Nancy sat at the edge of the bed, her body drained but her mind too restless to find any peace. The events of the day weighed heavily on her. Her heart raced every time she thought about Damon searching for her. What would he think when he discovers she knew about his attempts to find her all along but did nothing? He would never trust her again-especially not when he realized she had been living under Giovanni's roof, his enemy. And with Ken-her brother, the man who betrayed both of them. Damon's anger would be ruthless.

She stood up and walked to the window, pulling the curtains slightly to peer into the night. The silence was thick, only broken by the occasional rustle of wind through the trees. The thought of Damon not trusting her gnawed at her, suffocating her. No matter how much she tried to tell herself that she was trapped, that she couldn't act without risking everything, the guilt still dug deep into her chest.

She had to do something.

Steeling herself, Nancy stepped out of her room, carefully closing the door behind her. The hallway was dimly lit, but there was no one in sight. She made her way through the mansion's winding corridors, her footsteps barely making a sound on the carpet.

When she turned a corner, she saw Giovanni, Ken, and Aria sitting in the lounge, watching the news on a large television screen. She hurriedly tried to hide herself before daring to peek again. She planned to pass them slightly but then got intrigued by what they were looking at on the screen.

The news anchor spoke about a military rescue operation for some fishermen lost at sea. But Nancy's gut told her otherwise-this wasn't about fishermen. Giovanni and the others were too interested, too quiet. Damon was out there. He was using every bit of his power to find her, and the ones watching the Television knew it.

Ken left her behind, knowing fully well that she would be tortured and murdered at Damon's hands. He left her to die in the worst way possible. But Damon-Damon was out there looking for her. And, was trying to bring her home.

Her gaze shifted around the main hallway until it landed on a phone on a nearby table. It wasn't too far from the entrance door of the home. Her heart leapt. She could call for help. But her hand froze as she realized she didn't know Damon's number. She walked to the table making sure no one had noticed her. Panic bubbled up in her chest as she flipped through the pages of the phone directory. Her fingers were shaking. She was desperate.

She traced her finger down a big page trying her hardest to read in the dim light. A shadow fell over her. She looked up to see Giovanni standing behind her, a smug smile playing on his lips.

"Looking for someone's landline, Nancy?" he said smoothly, his voice laced with sarcasm. "I can help you, you know. Anderson's landline, perhaps?"

Nancy's breath caught in her throat. He knew. He had seen her trying to reach Damon. She quickly closed the directory, her eyes darting around in search of an excuse, but she found none.

Giovanni's eyes gleamed with amusement as he leaned closer. "Walk with me."

With no other choice, Nancy followed him out to the patio, where the cool night air hit her skin. It did nothing to calm the dread building inside her. They stood in silence for a moment before Giovanni broke it.

"You know, my family had a beautiful farm. You have been there. I have seen you enjoying it." He began. His tone was deceptively calm. Saying this he looked at her. Nancy narrowed her eyes. "You were enjoying the hiking with him. Remember the previous owner of the hills."

Nancy recalled she had met him. She didn't recognize him in the suit. He was very casual that day. "Are you the man Damon confronted on the hill?"

But cutting her off he looked at the sky and started. "We were good people," His voice was harsh. He didn't like her interrupting her. But then he looked like he was recalling a harsh event and kept his voice normal when he continued. "-working the land, minding our own business. But your precious father-in-law had other plans. He wanted it for himself."

Nancy tensed. She didn't like where this was going.

"His father murdered my parents, my grandparents-everyone. I was just a boy then, but I remember. I remember their blood on the fields, the smell of gunpowder." His voice grew harder, filled with bitterness. "My sister saved me but was murdered the very same night, but I vowed that day I would make sure every last Anderson paid. And I will. Starting with Damon."

Nancy's pulse quickened. Giovanni turned to face her, his eyes burning with hatred. "I won't let you ruin my plans, Nancy. Not for some misguided sense of love for a man who has killed countless people. You were too close to be one of them. Weren't you?"

His words cut deep, and Nancy could feel the shame creeping into her thoughts. He was somewhat right. Damon had done horrible things. The sense that she was being loyal to one of the worst men to walk on the ground got her chin down for a moment. But it was her fate. This lowered head at this moment came with it.

Giovanni's voice dropped to a whisper, but his tone was as sharp as a knife. "Miss. Ivanov?" This made Nancy look up. "Yes, I know who are you, Nancy. I heard you were the girl who did what she believed was right, no matter the cost. That's what I admire about you. You think you are an Anderson but you are not. Not really. I can't see you as an Anderson. An Anderson wouldn't plead to her husband to spare the life of a salesman. You aren't one of them, Nancy. So, don't offer your priceless loyalty to them."

Nancy flinched at the sound of her old surname. Why did Ken have to do this? She had tried hard to bury that part of her life. How stupid does he have to be to not realize such stupidity? Their position was even fragile if someone got to know who they were.

Giovanni smiled coldly. "There's something between us, you know. I've watched you. You're smart and resourceful. We could be... more." Nancy saw he didn't take much to come to the point. He knows what she is. And, realized her weak position? Did he believe she would fall in his arms if he showed her a glimpse of a secure future? It was such an insult to her.

Nancy recoiled. "I'm not in that kind of position," she said firmly, her voice hardening. "There's no second marriage for me. I come from and then married into a family where second marriages aren't possible."

Giovanni's smile faltered for a second before returning, even crueller than before. "Oh, Nancy, you misunderstand. I don't need your love. I need your legacy. After all this is over, I'll rebuild, and your bloodline-your Ivanov bloodline-will be the start of something legitimate and powerful for someone like me who is an outsider. Give me at least one heir and you will secure some position in my life." Nancy raised her brows at his courage.

"This is not possible. Even if you forget about me being married to a man like Damon. Fyodor has complete control over something you want. And, he is still in very much energy to go on. What his age would be fifty-two?..."

"And, who is Fyodor? Oh? The man who married your aunt and then had a son from her womb. He is raising his son to take on the Ivanov family's influence and regard. Are you listening to me now? This could be me in his place raising my children to take on Russia." Nancy knew she had to show him his place.

"Unlike you, he was not a farm boy. He has paved his way by shedding a river of blood. Human blood. My dad, aunt and stepmother's involved. He might be an outsider but he was a right hand to the powerful Todorov family from Bulgaria and handled the whole Russian land for them. He was in a position that the Bulgaria would send their official soldiers for him. My Aunt made one of the worst decisions of her life by marrying him and letting him in only three family events. This much was enough for him to know all the inside game. They have support from Bulgaria and the East Macedonia club. You can't even start to imagine..."

"And, now he is funding the ongoing war for Russia with Afghanistan. The Russian government would offer him intelligence if he asked for it. Nancy, I know what I am getting into. I have my homework." Nancy's breathing got fast. She recalled how this man was giving a hard time to Damon. And, her husband was still not able to track him.

"If Fyodor gets to know that you are..."

"But he still needed a marriage with your aunt to claim the right. Paperwork you see. His son is seen as the grandson of your grandfather. Well, it's a tragedy that your twelve-year-old cousin will have to lose his life. But you shouldn't be sorry for him. You had to run away when your brother was much younger and vulnerable." Nancy wonders what this man thinks of himself.

"I am not seeking any revenge. I accept my father was leading a kind of life. So, stop saying you have any regard for me and my brother who made a run for their life." Nancy didn't know why she had never heard about this cousin of his. She never knew her aunt had birthed a son. But then she recalled how she didn't attend her funeral.

"Maybe you will forget all about it when you will see your children in his place. Yielding the same power." Nancy who hated the image raised her brows and scoffed, "You think high of yourself for a farm boy." Giovanni who didn't like her act came at her pulling her arm to him. Nancy refused to wince even if the pain did get her by surprise.

"Damon killed that farm boy on that farm, Miss Ivanov. I am Rossi's right hand. Not just for Italy but for the whole of Western Europe."

"Rossi family?" Nancy's eyes had an understanding now. She wonders if the Rossi family knew he was using their powers to further his personal agenda.

"I haven't gotten here by being a good man, Miss Walter. This is the surname you told Damon when he had you tied up in his playroom. At that time, I didn't know what kind of treasure you were. I planted Aria to get to Damon's sanity. But the man she chose to elope with opened a whole new horizon for me when he told me who are you..." Giovanni's eyes fell on her mouth when Nancy gulped. And, he spoke in a whisper coming to her. "...I know a lot more than you can imagine..." The moment he tried to lean in she looked away. Giovanni leaned into her ear and whispered, "I have done things even Damon can't imagine. So, you better choose carefully."

Nancy's chest tightened as his words sank in. He wanted her not for her loyalty or affection but to use her as part of his twisted plans. He had plans to the extent he wanted her to bear his children-to further his influence.

Nancy wonders if any person with power and coming to know about her reality would use her the same. She closed her eyes before looking at the sky. Damon wouldn't. He would fall for her and accept her even when she would be nothing except for Nancy.

Nancy thanked God that she never told Ken how Fyodor wanted to marry her to strengthen his claim on their family. Or he would have told this to Giovanni too.

Nancy blinked when Giovanni got his arm around her waist. Nancy pushed his arm away but he only pulled her closer.

"Soon, you will accept me and stand beside me like a beautiful Russian doll."

"You think you will tell me all about your plans and I'll let all that happen?" Nancy challenged, her voice shaking with defiance. "I'm an Anderson now. If you want to destroy the Anderson family, you'll have to start with me." Nancy made the tidings of her loyalty clear. Giovanni held her neck and squeezed his hand around it before pulling her face more to him.

Giovanni's smile never wavered as if he already knew she couldn't do a thing. He had heard about her misery at Damon's hands. She wasn't able to do anything but give in to Damon. He knew this mare would give in to him too. "I don't want to destroy you, Nancy. I want to build with you. We have to start somewhere, Miss Ivanov. Start with accepting your reality. It's me."

Nancy's heart pounded in her chest, but she stood her ground. Seeing how madly Damon was looking for her she knew he would come for her. Any moment. She knew it. Her faith in Damon's obsession was unwavering. "Is that what this is about? If you think I'll help you claim my family's inheritance to your heir. Forget about it."

"I don't need your inheritance," Giovanni said coldly. "I promised all of it to your brother, Ken. But my children-our children-would have a legitimate place on this side of the world. Ken won't stand in our way to claim the family's head position. It will be ours. Don't undermine your worth, honey. For all we know I can be the next Fyodor of Russia."

Nancy's blood ran cold. Giovanni had already planned everything. He wasn't just using her as leverage-he wanted to bind her to him permanently.

Giovanni lowering his voice to a menacing whisper continued. "You have no idea what I've crossed to come here. I won't let anyone-least of all a lost princess with a sob story-stand in my way."

With that, he turned and left her standing there. Her mind started spinning when she found two maids walking toward her. It was obvious they were there to keep their eyes on her from now on.

Back in her room, Nancy collapsed onto the bed, her head swimming with everything Giovanni had said. She felt trapped, powerless. Yet, her heart was resolute. She wasn't a doll to fall from one hand to another. Previously, she knew she had no one but a drunkard brother but now her husband was coming for her. No matter how ruthless and murderous he was. He was looking for her and turning the sea upside down for her.

She had to be what she was for him-his wife. She had made her choice long ago. She was Damon's now. No matter what Giovanni said or did, she was an Anderson now. She knew Damon could wage wars with Giovanni, with Fyodor or anyone not because he could but because he would-for her.

She knew her younger self would hate her for her to be this delusional for someone but she wanted to be this delusional.

The morning sun filtered through the windows as Nancy forced herself to sit at the breakfast table. Her mind was a battlefield. Her emotions were warring against her reason as she tried to maintain a façade of calm. Ken and Aria exchanged casual glances, unaware of the storm brewing inside her. When Giovanni joined them Ken and Aria greeted him as if he runs the world. Nancy on the other side didn't greet him. And, chewed her food without tasting it. She had gulped down more of the food to keep her anxiety at bay. It was helping.

"How's your morning," Giovanni asked Nancy who refused to look at him and skillfully cut on the sandwich. Her mind focused only on one thing: Damon. He was out there, searching for her and tearing the world apart. Going to any lengths possible. She had a sense of pride that no one could snatch.

Giovanni stopped Ken from reacting to Nancy's lack of respect for him. And, gestured to them to keep their cool and resume their breakfast.

Suddenly, a man in a sharp suit entered the dining room, his face grim and his posture stiff. Giovanni who was seated at the head of the table, looked up from his plate. His eyes were narrowed at the newcomer's expression.

The room fell silent when that man cleared his throat, his voice strained. "There's been news."

Nancy's heart lurched. She felt an overwhelming sense of dread before the words even left his mouth.

"Damon Anderson... is dead."

The world seemed to tilt. Nancy's breath caught in her throat. Her fingers went numb as the words echoed in her ears. Dead? No, it couldn't be. Damon was supposed to find her. He was supposed to come and rescue her from this nightmare. He couldn't be dead.

Across the table, Giovanni stiffened, his expression flickering between shock and something darker. The room seemed to shrink as the weight of the announcement settled over everyone. For a brief moment, Nancy saw it in Giovanni's eyes-disbelief, frustration. He hadn't wanted Damon to die this way.

"How are you sure?" Giovanni inquired,

"Our man had seen his grey body on the ice. His position will be followed by his cousin Robert Anderson who is already talking about sending the invites to his ceremony that he would arrange somewhere in the next month in Alaska."

The details were enough to make them accept the reality. "Will that be on the news?" Aria raised the question. Her voice was one of relief. As if she was free for the world again.

"No, he was no one for the news. What are you?" Ken reprimanded her.

The man in the suit continued, indifferent to the emotional storm raging in the room. "He died of a heart attack. He was searching for for his wife." The man's eyes flickered to Nancy while he lowered his voice. "He pushed himself too hard and ignored his injuries from the altercation earlier. The gunshot wound he sustained had already weakened him, but he didn't stop. He searched for his wife relentlessly until his last breath."

Nancy felt the blood drain from her face. Her hands were trembling. A gunshot that he took for her. He lost his life looking for her while pushing himself to the brink.

Tears pricked her eyes, but she couldn't cry here. Not in front of them. Not in front of Giovanni.

Giovanni's lips curled into a slow, cold smile as he processed the news. He leaned back in his chair while his eyes gleamed with dark satisfaction. "So, in the end... it was my bullet that killed him."

He sighed deeply as if a heavy weight had finally been lifted off his shoulders. "I would have preferred to see the life drain from his eyes myself," Giovanni mused with his tone cold and detached. "But I suppose this will do. At least he died knowing he couldn't find his wife. May his soul wander in the sea forever while Nancy would establish a new era with me."

Nancy's chest tightened with grief and rage. She wanted to scream, to lash out, but she remained frozen in her chair. Her mind was reeling from the loss. Damon was dead. The man she had promised her loyalty to, the man who had risked everything to find her-was gone.

And Giovanni was smiling. He had won.

Giovanni seemed to be savouring his victory. Damon had fallen. "He died looking for you, Nancy," Giovanni said, his voice soft but cutting. "Isn't that something? All that effort, and for what? His heart gave up on him. It must have exploded in his chest."

Nancy's throat tightened. She couldn't speak, couldn't breathe. Damon's face flashed before her eyes, his intensity, his devotion-even when she had doubted it. He had loved her, in his own way, enough to drive himself to death trying to bring her back.

Nancy gulped telling herself again that Damon was gone. And, she was left alone in a web of spiders. Where every spider was bigger than the first one.

The room seemed to close in around her as Giovanni's words sank in. There was no rescue coming. No Damon to storm through the gates and tear her from Giovanni's grip. She was trapped, and she had to survive on her own.

Giovanni stood up slowly, pushing his chair back. He approached Nancy, his gaze lingering on her pale face. "It's strange, isn't it? How life plays out. One moment, you're the wife of one of the most powerful men in the world. The next, you're just...a widow."

Nancy's heart hammered in her chest. Widow. The word stabbed at her, cold and merciless. She hadn't even had the chance to say goodbye to him or to tell him how much she had come to care for him.

Sensing her devastation, Giovanni's smile widened. "Don't look so sad, Nancy. Life goes on. And now, so must you." His voice dropped to a whisper as he leaned closer. "There's still a future for you. For us. Look forward to it."

Nancy's pulse quickened, her stomach churning with disgust. She looked up at Giovanni, her eyes burning with hatred. But she couldn't speak. Her voice, her will, had been shattered by the news of Damon's death.

Giovanni straightened, his expression hardening as he addressed the rest of the room. "We'll attend his funeral. It will be a shame if his widow doesn't attend. And, perhaps, once Nancy goes there and prepares for his funeral..." Giovanni got his hand on Nancy's shoulder and pressed it. "...she can send me an invite to attend her husband's funeral."

"But what would she say when they will ask her about her whereabouts for the last two days?" Aria raised the question.

"I will drop her to her estate tomorrow. We will explain that I got her out of the water. And, when she gained her consciousness, I at once drove her to her home. Too bad we will get the news about Damon's demise when we will reach there. What a tragedy."

"Do you think they will accept her as someone after his demise?" Ken asked,

"Are you kidding? Robert will give her a good sum to maintain a life of luxury so she won't need a man ever again. He is to hold her to her vows for her whole life."

This made Aria and Ken look at Giovanni. "But you said, you wanted to marry my sister to further..."

"Yes, but even before Robert could decide what he would offer Nancy he will meet the same fate as his dear cousin, Damon. Leaving Nancy and Selena the only custodian to the whole Anderson estate. Robert's daughter will meet the same fate after a few years. Now, come on, we can't be obvious. Can we?" Ken smiled leaning into his chair before he complimented Giovanni. "I have never seen a smarter man than you,"

Nancy wonders when Ken turned into such a cold man. She clenched her fists under the table, her nails digging into her palms. She couldn't show them how much this affected her. She couldn't break, not now.

But inside, she felt like a weak castle that had fallen for enemies. There was nothing left of her. There was nothing to stand for.

How was the chapter? How do you think Damon's funeral will go on?