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Chapter 7
Last Updated:
2024-12-27 05:39:43
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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
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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 : 2025-02-01Betrayal 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
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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
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As I look at my phone, my stomach turns over and I start to feel sick. Even though the screen is dark, Marco's missed calls and messages are weighing him down. He won't be waiting for long.Time is running out for me.I was about to open my lips to say anything at all when a nurse walks up. Her expression is solemn, and I can tell it's bad news before she even says a word."Ms. Moretti?"With a dry throat, I nod. As the nurse inhales deeply, Aunt Emilia takes a step back and removes her hand from my arm.With a gentle yet solemn tone, she states, "Your father's condition is getting worse." "We're making every effort, but..."She stops short of completing the phrase. She is not required to. She's trying to say something I already understand.The floor seems to be falling out from under me. I have to lean against the wall to prevent me from collapsing since my legs are weak. Everything seems to be happening too quickly and abruptly. I feel as though there is nothing I can do to stop my
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I try to explain myself, but the words just fall into my throat. I can see the betrayal and the anguish underneath the rage when Marco's eyes meet mine.He cautioned me. He warned me not to go. I also disobeyed him.I turn to look at my father, who is still comatose in bed and breathing weakly and shallowly. Between the man I love and the man who reared me, I feel divided."Marco." My voice trembles as I finally manage to whisper. "I,"He interrupts me with a chilly, razor-sharp voice, saying, "Don't." "Avoid even attempting to explain."My hands shake, my throat dry, I swallow hard. I'm not sure what to say or do. I can feel the walls closing in on me as Marco's presence suffocates me.I'm confined.There is a long, stifling stillness between us. My breath comes in rough, shallow spurts, and I can feel my pulse in my ears. I have no idea what will occur next.Marco advances a step while maintaining eye contact with me. His movements have a predatory, menacing quality to them.I am aw
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I attempt to remain tough while swallowing the lump in my throat, but it's difficult. I know that there is only so much I can do to counteract Marco's unquestionable power over me. But I can't allow him to have total power over me. Not right now. Not with my dad's life ebbing away.A Last-Ditch Request"Please," I say in a scarcely audible whisper. I don't like how frail and little I seem, yet I can't help myself. "Give me more time, please."Something softens in Marco's face for a brief period. I can see the struggle in his eyes as his hold on my wrist becomes even less firm. Although I am aware of his anger, I also know that he has some understanding. He has a component that understands what it's like to lose a significant other.But as fast as it came, that tenderness is gone, and the hard, icy face I've come to fear takes its place.His voice is harsh and impersonal as he replies, "You have until morning." "You return home after that. Otherwise, there will be repercussions.I shu
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The words seem empty and hollow. I'm not sure if I believe them. When I'm losing him, how can anything be alright? How can I be expected to abandon him at this point, when he most needs me?I forced myself to swallow, fighting back the tears that had threatened to spill all night. I'm not sure how I'm still crying after crying so much over the last few days. However, they are here and are only waiting for the dam to burst.I softly squeeze his hand and mumble, "Papa, I love you." "I won't abandon you."However, Marco's threat looms over me like an ominous fog even as I utter the words. Every minute that passes brings me one step closer to the deadline he set for me. I know it won't be good, but I'm not sure what he'll do if I don't go back to him.I can't leave, though. Not quite yet.A nurse enters the room as the door opens softly, her face unreadable. She has been coming and going throughout the night to check on my father, change his IV, and keep an eye on his vitals.She had al
Last Updated : 2025-02-03
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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
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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
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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
