Emerald Library

🥰😇 THE BLOODSTAINED HEART 🥰😇

🥰😇 CHAPTER ONE 🥰😇

ZOEY

The sterile fluorescent lights of Gotham Press and the incessant hum of printers were the soundtrack to my life. I couldn't say I loved my job, but it paid the bills, and in this city, that was no small feat.

My name is Zoey Thompson, and I was a journalist, or more accurately, an investigative journalist—or, as my boss often put it, a "pain in his well-dressed rear end."

I navigated my way through the cluttered newsroom, past rows of desks piled high with newspapers, coffee cups, and stacks of paper that screamed "deadline panic." As I made my way toward my desk, a hand shot out and snatched my attention.

"Zoey, get in here," barked Mr. Theodore Harrington, our illustrious editor-in-chief. He was the man who wielded power like a sledgehammer and had a perpetual scowl etched onto his face.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes before obediently following him into his glass-walled office.

The nameplate on his desk read 'Theodore Harrington, Esq.' He wasn't a lawyer; he just had a penchant for pretending he was in some highfalutin courtroom drama.

"What can I do for you, Theodore?" I asked, taking a seat in one of the stiff leather chairs across from his imposing mahogany desk.

He stared at me for a moment, as if weighing the importance of his next words. " Zoey, you've been stirring up quite a commotion lately with your relentless pursuit of... let's call them, 'controversial stories.' "

I raised an eyebrow. "I thought we were investigative journalists, Theodore. Aren't we supposed to dig deep and expose the truth?"

He sighed heavily, as if my commitment to journalistic integrity were a burden. "Yes, yes, all of that. But Zoey, sometimes I wonder if you're trying to single-handedly bring down the entire city. You can't go poking your nose into every shadowy corner of this place."

I leaned forward, trying to keep my patience in check. "Theodore, if we don't do it, who will?"

He waved a dismissive hand. "That's beside the point. Look, I've got a job for you—a real, headline-grabbing story that won't get you killed, I hope."

I leaned back, intrigued despite myself. "Go on."

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "There have been rumours, Zoey. Rumours of a rising power in the criminal underworld—a man who's consolidating power in a way we haven't seen in years."

My curiosity piqued. "Go on," I repeated, this time with a genuine spark of interest.

"His name is Alexei Pushkin," Theodore said, uttering the name with the kind of dramatic flair only he could muster. "And I want you to get the scoop on him. Find out who he is, what he's up to, and if there's any truth to these rumours."

I couldn't believe my ears. "You want me to investigate a mob boss? Theodore, are you trying to get me killed?"

He shrugged, a sly grin playing at the corners of his mouth. "Isn't that what you live for, Anderson? Besides, I hear you have a knack for getting people to spill their secrets."

I sighed, knowing I was in no position to argue. "Fine, I'll look into it. But I want a raise and a new office chair."

He nodded, as if granting me those small favours were the least, he could do. "You've got it. Now get to work, Anderson. And try not to make too many enemies this time."

As I left Theodore's office, I couldn't help but mutter under my breath, "No promises."

I caught Emma's mischievous grin from the corner of my eye. She had a talent for being in the right place at the right time—or perhaps the wrong place at the wrong time, depending on your perspective.

"Trouble with a capital 'T' again, Zoe?" Emma teased, her bright green eyes dancing with amusement.

I shot her an exasperated look. "You make it sound like I go looking for it."

Emma leaned against the cubicle wall, her curly red hair tumbling over her shoulders. "You do have a habit of finding it, though."

I couldn't argue with that. It seemed like I had a magnetic pull toward chaos and danger. "Well, Theodore wants me to investigate Alexei Pushkin, the supposed rising mob boss."

Emma's eyes widened with a mix of awe and concern. "Alexei Pushkin? Seriously? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

I shrugged, trying to downplay the gravity of the situation. "It's just another story, Emma. Besides, you know how Theodore is. He loves drama."

Emma grinned, her freckled face lighting up. "True. Drama follows you like a loyal puppy."

I couldn't help but laugh. Emma had a way of injecting humor into even the direst situations. It was one of the reasons I loved her to death, even though she drove me crazy sometimes.

"Speaking of drama," Emma continued, her tone turning more serious, "are you sure you want to dig into this? The Pushkin family isn't exactly known for playing nice."

I leaned in closer, lowering my voice. "Em, if there's something rotten happening in this city, it's our duty to expose it. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?"

Emma gave me a look that said she thought I was crazy but didn't want to argue. "Well, just promise me you'll be careful. And if you see any guys in sharp suits with violin cases, run the other way."

I chuckled, imagining a gangster carrying a Tommy gun disguised as a violin case. "I promise, Em. Now, back to work. We've got a mob boss to investigate."

As we returned to our cluttered desks, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. Emma was right; this was no ordinary story. But it was also an opportunity to uncover the truth, and that was something I couldn't resist.

Little did I know that my investigation into Alexei Pushkin would lead me down a dangerous path filled with secrets, deception, and a certain mob boss who would prove to be far more complex than I could have ever imagined.

But hey, if life as a journalist had taught me anything, it was that sometimes you had to dance with danger to get the story of a lifetime. And that's exactly what I intended to do.

I settled back into my creaky office chair, the faux leather protesting loudly. "Well, it's not every day you get the chance to go head-to-head with a mob boss, right?"

Emma chuckled, her fingers flying across her keyboard as she returned to her own stack of assignments. "True, Zoe, true. Just make sure you don't end up as the headline: 'Fearless Journalist Meets Unfortunate End in Mobster's Office.'"

I smirked, typing away at my computer. "I promise to avoid any situations that might lead to my untimely demise, Em. Besides, I've got my secret weapon."

She arched an eyebrow, feigning curiosity. "Oh, do tell. What's your secret weapon, fearless reporter?"

I leaned in closer, conspiratorially. "Sarcasm. It's my superpower."

Emma burst into laughter, causing a few nearby colleagues to look our way. "Well, you better hope it works on mobsters, Zoe."

I shot a playful wink her way. "If not, I'll just distract them with my impeccable dance moves."

She giggled, her laughter infectious. "Yes, because mobsters are known for their love of the cha-cha."

Our banter continued throughout the day, providing a much-needed dose of levity in the often intense world of investigative journalism. Emma was the yin to my yang, the humor to my seriousness. Even when her antics got on my nerves, I couldn't imagine navigating the chaos of our newsroom without her.

As the afternoon sun dipped below the skyline of New York City, casting long shadows across our office, I found myself immersed in research about Alexei Pushkin. The man was a mystery, with only vague references and whispered rumours to his name.

But I was determined to uncover the truth, to peel back the layers of deception and get to the heart of the story.

At one point, Emma leaned over, her eyes scanning the screen. "Anything interesting so far?"

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Not much, to be honest. It's like he's a ghost. No criminal record, no public appearances. The guy's a shadow."

Emma leaned back in her chair, chewing thoughtfully on the end of her pen. "Maybe there's a reason for that. Maybe he's a master at staying hidden."

I nodded in agreement. "That's what I'm starting to think. But you know what they say about shadows, right?"

Emma quirked an eyebrow, playing along. "What do they say, oh wise journalist?"

I grinned, ready to impart my newfound wisdom. "Shadows can only exist where there's light. And where there's light, there's a way to expose the truth."

Emma burst into laughter once again, earning us more curious glances from our colleagues. "You always find a way to make everything sound like an adventure, Zoe."

I shrugged, unable to contain my enthusiasm. "That's because life is an adventure, Em. And this one, with mobsters and mysteries, is just getting started."

As I delved deeper into the enigma that was Alexei Pushkin, I couldn't help but wonder where this investigation would lead me.

Little did I know that it would take me to the very heart of darkness, challenging my wit, my courage, and, if I was lucky, leading to a story that would make waves far beyond the pages of our newspaper.

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😈😇 THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGEL 😈😇

🔥 EPILOGUE 2 🔥

🌟ANYA🌟

A MONTH LATER.

I was so excited today. I was finally going to become Anya Cassano. Since he asked me to marry him, I have always waited for this day.

I did not need to call a makeup artist. I already had a professional makeup artist as a best friend. She did not allow me to see what she was doing until she was done.

“You can look at yourself now.” I could hear the excitement in her voice. With a shaky smile, I turned to the mirror and stared at my reflection.

I gasped when I saw myself. I never knew that I could be this beautiful. One thing that stood out was my hair. It was packed in a low bun.

White flowers were pinned around my hair, and there was an elegant crystal tiara sitting on my head. I looked at my face. On my eyes were shimmery mascara. She did not fix any mascara to my lashes but just applied it.

The foundation was close to my skin tone, and she used a matte lipstick for my lips. It looked so beautiful.

On my neck was a sparkling diamond necklace, and I wore matching earrings to go with it.

I stood up and looked at my dress. It was a sleeveless gown. The gown was basically full and puffy and shaped like a ball in the skirt area.

It was tightly fitted in the top area. There were white beads in the middle of the gown around my stomach. I turned a little and saw that the back was bare.

I looked down, the gown had a long train that swept the floor behind me. “Here,” Alessia said, and I bent down a little so she could pin the long veil behind my crystal tiara. I looked behind me, the veil trailed behind my back, and it was the same length as the train of my dress. The veil was made with the same material as my dress.

“I look so beautiful. Thank you so much, Alessia. I couldn't have done this without you,” I told her sincerely.

She nodded and was about to kiss my cheeks when we heard a knock on the door. She went to open it, and my father walked inside. Alessia went outside and closed the door behind her.

“Wow!” Tears shone in his eyes. “You look so breathtaking.” He stood in front of me and just stared at me.

“When did you get here?” I asked him. A few days ago, I asked him to walk me down the aisle. He was so happy and even cried tears of joy. I couldn't believe a man like that could cry because his daughter was getting married.

“A few hours ago. I heard you were getting ready, so I couldn't come see you. I am sorry if I am late,” he said.

I shook my head. “I am glad you could make it.”

He smiled. “Of course. I would never miss my daughter's wedding for anything.” He inserted his hands into his pocket and brought out a box. He opened the box to reveal a pearl-studded diamond necklace and matching earrings.

“This was your mother's when she got married. She has always kept it with her and wanted to give it to her daughter when she got married. But she is not here right now, so I am giving you this in her place.” He handed me the box.

I took it from him with shaky fingers. I never got to meet my real mother. She would have loved me so much, and I am sure I would have loved her too.

“Are you really sure you want me to wear this?” I asked him.

“Of course, it is your mother's. You remind me a lot about her; she would have been so proud to see the woman you have become,” he said proudly.

Tears shimmered in my eyes. “Really?”

“Yes.” He nodded, he drew close to me and cleaned my eyes. “Don't cry, you don't want to ruin your makeup.”

I was grateful for the waterproof makeup. I really wish I had the chance to meet her. I remembered the parents that I grew up with. I wish they were alive to see me on my special day.

Mom would have been smiling at me with tears in her eyes, and Dad would have been telling me how proud he was to have a daughter like me. They were not here with me but they were present in my hearts. They were watching me from heaven and must have been so proud of me.

I removed my earrings and wore my real Mother's earrings. Emiliano helped me to put the necklace. I looked at my reflection, they fit perfectly well.

I turned to look at him. “Thank you so much for giving me what belonged to her... Father.”

His eyes widened in shock. “What did you just call me?”

I chuckled. This was the first time I called him that since I accepted him. “Dad... thank you so much for everything. Thank you for making this day possible for me. If you had not gone to him that day, he wouldn't have been here. Thank you so much, Dad.”

The tears were flowing freely from his eyes as he pulled me into his arms. “Thank you so much, my sweet daughter.”

I wrapped my arms around him. It felt so good to have him here; I was so grateful to him. He and Vincenzo had gotten closer over the last few months.

Though they stayed away from each other's path, they still acknowledged each other whenever it was necessary.

Alessia and Blanca walked into the room.

“I hope you are not crying, Anya?” Blanca asked, frowning.

I pulled away from my father's arms and blinked to get rid of the tears. “I am not,” I told her.

“Good. It's time, Emiliano,” Alessia said.

He nodded and pulled me up. Alessia and Blanca walked behind me. They were my bridesmaids; they were putting on a beige pink dress. They looked extremely beautiful; this was my first time seeing Blanca in a dress, and it suited her perfectly.

We walked out of the room into the hallways which were decorated with flowers. So many flowers were everywhere.

I told Vincenzo that I did not want a huge wedding and I wanted it done in the back garden. He agreed instantly. According to him, none of it matters as long as I was going to be his wife.

We walked out of the house and headed to the back garden where the wedding was being held.

The door opened, and we stopped. I could see Cosima sitting in the back seat holding little Camila in her arms. We named our little angel after Vincenzo's mother.

“Are you ready?” My father mouthed to me. I nodded, we took a step forward with Alessia and Blanca behind us. Together, we all walked out. I could not see anything in front of me or, simply put, I didn’t see anything… no one except for the man standing at the end of the aisle.

My heart beat faster as we approached him. He was looking dangerously handsome in his white tuxedo and almost gold bow tie.

Emiliano placed my hands in Vincenzo's and whispered to him. “Make sure you take care of my daughter if you don't want to die.”

Vincenzo glared at him. “You don't get to tell me what to do.”

I groaned, these men aren't doing this now. “Thank you, Dad.”

He smiled and walked away. Then I turned all my attention to the man who meant the whole world to me.

His green eyes were fixed on me, and they held so much love. “You look so beautiful, little star.”

“You look handsome too,” I told him sincerely.

“I can't wait to tear this lovely dress off your body.” He smirked.

The blood rushed to my throat, and I felt my cheeks redden. “The dress is expensive.”

“Does it look like I care?” He whispered.

I shook my head at him. He was unbelievable. His grip tightened, and he pulled me closer to him.

We both turned to look at the officiator. “Family and friends of the bride, you are welcome to the wedding ceremony. We are all gathered here to witness the joining of Anya Chirkov and Vincenzo Cassano. We...”

I tuned him out and looked at Vincenzo, who was looking at the officiator. My mind went back to how I first met him. When I first heard that I was going to be sold to him, I was mortified.

I felt like that was the worst thing my uncle could ever do to me. When I saw him for the first time, I was so scared. He was even worse than my uncle and didn't mind what he did to get rid of his enemies.

He knew that it was my uncle who killed his mother but then he kept me close. He shut the mouths of all my inner demons. He was there for me in my darkest days. He helped me overcome my fears.

He made me feel wanted and secure. He brought Erik back to me; I would forever be grateful to him for that. I don't know what I would have done without them.

I am thankful I ran away that day. I am thankful my uncle stole from him at that point. I am so thankful that Matteo took me and brought me home. I am thankful that I met each and every one of them. But most of all, I am thankful that Vincenzo chose to love me. I am thankful that I loved him back too. That was and is the best decision I would ever make.

I was aware of someone tugging me. I stared at Vincenzo and realized he was looking at me with wide eyes. There was a stunned silence around us. S**t! Did I do something wrong?

“Miss Anya...” The officiator called. I looked at him. “I just asked if you take Vincenzo Cassano to be your lawfully wedded husband.”

I was thinking so much, so I did not hear him. I turned to Vincenzo and held his hands. “Before I answer that question, I have something to say to you.”

He remained silent and continued looking at me. I swallowed hard before talking. “You don't know how grateful I am to have you in my life. You came into my life at a point where I never needed you. At that time, just thinking about you brought great fear into my heart.”

“But then, you were there for me even though you hated my background. You made me feel things that I never thought I would. You were there for me in my darkest moments, you loved me and cherished me. You fought for me and brought me my little brother.” I glanced at Erik, he was smiling at me. I gave him a small smile and returned my gaze back to Vincenzo.

“You were sincere in your words and actions. You saw my ugly scars and told me they were beautiful. You told me that I was the strongest woman you have ever seen, and at that point, I felt really wanted.” I was crying at this point, I just couldn't hold my tears back.

“I am forever grateful for the day when Matteo picked me up and brought me here. Though the situation was bad at that time, but none of it matters to me anymore, seeing where I am now.” I smiled and looked at every one of them. From Matteo to Carlo to Nico, to Blanca to Alessia and then at Cosima who was holding our little bundle of joy.

“I have never been this happy in my entire life, so yes. I accept you to be my husband, I love you very much.” I said at last and hugged him.

He pulled me into his arms and held me with so much love. “I love you too, little star. Thank you for everything.” He whispered into my ears.

I pulled away from him and kissed him. There was so much promise and love behind that kiss.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Everyone behold the new couple, Vincenzo and Anya Cassano.” We broke apart, and everyone erupted in applause.

He carried me in his arms and headed to the car. My husband had no time to waste.

I smiled in relief, I was finally Mrs. Anya Cassano.

I could never have wanted anything different. I held his hands. His look held so much love for me.

I was so much in love with this man. My husband and everything to me.

He is my personal devil, and I am his angel.

THE END

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THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR READING 'THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGEL' TO THE END.😚😚

I AM GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL