As they settle into their new life, Romeo and Julian begin to open up more about their pasts. Late one night, sitting on the balcony with a bottle of wine, Julian tells Romeo about his childhood—about growing up in a household where power and fear ruled, and the constant pressure to live up to his family's ruthless reputation. He confesses that he's always felt like an outsider, more interested in art and freedom than in his family's criminal enterprises.
Romeo listens intently, his hand resting on Julian's. He shares his own stories—about his father's expectations, the weight of being the Santoro heir, and the loneliness that came with it. For the first time, they both feel truly understood, seen for who they are and not who they're supposed to be.
But their past isn't easy to escape. Romeo starts receiving cryptic messages on his burner phone, messages that suggest someone knows where they are. He tries to keep this from Julian, not wanting to alarm him, but the fear gnaws at him. He knows they can't hide forever, and the longer they stay, the more dangerous it becomes.
