"I want to go home," Eve said, her voice firm. "I don't know why you hold me hostage, saying things I can't even remember, I don't care. I want to go home." Her eyes locked onto Antonius's, a fierce determination burning within them. "But you hold something very important to me," Antonius stated firmly, his voice low and menacing. He took another step closer to Eve, his movements deliberate and calculated, until she was pinned against the wall. Eve's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and desperation as she felt the wall against her back. Antonius's hands reached out and gently grasped Eve's cheeks, his fingers wrapping around her face like a vice. Eve's cheek flushed with heat as she felt his warm breath on her skin. Her eyes stared intently at Antonius, her gaze burning with a fierce determination. "Tell me what I hold," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I will pay it back, so long as you leave me alone." Her words were laced with a desperate longing for freedom, and her eyes pleaded with him to release her from his grasp. ------------------------------------------------- In the city where wealth and danger entwined, an unlikely alliance blossomed between an heiress and a mafia demon. The heiress, fueled by a thirst for revenge against her step-sibling who had wronged her, forged a secret pact with the demon. He vowed to restore her life in exchange for her unwavering loyalty and a favor to be claimed later. However, when the demon fulfilled her request, an unexpected twist unfolded. In the process, he inadvertently lost a fragment of his immortality to Eve, rendering him vulnerable. To reclaim his powers, the demon faced an impossible challenge: falling deeply in love with Eve. This was a feeling his demonic nature made him incapable of experiencing. As their fates hung in the balance, their destinies became inextricably entwined challenging her very soul. Note: Please note that this book's translations were done using Google Translate. As the writer's native language differs from the translated versions, some phrases may sound unusual. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Chapter 1 Blood Ties And Betrayal
Eve stood at the edge of the luxurious yacht, the cool night air weaving through her hair and brushing against her skin. The distant hum of the party swirled behind her, but she ignored it, gripping the polished railing as if it were the only solid thing in a world that felt increasingly surreal. Above her, the stars glittered against the velvet sky, indifferent to the music, laughter, and extravagance of the celebration she wanted no part of.
The yacht was a testament to her father's wealth, and the crowd-New York's elite-was a display of Alina's knack for orchestrating the perfect scene. Eve's step-sister had spared no expense for the event, claiming it was all "for Eve," but the truth rang hollow. It wasn't a birthday celebration; it was another opportunity for Alina to bask in attention, to flaunt her connections and charm. Eve had never asked for this-she didn't even want it. But her father, ever insistent, had convinced her.
"You deserve this, Evelyn," he'd said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "It's your birthday. Let yourself be celebrated for once."
And so, here she was, a reluctant guest at her own party, surrounded by strangers and people she barely tolerated. The champagne flowed freely, the lights sparkled, and the music thumped in a steady rhythm, but none of it touched her. She felt detached, like an actor forced into a play she hadn't auditioned for.
Behind her, the laughter grew louder, and then a voice cut through, sharp and unmistakable.
"There you are!" Lucia strode toward her, a bright red disposable cup in hand. Her leather jacket and black leggings were a stark departure from the formal green gown she'd worn earlier, but that was typical Lucia-she never played by the rules. "Are you seriously hiding out here?" she asked, arching a perfectly shaped brow. "It's your party, you know."
Eve glanced at her step-sister's twin, her expression neutral. "It's Alina's party," she said flatly. "I'm just the excuse for it."
Lucia snorted, taking a sip of her wine. "Touché. But still, you could at least pretend to enjoy yourself. It is your birthday."
Eve turned her gaze back to the water, the soft ripples catching the reflections of the yacht's golden lights. "I don't care about birthdays," she said quietly, more to herself than to Lucia. "Never have."
Lucia leaned against the railing beside her, swirling the wine in her cup. "Well, Alina cares. She's been putting on quite the show tonight. Have you seen her with-" Lucia paused, following Eve's gaze back to the party. "Ah. There it is."
Eve didn't need to ask what she meant. Her eyes had already landed on the couch where Alina sat, a picture of perfection in her shimmering gold dress. And next to her was David-the boy who had once been the center of Eve's universe. His easy smile and familiar laugh sent a pang through her chest, but it was the way Alina leaned into him, her hand brushing his arm, that made Eve's stomach turn.
"She's doing that on purpose," Lucia said matter-of-factly, breaking the silence. "Alina doesn't even like him. She's just marking her territory."
Eve's grip on the railing tightened. "I know," she said, her voice cold. "That doesn't make it any easier to watch."
Lucia shrugged, her expression unreadable. "Look, I'm not going to tell you to ignore it-because we both know that's impossible. But don't give her the satisfaction of letting it get to you. She thrives on reactions."
Eve said nothing, her eyes fixed on the couple. Alina threw her head back in laughter, her arm sliding around David's. For a brief moment, David's gaze flickered away from Alina-to Eve. Their eyes met, and the air between them seemed to shift. But before Eve could process it, Alina leaned in closer, her hand resting possessively on David's knee.
Lucia let out a low whistle. "And there it is-the pièce de résistance. She's good, I'll give her that."
Eve turned away abruptly, blinking back the sting of tears. "I need some air," she muttered, brushing past Lucia.
"Where do you think we are?" Lucia called after her, smirking. "The air doesn't get fresher than this."
But Eve didn't stop. She moved to the farthest edge of the deck, seeking solitude as the emotions she'd worked so hard to suppress threatened to spill over. She stared out at the water, the gentle sway of the yacht doing little to calm the storm brewing inside her. This was supposed to be her night. So why did it feel like she was drowning?
A moment later, a hush fell over the crowd. Eve glanced up to see Alina standing at the center of the deck, a champagne flute in hand.
"Everyone!" Alina's voice rang out, bright and commanding. "If I could have your attention, please."
The partygoers quieted, their eyes turning toward her with eager anticipation.
"I just want to take a moment to thank you all for coming tonight," Alina began, her smile dazzling. "It means so much to me-and to Eve-that you're all here to celebrate this special occasion."
Eve felt the weight of a hundred eyes suddenly on her, and her stomach churned.
Alina's gaze found her, and her smile softened, taking on an almost saccharine quality. "Eve, darling, you may not say it often, but we all know how much you love being the center of attention."
A ripple of laughter ran through the crowd, and Eve's cheeks burned.
"So, let's raise a glass to my baby sister," Alina continued, lifting her flute high. "Happy birthday, Evelyn Belle Bancroft! And Congratulations on your appointment today."
The crowd echoed the toast, clinking their glasses in unison. But as the noise died down, one voice cut through the air.
"Tell me, Eve," one of Alina's friends drawled, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "How did you manage to convince the chairwoman to leave everything to you?"
The question hung in the air like a thundercloud, and the crowd's attention shifted back to Eve, their curiosity palpable.
Eve's throat tightened, her mind racing. She knew this was Alina's doing-another calculated move to humiliate her.
Chapter 1 Blood Ties And Betrayal
17/12/2024
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