Rio stood alone in his dimly lit room, dressed in a luxurious bathrobe, holding a crystal glass of champagne. He was dancing to Italian classical music, twirling and waltzing with grace and elegance. To an outsider, it may have appeared as though he was celebrating a great victory. And in a way, he was.Everything was finally falling into place for him. He had successfully destroyed the relationship between Elena and Luca, his biggest rivals. He sighed in satisfaction, reminiscing about how it all began. It all started with Carlos, the agent of his destruction.After the incident that almost killed Elena, Rio's minion had confessed that he had no hand in the assault. That night, he had taken a day off, even though Rio had instructed him to keep a watchful eye on Elena. Initially, Rio believed that his minion was lying, but as time went on, he discovered the shocking truth. Carlos, Elena's ex-fling and secret admirer, was the one who had attacked her.Rio had sought out Carlos, threate
As Carlos caught sight of Rio, he couldn't resist smirking. It was as if he had won a trophy. "Ah, Mr. Rio. Welcome to the party," he said with a hint of mockery in his voice. Rio shifted his gaze to Luca, who was staring at him intently."What is he talking about, Rio?" Luca asked, his eyes never leaving Rio's face. Rio paused for a moment, his eyes flickering to Elena, who was wearing an unreadable expression."He keeps claiming you have some sort of evidence," Luca added, growing more agitated by the second."I don't..." Rio began, but Luca cut him off sharply."Do you have the damn evidence, Rio?" he snapped. Rio hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. Luca closed his eyes and sighed heavily."I'll..." Rio started to say, but Luca cut him off again."Forget it," he said, turning abruptly and heading for the door."You don't want to face the truth, Mr. Romano?" Carlos called after him, but Luca didn't even turn back.Elena turned to Rio, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Wha
Elena paced around the room, checking her phone for any missed calls or messages from Luca. It was close to midnight, and he still hadn't returned. She wondered if he was still angry with her after their argument earlier that day.Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. She picked up her phone and dialed Luca's number, half-expecting him not to answer. To her surprise, he picked up."Hey," she said.There was a long pause before he replied. "What do you want?""I was just wondering where you are," she said tentatively."At the study," he replied curtly."The study? You're still in the same house as me?" Elena said with disbelief."Yeah," he said.Without another word, Elena hung up and headed to the study. When she arrived, she found the room dimly lit, and Luca sitting in a chair, staring into space."Luca?" she called out softly, approaching him.He didn't move or even look at her."What's going on?" Elena asked, her voice rising with frustration. "Why are you avoiding me?"Luca stoo
Elena bustled around the kitchen, carefully packing the flask filled with the delicious meal she had prepared for Luca. Satisfied with her handiwork, she closed the lid and smiled to herself. "Perfect," she murmured, placing it inside a small portable bag. She made her way upstairs to their bedroom, eager to change into something more presentable.As Elena walked towards the car park of the Romano group, her mind was occupied with Andrea's advice. The elderly man had taken it upon himself to mend the strained relationship between Elena and Luca. He had emphasized that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, prompting her to surprise Luca with a special lunch at work.Entering the bustling corridors of the Romano group, Elena noticed how the workers respectfully nodded their heads in acknowledgment as she passed by. Being the wife of the boss certainly had its perks. She approached Xavier, the receptionist, outside Luca's office, which adjoined Xavier's own workspace."Hi Xavi
Rio clenched his teeth, frustration pulsing through his veins. He ran his hands roughly through his hair, trying to contain the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him. Closing his eyes for a brief moment, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for the decision he was about to make."I can donate for him," Rio finally uttered, his voice laced with determination. The doctor's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the unexpected declaration."I'm blood type O," he added, his words hanging in the air with a sense of purpose.A flicker of realization crossed the doctor's face as he comprehended the gravity of Rio's offer. "Oh," the doctor responded, his voice tinged with both surprise and gratitude. "Alright, this way," he continued, motioning for Rio to follow him. With hesitant steps, Rio reluctantly trailed behind the doctor, his mind filled with a cascade of doubts and questions.What the fuck is he thinking? Rio couldn't help but question his own sanity as he followed the doctor to the
Carlos stood outside her studio, his gaze fixed on Elena. She looked startled, clearly indicating that she didn't want him there. He raised his hands in a peaceful gesture, hoping to ease the tension."I come in peace," he said, his voice sincere. Elena remained silent, observing him with a mix of curiosity and anger.Walking up to him, she couldn't contain her fury any longer. "What the fuck are you doing here?" she seethed, her voice dripping with anger.Carlos took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure. "Can we talk?" he asked, hoping she would at least consider hearing him out."Talk? Are you kidding me?" Elena's voice was laced with disbelief. "I'm still wondering how you managed to get out of fucking jail!" Her eyes bore into him, demanding an explanation.Carlos paused, gathering his thoughts before responding. "Luca asked them to let me go," he finally revealed, hoping this revelation would change the dynamic of their conversation.Elena's eyes widened in surprise. T
Andrea stepped into the familiar office he had frequented over the past few years. It had become a routine visit ever since his son's illness had necessitated it. Upon entering, he spotted a middle-aged man seated behind a desk, engrossed in some files. The man looked up as he noticed Andrea's presence."Mr. Romano," he greeted, and Andrea nodded in acknowledgement."Mr. Greco," Andrea replied, taking a seat opposite the man. The office was adorned with simple decor, with charts of the human brain adorning one section of the wall."When was the last time you paid me an impromptu visit, Mr. Romano?" the doctor asked, a smile playing on his lips."Ah, don't mind me, doctor. I've been quite busy," Andrea waved off the question casually."Not with business, I presume. Luca is doing an excellent job. The Romano Group ranks among the top three in the business world," the doctor complimented, and Andrea nodded with a proud smile."That's my boy," Andrea remarked with pride, while Greco chuck
"What?!" Elena exclaimed, unable to contain her shock as Ryan narrated the events of the past few days. The news of his accident hit her like a bolt of lightning."Why am I only hearing about this now?" she asked, her tone calmer as she descended the majestic stairs of the Romano's Mansion, trying to regain her composure."I didn't want you to worry. Besides, I'm fine now," Ryan responded from the other end of the phone."Come on, Ryan. You're like a little brother to me. Don't hide things from me, I beg you," Elena pleaded, making her way towards the kitchen."That's what you've been doing lately," Ryan shot back."What do you mean?" Elena inquired, puzzled by his statement."Hiding things. You've been reluctant these past few days. You're not saying anything about our plans. We're at the apex. Why do you keep delaying, Elena? What's stopping you? Are you already in love with him?" Ryan's words came rushing out, one after another. Elena let out a weary sigh, realizing she had been av
“Rio,” Rossi said. “There’s a commotion in the hospital he was admitted in. He is on the rooftop with Elena. Luca should have received a call by now. He keeps asking for him.” Rex turned to look at Luca who stared anxiously at him. “I’m with Luca right now. We’ll head there right away.” Rex said and hung up.“What…”“Your crazy Boyfriend has her.” Rex seethed.“What?”“There’s no time. Let’s leave.” Rex said as he walked out of the house, trailed after by Luca.As they entered Rex’s car, Luca was still oblivious to what was happening.“Aren’t you wrong? Rio is in a psychiatric hospital.”“And he has my sister. He is threatening to kill her.”“What?” Luca's eyes shone in surprise. How is that….”“I don’t fucking know!” Rex snapped as he faced the road and hit the accelerator. Luca stared at him and looked at the road ahead. What the fuck is happening?When they got to the hospital, there was greeted by the crowd in front of the hospital as Rio stood at the edge of the rooftop, with a
Rex paced around the living room frantically. It was late in the night and there was no sign of Elena. He has been trying to reach her since they left King’s Hotel. After the argument with Rossi, it was as of Elena had disappeared into thin air. She wasn’t even in the motel she has been hiding all this while. He dialed his father….they had both exchanged contacts earlier, both promising to give each other updates on how things would proceed.“I can’t seem to find her,” Rex said immediately after he heard the beep.Rex could hear him sigh from the receiver’s side. “Where she’s staying?”“Not there. And she isn’t picking up my calls. The call doesn’t seem to go through no matter how many times I try.” Rex said in frustration. “Does Levante have her?”“I will ask my people to track her. She’ll be fine, Rex.” Rossi said.Rex hung up but the gut feeling that his sister was in danger was overwhelming. He couldn’t just sit and wait without doing anything. What if Elena was in danger? A tho
Luca moved instinctively towards her and drew her into his embrace. Elena's lips curved into a smile as she snuggled close to him. “What happened with Rio wasn’t your fault.” She said.“I know. I know. But I can’t seem to stop blaming myself.” He murmured in her hair. Elena rubbed his back like a child that needs consoling.“Let’s get married. And leave this place.” Luca said as Elena’s body stilled in his arms. She didn’t expect things to be going this way.She freed herself from him and looked at him. “Really?”Luca smiled at her. “And it’s not because of the child. I haven’t felt attracted to anyone the way I am to you since Angelo’s mother died. I’ve only loved her.” He said as Elena forced a smile. She hated the fact that she couldn’t tell him the truth yet. It wasn’t the time. When everything’s settled, they would have the whole time in the world. She promised herself.“For now…” Luca stared lovingly at her as he removed the strand of hair that was covering her face. “Let’s help
“What development?” Elena asked.“Someone with the same goal as us contacted me.”“What?” Elena raised a brow. “What do you mean?”“I don’t know. He wants to stay anonymous till the day we meet.” Rex said, frustration evident in his voice.“Does that make sense? Do you want to meet up with some stranger? Because of what?” Elena asked with a sarcastic look.“I don’t care. I lost Victoria. I don’t want to lose you too. As far as I know, Levante thinks you’re dead. We need to strike now. When they least expect.” Rex said with determination.“Do what you want.” Elena stood up and picked up her cell phone on the bed. “I’m going to meet the father of my unborn child.” “What? By this time? Why are so stubborn? What if Levante sees you?”“I don’t care. I might as well tell Luca the truth about them. He would stop caring about that Rio.” Elena hissed and headed for the door.The evening breeze was gentle but Elena couldn’t help but feel chilly as she stood by the roadside, looking for a cab t
“I fucked Martino.” She said dryly as Rex's eyes flickered at her for a while and averted his gaze quickly as if trying to hide something. “I fucked him,” Victoria replied as Rex shifted his gaze to her face again. “Okay.” He shrugged. “It’s all for the plan, right.” He asked, desperation hidden in his voice.Victoria cupped her face in frustration. “I love him, Rex.” Rex's hands stiffened in his pocket. He parted his lips but nothing came out. “Say something, damn it!” She fired as Rex chuckled.“Say what?” He asked, trying to fight the emotion that was burning within him.“Curse me. Call me a filthy bitch. I can take it all. But I do love him, Rex.”“And us?” Rex asked as if that has been the question in his mind.Victoria closed her eyes for a while and opened it. “I don’t know.” She shook her head as Rex’s heart sank.“I don’t know, man. I need space.” She said as tears streamed from her eye. As she turned to leave, Rex caught her arm again.“Our plans?”“Are you kidding me ri
Martino sat down in the visiting room while Levante paced around in front of him. He didn’t dare to talk. After he received his call at the hospital earlier. His urgent tone signaled to Martino that Levante was, even more, crazier than his son. “PTSD ugh?” He stopped moving as he regarded Martino. Martino paused, nothing ever gets past this man. More reason why he should be more cautious.“The doctor hasn’t made any diagnosis yet. He’s still under observation.” Martino replied, careful with his words in order not to infuriate him any further.Levante nodded. “Will he be admitted to some psychiatrist hospital?”“Like I said…”“I bloody heard you the first time, Martino!” Levante fired as Martino bowed his head. That’s more like it. This was his true character. Not the unusually quiet type that was unpredictable.“I’m sorry boss.”“Did the doctor say what caused his trauma?”“I…”“I could get that information in a matter of seconds. Think before you lie.” Levante hissed.Then why did y
“What?” Luca asked, surprised. “This is crazy, Rio.” He added quickly when he noticed his surprised look wasn’t helping matters.“Yeah! I’m crazy about you, Luca!” Rio sobbed as Luca pressed his lips in exasperation.“Those times in the past…” he started slowly and his grip on the injection was less. “I would always watch your back. Dad said it was my duty. It was our duty to watch out for the Romanos.” He scoffed with a bitter smile as Luca watched him. He hated seeing him like this. He couldn’t do anything and it added to his frustration. “I misunderstood man.” He added.“You were the best thing that happened to me,” Luca said.“Were?” Rio raised a brow.“Rio…”“Those times when you would always stay alone. Angry you couldn’t approach other girls, I wished you would just look at me. Even for once.” Rio said.“I didn’t….” Luca brushed his hand through his hair. “I didn’t know, Rio.”“Well, Now you know!” He snapped.“Yes. I do. And I appreciate you….your love.”“No, you don’t,” Rio s
“Victoria….I…” Martino started to say but the words got hung up in the air.“Martino?” Victoria called when he didn’t say anything afterward.“Anything I do in the future, just know I love you. I love you so much, Victoria.” Martino said and hung up. He swung around and marched back to the cottage. He narrowed his eyes at Elena. “I’m not going to kill you. A certain person is betting on me. So I wouldn’t want to break her trust.” Elena watched him. Was it Victoria?“Then what?” She asked with a frown.“Let’s make a deal….” “Deal?”“You already know by now that Rio wants you dead. And I can’t seem to understand why you said he tried to kill you in the past…” Martino gave her a wary look. But Elena didn’t reply. There was no use hiding it. Or was there? He is going to spare her. She should keep her mouth shut till the end.“Your deal…” she said.“Stay away from Luca. Go far away from him. Out of the country….I don’t care. Because if I see you anywhere around him, I’ll be the first to
“How are you feeling, Rio.” Levante ignored his initial statement.“It’s not your concern. You’ve always wanted to do my bidding right? Then take her out? I don’t want to see her ever again!” A silence ensued for a while then Levante spoke up. “Did she try to hurt you?”“Is that more important to you?”“Answer the damn question, boy. I pay my enemies back in full.” Levante spoke harshly as Rio sighed.“Not directly.”“What do you mean?”“Luca slept with her.” He said and paused but his father didn’t say a word. “I got overwhelmed with the thought and crashed on a poll.”“I can’t believe this,” Levante muttered under his breath.“Well?” Rio asked.“Focus on recovering. I’ll take care of the rest.” Levante said and hung up.“That isn’t a bloody answer,” Rio muttered as he put down the phone. He lay there in silence as he took time to eventually review his decision. He had called his dad on impulse. He was angry. Especially after that talk with Luca. His rage knew no bounds. He just cou