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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I was leaning on Matteo's shoulder, tears spilling down my face, unable to stop them.
He wouldn't look at me, wouldn't say anything.
My heart felt like it was being crushed in my chest, and I couldn't breathe through the panic.
The door suddenly burst open, and I jumped, looking up to see Julian storming into the room. His eyes immediately locked on Matteo, his expression a mix of shock and anger.
"Are you fucking serious, Matteo?" Julian spat, his voice loud enough to make me flinch. He took a step closer, shaking his head. "I thought you got better."
Better? I blinked, my mind racing. Better from what? My heart pounded even harder as I looked between them, trying to make sense of what was happening.
Julian seemed furious, like he'd seen this before, and that realization made my stomach twist.
How long had this been going on?
Matteo didn't respond, his face still buried in his hands. The sight of him like that was tearing me apart. I couldn't lose him, not now, not after everything.
I needed him to snap out of it, to come back to me.
Julian's gaze shifted to me, softening for a moment when he saw the state I was in.
He must have noticed how badly I was crying, how completely helpless I felt. His jaw clenched, and he stepped forward, holding his arms out.
"Valentina, come here," Julian said, his voice much gentler now.
I hesitated for a second, but then I stood, practically falling into his arms.
He hugged me tightly, his grip strong and comforting, though it did nothing to ease the fear gripping my chest.
"I'm scared, Julian," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I don't know what to do."
Julian's hand rubbed my back in slow circles, his voice steady as he said, "He's gonna be okay, alright? I promise you. But you shouldn't be here for this."
I pulled back, frowning. "What do you mean? I can't just leave him like this."
Julian's face hardened a little, and he glanced over my shoulder at Matteo. "You don't need to see him like this, Val. Trust me. I'll handle it."
"But—" I started, my voice trembling.
"No," Julian cut me off, his tone firmer now. "Go wait outside. Please. It's better if you don't see this."
I stared at him for a second, my heart pounding in my ears. He was asking me to walk away from Matteo when he needed help the most.
I didn't understand why, but there was something in Julian's eyes that made me listen.
He wasn't just trying to protect Matteo—he was trying to protect me too.
Slowly, I nodded, wiping at my face. My legs felt weak as I turned toward the door, but I stopped just before leaving.
