LOGINShare
Chapter 52
Last Updated:
2025-02-18 22:09:31
Related chapters
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 53
Sofia glances up at me, and for a minute, I see a flash of hope in her eyes. It’s faint, but it’s there. “You really think we can stop him?” she asks, her voice apprehensive. I nod, even though I’m not fully sure myself. But I have to believe it. I have to think that there’s a way out of this disaster. “Yes,” I answer firmly. “We have to.” Sofia leans back on the couch, exhaling shakily. “I never thought I’d be standing on the same side as you,” she admits, her voice softer now. “But Gianni… he’s a monster. And we have to take him down.” There’s a harsh edge to her words, but I can tell that she’s starting to come around. She’s now seeing Gianni for what he truly is—a merciless manipulator who will stop at nothing to obtain what he wants. And for the first time, Sofia and I are linked in a manner we’ve never been before. “We’ll figure this out,” I reply calmly, trying to soothe both of us. “We’ll find a way to stop him, together.” Sofia catches my eyes, and for the first time sin
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 54
"What happened, and why won't you tell me?" My voice breaks as I finally manage to speak. "Marco, I deserve to know." For a brief moment, I think I feel humiliation in his eyes as they move to mine. Then, as abruptly, his cold mask returns to its position. "I have nothing to say," The tears that welled up in my eyes are uncontrollable. With each second that goes by, it feels like he's getting further away from me. "Marco, please don't ignore me," I sob as I approach him. "Just talk to me, please." He furiously runs a hand through his hair as his face tightens and he turns away. "There's nothing to say, Francesca," I said. We're getting farther apart, and I feel like I'm losing him. Tears constrict in my throat, but I fight the need to cry. I refuse to cry once more. Not before him. "So that's it?" My voice trembles with anger and sorrow as I ask. "You just cut me off in this way? after everything we've experienced? He doesn't respond. The silence between us is stifling, full of
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 55
"We've got a bigger problem on our hands, Francesca," Marco replies sternly. His hands hold the windowsill as if it were the only thing keeping him grounded as he stands by the window, gazing out at the city lights."What's happening?" I ask, attempting to control my nervousness. It seems like something new is ready to hit us every time I turn around these days.He doesn't look in my direction. "A competing family. They have relocated to New Orleans and are attempting to seize control of the city by using the havoc Gianni has caused.My stomach sinks. "Take command? What does that signify for us, Marco?"It means that we're losing control of the city," he says, turning to face me at last with icy, serious eyes. And we lose everything if we lose control. We cannot allow them to become powerful. We own this city.I get a chill from what he said. He's never been that concentrated and furious in my experience. I'm afraid of it."Are you aware of their identities? What do they desire? I in
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 56
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
Last Updated : 2025-02-19Betrayal 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-20Betrayal 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-20Betrayal 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-20Betrayal 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-20
Latest chapter
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
Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 56
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
