After forcing herself to eat, Rosana finally stepped out of the room. First, she met with the twins who were super excited to meet their mother after two days of absence. She spent some time with them and was glad they didn't look burdened by what was happening—for now. No sooner or later, she knew they were going to catch up on things and she wasn't ready for that moment yet."Are you sure we can trust this man?" Mr. Santos asked when she joined them. "We cannot just let him in""He wants to see me, so let him in""But..." Her father started saying, but Enzo cut him off."That is Donna's order!"Mr. Santos shot a venomous glance at Enzo, who met it with a bored expression, his eyes gleaming with a hint of defiance. The air was thick with tension as the two men engaged in a silent standoff, their mutual disdain discernable. It was clear they weren't so fond of each other, especially because the Underboss was Sergio's brother and Enzo wasn't one to be intimidated or take orders from any
TWO WEEKS LATER•••Sergio stood in front of the window, his hands buried inside the pockets of his impeccably tailored trousers. Gone was his usual polished demeanor, now replaced by a more rugged, sleep-deprived look. His usual sleek hair was disheveled and there were dark circles under his eyes. For two weeks, he had stationed himself outside Rosana's residence, refusing to leave despite her father's countless rejections. He also made no attempt to force his way in, choosing instead to patiently wait for Rosana's acceptance even when he knew he didn't deserve any. He had killed her brother, and then, their unborn child... Memories from that night tormented him restlessly, slicing through him like a razor-sharp knife. No physical torture could hurt more than thinking of her, of relieving those moments—the tears in her eyes, the anguish etched on her features as Enzo took her away, the blood that had seeped out from within her, the loss of their unborn child... Those haunting memor
Rosana's eyes, once filled with a mix of emotions, were now filled with tears as she stood before Sergio, her voice cracking. "Why? Why did you kill him? Why did you take him away from us?"Sergio's face contorted in pain, but her cold gaze pierced through his defenses. She took a step closer, her hands shaking. "He was innocent, Sergio. He had nothing to do with your wars, your vendettas. He was just a boy, full of life and dreams... And you took that away from him, from me, from our family."As she spoke, her voice rose and tears streamed down her face. The pain she felt was too raw, too fresh as though the wounds had been reopened and Sergio's presence only made it worse."Why?" she screamed, her fists clenched around her umbrella. "Why did you do it? What could he have possibly done to deserve such a fate?"Sergio halted a few inches away from her, his body language screaming defeat as the rain continued to fall heavily, making his lean figure more vulnerable. His shirt clung to hi
Sergio's shirtless torso glistened with blood and sweat, his muscles strained as he hung, suspended from the rusty chains. His wrists were bound above his head, the chains cutting deep and rough into his skin. The men had strung him up, beaten and tortured him the best way they could, and then they left him in the dimly lit room, heavy with the stench of decay and blood.Each breath was a labored gasp as blood dripped from the multiple stab wounds on his body, mixing with the sweat that trickled down his torso. A lot of time had passed before Mr. Santos returned and went to stand before him, his face twisted in cruel satisfaction. He had spent his entire life waiting for that moment—the opportunity to avenge his son's tragic death and make Sergio accountable for the pain and suffering he had inflicted upon them. And now, thanks to Rosana's discovery of the truth, the tables had turned and Sergio was now at his mercy. He was now vulnerable, defenseless, and had walked right into his h
THREE DAYS LATER•••Sergio's body seemed almost lifeless, a mere shell of its former self. His chest barely rose with each labored breath, the only sign of life in this broken, battered form. The stench of blood, sweat, and suffering clung to him, a proof of the torment and torture he had endured for four days.Deep slashes oozed crimson, while older cuts had formed crusty scabs. Bruises, dark and purple distorted his features, making his face swollen and almost unrecognizable. His eyes were sunken as dark circles etched beneath them, signifying exhaustion and pain. His cheeks were hollow, skin stretched taut over bones while his lips were cracked and swollen, revealing a glimpse of bloodied teeth."He refuses to give up," Federico, one of the men said to Mr. Santos as they walked into the room together."It is not in his nature to give up easily, but he surely will. I still need him alive, this is nothing compared to what I have in store for him""What if he survives? We will all be
Sergio was missing! Rosana's mind raced as she paced frantically in her room, her eyes darting wildly. Her heart thundered in her chest, her hands trembled, and her fingers twitched with anxiety. Four days. For four days, he had been missing and she had assumed he'd moved on, accepted her rejection, and vanished from her life.But now, the truth hit her like a tidal wave—something was terribly wrong. Restlessness coursed through her veins, making her skin prickle with unease. Every step, every thought, every heartbeat screamed different questions. Where was Sergio? What happened after that night? Was he safe and okay?"Goodness!" Her breath came in short gasps, her lungs constricting with fear. She needed answers! "What is wrong?" Aria asked once Rosana joined her in the garden. At first glance, she knew something was off. "Are you alright?""No-no... I am not alright, Mammà.""Why? What happened?" Aria asked, taking off her farming gloves. "I saw you with Enzo a while ago.""Yes. Se
"Before you make any decision..." Aria began, her tone fused with worry. By this time, Enzo was gone and it now left the both of them outside the study. "There is something you need to know""What else, Mammà?""Something important," Aria whispered with urgency as she cautiously looked around to be sure they were alone. Fear lingered beneath the surface, breaking through the fragile facade of her composure. "Come with me"Quietly, Rosana followed her back to the room where she locked the door behind them, her movement swift and anxious. She began pacing back and forth, her nervousness growing as her hands began to shake uncontrollably. Once Rosana saw that, her concern deepened. Aria's composure was cracking and she knew that behavior all too well. Her mother only exhibited such frantic energy when burdened by a heavy secret or overwhelming worry. What could it be this time?"Mammà... What is the problem?""Oh, dear, I should have told you the truth sooner" She breathed, her voice
Chapter 165"WHAT. THE. HELL. IS GOING ON HERE, ROSANA?" Mr. Santos thundered, his eyes blazing with fury.His eyes widened in disbelief, fixing on Rosana cradling Sergio's battered form. The sight was a slap in the face, contradicting everything he had manipulated her to believe. She was supposed to hate him, instead of holding him close. She was supposed to stand by his side, to join him in his quest for retribution, instead of doing the opposite!On hearing her father's voice, blood drained from Rosana's face. With eyes widened in terror, she tightened her grip on Sergio as though her life depended on it. When Mr. Santos saw her actions, his expression darkened into unbridled fury, his eyes blazing as he took a menacing step forward. Before he could get any closer, Federico intervened, positioning himself protectively in front of Rosana. He raised his gun as a silent warning and Mr. Santos halted, his chest heaving with rage. "What is the meaning of this, Federico?" He demanded at