Chapter Nine
Aurelia’s POV
Every guest’s eyes focused on the uninvited visitor. Whispers spread like ripples.
“That’s Kieran Blackthorne!
“My God, what’s he doing here?”
Damien immediately moved me behind him, watching Kieran warily. “What are you doing here?”
But I calmly stepped out from behind him, a mocking smile on my lips. Kieran, perfect timing.”
12:42 Thu, Feb 5 0 GN
The Mafia’s Secret Captive
Everyone looked at me in shock, including Damien.
Bld you rome to offer your congratulations? My voice rang clear as a bell “Or have you finally come to apologize?”
Ketagi face went deathly pale, pain flashing in his eyes. He strode toward me, black–suited men following close behind.
Abrella, come home with me. His voice was hoarse.
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Theme to what?‘ I laughed coldly. “To be locked in your basement for more reflection‘?”
“That wasn’t my intention! Kieran’s voice filled with urgency. “I can expla
“Explain what?” I cut him off. “Explain how you believed
protected her over and over, right in front of me?”
Kieran’s body went rigid.
“You know what, Kieran?” My voice was terrifyingly calm. “For
being beaten in that basement, did I finally figure it out.”
lies and ecided I was the one who betrayed you? Or explain how you
years couldn’t understand why you hated me. Not until seven days ago,
‘I love you!” Kieran suddenly roared, his voice echoing through the garden, “Not Celeste–never b
The guests gasped. No one expected the head of the Blackthorne family to lose control like this.
I’ve always loved YOU!
“Love me?” My smile grew even colder. “Kieran Blackthorne, are you sure you know
spell the word
Damien stepped forward. “Aurelia won’t be leaving with you.”
“Shut your mouth!” Kieran’s eyes blazed with madness. “You don’t get a say in this!”
“That’s enough. I raised my hand, stopping the brewing conflict. I touched Damien’s arm gently. “Don’t,
“Aurelia…” Damien looked at me with concern.
“It’s fine. I caressed his check. “Give me ten minutes.”
worry. I’ll make things clear with him.”
In the garden pavilion, only Kieran and I remained.
The others waited at a distance. Damien’s eyes never left us, ready to rush to my defense at any moment.
“Aurelia, let me explain…” Kieran began urgently.
“Explain what?” I leaned against the railing, as graceful as if taking afternoon tea. “Explain how you imprisoned me for three years based on Celeste’s word? Or explain how you defended her time and again?”
“Those were all misunderstandings!” Kieran closed his eyes in pain. I’ve investigated everything… What happened three years ago–it wasn’t
you.
12:42 Thu, Feb OCN
The Mafia’s Secret Captive
Fraud, Then laughed enidly th? En toss you believe me?‘
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Tambory He opened his eyes, filled with anguish. “Aurelis, I’ve dealt will Celeste and her mother. They’ve been sent to a brothel. They’ll Heist anyor Felors you again.
I stoned quietis, my face expressionless.
Tiss think that’s emugh?: I said lightly. “Kieran, you still don’t understand the ones who hurt me weren’t them. It was you.”
Kierah went white as a sheet.
“You said you didn’t love Celeste, but every time she appeared, you stood by her without hesitation. You said those were misunderstandings, but every wound you gave me these three years was real.” I stood, looking down at him. “You know what’s most laughable?
‘Aurelia…”
you died The most laughable thing is you telling me now that you love me.” My smile was cruel and beautiful. “But Kieran, whatever I felt for long ago. Completely.”
Kieran looked as though struck by lightning, swaying on his feet,
“If you really love me,‘ I pulled an elegant invitation from my purse and held it out to him, “then let me go. My wedding with Damien is in
three weeks.”
Kieran’s hand trembled as he took the invitation, speechless.
“Keep your last shred of dignity, Kieran.” I turned away. “Goodbye.”
I walked toward the waiting Damien, never looking back.
The wedding day.
I sat at the vanity in the bridal suite, looking at my reflection in the white wedding gown. Sunlight streamed through the French windows, casting mottled shadows on the lace train.
Suddenly, familiar arms wrapped around me from behind.
“Damien?” I leaned into his chest, feeling the warmth. “What are you doing here? Isn’t the groom supposed to wait outside?”
But the next second, I caught a familiar cologne scent.
That wasn’t Damien’s scent.
I whipped around to find Kieran’s ashen face.
“It’s you!” I immediately pushed him away, standing up angrily. “How did you get in here?”
“Aurelia…” Kieran’s eyes were filled with pain and madness.
The Mafia’s Secret Captive
If you’re here for the wedding, you should be in the guest section. I cally smoothed the wrinkled gown. Otherwise, please inave.?
I’m not here for the wedding.” Kieran advanced step by step. “I’m here to take you away. Come with me, Aurelia.
Tm not going! I met his eyes directly.
Do you really love him? Kieran demanded emotionally. “You love met
“I don’t love Damien, I admitted calmly. “At least not yet. But I’m trying. cause he deserves to be loved.”
The answer stabbed Kieran’s heart like a knife.
He closed his eyes in agony. “Real love doesn’t require effort…”
“You’re wrong.” I looked at him coldly. “Love requires effort, requires cherishing, requires protection. All things you never did.”
“I can do them now!‘ Kieran suddenly grabbed my hand. ‘Aurelia, give me one more chance!”
I yanked my hand free. “It’s too late, Kieran. You’ve used up all your chances.”
Despair flashed in Kieran’s eyes, quickly replaced by madness.
“Since you won’t come with me,” he said with a cold laugh, suddenly hoisting me over his shoulder, “then I’ll have to take you by force.”
“You’re insane! This is kidnapping!” I pounded on him with my fists, but couldn’t break his grip.
“I should have done this from the start.” Kieran laughed coldly, carrying me toward the window. “From the first day you wanted to leave. I should have locked you up, made it impossible for you to escape.”
Outside, a black helicopter hovered by the balcony, its rotors deafening.
“Kieran! Let her go!‘ Damien’s furious roar came from a distance.
I saw Damien running desperately, blocked by a swarm of men in black. His face was filled with anxiety and rage, his lips moving frantically as if shouting my name, but the helicopter’s roar swallowed every word.
Chapter Ten
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
