The Debt of Love {The Fractured Hearts Series Book 1}

Twenty Three

NB: This Chapter is a sneak peak from Lionel's Book. I've decided to let him have his own book so let's have this chapter 😁

Lionel's Pov

I walked out of the study feeling all wiled up from the announcement Navas made. Why the hell would he just sign me off like that, I know our world deals with a lot of arranged marriages and stuffs. All for the sake of business and to grow power but I'm not the one for that, I'm into the business side than having to get married.

I walked up the stairs, going to get Marisol to leave for Mexico. It's funny how I call Hazel Marisol and end up with an actual one.

"Lionel, posso parlarti in attimo?" Zia Rita's voice caught my attention as I walked down the stairs to meet her.

"Si" I stood in front of her, towering over her.

[Translation: Lionel, Can I speak with you for a second?]

"Come ti senti riguardo a tuo padre che ha annuncianto il tuo fidanzamento senza il tuo permesso?" She asks looking at me with pitiful eyes. She and Mama went through arranged marriage too so she must know how much it sucks.

(Translation: How do you feel about your father announcing your engagement without your permission?)

"Non è bello, ma fa parte del.nostro mondo" I replied.

(Translation: It isn't nice but it's part of our world)

She raised her hands, cupping my face in it. "Povero bambino!"She clicked her tongue, removing her hand from my face.

(Translation: My poor baby)

"Tua madre è ancora sotto shock per quello che è successo ieri notte. She is always the weak one" She lets out a small laughter.

(Translation: Your mother is still in shock of what happened last night)

I became instantly worried for my mother. Maybe I should take her with me to Mexico, that's just gonna be the same. She is never save anywhere because every eyes is on us. Everyone wants to reap our clan out of the Mafia world.

"Sarà al sicuro?" Her lips tilts up into a small smile as she nods her head vigorously, "So"

(Translation: Is she gonna be safe?)

Her eyes darts around the area as if she was looking for something. "Dove sono i tuoi fratelli?"

(Translation: Where are your brothers?)

Mentioning them, I've come to realize that I wouldn't see them often like I do anymore. I fucking have a responsibility now! god damnit!

"Sono partiti per la spagna... Sto tornando in Messico con Marisol"I explained as she nods in understanding.

(Translation: They left for Spain. I'm going back to Mexico with Marisol)

She pulled me in for a hug, "Ve bene, amore. Chiamami quando atterri, va bene?" We broke the hug as I smiled at her.

(Translation: Okay my love, call me when you land okay?)

"Certo, Zia" She walked away as I found my way up the stairs.

(Translation: Sure Auntie)

I pushed the door open, walking into the room before slamming the door shut. I saw Marisol's body crawled up by the corner of the bed. This some fucked up shit, seeing that I'm engaged. My enemies would want to come attack her to get to me and I can let her get wasted.

I'm not that heartless. I pulled my hair in frustration, groaning as she sat upright. She looked at me with fear in her eyes.

"Sorry, I didn't know you were here already" she said in her sleepy voice.

"Entonces hablas inglés" I said as I sat down on the bed. She dropped her leg, making herself sit as she replied timidly.

(Translation: So you speak English)

"Si" My eyes traveled all over her body as different questions flew in my head. "De donde eres?" Her eyes darts to mine before she took it away from me in a millisecond.

(Translation: Where are you from)

"S... Soy de colombia" She stutters playing with her fingers timidly. Hearing the word Colombia, shocked me. How is she from Colombia and she has an arranged marriage with me. I'm a freaking italian, a freaking Moretti!!

(Translation: I'm from Colombia)

"Colombia? Navas tiene vinculos alli?"

(Translation: Colombia? Navas has ties there?)

She shook her head, "Es complicado. Mi padre hizo un trato con el y yo fu la grantia." What the actual fuck?

(Translation: It's complicated. My father has a deal with him and I was the collateral)

"Tu padre te hizo una garantia" My tone was filled with worry.

(Translation: Your father made you a collateral?)

"Si" She replied. "Pobrecita" I clicked my tongue.

(Translation: Poor girl)

"Empaca, vamos a Mexico ahora" I stood on my feet walking towards the door, as I held the knob twisting it open.

(Translation: Pack up, we are going to Mexico now)

"De acuerdo" I heard her say as I walked out of the room.

(Translation: Okay)

~

As I stepped into the grand hacienda, the weight of my responsibilities settled heavily onto my shoulders. I had arrived in Mexico with my arranged marriage fiancée, Marisol, and was expected to play the part of the devoted husband. But as I gazed into her eyes, I saw only a stranger staring back at me. Our union was a business arrangement, a strategic move to strengthen my position in the cartel.

"Your room," I said curtly, opening the door to a lavish suite. "You can rest and freshen up. We'll speak later."

Marisol nodded, her smile polite but strained. I knew she was still adjusting to our arranged marriage, still learning to navigate the complex web of my business and family dynamics. But I had no patience for her uncertainty. I had more pressing matters to attend to.

As I turned to leave, one of my men approached me, his expression grave. "Lionel, we need to talk," he said, his voice low and urgent.

I nodded, following him to a private study. The room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioning. Carlos closed the door behind us, his eyes scanning the room before focusing on me.

"What is it, Carlos?" I asked, my gut tightening with a sense of foreboding.

"It's the business," Carlos replied, glancing around nervously. "Things have been... unstable while you were away. Santiago has been making moves, trying to undermine your authority."

My eyes narrowed. Santiago was a ruthless man, always looking for ways to expand his own power at my expense. I had expected him to make a move, but not so soon.

"And there's something else," Carlos continued. "He's been kidnapping young girls, using them for his human trafficking ring."

My anger flared, but I kept my emotions in check. This was a business matter, not a personal one. I couldn't let sentiment cloud my judgment.

"I want to know everything," I growled, my mind racing with strategies to take down Santiago and protect my empire.

Carlos nodded, launching into a detailed report of the situation. I listened intently, my focus solely on the task at hand. Marisol was just a pawn in my game of power, a means to an end. I had no time for sentiment or affection. Not yet, at least.

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How would y'all like a Lionel's Book! I'm in love with his character tho🤭