Chapter 107 107

Chapter 107 107
Kade walked across the campus bench area with heavy steps. Jordan and Sloane were already there on one of the weathered wooden benches under the old oak trees.

Kade approached them slowly, his face tired and drawn, dark circles etched beneath his eyes from another sleepless night.

“Have you heard from Yuki?” he asked the moment he reached them, his voice rough with exhaustion and barely concealed desperation.

Jordan shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “No, nothing. Didn’t she call you? I was wondering if she was already settled in Italy by now.”

Kade dropped down onto the bench beside them, elbows digging into his knees as he stared at the ground. “She should be there by now, but her line isn’t reachable. She isn’t replying to any texts or calls. It’s like she vanished into thin air.”

Sloane leaned forward a little, her expression trying to hold onto some fragile hope. “Maybe it’s just poor signal over there? International travel can be glitchy with phones sometimes.”

Kade shook his head immediately, frustration sharpening his words. “It’s not that. She would’ve called or texted the second she landed. She promised me. She looked me in the eyes and said she’d keep in touch no matter what.”

“I’ll try calling my brother,” Jordan said, pulling out his phone with a sigh. The tension in the air thickened as he dialed Stefano’s number. It rang several times before the call connected.

“Jordan,” Stefano answered, his voice calm and smooth, carrying that unmistakable edge of control.

“Is Yuki there?” Jordan asked quickly, putting the phone on speaker so the others could hear. “We’re all just worried. She hasn’t texted or called anyone since she left.”

Stefano let out a low, almost amused chuckle that sent a shiver down Kade’s spine. “She’s probably spending quality time with her parents. It would be rude to interrupt her right now, don’t you think?”

Kade leaned closer to the phone, unable to hold back any longer. “Why isn’t she answering her calls? She should’ve at least texted to let us know she arrived safely.”

“Yuki’s phone didn’t make it to Italy,” Stefano replied, his tone turning mocking, slow and deliberate like he was savoring every word.

“What do you mean?” Jordan frowned, exchanging a worried glance with Sloane.

“I destroyed it,” Stefano said plainly. “It’s for the best. Yuki has important responsibilities to carry out in this new world. You’ll only be a distraction to her now.”

“So you mean Yuki isn’t coming back?” Sloane arched her brow.

“Smart girl. Can’t say for sure, but you should stop hoping there’s any chance to see her again. Especially you, Kade. She’s not your obligation or priority anymore. She never really was.”

Kade’s face twisted with a volatile mix of rage and deep, gut-wrenching pain. His hands clenched into tight fists on his knees, knuckles turning white. “I need to talk to her… You can’t just take her away like this. She deserves a choice.”

Stefano’s reply cut through like a blade, sharp and dismissive. “You should accept it by now. She’s gone for good. Move on with your pathetic little life.”

The line went dead.

Kade stared at the phone in Jordan’s hand for a long, agonizing second, then slowly buried his face in his hands. His shoulders shook slightly as the brutal reality settled over him like a suffocating blanket.

“This can’t be,” he whispered, voice cracking under the strain. “This can’t be happening.”

He felt completely helpless — furious at Stefano’s arrogance, and heartbroken in a way that clawed at his chest with every breath.

The girl he loved more than anything had been ripped into a world he couldn’t touch, and he didn’t know if he would ever see her smile or hear her laugh again.

____

Yuki stepped out of the sleek black car in front of Stefano’s private estate. The driver had brought her here after she had insisted that she needed to speak with him directly.

One of Stefano’s men directed her inside without a word. Their footsteps echoed softly until they reached the door to Stefano’s private suite. The man knocked once, then opened it for her, stepping back to let her enter alone.

Stefano was standing near the large floor-to-ceiling window, silhouetted against the fading sunset that painted the grounds in hues of orange and gold.

When he turned and saw her, a surprised but deeply pleased smile crossed his face, his eyes lighting up with possessive hunger.

“Princess,” he said, walking toward her with measured steps. “I’m surprised you came to see me. I wasn't expecting that so soon. What brings you here?”

Yuki stood stiffly just inside the door, her arms crossed protectively over her chest. “I already got my phone replaced although I haven’t been able to get in touch with Kade or anyone else from back home.”

Stefano stopped a few feet away from her, tilting his head slightly, studying her like a prized possession that had finally come to him. “Why the sudden visit then? Missing me?”

She took a deep breath.
“I want to ask you what kind of responsibilities I have here. My parents keep talking about duty and legacy, but I don’t understand any of it. I need answers.”

Stefano’s expression softened just a fraction, though the intensity in his gaze never wavered.

“As the heir to the Sanzone family, your responsibilities are significant and far-reaching,” he began.

“You will be expected to learn the intricate workings of the family business — forging alliances, making calculated decisions, understanding how power is maintained and expanded. You will represent the family in public settings, attend crucial meetings, and help strengthen our position against rivals. In time, you will be involved in major choices that affect the lives of many, both within our world and beyond.”

Yuki shook her head quickly, her heart pounding. “I want nothing like that. I want to live a normal life, go to school, have friends, make my own choices. This… this isn’t me.”

Stefano gave a small, almost pitying smile, stepping a little closer. “There’s nothing normal about your life anymore, princess. The blood in your veins changed everything the moment you were brought back. By the time your welcome home party commences in a few days, you’ll begin to understand this world a little better. It’s in your nature.”

He reached out slowly, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear in an intimate, romantic gesture that made her skin crawl.

“And finally after tomorrow night, you will be mine.” he murmured, his voice dropping low and intimate, warm breath brushing her cheek, “The way it was always meant to be.”

Yuki slapped his hand away sharply, her eyes flashing with defiance. “I love only one person. And what did you mean earlier about not being able to wait to make me yours tomorrow night?”

Stefano’s eyes darkened with visible satisfaction at her resistance, a slow, dangerous smile curving his lips. “I don’t want to ruin the surprise, princess. Some things are better experienced than explained.”