Forbidden Bonds of Blood & Love
Episode 𝟏 ~The wish that held on
Authyy~
I hope you all are fine and doing well
Authyy~
well...this is my first time, writing a chat novel...
Authyy~
hope you guys will like it
Authyy~
please note the followings-
DISCLAIMER:
The following dialogue of this work is totally fictional and does not reflect real-life scenarios, characters, or events. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or deceased, is purely coincidental. The depiction of Italian mafia culture, family dynamics, and adoption processes is fictionalized for entertainment purposes only. Reader discretion is advised.
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:
I do not own the art featured in this story. All rights belong to it's rightful owner/owners. No copyright infringement intended.
WARNING:
This story contains sensitive themes such as:
Mature language * Violence * Organized crime * Complex family dynamics * Possible trigger scenes (e.g., loss of a parent, adoption-related issues) * Slow-burn romance * Steamy situations * Strong-willed characters * *Read at your own discretion.
NOTE:
The words written inside ** is the action done by the character.
The words written inside () is the inner thoughts of the character.
"❄️"means the character is speaking/behaving coldly
"💬"Means a conversation in chat.
"📞"means a conversation in call.
I may sometimes use emojis to show the reaction of the character
NOTE:
This story will be played from the Female Lead's point of view mostly. The point of view of other characters will also be included.
The first episode is about the backstory of the Female Lead and to give you more information about her. It is advised that you pay attention to this episode so that you can understand the story clearly.
The story will start progressing from Episode 2.
(The dormitory is cold, and the thin blankets barely keep the chill away. The younger children stir as the morning bell clangs loudly.)
Eliot (an orphan boy)
*grumbling, pulling his blanket over his head* Five more minutes.
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*already sitting up, shaking his shoulder* Get up, Eliot. And help Thomas with his boots.”
Asteria (fl/orphan)
**Moves through the room, making sure little Sarah, only six, has her coat buttoned properly. She fixes braids, ties shoelaces, and nudges half-asleep kids toward the washroom**
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*sits with the younger children, making sure they eat. She quietly slips an extra piece of bread onto Sarah’s plate when Mrs. White isn’t looking*
Mrs. White (Orphanage's house-mother)
*Notice Asteria giving her food to Sarah...and sigh* You’ll go hungry if you keep doing that, girl.
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*smile a lil* I’ve had worse..so don't worry
Note- Before the orphanage, Asteria remembers nights on the street, cold and starving. She doesn’t want the little ones to feel that.
After breakfast, Asteria helps the younger ones with their assigned tasks. She teaches them how to fold laundry properly, how to scrub floors faster so Miss Hargrove doesn’t yell.
Sarah (an orphan girl)
*whispering as she wipes a window* Sissy..do you think someone will come for us today?”
Asteria (fl/orphan)
Maybe.....*thinking*
Asteria had lived at the Evergreen Orphanage for as long as she could remember. At sixteen, she was the oldest among the children and often felt more like a caretaker than a kid. The younger ones clung to her, looking up to her as an older sister. She helped with everything—braiding little Sarah’s hair in the mornings, teaching Eliot how to tie his shoelaces, and even reading bedtime stories when the housemother was too busy.
Despite the love she had for them, a quiet loneliness settled in her heart. Every week, she watched as couples came to visit, their eyes scanning the room for younger children—babies, toddlers, or even those no older than eight. Asteria had stopped expecting them to look at her a long time ago.
Her days followed the same routine. Wake up early, help the younger kids dress, eat a modest breakfast, then attend school. She was a good student, but she never boasted about it. After school, she’d return to the orphanage and help with chores. Sometimes, she’d sneak to the rooftop when the sun set, watching as the town below lit up, imagining what it would be like to have a home. A real one.
Asha didn’t dream of grand mansions or luxurious gifts. She just wanted a place where she belonged. A warm dinner table where people asked about her day. A room of her own, not one shared with five others. A hug at the end of a long day. Someone to say “Good night” and mean it.
She had told herself over and over that she was fine—strong, independent. But deep down, a tiny, fragile hope remained. A hope that one day, someone would walk into the orphanage and see her. Not just see an older girl, but see her—the caring, resilient, and lonely Asha. And maybe, just maybe, they’d decide that she was worth loving too.
Asteria (fl/orphan)
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Eliot (an orphan boy)
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Episode 𝟐 ~When a faded wish sparkled again
Authyy~
hope you guys are doing well
Asteria sat outside with her best friend, Olivia, another orphan her age.
Olivia (an orphan girl/ fl's friend)
*kicked a small rock, her expression thoughtful* If you could be adopted tomorrow, what would you want it to be like?
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*leaned back against the orphanage wall, staring at the sky* I just want someone to see me, you know? Not as the 'responsible' one. Not as the 'oldest.' Just... me."
Olivia (an orphan girl/ fl's friend)
*Nodded* Yeah. I get that.
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*sighed* I don't need a big house or fancy things. Just someone who won't leave. Someone who actually wants me there.
Before Olivia could respond, a voice called from the doorway. "Asteria, can you come inside?"
It was Mrs. White, and something in her voice made Asteria's heart race. Was this just another meeting with a social worker? Or was this the moment she'd secretly wished for? The moment someone finally saw her?
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*smile* Come in, child. There's someone here to see you
Mrs. White (Orphanage's house-mother)
*stood near the front desk, speaking to a man*
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*steps forward, her wary eyes landing on the man in the expensive suit. He stands tall, hands in his pockets, watching her with a quiet intensity*
？？？
You look just like him
Asteria (fl/orphan)
like who?
？？？
*Exhales slowly, eyes softening for just a moment* Your father.
A heavy silence fills the room. Asteria stiffens at the mention of a man she barely remembers
Asteria (fl/orphan)
You knew him?
？？？
*Nods, voice steady but laced with something unreadable* He was my closest friend. We built an empire together....
Asteria (fl/orphan)
who are you?
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
I am Zaiden Giovanni.
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*eyes widens* Zaiden Giovanni! the dynamic and strategic CEO? who leads The great Giovanni international?...with a vision for innovation and excellence
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
*chuckles a lil* quite smart. You're surely his daughter
Asteria (fl/orphan)
So...why are you here?
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
To take you home.
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
As i said...your father was my closest friend and He would've never wanted this for you.
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*Looking away, jaw tightening* Well, he's not here, is he?
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
you father made me your godfather when you're born.
Asteria (fl/orphan)
my godfather?
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
*Nodding* Yes. I should have come sooner—I know that. But I’m here now. And I’d like to take you home.”
Asteria's heart pounds. Home. A word she hasn’t dared to hope for in years. She searches his face, looking for deception, for hesitation—but she finds none. Only sincerity
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*after a long pause* Why now?
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
Because I made a promise to your father. And I refuse to break it. And moreover I was investigating your father's death at that time that's why in order to keep you safe I couldn't reach to you. I am really sorry child
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
Asteria...would you like to come with me?
**Mrs. White places a comforting hand on Evelyn’s shoulder. The room is quiet, waiting for her answer. Evelyn swallows hard, her mind racing. Could she trust him? Could she leave everything behind?**
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*Finally, voice steady but cautious* Okay. But I have conditions.
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
*raises an amused eyebrow, impressed and chuckled slightly* Go on
Asteria (fl/orphan)
I want to be able to visit this orphanage once a week. And... I need time to trust you.
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
Fair enough. Then we'll take this one step at a time, Asteria.
Asteria (fl/orphan)
* exhales, looking around at the only home she's known. Then, slowly, she nods. A new chapter begins*
Authyy~
see you in next chapter
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
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Asteria (fl/orphan)
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Mrs. White (Orphanage's house-mother)
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Episode 𝟑 ~Finally home: A wisℎ came true
Authyy~
i hope you all are fine
**The iron gates groan open as Asteria steps onto the long stone pathway leading to the mansion. She clutches her old bag, her heart pounding. The estate is enormous-too perfect**
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*mesmerized* wow...so big
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
*warm smile* Welcome, Asteria, from today onward, this will be your home
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*hesitant* Home?
(She doesn't know what that word truly means.)
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
come inside.
**He leads her through the grand double doors. The entrance breathtaking-marble floors, crysta, andeliers, and walls, lined with paintings. Asteria shifts uncomfortably, feeling out of place.**
**Two figures approach-a tall, older man in a crisp black suit and a woman with a warm but formal expression.**
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
*gesturing to the older man* This is Mr. Whitmore, the butler of Giovanni Manor
Mr. Whitmore (butler)
*bowing slightly* A pleasure, Miss Asteria. Should you require anything, do not hesitate to ask.
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*awkwardly* Uh... nice to meet you?
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
*gesturing to the woman* And this is Mrs. Hawthorne, the housekeeper.
Mrs. Hawthorne (housekeeper)
*smiling gently* "Welcome, dear. We've prepared a room for you.
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*glancing at Zaiden* So... what exactly am I supposed to do here?"
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
*calmly* Live. This is your home from now on.
**Asteria stares at him, unsure what to say. For the first time in her life, she isn't being asked to take care of anyone else. No younger children to feed, no bedtime stories to tell. Just... her. It feels strange. Almost too good to be true.**
Mrs. Hawthorne (housekeeper)
*gently* Come, dear. Let me show you your room
Asteria (fl/orphan)
**hesitates for a second before following, casting one last glance at Zaiden. The mansion is beautiful, but she can't shake the feeling that something more lies beneath its perfect surface...**
Mrs. Hawthorne (housekeeper)
This is your room *gesture towards the room*
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*went inside*
Asteria (fl/orphan)
it's pretty *mesmerized*
Mrs. Hawthorne (housekeeper)
*smile gently* freshen up...I'll call you when the dinner is ready...nd call me if you need anything *left*
Mrs. Hawthorne (housekeeper)
*knock knock* Young miss Asteria, the dinner is ready. please come downstairs.
Asteria (fl/orphan)
ok. I am coming...
*wears it and went downstairs and sat on the chair*
**Asteria sits stiffly at the long dining table, the golden candelabras casting a warm glow over the polished wood. The room is eerily quiet except for the soft clinking of silverware being set. She's never eaten in such a grand setting before, and she can't shake the feeling of being out of place**
**Zaiden takes his seat at the head of the table, his sharp eyes sweeping over her before he turns his attention elsewhere.**
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
Vincenzo. Eryx. Alastor. Luciano. Leonardo
**The heavy double doors swing open, and five young men enter, each distinct yet carrying an air of power and refinement. Asteria's grip tightens around the edge of her napkin**
Vincenzo Giovanni (ml1)
*the eldest, tall and composed, takes the seat to Zaiden's right* Father *His voice is deep, his expression unreadable*
Alastor Giovanni (ml2)
*Sharp-eyed, reserved, adjusting his silver cufflinks before sitting silently*
Eryx Giovanni (ml3)
*Leaning back in his chair with a lazy smirk* Didn't expect company tonight. Who's the girl?
Leonardo Giovanni (ml4)
*Intimidating, tilts his head, studying her with quiet curiosity*
Luciano Giovanni (ml5)
*calm and composed, sharp-eyed*
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*swallows, unsure what to say. The atmosphere is heavy, as if some unspoken rule has been broken by her mere presence at their table?
Zaiden Giovanni (Fl's adopted-dad)
*❄️*This is Asteria and she will be staying here. She is your sister from now on, so treat her accordingly.
Vincenzo Giovanni (ml1)
*after a brief silence, he lifts his wine glass* Welcome, then." *His tone is cold and polite, but his gaze is unreadable*
**One by one, the others nod, though Eryx seems to watch her with amusement, and Leonardo still looks unconvinced. Asteria isn't sure if she's being accepted or tested**
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*quietly* Thank you...
Asteria (fl/orphan)
*picks up her fork, wondering if she just stepped into something far bigger than she ever imagined*
Asteria (fl/orphan)
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