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Chapter 16
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2025-02-03 17:56:20
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Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 17
I step out of the car, my legs shaking beneath me as I force myself to walk toward him. Every step feels like I’m walking into a storm I can’t control, like I’m headed straight for something I won’t be able to run from.“You’re late,” Marco says quietly, his voice low and controlled.The peace in his tone sends a chill down my spine. I would almost prefer him yelling, and getting it all out in the open. But this? This is worse. It’s like he’s waiting for something, like the storm is building inside him, and any second now, it’s going to break.“I—” I start, but he cuts me off with a sharp look.“I don’t want to hear your excuses, Francesca.” His voice is quiet, but there’s a hard edge to it, like a threat. “You were supposed to be here. You made a choice.”“I didn’t have a choice,” I say, my voice shaking as I take a step closer to him. “My father… he’s dying, Marco. I couldn’t just leave him.”Marco’s eyes flash with something I can’t quite place. Anger? Hurt? For a split second, I t
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As I enter the house, it feels colder than usual, and Marco's comments continue to reverberate in my head like an unstoppable storm. His piercing, demanding voice keeps repeating, making it difficult to concentrate on anything else. Every opulent detail and room in this mansion serves as a reminder that I'm stuck in a world I never intended to be in.I take in the opulent furnishings, the pricey artwork on the walls, and the subdued, sophisticated lighting that creates lengthy shadows in every nook and cranny. Yes, it is lovely, but it also has a menacing quality. Here, the beauty is emotionless and frigid, as if it were all for show. This isn't a house. It's a cage. Additionally, I'm a bird that flew too near the bars.As I move down the corridor, it feels like the walls are closing in on me. They seem to be getting closer every day. As I pass a marble table, I brush my fingertips over its smooth surface, but I have to pull back because of the stone's coolness. It makes me think of M
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My flesh crawls at the sound of his voice. I've always felt that way about him—there's something strange about him. He differs from Marco. Although Marco is domineering and violent, there is something more profound, even human, about him. But Gianni? There is no warmth beneath his cool, calculating exterior. He's vicious, and I do not doubt that if it suited his needs, he wouldn't think twice about harming me.I take a step toward the door, being mindful not to speak. I can't help but eavesdrop, even though I know I shouldn't. I find myself interested in their talk for some reason, a warning sign ringing in the back of my head.Gianni sneers, "You'll never control her." Despite being low, his voice is venomous. "She's not strong enough."I feel as though icy water is streaming down my spine from his remarks. With my heart thumping in my chest, I stabilize myself by pressing my hand against the wall.Marco takes a while to reply. His tone is steady and serene, but I can't hear what he'
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I hear sounds coming from within just as I'm ready to knock. My hand lingers in the air as I freeze. Marco is not alone. He is in there with Luca, and they speak in a quiet but powerful voice. I can't help but listen even though I shouldn't. I put my ear to the door and strive to hear what they have to say since I'm curious.A Risky GameLuca says, "I don't like this," in a quiet voice with a hint of edge. "Marco, she's turning into a liability."His words make my blood run cold. They are discussing me."If she continues to disobey you..." Although Luca falters, the meaning is obvious. Something negative will occur if I continue to push back and attempt to play both sides.The silence seems oppressive during the lengthy wait. As I wait for Marco's response, my heart sinks. However, he doesn't. It seems as though the air is being drawn out of the room as the silence continues. What's on his mind? What plans does he have?When Marco finally replies, his tone is cool and collected, but t
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"Go back to your room," he says in a disapproving tone. "We'll discuss this in the morning."I pause for a second, not knowing what to do. With my heart still pounding and my head reeling from what I've heard, I turn and walk away. Whatever Marco and Luca are up to, it's more ambitious than I had anticipated. And I'm not sure what Marco will do now that I've been apprehended.My thoughts are racing and my hands are shaking as I make my way back to my room. There's no turning back now, yet I can feel the weight of what just transpired bearing down on me. Marco is aware that I listened. He is aware that I shouldn't have heard it. And I'm certain that whatever happens next won't be good.The tension is too much to handle, and I'm terrified of what Marco will do next.Marco approaches me, his towering frame looming over the room as I stand motionless. As he examines me, his piercing eyes narrow. Breathing becomes difficult as my throat tightens and the air feels heavy as if it were thick
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A PromiseI whisper, "I won't betray you," but my voice sounds hollow. In all honesty, I'm not sure if I can fulfill that promise. Not when so many diverse forces are pulling me in different directions. Not when my dad's life is on the line. But it would be suicidal to say anything else.Marco keeps looking at me for a second longer, his face unreadable. Then he lets me go without saying another word. With unsteady legs, I take a step back and attempt to control my breathing. However, the fear persists, encircling my chest like a vice."Good," Marco replies in a composed tone. "Because I must have faith in you, Francesca."I don't feel any safer even if he backs off a step to give me more room. I feel more stuck than ever if anything. I can feel Marco's grip tightening around me and permeating every aspect of my life and the decisions I make.Marco adds, "I'll give you some time," in a tone that sounds almost casual as if he were talking about the weather. But keep in mind that there
Last Updated : 2025-02-05Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 23
A Snip of HopeWhen I least expect it, a glimmer of optimism appears amid this gloom. I'm sitting in the living room one afternoon, trying to stop my mind from racing, when my phone buzzes with a message. The fact that it's from Aunt Emilia makes my heart skip a beat.My hands, shaking a little, I open the message fast.It says, I found an expert. He's open to seeing your dad. He's the best chance we have, but it's risky. Give me a call.I'm having trouble breathing for a while. It's overpowering as hope ignites inside of me. An expert. Someone who might be able to save my dad's life. Amid all this craziness, it feels like a lifeline, something firm to cling to. It's unbelievable. My heart thumping in my chest, I read the message again.But as soon as reality sets in, the thrill vanishes and is replaced by a thick knot of anxiety.How can I afford to buy this? If it wasn't something remarkable, something costly, Aunt Emilia wouldn't have brought it up. Such specialists are not inexpen
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I attempt to speak steadily and quietly as I say, "I'm not asking for charity." "But we're talking about my father's life here."Marco adds, "I understand that," in a cool, collected tone. "However, I also need to safeguard my interests."His gaze is fixed on mine as he takes a step closer. Therefore, you will need to give me something in exchange if you want my assistance, Francesca. Something worthwhile.It breaks my heart. I have nothing of value to give him. I'm poor and powerless. I know, with a dreadful sensation, that he wants me because I am the only thing I have."What are you looking for from me?" I ask, hardly raising my voice above a whisper.A little, icy smile curls Marco's lips. He states simply, "Loyalty." "Total and steadfast devotion." You are mine now and forever. You will follow my instructions without inquiry and at the appropriate time.I get a chill from his words, and I can feel his demand looming over me like a thick shroud. I understand his question. He wants
Last Updated : 2025-02-05
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Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 64
I get a wave of uneasiness as soon as the message is sent. My chest is filled with a profound sensation of fear, and my heart is pounding. We've started a risky strategy, and I can't get rid of the sensation that we've made a grave error.Marco looks at me with an unreadable expression. "It's finished," he murmurs. "We wait now."I nod, but my thoughts are whirling. The rival family has consistently been erratic, even cruel. We just gave them a chunk of our city and our lives, and we have no idea what they will do with it.I keep thinking about Sofia's words: They're going to exploit the instability and leave us with nothing.I look at Marco, who is already thinking deeply and perhaps preparing his next move. I can't help but wonder whether he's in over his head this time, even though he's typically so focused and dedicated.Marco breaks the stillness with, "We'll get through this." "We must."I nod, but my chest still aches from the fear. At what price is the alliance sealed? Doubt w
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 63
The coffee abruptly becomes sour in my throat, and I feel my stomach turn. "Cut the city in half?" I say it again, hardly raising my voice above a whisper. "That's Marco, that's too much. We are unable to provide them with that.He stretches his fingers through his hair and exhales deeply in frustration. "I understand. However, we require their assistance. We will never be able to defeat Gianni without them.I examine him, looking for any hint of uncertainty or weakness in his commitment. Marco, however, remains steadfast, his eyes steely and unforgiving. I'm afraid that he has already made up his mind."However, half the city..." I repeat, my voice faltering. "It's all of that."Even though Marco remains silent, our quiet is sufficient. I understand his thoughts. We've been driven to the limit by this conflict with Gianni, and now we have to make hard decisions. But accepting this? Giving a family we can't trust half of everything we've fought so hard for? Everything we have battled
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 62
Marco takes a while to reply. His face is fixed in that unreadable expression he always has when he's pondering, and he's also staring at the ceiling. He sighs after a moment. "We had no other option. Gianni made us hold his hand.I shake my head, a feeling of frustration rising within me. However, Marco, things didn't have to be this way. For months, we have been hiding, battling, and running. I have lost any sense of what we are fighting for.His voice is sharper now as he says, "Francesca, we're fighting for survival." His eyes are harsh as he turns to face me. "Gianni is determined to get what he wants, and he wants me dead." It's no longer just about us. It all comes down to survival.With each syllable, I sense the gap between us widening. "How about us? What about all of our experiences? This conflict cannot cost me you.For a little moment, he becomes softer and reaches for my hand. "I won't leave you. I swear. Even though his comments are supposed to be consoling, they seem h
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 61
At last, he turns, his eyes dark and roiling with an inexplicable tempest of emotions. "We continue to battle. Gianni is unstoppable. Until one of us passes away, no."With my heart racing, I take a step closer. "And if it’s you?"Marco clenches his jaw. "It won’t be."Despite the destruction all around us, I want to believe him. "This war... it’s going to destroy everything, isn’t it?"His quiet is sufficient even when he doesn't respond.Luca approaches us with a grim expression on his face. "We must reorganize. They will return.Marco nods while continuing to gaze at the debris. "Yes. And we'll be prepared the next time."The impact of what he said becomes apparent. This is just the start. And I'm in the midst of it all.I'm caught in the middle of the conflict between Marco and Gianni, which has officially started. I have no idea what's going to happen next, and there's no going back now. I can only hope Marco is correct and that we will survive in the future.Hours after the atta
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 60
I draw away from him and shake my head. However, what if you are unable to stop it? Marco, you are not in charge of everything.The strain radiates from him as he clenches his jaw. "I must."His remarks are like a punch to the gut. Even though he knows it might not be enough, he is carrying the weight of keeping us all safe.Scene Two: An Unexpected AssaultMy restlessness is still bothering me as I toss in bed later that night. Although there is silence in the home, my anxious thoughts are loud. I'm about to fall asleep when...Break!One sound slashes through the darkness, then another.Fire.My heart is pounding as I sit straight upright. "Marco!"I scurry out of bed when I hear the shouting coming from downstairs. I run to the window and pull back the curtain. Men with guns pour into the yard."Oh my God." My breath catches. It's happening.With my heart thumping in my ears, I fling open the door and dash down the stairs. I make it to the hallway when Luca, clad in filth and brand
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 59
Sofia doesn’t move. Her expression remains calm, her voice steady as she replies. “What we want is simple. We want Gianni out of the picture before he damages all we’ve built.” “And what happens after that?” the younger man says, his tone scornful. “You expect us to just shake hands and walk away? You think we’re that naïve?” The room goes silent, and I can feel the weight of his words weighing down on us. He’s not incorrect. Even if we manage to take Gianni out, there’s no certainty this union will hold. Trust is delicate in our society, and relationships may shatter in an instant. The elder guy narrows his gaze, watching us in quiet. The tension is oppressive, and I can feel my hands trembling in my lap. I tighten fingers into fists, attempting to stabilize myself, but the weight of the moment is crushing. “I’ll be honest,” the elder guy says after what seems like an eternity. “I don’t trust you. But I also don’t trust Gianni. And maybe that’s enough for now.” His words are lik
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 58
It's this. The moment that might make all the difference. The issue that looms as the door opens and the faces of the opposing family are revealed is whether this encounter will end in an alliance or a betrayal that might destroy everything that Marco and Francesca have worked so hard to achieve. The room seems colder than typical, not because of the weather, but because of the attitude. It’s badly lit, barely enough light to make out the faces in front of us. I sat across from two men....two guys who could alter everything in this conflict with just a single word. Marco sits behind me, his jaw taut, his eyes flaming with that intensity he brings into every battle. But this isn't a battle of punches and guns—this is a war of words and every word matters. The calm is overwhelming. No one dares to speak first, as if whoever breaks the calm would lose something crucial. The elder guy across from us, the boss, has sharp features and eyes that could pierce through steel. His younger equ
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 57
"And how precisely do we prevent them from betraying us?" Marco asks in a harsh tone. "Loyalty isn't exactly what these people are known for." Sofia gives a nod. That's where we need to employ our intelligence. We'll watch them closely and adopt terms that secure us. We are using them, not trusting them. And we'll be clear that they won't fare well if they betray us. Her self-assurance is frightening. Although she makes it seem easy, I know it's not. There is a substantial potential for betrayal, and we are entering a perilous situation. However, Sofia appears confident…perhaps too confident. And I'm concerned about that. Marco shakes his head and sighs, "I still don't like this." "I am aware that you don't," Sofia says coolly. However, we no longer have the luxury of being careful. This opposing family is not as scary as Gianni's. He will ruin us all if we don't act fast. As Marco mulls over what she said, the room goes quiet. I can see the wheels moving in his thoughts as his j
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Marco approaches me while softly cupping my face with his outstretched palms. We're not going to lose everything. As long as I am still alive, no.He says things that should reassure me, but they don't. I am aware of the hazard. I am aware that we will be entering an unwinnable conflict if Sofia's plan fails.Sofia gets to her feet, ending our heated exchange. "We must move quickly. The competing family gets more power the longer we wait. And whether we like it or not, they will pursue us if we don't act quickly.Marco wipes a hand across his face and sighs. He appears worn out, as though the entire world is pressing down on him. It is, in a sense. Now that he is bearing the weight of the entire city, he must make a decision that could either save us or bring about our destruction.Finally, in a strained voice, he states, "I need time to think."Sofia understands and nods. But Marco, don't waste too much time. Time is running out, no time to waste please hope you get it.There is a de
