Fermented Desires

Return to the Vineyard

Author's Note

Hey lovebugs 💌

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for sticking with Fermented Desires through all the slow updates and pauses. I know it's been a minute between chapters, and I want to be real with you — the delay has been completely on me. Between battling some major writer's block and struggling with staying consistent, it's been a journey. 😅

This is actually my first time diving deep into a story like this, and I think I've been putting a lot of pressure on myself to make every chapter perfect. But the truth is... this story means so much to me, and so do you — the ones reading it, liking it, commenting, and sending me love. You remind me why I started.

So here's my promise: I'm getting back on track. I'm learning how to push through the blocks, trust my voice, and most importantly — show up. You deserve a story that flows, that keeps you hooked, and that doesn't disappear for weeks at a time lol. 😂

Thank you for your patience, your excitement, and your loyalty. I see you, and I appreciate you more than you know. New chapters are coming. And they're coming consistently.

With all my love,

— Bunny 🖤✨

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The press conference room buzzed like a hornet's nest. Cameras clicked. Journalists leaned forward, sensing something was off.

Giovanni Vinoir stepped to the podium, eyes cold and mouth curved into a polished smile. "We are pleased to announce that Isabella Vinoir has returned home. Safe. Sound. And with a renewed sense of... duty."

A few reporters exchanged glances.

Leonardo leaned forward, fingers laced in front of him like a trap ready to spring. "She's where she belongs. Everything is back on track. The wedding will take place in two days."

A hand shot up from the front row. "Will Isabella be making an appearance today?"

A pause.

Zahara's eyes snapped to the reporter like a whip crack.

"She is currently... occupied," she said smoothly. "Final preparations are underway. Her schedule is quite full with fittings, rehearsals, and bridal protocols. We've asked that she remain focused on the ceremony."

Leonardo nodded, that thin smile still carved across his face. "You'll see her soon enough. On her big day."

The chill in the room was sudden and sharp.

Giovanni raised a hand. "That's all for now. No further questions."

Flash. Flash. Flash.

The screen froze on Leonardo's smug expression before the feed cut.

—

"Yo... what the fuck did he just say?"

Cameron's voice broke the silence like glass. He stared at the screen, blood draining from his face. "Did they say she returned?"

"Bullshit," Ashton growled. "She didn't return. She was taken."

Nikko stood, fists clenched at his sides. "They're going to force her into that wedding. Two days. That's all we've got."

Hudson's jaw tightened as he grabbed his laptop. "We don't have time to wait. We're not calling the cops. We're not asking questions. We're taking her back."

"Do we even know where she is?" Cameron asked.

Nikko didn't hesitate. "They'll keep her at the vineyard estate. That's where all Vinoirs are caged before they're sold off."

The words hung in the air, bitter and brutal.

Ashton paced like a panther. "We'll need a distraction. Something that pulls security away from the south entrance. That wine shipment... they're due for one soon, right?"

Hudson's fingers flew over the keyboard. "Got it. Delivery's scheduled tomorrow at 3 PM. I can reroute it—say it was delayed. That gives us a window."

"I'll steal a uniform," Cameron added. "If I walk in as one of the vineyard hands, I can get eyes on her."

Nikko looked each of them in the eye. "No one leaves without her. If she says go, you don't hesitate. You grab her and run."

The room went quiet.

Then Ashton spoke, voice low and lethal. "This isn't just a rescue."

Hudson nodded, already pulling out a duffel bag. "It's a war."