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Chapter 34
Last Updated:
2025-02-08 19:17:40
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Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 35
Marco slams the door shut behind us, locking us inside. He turns to Luca, his face hard. “We hold here until it’s clear.”Luca nods, his jaw tight. “They’re not getting in.”But as I stand there, pressed against the cold wall, I can’t shake the feeling that nothing is certain anymore. My safety, my future, it's all up in the air now. And the only thing I know for sure is that Gianni isn’t finished. Not by a long shot.As the quiet falls over the bunker, I understand how close I came to real danger—how close I still am. The attack on Marco’s house has changed everything. I’m not safe here. Not anymore.Marco promised to protect me, but with Gianni’s men coming for us, I don’t know if even he can keep that promise.The sound of breaking glass still echoes in my ears when the front door slams open with a loud crash. Before I can even understand what’s happening, chaos bursts around us. Masked men pour into the house, their dark forms moving like shadows through the dim light.My heart sl
Last Updated : 2025-02-09Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 36
I fell into one of the chairs, my whole body shaking with excitement and fear. Marco stands by the door, his eyes scanning the room as if he’s still on high alert. His chest rises and falls with each heavy breath, but he’s still in charge. Always in control.Before I can catch my breath, Luca bursts into the room. His face is red with anger, his eyes sharp as they land on Marco. “That was Gianni,” he says, his voice tight with rage. “He’s escalating. He’s not playing around anymore.”I feel my stomach drop at the mention of Gianni’s name. It’s like a cold hand holding my heart, forcing the air out of my lungs. Gianni. He’s behind this. He’s the reason we’re running, the reason we’re hiding in this dark, stuffy room.Marco doesn’t say anything at first. He just stands there, his jaw clenched, his eyes dark with barely controlled rage. I can feel the stress coming off him, like a storm about to break. Luca’s words hang in the air, heavy and smothering.“This isn’t going to stop,” Luca a
Last Updated : 2025-02-09Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 37
Marco gives my arm a light squeeze while his eyes briefly soften. "This is the only way to keep you safe, even though I know it's not easy."Even though the words don't reassure me, I nod once again. I know in my heart that simply leaving might not be sufficient. Gianni has a long reach, and I always feel like he's one step ahead of us.Bidding FarewellI insist on paying my father one final visit before we depart. The idea of abandoning him while he's still in the hospital, unconscious and frail, breaks my heart. Marco, however, is aware. When I inform him that I have to leave, he remains silent. He simply nods and leads me there, his presence steady and unwavering by my side.As soon as we enter the hospital, the sterile odor hits me, and the old tightness in my chest makes it tighten. Papa hasn't woken up in weeks following the incident that left him in this bed. I take his hand in mine as I sit next to him, the only sound in the room being the hum of the machines."Papa," I mumble
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I look at the men in front of me, and my heart thuds in my chest. There's no way out. No escape. We're stuck, and I can feel the terror grabbing hold of me and dragging me down.Marco turns to face me, his gaze meeting mine. "Remain in the vehicle. Stay put.Even while he speaks firmly, there's something in his eyes that tightens my throat. He is unsure if we will survive this or not. We don't.I seek my head, holding the seat in front of me with shaking fists. With cautious, methodical steps, Marco and Luca exit the vehicle. Although the men in front of me remain motionless, I can sense the oppressive strain in the air.The night is broken by the loud, deafening burst of gunfire. My heart is pounding, and I reflexively duck down as terror grips every part of my body. I can't see anything, but I can hear the sounds of the fight….screams, the loud thud of bodies hitting the ground. I can only hope and pray that Marco and Luca survive.The minutes drag on, each one seeming to go on fore
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I try to shrink myself as much as possible by pressing myself against the automobile while my hands shake wildly. All I can think about is how near we are to death when I hear the loud, terrible sound of gunfire everywhere. Every gunfire serves as a reminder that we are not safe, and every second seems to drag on forever.Luca has already entered the battle, is moving quickly, and dispatches one of the assailants with vicious efficiency. However, they are rapidly approaching and there are much too many of them. My heart is thumping in my ears, and I'm doing everything I can to maintain my composure and avoid losing myself entirely in the confusion.As he fires off another round, Marco moves quickly and sharply next to me. I can see the fatigue in his eyes, but his focus is steadfast. Error is not an option while he is battling for both his and our lives.The minutes seem like hours as the conflict drags on. I feel greater fear and anxiety with each passing second. Finally, though, the
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It is dark when we arrive at the safe home. It's a modest, unremarkable cabin tucked away in the woods, miles from the city and the mayhem we just left behind. My chest starts to relax a little as soon as we enter, but it only lasts a little while. Due to his severe injury, Marco is hardly able to function. As usual, he maintains his composure despite his pale face and the perspiration dripping from his brow.I lead him to a shabby couch and gently say, "Sit down." As I talk, my voice quivers, but I make an effort to ignore the fear. I must be focused and strong for him."I'll be alright," he murmurs in a rough voice. He shifts his weight and leans back, squirming a little, but he doesn't moan. Even when it's obvious that he's in pain, Marco never gives in to weakness. There is something admirable and frustrating about his strength.With trembling hands, I take the first aid box that Luca found and explain, "You're not fine." I slowly unbutton his shirt while kneeling in front of him
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A traitor? I look at Marco; his face has grown serious. I can see the wheels moving in his mind as he tries to put everything together, and his eyes narrow. I can feel the weight of Luca's remarks bearing down on us all as the tension in the room rises."A traitor?" I can sense the rage bubbling beneath Marco's dangerously composed voice. "Who?"Luca grimaces and shakes his head. "We're not sure yet. However, Gianni has been receiving information from whoever it is. He has been able to keep one step ahead of us because of this.I feel like I've been knocked in the stomach by the realization. Is someone around us collaborating with Gianni? My skin tingles at the idea. I can't stop thinking about who it might be. Luca? No, that isn't feasible. He has supported Marco through every challenge. Then who?The discomfort makes Marco wince a little when he stands, but he doesn't let it deter him. His voice is harsh and demanding as he states, "We must discover who it is." "They'll wish they h
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The faces flash in my head, one after the other—Luca, who’s stayed with Marco through thick and thin. Could it be him? No. I shake my head, pushing the thought away. Luca has endangered his life for us. He wouldn’t betray Marco. He wouldn’t betray me. But then who? My mind races, replaying every interaction, every word spoken. It might be anyone. And that’s what terrifies me the most. The concept that someone we’ve trusted, someone who has been with us through everything, could be the one tearing us apart from the inside. The treachery feels too close, too personal, and it left me reeling. Marco’s voice cuts through the silence, strong and decisive. "We’re going to find out who it is," he continues, his tone dangerously calm. "And when we do, they’ll regret ever crossing me." I glance at Marco, and I can see the storm in his eyes. His jaw is clenched so firmly that I’m astonished it hasn’t snapped. His rage is obvious, a fire burning just beneath the surface. He’s not just furious…
Last Updated : 2025-02-15
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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
