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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Julian's voice cut through my anger. "Matteo, I've got them under control. You need to be with Valentina right now."
I didn't need to be told twice. I raced down the hallway with Julian at my side, and we reached the room where Valentina was with Sabrina.
The sight of her nearly brought me to my knees—her dress was torn, her hair was a mess, and tears streamed down her face.
Sabrina was trying her best to comfort her, but it was clear Valentina was overwhelmed.
"Can I have a moment alone with her?" I asked Sabrina, my voice tight with concern. She gave a nod and quietly exited the room.
I approached Valentina, my heart aching at the sight of her. "Val, it's me," I said softly. "I'm here. You don't have to be afraid."
Valentina looked at me, her eyes full of pain and fear. "No, don't," she said, her voice trembling. "Please don't touch me."
I respected her wish, staying a step back and watching as she tried to regain her composure.
I glanced at Julian, who stood in the doorway, and gave a firm nod. "Julian, make sure they're dealt with. I need to be with Valentina."
Julian nodded and left the room to handle the situation. I stayed with Valentina, offering her what comfort I could.
After Julian left, Valentina's defenses seemed to crumble. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs, and her resolve to push me away faltered.
Slowly, she reached out for me. "I tried to fight back," she whispered, her voice breaking. "But... they wouldn't stop. Marco kept touching me, and Lorenzo—"
Before she could say more, she collapsed into my arms, clinging to me as if I were her only lifeline. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close.
"It's okay," I murmured, my voice soothing. "You're safe now. I'm here with you. Nothing's going to hurt you anymore."
Valentina's sobs continued as she buried her face in my chest, and I held her tighter, letting her cry it out.
I whispered reassurances into her hair, my heart breaking for her. "Everything's going to be okay. I promise you that. I'm not letting go."
I gently squeezed Valentina's hand, trying to gauge her response. "Val, I need to ask you something, and you can tell me only what you're comfortable with. Did Marco touch you any further than I saw?"
Valentina's eyes flickered with a mix of pain and relief as she shook her head. "No, he didn't. But he got really close, and I... I was so scared."
I felt a wave of guilt crash over me. I cursed under my breath, wishing I could have arrived sooner, wishing I could have spared her from even that much.
"I'm so sorry, Val," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I'm truly sorry you had to go through that. I should have been there. I should have done more."
