NEXT MORNING•••Nestled in the serene outskirts of the city, the house stood tall and was a sight to behold. It was a blend of contemporary architecture and classic charm, offering a beautiful sight with its sun-kissed brick facade, expansive windows, and ivy-laden walls.Indeed, that was a good place for a fresh start."This is beautiful. If I were you, I would never leave this place" Rosana said to Carmencita as she took in the stately manor. They had just arrived at the Mistress's house but were still inside the car."Yes, it is, I can not thank you and Sergio enough." She paused briefly and drew in a shaky breath. "But I still think this is a bad idea. Vicenta is unwell and could harm you""You have said that a thousand times now, haven't you?""I know but I am worried. She would not look at me without screaming and throwing things at me. If she does the same to you, you will get hurt and it might affect the child you are carrying. Please, dear child, you have to reconsider."Rosa
"Do not speak to her that way, she is your mother!""She is not my mother!" She spat, her lips curled in disgust. Her words, once again pierced Carmencita's soul and she stumbled backward as though a physical blow was delivered straight to her chest. After all those years, it still struck hard each time she faced her onslaught of resentment. "You think you know everything, do you not? You have no fucking idea what I have been through or how I survived. You know nothing about me!""Please, My Lady, let us leave...""And now, she wants to run. Yes, go ahead. F*cking run, Carmencita!"The elderly woman squeezed her eyes shut and finally turned back to look at her with tears in her eyes. "I am not running away from you, I would never!""Now, she is back to acting as a fucking saint when she is not. I do not need any of your sympathy, and I certainly do not need you here. Now, leave, run away, and never come back""Vicenta, I know we made mistakes in the past," Carmencita admitted as mor
Vicenta stood in stoic silence as Rosana's words sank in, her expression betraying nothing of the inner turmoil that raged within her. Despite her best efforts to remain aloof and detached, she couldn't deny the truth of her words—that her parents had loved her, and had sacrificed everything for her, even if they had made mistakes along the way.The mistake had claimed her father's life and she could still remember the way the knife sliced through his neck before his lifeless body fell on the ground. She could still remember how Carmencita had tried to shield her from the horrible sight but it was too late, she had seen it all. And what had she done at the end? Reject the same woman countlessly without even trying to listen to her. Wait, was she crying? No, she couldn't show weakness, not now. She had built her entire identity as Sergio's mistress around being strong, around never letting anyone see her vulnerable side. So she kept her face impassive, her posture rigid, as she turned
Lucretia stood at the bow of the boat, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The sky was a riot of orange and pink, the colors reflecting off the calm surface of the lake. Finally, she said yes to him after weeks, not because he didn't give her an option but because she also wanted a chance with him, she wanted more of what he had to offer. Over the weeks, he had showed up at her doorstep with a bouquet of her favorite flowers and a heartfelt letter. He sent her a heartfelt text message first thing in the morning, telling her how much he missed her and how he wanted her. That was followed up with a surprise lunch, custom-made desserts, flowers, gourmet chocolates, love notes, and gift baskets. He even went as far as to organize a picnic in the park, complete with her favorite foods which she rejected all the time. Despite his efforts, she remained distant and guarded, unsure of what she wanted with him. But Enzo refused to give up. He knew that winning back her heart would take ti
"Are you happy with him?" Rosana finally asked after some time. She had been silent since they left the room and tried to process everything. "Yes, I am""What changed? You did not sound so enthusiastic when we last spoke about him"Lucretia nodded and took a deep breath. "He gave me enough time and space to realize myself and what I wanted. He knew about my past but still accepted me without thinking about my class or if I had a fucking degree or not. He accepts me the way I am"She explained how everything started and how it ended with them confessing their feelings and fears on a boat. She was happy and Rosana could see it but despite the heartbreak and the shock, she couldn't bring herself to hate them. Her best friend was happy and that was all that mattered. Lucretia may have lied to her, but she also willingly told her the truth. The only reason they made an unprompted confession like that was because they realized something—That they were in love and wanted a fresh start wit
As Rosana gracefully settled into the car, she turned to Ville with a mix of curiosity and excitement. "Where are we going?" She was dressed in an exquisite white gown, a gift from Sergio that had arrived with a note. In the note, she was instructed to put on the elegant fabric and meet Ville. Her hair was arranged in an intricate updo, with a few soft tendrils framing her face, and her makeup was expertly applied to highlight her natural beauty. And now, as Ville shut the door and settled into the front passenger seat, she couldn't help but feel anxious. Was this the surprise Sergio had hinted at some nights ago? Good Lord, she couldn't wait to find out!After what seemed like an eternity, the car finally pulled up in front of a building. Rosana furrowed her brows and looked around. Surely, Sergio had not ordered Ville to bring her to the same church their wedding ceremony had taken place. As she kept looking around, she couldn't help but feel a wave of emotions wash over her. Memo
TWO MONTHS LATER•••"Oh, aren't you the luckiest woman in the universe?" One of the women who sat with Rosana, watching the ongoing chess game asked. "Just take a look at those muscles...""Too late, we already concluded he's a god amongst men""He certainly is. If he was mine, I would keep him locked up forever. Can't have women like us swooning over him" Another woman added and they laughed. Just then, Sergio claimed another victory and everyone in the room couldn't help but express their disbelief and admiration. As they all congratulated him, Rosana smiled and sipped her lemonade. It was always a thing of joy to see him progress.When he first began playing chess, he was a complete novice, his lack of experience leading to defeat after defeat. But over a month, he had devoted himself to mastering the game, studying strategies and tactics, and honing his skills through countless matches. "I can't believe it!" One of the men exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief."He's done it
As they kept strolling along and enjoying the warm weather, the beautiful moment was shattered as Sergio's gaze landed on a small boy, cowering in a corner as his drunk father rained down blows and angry shouts.The boy's mother, a baby in her arms, tried desperately to intervene, only to be shoved aside by the man's violent rage. Sergio felt his body freeze in place, his mind hauled back to his own childhood, to the years of fear and pain he had endured at the hands of his father, the notorious Mafia Lord.As he watched the heartbreaking scene unfold, the boy's cries and the mother's pleas echoing in his ears, Sergio was confounded by a sense of helplessness and despair. It was as if he were that child again, trapped in a world of violence and cruelty, with no escape in sight."Sergio... Sergio, are you alright?" He didn't hear her, nor did he respond as memories from the past crashed over him like a tidal wave, threatening to pull him under."Sergio...""Wait here, Bambolina." Was
EPILOGUE>>PART 2After the handshake, they stood side by side in silence. The unexpected turn of events still shocked Alberto as he couldn't believe everything had gone smoothly, and he was now standing beside the one person he least expected to make amends with.As they stood, a question that had been nagging in his mind popped in and he couldn't resist asking. "About the scar on your chest... Did I do that? During the fight, I mean"More than once, he had caught glimpses of the scar when Enzo trained shirtless. And due to the depth, Alberto couldn't help but wonder if he was responsible for it."Nah. A girl." Enzo replied curtly.Alberto had not anticipated a response, but then, a girl??? Who could she be? What was her relationship with Enzo? The scar seemed too severe to be inflicted by someone Enzo didn't have a deep connection with. Alberto was curious, but he knew better than to pry even when the question still lingered in his mind. Just as they resumed standing in silence, Lucr
EPILOGUETWO YEARS LATER... The lavish table was set with fine china, crystal glasses, and silverware. Golden candelabras adorned the center, casting a warm glow over the spread of meat, steaming dishes, salads, desserts, and fresh fruits. The family had gathered for a grand Thanksgiving celebration with Ville, Carmencita, Lucretia, Alberto, and Alfonso in attendance. The twins, now 7 years old, burst with energy and raced around the dining room, pursuing Enzo. "I'm gonna catch you, Uncle Enzo""And why do you think so?" Enzo asked, breathing heavily as the twins continued their relentless pursuit."Because I'm the fastest""No, you're not," Vincenzo countered, trying hard to overcome his elder brother."I am""You're not!""I am"As the kids kept competing against one another, Alberto watched the commotion with a warm smile on his face, while sipping his whiskey. He hadn't expected an invitation from Sergio and was shocked when he received one. That was the first time he was dinin
Chapter 190Sergio's eyes locked on Rosana's as the air between them crackled with anticipation. It had been far too long since they'd last been intimate, and the tension was undeniable."Rosana." He called out and took a step closer to her. She stood frozen, her heart racing, as his fingers traced the curve of her spine. He gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and that sent shivers down her spine. With his eyes never leaving hers, he leaned in and grazed the curve of her neck with his lips. Rosana's eyelids fluttered close as she tilted her head, inviting him deeper. Just as she craved, he trailed kisses along her skin, each one igniting a spark that nearly engulfed her.Moaning quietly, she raised her hand to his chest and felt the warmth of his skin beneath his shirt. She tugged gently and Sergio's lips curved into a smile as he obliged, shedding his shirt to reveal the chiseled contours of his torso.Their eyes met once more, the connection between them wild and electri
As Rosana stepped into the house, she was immediately surrounded by the warm glow of twinkling candles and the sweet fragrance of fresh flowers. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in the breathtaking sight before her. What could be the occasion? It wasn't the twins' birthday nor was it their marriage anniversary."Welcome home, Mammà!" The twins chimed in unison, their faces lighting up with excitement. They stood in the entrance of the hall, each holding a bouquet of colorful flowers."Oh, thank you, my sweet knights," Rosana responded, her heart swelling with love and gratitude as she knelt to hug them. She then got the flowers and inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet scent."Welcome home, Amore mio. The kids wanted to surprise you. They've been working on this all day" Rosana's eyes met Sergio's, and she felt a flutter in her chest. He was now standing behind the twins with a warm smile on his face and deep down, she knew that this was more than just a sweet gesture from the
Chapter 188A MONTH LATER•••"Things have been getting better. Sergio is slowly putting the past behind him and doesn't avoid me anymore. My favorite time of the day is when he comes home to us."Lucretia's face lit up with a warm smile as she sipped her lemonade. "Oh, that's awesome. I'm thrilled to hear that, Ana, you deserve it."Rosana's expression turned thoughtful, and she inhaled deeply. "I still quiver thinking about how close I came to losing him.""Well, I'm glad you came to your fucking senses and made things right"The two friends lapsed into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts, reflecting on the twists and turns their lives had taken over the past few years. Lucretia's thoughts drifted back to the rough months that had passed. She remembered the pain and the fear, the sleepless nights and the endless tears. But most of all, she remembered the realization that had hit her like a ton of bricks—Enzo was still alive.She hadn't seen him again since that nig
FEW DAYS LATER>>> AT THE CAPITALThe Mafia men stepped out of the meeting room, dressed in black suits that fitted their muscular bodies perfectly. Their faces were expressionless, hidden behind dark sunglasses as they stepped out of the Capital, disappearing into waiting black vehicles. As the rest of the men left, Alberto hung back, helping Ville and Enzo with some tasks. Within the past few weeks, he had gotten along with Ville and Alfonso, but things were tougher with Enzo. No matter how hard he tried, Enzo either ignored him or gave him a menacing glare that left him shaken. Still, Alberto refused to give up. He was determined to make amends for his past mistakes and earn forgiveness and acceptance, especially from his half-brothers Sergio and Enzo."You should head back home," Ville said to him three hours later. "I'll finish up from here""Yeah... About that... I've got nothing else to do. I'd rather finish up with you than return to that cold empty house"Ville chuckled and l
Sergio paused in front of the bedroom door, his hand hovering over the door knob. He had timed his entrance perfectly, believing Rosana would be fast asleep and he would be spared the agony of avoiding her. Instead, he conjured up an image of watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest while she slept peacefully. He longed to caress her hair and cheek, planting soft kisses on her forehead.Taking a deep breath, he turned the knob and pushed the door open. His expectations were shattered once he met with Rosana standing on the other side, her blue eyes wide and wary. She wasn't asleep, because unlike him, she had been waiting, ready to confront him and have that conversation he had been avoiding. "Bambolina!" Sergio's low and gentle voice washed over her like a gentle caress, triggering a flurry of emotions that left her breathless. Her lips parted, but there were no words. She just stood frozen, staring at him with wide eyes as though he had just emerged from thin air. Time seem
Ville raised an eyebrow, his skepticism, evident. Choosing not to pursue the matter further, he steered the conversation back on track as though there was no interruption. Sergio, too, didn't press for more information because he knew his brother's stubbornness all too well.Feeling thankful that they hadn't pushed the issue, Enzo lowered his gaze in an attempt to avoid Sergio's scrutiny. The truth was too raw and too painful. No matter how hard they pushed, he couldn't bring himself to share it, not now, not ever. He knew the consequences of revealing even a fragment of it and wasn't ready for that. For now, they would remain locked away, hidden behind his stoic facade until he was finally able to erase her and memories of their past. *****Rosana stood at the bedroom window, cradling a glass of wine as she gazed out into the night sky. The evening breeze carried a soothing calm, silencing her mind.She had just finished dinner with the family and Enzo. Seeing that the twins were s
Rio's sleepy eyes fluttered open, drawn to the soft sobs and sniffles that pierced the night air. He spotted Lucretia huddled on the windowsill and immediately scampered off the bed, rushing to her side. "Mammà, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Lucretia lifted her head, her puffy, teary eyes meeting Rio's concerned face. She hadn't realized he was awake. Quickly wiping away her tears, she forced a fragile smile and pulled him close."It's nothing, amore. I was just... thinking,"Rio's brow furrowed. "Are you hurt, Mammà? You fell on the floor and wouldn't open your eyes.""Oh, that..." Lucretia's voice trembled as she sniffled once more. "I'm sorry, I scared you. I was very tired and just... It will never happen again, I promise."Rio's small arms wrapped tightly around her, offering comfort. Then, suddenly, he pulled back, his eyes widening with curiosity. "Where's Uncle Enzo?"Lucretia froze. How did he know Enzo? "I can be friends with him because he's not a bad man, right?" R