MenaAt the hotel, Pilar and Gian, who were used to luxury, insisted on the best room. That’s how we ended up in the presidential suite.Despite his protests, I eventually succeeded in convincing Gian to stay in the same suite as us. He wasn’t fully recovered yet, and since he had been doing too much for my liking, I would be the one keeping an eye on him instead. His room was just on the opposite side of the living room, while Pilar and I shared a bed, which we all gathered on, the folder and its contents spread out before us.It was a good thing Gian was there because a lot of the words written in the documents were too advanced for me or Pilar to understand. As he walked us through the files, his expression darkened with each detail he clarified.The anger and frustration on Gian’s face made me a bit doubtful about my decision to involve him. I came to Pilar’s room that night because I wanted to discuss it with her. It just so happened that Gian was there at that moment, and in my
MenaI felt my blood boil. Here I was, trying to have a normal conversation, and all I got in return was an outburst. "Dude, what the fuck?" I questioned his tone. "I'm sorry for calling, and I'm sorry for caring, but someone has to do it. You haven't called or texted.""Because I'm busy!"His response felt like a slap across the face. I was also busy, yet I hadn’t stopped thinking about him for a second. "Are you okay?" I laughed in disbelief, genuinely wondering if he had lost his mind."Am I okay? I’m supposed to be asking you that question,” he breathed. "You’re calling me in the middle of the night and asking me if I’m okay?""So I can’t call you to see how you’re doing without getting yelled at like I’m some dog?" I argued."Who was yelling at you like a dog? I’m just talking.""Well, if this is your way of talking, you definitely need to work on that," I pointed out, disagreeing with his words."You know what, Mena—You’re right," Alessio spoke, defeated, but I could hear the sa
AlessioWith a focused gaze, I watched as the men counted the weapons in the trucks that had arrived. All the families were gathered, each of them being led by their own while one of my uncles led the Fanuccis in my place.Dad stood beside me, silently observing as well. We were in the Midwest, working through our strategy so we would soon be able to hit the Baldini from all angles. Not only the mansion but also the warehouses and their businesses.Based on the information from Mikael, we chose a day when their defenses would be the lowest. There would be a wedding rehearsal, and apparently, Maxine asked Leonardo for a no-weapon policy. It was a golden opportunity.“Everything looks well organized,” Dad had no choice but to acknowledge. I could sense a hint of surprise in his voice.“Because it is,” I replied, relieved everything had been going smoothly. Up to now, Dad respected my leadership and stood back to let me take charge. However, I couldn’t help but wonder how long that would
Alessio"What makes you say that?" I asked, my tone cold as I tried to draw a clear line."The way they're all looking at you, serving you drinks," she replied, her hand on my thigh. With every inch she moved closer, her hand slowly traveled up. "Now, how about I take you to a private room?"Images of Mena filled my mind—and the promise I had made. When it came to relationships, others had low expectations for me. That’s the reason why I had set high expectations for myself. What we had was real, and no amount of pussy was worth risking that. None.With a firm grasp, I wrapped my hand around the stripper's wrist and gently pushed her away. Her mouth was slightly parted, eyes shocked as I denied her advances. "Get lost."She was frozen in her spot and did not move a muscle—so I did. I rose from my seat and walked off, carrying my drink in my hand, instantly feeling dizzy. After a few drinks too many, the alcohol began to hit me. Wanting some air, I fought to make my way through the lou
MenaLying sick in bed, I could only groan in discomfort. Ever since we had gotten back, that’s all I had been doing, and I couldn’t help but think it was some kind of karma for going all detective over the whole Isaac situation.The only thing keeping me together was Naty, and the hilarious voicemail Alessio sent me a few days ago. I had been laughing for days. His drunk confession was embarrassing, cringy, yet undeniably cute.So cute that I texted him back, telling him not to worry about it and that I still loved him.Since then, we had talked every night, carefully avoiding the topics of our fight and his drunken voicemail. We had regular conversations.‘How are you doing?’‘I love you.’‘What did you do today?’‘Get back soon.’Another groan escaped me as I felt a sudden wave of nausea. The worst thing was that I decided to go through this pain all alone. Pilar was with Gian, because I didn’t want to risk getting them sick with whatever I had caught.I was never a big fan of feve
AlessioToday marked the beginning of the end. Not for us, but for the Baldinis, as we were finally ready for their downfall.We had moved quietly into the west, preparing for what was about to come. It was a busy day, and I watched from the sidelines as the families checked their weapons one last time. Same as always, each one of them led by their own, and the Fanuccis by my uncle.Beside me stood Dad, the man who had taught me everything I needed to know about honor, power, and the balance between them.He glanced at me with a chuckle, “I hope you’re sober today, son.”I gave him a chuckle in return. Ever since that night when I’d let alcohol get the best of me, he hadn’t missed a chance to remind me of that reckless moment.After we had returned that night, I made an even bigger fool out of myself by yelling and throwing tantrums like a giant toddler. I refused to go back to the hotel and apparently called out a few individuals for at least one thing I disliked about them.I wasn’t
AlessioBlood splattered across my face, my vision still hazed from the chaos as I stepped over bodies scattered on the floor. We were three minutes in, and there was still no sign of Anson.Believe it or not, but in those minutes, I had searched about every hidden corner of the mansion, but he was nowhere to be found. With each person who surrendered or drew their last breath, I tried to force the location out of them, but no one knew where he was hiding.The only place left unchecked was the office, and my guess was that that coward was probably hiding with that other coward who had abandoned his own people and ran to his safe space.With a desire to kill, I made my way over there, blocking out every cry of mercy along the way. As I reached the hall, each person went down one after another. I spotted Dad and my uncles, just as I did, carving a path for themselves to reach Leonardo's office.It didn’t take long before we did, and we stepped into the office. My eyes scanned for my mai
MenaOnce the news had reached the walls of the mansion that Anson had disappeared, the mood was even more dramatic than it had already been.I too felt dizzy hearing the news, and it wasn’t because of the pregnancy. I felt sick as I was fully aware that Anson would come for me, but also relieved knowing Alessio didn’t get the opportunity to kill him. It was a mix of feelings I couldn’t share with anyone. It would automatically make me the bad guy.The rules of the mansion had become strict. No one came in, no one went out—and only a few selected workers who had been loyal for years were allowed to continue their work for now.The kids were confused and restless as they couldn’t understand why their routines were suddenly changed. They could not go to school or any of their activities.I was on edge, waiting for Alessio to get back. He would be coming alone today to oversee things at home while the rest would continue their search for Anson.It at least meant I didn’t have to face Isa
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