LOGINAlessiaâs POV We arrived at Matteoâs 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. âDonât you think this is a bit too much?â I whispered, glancing at Matteo as he held Tiziana comfortably on his lap. âNo,â he replied without hesitation, his voice steady and firm. âProtecting you and the kids is my top priority now. Nothing comes before that. Absolutely nothing.â 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
Alessiaâs 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 Matteoâs 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. âDonât move just yet,â he murmured softly. âStay here⊠just for a moment.â 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. âAre you alright?â 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. âWhatâs wrong?â I asked, turning slightly so I could see his
Matteo Rinaldiâs POV As Alessia rushed out, I couldnât 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. âBrother, I see youâre in good spirits,â he said as he stepped further into the room. âWell, what can I say?â I replied, rolling my eyes slightly at the faint, knowing smile on his lips. âThatâs great news,â he continued, pausing just long enough to make me focus completely on him, âbecause I have another one for you.â My body tensed instinctively. âYour father called,â he said finally, voice steady. âHeâs at the mansion, waiting for you, the kids, and Alessia.â I exhaled slowly, already calculating my next move. âTell him
Alessiaâs POV Monitors. Beeping sounds. IV drips. White walls. And that sharp, unfamiliar antiseptic smell that clung to the air like something I couldnât 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. âAlessia⊠youâre awake,â she said, relief flooding her voice. âMatteo,â I choked out, my voice breaking. âI need to see Matteo.â She pulled back, holding me at armâs length, her eyes
Giuliaâs 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, Matteoâs 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 Rinaldiâs POV I stood there, frozen in disbelief as Raffaele Ricciâs words echoed through the chaotic room. âWhy do you prefer to go with someone who keeps hurting you every single time?â 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. âYou donât get to tell her what she wants!â I snapped. âAnd do you think you do?â Raffaele replied coldly. I clenched my fists, my gaze shifting between Alessia and him, fully aware that every second now mattered. âShe knows what is right, and you donât. So get the hell out of here already!â I barked. He was unbearable to look at. âHave I warned you not to step into waters you cannot control?â he asked, his tone dropping as he raised hi
Alessiaâs POV At the break of dawn, I was jolted awake by Ruggeroâs gentle shaking, his voice filled with a pitiful cry. "Mom, wake up." He tapped me again. "I feel fine, and I want to go to school with Renzo, Tino, and Tiziana today," he insisted, his eyes pleading for me to understand. Rubbing
Matteoâs POV I did not go to work today. I did not go to Rinaldi Holdings either. My mind was not in the right place. I was still unsure about Alessiaâs feelings toward me. Still unsure where I stood in her heart. But I planned to stop by the hospital in the evening regardless. I had just ente
Alessiaâs POV Tears streamed down my face, unchecked and raw, as I finally allowed myself to release the flood of emotions that had been building inside me. âWhy?â I asked slowly, my voice cracking with anguish. âWhat were you aiming at, Matteo?â Matteo Rinaldi stared at me in shock, his hand pr
Alessiaâs POV âAre you okay, Arianna?â I asked, clearly worried. The moment my children heard her name, chaos erupted in the back seat. âMummy, mummy, Aunty Arianna!â Tiziana squealed, struggling against her seatbelt. âStay put, Tiziana. Youâll talk to Aunty Arianna after school,â I urged firml







