In the heart of a modern city, two rival families hold the power. Valentina, a fiercely loyal daughter, and Matteo, a cunning and determined son, find themselves on opposite sides of a dangerous feud. But when their paths unexpectedly intertwine, th...
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When my phone buzzed, I didn't think much of it—until I saw who the text was from. Lorenzo. My stomach twisted as I read the message: "If you want to see Logan alive, come to the warehouse. Bring no one."
My heart raced as I dropped everything and sped toward the warehouse. I knew Lorenzo was a piece of work, but to involve Valentina in this? That was a whole new level of madness.
When I arrived, I burst through the doors, expecting the worst. But even then, nothing could've prepared me for what I saw.
Valentina was on the floor, sobbing, clutching onto Logan, who looked barely conscious, his body slumped in the chair. Bruises marred his face, and his breathing was shallow. I didn't care much for Logan, but seeing Valentina like that—completely shattered, tears streaming down her face—ripped something out of me.
"Valentina..." I barely managed to say her name, my voice cracking.
She didn't look up, too focused on Logan, trying to shield him from Lorenzo's next move. Then, it happened—Lorenzo's fist flew toward Logan, and Valentina jumped in front of him. The punch landed on her instead, sending her crashing to the ground.
I froze. The sight of her getting hurt paralyzed me. I wanted to run to her, to stop this madness, but I was rooted to the spot, completely helpless.
Alejandro Marcelo,who I hadn't even noticed before, suddenly stepped in. He blocked Lorenzo, his face full of fury. I was grateful, but also ashamed. That should've been me protecting her.
"Matteo... please..." Valentina's broken voice cut through the chaos, pleading for me to do something.
I clenched my fists, trying to force myself to move, but it was like my body wasn't listening. Alejandro was there, standing his ground, and I was just... watching.
"Matteo!" she cried out again, desperate. That's when it hit me. The weight of everything, the fact that she needed me—she was begging for me to step up, and I was failing her.
Finally, I snapped out of it. I rushed over to her, my legs shaky but determined. I dropped to my knees beside her, gently grabbing her arm. "Valentina..." My voice was strained, but she looked up at me, eyes full of tears.
Lorenzo sneered at me, but I ignored him. My focus was entirely on Valentina. I checked her over, seeing the bruise starting to form on her face where Lorenzo had hit her.
"Valentina, where are you hurt?" I asked, my voice tight with concern. Her shoulder was bruised, and her face was marked with tears and anguish.
"Here," she managed through her sobs, pointing to her shoulder and then her face. My hands trembled as I touched her shoulder, feeling the extent of her injuries.
The guilt and anger surged inside me, knowing I had stood by while Lorenzo had hurt her.
"Make them stop," Valentina pleaded, her voice cracking. "Please, Matteo, make it stop."
