Precious Rossi has known nothing but pain. Trapped in a loveless marriage filled with abuse, betrayal, and heartbreak, she has lost all hope of ever finding happiness. One fateful night, seeking an escape from her misery, she ends up in the arms of a mysterious stranger-a man who sees through her pain and offers her a moment of solace. That man is Micheal Timothy-a ruthless mafia billionaire with a dark past and a heart colder than ice. Their one-night stand was meant to be nothing more than a fleeting encounter, but fate has other plans. When Precious's world crumbles even further, she finds herself drawn into Micheal's dangerous orbit. As their lives intertwine, secrets unravel, enemies emerge, and a burning passion ignites. But can Precious truly escape her past? And will Micheal be the reason she finally learns to smile again, or will he become another nightmare she must survive? A tale of love, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of New York's bustling cityscape and the breathtaking beauty of Italy. He Is the Reason Why I Smile Again is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you breathless.
Chapter 1 A Night of Desperation
I sobbed deeply as I frantically dialed Brielle's number, my hands trembling so violently that the phone almost slipped from my grasp. My entire body ached from the relentless beating Liam had given me just moments ago. Bruises painted my skin, and the taste of blood lingered on my tongue.
"Pick up, Brielle, please..." I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. But the call went unanswered, and the overwhelming sense of loneliness settled deep in my bones.
The walls of our penthouse apartment, which once felt like a dream, had become my prison. Every piece of expensive furniture, every luxurious decor, meant nothing when the man who owned them treated me like trash.
I pressed a shaking hand against the bedroom mirror, staring at my own reflection. A stranger stared back at me-a woman with hollow eyes, bruised skin, and lips swollen from Liam's latest rage. This wasn't me. This wasn't the life I had imagined.
A sudden wave of nausea rolled over me, and I stumbled to the bathroom, gripping the sink for support. I took deep breaths, trying to steady myself, but my mind was a storm of fear and anguish. I couldn't stay here tonight. I wouldn't survive another beating.
With a newfound determination, I grabbed my coat and rushed out into the cold, rainy streets of New York. The downpour soaked through my thin blouse in seconds, but I didn't care. My heels clicked against the pavement as I moved without direction, the city's lights blurring through my tear-filled eyes.
I needed an escape.
And then I saw it-a dimly lit bar at the corner of the street. It looked like the perfect place to drown my sorrow, even if only for a few hours.
Pushing open the heavy door, I stepped inside. The warmth of the room was a stark contrast to the chill outside. The scent of alcohol and cigars filled the air, and faint jazz music played in the background. It was an intimate space, with rich mahogany furniture and dim golden lights that cast soft shadows across the walls.
I made my way to the bar, slipping onto a stool as the bartender approached. "What can I get you?" he asked, his voice gruff but not unkind.
"Whiskey. Neat." The words left my lips before I could second-guess them. I wasn't a drinker, but tonight, I needed something strong to numb the pain.
As I waited for my drink, my gaze drifted across the room, landing on a figure sitting alone in the VIP section. He exuded an aura of danger, his sharp jawline and piercing eyes sending a shiver down my spine.
Micheal Timothy.
I didn't know his name then, but something about him called to me. Maybe it was the way his gaze lingered on me, as if he could see straight through the mask I wore. Or maybe it was the fact that, for the first time in years, I felt something other than pain.
His presence was commanding, his tailored black suit hinting at wealth and power. He held a glass of bourbon in his hand, swirling the liquid idly as if lost in thought. When our eyes met, a flicker of curiosity sparked in his dark gaze.
I swallowed hard and turned back to my drink, but I could still feel his gaze on me. It was unnerving and intoxicating all at once.
"Rough night?" a smooth voice asked.
I looked up to find him standing beside me, his presence even more overwhelming up close. My breath caught in my throat. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried himself with effortless confidence.
"You could say that," I murmured, fingers tightening around my glass.
He studied me for a long moment before sliding into the seat next to mine. "I don't usually offer company to strangers," he said. "But you look like you need it."
A bitter smile tugged at my lips. "And what do you get out of it?"
He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a murmur. "Maybe I just like saving drowning women."
I let out a soft, humorless laugh. "I don't need saving."
His gaze darkened. "That's the biggest lie I've heard all night."
Silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken words. Part of me wanted to push him away, to retreat back into the shadows where Liam's ghost couldn't find me. But another part-one I had long ignored-was drawn to him, to the promise of something different. Something dangerous.
I took a deep breath and made my decision.
Tonight, I wasn't Precious Rossi, the battered wife. Tonight, I was just a woman seeking an escape.
And he was the perfect distraction.
Chapter 1 A Night of Desperation
02/04/2025
Chapter 2 Deals with the devil
02/04/2025
Chapter 3 A Dangerous Proposition
02/04/2025
Chapter 4 The First Move
02/04/2025
Chapter 5 A Dangerous Game
03/04/2025
Chapter 6 No Way Out
03/04/2025
Chapter 7 Shadows of the Past
03/04/2025
Chapter 8 A Storm is Coming
03/04/2025
Chapter 9 Escape to the Unknown
03/04/2025
Chapter 10 A New Life, A New Danger
03/04/2025
Chapter 11 A New World
03/04/2025
Chapter 12 The Silent Threat
03/04/2025
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