Underworld ties

The Battle for peace

Elena's Pov:

As Luca recuperated, Elena knew they had to face the source of their turmoil: her father. Together, they visited Antonio Russo, determined to end the cycle of violence that had plagued their families.

Standing in Antonio's opulent study, Elena felt a mixture of defiance and apprehension. Luca stood beside her, his presence a silent source of strength.

"Father," Elena began, her voice steady, "we need to talk."

Antonio's eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking between his daughter and Luca. "What is it, Elena? You've brought the enemy into my home."

Elena took a deep breath. "I know you believe the DeLucas must pay, but there are things you don't know. Luca was a victim too. He didn't kill Mom out of malice—she kidnapped and tortured him."

Antonio scoffed, his face hardening. "You expect me to believe that? The DeLucas have always been our enemies. They must be eliminated."

Desperation gnawed at Elena's resolve. "Father, please. This war needs to end. It's destroying us."

Antonio's lips twisted into a sneer. "No. The DeLucas must be killed. No exceptions."

In a moment of inspiration and desperation, Elena blurted out, "I'm pregnant."

Antonio's laugh was cold and hollow. "Pregnant? With his child?" He pointed at Luca, his eyes filled with contempt. "You've disgraced yourself,

Elena's heart pounded in her chest as she faced her father. "I love him, Dad," she said, her voice trembling but firm. "And I won't let this feud destroy us any longer."

Antonio's face twisted with rage. "You foolish girl," he spat. "You think love changes anything? The DeLucas will always be our enemies. You're betraying your own blood."

Elena felt her own anger rise. "No, Father. I'm trying to save what's left of it. This hatred has consumed us for too long."

Antonio's sneer deepened. "You're weak, Elena. Just like your mother. She fell for the enemy's lies, and look where it got her."

Before Elena could respond, Luca stepped forward. "I understand your hatred, Mr. Russo. But this cycle of violence benefits no one. Elena and I want to build a future free from this endless war."

Antonio's gaze shifted to Luca, cold and unyielding. "You think you can come here and lecture me about my family? You know nothing."

Elena squeezed Luca's hand. "This is our decision, Father. Whether you support us or not, we're ending this feud."

Antonio's laughter was sharp and cruel. "You think you can change anything? You're delusional. I'll never stop until every DeLuca is dead."

With a final look of determination, Elena turned and walked out of the study, pulling Luca with her. They had said their piece. Now it was time to face whatever came next.

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Back at their penthouse, Elena's emotions were a storm of anger and pride. She had stood up to her father, but his words still stung. As they entered, Luca pulled her into a gentle embrace.

"You look like you've just fought a war," Luca teased.

"Maybe I have," she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"I'm proud of you," he whispered, his voice full of warmth and admiration.

Elena looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Luca smiled, a rare softness in his eyes. "We're in this together, remember?"

Elena nodded, feeling a surge of love for the man who had become her anchor. "I love you," she said, the words feeling both strange and natural on her lips.

Luca's eyes darkened with emotion. "And I love you, Elena."

Their moment was interrupted by a sudden noise from the kitchen. Elena pulled away, her instincts on high alert. "Did you hear that?"

Luca nodded, his expression turning serious. "Stay here."

Ignoring his command, Elena followed him to the kitchen. They found nothing at first, but then a shadow moved. Before Elena could react, a masked man lunged at her with a syringe. She dodged, fighting back fiercely, but another attacker grabbed her from behind. In a desperate move, she managed to kick one of the men hard, tearing a slit in her dress for better movement.

Luca fought off another attacker, his eyes blazing with fury. "Get away from her!" he roared, pummeling the man to the ground.

The attackers were relentless, outnumbering them. In the chaos, Luca called Vince. "We need backup, now!" he barked into the phone.

One of the attackers advanced on Elena, a knife glinting in his hand. Luca saw red. "No!" he shouted, launching himself at the man and knocking him to the floor. He beat him mercilessly, driven by a primal need to protect Elena.

Before she could react, a cloth was pressed against her mouth and nose, the smell of chemicals overwhelming her senses.

With a surge of adrenaline, Elena fought back, managing to kick her attacker and grab a knife from the counter. She slashed at the air, catching the kidnapper's arm, but the sedative was too strong. Her vision blurred, and she felt herself being dragged away, the knife slipping from her grasp.

The fight seemed to go on forever, but finally, Vince and his men burst in, overwhelming the attackers and securing the penthouse but Elena was no where to be found.