wd only fueled the man's resolve, each resolute step he

manding presence of one who had returned not mere

race of biting irony, halting directly before the bride and groom,

nzo began, his

to address your betters," Vincenzo cut him of

redulous at the audacity

half-done," Vincenzo replied, his eyes loc

le blade. When his eyes met Vittoria's, he tilted his head slightly, asse

ou're doing?" Don Alfonso barked, stepping forward

n mine by right," Vincenzo decl

etween the instinct to recoil

k and drew a gun. Shocked cries erupted through the garden

e start of a war," Vincenzo taunted, his voice steady and scornful as he cocked th

nded, his hand already on his holster, pois

men?" Vincenzo suggested, his tone sharp and deliberately provo

gun slip through his fingers, holding it out toward Enz

ce. "We can keep the peace between our families, or you can start the blo

, fury overtaking him as he snatched the gun fr

airs toppled, and a terrified s

nuinely amused by the chaos, especially by the shock frozen

e curling his lips. "That's real. It'd b

barrel of the gun against Vincenzo's chest. "What gives you t

t alive drop considerably, but the wreckage that follows. You won't survive it." He flashed a chilling smile. "Now, be usef

footsteps cut through the ai

's soldiers emerged-steadfast, unrelenting, gripping

d torches. Guests scrambled to their feet in desperation, chairs clattered

, I'm ready for your decision." He continued, as if the gun pressed to his forehead meant nothing. "Pull the trigger, start

ed, finally breaking free from

face made it clear she barel

ing, his eyes darting between the gun and t

o's hands with disdain. "I bet you'd have loved to see h

, boy," Cesare warned, exchang

ew that firing a shot here would give Vincenzo exact

Vincenzo declared, motion

shoving him, he claimed Enzo's place at

e twisting his lips. "So, I leave the choice to you, bella

g it back into its holster, as if concluding a nego

a moment's hesitation, as if his absurd pr

r wou

s boring into Vittoria's. "Let's try this again, bella," he murmured, stepping closer, his

her desperate eyes scanning t

at she sought. Her breath caught, trappe

name slipping from her lips l

now filled with a silent terror. Sh

ice calm yet sharp as a blade. "I'm no monst

ne almost intimate, his

with grace. And as a wedding gift, I'll send your brother b