HER ROYAL MAFIA

PLAYING THE BLIND GAME

LORENZO VINCENT

The moment we stepped out of my father’s house and into the car, Giulia turned those stormy eyes on me. I could feel her fury radiating before she even opened her mouth.

"What the hell was that back there?" she snapped, her voice sharp and accusing—like I’d just stolen something sacred from her.

I exhaled slowly, keeping my gaze ahead.

"I did what I had to do. Let it go, Giulia. I’ve got everything under control." I said lamely, as though I expected her to just accept it but I knew she wasn't the type to just settle with something like that.

Truthfully, I didn’t know what else to say. I had no idea what the hell I was doing.

But what was I supposed to say when my father kept pushing for a grandchild? The man was old, tired, and clinging to legacy like it was air. He’d probably die before ever holding one in his arms. That’s how it is with us Italians, legacy is everything.

Giulia scoffed, her laugh dry and bitter.

“Control? You just gave your father false hope! And for what? So you could play king in front of your castle? Newsflash, Lorenzo, there’s no way in hell I’m having your child. Not in this life. Not in your dreams.”

I turned my head to her, jaw clenched. “And I never asked you to.”

Seriously? Did she really just talk to me like that? I must be getting soft. I let her forget who held the leash here. She was the one who needed this arrangement, not me. Her father needed peace with mine, not the other way around.

I leaned in slightly, my voice dropping to a tone that cut like ice.

“Listen carefully,” I said. “I didn’t ask you to fake a pregnancy, I’m telling you to. It’s not a request, it's a god d*mn order. If you think you can afford the fallout of your father losing everything, be my guest and open that pretty little mouth to destroy everything your father had worked his a** off to workout. Otherwise... play your role.”

Her eyes didn’t flinch. No fear, no flicker. Just steel. I knew she was holding back, biting on rage. And God, I liked that. I liked that she knew her limits.

The car slowed to a stop. I opened the door, stepped out, and slammed it shut behind me.

She could hate me all she wanted. Just as long as she remembered who held the power.

***

LIAM RYDER

The room was drowning in silence. Karen sat in front of a mirror, slowly massaging cream into her arm, her reflection was calm—too calm.

I stood by the dresser, fumbling with my tie, my side eyes stealing glances at her like a thief afraid of being caught.

Since the argument at the ceremony, it was like something had stolen her voice. She barely said a word to me. One word a day, maybe two if I was lucky.

And me? I let pride stand in the way. Maybe I wasn’t ready to meet her where she stood—especially not after what she said.

She actually said Camilla wasn't dead and had come back to life to hunt us...

How the hell was I supposed to believe that?

But as she rose from her seat, fully dressed and ready to walk out like I didn’t exist, something inside me snapped. I stepped into her path, blocking her way.

D*mn it! I surrender.

“Karen... are we just going to keep playing this silent war?” I asked, my voice lower than I intended, a softness slipping through the cracks.

Her eyes didn’t meet mine. She just exhaled and said quietly, “I’m hanging out with Stacy today. I won’t be coming home.”

That hit harder than a slap. She was still angry. Still distant.

“I’m sorry,” I said, more desperate than I wanted to sound. “I’m sorry for yelling... for not listening... for—”

I paused. The truth was, I didn’t even know what else I should be apologizing for. All I knew was, I missed her.

I missed her laugh. Her warmth. The way she used to tease me when I took too long picking a tie. I missed her.

I just wanted my Karen back.

But just before she left the room, she brushed a soft kiss on my cheek.

A simple, fleeting touch I wished could stay longer.

I guess a sorry wasn’t going to be enough this time.

***

The moment I stepped into the office, Faith, my secretary, was right on my heels.

“Mr. Lorenzo and his wife are already waiting in your office, sir,” she said quickly trying to keep up with my pace.

I spun toward her, my glare sharp. “Seriously? And you're just telling me now? Don’t you know how to do your d*mn job anymore?”

"I’m sorry, sir,” she muttered, her eyes dropping as if the floor had become suddenly fascinating.

I didn’t have time for her apology.

My hand gripped the door handle, turning it slowly. The second I stepped in, my eyes landed on her—Giulia—seated beside Lorenzo.

And something inside me snapped.

The air drained from my lungs.

My legs locked.

That dress.

No, no, no. It couldn’t be.

The deep crimson silk clung to her curves just like it had on Camilla. Even the diamond chain around her neck—God, it was identical. Too identical.

That necklace wasn’t just any gift. I had it carved for Camilla myself—custom design, one of a kind. I gave it to her on our wedding night. She cried when she saw it.

"Mr. Liam?”

Lorenzo’s voice shattered the chaos in my head.

I blinked and forced a smile, the kind that cracked too easily at the edges.

“I'm sorry... uhm... It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Lorenzo.”

I tried to say... Forwarding my hand for a shake. Without raising my eyes to meet hers, I stretched my hands to shake her too.

Giulia returned the handshake with a knowing smile, her eyes unreadable. I tried to focus, to keep things professional, but my gaze wouldn’t leave her.

My brain screamed coincidence... Any woman could own a red dress. Anyone could copy a necklace design. It wasn't new or strange... But my gut twisted into knots.

My armpits dampened.

I shifted uncomfortably.

“I'm sure you've met my wife already,” Lorenzo said, his tone unreadable. “No need for introductions again, right?”

“Yes. I... uh...” The room felt suddenly smaller.

"Are you alright, Mr. Liam?”

Giulia's voice was soft and concerned.

What was wrong with me?... Just a few days ago, I was okay seeing Camilla's look alike... Maybe...

I cleared my throat. “I’m fine. Let’s proceed.”

I forced my attention to the folder in front of me. Focus. Business. You’re imagining things, Liam.

“So... I reviewed the mail you sent,” I continued, “and I see you want our primary focus to be the children’s park—”

Beep.

Just at the middle of the conversation, my phone vibrated against the table.

“Excuse me,” I said quickly, already reaching for it.

"Go ahead" Lorenzo said.

The moment I unlocked my phone, a message popped up—no name, no caption. Just a photo from an unknown number.

I tapped it open.

And instantly, my heart felt like it ripped in half.

"Jesus!…”

My fingers shook as I zoomed in, needing to be absolutely sure and hoping I was seeing wrong.

But I wasn’t.

Karen was tied to a chair in our bedroom and a gag covered her mouth, her head swinging lifelessly on the chair she was tied to.

Panic exploded in my chest.

She was wearing that same blue flare dress—the one she had on this morning.

My skin went ice cold, my face slick with sudden sweat. My heartbeat thundered in my ears, drowning out everything around me.

For a moment, the office disappeared. I forgot I wasn’t alone.

I stood up abruptly, trying to rush out but...

"Mr. Liam, you're not okay... What is the problem? Where are you off to?” Giulia’s voice reached me like a muffled echo.

I spun to her, my eyes blazing with fury. My mind wasn't here anymore—it was back there, in that room, with Karen.

Her hand reached out to me.

And I snapped.

"Get your hands off me, Camilla!” I shouted, smacking her touch away as if it burned me.

My whole body trembled with fury and fear. My veins felt like they might burst from my skin.

Giulia maintained her stamina, she was obviously startled, but she quickly composed herself.

“Mr. Liam!” Lorenzo barked, rising from his seat.

He was too late.

I was already out of the door.

I slammed it behind me with a force that rattled the walls, sprinted to my car, and jumped in like a man possessed.

The engine roared to life.

I sped off—no seatbelt, no direction but one.

Home. Our bedroom.

I didn’t care about traffic, red lights, or the pounding in my chest.

All I knew was that Karen was in danger. Real danger.

And I needed to be there.

Fast!