Book two of 'The Vengeance Duology'
Five years ago, the lads and I made the biggest mistake of our lives-a reckless decision that shattered everything.
We destroyed what mattered most, but my deepest regret is how much I hurt her.
Every moment of pa...
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I step off the stage, forcing a smile I don't feel. God, I'd rather be anywhere but here. But I need to make an appearance, keep up the façade, play the part they all expect me to. I slip back into my seat with the lads, and Nicco claps me on the back, grinning like an idiot.
"Next up, we have the award for the Most Successful Businesswoman of the Year!" the announcer's voice booms across the room, drawing everyone's attention. "This year, there has been a lot of speculation about one of our nominees. Maybe tonight, we'll finally find out who it is..."
I glance around at the others, and I can see it in their faces—they're curious, intrigued. Honestly, I don't usually care about this kind of thing. I'm here out of obligation, not interest. But there's something about this mystery CEO of Maison Valens that has everyone talking, and it's even gotten me a little intrigued.
Rumors have been flying for months—whoever's behind the brand has kept a low profile, never once stepping into the spotlight. And yet, their designs are everywhere, making waves in the industry, even challenging my own family's businesses.
I lean back in my chair, fingers tapping against the glass of my drink. Whoever they are, they've managed to keep themselves a secret this long, but I have a feeling tonight might change all that.
The announcer's voice crackles through the microphone, "The award for Most Successful Businesswoman of the Year goes to..." He rips open the envelope with a flourish, his eyes widening as if he's just seen a ghost.
"The CEO of Maison Valens... Valentina Aurora Sorrentino!"
My heart stops. I turn sharply toward the lads. Nicco and Gio are ghostly pale, their faces contorted with shock. They look like they might collapse any second. Theo and Lucas are frozen in place, their jaws slack as if they've seen a specter. I can't process it. She's dead. We all saw the evidence, believed the lies...
But then the room erupts into thunderous applause. The sound is deafening, shaking my very core. I can hardly breathe, my thoughts scrambled in disbelief. And there she is, from the back of the hall—Valentina. Alive. More radiant than ever.
Jacques is beside her, his presence as commanding as hers. They move through the crowd with an ease that makes it clear they own this night. And she—Valentina—looks every bit the queen she was meant to be. Her gown is nothing short of spectacular, every inch a testament to her brilliance, and I recognize it instantly. I remember watching her design it five years ago, her face lit up with the passion and excitement I fell for.
As she strides past us, she doesn't even glance our way. Her chin is lifted high, her gaze unwavering, a smirk playing on her lips as if she's savored this moment all along. Jacques offers his hand as she ascends the steps, and she accepts it with a grace that cuts through me like a blade.
The sight of her, so effortlessly regal and untouchable, brings a sharp pang to my chest. The love I thought I had buried resurfaces with a vengeance, a bitter reminder of what I once had—and lost.
