๋ก๊ทธ์ธAlessiaโs POV We arrived at Matteoโs mansion surrounded by a full security entourage. Luca and Arianna rode just behind us, while Marco led the convoy ahead. Camellia followed closely behind them, and all around us were armed escorts from Rinaldi Holdings, forming a protective shield. โDonโt you think this is a bit too much?โ I whispered, glancing at Matteo as he held Tiziana comfortably on his lap. โNo,โ he replied without hesitation, his voice steady and firm. โProtecting you and the kids is my top priority now. Nothing comes before that. Absolutely nothing.โ There was no doubt in his tone. I nodded softly, warmth spreading through me at his words. My gaze drifted to Ruggero and Tino, who were caught up in playful bickering, their laughter filling the space. Then I looked at Renzo. He was smiling. A wide, genuine smile that eased something deep inside me. He was interacting with his siblings more freely than I had ever seen in his four years of life. There was something prot
Alessiaโs POV I woke to the soft murmur of morning light spilling gently into the hospital room, the golden glow brushing against my skin like a quiet reassurance. Blinking away the last traces of sleep, I realized I was tucked safely in Matteoโs arms, his steady heartbeat echoing beneath my palm like a rhythm meant only for me. As I stirred and tried to sit up, his voice stopped me, low and rough with sleep yet filled with quiet authority. โDonโt move just yet,โ he murmured softly. โStay hereโฆ just for a moment.โ There was something in his tone that made me pause without question. Trusting him, I remained still. Slowly, he lifted my hand and pressed it more firmly against his chest. โAre you alright?โ I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, though his earlier words echoed in my mind. It beats for you. Warmth rushed to my cheeks, and despite everything we had been through, a small smile found its way to my lips. โWhatโs wrong?โ I asked, turning slightly so I could see his
Matteo Rinaldiโs POV As Alessia rushed out, I couldnโt help but chuckle at her sudden exit, the sound low and brief, but filled with something I had not felt in a long time. Relief. Moments later, Marco walked in, and I pushed myself up slightly against the bed, already reading the weight of whatever news he carried from the look on his face. His expression was grave, yet controlled. The kind of look that told you everything and nothing at the same time. โBrother, I see youโre in good spirits,โ he said as he stepped further into the room. โWell, what can I say?โ I replied, rolling my eyes slightly at the faint, knowing smile on his lips. โThatโs great news,โ he continued, pausing just long enough to make me focus completely on him, โbecause I have another one for you.โ My body tensed instinctively. โYour father called,โ he said finally, voice steady. โHeโs at the mansion, waiting for you, the kids, and Alessia.โ I exhaled slowly, already calculating my next move. โTell him
Alessiaโs POV Monitors. Beeping sounds. IV drips. White walls. And that sharp, unfamiliar antiseptic smell that clung to the air like something I couldnโt escape. My eyes fluttered open slowly, my head pounding with a dull, persistent ache as awareness crept back in. A hospital. The memory hit me like a sudden blow. Matteo. Matteo had been shot. Panic surged through me instantly, wiping away every trace of weakness. I pushed myself up, ignoring the protest from my body as dizziness threatened to pull me back down. No. I had to see him. I stumbled out of the bed, my legs unsteady beneath me, gripping the edge for support before forcing myself into the hallway. I barely made it a few steps before I almost collided with Camellia, who caught me immediately, pulling me into a tight embrace. โAlessiaโฆ youโre awake,โ she said, relief flooding her voice. โMatteo,โ I choked out, my voice breaking. โI need to see Matteo.โ She pulled back, holding me at armโs length, her eyes
Giuliaโs POV I threw the gun in my hands to the floor as I tried to come to terms with what had just happened. Everything had gone horribly wrong, spiraling out of control within mere seconds. Driven by rage and hatred, I had fired at Alessia, but the moment the shot echoed through the room, Matteo Rinaldi had already stepped in, taking the bullet for her. The force sent both of them crashing to the ground. Before I could even process it, another shot rang out. The menacing man they had called Raffaele Ricci turned his gun on me. The bullet grazed my shoulder as it passed, and pain tore through me, sharp and burning. Still, adrenaline refused to let me fall. Almost instantly, Matteoโs men retaliated. Gunfire erupted from every direction, his security clashing with the mercenaries we had brought. Chaos swallowed the room whole. Through the madness, I saw my father, Raimondo Conti, struggle to his feet. Blood spread across his shirt as he staggered toward me, each step weaker tha
Matteo Rinaldiโs POV I stood there, frozen in disbelief as Raffaele Ricciโs words echoed through the chaotic room. โWhy do you prefer to go with someone who keeps hurting you every single time?โ His accusation cut through the air like a blade, tearing into the fragile tension already holding everything together. Alessia paused mid-step, tears shimmering in the dim light of the Conti mansion. My chest tightened with anger and desperation all at once. How could he speak to her like that? Alessia, who had endured so much, deserved none of this. โYou donโt get to tell her what she wants!โ I snapped. โAnd do you think you do?โ Raffaele replied coldly. I clenched my fists, my gaze shifting between Alessia and him, fully aware that every second now mattered. โShe knows what is right, and you donโt. So get the hell out of here already!โ I barked. He was unbearable to look at. โHave I warned you not to step into waters you cannot control?โ he asked, his tone dropping as he raised hi
Matteo Rinaldiโs POV As I stepped into my office, my mind was still consumed with thoughts of Alessia. Why the hell couldnโt she understand my intentions? I sank into the leather-bound swivel chair that was meant to bring comfort, yet I felt none. Comfort was a luxury only a few thingsโfew peo
Alessiaโs POV As I settled into the backseat of the cab, my mind buzzed with racing thoughts and tangled emotions. I gently placed my hands over my rapidly beating heart, hoping to calm it. โEverything alright, maโam?โ the driver asked. โYes, yes. Iโm very well. Thank you,โ I replied. The driver
Matteo Rinaldiโs POV I arrived at the forecasting company right around the time I calculated Alessia would be done with her interview. I waited in the car for a few minutes until one of the staff mentioned she had just stepped out of the building. The moment I got out of the car, my eyes locked
Matteo Rinaldiโs POV I arrived at my parentsโ home as soon as I received my motherโs message. I paused for a moment outside, staring at the familiar structure, letting memories wash over me before finally stepping inside. The Rinaldi estate carried the quiet dignity of old Italian wealth. Every







