Page 34 of Chains of Obsession

“There’s been movement from the Cavani’s. They’re sniffing around the western territories.”

A spark of fury ignites in my chest. The Cavani’s have been a thorn in our side for too long, testing boundaries they have no right to approach.

“Keep an eye on them. If they make a move, I want it crushed before it begins. No mercy.”

“Yes, boss,” Enzo replies before the line goes dead.

I set the phone down on my desk and lean back in my chair, my eyes drifting to the woman seated on the couch across from me. Amelia. My wife, my queen, my obsession. She’s engrossed in a book, her legs tucked beneath her and her hair spilling over one shoulder. She’s dressed in black, a striking contrast to her pale skin and dark eyes. Her hair cascades over her shoulders, framing the sharpness of her features. The soft light of the fire dances across her face, illuminating the faint smile that plays at her lips.

She’s radiant. The realization hits me as powerfully as it did the first time. She’s mine in every way that matters—not just by name or contract, but by choice. The memory of her standing before me, fierce and unyielding, as she chose to stay despite everything we’d endured, still ignites a fire in me.

“You’re brooding,” she says, looking up.

“Planning,” I correct, a smirk tugging at my lips. “The Cavani’s are testing us.”

Her expression hardens, a flicker of anger crossing her face. “They’ll learn, just like everyone else, that we don’t forgive transgressions.”

I cross the room to the couch where she is resting, my hand sliding over her waist. “You’ve changed, you know,” I murmur, my voice filled with a mix of admiration and possessiveness.

“I had to. This world doesn’t leave room for weakness. I refuse to be anything less than what’s needed.”

Her words send a dark thrill through me. Amelia isn’t just my wife; she’s my equal, my partner in every sense of the word. Together, we’ve built an empire that doesn’t just demand respect—it commands fear.

“Our name is untouchable,” I say, my grip tightening. “Our legacy is secure.”

“Not yet,” she counters, a glint of determination in her eyes. “Not until it’s unshakable. There’s still more to do.”

She’s right, of course. The deals we’ve struck, the alliances we’ve forged—it’s all been necessary, but it’s not enough. There’s always another threat, another enemy waiting in the shadows.

“We’ll make it unshakable. No one will ever question us again.” I promise, my voice a vow.

She leans into me, her fingers trailing along my jaw. “When we do, we’ll have everything. Power, control, and… soon a family”

“It’s coming. Everything we’ve fought for is within reach.” I say, my voice firm.

She nods, her confidence unwavering. “Then let’s take it.”

The darkness of the past year has shaped us, hardened us into something unbreakable. As I hold Amelia close, the fire in her eyes mirroring my own, I know one thing: This is just the beginning. Our reign is only starting. I look at my amazing wife in my arms and smile softly to myself.

“Stop staring,” she says without looking up, her voice teasing.

I smirk, unrepentant. “I can’t help it. You’re beautiful.”

She glances at me then, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Flattery, Matteo? Should I be worried?”

“Always,” I reply, my tone low and playful.

Her laugh is soft, but it tugs at something deep within me. She sets the book down as I take her hand, my thumb brushing over the delicate curve of her knuckles. It’s strange, this tenderness that has woven itself into the fabric of our lives. Strange but welcome.

“How are you feeling?” I ask, my voice quieter now.

Her smile falters slightly, but she squeezes my hand. “Better, I’m not that nauseous anymore”

We’ve been through so much. But it also brought us closer in ways I never imagined possible. It stripped us bare, forcing us to confront not only our pain but our deepest fears and desires. There’s a new glimmer of possibility. I reach out, resting my palm gently against her stomach. She covers my hand with hers, her fingers trembling slightly.

“No one will touch you, or our child this time. I’ll make sure of it.”

Her gaze softens, and she leans into me, resting her head against my shoulder. “I believe you,” she whispers.

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