MAFIA CONTRACT MARRIAGE

Chapter 15

Eleonora Gates

Three months had passed since I started my new life. I had assumed a new identity, taking on the name "Ava" and moving to a foreign country. I rented a cozy one-bedroom apartment in a quiet neighborhood and started working at a charming coffee shop near a luxury company.

I had changed my appearance again, dyeing my hair a rich blonde color and removing my nose ring. I looked and felt like a completely different person.

As Ava, I settled into a comfortable routine. I worked at the coffee shop, made new friends, and explored the city. I felt safe and anonymous, finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.

I started taking art classes at a local studio, discovering a hidden talent for new paintings ideas. I spent my free time exploring the city's museums and galleries, soaking up inspiration for my art.

As I scrolled through my phone, I felt a mix of emotions. I was relieved to see that Renzo hadn't posted anything about me being missing, but a part of me was hurt that he hadn't even bothered to look for me.

I also checked on my parents' social media accounts, and they seemed to be doing well. They had even messaged me on my old page, asking how I was doing, but they hadn't asked anything suspicious or mentioned Lorenzo's concerns. It seemed that he hadn't told them about my disappearance, and I wondered why.

Perhaps he was too proud to admit that I had left him, or maybe he was trying to protect them from the truth. Whatever the reason, I was grateful that they were unaware of the situation.

As I continued to scroll, I came across a post from an old friend, someone I had lost touch with after I started dating Renzo. She was inviting people to a art exhibition that was going to keep next month and I felt a sudden urge to attend.

It had been months since I had seen anyone from my old life, and I longed for some human connection. I decided to take a chance and go to the exhibition, hoping to reconnect with my friend and maybe even start building a new life.

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Lorenzo POV

I paced back and forth in my office, my anger and frustration simmering like a pot about to boil over. It had been months since Eleonora had disappeared, and I was no closer to finding her.

I slammed my fist on the desk, making the glass vase on the corner tremble. "How could Jack be so incompetent?" he growled to himself. "I paid him to find her, and he lets her slip through his fingers like sand?"

My face was red with rage, my eyes blazing with fury. I couldn't believe that Eleonora had outsmarted me again. I had thought I had control over her, but she had proven me wrong.

I picked up the phone and dialed Jack's number, my voice icy cold when I spoke. "You failed me, Jack. You had one job, and you couldn't even do that right. You're useless to me now."

My anger was palpable, my words dripping with venom. I was a man used to getting what I wanted, and I wouldn't stop until I found Eleonora and brought her back under my control.

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My eyes narrowed as I read the email on my phone. An art exhibition? Tonight? And with a date, no less? My mind raced with possibilities.

Could it be a trap? Was Eleonora trying to lure me out of my office and into a public place? Or was this a genuine invitation from someone who had no idea about their complicated history?

My anger and frustration simmered just below the surface, but I forced myself to think clearly. I needed to know more about this exhibition and who was behind the invitation.