MenaSmiling at the sight, I looked down at Alessio as he rested his head gently on my stomach. We were lounging on the sofa in the living room. Other than the sound of nature coming through the open windows, it was completely silent.His eyes were closed, but I could hear the sound of his breaths. We had just come back from the doctor’s office to confirm the pregnancy. He had made me an appointment with the family doctor because according to him that was the only person capable of taking good care of me and the baby.I was only four weeks pregnant, and it felt surreal. There was a tiny new life growing inside of me, and Alessio accepted it without a single complaint. It was a feeling I had never experienced before.My fingers found their way through Alessio’s hair as I cherished our moment for as long as I could. It amazed me how much calmer he seemed whenever his focus turned to our baby—but as soon as his mind wandered away, his expression would tighten.All he wanted was to get to
MenaMy eyes turned to Domenico who slammed his arm around Giulia’s waist to pull her closer. “If you start crying now—““Wait, before I freak out,” Giulia slammed her hand over her mouth, her eyes watery. “Are you sure?” she looked at me.Was she really this upset?"Y-Yes?”Suddenly, Giulia burst into tears and began sobbing. Domenico chuckled and wrapped his arms around his wife, his gaze meeting mine. “That’s good news, congratulations!”A relieved breath escaped from my lips.She wasn’t upset, just overwhelmed in a good way.Alessio got up from the sofa and rushed to his Mom. He held her close as he gently wiped away her tears. “Why are you always overreacting?”"Because I thought I would die before I would make it to this day," Giulia joked through her tears, causing Alessio to scoff with a chuckle. After wiping her tears, she pushed both Alessio and Domenico aside to get to me.“Come here, give me a hug,” she beckoned, pulling me from the sofa.Not having that much of a choice,
Alessio“Back in my days, we didn’t have all those privileges you and your brothers have,” Dad dipped his brush into the blue paint. “The three of you have been spoiled your entire lives.”“Then I’m glad I’m not from your days.”It was funny to see how Melody was never a topic in these conversations. Compared to her, we were raised quite humbly. I can’t remember me or my brothers having multiple horses at her age.Dad had found himself a new hobby, refurbishing old cabinets and bringing them back to his aunts. Unfortunately, Dante and I had become unwilling helpers in this project.This morning Dante had managed to escape him, but I took one for the team and decided to help him.It was mostly to kill some time as I waited for Gian’s text. He was already on his way back and would meet us halfway as discussed. There we would trap Isaac and take him to one of the empty warehouses.“Have you already thought about the question I asked you yesterday?”I thought about his unexpected question
Alessio“I need you to tell me, when it comes down to it—will you choose us or her?”I stood rooted to the spot. How could he ask me to choose between Mena and my family, when they were both my family?Mena was carrying our baby. A Fanucci.“I will do the same as I did when she begged me to spare Anson’s life,” my jaw clenched as I recalled her desperate pleas for his life. “I will do what’s best for this family—so don’t you worry about me.”"But it’s not you I’m worried about," Dad argued. "It’s her and her loyalty. She’s so good, too innocent,” he shook his head slightly.I understood his worries. Mena’s kindness was part of what made her so special, and the reason I fell in love with her. It was because she was so different, but in our world those traits were seen as a vulnerability.“I don’t want to have this conversation,” I stated, looking the other way. “I thought you liked her, I thought we all liked her,” I said. “Not that I care—because I’m the only one that has to like her.
MenaI stood at the back of the cold warehouse, my arms wrapped around myself as I watched Isaac, still unconscious and bound tightly to a chair.Everyone moved to do something, even Pilar tightened the chains behind Isaac’s back, while I just stood there with an uncomfortable feeling. I felt out of place—like I was the only one who hadn’t done this before because this was not normal behavior. To them perhaps, but not to me.Completely focused, Alessio pulled Isaac’s phone from his pocket. Then he used his finger to unlock it. On any other day, I would’ve called it clever, but for some reason, the sight was very disturbing.“Drive this to a different location,” he instructed, handing Gian the phone. "Take over everything you think might be important, then smash it. I don’t know how far these people are willing to go for him, but I don’t want to take any chances."Gian bobbed his head, “Got it.”“I’ll go with him,” Pilar said before turning to me like I was some lost puppy. “Will you b
MenaFrom the corner of my eye, I saw Donni swallow hard. His face tightened with tension, and for some reason, I hoped he would jump in. Even Isaac’s expression changed, and for a second I could see some doubt in his eyes.Just one bit of information could prevent him from possibly losing a body part."I’ll let you decide. Do you want me to take a toe, a finger? You tell me," Alessio smirked.This was not it. At this rate, he would kill him before Isaac could give him anything."I see we’re just getting to the good part," Gian walked in. He had returned back to the warehouse with Pilar by his side.He also carried the same wicked smirk as Alessio, maybe even more demonic. Gian did not even know the full extent of Isaac’s betrayal, but he already wanted to get it over with and kill the guy.I couldn’t even imagine his reaction when he would find out.Alessio was just bluffing, right? He couldn’t seriously torture Isaac with those scissors without pulling at least something out of him.
MenaI glanced over at Alessio, and then my eyes traveled to the folder and the taser. Isaac asked him what he wanted to know, but since I was already at this point—I had no problem taking the lead. “Can I?” I gathered the courage to ask.Alessio’s brows shot up. "Why not?" he responded, to my surprise. I hadn’t expected him to agree that easily.I grabbed the folder and taser, then sat down on the chair, scooting myself closer to Isaac. I wasn’t even sure about what I was going to do, but I knew that I had to do this.It wasn’t just about protecting Isaac from torture or about getting answers. It was about proving to myself and to everyone else that I could handle this.If I could handle this, I could take on anything.“Either do it yourself or just kill him already!” Gian yelled from the back, losing his patience.I turned just in time to see Alessio raise his hand to silence his brother, then his gaze shifted back to me, giving a slight nod toward Isaac, signaling me to proceed.I
MenaGian waved his injured hand in front of me. “This isn’t about me right now?” his voice rose as he yelled in my face, his brows creasing in anger.“No, this isn’t about you right now,” I felt terrible that out of all the people in the room, I had to be the one to tell him—but it was true.However, Gian wasn't having it. He shoved his hand closer. "This isn’t about me right now?" he yelled again, his voice echoing off the walls of the warehouse. “Are your eyes not working?”I felt a lump form in my throat, seeing the pain in his eyes. He must’ve felt as if I was dismissing his feelings."I think you’re overstepping," his eyes narrowed.Before it could go any further, Alessio stepped in. “Step back, Gian,” he sounded tired, the kind of tiredness that came from having too much weight on his shoulders.I had unintentionally put Alessio in a position where he felt torn between his brother and me—and the last thing I wanted was for him to choose sides.Gian and Alessio glared at each ot
IsaacIt was only afternoon when Isaac carried a large bucket of grapes back into the mansion. As he walked, he was surrounded by the giggles of the children running around him.Among them were two of the many children of Amaro Ortega, a ten-year-old and an eight-year-old girl. They reminded him so much of his own daughter.The older one, Milena, looked up at him with wide curious eyes. “Can I help you carry the grapes, Mr. Isaac?” she asked.Isaac glanced down at her with a kind smile. "Maybe next time, kid. You know your brother doesn’t like you working."“So what? He doesn’t like us talking to you either, but I still do it,” Milena retorted. Isaac chuckled softly as the kids ran off.He had been brought to the house of Amaro Ortega, Julian’s brother. Amaro was a lawyer, a good and quiet man who didn’t say much. When Isaac first arrived, he had prepared himself for the worst, expecting some form of punishment or at least harsh treatment for all the damage he had caused the Fanuccis.
MenaI smiled down at the baby in my arms, his tiny fingers curled around mine as I admired how perfect he was. His full head, his dark eyes, the little sounds he made.Naty sat on Alessio’s lap, her eyes warm and curious as she gazed at her new baby brother.“What do you think?” Alessio asked her. “Do you like him?”Naty giggled in response. “He’s really cute, and I already love him so much!”Alessio and I shared a smile. Over the past months, we had both worried about how Naty would adapt, but for now, she seemed to be doing just fine. The delivery had been smooth, just as smooth as the pregnancy. Alessio stayed by my side the entire time, and I hoped raising him would be just as easy.I was still at the hospital, and after some visits, it was finally just us—a moment of peace.Naty reached out and gently grabbed the baby's hand, giving it a little shake. "Hi, baby—it’s your big sister," she spoke softly, a pout on her lips.The baby cooed, and we all laughed softly. "Does he have a
Mena "Look, Mommy, it's pink!" Watching her excitement filled my heart with warmth. "Is it for me? Can I open it?" Naty asked eagerly. "Is this the thing that's better than the candy ring?" Flustered, I looked at Alessio as he took the box from her. "I will open it for you, and while I do that—there’s something I want to ask you," Alessio spoke tenderly. He took Naty's hand across the table, and she smiled at him. I relaxed in my chair, wondering what he was about to ask her. “I’m not good at speaking,” Alessio began, “But I want you to know that what I’m going to tell you comes from the bottom of my heart,” his voice was sincere. Naty nodded, giving him her full attention as her eyes turned wide. For a moment, the air filled with silence as Alessio paused, thinking about his words. "Naty,” Alessio said, nervously. “Having you and your mommy in my life is one of the best things that ever happened to me. I love everything about you, I will always be there for you—and I will do
MenaI wrapped a scarf gently around Naty’s neck, making sure she was warm for the evening. She looked adorable in the dress I had chosen for her, for the dinner Alessio had planned.He hadn’t told me much, only that a driver would take us to the location. Whatever he told me, I just went with it—because I was too tired to investigate. I had already done that a lot lately.Naty showed me a wide grin.“What is it?” I asked, curious about the reason behind it."Nothing, I’m just really happy," her eyes sparkled.I immediately pulled her into my arms, caressing her hair with my fingers. She was really happy, that’s all I wanted to hear. After everything we had gone through, this was what she deserved. A joyful and carefree life.“Come on, let’s go,” I took her hand in mine.As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I noticed Liza in the foyer. Our eyes met and a smile spread across both our faces. It was the first time I had caught her alone since she handed me that letter. The letter that
AlessioI stepped into the room, letting the door slam shut behind me. Isaac, who sat on the bed, his back turned against me, turned instantly and our eyes met. His were full of regret, but mine were empty.He looked different, better indeed.His face was still bruised, his neck where the scissors had been, bandaged—but overall he looked good.I stuffed my hands into my pockets and leaned back against the door, watching him in silence. Would he be the one to speak up, act like we were just two old friends catching up—or perhaps offer an apology—or was he really smart enough this time to know he had to keep his mouth shut?Minutes stretched out, and neither of us broke the silence until he finally spoke."I know you still have a lot of questions," Isaac began. “And if you want to know more, I can explain—“I grunted. “There’s nothing more for you to explain, and I don’t have anything else to say to you,” I spoke coldly. "I’m here to give you instructions, and that’s it."Isaac nodded,
AlessioI sat in the chair in Julian’s office, waiting for the man to arrive. He had called me yesterday, told me Isaac was fully recovered, and now it was time to figure out what came next.Quite some time had passed, and I began getting impatient when the man decided to walk in at his own time, with two glasses in his hand. “Ah, if it isn’t my favorite fed lover,” he greeted me, handing me the drink before making his way over to his chair.A grin spread across his face, as if he was proud of his own joke. I scoffed, eyeing the drink in my hand.“The drink isn’t poisoned if that’s what you’re thinking,” Julian spoke.I released a chuckle, setting the glass down without taking a sip. “It’s not that,” I said. “I trusted you when I asked for your help, and I trusted you when I left Mena in your care—but now, I just want to discuss what needs to happen to Isaac.”“And that’s why you won’t drink?” “I don’t have time to drink,” I stated, my tone urgent.Julian’s expression changed, and
MenaI stared at my reflection in the mirror of the boutique, the dress hugging my flat belly. “Can you believe there’s a baby in there?” I caught Pilar’s gaze through the mirrors.It had been a few weeks since everything settled down. Life had returned to normal, or as normal as it could be for us. Domenico and Giulia had returned to Italy, and Alessio was back to his long hours leading the Fanuccis.“I’m sure it’ll grow,” Pilar smiled. “But have you already thought about what we’re going to do if you go into labor while I’m away on a gig?”I pouted, as did she. Pilar would soon be heading back home to continue her career, and I understood she had her own life to lead. As much as I wanted her to, she couldn’t stay here forever. The thought of not having her around had already started to make me feel lonely. She wasn’t just a friend, over time she had become like a sister.She was the one who always had the best advice, the one who made me laugh and forget the stress around me. Who wo
Alessio"Being a good leader means doing what you believe is right, even when it’s hard. You’re doing that. And that’s why you’ll be a great head of this family."I tried to focus and pay attention to Dad’s words, but it was difficult since I didn’t deserve them. After we’d arrived back at the mansion, I found myself in the study with Dad and my brothers to discuss today’s events.As far as he was concerned, Isaac had died. That’s what his little spy, Gian, had told him—and that’s what I would make him believe for the rest of his life.That didn’t mean I didn’t feel bad. I felt like shit. Lying to my family on such a scale was something I had never done before. I had always tried to prove myself and do whatever was necessary to keep this family together—but this time I failed.It was as simple as that. Letting Isaac live? I had no real explanation for why I did what I did. The only thing I knew was that Mena told me to listen to my heart, and it answered for me."I knew there was no r
MenaJulian walked over to his little bar and showed off his three special bottles. "What do you want to drink? Tell me.”I examined each bottle, picking it up to inspect it closer before letting out a deep sigh. I knew I couldn’t touch it, but looking would be alright. “I think I should probably take the one without alcohol.”He looked surprised. "You don’t drink?" Julian questioned."I do...just not now," I replied, setting the bottle back down gently.As Julian looked down at my stomach, I wondered if he knew what I meant. “Hmm,” he hummed, not going into it any further. He grabbed another bottle, waving it in the air.“I think this one is for you,” he poured me a drink. Then he led me to a sofa."You remind me of my niece," Julian started talking as soon as we sat down. He swirled the drink in his hand. "I haven’t seen her in a while, but she’s just like you."“What am I like then?"Julian smiled, "You’re soft, determined, and have these curious eyes—like you want to know everythi