{Abebi}I think within my solitude of myself as I think about the events of the past.{23 years ago}{Somewhere in the province of Enna }My heart raced as I watched the tense scene unfold before my eyes. My mother's anger echoed through the room, filling the air with tension. Young Tony and his twin brother, Mateo, stood beside me, their expressions a mix of fear and confusion."Where is the money I kept in the box?" my mother shouted, her voice filled with frustration and desperation. Her eyes darted between the three of us, accusing and searching for answers.Fear gripped my young heart, knowing that my mother's wrath could unleash a storm of violence upon us. I clung tightly to Tony's hand, seeking solace and support in this terrifying moment."If you don't tell me who took it, I am going to beat you all!" my mother threatened, her voice trembling with anger. The threat hung in the air, suffocating us with its intensity.Just as my mother was about to carry out her threats, a su
{Abebi}We drove through the narrow streets filled with slum houses. I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the increasing danger in Cerami and the relative safety we had found within our circle. Tony's choice to invest in a bulletproof car spoke volumes about the escalating threats we faced."You never told me you bought a bulletproof car," I commented, impressed yet also slightly unnerved by the need for such extreme measures."Cerami is becoming more dangerous," Tony replied, his tone reflecting a sense of concern and caution. He maneuvered the car skillfully, slowing down to allow a group of children to cross the street safely.Mateo, always observant and analytical, added, "For us, it's getting safer." His words hinted at the changes we had made in our lives, the steps we had taken to distance ourselves from the criminal underworld that had once consumed us.Tony followed Mateo's direction, turning left into a narrow, one-way lane. The atmosphere shifted as we en
{Abebi}Resting my head against the comforting embrace of Mac Allister's chest, I sought solace in his presence. His steady heartbeat echoed in my ears, calming my racing thoughts. "We are going to work it out," I reassured him, my voice filled with determination. "I can't believe she was caught sleeping with Duran's half-brother," Mac Allister expressed, his voice tinged with disbelief."She lost her golden chance," I replied, my tone laced with a mixture of disappointment and resignation. As we lay there, seeking comfort in each other's presence, Mac Allister's hand gently massaged my back, easing the tension that had accumulated within me. His touch was a soothing balm. "Let's get some sleep," Mac Allister suggested, his voice filled with a sense of practicality. "We have a mass wedding ceremony to attend tomorrow." With a nod, I nestled closer to Mac Allister, allowing the blanket to envelop us both. The weight of the world lifted as sleep beckoned, offering respite from the
{Abebi}The morning light filled the room. I slowly awakened to the gentle touch of Mac Allister's hand on my forehead. Sensing his intention to change the television channel, I quickly intervened, urging him to wait. "Wait, wait," I said, wanting to catch up on the news. Mac Allister paused, allowing me to listen to the newscaster's report."Oh my God," Mac Allister exclaimed, his voice filled with shock. I leaned in, my curiosity piqued. "Five members of the same family burned to death," he relayed, his head shaking in disbelief. The weight of the news sank in, and a sense of sorrow washed over me. "What is our peaceful Enna turning into?" I questioned, my voice laced with concern.Mac Allister's sombre tone matched my own. "Eventually, these incidents will attract the attention of the government to Enna," he remarked. The gravity of his words hung heavy in the air, a grim reminder of the escalating turmoil that surrounded us. "It seems as though we are all doomed," he added, h
{Abebi}I hid the poison beneath my bed at the back of one of my boxesMy heart raced with a mixture of relief and apprehension as I saw Mac Allister enter the room. I hastily stood up, my body tense with the weight of my secrets. His words struck me like a thunderbolt."My mother told me everything," Mac Allister said, a warm smile spreading across his face as he approached me. His words echoed in the room, mingling with the delicate dance of hope and fear that swirled within my soul.I met his eyes, searching for any sign of judgment or anger. Instead, I found understanding and acceptance in his gaze. It was as if he had seen into the depths of my struggles and chosen to embrace me despite them."I'm glad you two are getting along," Mac Allister continued, his voice filled with genuine happiness. His words resonated within me, offering a glimmer of solace in the storm of my inner turmoil.I couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. The fragile peace we had found seemed too good to b
{Abebi }"Are you out of your mind?" Mac Allister's words carried both disbelief and a hint of anger. He understood the danger we were in, yet he stood his ground.Bruno, however, seemed to revel in the chaos, his intentions revealed by his chilling response. "I have always waited for this day," he declared, his voice dripping with malice.My heart pounded in my chest as Bruno's finger tightened around the trigger. I closed my eyes, bracing for the worst, but instead, a gunshot echoed through the air. I cautiously opened my eyes to see Bruno lifeless on the ground, blood staining the earth beneath him.A rush of relief washed over me as I realized Tony and his twin brother had come to our rescue. They ran towards us, concern etched on their faces. "Are you safe, sister?" Tony asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.A mixture of gratitude and exhaustion filled my voice as I replied, "Thank you, both of you. We owe you our lives."Tony's attention quickly shifted to Mac Allister's
{Abebi} The night sky stretched out above us, its vast expanse adorned with a tapestry of twinkling stars. The moon, a radiant crescent, cast a soft glow upon the world below. Shadows danced playfully across the landscape as we navigated the winding road, our headlights piercing through the darkness.The air was crisp and filled with a sense of anticipation, blending with the scent of pine trees that lined the roadside. The occasional rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl created an eerie symphony, heightening our senses and reminding us of the clandestine nature of our journey.As I glanced upwards, my gaze fixed on the stars that seemed to shimmer with secrets. They held an otherworldly allure as if they, too, were witnesses to the trials and tribulations we faced. Each twinkling light felt like a guiding beacon, offering solace and reassurance in the midst of uncertainty. We arrived at the imposing mansion, and the gates swung open, revealing the grandeur that lay beyo
{ Mac Allister}I woke up to the gentle touch of the morning sunlight streaming through the window, casting a warm glow on the room. As I stirred from my slumber, my eyes met Abebi's, and I couldn't resist leaning in to give her a tender kiss. Her soft smile conveyed her well wishes for the morning, and with a lingering gaze, I left the room, my mind buzzing with anticipation of the day ahead.Entering the spacious sitting room, my attention was drawn to Alvar, a familiar face in this enigmatic mansion. I greeted him with a nod, acknowledging his presence and the connection we shared."You're awake," Alvar said, his tone carrying a hint of relief. I returned the greeting, "Good morning," and settled into a milk-coloured chair facing Alvar. His gesture of offering me a cigarette was a silent invitation for us to share this moment, and I accepted, appreciating the camaraderie that unfolded in the curling smoke.Alvar's inquiry about my arm brought my attention to the injury sustained