“Come to the point, Costello. Why have you abducted my fiancée? What do you want from me?” Matteo demanded, while the mafia man dragged a chair and sat in front of him. He watched Matteo closely for a second and then asked his men to leave the room. After they left, he turned towards Matteo. “Luigi has abducted Carlozzi, our boss. We have used all our resources but haven’t found where he has kept our boss imprisoned. I want you to join Cartello della Vendetta and help us rescue him.” Matteo gaped at the man and his impossible demand. “I can’t help you with that. I used to work for Di Salvo when he was alive. I know nothing about Luigi. Moreover, I’ve left the mafia circuit behind. Please find other ways to get to your boss. So where is my fiancée? I want you to release her.” Costello fisted his hands, annoyed with his non-cooperation. “That’s not an option, Matteo. You’re our only hope now. Your fiancée is safe, but I can only release her if you co-operate with us. Help me rescue C
“Why are we escaping, Matteo? Can’t you prove that you’re innocent?” asked Amelia while helping him pack up. “We aren’t escaping the cops. We’re escaping from Costello. He can attack us anytime and kill us, Emilia! This man doesn’t fear a soul nor does he have an ounce of mercy in him.” Amelia’s heart constricted with fear but she was doubtful if they would be safe in Italy. “They can easily seek us out in Genoa. Can’t they?” “Yes, they can. We are going there to check up on my family. Once I ensure their safety, we will hide somewhere for a few days. I’m sure the cops will arrest them soon.” Amelia nodded and helped him with renewed energy. They had to escape before Costello finds them. “I just hope they get arrested soon.” “Do you want to go back to your parents’ house, Emilia? The journey ahead will be quite dangerous,” said Matteo, looking deeply into her eyes. He didn’t want to force her into this. Of course, he knew of the impending storm but he had never expected Costello
“I faced the same after I called Rafael. One of Luigi’s rival gang members kidnapped Emilia. They wanted me to join them to rescue their boss, who’s under Luigi’s custody,” said Matteo. “Oh! Do you think Rafael is giving away our information?” asked Marcello, having never liked his cousin. “Maybe not intentionally. Maybe his phone is being tapped.” Amelia looked around the room his Mama wanted them to occupy. It was cozy and clean, and she wheeled her luggage inside.“So what did the threat calls say?” asked Matteo, wondering who could have contacted his family. “There were always disturbances in the line and I could hardly make out much. A raspy, muffled voice always asked about your whereabouts. He threatened that you’ll be killed if I didn’t give him the information he wanted.” Matteo frowned at his brother. “Did he say he would kill me if you didn’t spill the information he needed?” “No, he said you’d be killed. He didn’t mention by whom!” Matteo frowned since it made no sen
The whole family was ready and waiting to move to a different location, but Matteo didn’t receive an update from Officer Gorreto. “Why hasn’t he called yet?” “This place is quite safe. Why can’t we stay here?” asked Viola, not understanding the gravity of the situation. “It is safe but if Costello strikes, the guards won’t stand a chance,” said Matteo, but he could feel her displeasure at being moved out. The doorbell rang, and they looked at one another. Who could it be? Matteo went towards the door and peered outside through the eyehole. He felt relieved to see the security guard carrying a parcel. He opened the door and looked at the parcel in his hands. “There’s a parcel for Matteo Ricci.” He looked at Matteo with a pale face. “I am Matteo Ricci. Who is this parcel from? Who gave it to you to deliver so late in the night?” Matteo was immediately on high alert since he wasn’t expecting anything. It could be a bomb or something sent by Costello’s men. “I’m not sure, Mr. Ricci.
For the next few days, Matteo was extremely busy with the legal formalities necessary for witnesses. Both of them couldn’t contact their family or friends until the investigation was over and the mafia gangs were arrested. Matteo’s new identification documents arrived. The cops renamed him Leandro Rossi, a resident of Florence, Italy. Even Amelia had her new disguise and identification ready. Her new name was Sierra Brown Rossi, a resident of Seattle and wife of Leandro Rossi. Their wedding was coming up in the weekend but none of them were looking forward to it. “Won’t we go to church?” asked Amelia when they lay down on the bed to sleep. She was upset to see Matteo stressed out every single day. The investigation had started, and no one knew what the criminals would do next. Could the police provide them with adequate protection? Therefore, Matteo hardly got time to interact with her. The whole day, he had to be with the cops at their headquarters. It was a lonely life for Amelia.
His Mama hugged them close, unable to control the tears from streaming down her cheeks. “I’m so happy to be here on your special day!” “I’m so thankful you could make it, Mama! Our marriage would be incomplete without your blessings,” said Matteo, wiping her eyes. “I still will miss your wedding lunch, bro!” said Marcello, wrapping his brother in a warm embrace.“I’ll treat you someday.” They walked over to the altar while Marco spoke to the police officers regarding the case. Viola admired her wedding dress. “It's so pretty. Where did you buy it from?” “I didn’t. An officer got it for me.” “I wish they had informed us earlier. We could have helped you get ready!” said Viola. “Matteo helped me actually,” she admitted shyly. “Aww! That’s so cute!” “Yes, I’m happy that you’re with Matteo, Emilia. You give him the zeal to fight against these criminals. I pray to God every day, that you succeed in your mission soon.” “Thank you, Mama. I hope it happens soon.” “It will. Have fa
“Oh, don’t move! I’ll be right back!” He pressed a hard kiss to her mouth and eased off the bed to find the stash of condoms he had packed up. “Where are you going?” She watched him with a frown. “We can’t afford a pregnancy now, right?” Realization dawned on her and she watched him take out a pack from the overnighter. “Yeah, right!” Of course, they couldn’t afford a pregnancy right now. It would complicate matters unnecessarily. They wouldn’t want their child to be born under such circumstances. Matteo returned to the bed, ripped the foil open, and sheathed his painfully hard erection. She opened her arms out to him and he eased on top of her only to trail kisses down her throat to her breast. He didn’t want this day to end! He wanted to make it the perfect wedding day for her. Maybe he could plan something special for her in the night. “Matteo,” she whispered in urgency.“Yes, my Emilia,” he said in a husky whisper. “What are you waiting for?” He chuckled at her urgency and p
Three Years LaterMatteo entered his shop and smiled at his team. They had stuck with him through thick and thin, and battled all hardships. Even when he had returned to New York under the protection of the US Marshals Service, they were there by his side. He had expected them to close the shop down but later found out that they were all working inside every day, relentlessly for him. They were operating discreetly, taking orders from known sources only. It earned them enough to run the shop smoothly without giving them away. Matteo was indebted to them for upholding his dream. “Last night the FBI and the DIA had raided the Cartello della Vendetta's secret hideout and arrested every member of their gang, including Costello,” said Matteo with relief. It was a top-secret mission, and Matteo just heard about its success from Derek Walsh. In the last three years, Derek, Tim, and Stanley had become their pillar of support, protecting them effectively against every threat. It was because
A Month Later“Emilia, start packing up. We’re going to Sicily next week. Marcello just called to announce his wedding.”Amelia gaped at her husband in shock. “When is the wedding? I don’t have a dress to wear!” “Mama will arrange for a seamstress for you. The wedding is three weeks later but I have to help her out.”“Okay, Mila and I will start packing up. Have you informed Marie's school?” “I will today.” Amelia wondered why he looked so excited today. Was it because of Marcello’s wedding? “Will we celebrate our wedding anniversary there, or will we celebrate it here before we leave?” She needed to know to make the preparations. Matteo smiled, his eyes glinting with secrecy. What was he hiding from her? “We’ll celebrate it there. I’ve invited your siblings and their families. Even Brooklyn is coming over with hers.” “Oh, are you making any gala plans? I’m not prepared at all!” she protested helplessly, but he just winked and left. What did it mean? For the next few days, Ameli
After Six Months“Mmmmamaa!” said Aurelio and Mariella clapped with delight. “Mama, Leo said his first word. I taught him!” Amelia smiled at her firstborn with pride. She has been an angel in their lives, helping them in every way just like a grown-up would. “Yes, good job, Marie! I’m proud of you,” said Matteo, watching her interact with the little ones in the nursery. He had just come home after dropping his Mama and Marcello at the airport. His Mama had helped them for the last six months, although Marcello had returned two days after the twins were born. He just came over to escort their Mama back home. “Papàaaap,” said Armano, and Mariella’s little heart swelled with pride. “Yay! Even Armie has learned his first word!” Amelia fed the twins and tucked them for the night, but they didn’t at all look sleepy. “Marie, have you completed your home assignments?” Amelia asked as she went to the dining room. “Yes, Mama.” “Fine, have your dinner and sleep. Mila, please, can you hel
Amelia could feel the contractions rocking her body after every few minutes. Matteo stayed by her side all the time, stroking her hair, and holding onto her hands with concern. It relieved her a lot this time, unlike the last time when she was all alone. Matteo’s family had arrived much later, and she had missed him like a sore thumb then. “Nurse, when will you take her to the birthing room?” asked Matteo agitatedly. “There’s time. It’s still early labor! When the contractions increase in frequency and last longer, we will take her to the birthing room.”Unable to see her in pain, Matteo called his Mama.“Can you come over, Mama? I’m feeling so lost with Emilia in labor pain.”“Are you in the hospital? Where’s Mariella?” asked his Mama in a state of panic. “Yes, Amelia started her contractions and we are in the labor room. Mariella is at my friend’s house.” “Why didn’t you inform me before?” said his clueless Mama. “The delivery date was two weeks later. I thought of informing yo
The next morning, Matteo received the biggest shock of his life! Lucas’s blog post and his social media post went viral overnight. His shop became the go-to place for people with expensive cars to repair. The space in front of his shop was teeming with cars left behind by the customers. The men were struggling with work. Matteo employed extra hands to help. He became a star mechanic overnight! “Mama, look! Papà is on TV!” squealed Mariella as she browsed through the channels. Amelia emerged from the kitchen and sat down to watch the talk show. Her eyes popped out to see her husband with Lucas Donnelly! They discussed cars and the cars he designed, repaired, and remodeled at affordable prices. Tears pricked at Amelia’s eyes while her heart swelled with pride for him. He had gone through a lot and truly deserved some happiness now. “What’s your inspiration, Mr. Ricci? Apart from your love for cars,” asked the host.“This shop is a dream project of mine, but I don’t give up only becau
With so much work to do, Matteo didn’t get a moment's respite to go home. Freddie and his team worked on the Ferrari, since their fate depended on it. They had to please Lucas Donnelly. It was, after all, his favorite car! It was late when Matteo returned home to find Amelia fast asleep with Mariella. He felt worried about her since she always waited up for him. He had to talk to her and convince her to see the doctor. The next morning he sat down to breakfast, but Amelia wasn’t present at the table with them. Mariella gave him a sad look as she ate her breakfast alone. “What happened to your Mama, Marie?” “She’s sick, Papà. Last night she threw up her dinner. Even today she threw up twice already. Can you make her better? I hate it when she’s sick!” “Don’t worry. Have your breakfast. I’ll check up with your Mama.” He went into their bedroom to see his Emilia lying down. “Emilia? What happened to you? I’ll take you to the doctor right away,” he insisted. “Who will drop Marie at
Matteo went to see his lawyer to take an update on his health. Mr. Berkeley had stood by him in his time of need, and he was indebted to the man. He wasn’t in great shape and Matteo found him resting on his bed, which was odd. He was the most hardworking person on earth and in all these years, Matteo had always found him in his office, working. “Matteo! I’m so glad to see you, son!” he said, getting up to embrace him.“I’m happy to be back too, Mr. Berkeley. How are you now? Freddie told me about your health issues.” “I’m much better now. I’m sorry I let you down. We didn’t have another option before us. The mafia Don would have burned the entire shop down or killed all of us if we didn’t pay.” “I understand Mr. Berkeley. I’ll figure it out somehow.” He spent some time with the lawyer and then returned home to help Amelia. It was evening and she would be worried about him. “Matteo! What happened? Did you find out anything? Is the shop still there? Marie and I were about to go dow
The customer care representative showed him the figures in their database. Matteo realized the money was withdrawn from the Brooklyn, New York, branch of the bank. It was too hefty a sum to withdraw from an ATM. What was going on? He had given Mr. Berkeley the sole authority to handle his account. It was alright that he shared it with his wife, but why did he confiscate so much money for himself?“Thank you for your cooperation. I’m not carrying money right now. I’ll deposit it later on.” They left the bank in a state of shock. “We have to go to New York right away, Emilia. I don’t know what’s going on. Apart from you, only one person had access to my account. That was Mr. Berkeley. How could he confiscate my hard-earned money?” Amelia looked at him with concern, wondering if he believed her. “You know, I withdrew very little, Matteo. I can show you all the ATM slips.” “I wouldn’t have minded if you used the money in my absence for your and Mariella’s needs. But it was a hefty sum
The next day, Evita visited them with her son, Riccardo. Not once did she mention Rafael during the entire time she stayed in their house. Amelia felt bad for her. She was quite nice and didn’t deserve a man like Rafael who destroyed her life. “You should move on, my dear. You can’t live alone all your life,” said Matteo’s Mama. “I’m working in a multinational company now as a PA to the CEO. I’ve moved on, Aunt Bianca.” “I meant it on a personal front. Rafael didn’t marry you despite everything. I think you should marry a nice young man and settle down.” “I am marrying my boss next month, Aunt Bianca. He loves me and Riccardo. No one has ever loved me the way he does. I’m glad I met someone like him,” said Evita, and they felt relieved that she found the happiness she deserved. “What’s his name?” asked Marco with avid interest. “Leonardo Bernardi.” “Ah, Leo? He’s a gem of a guy!” said Marco with a satisfied grin. “Do you know him?” asked Evita with surprise. “Yes, he’s Viola’
“Why not? Don’t you want to start Synergist?” asked Amelia in surprise. “Not yet. I want to concentrate on my children. I have three,” said Genelia proudly. “I too have three. I’ll bring them the next time we meet,” said Brooklyn. Matteo, Marco, Marcello, and their Mama joined them soon. “You can keep Dad’s money, Amy. I will shift to South Africa near Brandon’s place soon. I’ve applied for a senior position in a prestigious hospital there,” said Ryan. “Are you both sure? I’ll divide the money and transfer your shares to you.” Viola brought the girls into the room and Amelia introduced them to her guests. “So, when are you shifting to Sicily?” asked Carlos. “In a couple of days. We still haven’t booked the flight tickets,” said Marco. “I could drop you on our way back home. I have my private jet. We’re returning to Napa Valley, California, a day later,” said Nikolas. “That would be great, Nikolas. I don’t want to stay here for so many days. We’ll go with you,” said their Mama.