With Sergio at work and the twins at school, Rosana had the house all to herself and was free to immerse herself in her artwork. She stayed up in her studio, trying to finish up a family portrait she had started working on some months ago. In the painting, she sat at the center, her smile warm and radiant. On either side of her, the twins stood with boyish grins, each a mini version of their father. As they grew older, their personalities began to reflect the qualities of both parents. Alessandro, much like his father, possessed a quiet reserve, his cool demeanor a stark contrast to his brother's friendly nature. Vincenzo on the other hand, exuded warmth and charisma just like his mother and could easily connect with those around him. Though their personalities diverged in many ways, the twins remained inseparable.In the painting, Sergio loomed tall and strong behind them, his chiseled features and perfectly sculpted face exuding handsomeness. Though his expression was serious, his
"Ti amo, Enzo De Niro... Mi dispiace..." [I love you, Enzo De Niro... I'm sorry...]Then, with a heavy heart, she delivered the final blow. The sound of his labored breathing and the sight of his eyes widening in shock only proved that it was all real. She had just... She had just... She gasped but didn't—couldn't step away from him. Not when the realization came with a painful stab to her soul. At that moment, Enzo felt a searing pain in his chest, as though his heart had been pierced. He struggled to draw breath, his vision blurred, and his words were reduced to a gurgling gasp. Blood filled his mouth, choking him. Before he could comprehend what was happening, she stumbled back, and his gaze fell on the knife lodged deep in his chest which was now surrounded by a spreading crimson stain. When he forced his eyes back to hers, the realization hit him like a thunderbolt—he had been stabbed. Not by anyone else, but Lucretia, the woman he had let down his guards for, the woman he had
Sergio stood frozen with his broad back against the door, his fists clenched and pressed against the table, holding him upright. He had been in that position since he left the Doctors, his head hung low and chin tucked between his shoulder blades as the weight of grief crushed over him, consuming him from the inside out.His entire being was shattered!Rosana quietly walked into the study room and approached him. She had wept bitterly after receiving the news and still couldn't believe it. But then, the news had come directly from Sergio which meant it was the truth. Her brother-in-law was no more. And to think Lucretia was there when it all happened... Her best friend must be going through a tough time too.And Rosana, she had to stay strong for her family, despite the impact of the news. Sergio was already broken and was now a hollow shell of his former self. And the twins... It wouldn't take long for them to realize their favorite uncle hadn't shown up for days. When that time came
As Vicenta stood up and turned on the stereo, the room was filled with lively rhythms of music. She had successfully lifted Ville's spirit with her conversation and laughter and now wanted to do what she loved doing most since she was a little girl—dance.With a smile on her face, she began moving her body to the beat, swaying her hips, and moving her arms accordingly. Ville watched from the corner of the room, his eyes captivated by every step, every spin, and every gesture. He had seen her dance before, but tonight was different. Tonight, it felt like she was dancing for him alone, pouring her heart and soul into every movement. And then, that beautiful smile which always had the power to make his heart skip a beat. She was beautiful, perfect even! As she danced closer to him, her eyes locked onto his, she beckoned him to join her. Even when he wasn't a skilled dancer, he couldn't resist. He rose from his seat and she took his hands, guiding him into the rhythm. Their bodies move
ONE MONTH LATER•••Lucretia had become a shadow of her former self, consumed by guilt. She had lost all interest in the world around her and was unable to eat, sleep, or even find comfort in her own company. Instead, she spent her days holed up in her room as the anguish threatened to devour her whole. Her aunt, Silvana understanding her guilt and misery decided to stay beside her to ensure she didn't succumb to the darkness that had taken hold of her heart. The elderly woman understood the torment Lucretia was going through and could only hope that with time, her niece would find the strength to overcome the remorse. "Lucretia, it's time for breakfast" Silvana informed behind the closed door. "I brought Rio to see you and he has been asking if you are alright""Tell him I am alright"Silvana sighed and shook her head. "I keep telling him that. How long will it keep going like this? You need to get your ass out of there and live a life""There is no life to live, Aunt Silvana""When
NEXT MORNING•••Rosana stood in the doorway with a warm smile spreading across her face as she watched the twins giggle and play with their uncle. They had been distressed when he was still in coma and wouldn't stop asking questions about him. But now, seeing them return to their carefree selves, filled her with joy. Sergio, too, seemed whole again, even though he was hellbent on finding those behind the attack. With Enzo's loss of memory, it was a bit difficult, but Sergio wasn't giving up. He was going to find whoever was responsible and make them pay.Taking a deep breath, Rosana took a step backward and retreated down the hall. The atmosphere was tranquil, a sense of peace and normalcy that had been missing for so long. It was as though the storm had finally passed, leaving behind happiness and laughter. Yet, amidst everything, a twinge of sorrow lingered. Lucretia still mourned the loss of Enzo, unaware that he was alive. It was a burden Rosana longed to lift. Her heart ached e
Aria was already weeping silently on the sofa when Mr. Santos began the story. It was anything but pleasant to finally know the truth surrounding her brother's death, but Rosana was determined to hear it. Maybe, just maybe, her brother had died and Sergio had nothing to do with it like the stranger accused. Maybe it was all a lie! A lie... She didn't even know what to believe anymore."After your husband killed his father and took over as Mafia Lord, he gained a lot of enemies than friends. Your brother, Nino was lucky to be amongst the few men closest to him, but it did not last for long. Your husband... He killed him, drove a knife straight to his heart"He paused for some time and looked out of the window, allowing the story to sink in. Then, he continued."The Don was known for having a short temperament. He was also known for discarding anyone who stood on his path, along with their families. After killing your brother, he came for us and I had to do what I thought was best. I ha
Everyone in the room saw what had happened, but she refused to get any help from them. The pain was a cruel and heartbreaking reminder of the life that was slipping through her fingers, the death of her brother, and the betrayal of the man she loved. With her body and mind rebelling against his touch, against his very presence, she chose to suffer alone. "Please... Let me get you to the hospital" Enzo said, panic laced in his voice as he took a careful step forward towards her."No!" She screamed in pain and took a step backward, still clutching her stomach. Her face was now slick with sweat, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Rosana, please!" Sergio begged, almost falling on his knees. "You are losing a lot of blood!"Rosana felt herself slipping away. Her vision became blurry, but before she could collapse to the floor, Enzo held her. She screamed and tried to fight him off, but it was of no use. The pain was too much, too intense and she didn't have any more strength to keep up