Bruno's pov.It's been one week since Martin's demise and I still couldn't let go of the hurt his thoughts brought me. Even though I failed him by not being able to protect him when he needed me, I was glad I could fulfill his long-time wish to be buried in Choco his hometown. Isabella handled the news of his demise with so much maturity even though it was obvious she missed me as much as I do. For the past week, I had locked the coffee shop in honor of my late friend. If Martins was alive, he wouldn't want that, he believed in not wallowing yourself in sorrow and regret no matter what happened. I resumed work that morning after dropping Isabella at school. I tried to pretend all was okay like Martins would advise but deep down my spirit was down. As I walked toward one of the customer's tables to serve him his order, I saw the same black car that had zoomed past me the day Martin died. The moment he got to where I was standing, the masked man lowered his screen and stared at me,

Twenty-five years earlier, Monalisa's pov, As I drove to Bruno's house, a cocktail of emotions swirled inside of me. There was anticipation and excitement, but also a hint of nervousness. I had never been with a man like this before, and I wasn't sure what to expect. But I knew that I wanted to experience everything he had to offer.I was finally going to have real sex for the first time with Bruno, the butterflies in my stomach turned into a swarm as I thought of what was to come. Bruno was the man I loved, the one I had waited for my whole life. And now, finally, I was about to experience the ultimate expression of our love for each other. I felt a sense of anticipation and joy that was almost overwhelming. I couldn't wait to be with him. Furthermore, I bit my lower lip as my lips curved in a smile, wondering what Bruno would think about the skimpy red dress I was wearing under my trench coat. He was used to seeing me dressed in Jeans and a masculine shirt as one of Don Pablo's

Twenty five years Earlier, Monalisa pov,As I lay there, my head resting on Bruno's bare chest, I felt a sense of calm and contentment wash over me. I wanted to stay in that moment forever, with nothing to break the spell. I felt loved and protected, surrounded by the steady rise and fall of his chest. It was as if we were in our little world, cut off from the outside chaos. All that mattered was the two of us, wrapped in a cocoon of love and understanding. I could feel Bruno's heart beating steadily beneath my head, and it was like a soothing rhythm, calming my own heart and mind. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to drift into a state of blissful relaxation. I knew that this moment would be with me always, a moment of perfect tranquility and contentment. But as I drifted off into this peaceful state, I felt a pang of sadness. Reality dawned on me. I knew that this moment could not last forever and that the outside world would eventually intrude again. I wanted to hold onto this f

Twenty-five years earlier, Monalisa's pov, One month had passed since my relationship with Bruno crumbled, and every day felt like an eternity. I missed him with an almost physical pain, an all-consuming longing. I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't focus on anything. My days were spent in a haze of grief and regret, wondering what I could have done differently, and how I could have prevented this from happening. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find a way to make things right again, except I was ready to go against Don Pablo and risk Bruno's life. The realization that Bruno was unwilling to compromise, that he would not bend his desire for the sake of our relationship, was devastating. It was a painful reminder that sometimes, no matter how much we want something to work, it just isn't meant to be. And as much as I wished we could find a way to make it work, I knew deep down that he was not ready to make the sacrifices I needed him to make. It was a bitter pill to swa

SYLVIA'S POV, "I'm sorry, miss," Raynold said, his voice as hard as granite. "I cannot allow that."The finality of his statement hung heavy in the air, suffocating me with its weight. He straightened his spine and fixed his gaze on a distant spot, unwilling to meet my eyes, as I pleaded with him,I pleaded with Reynolds, desperation bleeding into my voice. "Please, I won't take long. He's here already, waiting outside. Just give us a few minutes, I beg of you.".I knew I had to press more if I wanted him to bend a little, how could I let go of the perfect opportunity to spend some time with Antonio, when I had carefully drafted out my plans, I had lied to both my father and stepbrother about stepping out to get something downtown."Reynolds, we're still friends right?" I said, looking into his eyes, even though his eyes were far from mine, "At least I know I don't see you as just my guard," I paused, allowing it to sink in, I knew eliciting his pity was one way to get him to bend