Emilee_678

In the shadows of New York, 17-year-old Gianna lives a sheltered life, blissfully unaware of the hidden truths that bind her to a mysterious legacy. As her 18th birthday approaches, whispers of her father's death and long-buried secrets begin to surface, thrusting her into a world of deception and intrigue. As she navigates the complexities of newfound power and betrayal, Gianna must uncover the truth about her past while transforming from a timid girl into a formidable force. In Legacy of Thorns, every revelation could be the key to her survival—or her undoing.

LEGACY OF THORNS

The dining room was twice the size of Gia's apartment back in New York. Long, dark-wood table. Gleaming silverware. Gold-trimmed plates. It looked like something out of a royal palace. Crystal chandeliers spilled soft light over the space, reflecting off tall wine glasses already filled, waiting.

Gia walked in beside Adrian, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. She felt like a shadow trying to exist in someone else's world.

Adrian's mother, Nadia, gestured gracefully. "Please, have a seat, darling. You're our guest tonight."

Gia gave a polite nod, quietly murmuring, "Thank you." Her voice barely made it past her own throat.

He was already seated at the head of the table, swirling a glass of wine slowly in his hand. His gaze touched her only briefly, cold and unblinking — the kind of look that said everything without saying a word.

He looked at her like she didn't belong here. Like she wasn't enough. Like she was a cracked teacup in a room full of fine china.

He said nothing — but he didn't have to.

He saw it the moment they entered. His father's disapproval hung in the air like a fog — quiet, suffocating. He hadn't spoken a word, but his eyes had.

Adrian didn't flinch. He pulled Gia's chair out for her himself, ignoring the way Dario smirked across the table and how Leo barely concealed his amusement.

Then, like a breeze through tension, Valentina rose and walked over to Gia.

"You're absolutely lovely," she said warmly, resting a hand gently on Gia's shoulder. "I'm Valentina, Adrian's sister. It's so nice to finally meet you."

Gia's lips parted in surprise before she offered a soft smile. "It's nice to meet you too."

Adrian exhaled, quietly thankful. Trust Valentina to make anyone feel like they belonged — even here.

He didn't need to know her background. It was written all over her. A poor girl. Probably working class. No real pedigree. His son, with all his blood and breeding, bringing her here?

Luciano didn't speak. He didn't have to.

He drank his wine, every movement composed, every word unspoken. His wife made conversation. His daughter smiled. His sons chuckled. But he only watched.

She couldn't survive this life. She'd bend. Then she'd break.

And Adrian... he should know better.

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Her hands trembled when she reached for her water glass, and she prayed no one noticed. But of course someone did — Valentina, who leaned in and said softly, "Don't worry. The first dinner is always the worst."

Gia gave her a grateful smile, clutching to the kindness like a lifeline.

Adrian reached under the table and gently touched her hand, anchoring her. She glanced at him, and for a second, the ice around the room melted. He didn't say a word — just held her hand, just enough for her to breathe.

Still, as her gaze wandered again and locked with Luciano's, her heart dropped.

And somehow, she knew — he didn't even

The First Dinner Is Always The Worst