Olivia's POVLeonardo's arms felt like both salvation and agony as he pulled me from the chair. Every movement sent fresh waves of pain through my side, and my vision blurred with tears I refused to let fall."Easy," he murmured, his voice steady despite the tension in his grip.I leaned into him, my legs threatening to give out as he guided me toward the door. My body was weak, trembling with exhaustion and blood loss, but his presence was enough to keep me upright."How... how did you find me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.His jaw tightened, his eyes scanning the hallway as he adjusted his grip on me. "I never stopped looking."Something about the way he said it made my chest tighten.I wanted to ask more, to understand how he'd managed to track me down, but there wasn't time. The sound of muffled voices and hurried footsteps reached my ears, sending a jolt of fear through me."They know we're here," I said, panic lacing my words.Leonardo's expression hardened. "Let
Leonardo's POVOlivia's weight against me was lighter than it should have been, her body fragile and trembling as we moved through the dense woods.Every step felt agonizingly slow, her ragged breathing echoing in my ears like a reminder of how close I'd come to losing her.I tightened my grip around her waist, supporting her as we pressed forward. Her head rested against my shoulder, her breaths shallow but steady."We're almost there," I murmured, though I wasn't sure if I was trying to reassure her or myself.The cabin was less than a mile away-a safe house I hadn't used in years but knew was secure. It wasn't much, just a small structure hidden deep in the forest, but it was all we had.Olivia didn't respond, her body sagging further against mine. My chest tightened as I glanced down at her pale face, her eyes fluttering shut."Stay with me," I said, my voice firmer now. "We're not stopping."Her eyes opened slightly, and she gave a weak nod.By the time we reached the cabin, the
Olivia's POVThe steady crackle of the fireplace filled the small cabin, a comforting sound that contrasted sharply with the chaos I'd left behind. The scent of burning wood mingled with the faint coppery tang of blood, a reminder of how close I'd come to losing everything.Leonardo moved around the cabin like a restless shadow, his every movement measured and deliberate. He'd checked the locks at least three times since we'd arrived, his gaze darting toward the window at every sound.I watched him from the couch, the blanket he'd draped over me a thin shield against the chill in the air. My body ached, my side throbbed with every breath, but the pain felt distant compared to the weight pressing down on my chest."Are you going to keep pacing all night?" I asked, my voice rasping against the silence.He stopped mid-step, turning to look at me. His expression softened, the tension in his jaw easing slightly as he walked over and crouched beside me."I'm sorry," he said, his voice lo
Alicia's POVThe sharp crack of the wine glass shattering against the marble floor was satisfying for a moment. I watched the deep red liquid pool around the broken shards, a fitting symbol of my current mood."How?" I hissed, my nails digging into the edge of the table. "How did they escape?"The man standing across from me shifted nervously, his hands clasped tightly in front of him. He was supposed to be a professional, but now he looked like a child caught stealing."It wasn't my fault," he stammered. "Navarro's men were supposed to keep them contained. But Leonardo... he's not an easy man to stop."I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "That much is obvious. You're telling me that two of Navarro's best men couldn't handle one injured woman and her self-righteous savior?"The man swallowed hard, his face pale. "They underestimated him.""They're not the only ones," I muttered, standing abruptly. My chair scraped against the floor as I paced the room, my heels clicking sharply against the t
Leonardo's POVThe cabin was quiet, but the silence did nothing to calm me. It was the kind of quiet that carried tension, like the moments before a storm. I sat by the window, my gun resting on the table beside me, watching the treeline for any signs of movement.Olivia was asleep on the couch, her breathing even but shallow. The bandage around her side needed changing soon, but I didn't dare wake her. She needed the rest more than anything else right now.I hadn't been able to rest, not even for a moment. Every rustle of leaves, every creak of the old wooden floorboards, set me on edge. We had gotten out of that hellhole, but I knew it was only a matter of time before they found us again.I looked over at her, her face pale but peaceful in sleep. The image of her tied to that chair, blood staining her clothes, was burned into my mind. I hadn't been fast enough. I hadn't done enough.But I wouldn't fail her again.When Olivia stirred, I was already by her side, the medical kit in
Chapter 56: Fragile SanctuaryOlivia's POV The morning sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, painting dappled patterns on the forest floor. The crisp air carried the faint scent of pine and damp earth, and for the first time in days, it felt like the world was holding its breath.The cabin stood like a forgotten relic in the woods, small and weathered, but solid. Its gray wood was mottled with moss, the roof sagging slightly under the weight of time. It wasn't much, but it was shelter, a fragile sanctuary in the chaos that had become my life.Leonardo led me inside, his hand steady on my back as I leaned into him for support. Frank followed close behind, his sharp eyes scanning the trees.The interior was as simple as the outside: bare wooden walls, a single table with mismatched chairs, and a cold fireplace in the corner. It was a far cry from the sterile rooms and polished halls I'd grown used to, but it felt safer than anywhere I'd been in weeks."Sit," Leonardo sai
Chapter 57: Facing AliciaOlivia's POVThe tension in the air was so thick it felt like breathing through smoke. The spacious office at the top of the tower was sleek and modern, its cold marble floors and towering glass windows a perfect reflection of the woman who owned it. Alicia stood by the window, her silhouette framed by the setting sun, a drink in her hand and a smirk on her lips."So, you've come back," she said, her voice smooth and unbothered.I clenched my fists at my sides, my heart racing as Leonardo stepped forward. He radiated fury, his movements sharp and deliberate. I could feel the barely restrained storm within him, his rage threatening to boil over."This ends now, Alicia," he said, his voice low but filled with venom.She turned to face us fully, her eyes cold and calculating as they swept over me before settling on Leonardo. "End what, exactly? You've been playing this game just as much as I have, darling.""It's not a game," he growled, taking another step cl
Chapters 58: Stepping into the LightOlivia's POVThe golden light of dawn seeped through the cracks in the boarded-up windows, illuminating the small room where Leonardo and I sat. The air was thick with unspoken words, each of us lost in our thoughts. I stared at my hands, clenched in my lap, as a wave of frustration bubbled inside me.This wasn't the life I wanted."I can't do this anymore," I said suddenly, my voice breaking the heavy silence.Leonardo, who had been pacing near the window, stopped and turned to face me. His dark eyes softened as they met mine, but there was a hint of worry behind them."Do what?" he asked, his voice low."This." I gestured vaguely around the room. "Hiding. Running. Living in fear of what Alicia will do next. It's not living, Leonardo. It's surviving."He crossed the room in a few long strides, crouching in front of me so we were at eye level. His hands rested on my knees, grounding me with their warmth."I know," he said quietly. "I hate it too.
Chapter 159: Growing TogetherOlivia's POV"Mommy! Can I go play outside?" Lily's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.I turned to find her standing by the back door, already in her sneakers, her backpack slung over her shoulder as though she was ready for an adventure."Did you finish your chores first?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.Lily made a face but nodded. "Yes, Mommy. I made my bed, and I put away my books."I smiled. "Alright, go ahead. But make sure to stay close, okay?"She grinned and ran outside, her blonde hair streaming behind her. Ethan, who had been playing with his toy cars on the floor, looked up at me."Mommy, can I go outside too?"I knelt down to his level, brushing a stray curl from his face. "After breakfast, sweetie."He pouted but nodded, his little lips pulling into a tight line as he held up his toy truck.I went back to the kitchen, turning off the stove and preparing to set the table. Just as I placed the last plate down, I felt a pair of strong arms wrap
Chapter 158: A Life of LoveOlivia’s POVThe afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting soft golden hues over the yard. I stood by the kitchen sink, watching through the window as Leonardo played outside with our daughter. Their laughter echoed in the crisp air, blending with the rustling of leaves.She sat perched on his shoulders, her tiny hands gripping his hair as he ran in circles, pretending to be a horse.“Faster, Daddy!” she squealed.Leonardo groaned dramatically. “Princess, Daddy is getting old.”She giggled, tapping his head. “No, you’re not! You’re strong like a superhero!”I smiled, my heart swelling.This was our life now. Simple, filled with love.No more running. No more looking over our shoulders. Just us.I wiped my hands on a towel and made my way outside. The air was crisp, the scent of pine and fresh grass wrapping around me.Leonardo spotted me first. A slow grin spread across his lips. “Look who finally decided to join us.”Our daughter gasped. “Mommy,
Chapter 157: A Love That LastsOlivia’s POVThe sound of soft laughter echoed through the cabin as I stepped into the kitchen, rubbing sleep from my eyes. The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a golden glow over the wooden floors. The air smelled of fresh coffee and something sweet—pancakes, maybe.I followed the scent, my heart warming at the sight before me.Leonardo stood at the stove, shirtless, wearing only loose pajama pants. His dark hair was still tousled from sleep, and the muscles in his back flexed as he flipped a pancake with effortless ease. But what made me smile the most was the little girl sitting on the counter beside him, her tiny hands clapping together as she watched her father cook."Again, Daddy!" she giggled.Leonardo grinned and spun the spatula between his fingers before tossing the pancake into the air. It flipped twice before landing perfectly back in the pan."Like that, princess?" he asked.She nodded enthusiastically, her brown cur
Chapter 156: EpilogueOlivia’s POVThe mountain air was crisp as I stood on the wooden balcony, gazing at the endless stretch of pine trees below. The sun had just dipped behind the peaks, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. The wind whispered through the branches, carrying with it the clean scent of rain and earth.It was quiet here. Peaceful.Safe.For the first time in months, I could breathe without fear coiling around my throat. The Russo family was gone. Matteo Russo was dead. The house, the network, the legacy—destroyed. Harris had confirmed it with photos and reports. There was no one left to hunt us. No shadows lurking behind cameras. No footsteps echoing in the night.Leonardo stepped onto the balcony beside me, two mugs of coffee in hand. He handed me one, then wrapped his free arm around my waist, pulling me into his warmth."Thinking again?" he asked softly.I leaned against him, feeling his steady heartbeat through his sweater. "Always."He kissed the top
Final Chapter(155)Leonardo’s POVThe sharp sound of footsteps echoed through the stairwell as Olivia and I sprinted toward the exit. Smoke burned my throat, and every muscle in my body screamed for rest, but we couldn’t stop. Not now. Not with Matteo Russo closing in.We reached the ground floor and burst through the emergency exit into the alley. The cold night air hit me like a slap. I scanned the shadows for movement, gun raised. Olivia stood beside me, her eyes wide and wild.The phone in my pocket buzzed again.Another message.“You can’t run forever.”I gritted my teeth and shoved the phone back into my jacket. "He’s playing with us," I muttered.Olivia’s voice shook. "He’s just a kid, Leonardo.""No," I said, scanning the rooftops. "He stopped being a kid the moment Victor put a gun in his hand."She hugged herself, shivering. I placed a hand on her arm, grounding her. "We end this tonight.""How?" she asked.I didn’t have an answer.The phone buzzed again.I hesitated, then
Chapter 154Olivia’s POVThe smell of smoke lingered in the air as I stood beside Leonardo, staring at the burning ruins of the Russo compound. The flames crackled, devouring the walls, the floors—everything Matteo Russo had built to continue his father’s legacy.But the weight in my chest wouldn’t lift. The fire might’ve destroyed the compound, but the memories remained. The sight of Matteo’s small body hitting the floor haunted me. His lifeless eyes. The blood spreading across his shirt.He’d been just a boy. A boy raised to hate, to kill, to continue the twisted family tradition. And Leonardo had been forced to pull the trigger."Olivia," Leonardo said softly, his voice pulling me from my thoughts.I blinked, realizing I’d been clutching my arms so tightly that my nails had dug into my skin. I loosened my grip. "Yeah?""We need to go. The police will be here soon."I gave a shaky nod.Leonardo took my hand, guiding me toward the car parked beyond the tree line. The headlights wer
Chapter 153:Leonardo’s POVThe photograph of the baby lay on the table, the words "Blood runs deep" scrawled across the back in thick red ink. Olivia sat beside me, her eyes locked on the image as though it might come to life. My own thoughts churned like a storm, each one darker than the last.Victor Russo had a son. An heir. A child born into a legacy of violence and manipulation."We didn’t know," Olivia whispered, voice trembling. "We thought we ended the family."I ran a hand down my face, exhaustion pressing against my skull. "Victor always had contingency plans. We underestimated him.""But how?" she asked. "We dug into every aspect of his life. There was nothing about a kid.""Because he wanted it that way." I stood and paced the length of the living room. "Victor was always obsessed with bloodlines. Family. Legacy. Of course, he’d hide a child until he was ready to use him."Olivia rubbed her arms. "He looked so...calm. That boy at the door. Like he wasn’t scared at all.""
Chapter 152: LEONARDO!Leonardo's pov.The timer stopped at 00:59.Olivia dropped the knife and collapsed against me, sobbing. I held her tightly.Harris groaned. "Did...we win?"I glanced at Victor’s body. His eyes stared blankly at the ceiling."Yeah," I said. "We won."Harris’s team arrived within minutes. They removed the bomb and secured the mansion. Harris, bruised but breathing, sat on the porch while medics checked his vitals.Olivia and I stood nearby, watching the sunrise paint the sky in soft oranges and pinks."It’s really over," she whispered.I wrapped my arm around her. "This time, it is."She leaned into me. "No more running?""No more running," I promised.The Russo family was gone.And we were finally free.Olivia’s POVThe morning sunlight crept across the horizon, casting a soft orange glow over the Gael estate. The warmth should have brought comfort, a sense of peace after the nightmare we’d survived. But as I stood on the porch beside Leonardo, the weight of what
Chapter 151:Leonardo’s POVThe headlights sliced through the dark as I sped away from the cemetery, my knuckles white against the steering wheel. Olivia sat beside me, silent, her body rigid with fear. The message on my phone echoed in my mind:“The devil doesn’t die.”Victor Russo was alive. Or someone who looked and sounded exactly like him.I didn’t believe in ghosts. But I knew the Russos were capable of almost anything. Victor had faked his death once already. Why not twice?"Leonardo," Olivia said softly.I glanced at her, her face pale in the dim light. "Yeah?""How...how is this possible?" Her voice cracked. "We saw his body. We saw the coroner’s report."I didn’t have an answer. I’d held Victor’s cold wrist to check for a pulse that day. I’d seen the bullet hole in his forehead. But tonight...I’d seen him standing beneath the trees, breathing, smiling."We’re missing something," I said finally. "Something big."She hugged herself. "What if it really was him?"I gritted my t