“Two men visited us three days ago, Matteo. They inquired after you. We informed them you didn’t return from your trip. They discussed amongst themselves in your language. We couldn’t understand anything they said. They left but returned last evening to ask about you again. One of them said you were dead. They introduced themselves as your family and wanted your apartment keys,” said Freddie. Matteo frowned at the information. “What did they look like?” He took out his mobile phone and showed them a picture of his siblings, Marcello and Marco. “No, Matteo, the men didn’t look like them. Are these your brothers? They resemble you,” said Seth. “Yes. Then how did they look?” Matteo was at his wit’s end. Did Luigi send his men to take over his business? “They were twins, Matteo, although they disguised themselves,” said Freddie. Matteo frowned at the information. The only twins he knew were the Moretti brothers, Rafael and Ross. Did they come over thinking him dead? Why would they com
“Matteo, I envy you. You’re lucky to have someone like Amelia in your life! I wish she had a sister. I could marry!” said Rafael with a look of longing. “I have a sister, but she’s too young for you. She’s just sixteen.” Laughed Amelia unaware of Rafael's motive. It was just the information he needed. “My bad!” chuckled Rafael, his eyes glinting with excitement. His criminal mind had already started plotting. Matteo looked ill at ease with their conversation. He wanted to warn Amelia to keep quiet but with Rafael watching them like a hawk, he couldn’t do a thing. “Rafael, help yourself to these.” He pushed the plate of fritters and meatballs Amelia had made for him. Rafael helped himself to the food when his phone buzzed with an incoming call from his twin. Matteo instantly panicked. Ross Moretti, with a twisted mind, was a bigger criminal than Rafael. “I’ll leave Matteo. Thanks for the treat, Amelia. Ross is waiting for me at the Visa office.” He got up to leave, and Matteo relea
Seven Months LaterAmelia opened the parcel her lawyer had couriered her. She had been eager to know the status of her divorce, yet there had been no news so far. It was only when she returned home for lunch did she receive the package from her lawyer. With Matteo still at the shop, she smiled all by herself, taking out the document. Her smile widened at the realization that she was free at last. Free to marry Matteo. For the last seven months, she and Matteo shared a beautiful time with each other. Their love for one another intensified to such a level that they had grown inseparable now. For the last seven months, she had tried to reach out to her parents multiple times, but they were adamant. They could only forgive her if she left Matteo and returned to them forever. Last month, after the last futile attempt, she gave up hope. She had been upset for a week but Matteo’s love and understanding comforted her a lot. They hadn’t announced their relationship to Matteo’s family yet,
Matteo called Rafael the next day to drill some good sense into his criminal mind. He couldn’t sit back and watch him destroy Amelia’s family. “Hai le informazioni sbagliate, Matteo. Adesso sono in Sud Africa,” said Rafael, completely denying his allegations. (You’ve got the wrong information, Matteo. I’m in South Africa, right now.)“I've heard from reliable sources. If any of it is true, I’ll not leave you, Rafael. You can’t destroy Amelia’s family.” “I can never do such a thing, Matteo. Relax. They’re making up stories because they’re against your wedding.” Matteo disconnected the call since there was no point arguing with his evil cousin. He would never own up to his crime. The whole afternoon he was a little upset since he couldn’t solve Amelia’s problem. However, since the phone call to Rafael, he received a couple of blank calls on his mobile number. Who would give him blank calls? He waited for Amelia but she didn’t return to the shop after lunch. He knew Gia had called he
“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.