LEONARDO'S POVI absolutely despised being forced into wearing those damn suits, like a tight corset squeezing my life out. I suddenly grew respect for my brother who wore this every day without wanting to strangle someone. The temperature in this place was fucking scorching. I loosened my pink tie to get this suffocation off my chest.I meticulously planned the security measures for my brother's wedding, making sure they were discreet and thorough. I instructed guards to monitor the entire venue and carefully scan the surroundings for any potential intruders. I stressed the significance of checking every guest, without exception, to minimize the risk of unauthorized individuals gaining entry to the event. My goal in implementing these measures was to maintain a safe environment while still ensuring that my brother's wedding would be a seamless and enjoyable experience."Everything seems to be in order, sir. All the guests have been thoroughly screened, and the venue is secure." One o
ROSALINA'S POVThe melodic strains of a soft piano filled the elegant churchyard, perfectly harmonizing with the delicate tinkling of crystal glasses. The scent of fresh roses hung in the air, mingling with the unmistakable aroma of buttercream from the towering wedding cake. The ambient light cast a warm, golden glow upon the room, ensuring every detail was captured with pristine clarity. It was a scene straight out of a fairytale, a moment of bliss that should have been filled with joy and love.Yet, Lily stood there as if she could pass out any second now. After all, she was getting married to the most feared Don in this City with a notorious reputation.I held a satin pillow adorned with two glittering diamond rings. My grip on the pillow tightened, my knuckles turning white with the effort to keep my composure. Every inch of my being wanted to release the rings and escape this suffocating charade. Her fingers were slightly quivering, eyes fluttering anxiously as she took the ring
LEONARDO'S POVDespite their initial grumbling about having to don pink ties at the wedding, my cousins' moods miraculously transformed from sour to sparkling when they caught sight of the Russo girls sauntering in, rocking their perfectly matching pink bridesmaid dresses. It was as if someone had flipped a switch, and suddenly, their faces lit up like a Christmas tree on full power."Damn, I think I'm in love." Alessio remarked, eyeing the Russo girls with bright green eyes who were conversing with Rosalina at the corner."Which one?" Stefano asked."The one with green eyes," Alessio nodded towards the two girls."The two of them has green eyes, dude," Stefano laughed.Alessio scratched the back of his head. "Maybe I should go ask her number?""She's not some club girl, she's a Russo." I reminded him as a small warning. "Ask her name first."Alessio grinned like an idiot. "Sure thing. I know how to treat a lady.""Knowing you, I highly doubt that," Lucio chimed in snarkily from the c
ROSALINA'S POVI sat alone on one of the poolside loungers, gazing up at the vast night sky. The stars were scattered across the dark canvas. The gentle sound of water rippling in the pool provided a soothing backdrop to my thoughts. My family members and some other guests were inside the mansion, enjoying the festivities while I needed some escape from the claustrophobic environment to clear my head a bit. Or more like I wanted to avoid a certain someone.Earlier, I had lied about my cousins about my relationship with a guy in my college which was Tyler just to show that I was still my old self. Tyler was the last guy I had a fling with and who I actually thought worthy enough to hook up with. He was an intellectual and I liked men who actually knew how to use their brains instead of using their dicks all the time. But Tyler turned out to be a failure in foreplay and revealed he was a virgin. I had nothing against the virginity of a man, but the thing was...I was a virgin too, and I
LEONARDO'S POVAs Rosalina walked away from me, my eyes hungrily devoured the sight of her retreating figure. The ethereal glow of the fairy lights gently traced her graceful curves, enhancing her every step. A collision of longing and impatience churned within me, a tempest on the verge of engulfing everything.So, I decided to take a risk, a risk that could potentially sever any connection between us. "You look like a slut in that dress," the words slipped out of my mouth before I even had a chance to think. I wanted to hurt her, to push her as far away from me as possible.Rosalina's steps halted abruptly, and she turned around to face me, her eyes ablaze with anger. "The fuck did you just call me?"I had hit a nerve, and I couldn't help but feel a twisted satisfaction at her reaction. "Is this how you want to be seen?" I continued, my voice dripping with disdain. "Walking around like some cheap whore, desperate for attention?"Rosalina's nostrils flared, her face contorted with r
ROSALINA'S POVAs I walked into the hall, my drenched state seemed to amplify the silence. Every pair of eyes followed me, their gazes like probing needles. I clutched Leonardo's coat tightly around my body, feeling its weight as a shield against the judgmental stares. The air was heavy with tension, thick with the unspoken truth that hung between us all.I squared my shoulders, suddenly not feeling cold anymore, the embrace of Leonardo's coat offering an unexpected warmth as his lingering body heat clung to the fabric.Nonna rushed forward, "What happened?""I fell into the pool," I said rather dryly before I glared at Leonardo with the suppressed rage simmering within me like the lava seething inside a volcano. "Thanks for lending me your coat, Leo," I faked a smile at him.Leonardo's eyes widened for a moment, a flicker of surprise quickly replaced by that smile. "Anytime, sweetheart."His expression revealed a twisted sense of satisfaction, a cruel joy in my discomfort. It was as
ROSALINA'S POVThe mirrored walls reflected my reflection, reminding me of the countless hours I had spent practicing here. And tonight, we were preparing for the most important performance of our lives - Giselle. This was the last day of practice. Three more days to go for the actual performance on stage.I glanced at my dance partner Julian who played the character Albrecht, the male lead. He stood there, tall legs and graceful, his blue eyes focused intently on me. We had been dancing together for three months, and our chemistry on stage was undeniable. But lately, I had been noticing he was being a little suggestive lately offstage. I always thought of him as someone who was overly friendly, like a human version of golden retriever.Regardless of what he was feeling for me, or not feeling for me, I wanted a purely platonic relationship between us.As the music began to flow through the room, I delicately extended my arm to Julian, and he gently took my hand. We moved in perfect sy
ROSALINA'S POV"Stop the car." I said."Rose...""I said, STOP THE CAR!" I shouted. I was too hurt too to be thinking straight.Initially, I had the urge to open the car door and flee, desiring to escape from his presence. However, I gathered my strength and resolved not to be a coward and hide.I never really cared about who Sebastian spent the night with because I knew he could never love those women.Love.That thing bound people and he was a man who prioritized his duty over his personal life. So I didn't understand why Sebastian would have a change of heart for this particular woman."Who is she?" I questioned, my voice cracking with desperation. "And why her?"Why not me? The girl you spent most of your life protecting?"She is pregnant with my baby and I plan to take responsibility." Sebastian said, with a hint of regret in his voice.Betrayal was a suffocating vine that wrapped tightly around my heart, constricting every beat. Not only did he love this woman, but he even got h
5 YEARS LATER... LEONARDO'S POV I reclined in one of Enzo's plush office chairs, half listening to my cousins drone on about business. My gaze landed on Enzo's hands as he gesticulated, and I had to bite my cheek to keep from laughing. His nails were painted a glittery pink and decorated with Hello Kitty stickers. When he caught me staring, Enzo shrugged. "Gigi ambushed me this morning." "Daddy-daughter time looks good on you, brother," I teased. Enzo shot me a wry look. "We'll see how you handle it when your little hellion grows up." I chuckled thinking about my spirited son. "Adriano keeps things exciting, for sure. Just yesterday he finger-painted a mural on his bedroom wall using Rosalina's lipstick." My cousins howled. "Takes after his old man," Luca said. "In all the best and worst ways," I agreed. Right on cue, my cell phone rang. I didn't have to check the caller ID to know it was Adriano's teacher. "That'll be Mrs. Dawson now. Let me guess - he set off stink bombs in
LEONARDO'S POV(A few months later...)A piercing cry split the night air. I groaned, clinging to the last remnants of a pleasant dream as little Adriano's wails persisted."Your son is awake," I mumbled, still half asleep.Rosalina stirred slightly. "Before sunrise, he's your son," she quipped drowsily.I chuckled at the familiar Lion King quote, then dragged myself reluctantly from the warm bed. I shuffled over to the crib and gently lifted my bawling son into my arms. We had named him Adriano, after Rosalina's father."Shhh Adriano, go back to sleep," I soothed, rocking him gently. His tiny mouth rooted hungrily at my chest, latching onto my nipple. I winced. "Wrong nipple, buddy."I retrieved one of the bottles of breast milk Rosa had pumped earlier and offered it to Adriano. He sucked greedily, his cries subsiding as I held him close. I smiled down at my son, my heart swelling with love and pride. He had his mother's beautiful hazel eyes and my strong Salvadori nose and chin.I
ROSALINA'S POV I stared at my reflection, scarcely recognizing the radiant bride smiling back. The strapless gown hugged my body perfectly, the pink floral accents on the skirt matching my rose tiara."Oh, you look absolutely beautiful!" Lily dabbed at her eyes as she helped me smooth the skirt.I couldn't stop smiling, joy bubbling inside me. After everything, this day had finally come - my wedding day! My Nonna stepped forward, clasping my hands warmly. "Stellina, I'm so happy for you. You chose well, my dear. That boy loves you with his whole heart."I embraced Nonna tightly. "Thank you. For understanding, and supporting us." She stroked my hair lovingly. "Always, il mio tesoro."A loud commotion outside made us glance at the door. I heard Leo's voice rising insistently."Let me see my wife, damn it!"Isabella shot me a bemused look. "Somebody's impatient to get this show on the road."I laughed softly. Trust Leo to toss tradition aside. My heart swelled with love for my soon-to
ROSALINA'S POVI clutched the address in my hand, the edges creased and worn from the countless times I'd unfolded it. Antonella DiMarco - the stranger who used to be my mother. "You sure about this, babe? No one would blame you if-""I'm sure," I cut him off, my voice tight. "I gotta do this, Leo. I can't..." My throat closed up for a moment. "I can't move on until I look her in the eye and get some damn answers."He nodded slowly, jaw tight. I could practically hear the argument raging in his head about why this was a bad idea. But one glance at my expression and he just sighed, holding out his hand.I shifted in my seat, trying to ignore the growing pressure in my bladder. The sun was starting to set, casting an orange glow across the desert landscape blurring past. Leo kept his eyes fixed on the road, one hand resting gently on my knee in silent support.I knew I should've gone to the bathroom again before we left the last rest stop an hour ago. But nerves had killed my appetit
LEONARDO'S POVThe dank basement reeked of blood and fear. My uncle Giovanni was tied to a chair, swollen and battered from the beating he had gotten. But I felt no pity for the traitor.My cousin Luca's eyes were wild with grief. Losing his twin Lucio had destroyed him. Now seeing his father Giovanni revealed as a turncoat was the last straw."Alright, talk," I said coldly to Giovanni. "Spill why you teamed up with Andrae against your own family."When Giovanni stayed silent, Alessio slammed a fist into his gut. Giovanni wheezed in pain as Luca flinched, choking back a sob."Last chance," I said casually as Giovanni fought for breath. "Give me the details, then you get a quick death for ratting out the family."Fear flashed in Giovanni's eyes. He started rambling about how Andrae had approached him and offered control of the family if Giovanni helped kill my brother."Lies!" Giovanni cried desperately. "He used me! I never wanted Vincenzo dead, you gotta believe me!"Disgust roiled t
LILLINA'S POVI cradled Enzo's limp hand in both of mine, pressing fervent kisses to his chilled fingers. The steady beep of the heart monitor was my lone comfort as I maintained my bedside watch. His chest rose and fell rhythmically, but he remained locked away in unconsciousness. "You have to come back to me, Enzo" I whispered, my vision blurring. "Our daughter needs her father." I swiped angrily at the tears streaking my face. I had to be strong for our child, though the effort threatened to shatter my fragile composure.A knock interrupted my swirling thoughts. Carlo entered, his expression carefully neutral. "Any change?" I shook my head mutely, a fresh wave of tears spilling over. Suddenly, Vincenzo's hand twitched feebly in mine. I gasped, leaning forward intently as his brow furrowed. "Enzo?" I choked out. "C-can you hear me?"With agonizing slowness, his eyelids fluttered open halfway, still clouded by anesthesia. But they locked onto mine with recognition that flooded my
ROSALINA'S POVThe courthouse appeared all too soon, a hulking stone edifice that filled me with dread. Andrae dragged me forcibly up the steps, his grip leaving blossoming bruises on my arm. I scanned the empty foyer frantically, praying for some means of escape. At the far end, an elderly clerk sat stamping documents behind a high desk.Andrae strode toward him purposefully, shoving me ahead of him. "We need to be married immediately," he barked.The clerk's eyes widened at Andrae's imperious demand, flickering uncertainly to my tear-stained face. "I'm sorry, sir, but there are certain requirements..." he began weakly.In a flash, Andrae had a pistol aimed at the man's forehead. "The only requirement is that you do as I say," he growled. "Now."The clerk paled, raising his trembling hands in acquiescence. "Y-yes sir, right away." He fumbled with shaking hands to ready the license and certificate, the gun still leveled at his head.Once the documents were prepared, Andrae scrawled hi
VINCENZO'S POVChaos erupted as bullets flew in all directions. Years of simmering hatred between the Salvatores and Armandos had finally boiled over, transforming my brother's wedding into a bloodbath."Get the women and children to safety!" I bellowed. My men rushed to usher the terrified guests away from the hailstorm of lead.I scanned the pandemonium desperately for my pregnant wife. "Lily!" Where was she? There - a flash of her yellow dress across the courtyard. I sprinted towards her, bullets kicking up shards of brick at my heels.She stood paralyzed behind an overturned table, one hand instinctively cradling her belly. I shielded her body with mine and urged her towards the exit. "We need to move, now!"We scrambled into a sheltered alcove. Her eyes were wild, face streaked with tears. "Oh God, the baby-""You'll both be alright," I soothed. I peeked out - we weren't far from an escape route. I steeled myself. "On three, we run."I took her hand in mine. "One, two, thre-"The
ROSALINA'S POVI slipped into the marble restroom, the swell of violins and chatter fading behind the heavy door. Gripping the gold-flecked countertop, I steadied my breathing, willing my roiling nerves to quiet. Today Leonardo pledged himself to another while our unborn child grew in secret within me.The door creaked open and my reflection paled. Mia. An awkward tension thickened the air as we hovered, over the betrayed bride-to-be and the 'other woman'. To my surprise, her dark brown eyes held no malice. Only sympathy. "Hey, Rosalina," she said gently. "Are you okay?"I attempted a weak smile, my hands trembling. "A bit unwell, thanks." A massive understatement. I smoothed my dress self-consciously, the pink chiffon Leonardo adored. Mia's gaze flickered over it. "That color suits you Wanna rest a while in my suite?"Giving a weak smile, I nodded. I followed mutely, sinking into an ornate chaise lounge as attendants fluttered around Mia. The opulent chamber with its marble friezes