Devil's Devotion

Chapter-20 (last part)

Luciano

I stormed back into the hospital, my mind a tumult of anger and frustration from my confrontation with Chris. My heart pounded with a mix of fear and hope. I've to know the truth about Renèe. As I entered the room where Luca and Marko were waiting, their faces fell into a mixture of surprise and concern.

"Where is she?" I demanded, my voice a growl.

Luca and Marko exchanged a glance. "How did you know she wasn’t dead?" Marko asked cautiously.

My eyes burned with intensity. "I can read micro-expressions. I could see it in your faces. Now, tell me where she is."

Luca nodded, finally relenting. "She's here, Luciano. She’s alive but unconscious."

Relief and dread washed over me as I hurried to Renèe's room. The sight of her lying so still, hooked up to various machines, broke my heart. I sat by her side, holding her hand, willing her to wake up.

I couldn't shake the image of Renèe's lifeless form, sprawled out and vulnerable after the explosion. My heart shattered at the sight, a mix of anger, sorrow, and helplessness coursing through me. Every moment she lay unconscious felt like an eternity, a stark reminder of how fragile life could be. Determined to ensure her safety and provide her with the best care, I decided to take her to my mansion.

The drive back was filled with a heavy silence, punctuated only by the occasional beep from the medical equipment they had hastily assembled to monitor her condition. As soon as we arrived, I carried her inside, my strong arms cradling her with a tenderness that belied my usual tough demeanor.

In the sprawling mansion, I set up a makeshift hospital room, sparing no expense. I called in the best doctors and nurses, ensuring she had round-the-clock care. I hovered nearby, always within earshot, always watching. My eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, my thoughts consumed by the fear of losing her.

Each day, I sat by her bedside, holding her hand, speaking to her in soft, soothing tones. I recounted stories from our past, reminiscing about our shared moments, and whispered my hopes for the future. I spoke of plans we had yet to fulfill, dreams we had yet to chase. My voice cracked with emotion as I promised her we would get through this together.

My mansion, usually a place of strategy and planning, had transformed into a sanctuary for healing. The bustling activity of my underworld operations slowed as my focus remained steadfastly on Renèe. Luca and Marko took on additional responsibilities, understanding their leader's need to be with her. They too were deeply affected, sharing Luciano's worry and grief.

As the days dragged on, my heart ached at the sight of Renèe's still form. Her pale face, once full of life and determination, now looked fragile and serene. I brushed her hair back from her forehead, my fingers trembling slightly. Each touch was filled with a desperate hope that she would stir, open her eyes, and smile at me once more.

On the ninth day, something changed. A faint flutter of her eyelids, a soft sigh escaping her lips. My heart leaped in my chest. I leaned in closer, my breath catching in my throat.

"Renèe? Can you hear me?" My voice was barely above a whisper, laden with emotion.

Slowly, her eyes opened, blinking against the light. She looked around, confusion evident in her gaze, before they settled on me.

---

Renèe

I awoke slowly, my head heavy and my vision blurry. The ornate ceiling above me was  unfamiliar surroundings of a large, opulent mansion, she felt a wave of confusion and disorientation. The room was grand, luxurious, yet it held an air of warmth and safety. and as I tried to sit up, a sharp pain coursed through my body. I winced, and Luciano was at my side in an instant, his face a mixture of relief and worry.

“Where am I?” I asked, my voice weak.

“You’re in my home ” Luciano replied gently, his eyes never leaving my face. “You’ve been unconscious for nine days.”

My mind raced as I tried to piece together what had happened. The explosion, the chaos, and then nothing. I looked at Luciano, who was still holding my hand, his expression softening.

“Why did you bring me here?” I asked, My voice stronger now.

“I needed to keep you safe,” he said, his voice cracking slightly. “I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

Over the next few days, my strength slowly returned. Luciano was by my side every step of the way, ensuring I had everything I needed. He was my rock, his unwavering support a constant source of comfort.

Finally, one evening, I felt well enough to ask the question that had been gnawing at me since I  woke up. “Who did this, Luciano? Who tried to kill me?”

Luciano’s face darkened, and he took a deep breath before speaking. “It was Mia. She orchestrated the attack. Chris was involved too. They wanted you out of the way.”

My eyes flashed with anger. “Why?”

“She was jealous, bitter,” Luciano explained. “Mia hated that you had everything she wanted. She’s been plotting against you for a long time.”

My jaw tightened. “We need to find her. Now.”

Luciano nodded, seeing the determination in my eyes. “We will. And we’ll make them pay.”

The next day, we set out to confront Mia and Chris. Luciano’s men had tracked them down to a secluded mansion. As we approached, my heart pounded in my chest, a mix of fear and fury propelling me forward.

We entered the mansion quietly, moving through the darkened hallways until we found Mia and Chris in a lavishly decorated room. Mia’s eyes widened in shock as she saw me standing there, alive and well.

“Renèe,” Mia said, her voice trembling. “You’re supposed to be dead.”

I stepped forward, my eyes cold and steely. “You tried to kill me, Mia. Why?”

Mia’s fear quickly turned to defiance. “You had everything, Renèe. The perfect life, the perfect career, even the man I loved. I wanted to destroy you.”

I shook my  head, disgusted. “You’re pathetic, Mia. You let your jealousy consume you. And now you’ll pay for it.”

Mia lunged at me, but Luciano was faster. He grabbed Mia, pinning her arms behind her back. I looked at Chris, who was watching the scene unfold with wide eyes.

“Chris, you’re just as guilty,” I said, my voice dripping with contempt. “You helped her. You’re going to pay too.”

Chris tried to protest, but Luciano silenced him with a glare. I approached Mia, my eyes burning with fury. “You’ve caused enough pain, Mia. It ends now.”

With a swift, decisive movement, I drew my gun and shot Mia. The sound echoed through the room, and Mia fell to the floor, lifeless. I turned to Chris, who was now shaking with fear.

“You’re next,” I said coldly.

Luciano handed me another gun, and I didn’t hesitate. I pulled the trigger, and Chris crumpled to the ground. The room fell silent, the weight of what I've done settling over us.

Luciano looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and sorrow. “It’s over,” he said softly. “You’re safe now.”

I said coldly " you were right Luciano , sometimes vengeance is only way of justice "

----------------**  THE END   **-----------------------