Chapter 108 108

Chapter 108 108

Kade lay in his bed, blanket pulled up to his chest, staring at the ceiling in the dark room. He hadn’t left his apartment since yesterday.

The curtains were still drawn tight, blocking out the daylight. His phone rested on his chest, screen facing up. He kept checking it every few minutes, hoping for a call or even a single text from Yuki.

Nothing. The screen stayed blank and silent.

He let out a heavy breath and rolled onto his side, phone still clutched in his hand.
The front door of his apartment opened with a familiar creak.

“Kade!” Jordan called out as he walked down the hallway.

Kade didn’t move. A moment later, the bedroom door opened. Jordan stepped inside with Sloane right beside him.

“Told you he didn’t run off,” Sloane said, arms crossed as she looked at the mess in the room. “He’s here sulking like a dickhead.”

Jordan sighed, scanning the dark space, the clothes thrown on the floor, empty water bottles on the nightstand, Kade still buried under the blanket.

“Why are you skipping classes?” Jordan asked, his tone firm but concerned. “Is this because Yuki hasn’t called yet?”

Kade slowly sat up, rubbing his face with both hands. His eyes were tired, red from lack of sleep and stress.

“I feel so fucking helpless, man. She’s gone. She’s in Italy with him and her family, and I can’t do anything about it. I can’t reach her. I can’t protect talk to her to know how she's doing. I’m just sitting here like a useless piece of shit while she’s probably scared or being forced into something she doesn’t want.”

Jordan stepped closer to the bed. “She must have her reasons, Kade. She’ll call when she gets the chance. Don’t you trust her?”

Kade looked up at him, pain clear in his eyes. “I do trust her. But that doesn’t make this any easier. I’m not going to school today. I can’t fake it right now.”

Sloane rolled her eyes and suddenly threw her bag at him. It hit his chest with a thud.

Kade jerked upright, yelling, “What the hell, Sloane?!”

“Go take a shower and leave this room. Don’t kill yourself over a girl.” She crossed her arms tighter.

“She isn’t just any girl.” Kade glared at her, her voice rising.

Sloane didn’t back down. “So what can you do? She’s not here, so you should be doing something with your life! Locking yourself up won’t bring her back. You’re just making yourself miserable.”

Kade stared at both of them, his shoulders slumping in defeat. Jordan nodded toward the door.

“We’re waiting in the living room. Be quick.”

Jordan and Sloane left the room, closing the door behind them.

Kade sat there for a long moment, staring down at his phone again. His thumb hovered over Yuki’s contact.

“C’mon, call me,” he whispered, his tone cracking with quiet desperation. “Please…”

The silence in the room felt heavier than ever.

—
(Italy)

The grand living room downstairs buzzed with life and power. Crystal chandeliers cast warm golden light over the marble floors and rich tapestries.

Influential figures from across Italy, powerful businessmen, politicians, and high-ranking members of various families – mingled with champagne glasses in hand. Italian mafia subordinates stood respectfully along the walls and corners, their dark suits and watchful eyes a silent reminder of the real authority behind the celebration.

Upstairs in her suite, Yuki stood in front of the full-length mirror, dressed in a stunning deep emerald gown that hugged her figure with elegant grace.

The fabric shimmered subtly under the light, the neckline modest yet sophisticated, the sleeves long and flowing.

Her long black hair had been styled in soft waves, and her makeup was done with care, natural but striking.

Luciano and Miranda stood behind her, both looking at their daughter with unmistakable pride shining in their eyes.

“You look absolutely beautiful, my dear,” Miranda said softly, stepping forward with a small velvet box in her hands.

She opened it to reveal a delicate diamond necklace that sparkled brilliantly. “This is our first gift to you. Something to mark this new beginning.”

Yuki stared at the necklace for a long moment, then gave a small nod.

“Thank you.”

Miranda carefully fastened it around Yuki’s neck, her fingers lingering gently on her daughter’s shoulders.

“Shall we?”

Yuki glanced down at her phone one last time. Her thumb hovered above Kade’s contact, heart aching. She wanted so badly to text him, to hear his voice, to tell him she was scared and missed him.

But instead she locked the screen and slipped the phone into a small clutch. She took a deep breath.

“Yes. Let’s go.”

They left the room together. As they descended the grand staircase, the entire room fell into a respectful hush. All eyes turned toward them.

Conversations stopped mid-sentence. Heads bowed slightly in deference as Yuki walked down with her parents on either side.

The respect in the air was overwhelming, she was no longer just a guest. She was the long-lost daughter, the heir, the future of the Sanzone family.

Stefano stepped forward from the crowd, looking sharp in a perfectly tailored black suit. He greeted Luciano and Miranda with a respectful nod.

“Don e Donna.” he said smoothly. Then his eyes moved to Yuki, dark and possessive. “You look breathtaking tonight.”

Luciano raised his hand for silence. The room quieted completely as he began to speak, his voice carrying with quiet authority.

“Thank you all for being here tonight and celebrating with our family. Tonight we aren’t just celebrating the return of our long lost daughter, Alessandra Sanzone, whom we lost many years ago.” He announced,

“...but we’d also like to announce that she will be tying the knot with Stefano De Luca in one month.”

Cheers erupted throughout the room — loud, celebratory, and filled with respect. Glasses were raised in toast. People clapped and murmured congratulations. The sound echoed off the high ceilings.

Yuki froze on the spot. Her heart slammed against her ribs. What does he mean by tying the knot with Stefano?

She slowly turned her head to look at Stefano, who was already smiling at her. He stepped closer and gently stroked her hair, his touch light but full of ownership.

“Surprise, princess,” he whispered, voice low enough for only her to hear.