Arya marveled at how her legs still functioned. After Leonardo had her folded like a lawn chair in all sorts of positions last night, here she was, tending to babies and their mothers the next day. Gloria approached with a smile. “Mrs. Marcello, good morning.” “Ah, Gloria. Good morning. How was your night?” Arya asked, recalling that Gloria had been attacked by kidnappers just days ago. “Very good, except for the nightmares. I haven’t been able to reach the Mother Superior for days now. Do you know where she might be?” Gloria asked. “The last time I saw her was on the day of the incident. I assumed she took the kidnappers to the police, but it’s been days. She should be back by now,” Arya replied, her concern growing. “I hope she’s okay. The courtesans are not to be messed with,” Gloria said, her tone filled with worry. Arya's curiosity was piqued. “Speaking of the courtesans, do you know anyone named Lima?” Gloria’s face lit up. “Of course, I do. She was our Madam’s d
Leonardo’s brows furrowed as he studied Lima’s expression. “You were supposed to meet up with her here?” His tone carried a mild irritation, laced with the growing tension in the room. She nodded, her gaze steady. “Yes, she called me just a few minutes ago.” Ricardo caught Leonardo’s eye, and an unspoken understanding passed between them. Something wasn’t right, and the longer Arya remained unreachable, the more Leonardo’s unease grew. “My tech guy should have footage from the convent gates,” Ricardo offered, breaking the silence. “Even the secret escape gates that are supposed to be well hidden. If she hasn’t left the convent, we’ll know soon enough.” Leonardo gave a terse nod, his eyes shifting back to Lima. “What exactly were you two meeting up for?” Ricardo pressed, his suspicion evident. Lima shrugged, her nonchalance almost too casual. “I have no idea. She just called and asked me to meet her here. Said she had something urgent to discuss.” “Well, she’s off the gri
Henry's face went ashen as Leonardo’s accusations hung heavy in the air. His hands trembled slightly as he tried to compose himself, but it was clear he was rattled. The phone lay on the floor, forgotten in the tense silence. “Don Leonardo,” Henry began, his voice wavering slightly before he regained control, “I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I would never send anyone to harm you or your wife. My work here is solely to serve the church and the community. Any rumors you’ve heard are false.” Leonardo’s gaze didn’t waver, his eyes narrowing as he studied the man before him. “I’m not a man easily fooled, Father. Don’t mistake my patience for ignorance. You sent men to the bar to take me out, and I know for a fact that you put out a hit on Arya.” Henry shook his head vehemently, the fear in his eyes quickly being replaced by a look of defiance. “I am a man of God, Don. I’ve heard many accusations in my time, but this… This is beyond absurd. I may not like how you conduct yo
As Bianca approached the convent gates, Leonardo watched her closely, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. He knew she was capable, but the unease gnawing at him wouldn’t relent. The sight of the massive stone walls, once symbols of sanctuary, now seemed to close in, trapping secrets that could either save or destroy Arya. Bianca turned to face them, her expression calm but resolute. “I’ll be back with answers,” she said, her voice steady. The air was thick with tension, every word she spoke echoing in the silence that had fallen over them. It was as if the very atmosphere had shifted, growing heavier with the weight of unspoken fears and the looming uncertainty that lay ahead. Leonardo nodded, trying to keep his features impassive. “Remember, you’re not alone. We’re right outside. The moment you sense anything off, you get out. We’ll handle the rest.” His voice was firm, but beneath the surface, a storm of emotions raged. The fear of losing another loved one, the frustr
Arya entered her father’s room with dread in the pit of her stomach. “You sent for me father”, she said softly as her father turned around on his seat. “You’re getting married the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow, you’ll meet your soon to be husband at your engagement party”, her father, Carl Miguel said with an air that leaves no room for argument. Arya couldn’t believe her ears, she definitely wasn’t having it. “What?!”, she exclaimed. Carl lifted an eyelid at her. “Father, I just turned twenty, surely you can’t push me of to be with someone I do not know”, she said. “I’ll forgive you for talking back at me like that just this once, Arya", Carl said with a stern expression. “I am your child for crying out loud, your only daughter! And you’re pushing me off to be with a stranger?”, she asked, still unable to believe her ears. “This marriage is set in stones, there’s no need to shout”, Carl said nonchalantly, an impassive expression on his face. “I refuse this marria
The room fell silent as the sound of the gunshot reverberated through the air. Everyone froze, their eyes fixated on the aftermath of the horrifying event. They all turned their eyes to the hole shot through the wall. Carl took his seat and resume eating dinner like nothing happened. “Father, you don’t have to threaten anyone with death. Don’t you dare hurt my brothers and my mother or else….”, Arya threatened but Carls cut her off. “Or else what?”, he asked looking up at her. The thought of a woman challenging him made his misogynist ego hurt. “Or else I will end my life”, Arya finished. Carls laughed. “That will do me much good in case if you don’t know. If anyone tries to play games with me, I won’t miss the next shot”, he said menacingly. “You can’t even shot straight”, Antonio said to him bitterly. “That’s what you think. Try speaking to me in that manner again and the next shot will go through your dumb and weak head”, Carls said to him and exit the room. “As
“You startled me”, she said eyeing the gorgeous man in her view. “I didn’t mean to”, he said as he turned around and sat next to her on the plush soft loveseat. “But you did”, Arya said. “I know, Arya”, he replied back. “It’s so unfair you know my name and I don’t know yours”, Arya said, sad that she wasn’t even given the courtesy of knowing her betrothed name. “If it means that much to you then my name is Leonardo”, he replied. She studied his look. He had a bad boy look with his rugged beard and grey piercing eyes, but there was a hint of vulnerability in his gaze. His broad shoulders seemed to carry the weight of the world, and Arya couldn't help but be intrigued by this mysterious man named Leonardo. “You want one?”, he asked her as he gave her a pack of cigarettes, offering her one. “I don’t smoke”, she replied him. Leonardo withdrew his pack of cigarettes and gave it to one of the waiters passing by. “Okay. I don’t like women who smoke cigarettes in the fi
Carls reluctantly released Arya's arms, his expression contorting with a mixture of anger and frustration. “So this is why she was nervous earlier?”, Leonardo asked no one in particular. “You don’t understand. You know these things, women should always be put in their place”, Carls said to him. His family saw him scared for the first time in their entire lives. Leonardo scoffed. "Put in their place?” he sneered, raising an eyebrow. "Carlos, you're playing with fire. But this...this goes beyond our usual dealings. Don’t lay your hands on my woman ever again”, he spat. People hurriedly left the environment before Leonardo looses it. He is very popular for his temper and ruthlessness. Nobody wanted to get caught up in the crossfire between two powerful mafia families although Leonardo is more powerful. “Your woman? You can’t just say you love after just meeting her once”, Carls asked and said like Leonardo was ridiculous. “It is none of your business. She’s getting marr