Chapter 98 BLOOMING ONCE AGAIN
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AUTHOR’S POV
The evening air was crisp, wrapping around Adeline like an unwelcome reminder of the past.
As she stepped out of the sleek black car, her heels clicking softly against the stone pavement, a sickening wave of nausea hit her like a tidal wave.
The moment her feet touched the ground, her chest tightened. This place—this very ground—was where Leonardo had screamed his last breath, where Bianca’s body had burned.
The memory of that night clawed at her mind, vivid and unforgiving.
The scent of smoke and blood seemed to linger in the air, as if the earth itself had absorbed the sins of that night.
Her throat constricted, and her stomach twisted violently.
Eva, stepping out beside her, immediately noticed.
“Are you okay?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Adeline swallowed, forcing herself to nod.
“Yeah. Just… memories.”
Eva didn’t press but gently squeezed her hand.
Ahead of them, Charles had already made his way inside, his presence strong and unwavering.
Vladimir, however, remained beside Adeline.
His hand found hers, his grip firm but comforting. She turned slightly, looking up at him. His once-boyish features had hardened with maturity far beyond his years, but in moments like this, she saw the vulnerable child beneath the surface—the boy who had lost too much, too soon.
“Breathe,” Vladimir murmured softly, his voice grounding her.
Adeline exhaled shakily and gave a slight nod, squeezing his hand back before straightening her shoulders.
Together, they walked forward.
As they approached the grand entrance, her eyes lifted—only to meet his.
Luciano.
He stood at the top of the marble staircase, his presence commanding, his posture exuding quiet dominance.
The golden glow from the grand chandelier above cast sharp shadows along his jawline, making him look even more imposing.
His dark eyes were locked on her.
The intensity in his gaze sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.
She faltered for half a second, but Vladimir, sensing her hesitation, gave her hand a final reassuring squeeze before stepping forward into the mansion, leaving her standing at the base of the stairs.
Luciano didn’t move.
He just watched her.
And then, without a word, he descended the stairs in slow, deliberate steps, his eyes never leaving hers.
Her heart pounded violently against her ribs.
When he reached her, she barely had time to react before he gripped her waist, pulling her flush against his hard chest.
A gasp escaped her lips as her hands instinctively clutched at his suit.
He was so close.
The heat of his body seeped through the thin fabric of her dress, making her stomach coil with something dangerously intoxicating.
Luciano dipped his head, his lips barely grazing the exposed skin of her neck. His breath was warm, teasing, as he whispered against her skin,
“You look beautiful tonight.”
Adeline shivered.
His fingers dug into her waist, his hold possessive, unwavering.
“Why are you avoiding my eyes, hmm?” he mused, his voice like silk, laced with amusement.
She swallowed thickly.
“I… I’m just shy.”
Luciano chuckled, the sound low and sinful.
“Shy?” His lips brushed against her ear, making her breath hitch.
“That’s cute.”
Her nails dug into his suit, her body betraying her resolve.
And then, his voice dropped even lower, dark and filled with sinful promises.
“I can’t wait to take this dress off you.”
Her breath stilled.
Heat exploded in her core, and a delicious ache spread through her. The words alone sent a shockwave of need rippling through her veins.
Before she could stop herself, a soft whimper escaped her lips.
Luciano smirked against her skin, clearly satisfied with her reaction.
Then, as if to further torment her, he licked a slow, deliberate line along her pulse point.
Her legs nearly gave out.
The world around them blurred, the sounds of the gathering fading into nothing but the roaring in her ears.
All she could think about was him. His touch, his scent, the way his body felt against hers.
But before anything else could happen—
A loud, exaggerated cough shattered the moment.
Adeline jerked back, her heart hammering.
The sudden movement made her stumble, but Luciano’s firm grip kept her upright with ease.
Her cheeks burned with embarrassment as she turned—
Aurora.
She stood there with an amused smirk, arms crossed over her chest, watching them like a parent catching their child in mischief.
“It’s been a long time, Adeline,” Aurora said, her lips twitching.
Adeline’s breath hitched, her eyes widening.
Aurora.
Before she knew it, her vision blurred with unshed tears, and she was running forward, throwing her arms around her friend.
Aurora let out a surprised laugh but hugged her back just as tightly.
“I missed you so much,” Adeline whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
“I missed you too,” Aurora murmured, squeezing her tightly before pulling back to get a good look at her.
Her eyes scanned Adeline’s figure, then she whistled.
“Damn, girl. Look at you! So sexy.”
Adeline let out a choked laugh, playfully swatting her. “Shut up.”
Aurora smirked.
“Luciano clearly approves.”
At the mention of his name, Adeline’s gaze flickered toward the doorway.
Luciano was already walking inside, his broad shoulders disappearing through the entrance.
But not before she caught the smallest smirk on his lips.
Aurora nudged her.
“Oh yeah, he definitely approves.”
Adeline groaned, covering her face. “I hate you.”
Aurora chuckled.
“No, you don’t. Now come on, let’s go inside before I witness more of whatever that was.”
Still flustered, Adeline let Aurora lead her into the mansion, knowing full well that the night was far from over.
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The dining room was filled with the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and the occasional teasing remark. It was a rare sight—peace, warmth, and genuine joy.
Angelina looked much better, her complexion no longer as pale, and Aaron had done an excellent job of taking care of Rose.
Despite everything her father had done, Rose carried herself with a quiet strength that was admirable. Braxton, always the composed one, seemed to find solace in Kiara’s presence, her gentle touch keeping him grounded.
Luciano’s mother, Alessandra, smiled softly, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she observed the people around the table.
After a long time, this felt like family.
She cleared her throat, gathering everyone’s attention.
“It’s been a while since we had a peaceful dinner like this,” she began, her voice warm.
“And in this time, we’ve thought about something important.”
Everyone looked at her expectantly.
“We believe it’s time to move forward,” Alessandra continued.
“And so, we’ve decided that Rose and Kiara should get married to Braxton and Aaron.”
A moment of silence followed before Aurora gasped in excitement.
“What? That’s amazing!” she cheered, clapping her hands together.
Adeline smiled, turning to the two girls.
“Congratulations.”
Kiara smiled shyly, but Rose seemed hesitant. She lowered her gaze, fingers nervously playing with the hem of her dress.
Adeline understood—after everything her father had done, she must have felt uncertain. But when she lifted her head, there was no fear. Only quiet determination.
Luciano nodded approvingly.
“Rose is strong. She can handle this well.”
Aurora grinned.
“This is going to be fun. Weddings, love, happiness—everything we need after such a mess.”
Luciano raised an eyebrow at her enthusiasm, then smirked.
“Well, if we’re talking about weddings, Aurora, I think it’s time we get you married too.”
Aurora’s fork clattered onto her plate.
Adeline, sitting beside her, bit back a laugh as she saw the way Aurora’s entire body tensed.
“Uncle Luciano,” Aurora started, eyes wide.
“I’m young. I can’t marry yet.”
Isabella, her mother, hummed in thought.
“You are young, but I’d still like to see you settle down soon in my life.”
Aurora turned to her mother, betrayed.
“Mom! How could you do this to me?”
Adeline chuckled as Aurora shot her a pleading look.
But then, Aurora smirked.
“I’ll tell you what. I’ll only get married after you do, Uncle Luciano.”
The entire table went silent for a moment before Alessandra nodded, pleased.
“That’s actually a great idea, Luciano. You need to get married too.”
Luciano leaned back in his chair, an amused glint in his eyes.
“And why is that?”
His mother gave him a pointed look.
“Because we need an heir. Someone to carry your empire forward.”
Luciano exhaled, rubbing his temple.
“I will soon. But Aurora…” He tilted his head, smirking at her.
“Do you have someone in mind to marry? Because I will be getting married soon, and I won’t wait to get you married off right after.”
Aurora’s cheeks turned bright red.
Luciano knew.
He knew she loved his best friend, Christian.
Adeline immediately turned to look at Christian, who had frozen mid-bite. His fork hovered near his mouth, his face unreadable.
Aurora swallowed hard before muttering,
“Well… even if I can’t find a man by then… I guess I’ll marry Christian.”
The fork in Christian’s hand clattered onto the plate. He coughed violently, reaching for his water while Adeline gaped at Aurora’s courage.
Francesco, Aurora’s father, sighed dramatically.
“Honestly, I don’t think any other man could handle her except Christian. He’s practically family already.”
Aurora and Adeline gasped in unison.
Alessandra smirked, then turned her gaze to Adeline.
“And what about you?”
Adeline blinked, caught off guard.
“What?”
“Do you have someone in mind?” Alessandra pressed.
Isabella smiled knowingly.
“Of course, if you have someone, then that’s wonderful. But if not, we can find a good match for you.”
She winked.
Vladimir chuckled softly.
Everyone turned to him in surprise. He rarely spoke at the table.
Charles smirked and leaned forward.
“Well, she does have someone.”
Adeline’s heart stopped.
Her breath hitched as she quickly looked down, pretending to focus on her food.
Charles continued mercilessly,
“And he’s very protective of her. Right, Luciano?”
Silence.
Adeline refused to look up.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she shoveled food into her mouth, trying to appear unbothered.
Eva, sitting beside her, narrowed her eyes.
“Are you okay, Adeline?”
Adeline nodded furiously, still chewing.
But then—
“You’re eating a lot,” Rose observed, tilting her head.
Adeline paused mid-bite.
Aurora smirked.
“Is it because you’re on your period or…” She trailed off before suddenly gasping.
“Wait. Are you pregnant?”
Adeline choked.
She started coughing violently as everyone at the table turned to stare at her.
Isabella gasped.
“Now that I think about it, you have put on a little weight.”
Rose nodded.
“And your body is more curvy than before. Softer… chubbier.”
Adeline’s entire body stiffened.
A sudden realization hit her.
The nausea.
The exhaustion.
The way she had felt faint in the car. The cravings.
Oh.
Oh, no.
Her stomach twisted violently, and before she could even process it—
She bolted from her seat.
She barely made it down the hallway before she threw up.
A cold sweat broke out on her forehead as she gripped the sink, her mind spinning.
Heavy footsteps approached behind her, and before she could look up—
Luciano was there.
“Christian,” he barked over his shoulder,
“get a doctor. Now.”
Adeline’s breath came in shallow gasps as she wiped her mouth, her heart hammering against her ribs.
Everyone crowded around the doorway, peering inside with wide, worried eyes.
But Luciano wasn’t watching them.
He was watching her.
And for the first time—
There was no teasing.
No smirk.
No amusement.
Just pure, raw concern.