Thinking she had finally broken free from her family's violence, Ariana has no choice but to attend the party her father had thrown for the man she has always hated. The ruthless mafia lord Matteo Donatelli, whom her family had taken under their wing when she was a teenager. Drunk and clouded by his new power, Don Matteo Donatelli unknowingly made love to his adopted sister. Moments later Ariana is Trying to hold back all the anger, emotions and tears when she sees the man who just stole her virginity, recklessly propose in front of the entire family to his outsider American girlfriend Becky Saunders. unexpectedly she slumps on her wedding day! But things take a surprising turn! Read on to find out!
ARIANA'S POV~
"My father is a beast, yes I said it, a beast and a terrorist, a rapist and every other evil and vile thing the criminals do in Italy! I hate him" I said, holding the paper in my hands and shaking with anger as I ruffled it and threw it to the floor.
"I hate home, and I never want to go back, my life since moving to Malta has been nothing short of beautiful, the handsome waiter I met last week, finally wants to take me on a nice date, somewhere fancy but instead I've been summoned home by my father," I said as I threw my handbag to the couch and slumped into it.
"TONIGHT!" I screamed, "And that ASSHOLE will also be there"
My cousin and best friend in the world, Fiona sat beside me as I cried continuously.
"If you refuse this, I'm sure you will be dragged to the plane" she said, sounding sorry for me as she picked up the paper to read its content.
"I thought when my father said 'Do whatever you want, I don't want to see your pathetic face around.' He meant it, what could this man need me for, I'm done with that life, I want to be done Fiona" I cried into the couch pillow.
"Look on the bright side, at least he will unfreeze the account now, and we can pay for the apartment we wanted, just go to the party, and come back, it's just tonight right, it doesn't say you have to sleep over," she said rubbing my shoulder lightly before lying on it.
"I know it's hard girl, but you will get through it, c'mon let's help you get a dress, you are still the beautiful eccentric Ariana Rinaldi, you have to stick it to your stepsisters, you know they will be there, with their gawking eyes," she said ruffling my hair and pulling me to stand on my feet,
Which I did reluctantly.
"I don't want to go, I wish I could tell them a train hit me or something" I said, shaking my head in protest.
"Not a chance, come on, let's go to La Perla Maltese boutique" she said, coming to pull me to the door.
3 hours later I was heading home to Italy to attend this party my father had decided to throw for my asshole adopted brother Matteo.
His name sent waves of pure irritation down my spine as I shrugged the thought of him from my mind. I hate him, with every fibre of my being, he is an asshole and I'm glad everyone sees it now.
A rotten bastard, my father would call him in secret, so why is he throwing this elaborate party for him and why should I be in the midst of all these old vile men?
I picked the invitation that had visibly been crumbled badly, and straightened it again, I read its content again, this time more clearly
You are cordially invited to an evening of intrigue and indulgence at the estate of the esteemed Don Vincenzo Rinaldi.
date: 30th of January 2023
Time: midnight until dawn
Location: Villa Rinaldi, nestled away amidst the shadows of Marina Verde.
Dress code: black for men, women are free to choose what enthrals them, with a hint of mystery.
Join us under the shield of the night, as we celebrate loyalty, life and the bonds of our fraternity. Revel in the finest cuisine, exquisite wines Sicily has to offer, and the temptations of forbidden pleasures.
But remember, within these walls, restraint is paramount, and the currency of the night is secrets, trust only those you know, for treachery carries severe consequences
The Rinaldi Family.
I looked at it with annoyance, these fake parties these men throw just to show who is more powerful, I was immediately disgusted.
It used to be my father, but now it seems Mateo is the new hotshot Don in town, calling all the shots, and my father didn't like it.
That must have cut deep into my papa, so why would he throw this party in his honour? And why do I have to be there?
Not after the last time he and my stepmother tricked me into offending Papa so much that I had to decide to leave Italy.
My father is like a vulture, he waits for you and then strikes.
Long after, I stepped out of the plane that I'd finished the process and I was home free.
All I could imagine was how I'd react to meeting that lying asshole again, and how fast I can't wait to get out of there.
My dad just picked the wrongest day to do this to me!
Just when Enzo finally asked me to be his girl, something I'd been hoping for.
I walked past the baggage claim and headed for the airport door.
As the door opened I took a deep breath, let out all the negative thoughts in my head and embraced a positive aura.
I smiled and as I did, a man carrying a fan passed me blowing the invitation from my hand.
I shrieked and leapt for it, I caught it before it could fly off and I steadied myself to land.
As I did I landed in the firm grip of a male airport police officer, his grip was much too tight to be friendly.
"Let go of me! what is this?" I inquired, my heart suddenly beating out of my chest.
"Are you Ariana Rinaldi?" he asked, looking intently at me, I looked at him in fright.
Do I deny my name right now or is this one of Papa's men?
I decided to go with the daunting hope that it was the former.
"Yes, I am, what the hell is this?" I asked, jerking my arm from his grip, I watched as two female officers joined him, the blond one reached into her pocket to bring out what I hoped she was not!
"You are under Arrest for conspiring with Italian criminal and mafia don, Mateo Donatelli, to intentionally distribute hard drugs, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law" the male officer announced, gesturing to the blond officer to place the handcuff.
"What! He is just my adopted brother! I don't know anything about this!"
But they didn't care, I was already getting hurled out and tossed into the police car.
I haven't even properly landed, Mateo, you slimy piece of shit, and I already want to murder you!
Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"
Five years ago, he upped and left his wife without informing her. He had always felt unworthy. As a result, he decided to go and become a better man. It took him five whole years of daily hard work. When he was satisfied, he returned as a powerful and honorable man. He intended to start a family with his wife. But he got back to meet the greatest shocker of his life. He actually had a daughter!
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. "It's time to reveal your true identity, darling."
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."
"You're my wife in name only, on paper only. My heart and love will never be yours." Edward made it clear to Daisy that she was nothing to him. They were both victims of family greed -- the marriage was arranged for them. Six years passed. She remained quiet, gaining a reputation in the army as a tough-as-nails colonel. When she walked into his life again, Edward fell in love with this woman, unlike any he had known. She surprised and delighted him. But will Daisy take him back? Can their son keep them together? Can the rift between them be healed? Pick this one up and find out!