LOGINShare
Chapter 20
Last Updated:
2025-02-04 20:38:20
Related chapters
Betrayal 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
Last Updated : 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
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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-06Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 27
For a second, I stand there staring at him, my head spinning. What just took place? I had the fleeting impression that Marco was revealing to me a side of himself that he keeps hidden from the public. Now, though, it seems to have never occurred.I follow him back to the car, my chest tight with fury and confusion. When I believe I understand him a little better, he withdraws once again and hides behind barriers I can't figure out how to get past.The stillness between us is heavier than ever as we resume our journey. I feel more lost than ever when I gaze out the window. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to unravel the riddle that is Marco. He gives me glimpses of a man I never expected by being aloof and icy one minute and then vulnerable the next.However, those moments are fleeting. As the hours pass, I realize that Marco will not share anything with me, he has given up or the suffering he endures. Not entirely. Not quite yet.I can't get rid of the impression that something is chang
Last Updated : 2025-02-06Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 28
I can sense the tension in the room now, even if the doctor's demeanor remains unchanged. People are affected by Marco in that way. Even in a hospital setting where lives are on the line, he commands attention, demands outcomes, and handles this as though it were a commercial discussion."Mr. Moretti," the doctor adds in a calm voice, "I can't guarantee miracles, but I understand your anxiety. This is a challenging process, and I need you to be aware of the hazards.I suppose Marco could dispute for a second as his jaw tightens. However, he nods instead. His voice is low as he continues, "Do whatever it takes." "It is not an option to fail."The doctor looks at Marco and then at me, as though considering what to say next. He pledges, "We'll do everything we can."I release a breath I didn't know I'd been holding as the doctor exits the room to get ready for the procedure. Marco's face softens somewhat as he turns to face me. Marco adds, "He'll make it," in a softer tone. "We will not
Last Updated : 2025-02-06
Latest chapter
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 66
A horrible revelation dawns on me as I lie there, caught between the people I love. No matter what choice I make, there’s no escaping the fallout. Sofia’s secret plan might stop the war, but at what cost to Marco? And if I stay loyal to Marco, will we lose everything anyway?I’m trapped between two impossible choices, and the clock is ticking.Tension permeates the night, making it difficult to breathe. On the outskirts of the city, we are standing in the shadows of an abandoned warehouse. The dim lights from the street outside create unsettling shadows on the cracked walls and the air reeks of gasoline and damp concrete. My heart is beating so loudly that I'm sure everyone can hear it as I stand next to him, but Marco is composed. Too quiet.His expression is unwavering, and he is staring at the warehouse door as though he can already see Gianni entering. I try to read his emotions by looking at him, but he is impossible to read. The storm that is building inside him is only revealed
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 65
My mind is racing with inquiries. What plans does she have behind Marco's back? Why hasn't she told me, too? I feel a wave of panic and the overwhelming impulse to storm into the room and demand answers. However, I make myself remain motionless and listen until Sofia ends the call.With my heart thumping in my ears, I withdraw along the hallway as soon as the conversation is over. Sofia, what are you doing? And how can I face her without making things worse?I don't hesitate to speak with Sofia. Later that evening, with my pulse still pounding from what I heard, I drew her aside as soon as I saw her in the corridor.I say, "Sofia," in a hardly steady voice. "What are you doing?"Her eyes widen in surprise as she looks at me, but guilt is also visible on her face. She is aware that I have heard her.“Francesca…” she begins, but I cut her off, approaching closer, my hands quivering at my sides.“I heard you,” I say, my voice breaking. “You were talking to someone on the phone. What are
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
