All Chapters of Betrayal and Devotion: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

"That's the daughter of Mr Anderson Colman," one of the nurses said, her voice laced with pity and mockery.The other nurse chuckled softly, and my stomach churned. I could feel their eyes on me, even though they didn’t directly look at me. I wanted to shrink into nothing, to become invisible. But, of course, I couldn’t control what they said or how they felt. I was just a subject of gossip, a name to be whispered, a face to be judged.I forced myself to stand, my legs shaking under me as I tried to regain some semblance of control. The hospital lobby was a blur as I approached the door, desperate to escape. The rain hit me as I stepped outside, and the rain poured down in sheets, soaking through my clothes instantly. But I didn’t care. I needed the cold. I needed the rain to wash away the heat of embarrassment, to drown out the sounds of their laughter that still echoed in my ears.I stumbled, my breath ragged, my heart racing. The earth felt like it was closing in on me, and for a

The faint aroma of Auntie Emilia’s herbal tea lingered in the air, mixing with the scent of lavender she always kept in her vases. It was almost soothing, almost. But as soon as the front door slammed open, I knew tranquility wasn’t on the agenda.“Francesca! Francesca! Where are you?” Auntie Emilia’s voice boomed through the apartment like a tidal wave.I scrambled off the couch, nearly tripping over my own feet. “Yes, Auntie, I’m coming!”Her stormy presence filled the room before I could fully stand. Her eyes scanned me, sharp as ever, before she spoke. “What happened between you and Marco? I saw you both in the hospital lobby as I was leaving. You better not be in trouble with that family!” Her voice carried the weight of worry, frustration, and something else like disappointment.I winced. “No trouble, Auntie. Just a conversation.”“That family!” she muttered, pacing in front of me. “The embarrassment from Gianni was enough. And to add to it, your father… leaving no remaining sha

As we entered the room, I felt every pair of eyes in the house land on me, dissecting, judging, and undoubtedly remembering my history with this family. I clutched Marco’s arm tightly, hoping his steady presence would shield me from their scrutiny.Marco, ever composed, greeted his father. “Father,” he said with a slight nod. His voice was calm, respectful, yet firm. Don Luciano, the feared Alpha of the kingdom, looked at his son with the same intensity that sent shivers through anyone who crossed him. His piercing gaze shifted to me, his expression hardening.I couldn’t breathe under his scrutiny. The room seemed to grow colder.“And who might this be?” Don Luciano’s voice was deep, sharp, and unwelcoming.Before Marco could reply, Rahila, his mother, swept into the room like a queen. Her beauty and elegance were undeniable, but her presence was no less intimidating than her husband’s.“Marco!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up as she embraced him. For a brief moment, the warmth

I nodded numbly, allowing her to guide me to a bench just outside the room. My chest heaved with silent cries as I clung to the hope that my father would pull through.The minutes dragged by like hours. I barely noticed when Aunt Emilia arrived, her face pale and drawn.“Francesca,” she said, pulling me into a tight embrace. “What happened?”“I don’t know,” I whispered. “I got a call... and then...” My voice broke, and I couldn’t continue.Aunt Emilia held me, her presence a small comfort in the storm of emotions threatening to consume me. “He’s strong,” she said, though her voice wavered. “He’ll fight. He always does.”When the doctor finally emerged, his expression was grim. My heart dropped.“Mr. Colman’s condition is critical,” he said, his tone measured but serious. “We’ve stabilized him for now, but his heart is weak. He’ll need constant care and... ”I felt the weight of his words like a physical blow. The one thing I was barely holding together.“I’ll handle it,” I said, my vo