Amelia’s eyes widened, realizing what he meant. Of course, her feelings didn’t lessen a bit, but she needed to know everything about him. “You used to work before to pay off your family debt. Right? Then why now?” Matteo sighed and closed his eyes for a minute. It was now or never. He had to tell her the truth and be prepared to take the risk. He could hide from the world, but not from Amelia. “I worked as the underboss to Alphonso Di Salvo, Don of NSM, one of the most notorious mafia gangs in Europe. For five years, I paid off the debt I had taken, yet Don didn’t release me. I escaped them and went home, but they captured me. I fled to New York, but Bill Phantom contacted Don and gave me away in return for money.” Amelia gasped at what exactly happened. She knew he used to work for the mafia but she wasn’t aware that Phantom could do such a thing. Matteo told her everything that happened after she left. He explained about Sofia and her intentions, about Luigi’s threat, about the a
Amelia turned to give her dad a look of surprise. How could he threaten Matteo instead of the hateful Ryder? Didn’t he see the way he hit her? Matteo released Ryder, who smirked at him in return. It made Matteo’s blood boil, and he punched him in the face. Blood oozed from his wounds while Amelia covered her mouth to stop herself from screaming. Her dad strode towards Matteo and pushed him backward. “Get out of my apartment right now!” he gritted out. Matteo gaped at him and then at Amelia. What just happened? Didn’t he save Amelia from being physically abused by her ex-husband? “Are you supporting him, Mr. Mitchell? He just hit your daughter.” “I’m not answerable to you, Ricci. With whose permission are you staying here in my apartment?” he demanded angrily. “Mine, Dad. He’s staying with me. Why are you after Matteo? Can’t you deal with Ryder instead?” “I will deal with him later, but first I need to get this man arrested. He can’t stay here.” “Fine. I’m leaving,” said Matteo,
“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
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.