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Chapter 8
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2024-12-27 05:51:49
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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 : 2025-02-01Betrayal 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
Last Updated : 2025-02-01Betrayal 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 : 2025-02-02Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 12
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
Last Updated : 2025-02-02Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 13
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
Last Updated : 2025-02-02Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 14
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
Last Updated : 2025-02-03Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 15
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 : 2025-02-03Betrayal and Devotion Chapter 16
My phone buzzes and vibrates against the bed as I'm ready to make the decision to stay or leave, to confront Marco or to hold on to my father for a few more seconds. I'm startled by the loud noise in the still room.When I see the name flashing on the screen, I take it up with trembling hands while my heart is racing.I hesitate for an instant. I'd rather not respond. Whatever he has to say, I don't want to hear it. But I am aware that I am powerless. Ignoring him will simply exacerbate the situation.I inhale deeply before pressing the phone to my ear and swiping the screen."Francesca," Marco speaks calmly. Too quiet. Even over the phone, I can feel the icy edge of his remarks, and it makes me shudder."Time's up," he says in a calm yet lethal voice. "You'll regret not being here in ten minutes."Before I can reply, the line cuts off, leaving me to stare at the phone with trembling palms and a pounding heart.Ten minutes.I only have that much time. I have ten minutes to choose betw
Last Updated : 2025-02-03
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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
