e lit by faint golden lights, but it felt less like a sanctuary and more like a trap. She had agreed to meet him tonight, but every fibre of her being screamed at her to turn back. Tr

dy. When she entered, he rose from his chair and walked toward her, his expression unreadable. "Maria," he said softly, gesturing for her to sit. She remained standing, crossing her arms over her chest. "No games, Luca. No evasions. You promised to tell me everything." He nodded, runn

know is how deep that history runs." He set the glass down and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "Years ago, Dominic and I wo

. "Power happened," Luca said bitterly. "Dominic wanted to control everything and everyone. He didn't care who he hurt as long as he got wha

here do I fit into all of this?" Maria asked, her voice sharp. Luca met her gaze, his eyes dark with regret. "You're more connected to this than you realize. Dominic doesn't just

tening. "There's one more thing you need to know. Your father-" "What about my father?" Maria cut him off, her voice icy. Luca sighed, his shoulders slumping. "He used to work for Dominic. They we

It was a message." Maria stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. She paced the room, her hands trembling. "Why didn't I know about this? Why didn't my mother tell me?" "She probably didn't want

f anger and anguish. "Protect me? By dragging me into this war?" "I didn't drag you into anything," Luca said, standing as well. "Dominic did. And I've been doing

, her office, and her favourite spots around the city. She won't be able to take a step without us knowing." Dominic nodded, a cruel smile tugging at his lips. "Good. And Luca?" "He's still trying to clean up the mess we've been feeding him," Carlo said. "But he's getting sloppy. He's too focused on Maria to see the bigger picture." Dominic chuckled. "Perfect. Let h

st isn't something you can demand, Luca. It's something you earn." "I know," he said, stepping closer. "And I'll spend the rest of my life earning it if I have to." For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them was heavy with unspoken words, unresolved tension, and something deeper-something neither of them was ready to acknowledge. Finally, Maria nodded. "

made her stomach churn. But why hadn't her mother told her the truth? Did she even know? "Maria," Luca's voice broke through her thoughts. She looked at him, her eyes blazing. "You should've told me this earlier, Luca. I deserved to know." "You're right," he admitted. "But I wanted to protect you." "Protect me?" she repeated bitterly. "Or keep me in the dark so you could control me?" His jaw clenched, and for a moment, she thought he might argue. But then his sho

xpression that made him smile. "She's unravelling," Dominic muttered to himself, setting the photo down. Carlo stood nearby, his arms crossed. "She's tougher than she looks, boss. She might not crack the way you're expecting." Dom

m one side. She'll come to me eventually." "And if she doesn't?" Carlo asked cautiously. Dominic's smile faded, his voice hardening. "Then we'll give her a reason to. If she

ca nodded, leaning forward. "Ask me anything." "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" she demanded. "Was it just to protect me, or was there another reason?" "It was mostly to protect you," Luca admitted. "But I also didn't know how you'd react. I was afraid you'd push me away, that you'd hate me for not telling you sooner." Maria shook her head. "I don't hate you, Luca. I'm angry, confused, and hurt, but I don't hate you. Not yet, anyway." Her words stung, but Luca nodded in acceptance.

t alone in her living room, staring at a framed photograph of her father. Did you know, Dad? she wondered. Did you know that worki

o close to the truth, Maria. Be c

ssages wasn't just watching her-they knew her darkest fears, her most vulnerable moments. And

his? What do yo

came almos

survive. But that won't happ

er couldn't help but wonder if there was some truth to it. She deleted the messages and put her phone down, determined not to let f

otect her, but the closer they grew, the more he realized how much was at stake. Dominic wouldn't stop until he had torn them apart, and Luca wasn't sure he could shield Maria from everything th

smile in every photo seemed so genuine, so full of life. It was impossible to reconcile the loving man she remembered with the dangerous life Luca had described. Her phone buzzed, jolting her out of her thoughts. It was a call from an unknown number. Maria hesitated. Every instinct screamed at her to let it go to voicemail. But something compelled her to pick up. "Hello?" she said cautiously. There was silence on the other end, followed by the faint soun

hould. They said I'm playing a dangerous game." Luca's hand clenched around the phone. "Did they say who they were?" "No. But they want me to back off, and they seem to think I'm in over my head." Luca swore under his breath. "This is Dominic's doing. He's trying to intimidate you." "Well, it's work

closed his eyes, his heart aching for her. "You're stronger than you think, Maria. And you don't have to do this alone. I'm here. Always." Maria didn't respond right away, but when she finally spoke, there was a hint of d

ia isn't like the others." "That's what makes her interesting," Dominic said with a smirk. "She's got fire, and I want to see how far I can push her before she burns." The woman leaned forward, her expression serious. "Be careful. If you push too hard, you might end up creating an enemy you can't control." Dominic's smile widened. "Good. A little chaos never hurt anyone. Besides,

some comfort, but it hadn't erased the fear simmering in her chest. Dominic's reach was long, and his threats felt like a shadow hovering over her every move. But as much as she wanted to ru

o play games? Fine. But she wasn't going to let him call all the shots. Turning away from the city, Maria stepped inside and closed the bal