Share

Chapter 3

Author: Dainne
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-26 19:08:06

I froze, unable to process that he was here, of all places. Marco, my ex’s older brother, and the one man I both feared and couldn’t seem to escape. 

My body reacted on instinct, trying to get to my feet, but the exhaustion from the emotional beating I’d taken wouldn’t let me move fast enough. 

Before I knew it, Marco had scooped me up effortlessly, his firm arms cradling me as though I weighed nothing. The sheer strength of him, the familiar warmth radiating from his skin, momentarily chased away the rain’s cold bite. 

His scent, a mixture of musk and something darker, something primal, clouded my senses. My cheeks flushed as I tried to keep my gaze anywhere but on his face.

We made our way toward the hospital lobby in silence, where a couple of guards quickly appeared, holding out a blanket to him. He wrapped it around me gently, his fingers brushing against my shoulders, lingering for just a moment. 

“You’re drenched,” he murmured. “Are you alright?”

I blinked, his voice pulling me back from my thoughts. “Sorry… err… thank you,” I managed to say, though the words felt clumsy as if my mouth didn’t belong to me. I felt so small under his intense gaze, the weight of his concern making it hard to think straight.

Without waiting for a response, I headed into the lobby, feeling both grateful for his help and embarrassed at my current state. Marco followed closely, his presence an unshakable shadow. I was about to thank him again when a nurse approached us, looking tense.

“Excuse me, Miss Francesca,” she began, her expression unreadable, “your father’s medications are due, but the hospital has stopped all further treatments until we receive confirmation of payment.”

The words hit me like a blow. My heart sank, and tears immediately stung my eyes. How could I afford this? I’d been scrambling to keep up with the expenses, doing everything I could to make ends meet, but it wasn’t enough. The last of my savings had dried up weeks ago. I looked away, desperate to hide the tears that slipped down my cheeks.

Without hesitation, Marco stepped forward. “Where’s the accounts office?” he asked the nurse, his voice firm.

The nurse, taken aback, pointed toward the office down the hall. I watched, bewildered, as he walked over and, with a few clipped words, handed over a blank check. I barely had time to process what was happening.

Once he was finished, he turned to me, his expression softening just enough to melt the icy resolve in my heart. “It’s all taken care of,” he said simply.

Emotion flooded through me, gratitude mixed with confusion. I didn’t know what to say. I ran to him and, before I could stop myself, wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders. I could feel his heartbeat, steady and grounding, beneath my touch. 

“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling the words were inadequate but unable to say more.

“Don’t worry about it,” he said softly. But then, as he pulled back, I saw a strange glint in his eyes, something that sent a quick chill through me. “But there is one thing I need in return, Francesca.”

I froze, wondering what he could want. My gratitude wavered, replaced with the cautious part of me that knew nothing came free, especially with someone like Marco. I forced myself to stay calm, to keep my voice steady.

“Okay… I’m listening.”

His face softened just slightly, but his eyes remained fixed on mine with an intensity that made me feel both vulnerable and strangely secure. Then, with a tone that was far too casual, he said, “I want you to marry me.”

I felt the floor drop from under me. My mind went blank, my vision swimming with disbelief. I staggered, my legs buckling, but before I could fall, Marco reached out and caught me, holding me steady. His grip was firm but gentle, and for a brief moment, I saw something in his gaze, a flicker of warmth, maybe even tenderness that made me want to believe he was serious.

“What… what did you just say?” I stammered my voice barely above a whisper.

“Marry me, Francesca,” he repeated as if he were discussing the weather. His gaze didn’t falter, didn’t waver. There was no sign of humor in his expression, no hint that this was anything but sincere. “You heard me.”

I looked down, unable to hold his gaze, feeling my pulse quicken. This was absurd. The man who’d once been a part of my nightmares, who I’d barely dared to speak to in the past, was asking me to marry him. This was the same man who, not so long ago, had barely concealed his irritation toward me.

But now, here he was, offering me his protection, his resources… his life. All for what?

“Why?” I finally managed to ask, my voice trembling. “Why would you want to marry me?”

His gaze softened just a fraction. “You know why, Francesca. We both have scars, ones that are deeper than what anyone sees. And I don’t want to keep pretending I don’t care about you.”

His words hung in the air, a raw honesty that startled me. I felt the prick of tears again, but this time, they weren’t born of sadness or fear. They were a strange blend of relief, hope, and a deep-rooted longing I didn’t fully understand. 

But could I trust him? Marco was dangerous, calculating, and enigmatic. His loyalty was known only to himself, and his loyalty to his family had faltered long ago. I had every reason to run, every reason to say no. Yet… something about his presence grounded me and made me feel safe.

After a long silence, I whispered, “I’ll think about it.”

Marco’s lips curved into a faint smile, the first real expression I’d seen on his face since our reunion. He brushed a stray strand of hair away from my cheek, his touch lingering just a moment too long. “Take all the time you need,” he murmured. “But know this, Francesca… once you decide, there’s no going back.”

With that, he turned and walked down the hallway, leaving me standing there, soaked, my mind spinning. I watched him go, my heart pounding, feeling the weight of his words press down on me. 

Immediately I turned, my eyes met with theirs and froze from embarrassment.

Related chapters

  • Betrayal and Devotion   Chapter 4

    The faint aroma of Auntie Emilia’s herbal tea lingered in the air, mixing with the scent of lavender she always kept in her vases. It was almost soothing, almost. But as soon as the front door slammed open, I knew tranquility wasn’t on the agenda.“Francesca! Francesca! Where are you?” Auntie Emilia’s voice boomed through the apartment like a tidal wave.I scrambled off the couch, nearly tripping over my own feet. “Yes, Auntie, I’m coming!”Her stormy presence filled the room before I could fully stand. Her eyes scanned me, sharp as ever, before she spoke. “What happened between you and Marco? I saw you both in the hospital lobby as I was leaving. You better not be in trouble with that family!” Her voice carried the weight of worry, frustration, and something else like disappointment.I winced. “No trouble, Auntie. Just a conversation.”“That family!” she muttered, pacing in front of me. “The embarrassment from Gianni was enough. And to add to it, your father… leaving no remaining sha

    Last Updated : 2024-11-26
  • Betrayal and Devotion   Chapter 5

    I sat quietly at the long mahogany table, staring at the stack of documents in front of me, my name neatly printed alongside Marco’s. "Mr. Marco Luciano married Miss Francesca Colman", I read under my breath. It sounded so unreal. Auntie Emilia fussed with her scarf beside me, a bundle of nervous energy as she dabbed at her forehead.Marco sat at the other end of the table, impossibly composed, his blue eyes watching me with a calm intensity that made my heart flutter and my stomach churn. The weight of this moment pressed against me like a mountain.“Francesca,” Marco said softly, his voice like silk against the room’s stillness.“Yes?” I met his gaze, trying to summon the courage to speak without my voice trembling.He leaned forward, his fingers lightly tapping the table. “I understand that your love was betrayed, your pride was crushed, and you don’t trust what we’ve just started.”His words hit like a thunderclap. My chest tightened as my past came rushing back: Gianni’s lies,

    Last Updated : 2024-11-26
  • Betrayal and Devotion   Chapter 6

    As we entered the room, I felt every pair of eyes in the house land on me, dissecting, judging, and undoubtedly remembering my history with this family. I clutched Marco’s arm tightly, hoping his steady presence would shield me from their scrutiny.Marco, ever composed, greeted his father. “Father,” he said with a slight nod. His voice was calm, respectful, yet firm. Don Luciano, the feared Alpha of the kingdom, looked at his son with the same intensity that sent shivers through anyone who crossed him. His piercing gaze shifted to me, his expression hardening.I couldn’t breathe under his scrutiny. The room seemed to grow colder.“And who might this be?” Don Luciano’s voice was deep, sharp, and unwelcoming.Before Marco could reply, Rahila, his mother, swept into the room like a queen. Her beauty and elegance were undeniable, but her presence was no less intimidating than her husband’s.“Marco!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up as she embraced him. For a brief moment, the warmth

    Last Updated : 2024-12-24
  • Betrayal and Devotion   Chapter 7

    The atmosphere in the car was as suffocating as the silence. The stern stares from Marco’s family burned in my mind as if they were etched into my skin. I stared out of the window, trying to make sense of everything. My thoughts raced, but no words came out.Then Marco broke the silence. I caught the faintest hint of a smile on his face as he glanced at me before turning his attention to the driver. “Drop me here, but take her home. I have business to attend to,” he said, his tone cold and detached, the warmth I had grown accustomed to nowhere to be found.I blinked, confused. “Marco, what..” I started, but he cut me off with a sharp look out the window, his expression unreadable.“Do your part, Francesca,” he said without looking at me. His voice was calm but carried an edge that made my stomach twist. “Make them like you. This marriage depends on you, and so does your father’s health.”The words struck like a blow, the sharpness of his tone leaving no room for argument. I stared at

    Last Updated : 2024-12-27
  • Betrayal and Devotion   Chapter 8

    I nodded numbly, allowing her to guide me to a bench just outside the room. My chest heaved with silent cries as I clung to the hope that my father would pull through.The minutes dragged by like hours. I barely noticed when Aunt Emilia arrived, her face pale and drawn.“Francesca,” she said, pulling me into a tight embrace. “What happened?”“I don’t know,” I whispered. “I got a call... and then...” My voice broke, and I couldn’t continue.Aunt Emilia held me, her presence a small comfort in the storm of emotions threatening to consume me. “He’s strong,” she said, though her voice wavered. “He’ll fight. He always does.”When the doctor finally emerged, his expression was grim. My heart dropped.“Mr. Colman’s condition is critical,” he said, his tone measured but serious. “We’ve stabilized him for now, but his heart is weak. He’ll need constant care and... ”I felt the weight of his words like a physical blow. The one thing I was barely holding together.“I’ll handle it,” I said, my vo

    Last Updated : 2024-12-27
  • Betrayal and Devotion   Chapter 9

    Before I could respond, his lips descended on mine. The kiss was deep, passionate, and filled with an intensity that left me breathless. Every protest, every doubt melted away as his hands moved down my body, parting my legs with a firm but gentle touch.A sweet cry escaped my lips as he entered me, his movements strong and purposeful. The sensation was overwhelming, a mix of pain and pleasure that sent waves of electricity coursing through my veins.He slowly pushed me against the wall, his body pressed firmly against mine. His lips moved over mine with a tenderness that contradicted his earlier coldness, and I felt myself opening up to him in ways I hadn’t thought possible.Marco’s hands cupped my face, his thumbs gently brushing against my cheeks as if he were cradling something fragile. His kisses softened each one an unspoken promise.I kissed him back, pouring everything I had into that moment. The tension between us, the pain and anger from before, all of it dissolved as our bo

    Last Updated : 2025-02-01
  • Betrayal and Devotion   Chapter 10

    I stand frozen in place, Aunt Emilia’s words repeating in my mind over and over like a broken record.“They don’t think he’ll make it through the night, Francesca.”No. This can’t be happening.A tightness grips my chest, and I find it hard to breathe. The room spins slightly, and for a second, I forgot where I am. It feels like someone has just pulled the ground out from beneath me, and I’m left falling into a pit of misery.I glance over at Marco lying peacefully beside me, his chest rising and falling with the calm beat of sleep. The moonlight coming in through the window makes his sharp features look softer and more relaxed. Normally, I’d be calmed by the sight of him. But not now. Not when every part of my being is yelling at me to run, to go to my father.I can’t just sit here while he’s… dying.The word feels like poison in my throat, and I shake my head, trying to push the thought away. No. He has to make it. My father is the best man I know. He has to fight this. He has to li

    Last Updated : 2025-02-01
  • Betrayal and Devotion   Chapter 11

    My dad.He seemed so frail and little. This man, who has always been my support and protector, has always been bigger than life. He is now gaunt and pale, with paper-thin skin and shallow breathing.With tears streaming down my cheeks, I dash to his bedside. I feel the coldness of his skin and the frailty in his grip when I grab his hand in mine. I'm crying uncontrollably because my heart hurts.With a broken voice, I say, "Dad." "I'm present."For a brief period, his eyes open and he gives me a serious look, as though he hasn't seen me in years. Although his mouth moves, no sound is released. I can see how much effort it takes for him to simply be conscious and keep his eyes open.“He’s fought for so long,” Aunt Emilia says from behind me, her voice thick with sorrow. However, Francesca, it's time to let go. It is time to bid them farewell."No," I stutter and shake my head. No, he is unable to abandon me. Not quite yet.However, I know in my heart that she is correct. His body tremb

    Last Updated : 2025-02-02

Latest chapter

  • 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

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status