For three blissful months, the Falcone family enjoyed a period of complete peace. During this time, Remo proposed to Serafina, and Nino and Hope grew closer. Everything seemed perfect, but the tranquility was short-lived. Emerging threats began to s...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I was packing Hope's essentials and clothes, but my mind was still on the article I read. I wanted to ask Hope but i also didn't want to ruin her mood when she's still recovering.
Almost like she sensed what I was thinking she instantly asked.
"Is something bothering you, Nino? You seem like you're brainstorming about something."
"Nothing much." I replied, suddenly losing my courage to ask.
She slowly got out of bed and walked towards me. She stopped me from packing by grabbing onto my hand. Once she had my undivided attention, she slowly pulled me towards bed. She made me sit down next to her and then turned to face me.
"Nino, I know you well enough to know something's bothering you. You can continue packing only after you've told me about it."
I sighed and turned to face her. I pulled out my tab and showed her the article that referred to me as her boyfriend. She looked at it for a minute and looked back up.
"Are you bothered by the fact that they hinted towards this being your fault? If so don't be. I'm not blaming you and neither is anyone else that matters." She said, totally missing the point.
"No that's not what's bothering me. They call me your boyfriend in these."
She looked confused. "You are my boyfriend, Nino."
"I know. But are you ready to be seen with me in front of the entire world? I mean I don't have the best of reputation. I couldn't give a shit about what they say about me but I don't want to tarnish your name." I broke eye contact looking down at my hands.
Hope slowly raised her good hand to my cheeks. She gently brought my face towards her and kissed me. She pulled back after a few minutes and then began to speak.
"Nino, I love you. I don't care if the people of Bleakstorm Island don't approve of us being together. I've never bothered giving a moment of my time or attention to any guy and then you waltz in and grab all of it. It was unexpected but I don't want to hide it Nino. I love you and i want the world to see that."
Nino smiled and pulled me into another passionate kiss.
"I love you too. For the record you also stole my affection without my consent. I was planning only to marry for some alliance. I totally didn't understand the concept of love until I met you."
She smiled, her eyes lighting up.
"As for the asshole that hired someone to kill you, he is from the Camorra. He's gone into hiding. Once I find him I'll make him regret ever thinking of harming my woman, my love, my queen."
"Also I sent out a formal notice informing the people that you indeed are my boyfriend. I hope you're fine with that." She spoke worry clearly shown on her face.
"Of course."
She took the tab from me and showed me what she sent. It read:
Dear People of Bleakstorm Island,
I hope this message finds you well. It is with great joy and excitement that I share some wonderful news with you all. Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of getting to know someone truly remarkable, and I feel it is time to introduce him to you all.
His name is Nino Falcone, and he is the love of my life. We first met about a year ago, and since then, our bond has grown stronger with each passing day. A few months ago, we officially started dating, and I couldn't be happier.
Nino is a kind, compassionate, and wonderful person who has brought immense happiness into my life. I am grateful to have found someone who shares my values and dreams, and I look forward to many more beautiful moments together.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your kind wishes and support during my recovery from the bullet wound. Your encouragement has meant the world to me, and I am happy to share that I am making a steady recovery.
In light of recent developments, I will be spending my time between Las Vegas and our beautiful Bleakstorm Island. Please rest assured that my commitment to our community remains steadfast, and I will continue to fulfill my duties to our county with dedication and love.
Thank you for your continued support and love. I am excited for you all to meet Nino and witness the happiness he has brought into my life.
Warmest regards,
Hope Emily Nightingale
He gently lifted me and placed me onto his lap. He gently traced kisses all over my face, telling me repeatedly that he loved me. He then slowly placed me on the bed and climbed in next to me.
"We'll continue packing after a nap." He cuddled with me, careful not to accidentally hurt my injured hand.
I closed my eyes, completely at peace, extremely happy to have a Nino by my side.
