

    But their optimism didn¡¯t work. Now, they¡¯re outside the biggest hospital in Rome. When they left their car, a man in police uniform greeted them and guided the two towards where Luigi is.

    When they saw that they are going down to the lower ground level of the hospital, Celine couldn¡¯t help but ask with nervousness.

    ¡°Officer? Why are we going down? Is my child there?¡± she asked while her hand gripped her husband¡¯s arm for support.

    The police officer just nodded at them before motioning his hand towards the semi-closed door in that floor. The married couple looked confused, but they chose to follow the direction.

    Fabio pushed the door slowly, as his heart thump faster, nervousness covering his whole body. When they finally entered the room, cold air sipped through their skin, making their body shiver, not just because of the low temperature, but because of what they saw inside.

    It¡¯s a morgue, a ce where dead people where stored. Celine looked around, hoping to see her daughter standing safe and waiting for them. However, the only people she can see is Luigi and a female doctor.

    ¡°Luigi,¡± Celine called for the assistant, as her lower lip quiver while talking. ¡°My daughter? Where¡¯s Chiara? Did you already found her?¡±

    Silence covered the entire morgue. Luigi¡¯s head is hanging low, staring at the ground as his breath hitched. He tried to open his mouth, wanting to say something. However, it stop in mid-air as he found no words or exnation to say.

    Fabio walked towards him and touched his shoulders with both hands. ¡°Luigi, where¡¯s my daughter? Tell us,¡± he spoke.

    But Luigi doesn¡¯t know how to answer them without hurting their feelings. How can he exin the unfortunate event that their daughter encountered? How can he say to them that their precious daughter was ambushed, burned, and now dead? How can he exin to them that they failed to protect the most important person in their lives?

    Receiving no response from Luigi, Fabio shook his shoulder heavily, almost shaking his whole body. ¡°Answer me! Where the fuck is my daughter?!¡± he screamed at his face that¡¯s facing the ground.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± the first words Luigi spoke. It was almost like a whisper. The way he spoke it is so weak that you won¡¯t even hear it.

    ¡°What?¡± Celine asked while moving nearer towards him. ¡°Why are you apologizing? What happened?¡±

    Luigi was loss for words as he felt his heart and eyes became heavy. He doesn¡¯t want to look weak, but his emotions overtook his whole body.

    His hands flew to his face, covering them and trying to hide his vulnerability, but he failed. Tears sneaked through the spaces between his fingers. He tried to cover his mouth to stop the noise its making, but no to avail. His muffled cries became louder, and his deep voice of wails echoed inside the whole room.

    He¡¯s a failure ¨C that¡¯s what he was thinking at that time. If he could just go back to a few hours earlier, he would have done something to protect not just his signora, but also his close friends.

    Luigi¡¯s shoulder shook uncontrobly. He doesn¡¯t know what to do. He just lost his signora, and he also lost his friends. He wanted to just lock himself insdie a room, break everything he can touch, and scream his hearts out.

    But he can¡¯t. His signor needs him. He can¡¯t afford to show any vulnerability. Luigi is worried that Ezio might do something reckless that could endanger his life. He knew he had to be strong for the sake of those people they lost and for those who are still alive.

    Celine turned her confused face to the doctor. ¡°Doc, did you see my daughter?¡± she asked.

    The female doctor looked apologetic. She pitied them. She felt heartbroken for the parents who don¡¯t have any idea that their child is now in the afterlife.

    She pursed his lips, swallowed the lump in her throat, before grabbing the edge of a white clothing. The doctor dismissed her emotions and chose to be professional. Slowly, she removed the white sheet that¡¯s covering something underneath.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Celine asked while her trembling fingers pointed at the burned body of a human that was exposed to them.

    ¡°It¡¯s your daughter, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Celine and Fabio¡¯s world stopped upon hearing the doctor words. They even need to pinch themselves just to make sure that they¡¯re still in the reality.

    ¡°What?¡± Fabio spoke while staring at the body before turning to the doctor. ¡°No. You must be joking,¡± he chuckled with nervousness as his hand massaged his nape. ¡°That¡¯s not our daughter.¡±

    The doctor stood firm and reiterated what she said. ¡°This is your daughter, sir. It was retrieved at the burning car that your daughter used. I¡¯m sorry for your loss.¡±

    Celine suddenly fell down to the ground, almost fainting from the words she heard. ¡°Chiara,¡± she muttered as her body lost all of its strength. ¡°No, no, no, mi figlia.¡±

    Fabio didn¡¯t even notice that his wife fell to the ground. His eyes were fixated on the burnt body, as the words of the doctor kept on replying inside his ears. He shook his head, trying to remove the voice saying that his daughter is dead. He felt like he was just hallucinating, or maybe having a nightmare as he was sleeping.

    Celine gathered all of her energy to stand up before throwing herself to ¡°Chiara¡¯s body¡±. She hugged the burned body close to herself, as if she is cradling a baby.

    ¡± Mi figlia, wake up,¡± she whispered in what she deemed is the ear of the body while gently tapping the side of the body¡¯s face. ¡°Wake up, please. Mamma¡¯s here.¡±

    Seeing his wife cradling the dead body, Fabio went back to reality. Sadness, longingness, desperation, and anger mixed up inside his heart. His emotions were in chaos as he stared at his ¡°daughter¡¯s body¡±.

    ¡°Who did this to my daughter?!¡± Fabio screamrd to Luigi who is still weeping in the corner. ¡°Tell me! I¡¯ll kill him! I will kill him!¡±

    In two strides, he reached the burned body before caging it in his arms together with his wife. The Bianchi family shared a moment of sorrow, as their wailing and crying voices covered the morgue, mourning for the death of their only daughter.

    In the middle of their cries, Ezio crashed inside the room. He looked restless; his suit is wet from tears, his hair is disheveled, and his eyes were swelling. His fingers clutched tightly to the wedding ring that he is wearing.

    Celine looked at her son-inw, and spoke with a cracked voice. ¡°We need to give my daughter a proper burial. We need to avenge her,¡± she said while sniffing.

    Ezio shook his head repeatedly. ¡°No. There will be no burial. My wife is not dead,¡± he spoke firmly before pointing at the burned body. ¡°That¡¯s not my wife.¡±

    Seeing his son-inw stuck in the stage of denial, Fabio approached him and shook his shoulder. ¡°I know that it¡¯s difficult, but we have to ept it and make the person who did pay for his sins! My daughter doesn¡¯t deserve this!¡± he eximed as tears fell from his eyes once again. ¡°Chiara¡¯s still young. She hasn¡¯t even experience a lot in life.¡±

    Fabio slowly kneeled on the floor, weeping while praying to bring his daughter back to life. ¡°Chiara doesn¡¯t deserve this¡­¡± he spoke again and again as his palms were touching each other. ¡°My child¡­¡±

    Ezio is still denying the fact that his wife is already dead. The burned body is not his wife ¨C that¡¯s what he instilled in his mind. He was convinced that Kazimir is just ying games with him.

    ¡°That¡¯s not my wife,¡± Ezio spoke again before turning to the female doctor. ¡°Conduct a DNA test to these bodies. I want the result ASAP.¡±

    Ezionded onest nce to the burned body before leaving the morgue. With huge steps, he exited as he tried to erase the memory of that burned body in his mind.

    He stopped on an empty spot on the ground floor. Ezio knocked his head repeatedly to the wall, trying to wake himself up from the nightmare he is experiencing.

    He didn¡¯t even mind that his head is already bleeding from the repeated impact. As he felt the world getting blurry, he slowly fell to the ground, whispering his wife¡¯s name.

    ON THE VITALI OLD MANSION, Elisa felt uneasy for no reason. She tried calling her son and her daughter-inw, but she can¡¯t reach them. She also tried reaching out to Nick, but he didn¡¯t answer his calls.

    ¡°Water. Give me water,¡± she spoke to one of the maids before sitting down on the couch.

    Her body shook on surprise as she heard her phone beeped. Thinking that it was her son, she hurriedly opened the message.

    However, her excitement faded as she saw a familiar number on her screen, together with a message she wished she didn¡¯t open, and it read:All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    I already killed your inw, and I can do that to your son as well. Now, stay with me and I¡¯ll make sure your son¡¯s safe. Time is ticking, belleza.

 Talking to a Corpse

    DAYS HAD PASSED SINCE THAT INCIDENT, and no one found anything, not even Kazimir¡¯s shadow. Only Ezio¡¯s men were moving, led by Luigi, who is now in-charged of everything since Gabriel was caught in that car crash.

    Ezio is still unstable, and denial. He kept on denying that Chiara is dead, and reasoned that she¡¯s just missing or maybe Kazimif kidnapped his wife just to y with him. He cannot ept the fact that his wife is dead, thus his brain gave him reasons to doubt it.

    On the other hand, Chiara¡¯s parents were also mourning for losing their only daughter. Celine cannot hold too much emotion that she ended up fainting in the morgue. Her blood pressure rose, worsening her situation.

    They tried to convince Ezio to held a funeral for the three people who died, but he disagreed. He was so adamant to prove that Chiara and other are still alive, and told them to wait for the DNA test that he requested.

    No one can change his mind, no even his own mother. Elisa visited him for several days, urging him to move and revenge for Chiara, but Ezio was too caught up in his emotions that he ended up locking himself inside their bedroom.

    In a cold and dark night, Ezio curled his body on the bed. His face was pale, eyes were swollen, and lips were chapped. His hands gripped tightly on the women¡¯s clothing, sniffing the scent out of it like a mad man.

    ¡°Cara,¡± his weak voice whispered on her side of the bed where her clothes wereying down in an organized way.

    He reached for the pillow that Chiara used, as his mind yed tricks on him. Ezio started to see his wifeying down beside him, in her pajamas, looking sleepy with a warm smile.

    He tried to caress her cheeks, only for his hand to end up going through her body as if he was just touching the air. Ezio tried once again, now going for her hair.

    When he blinked, suddenly, Chiara¡¯s hair is already covering her face. He wanted to look at her, to see her pretty face, the face the he fell inlove with.

    His fingers reached her hair, and he slowly moved it out of his way. But he was startled when he was greetes not by his wife¡¯s face, but by the face of the burned body that they saw earlier.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°No, no, no,¡± he shook his head repeatedly before pulling himself up to sit on the bed. ¡°You¡¯re not cara,¡± he muttered under his breath while looking away from the fragment of his imagination.

    The burned body sat down, wearing Chiara¡¯s favorite set of pajamas which has turtle patterns on it. ¡°Tesoro, it¡¯s me,¡± the burned body talked, its lips doesn¡¯t even move.

    ¡°You¡¯re not Chiara! My cara doesn¡¯t look like that!¡± Ezion screamed while throwing anything he could touch to the walking body, but the things just passed through it.

    ¡°I was burned, tesoro. That¡¯s why I look like this,¡± Chiara¡¯s burned body replied to him with a pleading voice while trying to get close to him. ¡°Avenge me, tesoro. Kill that man for me.¡±

    Ezio closed his eyes and covered his ears, dismissing any words that the imaginative body is saying. ¡°Shut up! You¡¯re not cara! My wife is still alive! Shut up!¡±

    He kept on shouting to no one. If a person can see his situation, it will think  that Ezio is going insane and that he deserves to be put to mental hospital. He¡¯s been screaming at nothing, throwing things at nothing, and speaking to nothing.

    When he opened his eyes, the burned body already disappeared. He hurriedly ran to the bedside table and clutched the small version of their wedding photo. Ezio hugged the frame tightly, as if someone will snatch it away from him.

    ¡°Cara, go home, please,¡± he whispered on the photo. ¡°I miss you so much. Come back to me, please.¡±

    He curled himself to the floor, cried his heart out while calling for his wife¡¯s name. ¡°Cara, where are you? Don¡¯t you miss me?¡± he asked the woman on the photo as if she will answer.

    Ezio stared longingly at the photo for a long time, as he caressed her face. He suddenly stood up and grabbed his phone. Heid down on the bed, still clinging to the wedding photo.

    Chiara¡¯s voice that came from the phone echoed inside the bedroom. In the video, Chiara was twirling around and showing her husband the new green dress that she bought. Herugh was contagious that Ezio couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    The next video yed and this time, Chiara was cooking lunch for Ezio. It looked like a cooking show because of Chiara¡¯s skills and humor. More videos of Chiara yed, all of those were took when they got married.

    Ezio didn¡¯t notice the think, but everything from inside and outside were quiet when he finished watching all of the videos. The temporary happiness he had earlier vanished, and it was reced by emptiness and sadness.

    He wanted to sleep, but his body wouldn¡¯t let him. No matter how long and how hard he closed his eyes, sleep wouldn¡¯t visit him. Chiara¡¯s voice echoed inside his head, keeping him awake.

    ¡°Ezio?¡± Dante¡¯s voice echoed inside the room after the door opened. ¡°I know you¡¯re still awake.¡±

    Dante walked towards the bed, as Ezio¡¯s back is still facing him. His friend didn¡¯t answer, instead, he moved away while hugging their wedding picture.

    Dante sighed. His friend has been like that for the past days, curling up on their bed and hugging everything that reminds him of Chiara. He doesn¡¯t even go out of their bedroom, even though Dante and Elisa tried to convince him.

    ¡°You have to make your move,¡± he spoke to his friend. ¡°You can¡¯t just lie here all day. I know that you¡¯re mourning, but don¡¯t let that destroy you. You have to avenge Chiara¡¯s death.¡±

    ¡°My wife is not dead!¡± Ezio screamed suddenly while ring at him, his teeth making gritting sounds that is ufortable for someone¡¯s ears. ¡°Hiw many times do I have to tell you that my wife is still alive?! Chiara¡¯s not dead!¡±

    Dante massaged the area between his eyebrows. These are their arguments for thr past days. He wille, encourage him to move against Kazimir, but Ezio will dismiss him before pushing him out of the bedroom.

    ¡°You have to ept the truth, Ezio. You can¡¯t just stay here and be stuck in your fantasy that Chiara is still alive. She¡¯s dead, Ezio. She¡¯s dead,¡± Dante replied, hoping that it will wake his friend up from his nightmare.

    Ezio suddenlyunched an attack to his friend. He didn¡¯t hesitate tond a punch on his face. ¡°Take that back! My wife¡¯s not dead! She¡¯s still alive! She¡¯s not dead!¡± he screamed at his face while shaking his body heavily while grabbing his cor.

    ¡°I won¡¯t take it back!¡± Dante pushed his friend away, making Ezio stumble to the ground. ¡°She¡¯s dead! Can¡¯t you understand that?!¡±

    Dante ran his fingers through his hair because of frustration. ¡°Do you think your wife will be happy, seeing you like that?¡± he asked his friend who is weeping on the floor. ¡°Chiara will be devastated seeing you slowly killing yourself. You have to stand up. The person who killed you wife is still on the run, creating ns to finish you while you¡¯re stuck here! Doing nothing!¡±

    Ezio shook his head. ¡°She¡¯s not dead. My cara wille back to me,¡± he muttered as he stared at their wedding photo that¡¯s now broken.

    Dante sighed heavily before grabbing pieces of paper for his small bag. He put it on the bed before pointing it to Ezio. ¡°Read that. I hope you¡¯ll wake up after this,¡± he spoke and slowly walked out of the room. He stopped on the door and spoke again, ¡°I¡¯ll be in the guest room if you need me. You have to strong for those who believe in you, my friend.¡±

    When Dante left the room, Ezio grabbed the paper that his friend left. The first thing that he notice on the paper were the words ¡°DNA Test Result¡±.

    His heart thumped quickly, almost bursting from his ribcage. He can¡¯t look down to the other parts of the paper. Maybe because he still doesn¡¯t want to remove the reason why he¡¯s believing that his wife is still alive, or maybe he is too scared to know the truth.

    Slowly, he read through the contents. His hand trembled as his aching eyes started to water once again. His mouth opened, trying to make himself scream, but he was too weak to do anything.

    It was confirmed. The three burned bodies they recovered were indeed Chiara, Victor, and Gabriel.

    Suddenly, all of the sanity that Ezio has left his brain. He crumpled the papers, stood up, and walked outside the house with huge steps. Dante saw him walking out, and he followed his friend, worried that he might do something that can hurt him.

    Ezio rode one of his cars before stepping on the elerator and flew out of the mansion. He was looking nkly ahead, his mind cannot function properly. All that he is thinking of is to be with his wife. He didn¡¯t even notice that Dante was behind him, riding a motorcycle.

    The car stopped inside the hospital. It was open, and the staff didn¡¯t stop him knowing his identity. He walked with huge steps down to the basement, straight to the morgue.

    No one was around at the time, so he did what he wanted. He opened every door in the morgue, looking for the body of his wife. When he finally found it, he carried it out of its storage and hugged the body while kneeling on the floor.

    ¡°Cara,¡± he caressed the burned body¡¯s face while whispering to it. ¡°We¡¯ll go home, cara. I¡¯ll take you home, okay?¡±

    He carried the body in bridal style, even though it us already stiff. Ezio walked out of the morgue, looking like a crazy man.

    Dante saw what he¡¯s doing and asked him with surprise. ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± he asked while looking back and forth between Ezio and the body. ¡°Put that back!¡±

    Ezio continued on walking and answered. ¡°It¡¯s cold inside. My cara is ufortable. I¡¯ll take her home.¡±

    He¡¯s going insane, Dante knew that. So before his friend could do anything, he called for the staffs to get the body while he escort Ezio out.

    Seeing a lot of hospital staffs going for him, Ezio didn¡¯t hesitate to go for a run and escape with his wife¡¯s body. However, he was weaker than Dante at his state, so he was easily overpowered. The staffs worked together to get the body from him while Dante pulled him back.

    ¡°Cara! My wife! Give me back my wife!¡±

    Ezio screamed at the people around him who couldn¡¯t help but to pity his situation. He looked so done with the world while trying to reach his wife.

    ¡°Let go, Ezio! Chiara¡¯s dead!¡± Dante shouted at him; he¡¯s now also crying because of how difficult his friend¡¯s state is.

    He witnessed how Ezio¡¯s love for Chiara started and bloomed. He witnessed how much he loves her, to the extent that he will do anything to have her and to make her happy.

    Dante knew that living with Chiara happily is the only wish that Ezio has in his life, and now that it was stolen from him, he is surely destroyed and devastated, as if he went back to square one.

    They couldn¡¯t control Ezio anymore. He hurt the staffs who were trying to put the body back to the morgue, stating that they¡¯re hurting his wife because it¡¯s cold inside.

    Suddenly, a nurse shot Ezio with a tranquilizer. It was the only thing that can calm him down, for the time being. As the drug started to take effect, Ezio continued to reach for his wife, trying to hold her burned body.

 His Attempt To End The Pain

    THE VITALI EMPIRE became unstable since Chiara¡¯s death. Ezio didn¡¯t dare to go out of thr mansion, let alone visit thepany. Since the CEO and President Ezio couldn¡¯t do his job, the responsibilities were on Luigi¡¯s shoulder.

    It was tough, carrying the wholepany so that it won¡¯t copse. The Vitali Empire had a lot ofpanies to cater, they have ongoing projects that cannot be postponed, and they have workers to pay. Two main positions wete left vacant ¨C Ezio and Chiara¡¯s position ¨C and made a huge blow to thepany.

    Another thing that made it difficult for Luigi is that he is also investigating about Chiara¡¯s death, looking for something that can be linked to Kazimir. They raided the mansion of Kazimir in the middle of the forest, and tried looking for Jacob in the Red Club with the help of Elisa, but they couldn¡¯t find them.

    The mansion was left empty and the workers of the Red Club stated that Jacob hasn¡¯t visited the club for days. It looked like they went back to square one. The number that Giovanni gave cannot be reached, and Elisa also tried to contact Kazimir using the number he used before, but he is not answering.

    Aside from that, Nick was also missing. The day Chiara died, Fara said that Nick left the mansion to visit a friend named Lia who is having a vacation in Italy. He didn¡¯t go home after that. They are still looking for him everywhere, but no to avail.

    It was fortunate for Luigi that Elisa and Dante were there to lend him a hand. Dante led the investigation while Elisa helped him in managing thepany. However, Elisa also needed to take care of his son Ezio, who is still unstable after the unfornate event.

    ¡°How¡¯s Boss Ezio, Madame?¡± Luigi asked while they were finishing the review of the contracts for thepany. ¡°It¡¯s been days since I visited him.¡±

    Elisa looked worried while reading the papers. ¡°He still doesn¡¯t want to leave their room. He kept on looking for Chiara,¡± she sighed and looked up to avoid the tears from falling. ¡°My son tried to escape again to go to the morgue. He wanted to keep the body inside the mansion.¡±

    ¡°Chiara¡¯s parents were also mourning, and they were asking if when we will bury the body,¡± she added. ¡°But my son still can¡¯t think properly. I need his permission on this. I¡¯m worried that if I will decide on my own, Ezio will really go crazy.¡±

    Luigi stopped on writing on the papers and his hand trembled slightly. He was informed that his boss was a wrecked for the past days, even refusing to eat with out his wife. They even needed to put Ezio inside the morgue, just beside the burned body so that he can eat.

    If this will continue, Ezio might be insane. That can¡¯t happen. They won¡¯t let that happen. They¡¯ve been trying so hard to be strong, they dismissed their feelings, and they went on to their lives to get revenge to those who wronged them. They can¡¯t let their signor be drowned in his emotions. But for now, the only thing they can do is support him and be there for him.

    ON THE VITALI MANSION, Ezio opened the ss drawer in the middle of their walk-in closet. He was greeted by Chiara¡¯s four year old wedding dress. It was still white and shiny, as if it wasn¡¯t locked inside a container for several years.

    This was Chiara¡¯s dream wedding dress. After years of knowing her better, he knew what things she likes and doesn¡¯t like. He knew Chiara from in and out, and maybe he knew her better than she knew herself.

    His fingers traced the small diamonds embedded on the dress, creating a heart in the middle of the skirt part. He imagined his wife wearing the dress, as if he was brought back to their wedding day.

    It was the happiest day of Ezio¡¯s life. For years, he had been dreaming of being with her and spending his life with her. When he wad a teenager, he spent nights dreaming of building a family with Chiara, where they will stay in the mansion he created with their little kids.

    He spent his life building things for Chiara. He named his malls from her name, which means ¡°light¡±, hence the name Luminosa.

    She became his light, from the moment he met her with those twinkling eyes. Chiara lit up his dark world who was hopeless in romance. She was like a bright torch leading him to the good future, to a good life.

    But now, his light is gone. He won¡¯t see her beaming face anymore. He won¡¯t be able to heard her voice greeting him anytime of the day. He won¡¯t be able to taste the foods that she cooked. He won¡¯t be able to touch her, hug her, and kiss her. He won¡¯t recieve any motivational quotes everyday. He won¡¯t see her again.

    Just in a snap, his world became dark again. But this time, it was darker and colder. He knew there won¡¯t be any light to save him, because his light faded, leaving him alone in darkness.

    Ezio found himselfying in the bathtub, while hugging Chiara¡¯s wedding dress close to his body. He sniffed its scent, hoping to get thest traces of his wife from it.

    His eyes looked lifeless. For the past days, he tried to fight back the feeling and get up to take revenge for his wife, just like what the others are telling him. But he doesn¡¯t have any strength left. His strength and will burst up like a bubble when Chiara left him alone in this harsh world.

    Slowly, his right hand tightened its grip on the knife he¡¯s holding. He wanted to end it all. Well, for him, everything already ended the moment he lost his wife. Chiara is the only reason he fought so hard to leave. She is the reason he tried to wake up from his long slumber. She¡¯s the reason why he was sessful. She¡¯s the reason behind everything.

    Now that he doesn¡¯t have a reason anymore, he chose to also leave, and follow his wife towards eternity ¨C to the ce where no one will hurt them, to the ce where he can be with her forever. Just like what he wanted.

    Without giving it a second thought, Ezio shed his left wrist before pushing the tip of the knife deeper, hitting the artery he needed to destroy to end his life.

    Ezio thought it will be painful, but no. Nothing is much painful than the pain of losing his wife. The physical pain is nothingpared to the emotional and mental pain he felt for the passed days.

    ¡°Cara, te amo,¡± he whispered.

    Slowly, Ezio felt relieved because finally, he can see his wife again. He will run towards her, and lock her in his embracd so that she can be safe again. If he can see her again, he will make sure that he won¡¯t leave her side.

    His eyes lose their strength. It was slowly closing, as it created false images in front of him. His life shed before his eyes, and the moments of him being with his wife reyed in his memory.

    With the only energy he has left, Ezio smiled. Maybe dying isn¡¯t as sad as what people portrayed. If dying means reliving his happiest memories, then he would dly ept its embrace.

    The moment Ezio¡¯s eyes closed, the door of the bathroom opened, revealing Dante. He immediately panicked upon seeing the bathtub full of blood, and Ezio¡¯s wrist that¡¯s bleeding.

    Chiara¡¯s wedding dress turned red together with the water. Hehurriedly covered Ezio¡¯s wound with bandage, stopping it from bleeding before rushing him towards the nearest hospital.

    That was a close call. If Dante arrived just a minutete, they would¡¯ve lost him.

    Elisa fainted after hearing the news of her son trying to kill himself. On the other hand, Luigi was stunned that he left thepany early to visit his boss. He didn¡¯t expect that Ezio will resort to that thing because of his wife¡¯s death.

    ¡°He really loves her,¡± Dante spoke while guarding the unconscious Ezio. ¡°I can¡¯t believe he will choose to do that.¡±

    Luigi, who is leaning on the door, replied, ¡°I can¡¯t believe it, either. The boss I know is too arrogant and prideful to do something like that.¡±

    The men sighed. It was unexpected, but they were not in the ce to judge. Ezio is mourning, and his emotions overtoom his mind. He experienced too much sadness, hence why he chose to do the easiest way to stop the pain.

    Suddenly, Ezio¡¯s eyes opened. He was greeted by a blinding light that he almost thought he was already in heaven. However, his thinking vanished as he heard his friend¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Ezio?¡± Dante asked when he noticed him moved. ¡°Can you hear me?¡±

    Ezio looked at his friend but didn¡¯t speak. He lost all of his energy, but the pain is still there, lingering in his heart.

    Luigi went out to call the doctor while Dante continued to ask him about his well-bring. After a few moments, the doctor entered the room to check him.

    When the doctor said that Ezio¡¯s stable, they breathed a sigh of relief. Luigi ordered for some food before leaving to check Elisa.

    Dante, who had been tired all day, couldn¡¯t help himself but sleep. His eyes closed while sitting the nearby chair.

    Ezio was left awake. His mind is still not functioning properly. He doesn¡¯t know why he is still alive, and was questioning why he is still here.

    Then, the door opened and male nurse put some fruits inside. ¡°Signor, these fruits were given by Sir Luigi. Please eat some so that you can regain your energy again,¡± the nurse spoke.

    After putting down all of the fruits, the nurse walked towards Ezio¡¯s side. His hand looked for something in his pocket. A paper emerged from it and he handed it to Ezio.

    ¡°Signor, someone you knew gave this and said that you should read it,¡± he sadi before leaving the ward.

    Ezio stared on the folded paper on hisp. After some contemtion, he finally picked it up using his right hand. He unfolded the paper using the same hand with difficulties.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    The moment he finished reading the contents, Ezio couldn¡¯t stop his tears from falling. Just like that, he was given a reason to live and fight again.

    He put the paper closed to his heart, as he repeated the words written on it in his mind:

    ¡°¡±You can either be crushed by a horrific event and lose your sanity, your family and your life. Or, you can take this pain that was thrust upon you, to propel into greatness. You can make it through this. I know it¡¯s hard.¡± ¨C motivational quote for today. Te amo.¡±

 Start Of A Plan

    ALL OF THE STAFFS INSIDE THE Vitali mansion were careful not to trigger their signor. Just two days after Ezio was rushed to the hospital, the doctor gave him the permission to go home.

    Actually, Elisa doesn¡¯t want her son to leave so early, since his wound is deep and will take a long time to heal. She is also worried that going back to the mansion will bring back memories of his wife. But she can¡¯t do anything because it was Ezio who is adamant to go home.

    The bathroom that was filled with blood that day was cleaned, together with Chiara¡¯s wedding dress that is now put back to its container. They didn¡¯t move anything inside the house, but were careful enough not for Ezio to have sudden surge of memories.

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± Ezio spoke when they arrived at the mansion. He sat down on the living room while staring at the pictures of him and Chiara on the wall.

    The staffs hurriedly went to the kitchen to cook a delicious meal for their signor. It¡¯s been almost a week since he requested for one, and those foods they gave to him ended up in trash because he ate nothing.

    Elisa couldn¡¯t help but smile upon seeing her son wanting to eat. It was such a small gesture, but it signifies improvement in his situation.

    She walked towards the kitchen and volunteered to cook for him. On the other hand, Ezio was left in the living room together with a few staffs who were tasked to keep an eye on him all the time.

    Using his right hand, he reached for the folder paper in his pocket and opened it. That message, that short motivational quote, gave him a reason to live.

    Only one person used to send motivational quotes for him, and that is his wife. He strongly believed that his wife is still alive. Ezio dismissed the DNA test results that he received, and is focused on the contents of the paper.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, cara. I¡¯m too weak for you,¡± he muttered under his breath while staring at the paper. ¡°I promise that it won¡¯t happen again. I¡¯ll be stronger for you.¡±

    He stood up and told the male staff that he wanted to go to the room. They followed him inside and opened the door for him.

    Ezio walked inside, straight to the drawer, before opening it to get his wallet. Inside of it, his favorite picture of Chiara rested. He put the paper inside and smiled.

    ¡°I¡¯m right. My cara is alive. She won¡¯t leave me,¡± he thought to himself.

    Although he hasn¡¯t seen her face to face, he strongly believed that it was Chiara who sent the message. Maybe, she heard about what he did and she wanted to cheer him up and give him a reason to live.

    Afterwards, Ezio put the wallet in hus pocket and left the room. He went back to the living room and opened the newspaper that¡¯s sitting on top of the table.

    He¡¯s been cking for thest week, and it¡¯s time to get back to work. He has a lot to catch up.

    Ezio wandered. ¡°If my wife is still alive, why would she want us to see that she¡¯s dead?¡± The DNA results is too much of an evidence to say that it¡¯s her, hence it was the reason he faltered. Why did she do it?

    But upon thinking deeper, Ezio realized that his wife has a n. He doesn¡¯t know what it is, but he will take a part and help her. His wife isn¡¯t ordinary, and sometimes she can think of things that seemed extra, and that¡¯s why he loves her so much.

    After a few minutes of waiting, Ezio was called to eat. Various foods of his favorites were on the table. His stomach grumble loudly because of hunger. It¡¯s been days since he had a decent meal after all. The hospital food is not to his liking, too.

    The feeling was new to him. He was used on eating with his wife for the past years that eating alone became awkward in some sense. But he just needed to think of the letter he received, and his mood became lighter again.

    Elisa was just watching her son eating, helping him from time to time since he can only use one hand for now. She was ecstatic that he was better than before, maybe he alreadye to his senses.

    When Ezio finished eating, he said that he wanted to take a walk on their yard. His mother apanied him.

    It wasn¡¯t a long walk. Ezio just looked at the flowers in the yard, pointing at one before saying. ¡°Cara chose that flower specifically. She took of that and watered it everyday. She even talked to it sometimes,¡± he chuckled before walking again.

    Elisa was worried that her son might have some episodes again, since he is starting to remember everything about Chiara. But looking at the smile on his face, she felt relieved.

    Ezio stopped walking and took a rest on the perg that he built for his wife. He leaned on the part where his wife used to sit before.

    ¡°Cara loved this area,¡± he said while his hand traced the part that¡¯s Chiara¡¯s favorite. ¡°It isn¡¯t too hot or too cold, and the cold air can reach her here. The sun isn¡¯t directly hitting her face, too.¡±

    Elisa nodded and smiled. ¡°She really knew what she wanted, and what to choose,¡± she said.

    The mother and son engaged in a conversation. It was light, but Elisa was careful on every word that she will say. The doctor specifically told her that Ezio might still be sensitive about his wife¡¯s death, and that they must calcte everything they will say.

    ¡°Mamma, I¡¯ll go back to thepany tomorrow,¡± Ezio spoke while looking at the scenery. ¡°I have to look for Kazimir and make him pay for everything.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it too fast?¡± Elisa asked her son. ¡°You just got out of the hospital. You should rest for a couple more days.¡±

    Ezio just gave a small smile and answered. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mamma. I won¡¯t tire myself out. Besides, Luigi is there to help me,¡± he responded. ¡°I have to be hands on in this investigation. I cannot fail my cara.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m d that you¡¯re finally moving, mi figlio,¡± his mother spoke. She took a deep breath before opening a connected topic. ¡°I want to help you, too.¡±

    Ezio turned his head to his mother. ¡°How, Mamma?¡± he asked, nervous about what his mother will say.

    ¡°I will talk to Kazimir and stay with him,¡± she answered.

    That sentence alone was enough to shook Ezio out. He didn¡¯t expect that his mother will say those things. He was obviously moved by her words, thinking that it was a huge sacrifice.

    ¡°Mamma, that¡¯s dangerous. What if he will hurt you?¡± he asked with furrowed eyebrows, obviously making a disagreement on his mother¡¯s words.

    Elisa immediately answered. ¡°No. He won¡¯t hurt me. As long as I will stay with him, he won¡¯t do anything to me,¡± she exined. ¡°I can use that to get information from him.¡±

    Ezio looked down and contemted her words. ¡°I¡¯m worried, Mamma. What if I will lose you?¡± he asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do if that will happen, Mamma.¡±

    Elisa caressed her son¡¯s back,forting him. ¡°You won¡¯t lose me. I¡¯m sure of that,¡± she spoke. ¡°Kazimir wanted me, and I¡¯ll give it to him. Once he lowered his defenses, we will attack him.¡±

    ¡°Can you lower his defenses?¡± Ezio asked his mother. Although he knew that Kazimir dotes his mother too much, he has some doubts that he will sumb to his mother. Kazimir is a calcted man like him after all.

    Elisa smirked and proudly answered, ¡°Of course. I was able to charm him without even doing anything. What more do you think will happen once I do something to seduce him?¡±

    Ezio covered his ears using his right hand, while the other ear is still uncovered, trying not to listen to his mother¡¯s words.

    When he was younger, his father used to tell him about how his mother used her charm to seduce him. It was too much for Ezio. He can¡¯t imagine his mother doing such thing, let alone do it to his rival.

    Elisaughed for a moment before assuring her son. ¡°I¡¯m the ace against Kazimir that you have, and we have to use our resources. I¡¯ll make sure to give you a positive result,¡± she slowly tapped his back. ¡°Trust your Mamma. I know what to do to make that bastard fall to his knees.¡±

    WHEN DANTE AND LUIGI arrived in the mansion, Elisa bid her goodbye and said that she needed to go home. She entered her car to the backseat, where another woman with the same body built as her is sitting.

    The woman was wearing the same clothes as Elisa. If a person won¡¯t look closely, he might think that they are the same person. Elisa¡¯s face just looked more refined and mature than the other woman.

    ¡°You know what to do. Act like me and stay on the mansion unless I tell you to leave. Do you understand?¡± Elisa spoke to the woman.

    The woman nodded. In just a few days, she was trained go act and pretend to be Elisa. It will be her job until Elisa seeds. The payment for this job is also more than decent, so she can¡¯t afford to fail.

    The car stopped in the old mansion of the Vitali, and the women who is dressed like Elisa get off the car. She already did this for the past days, and it felt like a piece of cake for her.

    When they saw the woman entered the house, Elisa ordered the driver to go straight to her condominium. She changed her closed in the closed partition, looking like a different person.

    It didn¡¯t take long for them to arrive. Elisa left the car with a mask and an umbre over her head. She went straight to her unit, while observing her surroundings if someone is following her.

    The moment Elisa entered the unit, a woman greeted her. ¡°You¡¯rete today,¡± she spoke.

    Elisa just chuckled and told the woman about what happened for the whole day. They talked over a dinner that the woman made.

    ¡°I told you not to tire yourself out. It¡¯s bad for you now that you¡¯re sensitive,¡± Elisa scold the woman while putting nutritious foods on the woman¡¯s te.

    The woman just chuckled and caressed her belly. ¡°I¡¯m bored, so I cooked. I also cleaned earlier,¡± she answered. ¡°By the way, did he agree to it?¡±

    Elisa nodded with a smile. ¡°I was able to convince him,¡± she answered. ¡°He will go back to work tomorrow and lead the investigation.¡±

    ¡°As expected,¡± the woman answered before munching a piece of grape. ¡°I¡¯m happy that he¡¯s doing well now.¡±

    ¡°Do you really need to make it hard for him?¡± Elisa asked with a worried voice. ¡°He almost lost himself because of what happened. Can¡¯t we continue the n without the act?¡±

    The woman shook her head. ¡°This act is not just for Ezio, but also for Kazimir. Once he found out the truth, Kazimir will surely go after us, or worst, after Ezio,¡± she exined. ¡°Besides, once Ezio found out the truth, I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t just sit there. He will surely look for me.¡±

    ¡°If this temporary pain will give us eternal happiness in the future, then I would face this pain for now,¡± she added while caressing her ring.

    Elisa admired how logical the woman thinks. ¡°Well, what¡¯s important is that he is improving.¡±

    ¡°The main will start the moment you lived with Kazimir,¡± the womanmented. ¡°Make sure to put on a good show.¡±

    Elisa chuckled and raised her ss. ¡°I will. I¡¯m a good actress after all.¡±

    The women had a toaste of the juice their holding. After having a sip on it, Chiara spoke. ¡°Goodluck.¡±Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

 A Date With Kazimir

    THE NEXT MORNING, Elisa opened her phone clicked on Kazimir¡¯s number, the one he used before in urging her to meet him up. Although she can¡¯t reach the number for the past week, she still wanted to try it out, hoping that he will respond to her messages. If not, she will find another way to contact him.

    She typed her message, constructing it to perfection in order to catch Kazimir¡¯s heart. This will open the way for their n, and every word that Elisa will say to their biggest enemy must be calcted, or else they will lose their only chance.

    To: Kazimir

    Meet me at the Enoteca La Torre, 6 PMter. I¡¯ll wait for you, Kaz.

    It was just a short message, but Elisa knew that the details were enough for Kazimir to understand her intentions. She knew that he will have some doubts on her, considering that it¡¯s been only a week since her daughter-inw ¡°died¡±. And her task for now is to remove any doubt that Kazimir has, before ying him with her fingers.

    After sending the message, Elisa went out to go to Luminosa. If Kazimir wille, that will be their first meeting after a couple of years. She has to be presentable to leave an impression on him.

    On the other hand, Kazimir received a message on his phone that he abandoned after he sent his men to go after Chiara. At first, he doesn¡¯t have any n to open the message, as he nned to hide from them for a month.

    However, he cannot stop himself from opening it when he saw Elisa¡¯s name as the sender. She had been persistent on contacting him for the past week, and he ignored every texts and calls from her. It was torture, as he craved for her, even her voice.

    Suddenly, his pupils dted as he read the content of her message. He cannot help but to grin. Kazimir even read the message several times, and pinched his skin repeatedly just to make sure that he is not dreaming.

    ¡°Enoteca La Torre,¡± Kazimir spoke while reading the text. He couldn¡¯t help but to feel butterflies in her stomach. Elisa, the woman he¡¯s obsessed with, just invited him to a dinner in a fine and romantic restaurant.

    His eyesnded on thest word on the message. ¡°Kaz,¡± he spoke before pursing his lips to stop himself from smiling like an idiot.

    No one gave him a nickname before, not even his parents. Elisa wouldn¡¯t even say his name, and everytime she does, it is full of hatred and disgust.

    Now that Elisa called him with a nickname ¡°Kaz¡±, he couldn¡¯t help but think that the woman is slowly opening up to him to let him in her life. It¡¯s like she unlocked the door to her heart for him to enter, like an invitation.

    He quickly called for his men who were stalking Elisa. ¡°Where¡¯s my wife right now? What is she doing?¡± Kazimir asked, already owning Elisa as his wife even though there is really nothing going on between them. He is just delusional.

    ¡°Madam Elisa just entered a botique in Luminosa. I think she¡¯s going to buy a dress, signor. Madam Elisa is eyeing on a red dress,¡± the man on the other line reported while subtly watching Elisa who is talking to a saledy inside a botique.

    Kazimir smiled as he already imagined Elisa wearing a red dress, looking gorgeous and sexy in it. He couldn¡¯t stop himself from getting hard. He was hust imagining it, yet she already had much effect on him. What more once he saw herter? He might not be able to stop himself from iming her.

    Once he ended the call, Kazimir called Jacob to prepare a suit for him, the one that will highlight his features well, and will alsopliment Elisa¡¯s beauty.

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re going to meet her, signor?¡± Jacob asked carefully. ¡°What if it¡¯s a trap? It¡¯s so sudden.¡±

    Kazimir red at his assistant. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m dumb? Of course, I already thought of that¡± he spat out before turning his head back to the choices of suits in front of him. ¡°She can¡¯t do anything to me. Besides, I¡¯ll have my men check the parameter before meeting with her.¡±

    Jacob just bowed down and nodded slowly. He was just worried that his signor might be doing reckless decision. They¡¯re talking about Elisa after all. His signor is always unpredictable when ites to her.

    Hours passed and Kazimir is starting to get nervous. He doesn¡¯t know if it¡¯s because he will meet Elisa, or because something might happen to him while going out. For months, he kept himself inside his hideouts and didn¡¯t interact to other people outside. This interaction is somehow new to him.

    Nevertheless, he won¡¯t let his emotions ruin his night with Elisa. Now is his time to shine. He will get Elisa using his charms tonights.

    At five in the afternoon, Kazimir is already waiting outside the restaurant that Elisa mentioned. They parked the car outside, away from the cameras and almost hidden from other people and the buildings.

    He anxiously waited for Elisa to arrive. Kazimir kept on ncing on his watch, his phone, and to the entrance of the restaurant. He didn¡¯t reply to Elisa¡¯s text, as he wanted to know if she will wait for him.

    Back on Elisa¡¯s condominium room, Chiara was helping her in making herself look presentable. Elisa has a natur beauty, and she doesn¡¯t look that oldpare to her age. But Elisa wanted to go all out since it¡¯s her time to use her appearance to get Kazimir on his knees.

    ¡°You look like a youngdy going on her first date,¡± Chiara teased as she sped the locks on the ne. She looked at the mirror to check Elisa¡¯s appearance. ¡°You¡¯re perfect.¡±

    Elisa smiled, feeling contented on how she looks. She stood up and twirled around to check every part of her body. It¡¯s been a long time since she wear something a little revealing than what she usually wears.

    ¡°The n will officially start now. I can¡¯t wait to show off my acting skills,¡± she spoke before leaving the condominium. Before going to the restaurant, she stopped on their mansion first, going inside using their hidden passage, before going out again to make it look like that she¡¯s still living in it.

    Kazimir was then informed that Elisa just left the mansion, together with a picture of her hopping on the car. He was in awe that he didn¡¯t even notice that his mouth is hanging open.

    In his eyes, Elisa looked younger again, just like how she looked like when he first saw her. His mind were immediately filled with dirty thoughts as he cannot wait for her to arrive.

    Just after a few minutes, a familiar car parked in front of the restaurant, and Elisa emerged from it. Looking at her in person made Kazimir think that the photo didn¡¯t give justice to her beauty.

    He wanted to go out and join her immediately, but he stopped himself. He wanted to know if Elisa will wait for him, just like what she said on her message.

    Kazimir was just watching Elisa waiting for him inside the restaurant. Five minutes, ten minutes, fifteen minutes, twenty minutes have passed. Elisa kept on checking her phone and looking outside, seemingly looking for someone.

    After thirty minutes, Kazimir left the car and walked towards Elisa with poise and confidence. He wanted to look cool, like an aristocrat, in front of her. Making for her wait for half an hour is enough for him to know that Elisa meanth the words she said.

    ¡°Kaz,¡± Elisa¡¯s gentle and angelic voice reverberated in Kazimir¡¯s ears. She stood up and greeted him with a respectful bow.

    Just by hearing her voice, Kazimir¡¯s day is alreadyplete. Elisa never talked to her in that tone, because she always talked to her in angry or disguted voice. But now, hearing her talked go him so gently makes him want to cage her with him forever. He felt so special.

    ¡°Belleza,¡± he responded before slowly reaching for her hand. He pulled it closer to him before kissing the back of her palm.

    It wasn¡¯t enough for him. He cannot stop himself from inhaling the scent on her skin. She smelled so sweet, with a touch ofnvender. Even if they¡¯re already in their 50s, Elisa¡¯s skin is still smooth as a baby.

    They took a seat after that interaction. Kazimir sensed that Elisa felt shy and a little bit awkward, so he tried to lighten up their mood. He doesn¡¯t want to talk about anyone, not even her son or what he did to her daughter-inw.  He wanted them to talk about him and her.

    Their food was served after a few moments. Kazimir stared at the woman in front of him as she ate her dinner with elegance. He watched as her lips moved in every bite, as his manhood started to harden everytime Elisa licked his lips.

    For him, it was unintentional. He thought that Elisa was just enjoying her food, and licking her lips is just to remove the sauce on it. But for Elisa, it was intentional. She did it in purpose.

    She wanted to know how long Kazimir can hold on himself as she tried to seduce him with subtle ways. She knew how he wanted her, and she will use that in her advantage.

    Their meal ended shortly, and Kazimir was worried that he might lose his chance since he wasn¡¯t able to give a meaningful conversations to Elisa. He was so focused on watching her that he forgot about his n.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    He was about to speak when Elisa started talking. ¡°Kaz, I want to watch the light show behind the center. Will you apany me?¡± she asked, inviting him.

    Kazimir didn¡¯t think twice before nodding at her request. He offered his hand to guide her while standing up, which Elisa happily epted. Now that they¡¯re walking side to side, Kazimir felt more sexual tension wanting to be freed from the inside. But he hold himself up, because he can¡¯t mess up this opportunity to get closer to her.

    ¡°Sit here, belleza. I don¡¯t want you to hurt you feet,¡± he gently whispered in her ear while tapping the nearby bench. Elisa smiled at him before doing his request.

    Suddenly, she felt something war covering her shoulders. When Elisa looked at it, she saw Kazimir putting his coat over her with a gently gaze.

    ¡°You¡¯ll get cold, belleza,¡± he sadi to her before his hands rested on her arms, slowly caressing them.

    He wanted to see if Elisa will stop him from touching her. Before, just being close to Kazimir made Elisa vomit. Even the slightest touch of their fingers is enough to annoy her.

    But now, Elisa didn¡¯t even stiffened as he caressed her arms. She was just watching the light show with beaming eyes. Kazimir smiled inwardly, thinking that Elisa now likes him. His hand slowly lowered down to her hands that are resting on herp.

    Kazimir used that opportunity to hug Elisa from behind. He was standing behind her, so he was bending downto reach her hands and to envelope her it in his embrace.

    He felt Elisa shivered, which made him thought that she doesn¡¯t want what he is doing to her. But to his surprise, Elisa smiled and spoke. ¡°This feelsfortable.¡±

    Kazimir felt relieved and sesful at the same time. He was now able to hug such beautiful woman, just after a few days, he will be able to do anything that he wanted to her. Just thinking of it makes him excited.

    They were just quiet. Elisa was focused on the light show, while slowly caressing Kazimir¡¯s arms with intent. But thetter thought it was a reflex from her. Kazimir watched Elisa closely, looking for any bad intention from her, but he can¡¯t find anything. All that he can see is a woman happily watching the beautiful lights.

    As the shoe ended, Elisa whispered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Kazimir was taken aback. ¡°Why? Why are you apologizing, belleza?¡±

    Elisa turned her head to an angle to see him, before acting. ¡°I realized that I was really dumb,¡± she then looked down on the ground as her fingers started to tremble. ¡°I didn¡¯t see the good in you. I was too focused on your ws that I didn¡¯t realize that you love me wholeheartedly.¡±

    Kazimir cannot find the words to say. He was torn between what Elisa said, and her pitiful appearance. Elisa looked like she is going cry after a few seconds, as her body shook a little bit whild sniffing silently.

    He reached for the corner of her eyes and tried to wipe the tears that are starting to form. ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize, belleza,¡± he responded. ¡°What¡¯s important is that you recognized my feelings for you. That¡¯s morr than enough for me.¡±

    He lied. That was not enough. He wanted more. He wanted her body, her soul, everything. He wanted to possess her until Elisa cannot live without him. That¡¯s his goal. That¡¯s why he kept on chasing her for years.

    ¡°Thank you, Kaz,¡± Elisa replied. ¡°I hope you¡¯ll give me a chance to make it up to you. I made it difficult for you for the past years, and I-¡±

    Kazimir stopped her words. ¡°Hush, belleza. It¡¯s not your fault. I just love you so much that I¡¯m willing to do anything,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll ept anything you want, as long as you will reciprocate my feelings.¡±

    Elisa swallowed a breath before staring at Kazimir¡¯s dark brown eyes. ¡°I want to stay with you. I want to know you more, Kaz.¡±

    That¡¯s it. Kazimir smiled and celebrated inwardly. Elisa is now just within his grasp, just a few improvements, and he will own her. Kazimir couldn¡¯t wait for the day were Elisa will be stuck with him forever.

 The Actress and The Doubtful Assistant

    ELISA SUCCESSFULLY finished the first phase of their n, and that is to convince Kazimir that she will live with him. After their ¡°date¡±, Kazimir even sent her off to the Vitali¡¯s old mansion. It was actually against Jacob wishes, who has some doubts on Elisa. However, Kazimir was just too blinded by ecstasy to listen to his assistant.

    ¡°Do you want to stay inside for a little bit?¡± Elisa asked while Kazimir was walking her towards the gate of the mansion. Her hand was resting on his arm gently, and it felt light on Kazimir¡¯s skin as if she didn¡¯t put any weight on it.

    Kazimir smiled. ¡°I want to, but it¡¯s alreadyte. You have to take a rest,¡± he responded as the back of his hand caressed her cheek. ¡°I¡¯ll check on you tomorrow. Will that be fine?¡±

    She nodded slowly and bit her lips. It was a subtle movement but it¡¯s enough to send signals on Kazimir¡¯s body. ¡°Just give me a few days to pack up my things. I¡¯ll call you once I¡¯m ready to move out. Can you wait?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± he answered immediately without giving it a second thought. Just a few days are just a piece of cake for him. He had waited for her for several years. Waiting for some days is not that hard. ¡°Tell me if you need help, okay?¡±

    After a few minutes of saying goodbye to each other, Kazimir watched the woman entered the house. They just left when he saw Elisa closed the main door.

    Kazimir couldn¡¯t remove the smile on his face even minutes after separating from Elisa. It didn¡¯t escape Jacob¡¯s eyes, of course, and he couldn¡¯t help but question his signor¡¯s decision.

    ¡°Signor,¡± he called for Kazimir¡¯s attention as he noticed that he is still in cloud nine. ¡°Isn¡¯t it too fast? Chiara Vitali just died, and now Madame Elisa wanted to get close to you. Haven¡¯t you think that she has a hidden agenda?¡±

    His signor¡¯s face turned sour upon hearing his statement. Kazimir gritted his teeth while cocking his head to face Jacob. ¡°Do you really have to ruin my mood?¡± he asked coldly.

    Jacob looked down from the passenger seat, but he didn¡¯t take back his words. ¡°I¡¯m just being cautious, signor. The timeline is suspicious,¡± he added. ¡°Madame Elisa loathed you so much before then suddenly, she acted too sweet, as if you didn¡¯t do anything to her and her family. Something¡¯s not right, signor.¡±

    Kazimir clicked his tongue, stopping himself from ruining the mood. ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing. Don¡¯t you think I have no ns once Elisa lived with me?¡± he grinned widely while looking outside, imagining Elisa¡¯s face. ¡°She can¡¯t do anything. I¡¯ll make sure of that.¡±

    Jacob just acknowledged his signor¡¯s words before breathing a sigh of relief. He was worried that Kazimir was starting to be reckless now that Elisa moved. He knew that Elisa is his driving force, but she can also be his weakness, the reason of his demise.

    Kazimir¡¯s wall of defense might crumble under Elisa, and when that happens, his years of effort will all go to waste. Everything they fight for years will be lost, just because of a woman and his signor¡¯s stupid love.

    Back on the Vitali¡¯s old mansion, Elisa dialed thendline number in her condominium room. It didn¡¯t take too long for someone to answer.

    ¡°How¡¯s your date?¡± Chiara teased on the other line after answering the call.

    Elisa made a puking sound after heard that. ¡°That¡¯s so disgusting, p. Don¡¯t call it a date,¡± she answered while rolling her eyes.

    ¡°But you had a dinner in a romantic restaurant, Mamma,¡± Chiara added while holding back herughter. ¡°Besides, you watched the light show together. Aww, so sweet.¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Stop, oh my god,¡± Elisa reacted while her hand pped her forehead. ¡°I don¡¯t want to think about it. I called to inform you that he already agreed that I will live with him.¡±

    Chiara nodded on the other line while fixing the IV drip on the unconscious manying in the room. ¡°Yep, I heard of it from the recorder. Well, did you notice anything while being with him?¡±

    ¡°He looked like a fool,¡± Elisa responded as she remembered how their rival looked at her earlier. ¡°He also did physical advances, but I know how to tame him down.¡±

    ¡°Do not be fooled by him. He might look like fool in front of you, but I¡¯m sure he¡¯s already thinking of ways to have the advantage in this game,¡± Chiara answered with a warning tone. ¡°That¡¯s why you need to undermine him, not physically, but mentally and emotionally. You have to use his feelings for you to defeat him. And I must say, from listening to your recordings, your doing a great job.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re ttering me,¡± Elisa chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s so easy. He¡¯s a man who loves physical interaction, and I gave it to him while making him want more.¡±

    Chiara smiled, proud on how her mother-inw acted ording to the n. ¡°That¡¯s good. By the way, how about his men? Did you notice anything on them?¡±

    ¡°Not so much,¡± Elisa spoke while washing away the parts that Kazimir touched earlier, as if those parts were dirty. ¡°But his assistant, Jacob, kept on ring on me earlier when Kazimir was not looking. I think he will be a problem.¡±

    ¡°He will be a problem. I¡¯m sure of that,¡± Chiara answered with confidence. She walked towards the whiteboard with information of Kazimir and Jacob written on it. She caressed her belly while reading the contents.

    ¡°Once you entered his house, do something to cut off Kazimir¡¯s rtionship with Jacob. I don¡¯t care how you will do it,¡± Chiara added. ¡°But make sure that you can do one of these two things. Either Jacob won¡¯t be able to contact Kazimir, or Kazimir will lose his trust on him.¡±

    Elisa chuckled. Her daughter-inw now sounded like her son, who is ruthless to their enemies. ¡°The second one will have stronger effect, but it will be difficult to do. Jacob has been working for him for a decades, and Kazimir has a lot of trust on him,¡± she answered. ¡°I¡¯ll do the first choice for now before doing the second one.¡±

    ¡°Whatever works for you,¡± Chiara answered. ¡°By the way, make sure to go back here before living with that old man. You need to bring the instruments Nick made for you.¡±

    ¡°Of course, I won¡¯t forget about that,¡± she responded. ¡°What were those, by the way?¡±

    Chiara checked the box that has the technologies that Nick provided before hiding again to investigate more about Kazimir. ¡°A hidden camera, another voice recorder, and a phone jammer.¡±

    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll visit tomorrow,¡± she answered. ¡°Thank you, p.¡±

    The call ended afterwards and Elisa went back on her night routine. After a few days, she will enter the lion¡¯s den. And she have to be prepared for that.

    FOUR DAYS. Four days passed and now, Elisa just finished packing up the things she will bring to her new home. She made sure that the instruments that gave were well-hidden. Those things were smaller than a coin, and it is not difficult to hide them from in sight.

    Winter is already starting, so Elisa had to wearyers of clothing. It actually made her annoyed because her n was to wear something a little bit revealing to get Kazimir¡¯s attention. However, the weather just ruined her n.

    At 10 in the morning sharp, a car honked from the outside of the Vitali¡¯s old mansion. ¡°Put my luggages out,¡± Elisa ordered her staffs while pointing the gate of the mansion.

    Two men who were working as her driver and gardender carried her four luggages while Elisa carried her handbag. They all walked towards the familiar car owned by Kazimir.

    Jacob emerged from the passenger seat, together with his driver. They all put her things inside thepartment, while Kazimir opened the door for her.

    ¡°You sure brought a lot, belleza,¡± Kazimirmented after kissing the back of her hand.

    Elisa suddenly acted shy in front of him. ¡°I can¡¯t decide what to bring, so I brought most my things. I have my clothings and jewelries with me. Is that fine?¡±

    ¡°You also brought your jewelries? You know I can buy you new ones, belleza,¡± Kazimir answered, thinking that the jewelries Elisa brought were gifts from herte husband. It makes him annoyed.

    ¡°I know,¡± Elisa rested her hand on Kazimir¡¯s leg, just near his knee. ¡°It¡¯s just that, those were my collection. I bought all of those in the Christie¡¯s auction, and I don¡¯t have the courage to let them go. They all look beautiful.¡±

    Upon hearing Elisa¡¯s exnation, Kazimir¡¯s annoyance faded. He offered her a smile before touching her hand that¡¯s on his leg. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make a secluded room for all of your collections. If you want to have more jewelries, just tell me, okay? I¡¯ll buy it for you.¡±

    Elisa¡¯s eye beamed with happiness, although it was an act for her, Kazimir¡¯s heart stomped faster upon seeing her happy face. She looked at him as if he was her savior.

    ¡°Really?!¡± she eximed. ¡°Actually¡­¡± she yed with her fingers while looking down. Elisa pursed her lips as if she wanted to say something, but she¡¯s just too shy to say it out loud.

    ¡°What is it, belleza? Tell me,¡± Kazimir urged her.

    Elisa looked up at him without moving her head, only her eyes. ¡°I heard that there will be a new jewelry auction on Christie¡¯s next week,¡± she answered with a low voice.

    ¡°Then we should go! I¡¯ll buy every jewelry you will like, belleza,¡± he excitedly spoke at her.

    ¡°But it¡¯s in Hong Kong,¡± she answered.

    Kazimir didn¡¯t even think twice before agreeing on her. ¡°That¡¯s not a problem, belleza. We¡¯ll go to Hong Kong then. We can stay there as long as you want.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± she asked. ¡°Thank you! Thank you, Kaz!¡± Elisa leaned to hug him.

    For Kazimir, it was because of sudden burst of emotion, just because he gave her what she needed. But for Elisa, it was intentional and calcted. She is sure that Kazimir wouldn¡¯t think that the trip to Hong Kong is her way to pull him away from his assistant. All she have to do next is to make sure that Kazimir won¡¯t bring Jacob to their trip.

 Seeing Wife Again

    ELISA¡¯S FIRST DAY in Kazimir¡¯s mansion was uneventful. Her daily routine didn¡¯t change. She still woke up at seven in the morning, eat her breakfast, finish the paper works in herpany, then spend the rest of the day doing random stuffs to lessen her boredom.

    The only thing that changed is that Kazimir was always with her, almost 24/7. At first, Elisa thought that it¡¯s because he wanted to keep a close eye on her, and check if she was doing something different. That¡¯s why she was very careful in every move.

    However, upon checking it closely, Elisa realized that Kazimir did that to have some physical interaction with her. Every now and then, Kazimir would touch any part of her body. Sometimes, even pinching it gently, as if he wanted to do more.

    Elisa would let him do what he wants, but will stop him once he went over the line. Just like now.

    ¡°Belleza,¡± Kazimir intentionally moved his face closer to Elisa and whispered in her ear, hoping to give her a shiverring effect. He moved his hand closer to her chest, which Elisa removee immediately.

    She turned her head towards him. ¡°Kaz, don¡¯t you think your being too fast?¡± she asked with a gentle voice, almost pleading like a submissivedy.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, belleza,¡± Kazimir immediately answered, a hundred percent sure of his answer. ¡°I just want to touch you. Can¡¯t I do that?¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡± Elisa trailed off her words, as if she lost her words to say. But the truth is, she has a lot of things to say. Although most are curses, they still count.

    Kazimir caressed the side of her face gently and smiled. ¡°We¡¯re now living in the same roof, belleza. That has no difference on being husband and wife,¡± he persuaded her to sumb on what he wants. ¡°Why don¡¯t we try it? Just little touches, belleza.¡±

    Elisa became quiet while looking down on the ground. She yed with her fingers and bit her lips. Kazimir couldn¡¯t see her face because of her hair blocking his eyesight. But he can see that she¡¯s hesistating, based on her actions.

    He was about to give more words of persuasion, when he heard her sniff. ¡°Belleza? What happened?¡± he quickly touched her hair and moved it aside, only to see Elisa crying silently.

    Kazimir panicked upon seeing her crying face. ¡°Belleza? Are you hurt? Huh?¡± he asked while trying to look for something that might have hurt her.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Elisa spoke with a cracked voice, acting as if she was holding back her cries, but miserably failing. ¡°I¡­¡± she acted as if she wanted to say more, but she ended up crying more.

    Kazimir hurriedly wiped her tears. ¡°Don¡¯t apologize, belleza. You did nothing wrong,¡± he responded and hushed her down. ¡°Don¡¯t you want it? Are you not ready?¡±

    Elisa nodded while hiding her face. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m still not ready,¡± she answered, which sounded hoarse as her mouth is covered with her hands.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I won¡¯t force you anymore,¡± Kazimir said to her while wiping her tears. He touched Elisa¡¯s hand and removed it from covering her face. He smiled softly at her and added, ¡°I¡¯ll wait until your ready.¡±

    Elisa gave her a forced smile despite her tears. ¡°Just give me a few days or weeks, okay? I¡¯m still adjusting, Kaz. I hope you understand.¡±

    Kazimir nodded and cooed her. He hugged her while caressing her back softly. In his mind, Elisa is a weak woman who cried easily. Forcing her like what he did before might sent her away. All he has to do is to get her trust before she will sumb to her fully.

    On the other hand, Elisa who is hugging Kazimir, smiled evilly as she knew that he can¡¯t see her face.

    She knew what are the weaknesses of those men who are like Kazimir: tears. All she has to do is to appear weak and submissive, and to use her tears in the right time to make it look like she can¡¯t do anything to hurt him.

    And it looks like it worked on him easily. Elisa smiled inwardly, as her mind started to n how she will use her tears to create a crack in Kazimir and Jacob¡¯s rtionship.

    THREE DAYS PASSED and Elisa sessfully got various information about Kazimir. She would follow him to his home office, watching him work, and would ask seemingly harmless questions to him.

    For Kazimir, he was ecstatic because he thought that Elisa is having interest on him and on the things he does. That¡¯s why he was being boastful on answering every questions, with a goal to impress her.

    However, Elisa has a different agenda. She followed him to get more information, in hopes that they can find something that can help them in bringing Kazimir down, or in weakening his forces.

    All of their conversations were being recorded by Chiara and Nick, who were working on different ces. She edited the voice recordings, trimmed it, and left only those parts that she seemed to be important. Afterpiling everything, she sent it to someone who will do the other works for her.

    ¡°Kaz,¡± Elisa called for him after she received a signal from Chiara. ¡°I want to go shopping.¡±

    Kazimir wanted to agree, but he contemted the choices. ¡°Can¡¯t we just buy online, belleza?¡± he asked.

    As much as possible, he doesn¡¯t want to go out in the morning. There is a huge chance that his rivals, especially Ezio, will find him. If they were just going overseas, it¡¯s fine. But now, Elisa requested them to go out in Italy, where his enemies are scattered.

    Elisa pouted a little bit and crossed her arms. ¡°Shopping online is different from shopping face to face. I need to see the dresses I will buy in person,¡± she answered.

    Kazimir doesn¡¯t know how to argue with her words. She doesn¡¯t want her to think that he¡¯s hiding, or else she will think that he¡¯s caging her. It might set her off.

    He was about to give another reason when Elisa turned her back to him. ¡°I see. Maybe your ashamed of being seen with me,¡± she spoke with a sad voice before standing up. ¡°I understand. I don¡¯t want to go shopping anymore. Just continue your work.¡±Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    After that, she walked towards the door of his office, getting ready to leave. Suddenly, Kazimir ran after her, panicking.

    ¡°Belleza,¡± he caught her wrist and pulled her towards him. ¡°I¡¯m just kidding,¡± he chuckled even though he really felt nervous that Elisa is now mad at him. ¡°I¡¯ll apany you, okay? Just tell me where you want to shop.¡±

    Elisa looked up at him, looking like a little girl. ¡°Really? You will go with me?¡± she asked. ¡°You¡¯re not ashamed of being with me?¡±

    ¡°Of course, not,¡± he answered immediately. ¡°I want the whole world to you that you¡¯re with me; that you chose me.¡±

    Elisa¡¯s face beamed with happiness because pulling Kazimir out of the office. ¡°Hurry! I have lots of stores in mind!¡± she eximed while running towards the bedroom.

    ON THE VITALI BUILDING, Ezio received an anonymous email. He doesn¡¯t usually open such messages, but the name of the sender caught his attention. He clicked the email and was greeted with various mp3 files and a short message.

    Subject: [DON¡¯T IGNORE THIS!] Recordings From Your Rival

    From: carahasahugebelly@gmail.

    Text: ¡°Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.¡± ¨C motivational quote for today

    PS. Don¡¯t do something unless I told you so. For now, go to La Rinascente. Te amo.

    Ezio smiled after reading the email. He saved it to his favorites. He downloaded those recordings that the email has and transferred it to a hard drive. He made a mental note to listen to those recordings once he got home.

    ¡°To La Rinascente,¡± Ezio ordered Luigi when they went down to the private parking lot of the building.

    Although he doesn¡¯t have any idea, Luigi followed his boss¡¯ order and drove towards the ce. When they arrive, Ezio looked around the ce, walked towards the adjacent building, before going up in the esctor.

    ¡°Where are we going, signor?¡± Luigi asked while they were riding the esctor. He looked on the areas where Ezio is looking, but found nothing that might have caught their attention.

    Ezio put his hands on his pockets and answered, ¡°To the ce where we can have the 360 view of La Rinascente.¡±

    When they arrived at the area that Ezio chose, the two of them sat inside a restaurant and ordered a little but made sure that those were one of their expensive meals.

    Ezio looked at the La Rinascente infront of him, waiting for something to happen. He doesn¡¯t have any idea why the email told him to go in the ce, but he knew he will discover something in this ce.

    While Ezio was sipping on his coffee, Luigi suddenly pointed something at the  building in front of them. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Signora Elisa?¡± he asked with a widened eyes.

    Ezio looked at that area, and he wasn¡¯t surprised to see his mother walking hand in hand with Kazimir: the man who pulled his wife away from him.

    His eyes darkened and his mood turned sour by just staring at his rival. Kazimir and his mother looked like husband and wife just by the way they act.

    Kazimir¡¯s hands rested on Elisa¡¯s waist while thetter is choosing between the dresses in front of them. They looked happy while shopping, as if Kazimir didn¡¯t do something to his family.

    Ezio knew that his mother is now living with Kazimir, just like what she said on theirst meeting. He doesn¡¯t know what n she has in mind, but those recordings surely were recorded by his mother.

    ¡°What are we gonna to do, signor?¡± Luigi asked, wanting to use the time to corner Kazimir now that he¡¯s outside.

    Before Ezio could respond, he received another message from the same email. He smiled and answered his assistant. ¡°We won¡¯t do any unnecessary movements,¡± he responded before sipping his coffee. ¡°Send Dante¡¯s drone to follow Mamma and Kazimir. After knowing the location, send the drone back. We¡¯ll standby, for now.¡±

    Luigi didn¡¯t question his boss¡¯ decision. He just nodded and ryed the message to Dante in order to activate the drone.

    They just watched Elisa and Kazimir walking around the building. Elisa was pointing on several things such as dresses and jewelries, while Kazimir and his men were carrying several bags that contains the things Elisa bought first.

    While watching them, Ezio¡¯s eyesnded on the emerald green dress which looked almost simr to the one that Chiara wore during Marco Leon¡¯s birthday celebration.

    His attention was first caught by the dress. However, as he focused on it more, he saw a familiar face standing just behind the mannequin.

    ¡°Cara,¡± he whispered. Ezio stood up and walked to get a closer look to the person he is seeing.

    He wasn¡¯t dreaming. He really saw his wife standing, just a few meters away from him; just a building away, and with a road separating them.

    Ezio¡¯s heart thumped faster, and his body felt alive again. He couldn¡¯t help but to shed a tear while staring the his wife, who is now smiling at him from a far.

    He thought he was just delusional. Those letters, those emails, those messages. He thought those were from his wife, even if he doesn¡¯t have enough evidences to believe it. He held on tight to those things in order not to falter.

    But now, seeing her alive and healthy, Ezio knew that he had to fight ¨C that he had to survive. His wife is working behind the curtains, helping him, and doing most of the works to bring down their enemy.

    In just a blink of an eye, Chiara disappeared from his sight. A hole was uncovered in his heart, but that short moment of seeing his wife is enough to motivate him for the next days, weeks, or even months.

 Best Actress

    A FEW DAYS PASSED and Elisa sessfully manipted Kazimir in letting his guard down. They would go out everyday, and the guards with them would lessen as the day passed. Elisa created an illusion so that Kazimir would think that Ezio is not after him anymore.

    And as usual, Jacob disagreed on Kazimir¡¯s decision and Elisa¡¯s suggestions. He always made arguments everytime he can see something that might put them in danger. However, Kazimir was just too blind on Elisa¡¯s n.

    Aside from decreasing the number of his guards, Kazimir also shared some information to Elisa that only him and Jacob knew. This made the assistant furious, thus, he decided to confront Elisa.

    ¡°Madame,¡± Jacob spoke with indifference to her while blocking Elisa¡¯s way towards the ground floor. He stopped her midway on the stairs.

    Elisa looked at him with puzzled expression. ¡°Oh, Jacob! Good morning. What can I help you? she asked before stepping down on another step, just for her to be stopped by the assistant.

    ¡°Can I go down on the living foom first?¡± Elisa asked with politeness even though she felt annoyed on the man in front of her. ¡°Let¡¯s talk on it while sitting down.¡±

    Since the first day of her stay in Kazimir¡¯s mansion, Jacob always do the opposite of her wishes. He also tried to convince Kazimir to be stricter to her. She was just fortunate that she has her fingers around Kazimir¡¯s neck.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t wait for such formalities, madame,¡± Jacob answered before getting straight to his point. ¡°I just want to remind you not to interfere with Signor Kazimir¡¯s business.¡±

    Elisa feigned ignorance looked at him with questioning reaction. ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked and shrugged her shoulders. ¡°I don¡¯t meddle with Kaz¡¯s business. I don¡¯t remember doing such thing.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t fuck with me, madame,¡± Jacob spoke through his teeth, obviously losing his patience on the woman in front of him.

    Elisa raised her right eyebrow. ¡°Don¡¯t cuss at me. I hate people with dirty mouths,¡± she scolded him with widened eyes, sending a warning.

    ¡°Don¡¯t change the subject, madame. You know what I¡¯m talking about,¡± he responded before pulling his hands out of his pockets. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m fool enough not to know what you¡¯re doing? You¡¯re ying with Signor Kazimir with your fingers. You¡¯re manipting him.¡±

    Elisa shook her head before standing straight and with confidence. ¡°I don¡¯t know where you got those hunches, but I assure you that I am not manipting Kaz,¡± she responded before chuckling. ¡°Can¡¯t you just be happy that your signor got what he wanted for several years?¡±

    ¡°I can be happy for my signor if you¡¯re genuine,¡± Jacob spat out and red at the woman. ¡°But from the looks of it, I¡¯m sure you have hidden agendas. Your daughter-inw just died, and now you suddenly showed you, saying that you want to give Signor Kazimir a chance? Only a fool would believe in you!¡±

    ¡°So your saying that Kazimir is a fool?¡± Elisa asked and grinned. ¡°You seemed to be too confident of your position as an assistant that you dared to insult your boss.¡±

    Jacob gulped. It wasn¡¯t his intention to indirectly insult Kazimir, but his words already proved it. The woman in front of him sure knows how go twist everyone¡¯s words so that she will be at the advantage.

    ¡°My signor is just blinded with his feelings. Once I opened his eyes out, he will see what kind of woman you are,¡± Jacob grinned before insulting her. ¡°I don¡¯t even know why Signor Kazimir wanted to settle to a second-hand woman like you.¡±

    Elisa was about to open her mouth to reply when her eyes spotted someoneing to their direction. Suddenly, she pped her own face before pushing her own body to fall down the stairs.

    ¡°Aah!¡± Elisa let out a cry as she fell down on the bottommost part of the floor. She touched her cheek with her right hand, while her other hand went to touch her ankle.

    Jacob, on the other hand, was shocked and taken aback by her sudden actions. He doesn¡¯t know why she did that, and he almost thought that she¡¯s going crazy.

    However, his eyes widened as he saw a man emerged from the door. Jacob panicked, as he looked for words to exin the situation.

    ¡°Belleza!¡± Kazimir shouted while running towards the woman who is crying in pain.

    He touched her face to make her look at him, and his eyesnded on her swollen cheek. It was so red and Kazimir knew that it hurts so much, as Elisa jolted everytime he touched it.

    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked the crying woman while checking her body for wounds. Then, he looked up at the his assistant still standing on the stairs. ¡°Jacob! What happened to my wife?!¡±

    Jacob stuttered while trying exin the situation, but he was still shocked, and it gave Elisa time to steal the spotlight. She clung into Kazimir¡¯s arms and cried louder.

    ¡°Belleza? Tell me. Where does it hurt?¡± he asked with worry. He doesn¡¯t know why Elisa was crying. All that he heard earlier is the sound of something heavy falling. When he arrived, he just saw Elisa on the ground.

    Elisa looked up at him with tearful eyes. Slowly, her finger pointed to the man standing on the stairs. ¡°He¡­ he pushed me, Kaz,¡± she spoke with a weak voice before hiding her face on his chest. ¡°He hurted me.¡±

    Kazimir¡¯s eyes darkened upon hearing her words. He turned his head to Jacob and red at him. ¡°What did you do?!¡± he screamed, making his voice echoed inside the living room. Even the maids cleaning in the other parts of the mansion heard his loud voice.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­ I didn¡¯t push her, signor!¡± Jacob immediately defended himself. ¡°She fell on her own!¡±

    Elisa cried louder that her body started shaking in Kazimir¡¯s embrace. Her cries easily dominated Jacob¡¯s words, making his exnation fell on deaf ears.

    ¡°He pped me¡­ He pushed me¡­ He..,¡± Elisa spoke between her cries when suddenly, her body became limp. She fell down once again while sitting, and Kazimir caughter her unconscious body.

    ¡°Belleza!¡± he shouted while gently tapping her cheek with no p mark. ¡°Belleza!¡±

    When Elisa didn¡¯t respond, Kazimir hurriedly carried her body. ¡°Damn you, Jacob!¡± he screamed at his assistant while ring at him. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to give you a lesson! Idiota!¡±

    Kazimir ran towards his cars to send Elisa to the hospital. Unconsciously, Jacob followed them because he doesn¡¯t know what to do, or how to exin the situation to his signor.

    Suddenly, Jacob saw a small smile from Elisa¡¯s lips. She knew that she won, and it will just take a few more times before Kazimir decides to remove Jacob from his life.

    AFTER ALMOST HALF AN HOUR, Elisa ¡°woke up¡± inside the hospital with Kazimir on her side. She turned her head towards him and asked with a weak voice, ¡°Kaz? What happened?¡±

    Kazimir hurriedly checked her. ¡°Belleza, you passed out. Do you feel better now?¡± he asked before silently tapping her cheek that was pped.

    Elisa jolted at his touch, acting as if it was hurting. ¡°My cheek hurts,¡± she answered before biting her lips.

    ¡°That bastard Jacob,¡± Kazimir spat out with hatred in his voice. ¡°How dare he to do this to you!¡±

    After hearing the assistant¡¯s voice, Elisa¡¯s eyes widened, as she acted scared. Tears fell down on her eyes again, but it was not as much as the amount of tears she released earlier.

    ¡°He¡­ He hurted me, Kaz,¡± she whispered while clinging to his arms. ¡°He told me that I was a second-hand,¡± she told him with a pitiful voice.

    Kazimir¡¯s jaw tightened as his knuckled turned white. ¡°He told you that?¡± he asked, his blood boiling inside his body.

    Elisa slowly nodded her head. ¡°He¡¯s right, though,¡± she looked down while looking embarrassed. ¡°I don¡¯t deserve you, Kaz. I¡¯m already a second-hand, and you deserve a woman who is mush younger and fresher than me. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Knives stabbed Kazimir¡¯s heart while listening to Elisa¡¯s voice. He can¡¯t bear hearing her insult her own self.

    For him, Elisa is perfect. No one can bepared to her. She might be old for some, but she remains young in his eyes. His ears couldn¡¯t believe that Jacob told her those things.

    From the start, he already noticed that Jacob hold grudges on Elisa. He noticed how his assistant tried to oppose her. Now that he hurted her physically and emotionally, Kazimir couldn¡¯t just sit still. He has to teach him a lesson.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, belleza. Don¡¯t mind his words, okay?¡± he talked to her, trying to calm her down and cheer her up. ¡°You¡¯re the only one I deserve. You¡¯re not second-hand.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure he will not repeat it again. I¡¯ll punish that bastard!¡± he added while gritting his teeth. ¡°I won¡¯t let him get away from his acts!¡±

    Elisa touched his arms and pleaded. ¡°Don¡¯t be too harsh on him, Kaz,¡± she spoke. ¡°He might just be confused right now. Let¡¯s give him another chance.¡±

    Kazimir shook his head. ¡°No, belleza. I will punish him. He hurted you, and he will pay the price.¡±

    Elisa didn¡¯t urge him more, instead, she rested her head on chest and changed the topic. It was random at first, until she sessfully shifted it to Kazimir¡¯s business and connection without him noticing.

    Now that Elisa is in a fragile situation, Kazimir spoiled her by answering all of her questions truthfully. Elisa used that opportunity to know more about him, especially about his resources.

    In just under an hour, Elisa found out the names of thepanies that were backing Kazimir in Pnd and Italy. He also revealed to her his new identity as Augustine Severino in Pnd, and how he was able to build a hugepany and his connections in that country.

    She heard the names of the politicians and businessmen that have a connection to him. Kazimir was too focused on Elisa that he didn¡¯t notice that he already oversharing.

    On the other hand, Chiara saved the recording and sent it immediately to Ezio. It contains all the names and businesses that Kazimir mentioned, together with his confession that was called Augustine Severino in Pnd.

    That same day, Ezio received another email from the same sender: his wife.

    ¡°Subject: Bring Them All Down

    From: carahasahugebelly@gmail.

    Message: It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. ¨C motivational qoute for today.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    The list of his connections is in the recordings. Make sure to wipe them all out. I don¡¯t want any pests. Te amo. ¡°

 Removing The Pests

    EZIO USED THE RECORDINGS and the list sent by Chiara to find those people who were the source of Kazimir¡¯s power. It was Luigi and Dante who left Italy work on those people staying in Pnd, while Ezio stayed in the country to take care of those Italian people helping their rival.

    It was supposed to be a long job. After all, Kazimir has a lot of connections and those people are not the normal ones. These people hold power in their respective areas, making it difficult for them.

    However, Dante is efficient in finding holes on those people so that they ckmail them. It was hical, but Ezio knew that they have to move fast. Besides, Chiara also sent confidential information about those people, that it made Dante pressured to move faster.

    They worked day and night, as if they don¡¯t get tired. Dante was busy on finding information to use against them, while Ezio and Luigi were the ones to talk to them. If they will agree to their request, which is to cut off their connection with Kazimir, they will let th go. However, those who didn¡¯t bend to their will suffered great loss.

    Just like what¡¯s happening to the CEO of Fabbri Enterprises.

    ¡°Signor Ezio!¡± Lucio greeted Ezio as he entered the private suite of the restaurant where they are going to have a meeting.

    Lucio stood up and shook hands with the young businessman. He was on all smiles, acting like they were close friends. He guided Ezio to his sit with a warm wee.

    Seeing that made the CEO of Fabbri Enterprises shocked, confused, and nervous. He didn¡¯t expect that Lucio, his biggest client, is connected and close to the rival of his boss, Kazimir.Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.

    Ezio sat down on his chair with confidence, emitting an aura of authority. He smiled with intent before looking at Mr. Fabbri, who¡¯s hands are now sweating.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again, Mr. Fabbri,¡± Ezio spoke to him while giving a seemingly genuine, but fake smile. ¡°I¡¯m surprised to see you here. You must be the supplier that Signor Lucio told me.¡±

    Lucio hold back augh by taking a sip on his coffee. He wanted tough on Mr. Fabbri¡¯s expression when he saw Ezio; it was priceless. And also, he was impressed on how Ezio acted like he wad clueless.

    Mr. Fabbriposed himself before answering. ¡°I¡¯m happy to see you, Signor Ezio,¡± he greeted him back. ¡°What brings you here? I wasn¡¯t inform that you will attend. I should have prepared more.¡±

    Ezio just chuckled before resting his elbows on his knees, as he leaned towards the old man in front of him. ¡°Well, Signor Lucio is a good friend of mine. He wanted me to meet you since you were a good business partner and supplier.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes!¡± Mr. Fabbri responded and smiled even though he is shaking inside. ¡°Signor Lucio and I have been partners for years. I always make sure to give the best products not just for him but for all of my costumers,¡± he added before asking. ¡°Perhaps you would want to try mypany¡¯s business, signor?¡±

    ¡°I would love to, but,¡± Ezio trailed off his words before pulling his phone from his pocket. He scrolled like he wasn¡¯t in a meeting before grinning and showing the screen to Mr. Fabbri. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I would want to be connected to someone with huge issue.¡±

    When Mr. Fabbri¡¯s eyesnded on the phone¡¯s screen, his whole body panicked. His pupils shrinked, his palms became colder, and his body started sweating.

    He just shrugged to hide his real emotions and chuckled. ¡°That must be a fake news, signor. Mypany won¡¯t do such things,¡± he defended himself.

    Lucio couldn¡¯t help but look at the screen, too. He pretended to be shocked  before turning his head to Mr. Fabbri. ¡°Fake products? What¡¯s that? You gave us fake products? Just mere imitations?¡±

    Mr. Fabbri hurriedly shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s not true, signor. You¡¯ve been a customer of mine for years! You know that I only give authentic products!¡±

    Lucio bit the inside of his cheeks before looking at Ezio. ¡°Signor, what he said is true. His products are top notched! I never had a problem with them,¡± he spoke ording to their n. ¡°There must be someone tarnishing their image.¡±

    Ezio just nodded as he put the phone back in his pocket. ¡°I supposed to. It¡¯s very easy to spread fake news today, after all,¡± he answered before standing up. ¡°Please excuse me. I¡¯ll just call my wife,¡± he lied before leaving the private suite.

    Just moments after Ezio left, Lucio stood up. ¡°Mr. Fabbri, I¡¯ll talk to Signor Ezio, okay?¡± he spoke with assurance while tapping his Mr. Fabbri¡¯s back yfully. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure he will recognize yourpany. You deserve it after all! Besides, partnering with him will surely make your business go boom!¡±

    Mr. Fabbri smiled and felt relieved by his words. Afterwards, Lucio left the room to follow Ezio. Mr. Fabbri was left alone inside.

    At first, he was nervous when Ezio arrived. Just two days ago, Ezio met him up and urged him to go against Kazimir, which he turned down. He would never betray his boss like that, especially now that he increased his payments to him.

    Under Kazimir¡¯s wing, Mr. Fabbri¡¯s financial life won¡¯tck. It is always abundant. All he had to do is to make sure that Kazimir will get top assassins and gunmens to help him cleaning his way. It¡¯s just a piece of cake for him, in exchange for stacks of money.

    Minutes passed and Mr. Fabbri noticed that Lucio and Ezio haven¡¯t go back yet. He started to get worried, so he decided to check them out.

    The moment he opened the door of the private suite, clicks from cameras and shes of lights greeted him. The lights were too bright that he can¡¯t see it clearly. Suddenly, he heard several voices from different people asking.

    ¡°Did you really use imitations in your products, sir?¡±

    ¡°An information said that you used different ingredients from what you advertised. Are you stealing money from your clients?¡±

    ¡°A former client of yours came up to say that your products wete failures and most of those malfunctioned. What can you say about this?¡±

    More questions and journalists swarmed towards him. His way out of the private suite was blocked and now, the room is filled with the people from the media. He tried to look for Ezio and Lucio from the crowd to ask for help, but to no avail.

    On the private parking lot of the restaurant, Ezio and Lucio wereughing with each other while watching a live stream of what¡¯s happening to Mr. Fabbri. News about his clients¡¯ dissatisfaction on his products emerged, as well as the announcements of various businessman stating that they are cutting of their connection with the Fabbri Enterprises.

    They already either destroyed or encouraged almost three-fourths on what¡¯s on the list. Just a little bit more and Kazimir¡¯s foundation will crumble.

    ON THE OTHER PART OF THE GLOBE, Kazimir and Elisa were living the best of their lives. They are currently in Hong Kong to attend the auction that Elisa wanted to join. Because of her persuasion and good reasoning skills, Elisa made him agree not to bring anyone with him aside from his driver.

    ¡°I¡¯m really excited to have our private moments, Kaz,¡± Elisa spoke while they were walking on the sea side, overlooking the beauty of the city.

    Kazimir turned his head to her and asked with a yful smile. ¡°But we had our private times in the mansion, too. Don¡¯t you want it there?¡±

    ¡°Not like that,¡± she answered. ¡°I mean, in the mansion, there are a lot of people. We can only have our private time inside the bedroom or in your office. But a lot of times, Jacob is there too. But I understand because he¡¯s your assistant and he¡¯d been working for your for decades.¡±

    Kazimir couldn¡¯t help but to feel butterflies in his stomach after hearing her words. Just from his understanding, Elisa wanted to have him all by herself, that even having his assistant nearby made her ufortable and out of ce. He wasn¡¯t able to see the real reason why Elisa said that.

    ¡°We can have the mansion all by ourselves, belleza,¡± he responded before kissing the top of her head like a loving husband. ¡°I¡¯ll send my men and Jacob to my other houses. The maids, they can just stay in the mansion until afternoon. That way, we can have the privacy we want.¡±

    The word ¡°privacy¡± seemed harmless, but in Kazimir¡¯s mind, he is already imagining the nasty and lustful things he will do to Elisa once they were alone. He won¡¯t let even a single part of the mansion to not witness them being one.

    Elisa gave him a small smile, even though she felt disgusted inside. She really wanted to go home, because Kazimir has been extra touchy since they arrived in Hong Kong, and she¡¯s worried that he might go over the line. She doesn¡¯t know how long she can keep Kazimir on the leash.

    She was just waiting for Chiara¡¯s signal for her to move again. Once her son sessfully removed the pests and found strong evidences against Kazimir, then they can go home. Once that happened, Kazimir¡¯s trial will start and her act will end.

    ¡°Here, drink some juice. I made that for you,¡± Elisa spoke while giving him a ck tumbler. ¡°It¡¯s iced tea. Your favorite.¡±

    Kazimir smiled before drinking the juice. Since Elisa lived with him, she has this habit of making juice or any drinks for him. All of them taste so good that his day is notplete if he can¡¯t have it.

    Little did he know that Elisa didn¡¯t do that just because he is special. Elise put something inside those drinks. Something that will make him defenselesster on.

 Deceiving Kazimir

    KAZIMIR AND ELISA were holding each other¡¯s hands while entering the Colombo mansion. Their trip in Hong Kong, whichsted for four days, already came to an end. Just after Elisa received a go signal from Chiara, she immediately urged Kazimir to go home, stating that she missed their country and that she felt homesick.

    The old man didn¡¯t argue with her ordered his pilot to prepare the private ne. Now, they arrived in Italy with the beautiful memories they made in the foreign country. Beautiful memories on Kazimir¡¯s vocabry, but disgusting for Elisa.

    The moment they entered, a familiar man¡¯s voice echoed in the receiving area. Kazimir¡¯s face turned sour upon seeing who the man is.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I order you to leave?¡± Kazimir spat out. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see your face, Jacob.¡±

    The assistant, who looked pretty beat up, immediately exined himself to his boss. ¡°I have a very important news, signor! Please hear me out!¡±

    Jacob¡¯s face is full of bruises, and his right is swollen that he can¡¯t open it up. He is also experiencing difficulties while walking, as his left leg was hit with a baseball bat several times. Those were his punishments given by Kazimir, for something that he was framed up.

    Kazimir sighed at him before turning his face to Elisa, who is hiding her face on his chest. Elisa felt his stare, so she looked up at him. He looked at her as if he was asking a question.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Elisa answered, acting weak. ¡°Go and talk to you. That must be very important.¡±

    Kazimir ordered the maids to send Elisa back to their room so that she can take a rest. He knew that she must tired from their travel, and her mood must be also ruined when she saw Jacob.

    ¡°Speak. I don¡¯t have all day,¡± Kazimir ordered as he put his hands in hus pockets, ring at his assistant.

    ¡°Your connections in Pnd, signor! Most of them encountered a bacsh and scandals. I don¡¯t know what happened to them, but theirpanies are all in the brink of bankruptcy!¡± he reported while showing the news reports and stock charts to his signor.

    Kazimir grabbed the papers and the iPad, before reading the contents of it. The more his eyes read more words, the more his jaw tightened. He scrolled on each news and saw the unfortunate events that thosepanies faced.

    ¡°Our people in the military called yesterday, and they said that they were suspended, signor. They are asking for your help,¡± Jacob added before showing the messages that they received from Kazimir¡¯s work phone.

    Kazimir¡¯s eyes darkened as he threw the things he¡¯s holding away. The papers scattered on the floor, but fortunately, the iPadnded on the couch and it didn¡¯t receive much damage.

    ¡°Who the fuck did this?!¡± Kazimir¡¯s voice shook the entire room that even Jacob closed his eyes because of shock. ¡°Who¡¯s the bastard who dared to do that?!¡±

    Jacob gulped. He wasn¡¯t sure of what to answer, but only one person is in his mind. ¡°Signor, I think it was Ezio Vitali who did this,¡± he answered before showing a photo of Ezio and Lucio looking triumphant while Mr. Fabbri was being attacked by the media.

    ¡°This bastard,¡± Kazimir spat out while ring at the photo. If Ezio is just in front of him now, he would have shot his head and leave him dead. ¡°How did he find out our connections? Who leaked it?¡±

    The assistant wanted to answer, and gave a certain name, but he is not sure if his boss will ept it, especially now that he is a fool to believe everything that woman says.

    But in the end, Jacob chose to speak what¡¯s on his mind. ¡°The only person I could think of is Madame Elisa,¡± he said before closing his eyes, waiting for the impact of whatever his boss will do to him.

    And true to his hunches, a strong punchnded on his stomach. Jacob lose his strength and fell down to the ground, touching his aching belly.

    ¡°You hurt my wife, now you¡¯re using her of doing that thing?!¡± Kazimir kicked the assistant¡¯s body until it rolled over. ¡°Are you really out of your mind?!¡±

    Jacob tried to stand up but was kicked once again. This time, Kazimir¡¯s foot hit his face. But he didn¡¯t back down.

    ¡°Signor! I didn¡¯t hurt madame!¡± he defended himself while looking up at his boss. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it, signor!¡±

    Kazimir spat out an insultingugh at him. ¡°So you¡¯re saying that my wife pped herself? That she fell down on her own? Is that what you¡¯re saying?!¡±

    Jacob¡¯s eyes lit up as he thought that his signor now believe him. ¡°Yes! That¡¯s what happened, signor! I didn-¡±

    Before he could even finish his words, another kicknded on his face. This time, it hit his teeth that a piece of it was removed from his gum. Blood fell down from his mouth as he tried to recover from the impact.

    ¡°You¡¯re really crazy,¡± Kazimir spoke coldly while looking down on him. ¡°You must have hit your head somewhere, that¡¯s why your seeing things,¡± he frowned at the sight of his assistant bleeding before adding. ¡°Or maybe you just want to pull Elisa away from me? Huh?¡±

    He turned his back to him and spoke, ¡°If you still want to work for me, stop those nonsense things. Fix this mess on my men and prove your loyalty to me,¡± Kazimir walked towards the stairs and stopped midway. ¡°You know what will happen to you if you dared to disobey me. Remember whom you owe your life, Jacob.¡±

    HOURS PASSED AND IT¡¯S ALREADY night time when Kazimir entered the bedroom. Elisa was busy brushing her hair when he arrived. He couldn¡¯t help but to be attracted to her more, and his lust rose up.

    ¡°Belleza,¡± he spoke while hugging her from the side, sniffing the scent of her hair. ¡°I¡¯m starting to have some doubts.¡±

    Elisa looked unbothered and asked, ¡°Doubts about what?¡±

    Kazimir looked at her, reading her expression. ¡°On you, belleza. I¡¯m starting to doubt you.¡±

    The expression on Elisa¡¯s face changed. It showed surprised, and she looked hurt. ¡°Why?¡± she asked, stuttering even those it¡¯s just a word. ¡°Did I do something?¡±

    Kazimir was taken aback on her reaction. He was expecting to see denial and panic on her face. But no, she immediately looked like he just spoke something that hurt her emotionally.

    He immediatelye clean and exined to her what happened. He said everything that Jacob reported to him. ¡°You¡¯re the only one I told about my connections before this happened, belleza. I couldn¡¯t help but doubt you,¡± Kazimir spoke before sighing. ¡°Tell me that I¡¯m wrong.¡±

    Elisa touched his hands and looked at him straight in the eye. ¡°I¡¯m loyal to you, Kaz. I couldn¡¯t do such thing,¡± she spoke before looking down. ¡°I understand your doubts, and they¡¯re valid. You will really doubt me because everything came falling down when I arrived.¡±

    She sniffed as small tears fell down from her eyes. ¡°Maybe¡­ I should just go,¡± she whispered. ¡°Your life became messed up when I came. I¡¯m sorry, Kaz.¡±

    Kazimir panicked and heforted her immediately. ¡°That¡¯s not true, belleza. My life became better because of you,¡± he spoke with passion. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I doubted you. It¡¯s just¡­ I don¡¯t know what to do, belleza. A lot of things are happening, and Jacob, he told me that he¡¯s suspecting you.¡±

    ¡°What can I do so that you won¡¯t doubt me?¡± she asked while looking up at him. She looked submissive and weak, and Kazimir couldn¡¯t help but to feel hot.

    He reached for her cheek and caressed them softly. He looked at her with lust and answered, ¡°Sleep with me, belleza. Make love with me. That is the only way to know if you really mean your words.¡±

    Without hesitation, Elisa nodded. ¡°I will. But can you give me just an hour? I want to prepare myself,¡± she spoked and acted shy. ¡°It¡¯s been so long since I did such thing.¡±

    Kazimif felt ecstatic and excited that he couldn¡¯t stop himself from smiling. ¡°Of course, belleza. Do what you want so that you¡¯ll be prepared. I¡¯ll wait for you here,¡± he replied before kissing her forehead.

    When Elisa left the room, she went to thefort room and texted Chiara about what happened. She agreed to his request, but she still doesn¡¯t know how to do it without her sleeping with him. It seems impossible, but Chiara¡¯s reply made her feel relieved.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    From: Chiara

    Message: Hallucinogens. Use a maid to take your ce.

    After half an hour, one of the maids entered Kazimir¡¯s bedroom, holding the cup of tea that he likes to drink before going to bed.

    ¡°Signor, here¡¯s your tea,¡± the maid spike before putting down the cup on the table.

    She didn¡¯t leave until Kazimir drank almost half of the drink. Afterwards, she left the room with no noise and was greeted by Elisa who is waiting outside.

    ¡°He drank it, signora,¡± the maid reported which made Elisa smile.

    ¡°Good,¡± she responded and gave her a stack of money. ¡°After another half an hour, enter that room again and make him the happiest man alive. You know what to do.¡±

    Elisa patiently waited for the time to arrive. Inside the mansion, there are only three of them: Elisa, Kazimir, and the maid. The other staffs were sent home and the guards were just on the outside.

    After thirty minutes, the maid entered Kazimir¡¯s bedroom wearing on her underwear. The moment Kazimir¡¯s eyesnded on her, he felt his whole body became hotter and his manhood stiffened.

    ¡°Belleza,¡± he whispered while looking on the maid which has Elisa¡¯s face on his sight. ¡°Come here.¡±

    The maid didn¡¯t need to be told twice. She walked seductively towards Kazimir and sat on hisp. The moments Kazimir¡¯s hand were on her skin, they immediately shared a hot and passionate kiss.

    Their tongue were engaged in a battle as Kazimir caressed every corner of her body. Her neck, her breasts, her femininity, and even her legs had a contact with his hand.

    From the outside, Elisa couldn¡¯t hear anything at first. But after a few minutes, she heard Kazimir¡¯s groans and the maid¡¯s moans from the open door of the bedroom.

    The sound of flesh hitting each other echoed in the hallway where Elisa is staying. Kazimir moaning her name reverbated in Elisa¡¯s ear that she couldn¡¯t stop herself from frowning.

    She waited until their noises quieted down. A few moments after, the maid wearing only her underwear. She was sweating and her face is flushed red.

    Elisa greeted her with anothe stack of money. ¡°You did great. Here¡¯s a bonus for you,¡± she said. ¡°Remember that no one must know what happened tonight.¡±

    ¡°I will keep my mouth shut, signora,¡± the maid responded before she was dismissed.

    Elisa entered the bedroom and locked it. On the bed, Kazimir was sleeping soundly with his limp manhood resting on his lower body.

    She removed the upper part of her clothes but left her bra alone. Elisa made her hair messy and pinched certain parts of her skin to make it look like love bites. After all, she has to look like she just had sex once Kazimir woke up in the morning.

 A Case Against Kazimir

    ON THE TOP OF THEIR OFFICE TABLE rested various papers and hard drives that Luigi and Dante brought back. Ezio skimmed all of it, plugged the drives on their devices and checked the contents of each of those things.

    The more Ezio watched and read, the more his hatred towards Kazimir increased. His patience became thin as he read the papers and watched the footages of Kazimir doing uwful things to Ezio¡¯s father, Masimo.

    From false using him of crimes, to executint attempted murders. Everything is in the evidences they have in their hands. It¡¯s all thanks to those connections of Kazimir who sumbed to Ezio¡¯s power. After all, they don¡¯t want to face the same tragedy that Mr. Fabbri had, especially now that he is already bankrupt and spending his time in prison.

    ¡°These evidences are already enough, signor,¡± Chief Bruno stated while skimming and documenting everything. ¡°I will issue a search warrant within this day. Rest assured that we will catch that criminal.¡±

    Ezio nodded. He already trusted Chief Bruno, not just because he saved Chiara¡¯s life before, but also because he proved himself worthy of it during their battle against Giovanni. Without his help, they wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat their rival.

    ¡°I believe in your capabilities, chief,¡± Ezio answered before standing up. ¡°Giovanni will be a witness for this. I hope he¡¯s doing well in his cell.¡±

    ¡°About that,¡± Chied Bruno pulled some papers and photos from the other police¡¯s bag. ¡°Just yesterday, Mr. Giordano was almost attacked. An unknown man who posed as a police guard tried to enter his cell.¡±

    He pointed at the photos that contained the face of the attacker. ¡°Fortunately, our patrolling officers found him on time. He wasn¡¯t able to hurt the inmate because of that.¡±

    ¡°An attack, huh?¡± Ezio asked while touching his chin. ¡°I assumed you haven¡¯t found the identity of the man yet.¡±

    ¡°We still haven¡¯t, but we¡¯re sure that he¡¯s not from Italy,¡± Chief Bruno answered. ¡°We conducted a background check but none of our database gave a positive result. We will try to widen our search.¡±Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°Try looking at Pnd,¡± Ezio responded before pointing at Kazimir¡¯s picture on the table. ¡°That bastard stayed there for a long time, after all.¡±

    After their short meeting, Chief Bruno and his policemen left the Vitali Building. On the other hand, Ezio stared at the evidences they got which the chief left for them to have substitutes in case something will happen to other proofs.

    He sat down and rested on his swivel chair, before looking at the view of the city from the floor to ceiling ss window in his office.

    ¡°What¡¯s our next move, my friend?¡± Dante asked whileying on the visitor¡¯s couch and ying Mobile Legends in his phone. The sound of the game echoed inside the room.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait for the police to finish their tasks,¡± he answered before closing his eyes, wanting to take a rest because of non-stop working for the past week. ¡°I¡¯m sure that our move will reach his ears. He will try to escape.¡±

    ¡°Should we attack him in his ce, boss?¡± Luigi asked. ¡°We already know his location. We can just give that to the police.¡±

    Ezio shook his head. ¡°Let¡¯s take a rest for now. Besides, I¡¯m waiting for orders.¡±

    ¡°Orders from whom?¡± Dante asked, even looking away from the game to look at his friend.

    ¡°Huh? My boss has a boss?¡± Luigi said with confusion, cocking his head to the side.

    Ezio gave a yful smile as he remembered their exchange of messages in the email. Their conversation is all about their n against Kazimir. Well, mostly were Chiara¡¯s order for him which he obediently followed.

    ¡°I said what I said. We will move once I receive my order,¡± he spoke. ¡°Now, let me sleep.¡±

    BACK ON THE COLOMBO MANSION, Elisa and Kazimir were having their dinner. It¡¯s been three days since that ¡°intimate¡± night that they shared, and Elisa noticed a lot of changes.

    Kazimir became more obedient to her, making it easier for her go tell him to do things that will benefit their side. Aside from that, Kazimir trusted her more. He even discussed to her the in and outs in hispany as Augustine Severino while boasting about his wealth.

    ¡°I really like the taste of every drink you made for me, belleza,¡± Kazimir spoke softly after finishing the first ss of juice that Elisa gave to him.

    ¡°I¡¯m d that you love it. I will make more of it in the future you, Kaz,¡± she replied before urging him to drink more.

    Of course, that juice will taste different from the normal ones. Elisa put something on it after all. And it¡¯s been more than a week since she did that. The side effects will surely manifest one of these days.

    They were sharing a romantic time when Jacob, who she had not seen for days, entered with a worried expression.

    ¡°Signor!¡± the assistant shouted. The traces of Kazimir¡¯s violence that day is still visible in his face. ¡°We have a problem!¡±

    Kazimir looked annoyed just by seeing his assistant¡¯s face. ¡°I told you to take care of our problem, now you¡¯re saying that we have another problem? What hell are you even doing?!¡±

    Jacob ran towards them, his eyesnded on Elisa for a short moment before exining to his signor. ¡°It¡¯s Ezio Vitali, signor! He filed a case against you! Murder, libel, and more! He¡¯s trying to pin you down, signor!¡±

    Kazimir and Elisa rose up from their seats upon hearing that. Elisa hurriedly touched Kazimir¡¯s arm for support and waited for Jacob to tell them more.

    ¡°They have evidences of your illegal doing, signor. Most of those came from your connections. They were bribed by him!¡± he added while showing some photos of Ezio and some business personalities having a meeting.

    ¡°They will release a warrant by this day, signor. What should we do?¡±

    With that, Elisa stepped up and acted the way Chiara wanted her to. She looked at Kazimir and put her hand in front of him, as if she was protecting the man from any danger.

    ¡°Let me handle this, Kaz,¡± she spoke with a gentle tone. ¡°Ezio is my son. I will try to convince him to pull back the case against you.¡±

    Kazimir felt touched by Elisa¡¯s action. Seeing her determined to protect him from her own son is enough to move his dark heart. ¡°Belleza, what if he will try to get you away from me? I can¡¯t bear to be away from you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Elisa assured him. ¡°My son cannot hurt me. I¡¯m his mother and he will listen to me.¡±

    She touched Kazimir¡¯s face and made his look at her straight in the eye. ¡°I will make sure he can¡¯t hurt you. I¡¯ll talk to him tonight, and I will bring you a good news. Believe in me, okay?¡±

    Kazimir nodded. ¡°Jacob, make sure that my wife will arrive ande home safe,¡± he ordered him.

    Although a bit hesitant, Jacob agreed and the two left Kazimir alone in the mansion. They used one of Kazimir¡¯s cars to visit Ezio in his own mansion.

    ¡°Turn right to the intersection,¡± Elisa said while they were on the way, teaching Jacob the way to Ezio¡¯s ce.

    ¡°Are you sure you can convince your son?¡± Jacob asked while driving. He is still hesitant of her n.

    Elisa nodded with confidence. ¡°Of course. I know my son very well. He will listen to me.¡±

    Their travel was quiet, but Jacob couldn¡¯t erase the ufortable feeling he currently has. He felt like at any moment, something bad will happen.

    Suddenly, a ck van swerved towards them, running directly towards their car. Jacob didn¡¯t have enough time to react.

    A strong force hit the front of their car. It was enough to hit Jacob who is in the driver¡¯s seat, but not enough to reach Elisa on the back seat.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Jacob screamed as his leg became stuck between his seat and the front of the van. He tried to get away from his seat but his leg wouldn¡¯t even move.

    ¡°Help me! Madame, help me!¡± he shouted to Elisa who is still shocked.

    She moved towards Jacob to help him get away from the seat, but before she could get near, someone opened the door beside Jacob.

    ¡°This is for killing Signora Isadora. Go to hell,¡± the man with a deep voice spoke before pulling the trigger of the gun that¡¯s pointed to Jacob¡¯s head.

    In just a few moments, Jacob¡¯s head bursted and blood sttered inside the car. The door beside Elisa opened too without her noticing, and a familiar man greeted her.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for scaring you,¡± Lucio spoke while extending his hand towards Elisa. ¡°Your son sent me to fetch you, signora.¡±

    She was hesitant because all that she knew is that Lucio is the grandfather of Giovanni¡¯s lover. She doesn¡¯t have any interaction with him before.

    Then, she received a text message from Chiara.

    From: Chiara

    Message: Go with him. He¡¯s an ally.

    That¡¯s the only signal for her to follow the old man. She felt ufortable, but it didn¡¯t take long because they arrived at Ezio¡¯s mansion, where her son is waiting for her in the entrance.

    ¡°Mamma, how are you?¡± Ezio asked before hugging her. ¡°I hope that bastard is not hurting you.¡±

    ¡°Bastard?¡± she asked with confusion.

    ¡°That Kazimir,¡± he answered before pulling her inside. ¡°I know that you¡¯re staying with him, Mamma. My wife told me,¡± he added while smiling like he won the lottery.

    At the same time, her phone buzzed and another message from Chiara popped up.

    From: Chiara

    Message: He knows. Surprise!

    Elisa wanted to pinch Chiara¡¯s cheeks if she¡¯s just in front of her. The only thing Elisa knew is that Ezio was looking for evidences, but she doesn¡¯t know that Chiara has a contact with him. She just thought that Chiara has an eye on Ezio that¡¯s why she knows what¡¯s happening around him. She didn¡¯t expect that they¡¯remunicating.

    And that exins why Ezio suddenly recovered from Chiara¡¯s fake death.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside, Mamma! Spend a few hours here before going back to that old man,¡± Ezio invited as they walked inside the mansion.

    ON ELISA¡¯S CONDO, Chiara was busy eating grapes, which became her favorite, while texting a certain number.

    She smiled while typing Kazimir¡¯s location on her phone, before scheduling it to be sent after two hours. Afterwards, she sent another message to Elisa.

    To: Mamma Elisa

    Message: Will you drop your act now?

    It didn¡¯t take long before she received a reply from her mother-inw.

    From: Mamma Elisa

    Message: No. I¡¯ll fool him until the end. That will be better, right?

 Elisa, The Best Actress

    WHEN KAZIMIR WAS LEFT alone inside his mansion, he stood up and walked towards the refrigerator. His body is looking for something to drink, as his throat suddenly went dry. He just finished his meal and drank but he can¡¯t stop the dry feeling in his throat.

    Once he opened the fridge, his eyesnded on the ss pitcher that contains the juice that Elisa gives to him everyday. He instantly felt the need to drink it, so he grabbed the pitcher before transferring some of the contents in his ss.

    He instantly felt relieved. Kazimir doesn¡¯t know why he is always looking for the juice that Elisa made. Maybe because it came from Elisa, or maybe because it just tastes so good.

    He looked at the clock and found out that it¡¯s been only twenty minutes since Elisa and Jacob left, but he can¡¯t help but to miss her.

    ¡°Damn that bastard,¡± he muttered under his breath as he remembered what Ezio did.

    He thought he gave him a huge blow by killing his wife. Jacob reported that Ezio wasn¡¯t seen in his office or even leaving his house since his wife¡¯s death, so Kazimir thought that he must still ve mourning.

    Kazimir didn¡¯t expect that he was working behind the curtains, stabbing him while he was not looking.

    If not for Elisa, he would have killed that man a long time ago, or even killing him at the same day he killed his father. But he was merciful enough to spare his life, because he doesn¡¯t want Elisa to feel sad.

    Now that Elisa is staying with him, he just have to remove Ezio from his mother¡¯s mind. That way, he can dispatch that bastard without hurting Elisa¡¯s feelings.

    ¡°Belleza, I know that you already have feelings for me,¡± Kazimir spoke as he remembered the intimate and hot night that they shared.

    Elisa was moaning loudly that night, which just heightened his arousal. He dreamt of that before. Elisa being with him in the same bed, doing things that is just exclusive for married couple.

    His worries and doubts faded away after that night. Elisa is like a medicine for him, the one that makes him calm and berserk at the same time.

    Now that they already made love, Kazimir is nning to propose to Elisa. He is a hundred percent sure that she will agree.

    No one can stop them now. Masimo is death. And now, Elisa is ready to face Ezio just to protect Kazimir. That act is enough for Kazimir to know that the woman is on his side now.

    While waiting for Elisa toe home, Kazimir suddenly felt the need to sleep. He felt more tired since they came back from Hong Kong, and he had been sleeping a lot.

    Kazimir nned to get up and walked up to the bedroom, but he felt that he was so tired that he can¡¯t even get up or move his legs. In the end, he decided to just sleep on the couch and wait for his ¡°wife¡±.

    In his dreams, Elisa was walking in the aisle while looking at him standing in the altar. She was wearing the most beautiful wedding dress that can be made, filled with diamond stones on every part of it.

    At the background, he can see a lot of people he knew and those who are somehoe close to him, especially on his business. He cannot see Ezio anywhere, which is a relief for him.

    Kazimir thought that his dream is a premonition of what will happen in thr future, that he will get married to Elisa and he will sessfully eliminate his rival.

    However, just a few steps before Elisa reached the altar, two pairs of men¡¯s hands pulled her away from him.

    ¡°Belleza!¡± he shouted in his dream while reaching towards the bride. But he cannot reach her even thought he tried to run. The more he runs towards her, the more she became farther away.

    Behind Elisa, two familiar men emerged as they protect the woman away from Kazimir.

    ¡°She¡¯s mine. Elisa will never be yours,¡± Masimo spoke while ring at Kazimir. His hand touching Elisa¡¯s shoulders.

    Ezio stepped in front, blocking Kazimir¡¯s sight of Elisa. ¡°Mamma will never love  a monster like you, Kazimir. She will stay with us, and you,¡± he pointed Kazimir. ¡°will go to hell.¡±

    Suddenly, the ground started shaking. The tiled floor under his feet opened up, and Kazimir fell down on the pit of fire.

    ¡°Elisa!¡± he screamed while trying to grab the hem of Elisa¡¯s gown. However, Ezio stomped on his hand, making him fall deeper in the darkness.

    Kazimir¡¯s eyes shot open as he woke up from his nightmare. He was sweating and huffing, feeling the rush of fear and nervousness in his body.

    He looked at the clock and found out that it¡¯s been three hours since Elisa left. Kazimir looked around to check, just to find out that she and his assistant haven¡¯t arrived yet.

    He sat fromying down and attempted to stand up to reach for his phone and call Elisa. However, he stopped midwat of doing it.

    ¡°What?¡± he asked himself with confusion while looking down. ¡°My legs¡­ What happened to my legs?¡±

    He tried moving his legs again, trying to transfer it from the couch to the ground. But he still can¡¯t move it even a centimeter.

    Kazimir thought he was still in a nightmare so he looked back at the clock again, just to see it working properly. He tried pinching his skin, but nothing happened aside from him feeling hurt.

    He tried to move his toenails, thinking that he was just having a sleep paralysis. But it didn¡¯t work. Even his toenails is moving.

    His whole lower body is numb. He can¡¯t feel anything in that area even if he tried to pinch it hard. The skin became purple because of his pinches, but he still can¡¯t feel anything.

    ¡°My legs!¡± he eximed. ¡°Robert! Tim! Come inside!¡± he called for his men who must be still inside the parameters of the mansion

    He waited for some moments, but no one on those people he called came. Instead, he heard a familiar female voice.

    ¡°Kaz!¡± Elisa called for him from the outside as she ran towards the entrance of the mansion. ¡°Kaz! I have a good news!¡±

    Elisa arrived in the living room and saw Kazimir sitting on the couch. She walked towards him while smiling widely. ¡°A good news! My son agreed to pull the cade back! He won¡¯t sue you anymore!¡±

    She hugged Kazimir after speaking. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about anything now, Kaz,¡± she added.

    Kazimir, although worried about his leg, smiled back to Elisa. ¡°Thank you, belleza. I really appreciate it,¡± he responded before looking at Elisa¡¯s back as if he was looking for something.

    ¡°Is there any problem?¡± she asked before also looking at the direction Kazimir is looking at, just to find nothing on it.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Jacob? He went out with you right?¡± he asked.

    Elisa¡¯s face didn¡¯t even changed its emotion. ¡°Oh yeah. He told me he will work on those connections of yours ehi were facing a problem. It¡¯s still not settled so he had to leave after dropping me off,¡± she lied.

    Kazimir nodded before looking down at his numb leg. The emotion in his eyes didn¡¯t escape Elisa¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°What happened? You looked worried, Kaz,¡± she asked before lowering her body to look at Kazimir. ¡°Aren¡¯t you happy that the case will not proceed?¡±

    The man went back to his senses after hearing her voice. ¡°I¡¯m happy, belleza. You¡¯ve already done so much,¡± he answered.

    ¡°Then why do you look like that?¡± she asked once again.

    Kazimir took a deep breath before answering. ¡°Belleza, I can¡¯t move my legs.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Elisa eximed as she stood up frim shock. ¡°Oh my god! It could be a sign of stroke, Kaz! I need to send you to the hospital!¡±

    Elisa ran towards their front yard, and when she came back, one of Kazimir¡¯s guards is with her. The guard carried Kazimir towards the passenger seat of the car.

    ¡°I¡¯ll drive. Guard the house,¡± Elisa ordered before iming the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll get there immediately.¡±

    She started the car. Kazimir became worried because of what Elisa said to him. He didn¡¯t think that it was a sign of stroke.

    But Elisa knew that it wasn¡¯t really a sign of stroke. She just said that to create fear and reasoning to Kazimir.

    The reason of Kazimir¡¯s legs¡¯ numbness is the drinks she had been giving him since she stayed with him. It has a medicine that can give a paralyzing effect.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Although she didn¡¯t expect that it will take effect this day, she thinks she is lucky enough. His condition just made their n work better.

    While driving towards the hospital, siren from police cars echoed in the road. Elisa looked at the side mirror to check. ¡°Police? Am I overspeeding?¡±

    The sight of police made Kazimir nervous. He kept on looking back to check if the police cars were after them. The moment one of the cars passed them, he made a sigh of relief.

    However, that same police car blocked their way. After that, two more police cars blocked their left and right side while another one stopped behind them.

    ¡°Officer? What¡¯s happening?¡± Elisa asked when she opened the window.

    The familiar officer answered. ¡°I need you both toe with us.¡±

    Elisa hurriedly grabbed Kazimir¡¯s hand. ¡°Officer, my husband is having stroke. Please let us go. He might die if we will dy the treatment!¡±

    But the officer didn¡¯t listen to her reason. He ordered his men to get Kazimir and Elisa out of the car.

    ¡°Let us go!¡± Kazimir shouted as two policemen pulled him out. He doesn¡¯t have any energy in his lower body, which just made it easier for the men to carry him.

    The officer showed a piece of paper to Kazimir. ¡°You¡¯re under arrest for killing Masimo Vitali and Chiara Vitali. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court ofw. You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you,¡± he said while they were cuffung his hands.

    ¡°No!¡± Elisa shouted while trying to stop the police, but was blocked by the other policemen. ¡°That case is already dismissed! My son dismissed that case!¡±

    ¡°But our records showed the opposite, Madame,¡± the officer spoke before signalling his men. ¡°Take him to the station.¡±

    ¡°Kaz!¡± Elisa tried to run but her body was pulled back by the officers. ¡°Let him go!¡±

    Kazimir cannot fight back and all he can do is scream at the officers while watching Elisa cry for him. The tears on her face gave him mixed emotions: sadness because his beloved is crying, and happiness because her tears are all for him.

    ¡°Belleza! Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll solve this!¡± he screamed as the officers put him at the police car. ¡°I¡¯ll get through this!¡±

    He didn¡¯t even hear Elisa¡¯s reply as the police car door already closed. He looked back to see the crying Elisa running towards the car. When she reached it, her palms hit the window while screaming something that he cannot hear.

    Kazimir looked bothered but he assured her that everything will be alright. Of course, Elisa can¡¯t hear him, so she continued on screaming and wailing as the car started.

    The police car drove away from Elisa, who also started running. However, her speed it not enough to overtake the car. In the end, Elisa faded from Kazimir¡¯s eyes.

    The moment the car cannot be seen from Elisa¡¯s perspective, she stopped crying and startedughing out loud like a crazy woman.

    On her back, someone started pping, making her look back.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good show, signora!¡± Gabriel spoke while chuckling, showing his amazed expression. ¡°Better than the shows I¡¯ve watched!¡±

    Elisa wiped her fake tears and boasted. ¡°Of course. It¡¯s my forte,¡± she responded. ¡°I¡¯m the best actress, after all.¡±

 Final Encounter

    KAZIMIR SEATED inside the interrogation room, with Chief Bruno opening some files in front of him. He is annoyed, not because he was inside a prison but because these police officers pulled him away from Elisa. If they didn¡¯te, he would have been spending the rest of his night with her.

    His numb lower body also added to his annoyance. At first, he was worried that it might be stroke. But after spending almost an hour with that problem, nothing bad happened to him.

    ¡°These are the evidences that you orchestrated Masimo Vitali¡¯s murder,¡± Chief Bruno spoke while pointing at the papers and photos. All of it contains the witnesses¡¯ sworn testimonies and those words from the essories to the crime.

    Kazimir just looked boredly at the papers. ¡°I didn¡¯t do such a thing,¡± he answered with a calm voice, which one could think that he is not lying.

    ¡°Really?¡± Chief Bruno raised his eyebrow subtly. ¡°But the evidences says otherwise.¡±

    The criminal didn¡¯t back down even after presenting strong evidences for his crime. He just shrugged his shoulders and exined, ¡°I know what I said. I don¡¯t know why there documents and statements like this, but I didn¡¯t do it.¡±

    The chief put the evidences aside and another officer put it back to the envelopes. He steepled his hands with his elbows resting on the table, before leaning towards the cuffed criminal.

    ¡°Those evidences are strong enough to put you in prison,¡± he spoke. ¡°Aside from killing Mr. Masimo Vitali, you were also the mastermind behind the car incident that led to Mrs. Chiara Vitali¡¯s death.¡±

    Kazimir shook his head firmly, still hiding the truth from the police officer that¡¯s interrogating him. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it, officer. I only know Masimo Vitali, but I don¡¯t know anyone who is named Chiara Vitali.¡±

    Chief Bruno almost sighed as he can already foresee that they cannot make this criminal admit his crimes. Just from the lookes of it, Kazimir¡¯s calm exterior and well calcted answers is enough to say that he is used in doing such thing. He is expert in telling lies.

    ¡°Those men who purposely hit Mrs. Vitali¡¯s car confessed that it was you who ordered them to do the crime,¡± the chief responded. ¡°They signed sworned testimonies and all of them are already detained. They all pointed you, Mr. Colombo.¡±

    Kazimir was shocked, but his expression didn¡¯t change a bit. He spent a lot of money paying those men not just to finish Chiara off but to also keep their mouths shut.

    He was impressed that Ezio made his men talk. May it be giving them more money or ckmailing them like he always does, it still worked.

    ¡°That kid,¡± Kazimir spoke in his thoughts while stopping the urge of gritting his teeth because of anger. ¡°He fooled his own mother, giving her false promises. What can of son is he? He is only thinking about himself.¡±

    He loathed Ezio. Kazimir didn¡¯t really think that he will dismiss the case, but hearing those words came from Elisa¡¯s lips made him think that Ezio listened to his mother.

    But they were wrong, and Elisa was fooled. Kazimirnded right on Ezio¡¯s trap.

    Unfortunately for Ezio, Kazimir knew how to destroy a trap and make it a death pit for his rival.

    ¡°I don¡¯t why this is happening, officer,¡± Kazimir replied. ¡°But I¡¯m telling you that I¡¯m innocent. I will have mywyer defend me in this case.¡±

    Chief Bruno decided that will wrap up their interrogation. They have to go on with the case and fight in the court. He is not worried about the evidences because they have the strong ones. What worried him is that Kazimir might have something up on his sleeves that will turn the situation upside down.

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll let you talk to yourwyer. However, you will be detained for the time being,¡± Chief Bruno answered before signaling his men to escort Kazimir towards his detention cell.

    But before the officers could go towards Kazimir, he raised his right hand. ¡°Officer, my lower body felt numb and I can¡¯t move it. May I please request to be sent to a hospital?¡± he asked politely, hiding his true intentions behind his calm expression.

    The chief was silent for a moment. He was skeptical on letting Kazimir go to other ce aside from the prison. However, he can¡¯t make him deprive of his rights. Detaining him despite his condition will put him in a bad light, or worst, he might get suspended.

    ¡°Okay,¡± he replied. ¡°I will have my men to escort and guard you.¡±

    After that, Chief Bruni talked to his right-hand man and gave him orders and reminders on what to do while Kazimir is under their control. They know what he is capable of, but they don¡¯t know what more he can do.

    After a few minutes, Kazimir and the police officers left the station. They let Kazimir call hiswyer, which is Jacob. However, the assistant didn¡¯t answer his phone.

    He repeated it several time just to be greeted by the system recording. Annoyed, Kazimir call another trusted men, which answered it after a few seconds.

    ¡°Abel,¡± he spoke on the line and the man immediately recognized his voice. ¡°You¡¯ll be mywyer,¡± he added before telling him the hospital where they will go. ¡°Meet me, ASAP.¡±

    It didn¡¯t take long for them to arrive in the hospital. After a few screenings, the doctor seemed not to find anything wrong with his body. He made physical checks but there¡¯s no problem with it.

    ¡°I suggest to do aboratory exam for this, signor,¡± the doctor spoke after checking his lower body. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with you. Atleast physically. You might have taken something that can numb your body.¡±

    Outside Kazimir¡¯s ward were three police officers guarding him incase he tried to escape. On the exits and entrance of the hospital, more guards were dispatched to make sure that he can¡¯t go away.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Signor,¡± his trusted man, Abel, arrived while the doctor was administering a drug to make Kazimir¡¯s situation better.

    Kazimir just nodded and signalled him to get closer. When the doctor left, Kazimir talked with a low voice. ¡°Get me out of here. You know what to do,¡± he ordered.

    ¡°Yes, signor,¡± Abel answered with obedience and respect. ¡°Shall I ready your ne?¡±

    Kazimir nodded. ¡°Yes,¡± he answered. ¡°And give me something that I can use to call my wife. I¡¯ll take her with me.¡±

    That day, Kazimir¡¯s escape n is moving. He texted Elisa of his n, but before he could get her response, his body felt sleepy and sumb to the darkness.

    It was already morning when he woke up, and it was because of Abel. The man reported that he already settle everything and that he was able to distract the police officers guarding Kazimir. Hence, why the fire rm of the building suddenly went on.

    Kazimir found himself being able to move his lower body. The two men walked outside the ward with urgency, just to see one police officer waiting for them.

    ¡°We have to leave n-¡±

    The officer didn¡¯t even finish his words when Abel shot him straight in the neck. His blood sttered on the white walls, after the silent shot.

    Kazimir and Abel silently walked away from the bloody scene. On the parking lot, a car was already waiting for Kazimir.

    ¡°Just go straight to you ne, signor. Everything is already settled,¡± Abel reminded him before separating ways.

    On the way to the airport, Kazimir texted Elisa to wait for him on the nearest gas station from his mansion. He stepped harder on the gas pedal and flew his car on the road, ignoring the speed limit and the road signs.

    ¡°Belleza!¡± Kazimir shouted as he saw Elisa waiting for him at their decided ce.

    Elisa was wearing an all ck winter outfit, with a mask that covered the lower half of her face. She has one suitcase and one backpack with her.

    ¡°Kaz,¡± she said after settling on the passenger seat. ¡°Where are we going now? Why are the police after you?¡±

    ¡°We will go back to Pnd, belleza,¡± he answered while driving towards the airport. ¡°We¡¯ll have a new and peaceful life there. Don¡¯t worry, they won¡¯te after us.¡±

    ¡°But my son¡­¡± Elisa trailed off her words, looking hesistant to go out of Italy with Kazimir.

    The man touched her hand to sooth her. Her hand were cold because of the cold temperature. ¡°Your son fooled you, belleza,¡± he said before gritting his teeth. ¡°He fooled you. He didn¡¯t dismiss the case. Your son is the one who put me in this situation.¡±

    Elisa shook her head with widened eyes. ¡°No, my son can¡¯t do that,¡± she muttered.

    ¡°He did, belleza,¡± he answered. ¡°The officers told me that it was him who filed the case,¡± he lied just to get the woman¡¯s sympathy.

    Elisa¡¯s hand gripoed Kazimir¡¯s while shaking her head harder. ¡°That¡¯s impossible! He already dismissed the case! I heard him talk to the officee over the phone!¡±

    ¡°Belleza, listen to me,¡± he spoke softly as he parked the car inside the airport. ¡°Ezio lied to you. He doesn¡¯t care if he will hurt your feelings because he only thinks about getting revenge for his wife. He doesn¡¯t care about you, belleza. He doesn¡¯t deserve to be call your son.¡±

    A single tear fell from Elisa¡¯s eyes. ¡°How could he do this to me?¡± her body started shaking a little bit as she wept more. ¡°I¡¯m his mother, but he¡­¡±

    Kazimir hugged Elisa in hopes tofort her. He looked apologetic outside, but on the inside, he is celebrating because he finally put a crack in Elisa and Ezio¡¯s rtionship.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, belleza. Once we leave this country, he can¡¯t ruin our lives anymore,¡± he spoke. ¡°Now, will you leave with me and stay with me in Pnd?¡±

    Without hesitation, Elisa nodded. That¡¯s the only thing that Kazimir needed before pulling her out of the car to go the ne.

    He was excited to build a new life with Elisa in a foreign country. He just needs to create new identities for both of them, then they can live peacefully without Ezioing after them.

    However, his thoughts were ruined when he saw a familiar man standing on the stairs of Kazimir¡¯s ne. He didn¡¯t notice it immediately but his ne was surrounded by several high-end cars, where various bulky men were standing.

    ¡°Nice to see you again, Kazimir,¡± Ezio greeted with a mocking smile. ¡°I had a hard time looking for you. Today must be my lucky day.¡±

    Rage filled Kazimir¡¯s body just by seeing his rival looking triumphant. He didn¡¯t expect to see him in his own ne. He thought that his n is perfect. Just a few steps and he will finally have the life that he wanted, but Ezio just came to ruin it.

    Before Kazimir could speak, Elisa stepped up. ¡°Son! Please! Let us go!¡± she shouted with her pleading eyes. ¡°Just forget and forgive him. We just want to live a good life!¡±

    Ezio chuckled. ¡°Forgive and forget?¡± he mocked. ¡°That man killed my wife and you¡¯re telling me to forgive him? Seems like you forgot that he killed your husband, too?¡±

    Kazimir didn¡¯t back down. ¡°Elisa wants to stay with me. Can¡¯t you understand that?¡± his hand reached for the gun behind him. ¡°Will you really choose some bitch over your own mother?!¡±

    Ezio¡¯s ears rang and his blood boiled after hearing Kazimir¡¯s words. ¡°My wife¡¯s not a bitch!¡± he screamed at his with thunderous voice.

    Kazimir just smirked and taunted him more. ¡°Compare to Elisa, that woman is nothing but a trash. I can¡¯t understand why you kept on choosing a bitch rather than your mother¡¯s happiness. Bastard!¡±

    Ezio cannot control his anger. He reached for his gun, but before he could do that, Kazimir pulled it out and aimed towards Ezio.

    ¡°Die!¡± he shouted before pulling the trigger.

    However, before his finger could even toucher the trigger, he felt something sharp hit his neck, which was followed by a liquid entering his body.

    Slowly, he looked back with furrowed eyebrows, just to see Elisa pushing the syringe deeper into his veins.

    ¡°Belleza,¡± his words stuttered. ¡°Why?¡±

    Betrayal, surprise, and confusion filled his body while staring at Elisa¡¯s face that is void of any emotion. She pulled the syringe out and let a little bit of blood came out of Kazimir¡¯s neck.

    ¡°That¡¯s for killing my husband,¡± Elisa spoke with a cold voice. ¡°Die, Kazimir. I want you dead.¡±

 Te Amo

    THE SYRINGE FELL DOWN ON THE GROUND as Elisa¡¯s hands tremble with rage. Memories of herte husband¡¯sst moment reyed in her mind, again and again, and it makes her feel sick and nauseous.

    Every bullet that hit her husband¡¯s back while protecting their son echoed in her ears like bombs. Masimo¡¯s bleeding and cold body made her went back to that traumatic past.

    Her mind was quickly filled with Kazimir¡¯s violence and brutality. The moments Kazimir tried to vite her resurfaced. The way he tried to destroy her clothes and make her feel dirty just made her blood boil more.

    Elisa¡¯s eyes looked down on the kneeling man on the ground. Her eyes were shooting daggers as Kazimir looked at her with surprise, and a lot more emotions that she cannot recognize.

    Kazimir was touching the part that Elisa injected, stopping it from bleeding. His lower lip trembled as he looked at the woman he chased for years.

    ¡°Belleza, why?¡± he stuttered. ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    He wanted to hear that Elisa just made a mistake saying those things, or that he just heard it wrong. He will ept any reason as long as Elisa will say that she does mean those word.

    But the truth is far from his delusions.

    ¡°Oh, you didn¡¯t hear it? I¡¯ll repeat for you,¡± Elisa curled her body down to get closer to Kazimir¡¯s ears and spoke. ¡°Die. I want you to die.¡±

    Kazimir shook his head repeatedly. ¡°You don¡¯t mean that. You don¡¯t,¡± he said, still in-denial of the truth. ¡°You won¡¯t say that.¡±

    Elisa¡¯s maniption and act ingrained into his mind deeply that he still cannot see the reality. He still thinks that the woman is on his side.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Angered, Kazimir turned his head towards Ezio who is just watching the show and screamed. ¡°Bastard!¡± his saliva was even threw to the air because of it. ¡°How dare you use Elisa in this situation?! How dare you manipte her to go against me?! Can you see that we love each other?!¡±

    Ezio couldn¡¯t help but tough out loud because of Kazimir¡¯s words. He cannot stop himself and he even pped Luigi¡¯s back because of the ridiculous things he just heard.

    On Kazimir¡¯s back, Elisa was alsoughing and mocking the old man. Kazimir was about to look back at her when he heard Ezio responded.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t use my mother, you delusional man,¡± Ezio spoke afterposing himself. ¡°Mamma orchestrated this whole n. And did I just hear you say that you love each other?¡±

    Ezio¡¯s ear faced Kazimir while leaning closer to him even if they are meters apart, seemingly taunting the old man to repeat his words.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kazimir spoke with confidence. ¡°Elisa and I love each other.¡±

    Ezio and Elisa couldn¡¯t stop themselves fromughing. Ezio¡¯s eyes even watered because of that. ¡°You love each other? Breaking news, old man! Mamma doesn¡¯t love you! You¡¯re being manipted! Surprise!¡± he mocked while looking at the man with silly expression.

    Kazimir shook his head and looked back to Elisa, asking for help for her to rify the rtionship between them and defend him from his son. But all that he saw is a womanughing at him.

    ¡°Belleza, you love me right?¡± he asked with all of his hope. He looked at her with pleading eyes, only to be met by her cold ones.

    ¡°You want the truth, Kazimir?¡± she leaned towards him and smiled creepily. ¡°I don¡¯t love you, and I will never love you.¡±

    Kazimir was taken aback. He didn¡¯t expect her response. For the past week, they had been living like a husband and wife. Elisa acted like an affectionate lover, catering everything that Kazimir needs.

    They even had a trip to a foreign country. They had their sweet and romantics times, even dating on several ces. They did things that only a husband and wife will do, now she¡¯s telling him that she doesn¡¯t love him?

    ¡°You told me that you will make it up to me, that you will make up those years of me chasing you,¡± Kazimir clung into Elisa¡¯s leg because he felt like he can¡¯t stand up, maybe because of the thing that Elisa injected into him.

    He looked expectantly at Elisa. ¡°You said that you already saw the good in me. We even dated. You told me that I make you happy,¡± he spoke wholeheartedly. Kazimir tightened his grip he felt that Elisa wanted to release herself from his touch.

    Elisa sighed and ran her fingers on her hair. ¡°Those words were parts of our n, Kazimir. Or should I say, Kaz?¡± she mocked him with her words and expression. ¡°Oh, I remember. I made that nickname up for more effect.¡±

    She removed Kazimir¡¯s hands on her leg before kicking his chest away. Kazimir easily fell to the ground again as his lower body already lost its energy.

    When Elisa moved backward, Kazimir tried to moved closer, but he cannot do it. He cannot move his leg, just like what happened to him the previous night.

    ¡°I nned to get closer to you. I used your feelings for me to find your weaknesses,¡± Elisa spoke before removing the earrings that she wore during her entire time staying in Kazimir¡¯s mansion.

    She dropped the earrings to the ground, and Kazimir hurriedly grabbed it with his hands. ¡°Those earrings recorded everything you said to me. Everything you shared, your work, you connections, the information about your name. Those were all ryed to my son.¡±

    ¡°When Jacob told you that I was a bad news and a spy, I didn¡¯t expect that you wille to defend me. You even believed my words when I told you that Jacob hurted me,¡± she chuckled before pping herself the same way she did when she sabotaged Jacob. ¡°Imagine believing the woman of your old enemy instead of the person who had been loyal for you for decades. You¡¯re a fool, Kazimir.¡±

    She walked around on her heels, slowly removing every jewelry in her body that Kazimir gave to her. ¡°And speaking of Jacob. I just want to inform you that he died yesterday,¡± she said before throwing Jacob¡¯s golden watch towards him. ¡°Lucio killed him. If you don¡¯t know who he is, Lucio is Isadora¡¯s grandfather. He seeked revenge for her.¡±

    Everything that Kazimir gave to Elisa fell on the ground. Elisa even stomped on those things like those were just trash for her. The dresses that Kazimir bought were all inside the suitcase that Elisa brought.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not true,¡± Kazimir muttered under his breath. ¡°That can¡¯t be true,¡± he looked up at him while gripping the earrings hard on his hand. ¡°We made love, belleza. Now tell me that¡¯s not true.¡±

    Elisa threw all of the things inside the suitcase. ¡°Oh that? You think I will have sex with a dirty man like you? You think I don¡¯t know that you fuck all of your maids?¡± she threw a bottle of liquid on the things that Kazimir bought, soaking them wet

    ¡°I used a hallucinogen and used a maid to rece me that night. While you were moaning my name, you were fucking another woman. Isn¡¯t that n effective?¡± she smiled sarcastically at him. ¡°You trusted me more because of that. I can¡¯t believe that all you need is sex to believe a woman.¡±

    Kazimir¡¯s eyes widened. That night, he really believed it was Elisa he was making love with. Even if the body doesn¡¯t felt the same, even if the voice doesn¡¯t sound the same, he still believed it was her.

    He was on cloud nine because of that. Making love with her is one of his greatest dreams. But everything was a lie. She lied to him.

    ¡°You lied to me,¡± he whispered. ¡°You lied to me!¡± he said for the second time, now screaming at her face. ¡°Bitch! You made me a fool!¡±

    ¡°Because that¡¯s the n!¡± Elisa shouted back at him, holding a lighter in her hand. ¡°You really think I will love the person who killed my husband?! You think I¡¯m a saint to forgive you?! You ruined my life! You deserve to go to hell!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Kazimir fought back and tried to stand up just to fail. ¡°You¡¯re just a mindless bitch who will choose a dead man over me! I gave you everything, Elisa! You¡¯re just too blind to see my efforts to give you a good life!¡±

    ¡°You became pregnant even before marriage! You think I don¡¯t know that?¡± he mocked as tears started to form in his eyes. ¡°You can give yourself to another mam but not me? I helped your family and even gave you opportunities for your career, but you can¡¯t even see that! Shameless! Ungrateful! All I want is for you to love me back!¡±

    Elisa threw the lighter harshly on the ground, and a huge dire engulfed everything that Kazimir bought for her. In front of the huge fire is Kazimir¡¯s eyes that¡¯s filled with pain and hatred.

    Slowly, he smiled creepily. ¡°You know what, Elisa? If I can¡¯t have you, then I¡¯ll make sure that no one will.¡±

    Suddenly, a gun pointed at Elisa¡¯s face, catching her off guard. She tried to dodge the bullet as Ezio and his men ran to save him.

    Then, a sound of a bullet echoed in the airport. Twice.

    When Elisa opened her eyes, she was surprised that no bullet hit her body. Instead, she saw Kazimirying on the ground, lifeless.

    His hand is bleeding from the bullet, while the center of his forehead has a bleeding hole. His eyes were still wide open, but he is not breathing anymore.

    On their back, Dante was standing with his gun on his hand.

    ¡°You really killed him,¡± Ezio spoke at his friend while helping his mother recover from shock.

    Dante just clicked his tongue. ¡°The situation calls for it. I have to do that or your mother will die,¡± he answered before putting back the gun on his holster.

    That the same hour, Kazimir was announced dead. Ezio didn¡¯t expect that the old man will meet such unfortunate end. He was expecting of him going to trial because of his crimes.

    But now that he¡¯s dead, a huge thorn in his throat was removed. He felt like he can finally sleep peacefully, with both of his eyes closed.

    ¡°Are you okay, Mamma?¡± he asked his mother while they were on the way to the Vitali¡¯s old mansion.

    Elisa nodded. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just didn¡¯t expect that he will meet his end that quick. And also infront of me,¡± she answered before smiling. ¡°I feel relieved now that it¡¯s over. No one will try to hurt you anymore.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your efforts, Mamma,¡± Ezio hugged his mother from the side. ¡°Without you, we wouldn¡¯t seed. You¡¯re the MVP, Mamma.¡±

    ¡°Silly boy,¡± Elisa chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m not the MVP. It¡¯s actually your wife. She nned everything, from the start to end.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s pupils dted upon his mother mentioning his wife. ¡°My wife, where¡¯s my wife, Mamma?¡±

    Elisa just smiled and told Luigi to drive towards her condominium. She didn¡¯t answer her son¡¯s questions even if he kept on bombarding him.

    ¡°Where¡¯s cara, Mamma?¡±

    ¡°Why did you hide her from me?¡±

    ¡°I want to see my wife.¡±

    ¡°Let me go to cara, Mamma.¡±

    ¡°Mamma, give me her location. I¡¯ll go to her.¡±

    Elisa kept quiet and ignored her son until they arrived at her condominium. She was followed by Luigi and Ezio while going to the elevator.

    When they were already in front of her condo, Elisa swiped her card and invited them to enter.

    Ezio was about to ask what they are doing in such ce when he heard footstepsing from the other side of the room. He slowly turned his head to that direction.

    Suddenly, his eyes widened upon seeing a familiar woman. She was wearing a pastel green dress that reached below her knees. On her hand is a bowl of grapes as her other hand picked the fruits one by one towards her mouth.

    The moment their eyesnded on each other, the woman lose her hold on the bowl, and it fell down on the ground, creating a loud sound.

    ¡°Cara,¡± Ezio whispered, as he cannot believe what he is seeing. ¡°Cara!¡±

    He ran towards her direction and locked her tightly in his embrace. Tears fell from his eyes, not because he was sad, but because happines filled his heart quickly.

    Since that incident, Ezio didn¡¯t have a good sleep. He was always twisting and turning on his bed, craving for his wife¡¯s embrace and goodnight greetings.

    Now, feeling her warm skin against him brought out his emotioms that were pent up since her disappearance. He kissed every part of Chiara¡¯s face: forehead, cheeks, lips, and even her neck.

    ¡°You¡¯re squeezing my tummy, tesoro,¡± Chiarained while pouting.

    Ezio was about to respond when his mother pulled him away. ¡°Don¡¯t hug her too tight!¡± she scolded her own son.

    Luigi interfered with the conversation and asked because he was confused. ¡°What? Howe you were alive, signora? No offense but, we saw your body and the DNA results, so¡­¡±

    Suddenly, another man emerged from the balcony and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s because of me!¡± Nick announced.

    ¡°You¡¯re missing,¡± Ezio spoke and cocked his head while touching his wife¡¯s waist.

    He sat on the couch and exined what happened. ¡°The day of the incident, I left the mansion and followed Chiara. Thankfully, I was able to pull her out on time with Gabriel¡¯s help. However¡­¡±

    Elisa opened the door of one of the rooms, and they were greeted by a man with burned body lying on a bed with various tubes connected on his body.

    ¡°We weren¡¯t able to save Victor. He was shielding Chiara from the fire and he ended up getting most of the damage,¡± he continued. ¡°Although he has some burns, he is stable now.¡±

    Ezio nodded, convinced with his exnation. ¡°How about the DNA test result? I¡¯m sure it¡¯s fake.¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s fake, tesoro,¡± Chiara answered while massaging the small bulge on her tummy. ¡°We need to fake my death so that Kazimir won¡¯t go after us anymore. Also, it helped us in working behind the curtains and he wasn¡¯t able to see our movements.¡±

    Ezio smiled. He was so proud that his wife was able to think of such n on bringing Kazimir down. He can¡¯t help but to hug her again, but Chiara pushed him slightly.

    ¡°You¡¯ll squeeze our baby,¡± she spoke while smiling at him.

    Ezio still didn¡¯t get what she said and spoke, ¡°Oh, sorry, cara. I- what?¡±

    His eyes widened before looking down on Chiara¡¯s stomach. That¡¯s when he noticed that it was bigger than before. He also noticed that what she¡¯s wearing is not just a simple dress, but a maternity dress.

    Ezio looked up at her with widened and questioning eyes. His heart beating faster and faster at every second.

    ¡°I¡¯m three months pregnant, tesoro,¡± Chiara smiled softly with glistening eyes. ¡°You¡¯re going to be a daddy.¡±

    Ezio¡¯s world seemed to stop after hearing her words. His eyes went back and forth between Chiara¡¯s face and her tummy.

    Suddenly, he stood up while smiling before shouting. ¡°I¡¯m gonna be a dad! Fuck yeah! I¡¯m gonna be a dad!¡±

    He jumped up and down with joy while repeating the same words. Ezio reached for her wife before hugging from the back and gently caressing her belly.

    He kissed her cheek before crying on her shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m so happy, cara. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°No, thank you,¡± Chiara spoke before facing him. ¡°Thank you for forcing me to marry you. If you didn¡¯t do that, I wouldn¡¯t experience how good it is to be loved by you. Te amo.¡±

    The two lovers shared a passionate kiss, full of love for each other. It was deep, just the like their love and affection.

    After the obstacles they faced, their rtionship became stronger than ever. They didn¡¯t back down and held each other up to seed. Now, a new member of their family wille, and they cannot contain their joy.

    Chiara felt lucky to be the bargain bride of her husband. A thing that seemed to be a curse was actually a blessing in disguise, and marrying Ezio is the best decision that she made in this life, and on the next lives.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!