River's voice thundered through the room. "Absolutely not!"
"River," Ellie started, placing a hand on his arm, but he glared at her before turning back to Valerie. "Under no circumstances do you need to be seeing Antonio again," he insisted. Valerie took a deep breath, trying to remain calm in the face of her brother's anger. "River, I understand your concern, but we need to sort out what Antonio wants from me. We never got to put that whole Julian thing to rest because I went into labor!" she exclaimed. "You have bigger things to worry about now, Valerie. I will set things straight with Antonio Costello. All you need to worry about now is being a mother to your son," River argued. "And what if he won't stop, River? What if ignoring him just makes things worse?" Valerie asked, frustration seeping into her voice. "We can't pretend he doesn't exist. He has already intruded into our lives, and we need to know what he really wants." "Valerie, you're not dealing with an ordinary man," River said, his tone softening but still firm. "Antonio is dangerous, and I don't want you or my nephew anywhere near him. Let me handle this." "No, River," Valerie said firmly. "I am used to dealing with men like this, so let me figure this out. If he wanted to hurt me, he would've already, but he didn't," she said. River's jaw tightened, and for a moment, it seemed like he might continue to argue, but then he took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing just slightly. "Valerie, I know you're strong. But this isn't just about you anymore. It's about Landon. You have to be careful." "I will be careful," Valerie promised, her voice steady. "But I can't just ignore this. We need answers, and the only way to get them is to confront Antonio myself." Ellie, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "River, maybe we should trust Valerie on this. She knows what she's doing, and we can support her while still keeping Landon safe." River looked between Ellie and Valerie, his expression a mix of frustration and reluctant acceptance. Finally, he nodded. "Alright, Val. We'll do it your way." "Thank you, River," Valerie said, feeling a wave of relief. She quickly left the room, her heart pounding in her chest. As much as she wanted to assure River that everything would be fine, she was scared, not for herself, but for Landon. He was her world now, and the thought of putting him in danger made her blood run cold. Valerie went inside Landon's room. The room was filled with an array of presents Antonio had sent over. Molly had moved them in here, and Valerie hadn't had the chance to look through them until now. She walked over to Landon's crib and looked down at his peaceful, sleeping face. The sight of his tiny chest rising and falling with each breath filled Valerie with a sense of happiness. Taking a deep breath, Valerie began to sort through the gifts. There were bags of baby clothes, diapers, and pretty much everything she'd ever need for Landon. Her focus went to the handcrafted crib. It was a beautiful piece of work, meticulously detailed. There was something personal about it, almost as if Antonio was trying to make a statement beyond mere generosity. As she sifted through the gifts, Valerie found a small, unmarked envelope tucked away under the crib's mattress. Her heart skipped a beat as she opened it and pulled out a neatly folded letter. The handwriting on it was elegant, and she read the words carefully: Bella, I understand that my actions might seem intrusive, and for that, I apologize. But know this: this is not a game. Antonio. That was it. That was all he wrote. Valerie thought the man was weird. Just then, she heard a soft knock on the door. She turned to see her fourteen-year-old niece Tiffany standing there, her eyes wide and curious. "Aunty Val, what are you doing?" Valerie forced a smile. "I was just thinking." Tiffany walked over and looked at her. "Thinking about what?" Valerie quickly folded the letter and put it back in the envelope, setting it aside before turning her full attention to Tiffany. "Just thinking about how lucky I am to have all of you and Landon," she said, reaching out, tugged at her braid. Tiffany's face lit up with innocence, her eyes sparkling. "Can I help with sorting the presents?" she asked eagerly. "Of course," Valerie replied, her heart warming at her eagerness. She looked at Tiffany carefully. This girl had grown so beautiful. River and Ellie needed to make sure they keep a close eye on her. "Let's see what else is in these boxes." As Tiffany and Valerie explored the gifts together, she couldn't help but marvel at the sheer quantity and quality of the items Antonio had sent. A part of her felt uncomfortable accepting so much from someone she barely knew, especially when that someone was technically her enemy. Well...not her enemy, per se. More like Julian's enemy, Valerie thought. Tiffany held up a stuffed bunny. "Look at this one. Doesn't he have a funny face, aunty Val?" Valerie giggled. "I guess he does." Valerie turned back to the gifts, and her thoughts returned to the meeting with Antonio. What would she say to him? Should she thank him for the gifts? Or should she yell at him for inserting himself into her life? And that dress...what was that all about? Later that evening, after putting Landon to bed, Valerie sat in her living room, the small envelope from Antonio resting on the coffee table in front of her. She couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much more complicated. River and Ellie joined her, their expressions reflecting their shared concern. River spoke first, his voice gentle but firm. "Val, are you sure about this? Confronting Antonio on your own?" Valerie nodded, determination in her eyes. "I need to know what he wants, River. I can't live in fear of the unknown. I'll meet with him and get the answers we need." Ellie reached out and squeezed Valerie's hand. "We'll support you, whatever you decide. Just be careful, okay?" Valerie smiled gratefully. "I will, Ellie. Thank you.""I need you to be honest with me, Antonio," Valerie said.Antonio sat across from Valerie, his eyes filled with warmth and sincerity. "I will always be honest with you, Amore," he said, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips.Valerie's expression twisted into a scowl, her distaste for endearments evident. "Stop it with the nicknames," she barked.It was clear that she wouldn't tolerate any form of affectionate language from him, but Antonio found it all the more entertaining to push her buttons. He lifted his arms in mock surrender and offered her an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry," he said, meeting her intense gaze. "But I can't seem to help myself."Her body grew taut with tension as she glared at him, demanding answers. "What is your game, Antonio? Why are you forcing yourself into my life?"Antonio leaned in closer, his expression grave as he rested his elbows on his knees. "Would you believe me if I told you that all of this was for the chance to win your affection?" The
Valerie's head was spinning when she returned home. Antonio's words played like a broken record in her mind.A family. With Antonio?She laughed out loud at the absurdity of it all. Who did he think he was, her knight in shining armor?River was waiting for her in the living room, shooting out of his chair as soon as he saw her. Meanwhile, Ellie sat on the couch with her eyes wide open, waiting for the drama to unfold."What did that asshole say to you?" River demanded with a growl.Valerie looked at Ellie. "Sometimes I think men are great idiots," she declared, earning a snort from Ellie.River's face twisted with confusion and concern. "What do you mean by that, Valerie?"Valerie shook her head, trying to make sense of the chaos in her mind. "Antonio... he said he wants us to move in with him. Me and Landon. He wants to be a family."River's expression darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. "What?""Yup, and what's worse is, I think he is actually serious!" Valerie exclaimed. "
Glass shattered. Boots thudded.Instinct kicked in for River. He grabbed his gun and dove behind the cabinet while Ellie scrambled to her feet, grabbing Lucas's hand. She didn't hesitate for a second, and neither did Valerie and Tiffany. Valerie had Landon in her arms. All of them ran upstairs immediately.Gunfire cracked through the house, bullets splintering wood and punching holes in the walls. River peered around the cabinet and spotted masked men swarming inside, assault rifles blazing.This wasn't just a break-in. It was an attack.River squeezed off a shot, dropping one of the bastards. The others scattered, ducking behind furniture and returning fire.He heard his men rushing in, shouting. Bullets zinged by, chewing into the cabinet inches from his face. He leaned out and took aim, squeezing the trigger in a steady rhythm. The intruders fell one by one, their blood pooling on the hardwood.The gunfire slowed, then ceased. Silence descended, broken only by River's ragged breath
Antonio wiped a hand over his face, blood smearing across his cheek. "Ah. I guess I was shot. It's probably just a flesh wound. Nothing I can't handle." He grinned at Valerie. Valerie shook her head. Was this man for real? "I need to see to that," she said, her tone firm. "Why? Are you worried about me amore mio?" he smiled sheepishly. Valerie sighed, exasperated by Antonio's flirtatious antics. "Not the nickname, please." She looked at Ellie. "Would you mind watching Landon while I take care of Antonio?" Ellie nodded. "Of course." Valerie grabbed his arm. "Come with me," she said. "Ahem..." River cleared his throat. "I don't think you should be alone with him, Val." Valerie glared at River. "He just helped us, didn't he?" River hesitated. "Yes, but..." "Let Valerie help Antonio," Ellie scolded River and motioned Valerie to carry on. Valerie looked at Antonio. "Come with me." Antonio nodded and obediently followed Valerie out of the room. Valerie led Antonio to the bathro
River's voice barked out, sharp and urgent, as Valerie packed up her belongings into suitcases to move in with Antonio. Her hands trembled with nervous energy, and her heart raced in her chest. "Don't do this, Valerie. This is insane," he pleaded.It was two days after the event, and she had told Antonio to prepare for them to live with him. Antonio looked very excited and his excitement had seemed a little too much for her liking. River constantly badgered her about changing her mind but Valerie was firm with her decision.Valerie turned to face River, trying to stay calm and composed. "River, please. Just let me go. It's going to be okay," she said, though doubt gnawed at her insides.Desperate for support, River turned to Ellie, who stood beside Valerie with a worried expression on her face. "Ellie, tell Valerie she's making a mistake," he implored.Ellie let out a heavy sigh, her gaze shifting between the two of them. "Valerie, are you absolutely certain this is what you want?" sh
Suppressing a laugh, Antonio watched as Valerie jumped in surprise. Apparently, she hadn't heard him approaching from behind."Hello, beautiful. I'm here to check if you need anything," he said with a smile.Valerie nervously bit her lip. "That won't be necessary," she responded shortly."Nonsense." Antonio waved off her protest. "What can I help you with? Unpacking? Babysitting? I'm a jack of all trades," he said as he eyed Landon in his crib.Valerie scoffed. "For some reason, I don't see you as a babysitter.""I will prove you wrong," Antonio challenged, raising an eyebrow.Valerie looked at him for a moment, then, without another word, turned and walked away. But Antonio knew that was just part of the game, the push and pull they found themselves in. He wasn't going to let her go that easily.He followed, keeping a few steps behind her.She went to the room next to hers and looked around. For a moment, her facial expression softened. "You have a library," she stated."Yes," Antoni
Valerie stared at herself in the mirror.Dinner with Antonio.It was such a simple thing, and yet, she felt nervous, though she had no idea why.Taking a deep breath, she smoothed out the fabric of her dress, trying to steady the flurry of emotions swirling inside her. This was just dinner, nothing more. Still, there was something about Antonio that made her feel both on edge and oddly intrigued.Landon had finally settled, her tiny breaths even and calm. Lucas was taking a nap in the other room, seemingly at ease in this new environment. Valerie had to admit that Antonio had done everything possible to make them feel comfortable here. But was it a genuine concern or part of a larger scheme?"You are thinking too much," Valerie whispered to herself.Valerie shook her head, trying to clear her doubts. Tonight, she needed to stay focused, be present, and be watchful. This was an opportunity to learn more about Antonio, to understand his motives, and to figure out if he could be trusted.
Valerie's heart skipped a beat as she saw the imposing figure of a large man standing in her bedroom doorway. It wasn't unusual to be surrounded by Antonio's henchmen, but it still put her on edge. "Can I help you with something?" she asked, trying to hide her nerves.The man cleared his throat and spoke in a gruff voice. "Signora Costello requests your presence, Miss Valerie."Valerie furrowed her brows in confusion. The first thought that came to mind was that he must be talking about Antonio's wife. Who else would have the same last name as him?But then she realized that couldn't be possible. After all, why would Antonio make her live with him if he had a wife? And he also threatened to make her his!?Unless...Unless he was planning on making her his mistress and keeping her under the same roof as his unsuspecting wife.No, that's ludicrous.It sounded like something out of a soap opera, but knowing Antonio, it could very well be true.Valerie's head spun with these thoughts as s