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
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