Where Loyalties Lie Novels & Stories

I've been married to Federico Moretti for four years, and the entire time, we've lived in a run-down basement. He works three jobs, all to save up money to buy me a house filled with morning sunlight and make it our home. So when the doctor gives me my diagnosis, all I can think about is how I'm about to become a burden to him. When I get home, Federico is crouched in front of a leaking pipe, wrapping tape around it. He looks up and spots the hospital envelope in my hand, his expression darkening. "Sera, how many times have I told you? Those white coats are all crooks. Look at Alfredo's mom. She had a whole bunch of tests done and spent all that money, only to get better after drinking

“And fear makes people negotiate with the wrong gods.” He exhaled slowly. “That narrows the list.” “Does it include Mara?” I asked quietly. He hesitated. That was answer enough. “She’s loyal,” he said finally. “I believe that,” I replied. “But loyalty under pressure bends differently.” Silence stretched between us, heavier now. “This is what they want,” he said. “To make us doubt our own people.” “And it’s working,” I said gently. “That doesn’t make it weakness. It makes it real.”

Her initial question that reminded me of my hell bound punishment rings in my ear and I turn to look at her, "No don't wait for me.Ciara would be waiting for you." Ciara is Lucy's younger sister and only family. They lost their parents in a fire and lost everything valuable in their lives. Lucy lost all except her fifteen year old sister,the only reason she claims to live and the poor little teenage girl lost her sense of speech from the trauma of losing her parents. Her extended family tried to claim care of her but Lucy fought back and promised to somehow manage to fend for them both since she's legally an adult and that brings us to her wanting to join The Rebels, us.

"I would rather spend whatever years I have left being honest, even if no one respects me for it at all." "This is not about respect," I said. "It is about what happens to this family the moment our own soldiers learn their consigliere helped bury a murder. Do you understand what that does to the loyalty holding this house together?" "I understand it better than you do," Salvatore said, something sharp finally entering his exhausted voice, a flash of the man who had once trained me to sit at the head of a table full of men twice my age. "I have watched loyalty built on lies for three decades, Matteo. It does not hold. It only delays the moment everything collapses, and it delays it at a cost

I took a step forward, closing the space between us again. “That’s not how this works.” Michael’s breath hitched for just a fraction of a second. I caught it. “You see,” I continued, lowering my voice just slightly, “loyalty is not selective. It is absolute. If you hesitate now, how can I trust you won’t hesitate later?” Michael held my gaze, his body rigid with tension. I watched him struggle. He hated this. And that made it all the more delicious. His fingers flexed at his sides, his thoughts racing behind those carefully guarded eyes.

She hesitated for a second then she did it. I walked back to my desk. I didn't sit down, I just stood there, my hands resting on my desk as I looked at her intensely. “We need to talk.” I said. “Is it about the situation?” she replied. “It is about everything.” “I'm listening, sir.” “Where does your loyalty lie?” I asked. My question came as a surprise to her. “Sir_” “Answer my question Lydia. I want to know where your loyalty lies.” “My loyalty is to you. And to the company.”

“Every alliance, every detail, every truth. Lara has chosen her alliance. I am choosing mine. I want to work with you. I want to be loyal to the strongest piece on the board. And right now, that piece is standing right here.” He lifted his hand and gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek. His touch was hesitant, seeking approval. Suman lowered the blueprint, letting the physical barrier drop. She had found the exact moment of commitment. “Loyalty is costly, Roberts,” she whispered, not moving away. “I have plenty of currency,” he countered, his breath catching. He knew this was his only shot. He reached for her, pulling her close, the embrace tight and urgent, a physical express

I knew every second I delayed was another moment of my life wasted on him. Before I boarded, Brian stopped by one last time. When he learned of my departure, he simply sighed and wished me happiness and peace in the future. I thanked him but felt a pang of sadness. Even Brian, an outsider, appreciated my years of sacrifice, while Reynold, who benefited most directly, was the first to betray me. Just before I boarded my flight, Reynold texted me. Reynold: "Honey, I made your favorite baked salmon today." Reynold: "I'll be there soon. Wait for me."

Tristian and I have been together for two years. Engaged for six months. I knew he had his problems. But cheating? That’s where I draw the line. I let out a quiet scoff. That arrogant idiot. Two years of my life. And this is what I get? Yes, it started as business. But somewhere along the line… I fell for him. I was loyal. He said he loved me. I shake my head slightly. My fault for believing a man anyway. They always fail me. I take a slow sip of my wine and release a deep sigh.

"When you spread lies that I was a servant and turned the whole campus against me, did that make you feel dignified? When you threw the bloodstained sheets into my washbasin and tried to force me to wash them, did that make you feel dignified?" Her lips moved, but no words came out. "The real poverty is inside you, not in your bank account. You think the world owes you everything. When you can't have something, you resent the people who do. You hate them and try to destroy them. You think everyone owes you, so you turn the whole world into your enemy. Viola… That's the most pathetic thing about you." Her mouth opened, but she could not speak. Then, she lowered her head, her shoulders shaking