Shadows of Affection (GxG)

Chapter 42: The Throne

-small time skip

Alessia stood at the balcony of the grand estate, the wind brushing past her as the view of her empire stretched before her. The vast estate, once a symbol of her family's power, now seemed to reflect the entirety of her dominion—the Sorento empire, vast and uncontested. The twilight painted the sky in shades of deep violet and crimson, a fitting backdrop for the woman who now held a position of absolute authority. Feared and respected by all who knew her name, Alessia had finally reached the pinnacle she had been preparing for all her life.

As she surveyed the grounds, memories of the battles she fought to ascend to this position flooded her mind. Each step she took to climb the ladder of power had been fraught with danger and sacrifice. There were times when she had almost lost everything—her friends, her allies, her love, and even herself—but Alessia had always found a way to emerge victorious.

She could still hear the whispers of fear and reverence whenever she entered a room. The mere mention of her name sent shockwaves through the underworld, not just in Italy but across Europe. The French, Russian, and German mafias had solidified their alliances with her, recognising her unparalleled strategic mind and ruthless efficiency. No longer was she simply a figure in the shadows—Alessia Sorento was now the undisputed ruler of the criminal world.

-

Inside the estate, Lily was waiting in their bedroom, surrounded by the softness of the luxurious space they shared. She had grown accustomed to Alessia's long hours and the weight that often settled on her lover's shoulders. Yet, tonight was different. Tonight, there was no looming battle, no enemies lurking around the corner. Tonight, Alessia was victorious, her enemies either dead or cowering in hiding.

Alessia took a deep breath, her gaze drifting from the horizon back to the room behind her. She turned, her mind still racing with thoughts of how far she'd come. The once-cautious woman who carefully watched her every move had transformed into a calculated, unshakable leader. But even with all the power, there was still one thing that anchored her - Lily.

Walking back inside, she found Lily seated near the window, sketching absentmindedly in her art book. The soft glow of the lamps cast a warm light on her figure, making her seem almost ethereal. Alessia's chest tightened at the sight, her thoughts shifting from the throne she now occupied to the love that had kept her grounded throughout it all.

"You're deep in thought," Lily remarked softly, her eyes meeting Alessia's as she closed her sketchbook. "What's going through that mind of yours?"

Alessia let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Just... everything," she replied, sitting on the edge of the bed. "The empire, the power, the enemies we've crushed... and the ones still waiting for an opportunity to strike."

Lily moved closer, resting her hand on Alessia's thigh. "You've come so far, baby. And no matter what challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together."

Alessia smiled at that. "I wouldn't have made it this far without you, amore. You've been my strength in ways I never expected.

-

As the evening deepened and the house grew quieter, Alessia found herself reflecting on the journey she'd taken. There was blood on her hands, more than she could ever wash away. She had made impossible decisions, sacrificed lives for the greater good, and played deadly games with those who sought to undermine her. But through all the chaos, she had emerged as the victor. Her throne was built on loyalty and fear, but most of all, it was built on her ability to outsmart and outmaneuver anyone who stood in her way.

She thought about her father, who had once sat on this very throne, commanding the family empire with an iron fist. Alessia had always admired him, yet she had surpassed him in ways he could never have imagined. She hadn't just inherited the Sorento empire—she had expanded it, solidified it, and made it untouchable. But as much as power had consumed her life, she knew there was a cost. She had sacrificed parts of herself along the way, pieces she might never get back.