Morning sunlight filtered through the heavy drapes, casting a soft glow over the room. I stirred, feeling the warmth of Eleanor's body nestled against mine.

Her steady breathing was a comforting rhythm, a reminder of the peace I found in these quiet moments. Waking up next to her every day was a gift, a brief respite from the chaos of our lives.

I carefully extricated myself from her embrace, not wanting to disturb her. 

Eleanor mumbled something in her sleep, a small smile playing on her lips. 

I watched her for a moment, my heart swelling with affection. 

She had been my anchor through all the turmoil, the one constant in a world of shifting alliances and relentless conflict.

As I dressed, my thoughts drifted to Serafina. Our marriage was one of necessity, a strategic move to unite our families and strengthen our position against our enemies. 

But despite the circumstances, there was no denying the connection between us. She was fierce and capable, a warrior who understood the burdens we carried. 

She grew up in front of me. Hell, I even raised her in my own way. I taught her everything she needed to know—how to navigate the treacherous waters of our world, how to wield power, how to survive. 

I was there for her first kill, her first taste of real blood. 

I saw the fire in her eyes then, the same fire that still burns within her.

I couldn't help but remember the times when things were simpler between us. 

When she was younger, there was an innocence to our bond, a purity that was untouched by the politics and expectations of our families. 

We used to have fun, even amidst the chaos. I'd take her to the shooting range, and she'd surprise me with her precision. 

Or we'd sit in the study late at night, talking about anything and everything, just enjoying each other's company.

She understood me in ways no one else did, even though she was so much younger. I could talk to her about things I couldn't share with anyone else—not even Eleanor. 

She had a way of seeing through the masks we all wore, of cutting through the bullshit and getting to the heart of things. 

I valued that about her, respected it. But now, everything feels different.

This marriage has changed something between us, something I can't quite put my finger on.

There's an awkwardness that wasn't there before, a tension that lingers in the air whenever we're together. 

We used to be able to laugh, to find comfort in each other's presence. 

Now, it's as if we're walking on eggshells, both of us acutely aware of the new dynamic that binds us.

I know she feels it too, this shift between us. It's as though the weight of our vows, the expectations of our families, have built a wall between us that we never had before. 

I wonder if she misses the way things were, if she longs for the simplicity of our earlier bond as much as I do.

As I finished dressing, my thoughts kept drifting back to her, to the way we used to be. 

There's a part of me that yearns to reach out, to bridge the distance that's grown between us, but I'm not sure how. 

The stakes are too high, and the roles we play in each other's lives are too complex now. We've both changed, grown harder, more guarded. 

But the connection is still there, buried beneath layers of duty and obligation.

Eleanor stirred again, this time opening her eyes to meet mine. "Good morning," she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep.

"Good morning," I replied, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Did you sleep well?" 

She nodded, stretching languidly. "Yes, I did. What about you?"

I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Better now that I'm with you."

She laughed softly, a sound that always managed to lift my spirits. "Flatterer. What's on the agenda today?"

"The usual," I said, my tone turning serious. "Checking on our operations, meeting with the underbosses, and making sure everything is in place for the upcoming things."

I finished dressing and headed to my home office, where the day's tasks awaited. 

The ongoing mission to protect our territory and keep the Russians at bay was a never-ending challenge. 

Every decision, every move had to be calculated and precise. There was no room for error.

I spent the morning reviewing reports from our operatives, ensuring our defenses were secure. 

The Russians were a formidable enemy, but we had struck a significant blow with our recent raid. It was a message they couldn't ignore.

As I worked, my thoughts kept drifting back to Serafina. Our partnership was complex, a blend of duty and unspoken emotions. 

She was my wife in name, but our connection went deeper than that. 

We understood each other in ways that few could, bound by the shared weight of our roles.

I couldn't deny the pull I felt towards her, the chemistry that sparked whenever we were together. 

But my heart belonged to Eleanor, and I had to navigate the delicate balance between my duty to Serafina and my love for Eleanor.

After a few hours, I took a break, stepping out onto the balcony to clear my mind. The view of the city below was a stark contrast to the turmoil that often filled my days. 

It was a reminder of what we were fighting for—a semblance of peace and order in a world ruled by chaos. I thought about our upcoming plans. 

The Grand Conclave was just days away, and it was crucial that we presented a united front. Our appearance at the ball would solidify our alliances and show the world that we were a force to be reckoned with. 

Serafina would be the centerpiece, the newly wedded bride of the future French capo. Her presence would send a clear message to our enemies and allies alike.

The sound of my phone buzzing pulled me back to the present. 

It was a message from one of my underbosses, Lucas, with an update on our operations. I read through it quickly, noting the key points and formulating my response.

I returned to my office, diving back into the work that awaited. 

The hours passed in a blur of meetings, reports, and strategic planning. By the time I finished, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the city.

I made my way back to the living room, where Eleanor was waiting with a glass of wine and a warm smile. 

"Long day?" she asked, offering me the glass. I took it gratefully, sinking into the couch beside her. 

"You could say that. But it's nothing I can't handle."

She leaned against me, her presence a soothing balm. "You always say that."

"Because it's true," I replied, wrapping an arm around her. 

"You've faced worse and come out stronger." She looked up at me, her eyes filled with love and determination. "And you always will."

As we sat there, the weight of the day began to lift, replaced by a sense of calm. 

No matter the challenges ahead, I knew that with Eleanor by my side, I could face anything. But as I held her close, my thoughts strayed once more to Serafina. 

Our lives were intertwined in ways that neither of us had anticipated, and the road ahead was fraught with uncertainty. Yet, amidst the chaos, I felt a glimmer of hope. 

I checked my phone, noting a message from Michele.

 She was out with her friends tonight, which was a relief. 

She needed the break, a chance to unwind and forget the weight of our responsibilities, even if just for a while.

"Serafina won't be home tonight. She's out with her friends tonight," I replied, choosing my words carefully. "

She needs a break. "Eleanor nodded, a hint of understanding in her eyes. "Good. She deserves it."

"Any maybe, even we can enjoy the joy of empty house tonight.", she smirked as she pulled me closer."

"Je ferai vibrer ces murs avec tes gémissements ce soir, mon bijou"

SHORT CHAPTER CAUSE NEXT CHAPTER IS GOING TO BE INSANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!