“What?!” Marco roared, voice echoing through the hallway. He felt like the ground beneath his feet had disappeared with the wind. The only ringing sound in his head was that of Alessia escaping from the base in the same car Double S had returned.The car was loaded with a bomb!“Boss,” Selena’s voice came through from the other end of the phone, strained but unwavering. She was trying so hard to keep her composure, but Marco was too busy to notice the tension in her voice.“We’re doing everything we can to track them.” “You let them escape?!” Marco bellowed, his hand tightening around the phone. Dante who was about to ask what the commotion was all about, kept quiet the moment he heard the word, ‘escaping’. Alessia had gone and done it now.The beautiful woman who served as their guide, also turned toward them, her expression the one of confusion and surprise. Marco abruptly ended the call and turned to meet Dante’s gaze. “I have to get back to Sicily.” He said with urgency in his
Marco paced back and forth in the hospital hallway, his usually steely composure shattered. He just couldn’t shake off the image of Alessia lying on the ground, blood seeping from her head and leg. It felt like his entire world went crumbling down. He had rushed her to the hospital, her lifeless form in his arms, praying to every God he knew to keep her and the baby safe.Dante also stood nearby, his gaze fixed on the door to the room where Grace had been taken. His concern was also palpable, though he couldn’t quite understand it himself. He couldn’t grasp why he cared so much for her. He wasn’t supposed to be this scared, or even care. They barely knew each other and, she was not someone he wanted to be friends with. But, the thought of her facing death, had shaken him deeply. Was he developing feelings for her or something? He doubted it, but the unease gnawing at his heart suggested otherwise.The door to Alessia’s room opened, and Marco snapped out of his anxious state. A doctor
Alessia stared at Dante, shocked. Marco was letting her go? Just like that? After everything that has happened, he was giving her freedom?She should feel relieved, but all she felt was confusion and a strange, aching sadness.“Why?” she whispered. “Why is he letting me go now?”For a strange reason, When she had been blown away by the blast earlier, the pain shot through her, she realized the reason Marco had always wanted to keep her by his side.Even if she hadn’t met Marco, The world was still a cut truth world. One way or the other, she would be encountering a lot of danger.But Marco wanted her safe, and away from all this.Though his ways seemed a bit extreme.Dante shook his head, “I don’t know, maybe losing the baby changed something in him.”He could see the sadness in her eyes, but he was confused about why she felt sad. Wasn't she the one who wanted to escape? Didn't she hate Marco so much?So why was she acting this way now?Or was she trying to put on an act?Alessia’s h
Marco stepped out of the sleek, black car, his driver holding the door for him. He adjusted his suit jacket, feeling the cool evening air of Reggio Calabria. Remembering his dinner date with Mimi made him feel stressed out. He just needed all the distractions he could get, to get away from the tedious situations he was facing.He strode to Ristorante Bella Vista, the finest restaurant in the city, known for its exquisite cuisine and stunning view of the Mediterranean.The restaurant’s facade was elegant, with ivy trailing up the stone walls and soft, golden lights casting warm glows on them. The aroma of Italian spices filled the air, mingling with the soft murmur of conversations and clinking of glasses from guests. Marco strolled in, his presence commanding attention despite his cold, distant demeanor.He spotted Mimi sitting in a corner near the back. She was fiddling with her phone, her red hair styled neatly as it also cascaded down her small back.Seeing the red hair again brou
Grace paced the small room, her gaze sharp with concern. “Ali, I would never accept the fact that you want to go and see your uncle, Simone.”Alessia shook her head, frustration evident on her face. “I can’t keep staying here with you, Grace.”“Do not worry,” Grace said, shaking her head. “I’ll get enough money to help you go to Scilla.”Alessia sighed, “But it’s not going to be enough. I can’t keep waiting here. I can always go back to my uncle’s place, you know?” “The same uncle who tried to take advantage of you? Come on girl, think with your head. He might try to kill you since you hit him on the head.” Grace reasoned, folding her both hands against her chest.Just then, a knock came at the door, breaking the tension. Grace’s mother entered with a tray of food, smiling warmly at them. “Here, I brought you both something to eat.”The aroma of freshly cooked gnocchi Alla Sorrentino filled the room, easing some of the tension. Grace and Alessia sat down to eat, the simple act of sha
Dante leaned against a car, his piercing gaze locked onto her. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his tone laced with curiosity and a hint of suspicion. Grace’s heart raced, and she stuttered, “Uh, I…. I came to get something.”Dante raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Get what? Because I don’t see why you would come to the parking lot to get something. It’s not like you own a car. I have never seen you ride anything. So why are you here?” Grace glared at him, trying to maintain her composure. “What if I came here to check it for someone?”Dante’s expression suddenly changed, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “Did you enjoy the view earlier?” he asked mischievously. “What?” Grace blinked, taken aback. “Excuse me?”“I asked, did you enjoy the view earlier?” he repeated, the smirk now fully visible.Grace narrowed her eyes, seeing through his attempt to tease and taunt her. She decided to play along then. “Of course, you looked so good performing.” She replied, her v
“Grace," Alessia called out, her voice breaking the silence that had enveloped the entire place. "Was that Dante?”Grace froze in place, her eyes widening in shock. "What are you doing outside by this time, Ali?” She stuttered, her lips trembling. Alessia’s gaze never wavered. “I couldn't sleep, so I came out for some fresh air," she said, her tone calm yet firm. "Was that Dante?” Grace hesitated, finding it difficult to affirm. But she eventually gave a reluctant nod."Yes, it was Dante." “Why? You're hanging out with Dante now?” Alessia’s voice rose, her frustration getting the best of her. "You know he is related to Marco, what are you thinking, Grace?" “Forgive me," Grace said, lowering her gaze. “We just became friends, but just a casual one, I promise. I never meant to get too close to him,” “Grace," Alessia called out and held her hand, “I'm trying to keep you safe, I'm just looking out for you." Alessia continued, her voice low. “We all know that Marco isn't a good guy.”
Marco stood before his mirror, lost in thought. Mimi’s words echoed in his mind. The part where she called him a coward, it actually left a lasting impact on his heart. When had he ever fought for love? Never! He had never, and would never fight for anyone. At least that was what he thought. Her accusations stung, reverberating through his thoughts, like an incessant drumbeat. Did he have to go fight for Alessia after everything that happened? She didn’t even like him to begin with, and he was ready to let her go this time. So what wrong did he do by actually abandoning her? Well, he wouldn’t say he abandoned her. He left her to live the way she wanted to. As he pondered Mimi’s words, Dante walked into the room, noticing Marco’s distant expression. “Hey, are you ready for the meeting?” he asked, his voice sounding firm. Marco blinked, snapping out of his reverie. “Yes, it’s not like I have a choice,” he said, “Let’s get this over with.” Dante moved to help Marco fix his suit,
The next day, Grace arrived at the airport, ready to board the plane to her dream country.Everything she ever dreamed of was coming true, although it looked like everything was falling apart at first, it eventually came together.Standing at the airport gates and clutching her ticket tightly, she couldn’t help but look back over her shoulder. Sicily had been her home, the place where she had laughed, cried and grown. Her heart swelled with a mix of nostalgia and excitement as memories washed over her: moments of laughter with Alessia, sneaking out on wild journies, quiet nights where she and Dante would talk and cuddle until dawn. She had always dreamed of seeing the world, but leaving this life wasn’t easy. Yet, knowing that her best friend was now happy, married, and building a family of her own made it feel right. She had her dreams to chase, after all.Taking a deep breath, she turned to face the gate, trying to push aside the ache in her heart. Just as she took a step forward,
Grace was so excited that she couldn’t stop rambling on and on as she picked out the perfect wedding dress for her dear Alessia. A proud smile crossed Alessia’s face as she watched her best friend getting so excited about her wedding. She was surprised when Grace told her that Dante had also proposed to her. But Grace being Grace had rejected the proposal. To her, she wanted to go to school first.“Do you have to go to school?” Alessia asked as she glared at Grace who wouldn’t stop grinning. “Ali, we’ve talked about this before. You know I’ve always wanted to go to school in the US. Besides, it’s just 4 years.” She said and pouted.“But I don’t want you to leave,” Alessia pouted also.Grace teared up, moving to hug her friend. “Sorry my baby,” she muttered. “But if you’re happy for me, you’ll wish me well instead of crying.” Grace poked, earning a jab from Alessia.The manager of the mall watched them with a smile, wondering how these two managed to push through life to this day. Wh
A month later, Salvatore walked into Devil's Den to find Marco who had invited him there. When he arrived, he met with Selena waiting for him by the corner. “Welcome, please come with me." She said, knowing he was Marco's guest. Salvatore watched her face for a while and nodded. He followed her as they both got into the elevator and went up to the second floor. Ever since Marco and Salvatore made up, they rekindled their previous friendship. They would often drink and go for meetings together, it made Dante feel betrayed, but of course, they never left him behind. When Selena and Salvatore arrived at the top floor where the supposed Marco was supposed to be waiting for him, he found the place empty.“Where is he?" He asked as he sat on one of the couches in the room.“I presume he is on his way," Selena said robotically. Salvatore smirked, baffled by how she took this mafia work even more seriously than the men.He wondered if she ever smiled in her life considering she was always
When Salvatore walked in fully, everyone including Alessia excused themselves to give the two some privacy.Now left alone in the hospital room, Marco smirked and said, “So it's you? You're that one stubborn mercenary." “That's a wonderful way to apologize, Marco," Salvatore said, moving to sit on the chair by the hospital bed.Marco's brow creased in confusion, “Apologize? For what?" He asked.“Please don't act like you don't know the reason we drifted apart." The smile on Tore’s face disappeared, replaced by a serious look.Seriously, Marco didn't understand what he was talking about. “I still don't get you. We drifted apart because your father hated my family." “Are you kidding me? We were friends even after the rift began. That wasn't the reason." Salvatore reminded him, this time he could feel his anger building up in him.Marco stayed silent, trying to recall what exactly had transpired between them in the past. The only thing he remembered was that Salvatore had a girlfriend…
It took Marco two days to finally wake up. When he did, he felt a bit strange. This time, the thing on his face had been removed and his right there was someone else face.Alessia sat beside him, or more like lay beside him on the bed, her dark circles visible and a sign that she hadn't slept well in a while.Marco smiled, then reached out a hand to pat her hair.What happened when he was asleep and how long it had been?When Alessia felt a hand on her hair, she immediately opened her eyes.Her eyes met his and a surprised look consumed her face. “Marco?" She asked carefully, trying to make sure she wasn't hallucinating again.“Mia Cara." He muttered to convince her that she wasn't seeing things.Alessia jerked up instantly and called his name again. “Marco?" “You aren't hallucinating, Baby." Marco chuckled.And before he could guess her next move, she threw herself at him and hugged him tightly.“Oh my goodness! You're awake! You're finally awake!"Alessia pulled away slightly, her
Alessia stared at Marcel and Salvatore, especially Dante. She was confused as to why their faces looked so worried. “Alessia…” Delilah’s voice called from the side. Alessia turned to see who the voice belonged to. Of course she knew that familiar voice.When she saw Delilah, her eyes widened in shock. "Delilah? You're here?” She asked, unknowingly walking over to Delilah. Delilah smiled through the tears coming out of her eyes and immediately hugged Alessia. "It's so good to see you again, Alessia.” She muttered, patting her back.Alessia pulled away from her and smiled thinly. “Why are you crying? Did you miss me that much?" She teased, wanting to make the old lady smile.Delilah chuckled, wiping her tears. “Yes." She said, though it was a lie. She missed Alessia, but she was more concerned about Alessia's reaction if she saw the current Marco.Alessia was confused by the worried faces of everyone. Wasn't getting Marco out a good thing? Why did they all look sad?“What happened?" S
Getting Marco out of that place wasn’t easy, but Salvatore’s men were hellbent. They called Dante and handed the items back to him.Dante was surprised, he had initially thought that Salvatore would never agree. To top it all, he hadn’t even seen Salvatore’s face before.He only wished to see Double S, not that he would tell anyone of him.He received the items, took them back to the base, and informed a few of the family members about it.He even had to forge that Marco had them all those while but chose to hide and see what Francesco and his children would do. When the twins heard of this, they sent people after Dante, they aimed to ruin the items and maybe kill Dante off.Dante, being the ever so smart one, ran off. It wasn’t easy for Lorenzo and Leonard’s men to get to him.He was faster and better than they would ever be.Salvatore’s men launched an attack on the twins, destroying and eventually killing both of them. It wasn’t easy, but they succeeded.Delilah helped Marco to hi
Marcel called Salvatore over, taking his time to plead with his son to forgive Marco for the sake of his sister.Salvatore as usual wasn't easily pleased and he immediately rejected his father's pleading.Marcel didn't give up. For the next one month, he tried his best to get some men to locate where Salvatore had hidden the items he stole from the De Lucas. If he could find it, he would return it to Dante and have him save Marco. But no matter how hard he searched, he couldn't find it.Alessia spent the entire day and night crying nonstop in her bedroom. She even fell sick at some point. She would also starve herself often. Salvatore saw all these, but he didn't budge.On this day, Alessia actually slit her wrist, aiming to kill herself.Salvatore went to a meeting with his father. He was about to tell his opinion on the current matter they had at hand, but to his greatest surprise, a sharp pain shot through his left wrist. Because it was unexpected, he winced instinctively.Marcel t
Alessia hurriedly asked the guards to let Dante and Grace into the mansion.She couldn’t believe they had come, although she was scared that her father and Salvatore might come out and get angry at the sight of Dante since he was a De Luca.“Alessia, what are you doing here?” Dante lowered his voice and asked. Of course, he knew this place, Marcel Stefano Marino’s house, one of the most deadly mafia lords of Sicily. It was a place where the De Lucas family was certainly unwelcome.Alessia swallowed, throwing a glance at the looming hallway before leaning closer. “I… I live here. I’m Stefano Marino’s daughter.” Her voice was steady, but the fear in her eyes was unmistakable.Dante, however, merely shook his head, cutting her off before she could explain further.“There’s no time for that.” His voice was clipped, laced with urgency. “Alessia, Marco’s father is dead. Do you understand what that means?”Alessia’s eyes dropped, and she nodded solemnly. “I know. I saw it in the news right