feel to be

and laced with mockery. His piercing blue eyes bore into

," he added, his tone dripping with sa

a deceptively gentle gesture that quickly turned into a p

e. This wasn't just a w

said, voice cold and precise, each syllable like glass. "And don't wo

t an offer. They

ted me

ted me t

to end before

chest, but my voice ref

ther carefully laid trap-one that would

: Do you think if I had a ch

thing. I coul

of my wrist. I winced and tried to pull away, but h

. This was a cage made

reath when I heard the measured

ere sh

egance, wearing a smile that could charm devils, she

daughter," she said, loud eno

and her breath was

ich, Antonia," she whispered. "Rich, even if it means sacrificing

rupy sweet. But

y, smiled one last time, then van

ke that, I

ever truly be

final glance at the lavish hall-the silk

I whi

the p

en to

f me that once belie

n us so heavy it nearly suffocated me. His gaze remained fixed out the w

even a glance. I might as

ked in my chest. I can't wait to se

hing better waited at th

ly, "take us away from here. This

nodded with

ven, dressed with precision. His eyes fli

Alessandro muttered. "You'll be seeing

rlier. Not our home. The

y combed, his suit crisp, and his posture confident without being over

warm smile. "Mrs. Antonia Amato," he said gently. "W

eld kindnes

n him and Alessandr

small, grateful smile. "That's...

n't be true," he said softly, eyes fli

hollow. "You'd be su

he city gave way to the countrysid

o didn't speak.

told me where

owed at a pair of tall, iron gates. Beyond the

mach t

ntering a

ike walking i

he car rolled through, crunch

that I was being led into som

eached the front door-my

mber. One

then unlock

was short. J

you're not