All Chapters of Betrayal and Devotion: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

Marco takes a while to reply. His face is fixed in that unreadable expression he always has when he's pondering, and he's also staring at the ceiling. He sighs after a moment. "We had no other option. Gianni made us hold his hand.I shake my head, a feeling of frustration rising within me. However, Marco, things didn't have to be this way. For months, we have been hiding, battling, and running. I have lost any sense of what we are fighting for.His voice is sharper now as he says, "Francesca, we're fighting for survival." His eyes are harsh as he turns to face me. "Gianni is determined to get what he wants, and he wants me dead." It's no longer just about us. It all comes down to survival.With each syllable, I sense the gap between us widening. "How about us? What about all of our experiences? This conflict cannot cost me you.For a little moment, he becomes softer and reaches for my hand. "I won't leave you. I swear. Even though his comments are supposed to be consoling, they seem h

I get a wave of uneasiness as soon as the message is sent. My chest is filled with a profound sensation of fear, and my heart is pounding. We've started a risky strategy, and I can't get rid of the sensation that we've made a grave error.Marco looks at me with an unreadable expression. "It's finished," he murmurs. "We wait now."I nod, but my thoughts are whirling. The rival family has consistently been erratic, even cruel. We just gave them a chunk of our city and our lives, and we have no idea what they will do with it.I keep thinking about Sofia's words: They're going to exploit the instability and leave us with nothing.I look at Marco, who is already thinking deeply and perhaps preparing his next move. I can't help but wonder whether he's in over his head this time, even though he's typically so focused and dedicated.Marco breaks the stillness with, "We'll get through this." "We must."I nod, but my chest still aches from the fear. At what price is the alliance sealed? Doubt w

A horrible revelation dawns on me as I lie there, caught between the people I love. No matter what choice I make, there’s no escaping the fallout. Sofia’s secret plan might stop the war, but at what cost to Marco? And if I stay loyal to Marco, will we lose everything anyway?I’m trapped between two impossible choices, and the clock is ticking.Tension permeates the night, making it difficult to breathe. On the outskirts of the city, we are standing in the shadows of an abandoned warehouse. The dim lights from the street outside create unsettling shadows on the cracked walls and the air reeks of gasoline and damp concrete. My heart is beating so loudly that I'm sure everyone can hear it as I stand next to him, but Marco is composed. Too quiet.His expression is unwavering, and he is staring at the warehouse door as though he can already see Gianni entering. I try to read his emotions by looking at him, but he is impossible to read. The storm that is building inside him is only revealed

Every time my heart beats, it serves as a reminder that time is passing. I can't let him go. Not in this manner. Not right now."Hold on," I plead once more, applying more pressure to the cut in an attempt to stop the blood flow. My fingers are numb from the chilly horror that grips me, and my hands shake with the effort. "Just a bit more time, Marco. Please.His eyes awaken and briefly fix themselves on mine. Maybe I'm seeing things, but there seems to be a faint smile. He is making an effort to remain strong and with me. I'm not sure how much longer he can fight, though, because his face is etched with misery.Abruptly, the sound is broken by a piercing scream. I notice Gianni as I look up, and my heart jumps into my throat. His back is against the distant wall as he stands there, his eyes wide with terror. Panic has taken the place of the arrogant look he had when he first entered this warehouse.He is flanked by Luca and a couple of the men from the enemy family. Either Gianni's w

I'm at a loss for what to do. I have no control over anything that occurs. I am unable to wage this struggle on his behalf. I can pray, though.I tremble as I say, "Please," tears streaming down my face. "Don't take him away from me, please. I can't let him go just yet. Not after everything.My body trembles with quiet sobbing as the tears become more intense and I bury my face in my hands. The Moon Goddess may or may not be listening, but I have to think she is. There must still be hope, in my opinion.I mutter, "He’s everything to me," while I cry. "Just give me more time, please. Let him live, please.The length of time I spend kneeling on the chilly floor with my hands clenched together in fervent prayer is unknown to me. The tears soon cease, though, and all that's left in my chest is an empty emptiness.I gently get to my feet, wipe my eyes, and go back to the chair. Luca turns to face me, worry shining in his eyes.He responds, rather quietly, "He’ll pull through," but I can he