Love Between Chaos (Parisan Mafia #1)

2

Chapter 2: The Price of Peace

The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the Stuart estate’s dining room, casting a soft golden glow over the polished mahogany table. Sabrina sat at the far end, absently stirring her coffee, her thoughts still tangled in the events of the previous night.

Across from her, her father, Augustus Stuart, sat with a stern expression as he read the morning papers. He always looked the part of a mafia patriarch—impeccably dressed in a crisp suit, his silver hair neatly combed back. His piercing eyes scanned each headline with the precision of a man used to controlling every outcome.

“May problema ka ba, Sabrina?” His voice broke through the silence, as commanding as ever.

Sabrina looked up, meeting her father’s gaze. She quickly composed herself, placing the cup down gently. “Wala po, Papa.”

But she knew that wasn’t true. Something had shifted in her during her brief conversation with Justine Monteverde. And now, that shift was gnawing at her mind, pulling her focus away from her usual meticulous routine. For years, she had lived by a strict code—never show weakness, never let her guard down, especially around their enemies. But last night, for just a fleeting moment, she had done both.

“Balita ko, you spoke with Justine Monteverde last night” Augustus continued, his sharp gaze never leaving her face.

Sabrina stiffened. Her father was always well-informed, sometimes uncomfortably so. “It was just a few words on the balcony, Papa. Nothing important.”

He set the paper down and leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “The Monteverdes are our enemies, Sabrina. Don’t ever forget that. A single mistake, and we could lose everything we’ve built.”

She nodded, forcing her mind back to the reality of her situation. “Alam ko po iyon. I won’t let my guard down.”

But even as she said it, part of her couldn’t forget the look in Justine’s eyes—the vulnerability he had shown, the questions he had asked. What if things were different? What if they weren’t bound by the hatred of their families?

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Meanwhile, across the city, Justine Monteverde was having a very similar morning. Seated in the sleek, modern dining room of the Monteverde estate, he stared at his breakfast, untouched. His mind, like Sabrina’s, was elsewhere.

“You seem distracted, Justine” his father, Emilio Monteverde, remarked, sipping his espresso. Emilio was a tall, imposing man, with the same blue eyes that Justine had inherited. Those eyes were now fixed on him, watching closely.

Justine shook his head slightly, pushing his thoughts aside. “I’m fine, Papa.”

Emilio didn’t look convinced. “Fine? After last night? You spent time with Sabrina Stuart. Care to explain that?”

Justine’s jaw tightened. He had known this was coming. The Monteverdes had spies everywhere, just like the Stuarts. “We exchanged a few words. Nothing more.”

His father set his cup down, the sound echoing slightly in the large room. “The Stuarts are dangerous, Justine. I’ve taught you that since you were old enough to understand. Whatever game you’re playing, it better be worth it.”

“There’s no game” Justine replied, his voice low.

“She’s just like us. Trapped in this life. That’s all.”

Emilio’s eyes narrowed. “She’s not like us. She’s a Stuart. Don’t ever forget that. She’ll cut your throat if it benefits her family.”

Justine wanted to argue, to say that not everything was as black and white as his father made it out to be. But he knew it was pointless. Emilio Monteverde saw the world in absolutes—friends and enemies, power and weakness. There was no room for gray areas.