MAFIA CONTRACT MARRIAGE

Chapter 16

Eleonora Gates POV

Lorenzo's eyes narrowed, his gaze still fixed on mine. "I could swear I've seen you before," he said, his voice low and curious.

I tried to laugh it off, but my heart raced with anxiety. "No, I don't have any birthmarks and this is a tattoo ," I lied, hoping he wouldn't suspect anything.

But his eyes lingered, his gaze piercing through my disguise. And then, his eyes widened in shock as he saw it - the small, distinctive birthmark on my neck, shaped like a crescent moon.

"Eleonora," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

My heart stopped as I realized he had discovered my true identity. I tried to step back, but Renzo's hand shot out, grasping my arm.

"It's you," he said, his eyes blazing with intensity. "You're Eleonora."

I tried to shake him off, but he held tight, his grip like a vice. I knew I had to think fast, or risk being exposed.

"No, you're mistaken," I said, trying to sound convincing. "I'm not Eleonora. I don't know what you're talking about."

His grip on my arm tightened. "Don't lie to me," he said, his voice firm. "I know it's you. I've been searching for you everywhere."

With a surge of adrenaline, I managed to break free from his grasp. "I'm not Eleonora!" I repeated, backing away from him.

His eyes narrowed, but I didn't wait to see what he would do next. I turned and fled the scene, pushing through the crowds and disappearing into the night.

I didn't stop running until I was blocks away, my heart pounding in my chest. I knew Renzo would be looking for me, and I had to get as far away from him as possible.

I continued to ran as fast as I could, but I knew Renzo and his allies would be closing in on me soon. I could hear their footsteps echoing through the streets, getting louder with every passing moment.

Suddenly, I was surrounded. Lorenzo and his men had me trapped, their eyes blazing with determination.

"You can't escape the truth, Eleonora," Lorenzo sneered, his voice cold and menacing. "You've been hiding for too long. It's time to face the consequences."

I stood my ground, trying to appear braver than I felt. "I'm not afraid of you, Lorenzo," I lied, trying to sound convincing.

"Are you going to come willingly, or do you need my men to bring you?" Lorenzo asked, his voice firm but with a hint of amusement.

I hesitated, weighing my options. Trying to fight off Lorenzo's men would be futile, and I knew it. But going with them willingly would be a sign of surrender, and I wasn't ready to give up yet.

But then, I looked into Lorenzo's eyes and saw something there that made me hesitate. A glimmer of curiosity, a hint of interest. And I knew that if I went with him willingly, I might be able to use that to my advantage.

With a deep breath, I nodded. "I'll come willingly," I said, trying to sound confident.

Lorenzo's smile widened, and he nodded to his men. "Good choice, Eleonora. Let's go."

I walked forward, my heart pounding in my chest, and fell into step beside Renzo. His men flanked us, their eyes watchful, as we made our way through the streets.

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We drove in silence for a while, the only sound being the hum of the engine and the soft murmur of the radio. I tried to make small talk, asking Lorenzo about the weather or the latest news, but he responded with brief, curt answers.