The two switched mafia princesses.

Chapter 22

Back in the hospital room, there was nothing but awkward silence that filled the room. Luca worryingly pacing back and forth in the room with Zuko and Adrian awkwardly sitting down facing the floor.

"How come I wasn't aware that we made a temporary alliance with the Lorenzis and D'Cruz family?" Rafael said his voice bearly above a whisper.

Rafael's question hung in the air, barely a whisper but heavy with implication. It was a question that demanded an answer, yet no one seemed ready to provide one.

"Umm, Zuko, Adrian, could you guys give us a quick sec alone?" Luca asked as he turned to Zuko and Adrian.

"Yeah sure, we should be heading back home anyway." Zuko said as he stood up.

Adrian followed suit, standing up and giving Luca a small nod. The two men shuffled out of the room, leaving Luca and Rafael alone in the tense silence.

Luca waited until the door clicked shut behind them before turning to face Rafael. His pacing stopped, but the worry etched on his face remained.

"Rafael, I didn't think it was something you'd want to be bothered with," Luca began, his voice low and steady. "You've had enough on your plate already, and this alliance... it's delicate. Temporary. I thought it best to handle it quietly."

Rafael's eyes narrowed, his frustration barely contained. "Luca, this isn't just about being bothered. It's about trust. We need to be on the same page, especially with something as significant as an alliance with the Lorenzis and D'Cruz families. Their involvement changes everything."

Luca sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, I know. But the situation demanded quick action. The Lorenzis and D'Cruz families have resources we need right now. It was a calculated risk, one I thought was necessary."

Rafael irritated, his gaze unwavering. "Calculated or not, I should have been informed. We can't afford any more surprises, Luca. Not now."

Luca nodded, the weight of Rafael's words sinking in. "You're right. I should have told you. I promise, from now on, no more secrets. We face everything together."

Rafael's expression softened slightly, though the tension in the room still lingered. "Good. Because if this alliance backfires, I don't want them to hurt anyone again especially Valentina."

Luca's eyes softened at the mention of Valentina, a name that seemed to carry the weight of the world. "I understand, Rafael. Valentina means a lot to all of us. This alliance was never meant to put her or anyone else in danger. It was supposed to be a way to protect our interests, to strengthen our position."

Rafael took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I get that, Luca. But the Lorenzis and D'Cruz families... they are not to be trusted easily. Their history, their methods—it's risky."

Luca nodded, his expression earnest. "I know their reputation. But desperate times call for desperate measures. We're stretched thin, and their resources can buy us time, give us an edge. We just have to be careful, keep our eyes open."

Rafael expression then changed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Alright. But from now on, we need to be transparent with each other. No more decisions behind closed doors. We need to trust each other completely if we're going to navigate through this mess."

"Agreed," Luca replied, extending his hand. "No more secrets."

Rafael shook Luca's hand firmly, a silent agreement passing between them. The room's atmosphere shifted, the tension giving way to a sense of mutual understanding.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Valentina herself stepped in, her eyes scanning the room. "Hey Rafael you're awake." Valentina said walking into the room.