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Chapter 18
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-02-04 20:30:36
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Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 19
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'
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-04Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 20
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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-04Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 21
"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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-05Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 22
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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-05Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 24
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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-05Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 25
As I stand there, Marco's words reverberating in my head, my heart is pounding. He's not merely requesting compliance. He wants me to give up what little freedom I still have to get what he wants. It's a capitulation rather than merely an agreement.However, what options do I have? My thoughts turn to my father, who is struggling for his life while lying in that hospital bed. Marco is going to die if I don't accept his terms. I can't put up with that, either. The idea that I didn't try my hardest to save him is something I can't bear.With a terrible taste on my tongue, I say, "I'll do it." Even though I can hardly hear myself, I know Marco hears me. My skin crawls when I see the glimmer of victory in his eyes."All right," I say again, a little louder this time. "I'll carry it out."Now, there is no turning back. I must accept the decision I have made.Marco looks at me for a while, his face unreadable. Then he nods slowly. "Good," he responds in a tone that is as cool and collected
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-06Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 26
I watch the world go by while I rest my head against the glass. The rolling hills and dense trees of the countryside take the place of the city as it disappears into the distance. Normally, the scenery would be soothing to me, but right now, my mind is racing. They race through my head, frantic and unrelenting, full of uncertainties and questions I don't know the solutions to.I've decided to save my father by agreeing to Marco's requirements, but as we get farther away from everything we know, I can't help but question whether I made a grave error. What specifically have I committed to? What am I supposed to do for Marco? What will I lose in the process, more significantly?I feel sick to my stomach at the idea of being tied to him in ways I don't completely understand. I've always found him to be a mystery, a combination of strength and danger, but right now I feel like I'm getting more and more enmeshed in something beyond my control.Marco drives into a rest area after driving for
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Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 75
Sofia glances between us, her expression serious. “I’ll handle the logistics. We’ll move rapidly, and we’ll be in frequent contact. But be ready for anything.” I nod, my gut knotted with fear. Tonight, everything might change. We’re going to step into the dark, into the lion’s den. And there’s no telling what…or who…awaits us. As we prepare to go, the weight of the decision weighs down on me like never before. The hazards are larger than they’ve ever been, but we have no other alternative. We have to act. And we have to survive. As Marco, Luca, and Francesca prepare to meet the new opponent in the warehouse, the stakes are greater than ever. With the danger drawing closer and no way of knowing what awaits them, one incorrect action may cost them everything. Will they survive the showdown, or will the new adversary strike first? The night seems darker than normal as we make our way to the building. The address Sofia’s contact gave us looms in the distance, a scary shadow in the da
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 74
I swallow hard, trying to ignore the increasing sensation of terror that seeps into my gut. “How do we even start looking for them?” I inquire, my voice barely above a whisper. “We don’t have any leads.” “We’ll get one,” Marco adds, his tone leaving no space for dispute. “Sofia’s contact is working on it. We simply need to be patient.” But patience is the last thing I have right now. Every second that goes by seems like another second closer to disaster. Closer to the adversary we still can’t see. As the minutes turn into hours, my anxiousness only intensifies. Marco and Luca are deep in discourse, contemplating various strategies and methods to gain the upper hand. But all I can think about is how everything appears to spiral out of control. I sat beside the window, staring blankly at the night sky, my heart heavy with terror. The more I watch Marco and Luca prepare for what seems like another battle, the more my imagination races with worst-case possibilities. “What if this nev
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 73
Sofia arrives at the hospital two days later with a determined expression on her face despite her pallor. She enters the room and declares, "I've reached out to someone." "A former underworld contact." He may know the identity of this new adversary.I look at Marco, and I can see the discomfort in his eyes. "Are you certain we can rely on him?" Marco asks in a doubtful tone. "Sofia, we are in dangerous territory.""I understand," Sofia responds steadily. But there is nothing we can do. It's no longer just about us. We're all in trouble if this person is as dangerous as I've heard. We require every available assistance.Feeling conflicted, I bite my lip. Sofia is correct; if her contact can provide us with the answers we need, it may be our only option. However, I'm terrified of the idea of delving even further into the criminal underworld. We've already lost a great deal. How much more are we willing to risk?At last, Marco declares in a determined tone, "We'll meet him." However, we
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 72
Her remarks were like a kick to the stomach. One more adversary. One more danger. It sounds worse than Gianni, this one."Are you sure, Sofia?" My voice is hardly steady as I inquire.With an agitated tone, she responds, "I'm sure." "You must use caution, Francesca. You're not secure. None of us is.As I hang up, my head is racing from the weight of Sofia's warning, and my heart is pounding. With my hands shaking and my face pallid, I turn to face Luca.I mumble, my voice cracking, "Luca." "There's another person. It was not only Gianni.As the truth sinks in, Luca's face hardens and his eyes widen. "Who?" he asks in a low, menacing voice."I'm not sure," I answer, my throat constricted. Sofia, however, believes that he is much more dangerous than Gianni.Tension permeates the air as the room becomes quiet. The fear is beginning to step in and envelop me like a thick mist.A fresh adversary appeared out of the shadows just as I believed that the situation was fully resolved. I'm not s
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 71
"Is he visible to me?" After hours of sobbing and begging, my voice hoarse and sounds like a whisper.The physician gives a nod. "You can, but only temporarily. He needs to sleep.I move toward Marco's room without waiting for him to finish, my feet moving as if they were on autopilot. I must see him. He must still be with me, I must know that.I'm astounded to see Marco lying there so still as soon as I enter the room. He is connected to equipment, and the only sound in the room is the heart monitor's steady beep. He has bandages all over his body and a pale, almost ghostly face. He is, however, breathing. That is all that is important.To avoid disturbing the IV that is connected to his arm, I carefully take his hand in mine as I approach him. I clutch to the warmth of his flesh as if it were the only thing keeping me rooted.I tremble as I grasp his hand and whisper, "You're going to be okay." "You must be."I eventually give myself a moment of relief as I sit next to him. He is st
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 70
I'm at a loss for what to do. I have no control over anything that occurs. I am unable to wage this struggle on his behalf. I can pray, though.I tremble as I say, "Please," tears streaming down my face. "Don't take him away from me, please. I can't let him go just yet. Not after everything.My body trembles with quiet sobbing as the tears become more intense and I bury my face in my hands. The Moon Goddess may or may not be listening, but I have to think she is. There must still be hope, in my opinion.I mutter, "He’s everything to me," while I cry. "Just give me more time, please. Let him live, please.The length of time I spend kneeling on the chilly floor with my hands clenched together in fervent prayer is unknown to me. The tears soon cease, though, and all that's left in my chest is an empty emptiness.I gently get to my feet, wipe my eyes, and go back to the chair. Luca turns to face me, worry shining in his eyes.He responds, rather quietly, "He’ll pull through," but I can he
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 69
My voice cracks as I whisper, "I'm not losing you." Marco, can you hear me? I won't lose you.His head lolls to the side and his eyelids flutter close without a response."Marco!" I yell and give him a light shake in an attempt to encourage him to open his eyes and stay with me. He doesn't, however, move. I feel as though my heart is being torn apart as his chest rises and falls with feeble breaths."Assist!" My voice is rough with desperation as I shout. "Help, someone, please!"But now that the fight is finished and the enemy has been vanquished, the warehouse is eerily silent. I'm not heard. Nobody shows up.Even if the conflict is finished, the battle for Marco's life has only just begun, I know as I kneel next to him, his blood still soaking through my fingertips. Marco's life is in jeopardy, but Gianni is dead.Furthermore, I'm not sure if I'm strong enough to save him.As we get to the hospital, the world is a blur. I'm sitting in the back seat, holding Marco's head in my lap w
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 68
Every time my heart beats, it serves as a reminder that time is passing. I can't let him go. Not in this manner. Not right now."Hold on," I plead once more, applying more pressure to the cut in an attempt to stop the blood flow. My fingers are numb from the chilly horror that grips me, and my hands shake with the effort. "Just a bit more time, Marco. Please.His eyes awaken and briefly fix themselves on mine. Maybe I'm seeing things, but there seems to be a faint smile. He is making an effort to remain strong and with me. I'm not sure how much longer he can fight, though, because his face is etched with misery.Abruptly, the sound is broken by a piercing scream. I notice Gianni as I look up, and my heart jumps into my throat. His back is against the distant wall as he stands there, his eyes wide with terror. Panic has taken the place of the arrogant look he had when he first entered this warehouse.He is flanked by Luca and a couple of the men from the enemy family. Either Gianni's w
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 67
I see Marco amid the mayhem, firing at Gianni's men with his gun raised, as I peek around the edge of the crates. Beside him, Luca is engaged in combat with a fierceness I have never witnessed. With bodies moving in a haze of carnage and devastation, the warehouse resembles a battlefield.I see Gianni standing close to the rear of the room, his face still arrogant, as though he's taking pleasure in this, and my breath catches in my throat. My heart stops when he lifts his rifle and points it at Marco."No!" I scream, but the commotion drowns out the sound.The bullet just misses Marco by inches as he moves in time, but Gianni's expression indicates that this isn't the end of it. By no means.I hear a cry of pain just when I think it can't be much worse. I turn my head around, trying to find the source of the sound as my blood runs cold.At that moment, I spotted him…Marco….on the ground."No," I say in a whisper that is almost heard over the fighting noises. "No, no, no."Blood is stre
