Twisted vows

Alessia’s POV.As I entered Romanov Industries, the atmospheric tension coiled around me tightly like a strangling noose. The transparent office partitions failed to suppress the muted conversations alongside keyboard clatter while an unsettling tension permeated throughout the building's corners.My brisk walk down the corridor produced sharp heel clicks on the marble floor while each step bore the heavy expectations I struggled to maintain. This company emerged from nothingness through my efforts and I maintained its existence using my blood and sweat following Elena’s death.Upon entering the conference room, I found Sofia Moretti, my assistant, standing there in anticipation. Her dark eyes showed flickering concern while Daniel, my CFO, rose from his seat and adjusted his tie with his usual grim expression.He dispensed with formalities by beginning abruptly, “We have a problem,” while thrusting the printed report towards me. My eyes only brushed its surface for an instant but I

ALESSIA’s POV.The rush of blood in my ears made my mother's muffled sobs barely audible. My trembling hands gripped the contract she was moments from signing while my knuckles turned white against its sharp edges. The turmoil inside me raged on while my voice emerged with unwavering firmness. “ I want to meet with Nikolai, before I make a decision. ”Arturo reclined in his chair while his fingers drummed absentmindedly on the smooth mahogany desk surface. His gaze held a detached amusement viewing me as merely a pawn on his board. "Your time limit stands at twenty-four hours," he declared with a lazy drawl. An abrupt breath escaped my lungs.The bastard.My mother’s hand shook next to me while she gripped her silk robe desperately trying to use it as a shield against the harsh reality before her. This was not what she deserved. She bore no responsibility for the situation yet found herself in the crossfire.I forced a swallow, glared at my father before making my exit.My journey t

Alessia’s POV"We need to meet." “Tonight. In your office. ”He hadn't expected that momentary pause which created an unnatural break in the conversation."You are missing me so soon, princess?" ” he drawled, amused. “Coming to beg for mercy? ”A frigid smile twisted across my lips.“Not quite,” I replied. “I will be there within twenty minutes. ”Without waiting for his response I abruptly hung up the call.Tonight — I was going to bring him to his knees.After twenty minutes had passed, I emerged from the elevator onto Volkov Enterprises' top floor. An unnatural blend of sharp cologne and expensive leather filled the air here with an underlying cold scent that hinted at power.My steps carried me through the transparent barriers that formed his office entrance.He sat behind his desk in a relaxed backward lean that marked him as a predator confident in his victory.His eyes moved across me in a deliberate assessment yet he showed a momentary surprise upon seeing my expression.Cold.

Alessia's POV"How did you get this?" I breathed, the picture still trembling between my fingers.Sophia did not react right away. Her eyes flashed to the side, and I could feel her jaw locked. Something crossed her face—hesitation, even guilt. But it wasn't so much the photograph that haunted me. It was what it stood for. Him. Alive. Breathing. Real. That ghost I'd buried under a world of anger, loss, and shattered dreams."Soph," I barked, my voice tighter this time. "Where did you find this?She regarded me, something enigmatic coursing through her eyes. "It's easier if I show you rather than tell."The manner in which she said it sent a shiver through me. As if she knew already what it would do to me. As if she knew that when I saw what she had to share, I would not come back the same. And for a moment, I was going to say no. To keep the door closed. But curiosity—it's a cruel mistress. It winds around your neck until you're gagging on the truth.Before I could dial her again, my

Alessia's POVThe café now felt colder, the light more clinical, as though the truth had drained all the warmth from the air. The man still sat across from us — his scruffy beard and bloodshot eyes witness to sleepless nights and work in the shadows. His fingers were calloused, twitching every so often as though haunted by the camera that usually rested in them. I didn't know his name — he hadn't offered one — but the moment I'd slid that envelope of cash across the table, the story had begun to unravel."I wasn't looking for him," the man grunted, scratching at a fresh scar above his eyebrow. "I was tracking somebody else."I leaned forward. "Who?""My kid," he said, voice devoid of warmth. "Well… I thought he was.". I lost my son some years ago. Taken from me. I’ve been searching since. Got a lead on some man spotted with a boy who looked just like my Luca. Tracked him all across town. But it wasn’t him.” His tone dipped low, gravel thick in his throat. “But the man — your ex — he a