Page 1 of My Sweet Addiction
CHAPTER ONE
LUCA
“Valentina, I won’t tell you again. Your words hold no interest to me. In six weeks, when I hit thirty, our divorce will be final. Then you can walk away with your pot of gold and never darken my fucking door again. Now, I’m going to get ready for the last family black-tie charity event I have to attend with you as my wife. We will arrive separately, and I want you to stay as far away from me as humanly possible. Remember, as soon as my inheritance has been deposited, and I’ve given you what you’re owed, according to our arrangement, you’d better not come near me again. Do you understand me?”
I’ve never hurt a woman before, but there’s a first time for everything. The hate and rage that I feel for my wife causes me to break out in a sweat and my hands tremble. She’s a vile woman, who only thinks about herself and is constantly looking for ways to fuck me over. I think she’s made a game of it.
The deafening silence tells me she’s hung up, but I don’t care. The sooner I’m rid of her and her family, the better. My grandfather made a deal to align her family and mine through an arranged marriage. During his illness and subsequent death, I discovered the conditions for my inheritance required me to respect the family agreement. I married at twenty-five to ensure that a nasty takeover bid did not completely swallow up my grandfather’s company. They deceived me into a loveless marriage, akin to a business deal. I’ve never liked Valentina or her family. They are all snakes and greedy cunts, but I’m determined to do whatever I need to do to save my family’s business.
Valentina’s family had always harbored a fierce sense of jealousy towards our successful business, and they saw our marriage as an opportunity to gain control over me and my family. Despite my clear lack of affection for her, they manipulated the situation to their advantage. The moment we exchanged vows, Valentina’s father cunningly orchestrated the removal of my grandfather and his trusted executives, leaving me as the sole heir apparent to the billion-dollar empire. The power from this position was not as liberating as I’d anticipated. Her father had no intention of allowing me to lead the company according to my own vision. Instead, he used various forms of blackmail to ensure that I became a mere puppet, forced to carry out his every command. It was a devastating betrayal, and I found myself trapped in a web of deceit and manipulation, with no easy way out.
Little did they know, I’m linked to Gio Martinelli, now Don of the Martinelli Empire, through our family bloodline. He runs one of five families, with the Martinelli’s being the most powerful. Once I knew my wife’s family had lied to and manipulated me, I reached out to ask him for help. With Gio’s backing, I’m confident I’ll be able to regain control of my family’s business. Furthermore, becoming part of his organization has initiated me into the Italian Mob. Willing to resort to anything to beat Valentina and her family, I signed on to be an ally of Gio’s. Once my divorce is final, I’ll be free of the hag and her family, but I’ll remain indebted to the Mafia. I chose the lesser evil of the two and I don’t regret it. At this point, I have nothing left to lose.
I have endured endless nights of arguments, lies, and betrayal. Valentina’s addiction to cocaine has only fueled her reckless behavior, leading her to engage in illicit affairs with both the gardener and the pool boy. She hasn’t even attempted to hide her infidelity. One time I walked in on her bent over our kitchen table with a man fucking her up the ass. It’s weird but I didn’t feel jealous as she had hoped. Actually, I didn’t feel anything at all. I merely continued to walk by them, grabbing a bottle of water out of the refrigerator, before looking back to see they’d both stopped fucking each other and were stood frozen. Unable to think of anything else to say I simply remarked, “Don’t let me interrupt,” then I walked back out of the house feeling numb.
Soon after our union, it became clear that she had no intention of staying faithful or committed to our marriage, and, as a consequence, her actions have turned my life into a never-ending circus of chaos and drama. Once I’m free of her, I never want to be under a woman’s control again. From this point on, I’ll be satisfied with a warm and willing hole to find my release in. No names, no cuddling, no affection of any sort. Women are dangerous beings, and I will never leave myself open to being manipulated and lied to again.
Having finally reached breaking point, I refuse to continue living under the tyranny of Valentina and her toxic family. It’s time for me to take back control of my life and find some semblance of peace and stability. Determined to extricate myself from this disastrous situation and start anew, I’ve vowed to no longer allow myself to be dragged through the depths of hell by Tina’s drama. I need to move on and find happiness, away from my destructive marriage.
Looking down over the city from my apartment windows, I feel a sense of contentment, amidst all my inner turmoil. I love it here. It’s peaceful inside but the bustling city is right there, just outside. The windows take up one complete wall, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. The natural light streaming in illuminates the space, creating a sense of tranquility and serenity. It’s one of the many features that drew me to this place, along with the fact that Valentina dislikes this part of town. She’s always found it too ordinary, lacking the charm and uniqueness she craves. However, when this condominium became available a few months ago, it was a perfect opportunity for me to have my dream home and live in a neighborhood I found appealing. Everything I need is within walking distance. That my wife hates it is an added bonus. Once the contracts were exchanged, I quickly moved straight in, eager to embrace the convenience and modernity of my new place and ecstatic to be away from her toxicity. Valentina and her family think that they can control me but I’m one step ahead and always looking for ways to deal with anything they throw my way.
* * *
Dante, a man several years older than me, has been acting as my trusted driver/bodyguard for months. He’s familiar with my schedule and consistently ensures I’m always on time. Settling into the cool leather seats of my sleek black sedan, I check my phone for important emails and messages, but there’s nothing that warrants my attention. Sliding my phone into the inner pocket of my suit jacket, I brace myself for whatever this evening may bring. With Tina attending the event, there’s no telling what could happen. Dante starts the engine smoothly and we navigate the bustling city streets on our way to the Gala. No one knows that he’s trained in combat and sent to protect me. He’s one of Gio’s top enforcers and will prove to be an ace up my sleeve when the time comes for Valentina’s family to make their move. They would rather have me dead than allow the divorce to go through, so we are preparing accordingly.
I’ve started laundering money through my businesses and training for combat. If I’m going to participate in Gio’s organization, I have to be ready to get my hands dirty, and honestly, there has always been a darkness inside of me. I’ve learned to keep it under control but now I’d rather let it out. My freedom awaits me.
CHAPTER TWO
MACI
As I enter the venue, I am immediately impressed by the stunning transformation. The room is sophisticated and beautiful, while still capturing the essence of luxury. Tables are elegantly decorated with flickering candles and elaborate ice sculptures, creating a mesmerizing ambiance. The themed food and drinks are a work of art, with fiery cocktails and icy concoctions that perfectly complement the theme. A live band is skillfully playing a mix of energetic tunes and soothing melodies, captivating the guests and keeping the atmosphere alive. I marvel at the attention to detail and creativity that my best friend and her team have poured into every aspect of this event. It’s truly inspiring to witness how their hard work has paid off as the guests mingle and revel in the enchanting atmosphere. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this special night, even if it means taking a temporary break from my own aspirations.
My dream is to open a bakery with all kinds of decadent pastries, cakes, and desserts. To serve my sweet treats to families and make them smile would be amazing. The problem is that I need to save up tons of money to buy the store. Even paying rent on one would clean out my savings, so I’m taking all the extra side gigs I can get.
When my best friend asked me to help cater the event, fixing all the desserts and pastries, my heart soared. Not only would it help me get closer to my dream, but I would also be serving my pastries to people who had more money to spare than God himself. If they like what they see, it might help me secure more catering jobs in the future.
I turn around, smiling as Misty approaches me with excitement in her eyes. Her long, flowing dress sways with each step; she looks the epitome of elegance, and fits in perfectly with the setting. As Misty reaches me, her high heels clicking against the polished marble floor, I can’t help but feel a surge of anticipation for the night’s festivities. We exchange a quick hug, and she immediately starts sharing her ideas for the office/break room. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I can’t help but feel grateful for being a part of this extraordinary event. We don’t often get a chance to work together, but since she’s an event planner and I am a baker, it was the perfect opportunity to combine our skills.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Kristof heading straight for us, holding a delicately wrapped package, which he hands to me with a knowing smirk.
Renowned for his impeccable taste and creative designs, Kristof has always been passionate about fashion. Even during our college days, he would often showcase his talent by creating unique outfits for our group of friends. So, when Misty asked me to help cater the desserts for a prestigious Gala, I knew exactly who to turn to for special attire. Kristof’s expertise in fashion, combined with his understanding of our shared vision, made him the perfect choice to design something extraordinary for me.
Over the years, despite our different career paths, Kristof and I have maintained a strong bond. Aside from Misty, he’s my best friend. He and Misty are close as well, so we are sort of like The Three Musketeers. We frequently catch up over coffee or exchange messages, sharing our experiences and supporting each other’s endeavors. His unwavering support and belief in my dream of owning my own bakery has motivated me towards my goal. I’m lucky to have such loyal and supportive friends.
Now, as I eagerly unwrap the package, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement. I know that whatever Kristof has created will not only reflect his exceptional craftsmanship but also capture the essence of my role as head caterer. I envision a statement piece, a blend of sophistication and creativity, that will set me apart from the other staff members.
As the wrapping paper falls away, I’m greeted with a stunning ensemble. My breath catches as Misty holds up the most beautiful ballerina-style dress. It’s pale blue with crystals encrusted in the bodice and skirt, which falls to just above the knee. The outfit is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted with intricate details and luxurious fabrics. It perfectly embodies the fusion of comfort and fashion, with elements that symbolize the art of baking exquisite cakes and pastries.
I’m just about to touch it when she turns the hanger around and I can’t help but burst out laughing. Only Kristof could design something that looks fitting for a beautiful princess from one angle, yet obscenely provocative from another. The back consists of a pair of tight booty shorts, with delicate, crisscrossed, black satin straps designed to hold the front panel piece in place. There are little cupcakes all over the top. For my feet, there’s a pair of pink and white crystal-encrusted chucks. Goose bumps appear all over my body, and all the while, Kristof just keeps looking at me, one side of his mouth raised in a mischievous smile.
I can’t wait to wear this creation, knowing that it represents the culmination of our shared journey from college friends to pursuing our respective dreams. This special gift from Kristof is not just a reflection of his talent but also a reminder of the strong bond we’ve maintained throughout the years. It’s a testament to the power of friendship and the ability to support each other’s passions, no matter where life takes us.
“This outfit is amazing! You have outdone yourself, Kristof.” I can’t help the huge smile I flash him as my body trembles with excitement. He truly is a gifted designer.
“It wouldn’t look half as good if it wasn’t for that hot little body of yours,” he announces with a grin.
Kristof is a huge flirt. He’s the most flamboyant guy ever, but such a sweetheart. I love hanging out with him. His sense of style is unmatched, and he’s so much fun to be with. Since he’s my favorite friend for shopping and spa days, he never refuses a mani-pedi.
