Elena listened intently to the sound of running water, waiting for the right moment to pick up her phone and call Ryan. When he answered, she wasted no time in expressing her frustration."I was expecting you to call," Ryan said as soon as he picked up."Don't give me that nonsense, Ryan," Elena hissed. "What were you doing with Rio earlier? Lovers? Seriously? I had no idea you were gay!" Her incredulity seeped through her words."What? Do you have a problem with gays?""Of course not! But don't change the subject. What were you doing with Rio? How long have you guys known each other?""For a while now," Ryan replied."What!" Elena shouted, checking to see if Luca had finished. "Are you out of your mind? How did you two even meet? Oh my God, Ryan, you're driving me crazy. Haven't we moved past this... this petty revenge?"Ryan scoffed. "I thought I had, but I ended up falling for the enemy, just like you did, Elena. Aren't we both failures?" His voice betrayed a hint of pain.Elena re
Luca couldn't help but chuckle as he observed Rio's unusual behavior. They had never spoken to each other in such a manner before, leaving Luca utterly bewildered. "Rio, I..." he began, but was interrupted by the ringing of Rio's phone. Annoyed, Rio shifted his gaze to the table where the phone lay. It was Martino calling.Turning back to Luca, Rio's face displayed a worried expression. If Martino was calling, something serious must have happened. "Forget it," Rio murmured, grabbing his phone and storming out of the room. Luca watched him in confusion, desperately trying to comprehend the reason behind his friend's weird behavior.********Rio rushed into the driveway of the building where Martino's brother lived. He hastened his steps as he made his way to the elevator, heading straight to Mario's condominium. Pressing the doorbell, the door swung open, revealing Martino covered in blood."Holy shit!" Rio's eyes widened at the horrifying sight. He quickly scanned the surroundings and
"Ryan! Ryan!" Rio called out frantically, his eyes pleading for sobriety. Frustrated, Rio continued, "Hey, man, look at me and answer!" Ryan gave him a sheepish smile, clearly inebriated. Just as his head began to fall onto the counter, Rio caught him in time. Sighing heavily, Rio watched him closely. What did Ryan mean by protecting him from Elena? Were they acquainted in the past?"I will always protect you, Rio, because I love you so much," Ryan murmured sleepily, causing Rio to curse under his breath as he helped him up. It was only 2 p.m., yet Ryan was already wasted. For a brief moment, Rio pushed aside his own troubles and focused solely on getting Ryan sober again. He needed answers, and he needed them as soon as possible.*************Elena descended the stairs slowly, taking her time. Sleeping in till noon had made her realize that staying home was more stressful than working at the studio. Luca was out at the office, and she wasn't sure if Andrea was home either. Earlier,
"I don't know, Lucia," Andrea sighed, resignation evident in his voice."Right, I knew it. Like I said, you should stay away from us. We don't need you, Andrea. I can take care of the child. I won't tie you down...""No one is tying anyone down, damn it!" Andrea's anger, suppressed for so long, suddenly flared."Then I'm going to ask you again," Lucia's voice wavered. "What do you want?""You," Andrea responded almost instantly. "I don't know how much..."Before he could finish his statement, Lucia rose from the bed and swiftly drew his face to hers, their lips locking in a passionate kiss. She pulled back slowly and looked at him. "You'll make a great father," she said, smiling, and Andrea returned the gesture."Took you this long to realize, huh?" Andrea teased, lifting her up as Lucia wrapped her legs around his waist."I still think you're too old..." Lucia's hands rested around his neck as she playfully teased him."Oh, really?" Andrea grinned mischievously, drawing her ear close
Ryan sat on one of the couches in the living room as he took in the top notch decor of the Romano’s mansion. He couldn’t help but get lost in it’s beauty. He was snapped out of his reverie when the sound of someone descending the stairs echoed in the living room. He stood up swiftly, locking eyes with Elena, who appeared visibly distressed."What the hell are you doing here?" Elena exclaimed as she reached the living room. "And who let you in?" Her tone was laced with irritation."The security let me in. I told them you were my sister. And enough with the attitude. Am I some sort of plague you're trying to avoid? Why didn't you answer my calls?" Ryan retorted, his accusatory gaze fixed upon her."Ryan, we can't deal with this right now. I need you to leave. I can't have Luca see you here..." Elena's voice trailed off anxiously."Why is that?" a voice interjected, and both Ryan and Elena turned to find Luca and his father standing by his side."Luca?" Elena breathed, her heartbeat qui
"No." Rex's hand shot up, displaying his disapproval. "Let's wait and see how the event unfolds. And that despicable person—has he been dealt with?"Xavier nodded with a sinister smile. "Rio will never find out," he replied."Good. Let them remain oblivious until we're ready to strike." Rex's lips curled into a smile.*******Elena sighed, scanning the kitchen for any sign of Ryan, but he was nowhere to be seen. She reached for her phone, contemplating calling him, when he walked into the room. Acting on instinct, Elena drew him in and closed the door. Ryan gave her a questioning look before finally speaking up. "If this is about me leaving, I'm not going anywhere," he said defiantly while Elena stared at him intently."What are your true intentions, Ryan?" Elena asked urgently."To stay here and protect you.""Forget that!" Elena hissed. "If you weren't caught up with your lover, you wouldn't even remember I exist.""He's not my lover, just a deranged man obsessed with your husband,"
Luca remained silent in disbelief, his gaze fixed on Rio as he tried to process the statement. "What?" he exclaimed, his expression reflecting his lack of belief.Rio, realized his mistake, pressed his lips together and shifted his gaze to Luca, wearing an expressionless face."Forget it," Rio said in a subdued tone, taking a seat."I can't," Luca observed him intently, his eyes filled with concern. "I mean, I thought...""Drop it, Luca," Rio interrupted, visibly angry.Resigned, Luca sighed. "Fine," he replied, clearly hurt. Then, he turned to Ryan. "It seems like Rio is in a bad state. Let's leave," he suggested."Wow, really?" Rio's eyes sparkled with accusation as he gave Luca a reproachful look. "Now I'm the bad guy?""Then who would that make me?" Luca asked irritably. The ensuing silence made Luca feel uncomfortable, prompting him to stand up. However, before he could leave, Rio spoke up."A friend of mine died, Luca," Rio said, causing Luca to instinctively turn towards him."
Carlos opened his eyes slowly to find himself in an unfamiliar surrounding. He quickly stood up from the couch he has been laying on for the past minute. A blonde man with grey eye entered the room holding a cup of water with a wide grin. “You’re awake, finally.” Carlos scrutinized him, trying to guess where he knew him from, then he realized how he got her.“You….”“Kidnapped me?” He completed the question. “Yeah kinda.” He said with a waves of hand. “But for a chit-chat. No hidden intentions.” He placed the cup of water by the nightstand and folded his arms while watching Carlos intently.“What do you want?” Carlos asked.“Like I said. To have a chit-chat with you, Carlos,”Carlos raised a brow. “You know me?”“Ah…more than yourself, man. Enough to know how much you obsessed over my sister.” Rex said sarcastically.“Your sister?”“Elena.” He said as Carlos made a disbelieving look.“Are you kidding?”“Yeah…well I don’t have time explaining to you about how I am related to her…..”
“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