Ethan's rugged exterior concealed a complex web of emotions. Beneath his anger and betrayal, a deeper truth stirred.
As Victoria's words, "I love you," echoed in his mind, Ethan's heart skipped a beat. For the first time, he acknowledged the feelings he'd suppressed.
He, the formidable mafia leader, had fallen deeply in love with Victoria.
Ethan's thoughts swirled, reconciling his emotions with the pain of Victoria's betrayal. He understood now that his anger stemmed not just from her actions, but from the fear of losing her.
Alexander, his brother, had been a mere pawn in Ethan's larger scheme. But Victoria's attempt to seduce him had threatened Ethan's own claim on her heart.
As Ethan grappled with these revelations, his expression softened. He began to see Victoria in a new light – as a woman who loved him, flaws and all.
Ethan's phone buzzed, snapping him back to reality. Alexander's name flashed on the screen.
"Ethan, we need to talk," Alexander said, his voice low.
Ethan's grip on the phone tightened.
"About Victoria?"
Alexander's pause was telling.
"Yes. And your feelings for her."
Ethan's silence spoke volumes.
"I'll meet you," Ethan said finally.
The brothers' conversation would change everything.
Alexander's words cut deep, striking Ethan's vulnerable core.
"I acknowledge your feelings, Ethan. You've fallen deeply in love with Victoria. But face the truth: she doesn't love you."
Ethan's face contorted in rage.
"You're lying! I don't believe you!" he slammed his fist on the table.
Alexander's calm demeanor infuriated Ethan further.
"Why would she not love me?" Ethan demanded.
Alexander's voice remained even.
"Victoria loves someone else, Ethan. Not you."
Ethan's eyes widened, his mind reeling.
"Who?" he growled.
Alexander hesitated.
"I won't say. But know this: it's not you."
Ethan's anger boiled over.
"You're just trying to drive us apart! You want her for yourself!"
Alexander shook his head.
"No, Ethan. I'm trying to save you from heartbreak. You deserve better than unrequited love."
Ethan's face twisted.
"You're just jealous. You've always been jealous of me."
Alexander sighed.
"I'm concerned, Ethan. You're blinded by love. Open your eyes."
Ethan's fury reached new heights.
"Get out! Never speak of this again!"
Alexander stood, his eyes filled with sorrow.
"I'll leave, but know this: I'm trying to protect you, brother."
As Alexander walked away, Ethan's world crumbled.
Could Alexander be right? Did Victoria truly not love him? But she said at night ' I love you '
Ethan's mind racing, he summoned his most trusted lieutenant, Ryder.
"Ryder, I need you to arrange surveillance on Victoria. Discreetly."
Ryder nodded, his expression unreadable.
"Understood, sir. Who's the target?"
"No one specific," Ethan replied. "I just need to know if Alexander's claims are true. If Victoria's heart belongs to another, I need proof."
Ryder's gaze lingered, but he nodded.
"Consider it done, sir."
Within hours, Victoria was unknowingly surrounded by Ethan's guards, blending seamlessly into her daily life.
Days passed, and the guards reported Victoria's every move to Ethan.
But the intel shocked Ethan to his core.
Victoria wasn't meeting anyone suspicious. Instead, she spent her days caring for their son, managing the household, and...
Writing letters.
Letters to Alexander.
Ethan's world crumbled.
"Ryder, get me those letters," Ethan growled.
Ryder hesitated.
"Sir, are you sure?"
Ethan's glare silenced Ryder.
The letters arrived, and Ethan's heart sank.
Victoria's words poured out onto the pages, confessing her love for Alexander.
Ethan's vision blurred, his anger and hurt boiling over.
How could she?
Alexander received Victoria's letters, his expression unreadable. He'd known about her feelings for months, but his own heart remained unmoved.
He'd never encouraged her, never led her on. Yet, Victoria's letters continued to arrive, filled with longing and devotion.
Alexander sighed, setting the latest letter aside.
"Dispose of it," he instructed his assistant.
His assistant nodded, taking the letter.
Alexander's thoughts turned to Ethan, his brother. He'd warned Ethan about Victoria's feelings, but Ethan refused to listen.
Alexander's conscience prickled. Had he been too harsh?
No, he decided. Ethan needed to face reality.
Meanwhile, Ethan seethed, Victoria's letters fueling his rage.
How could Alexander disregard her feelings so callously?
Ethan stormed into Alexander's office, slamming the door.
"You knew," Ethan spat, his voice trembling. "You knew she felt this way."
Alexander looked up, calm.
"Yes, Ethan. I told you."
Ethan's anger boiled over.
"You didn't care. You just discarded her feelings like trash."
Alexander's expression remained neutral.
"Ethan, I never led her on. I never promised her anything."
Ethan's face twisted.
"That's not the point! The point is you knew and did nothing."
Alexander sighed.
"I warned you, Ethan. I told you she didn't love you."
Ethan's eyes blazed.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you? Watching me burn."
Alexander stood, his voice firm.
"No, Ethan. I'm trying to save you from heartbreak."
Ethan's laughter was cold.
"You're too late. My heart is already ash."
The brothers' stare-down was electric.
