Stefano's POV Stefano walked through the streets of Rome with Vincent at his side, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the lingering scent of well roasted lamb, or mutton. They had just come from a meeting, another step toward rebuilding what Stefano had lost. He should have felt victorious. They had finally taken control of Rico’s mafia, a major win. And yet, the taste of triumph was bitter in his mouth.His mind wasn’t on his newfound power. It was on her.Teresa.It had been years, and yet, she haunted him like a ghost that refused to be exorcized. He told himself that she didn’t matter anymore, that she was just another obstacle in his way. But the more he convinced himself of that lie, the more it burned into his chest.Then, perhaps by coincidence, as if fate wanted to mock him, a familiar sound pierced through the night, a laugh. Light, melodic, and painfully recognizable.Stefano stopped dead in his tracks. Vincent
Stefano's POV Stefano walked through the streets of Rome with Vincent at his side, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the lingering scent of well roasted lamb, or mutton. They had just come from a meeting, another step toward rebuilding what Stefano had lost. He should have felt victorious. They had finally taken control of Rico’s mafia, a major win. And yet, the taste of triumph was bitter in his mouth. His mind wasn’t on his newfound power. It was on her. Teresa. It had been years, and yet, she haunted him like a ghost that refused to be exorcized. He told himself that she didn’t matter anymore, that she was just another obstacle in his way. But the more he convinced himself of that lie, the more it burned into his chest. Then, perhaps by coincidence, as if fate wanted to mock him, a familiar sound pierced through the night, a laugh. Light, melodic, and painfully recognizable. Stefano stopped dead in his tracks.
Stefano's POV Stefano walked through the streets of Rome with Vincent at his side, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the lingering scent of well roasted lamb, or mutton. They had just come from a meeting, another step toward rebuilding what Stefano had lost. He should have felt victorious. They had finally taken control of Rico’s mafia, a major win. And yet, the taste of triumph was bitter in his mouth. His mind wasn’t on his newfound power. It was on her. Teresa. It had been years, and yet, she haunted him like a ghost that refused to be exorcized. He told himself that she didn’t matter anymore, that she was just another obstacle in his way. But the more he convinced himself of that lie, the more it burned into his chest. Then, perhaps by coincidence, as if fate wanted to mock him, a familiar sound pierced through the night, a laugh. Light, melodic, and painfully recognizable. Stefano stopped dead in his
Stefano's POV Stefano walked through the streets of Rome with Vincent at his side, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the lingering scent of well roasted lamb, or mutton. They had just come from a meeting, another step toward rebuilding what Stefano had lost. He should have felt victorious. They had finally taken control of Rico’s mafia, a major win. And yet, the taste of triumph was bitter in his mouth. His mind wasn’t on his newfound power. It was on her. Teresa. It had been years, and yet, she haunted him like a ghost that refused to be exorcized. He told himself that she didn’t matter anymore, that she was just another obstacle in his way. But the more he convinced himself of that lie, the more it burned into his chest. Then, perhaps by coincidence, as if fate wanted to mock him, a familiar sound pierced through the night, a laugh. Light, melodic, and painfully recognizable. Stefano stopped dead in his
Stefano's POV Stefano walked through the streets of Rome with Vincent at his side, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the lingering scent of well roasted lamb, or mutton. They had just come from a meeting, another step toward rebuilding what Stefano had lost. He should have felt victorious. They had finally taken control of Rico’s mafia, a major win. And yet, the taste of triumph was bitter in his mouth. His mind wasn’t on his newfound power. It was on her. Teresa. It had been years, and yet, she haunted him like a ghost that refused to be exorcized. He told himself that she didn’t matter anymore, that she was just another obstacle in his way. But the more he convinced himself of that lie, the more it burned into his chest. Then, perhaps by coincidence, as if fate wanted to mock him, a familiar sound pierced through the night, a laugh. Light, melodic, and painfully recognizable. Stefano stopped dead in his
Teresa Ellis took a quick gaze out of the convent's stained-glass window, her thoughts began to drift deeply to the world beyond the sacred walls. As a novice nun that she became not by choice but by fate, she was expected to devote herself to prayers and service which her heart never agreed to because she yearned for a life of freedom and adventures.The Convent was situated in the heart of East Harlem and it was a sanctuary for the community. Teresa's mother was a devout Catholic and that was one of the reasons why the convent chose to nurture Teresa after her parents’ tragic demise. The sisters had now become Teresa's family but she couldn't just shake off the feeling that her life was meant for more beyond the Convent.As she began to ponder her future, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts. It was Sister Margaret, the convent's wise and compassionate leader. Teresa replied that she could enter the room."Teresa, My child, I need to speak with you," Sister Margaret said as her war
It was late at night, a few minutes to 9 pm. Teresa headed to the third floor as she earlier agreed with Louisa. She began to pace back and forth waiting for her Convent friend. A part of her felt Louisa was probably teasing her but she was determined to wait.“Just as I expected,” Louisa whispered just behind Teresa.Teresa was startled but not for long as all her mind was about them going beyond the walls.“Sorry to startle you that way, are you ready?” Louisa asked in confirmation.“More than ready, Louisa. Let's go already.”They both began to sneak downwards to the basement of the Convent. Desperately scaling through the active nuns discreetly. “The Convent has a basement?” Teresa asked in shock.“Yes it does, and they never share this with anyone unless it involves an emergency,” Louisa answered confidently.They walked through the basement and finally into the vibrant streets of East Harlem with a great determination to forget the sadness in Teresa's heart. Louisa decided to t
Teresa woke up very early the next morning, and couldn't stop reminiscing about Stefano. She could feel her heart beat for him even though she didn't realize she was in love.“Good morning, Teresa,” Louisa said, bumping into Teresa's thoughts.“What have you been up to?” Louisa further asked.“Nothing really,” Teresa said shyly as she began to feel butterflies in her stomach.“I don't think it's anything, you are thinking about that guy right?” Louisa asked almost immediately.“Yes actually, I have not felt the way I did with him ever since I crossed paths with this earth,” Teresa said with a very wide smile as she got up from bed.They both agreed to go out again at night close to the club, most likely she would meet him again. She so much believed she would. So they agreed to meet up at the same time as they previously agreed and then went ahead doing their duties in the Convent.The Mother Superior noticed how bright and happy Teresa looked. She hasn't seen Teresa all happy asides
Stefano's POV Stefano walked through the streets of Rome with Vincent at his side, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the lingering scent of well roasted lamb, or mutton. They had just come from a meeting, another step toward rebuilding what Stefano had lost. He should have felt victorious. They had finally taken control of Rico’s mafia, a major win. And yet, the taste of triumph was bitter in his mouth. His mind wasn’t on his newfound power. It was on her. Teresa. It had been years, and yet, she haunted him like a ghost that refused to be exorcized. He told himself that she didn’t matter anymore, that she was just another obstacle in his way. But the more he convinced himself of that lie, the more it burned into his chest. Then, perhaps by coincidence, as if fate wanted to mock him, a familiar sound pierced through the night, a laugh. Light, melodic, and painfully recognizable. Stefano stopped dead in his
Stefano's POV Stefano walked through the streets of Rome with Vincent at his side, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the lingering scent of well roasted lamb, or mutton. They had just come from a meeting, another step toward rebuilding what Stefano had lost. He should have felt victorious. They had finally taken control of Rico’s mafia, a major win. And yet, the taste of triumph was bitter in his mouth. His mind wasn’t on his newfound power. It was on her. Teresa. It had been years, and yet, she haunted him like a ghost that refused to be exorcized. He told himself that she didn’t matter anymore, that she was just another obstacle in his way. But the more he convinced himself of that lie, the more it burned into his chest. Then, perhaps by coincidence, as if fate wanted to mock him, a familiar sound pierced through the night, a laugh. Light, melodic, and painfully recognizable. Stefano stopped dead in his
Stefano's POV Stefano walked through the streets of Rome with Vincent at his side, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the lingering scent of well roasted lamb, or mutton. They had just come from a meeting, another step toward rebuilding what Stefano had lost. He should have felt victorious. They had finally taken control of Rico’s mafia, a major win. And yet, the taste of triumph was bitter in his mouth. His mind wasn’t on his newfound power. It was on her. Teresa. It had been years, and yet, she haunted him like a ghost that refused to be exorcized. He told himself that she didn’t matter anymore, that she was just another obstacle in his way. But the more he convinced himself of that lie, the more it burned into his chest. Then, perhaps by coincidence, as if fate wanted to mock him, a familiar sound pierced through the night, a laugh. Light, melodic, and painfully recognizable. Stefano stopped dead in his
Stefano's POV Stefano walked through the streets of Rome with Vincent at his side, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the lingering scent of well roasted lamb, or mutton. They had just come from a meeting, another step toward rebuilding what Stefano had lost. He should have felt victorious. They had finally taken control of Rico’s mafia, a major win. And yet, the taste of triumph was bitter in his mouth. His mind wasn’t on his newfound power. It was on her. Teresa. It had been years, and yet, she haunted him like a ghost that refused to be exorcized. He told himself that she didn’t matter anymore, that she was just another obstacle in his way. But the more he convinced himself of that lie, the more it burned into his chest. Then, perhaps by coincidence, as if fate wanted to mock him, a familiar sound pierced through the night, a laugh. Light, melodic, and painfully recognizable. Stefano stopped dead in his tracks.
Stefano's POV Stefano walked through the streets of Rome with Vincent at his side, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the lingering scent of well roasted lamb, or mutton. They had just come from a meeting, another step toward rebuilding what Stefano had lost. He should have felt victorious. They had finally taken control of Rico’s mafia, a major win. And yet, the taste of triumph was bitter in his mouth.His mind wasn’t on his newfound power. It was on her.Teresa.It had been years, and yet, she haunted him like a ghost that refused to be exorcized. He told himself that she didn’t matter anymore, that she was just another obstacle in his way. But the more he convinced himself of that lie, the more it burned into his chest.Then, perhaps by coincidence, as if fate wanted to mock him, a familiar sound pierced through the night, a laugh. Light, melodic, and painfully recognizable.Stefano stopped dead in his tracks. Vincent
Ethan's POVEthan sat in his dimly lit hotel room, a cigarette burning between his fingers as he stared at the city skyline. Rome stretched before him, a kingdom ripe for the taking. He had spent years maneuvering his way into a position of influence, but this, this was the final move.Vendetta and the King Mafia stood in his way, and he had every intention of erasing them from existence.His phone vibrated on the table. Without looking, he knew who it was. He exhaled a slow breath, picked it up, and answered."Speak.""Guillermo has reached out," the voice on the other end said. It was Kenji, one of his trusted men. "He wants an alliance. Claims he has control over Rome, but he wants our help to wipe out the last obstacles."Ethan smirked, taking a slow drag of his cigarette. "Typical. He thinks he can use us to do his dirty work.""What should we tell him?"Ethan flicked the ashes onto the table, his mind already moving three steps ahead. "Tell him we are all brothers and are intere
Teresa’s POV Ethan leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze locked onto Teresa as she stirred her coffee. The café was quiet, tucked away in a small alley, away from prying eyes. He had arranged the meeting, under the pretense of simply getting to know her. But his interest ran deeper than casual curiosity. There was something about her, something he couldn’t quite place.Teresa, on the other hand, played her role perfectly. She had done her research, but Ethan was a wildcard. He had ties to the Yakuza, yet he operated differently. He was dangerous, but not reckless. And that made him all the more intriguing.“So, tell me, Teresa,” Ethan said, his voice smooth like honey, yet laced with an edge of control. “What does a beautiful woman like you do in a place like this?”Teresa smirked, taking a sip of her coffee. “I could ask you the same thing. Rome isn’t exactly welcoming to outsiders, especially ones with... such an entourage.”Ethan chuckled, leaning forward. “Fair enough. But I’m
Stefano's POV Stefano wiped the blood from his knuckles, breathing heavily as Rico’s limp body crumpled to the floor. The room smelled of sweat, gunpowder, and the metallic smell of fresh violence. Around him, Vincent and the men who had sided with them stood victorious.It had taken five years of grinding, years of swallowing his pride and playing the underdog, but now, finally, Rico’s reign over this branch of the Mafia was finished. And Stefano? He was back in control.Vincent clapped a hand on his shoulder, grinning. "You really did a number on him, huh? Guess old Rico wasn’t as tough as he thought."Stefano exhaled sharply, flexing his sore fingers, there were still bloodstained so he wiped them against the shirt of the dead Rico. "He was a rat. And rats never last long."The other men murmured in agreement, shifting uneasily in the aftermath of the takeover. Some had been loyal to Rico, but they knew better than to challenge Stefano now. The new hierarchy had been decided with
Teresa's POV Teresa leaned back in her chair, swirling a glass of wine in her hand as Lisa stood beside her, giving out the latest reports. The dim glow of the room’s chandelier reflected in the deep crimson liquid in her glass, mirroring the reflection of the soon to be blood soaked city she was trying to control."Guillermo is making his moves," Lisa said, placing a folder on the dark mahogany table. "He’s securing his alliances with the Yakuza, and Stefano is back in the game. If we don’t act now, we’ll lose our foothold."Teresa exhaled, placing the glass down with a soft clink. "That’s what he thinks. But we move in silence, Lisa. Let the men scramble for power while we pull the strings."Lisa smirked, knowing Teresa’s mind was already ten steps ahead. "I assume you have a plan?"Teresa tapped the folder. "I do. We start by cutting Guillermo’s cash flow. His operations depend on bribes and loyalty bought with money. If we can starve his businesses, his men will scatter like bees