Lahat ng Kabanata ng Dangerously Tempted: Kabanata 81 - Kabanata 90

Inside Di Salvo’s Mansion/Headquarters, Hammam Al Agzaz, Tunisia, Africa. “Don will arrive here any minute,” said a guard of the dungeon. “Here? Are you sure? He hasn’t been here for the last five years,” said another guard in disbelief. “He has some work here. He will stay the night.” Matteo strained his ears, listening with interest as he carried the empty food trolley back to the kitchen. So, Di Salvo will be here tonight. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for. It was now or never. He had to take his revenge on the man. For the last five years, he trudged on like an automaton with only one hope. Revenge! He was mentally unstable, but he meditated every day to keep his sanity.“Matteo, make Don’s special breakfast tomorrow morning. He will leave afterward,” said the guard. Matteo nodded, a plan forming in his head. They would open the prison lock to allow him access to Don’s kitchen. He wouldn’t eat food cooked in the dungeon’s dirty kitchen.“Open the lock. I need t

“Emilia has gone to the school nearby to drop the children off,” said his Mama, wiping her eyes. “Children?” asked Matteo in confusion. “Yes. We have been blessed with two baby girls, your daughter, Mariella, and Marco’s daughter, Angela.” “I remember Angela! She was tiny when I last saw her,” said Matteo with a smile. It was strange that the moment he saw them, he started remembering his past. “Wow! Your memory is coming back, Matteo. It’s a great sign,” said Brandon. “I’m sure he will remember everything soon,” said Carlos’s uncle. “We will leave now, Mrs. Ricci. The paperwork is complete. You are free to return home. Both mafia leaders are dead and their gang has been arrested.” They thanked the officers profusely before they left. “We will go back to Sicily, to your Pápa’s house,” said their Mama. “You can stay at my house for a few days before you leave, Aunt Bianca,” offered Carlos. “Thank you, Carlos, but I want to go home now. It’s been so long since we lived there,”

In an hour, they wrapped up all the work at home and went out to fetch the girls. Matteo grabbed Amelia’s hand, and for the first time in years, they got a taste of their newfound freedom. Life was indeed beautiful, and they had wasted a lot of years in captivity, in constant fear of death. But not anymore! They were now free to live life the way they wanted.With every step he took toward his daughter’s school, Matteo’s heart filled up with apprehension. Would Mariella accept him in her life? Would she love him as Angela loved Marco? He had wanted to be in her life but was helpless! At five, would she understand his inadequacies? He gripped Amelia’s hand, having second thoughts now about this meeting. What if she insulted him in front of the entire school? “What’s wrong, Matteo? We’ll be late. Mariella’s dispersal is fifteen minutes earlier than Angela’s. I have to hurry to collect both on time. We will then visit the administrative office.” Matteo released her hand and stood near

The next day, Evita visited them with her son, Riccardo. Not once did she mention Rafael during the entire time she stayed in their house. Amelia felt bad for her. She was quite nice and didn’t deserve a man like Rafael who destroyed her life. “You should move on, my dear. You can’t live alone all your life,” said Matteo’s Mama. “I’m working in a multinational company now as a PA to the CEO. I’ve moved on, Aunt Bianca.” “I meant it on a personal front. Rafael didn’t marry you despite everything. I think you should marry a nice young man and settle down.” “I am marrying my boss next month, Aunt Bianca. He loves me and Riccardo. No one has ever loved me the way he does. I’m glad I met someone like him,” said Evita, and they felt relieved that she found the happiness she deserved. “What’s his name?” asked Marco with avid interest. “Leonardo Bernardi.” “Ah, Leo? He’s a gem of a guy!” said Marco with a satisfied grin. “Do you know him?” asked Evita with surprise. “Yes, he’s Viola’

Matteo went to see his lawyer to take an update on his health. Mr. Berkeley had stood by him in his time of need, and he was indebted to the man. He wasn’t in great shape and Matteo found him resting on his bed, which was odd. He was the most hardworking person on earth and in all these years, Matteo had always found him in his office, working. “Matteo! I’m so glad to see you, son!” he said, getting up to embrace him.“I’m happy to be back too, Mr. Berkeley. How are you now? Freddie told me about your health issues.” “I’m much better now. I’m sorry I let you down. We didn’t have another option before us. The mafia Don would have burned the entire shop down or killed all of us if we didn’t pay.” “I understand Mr. Berkeley. I’ll figure it out somehow.” He spent some time with the lawyer and then returned home to help Amelia. It was evening and she would be worried about him. “Matteo! What happened? Did you find out anything? Is the shop still there? Marie and I were about to go dow