Silent love

Chapter 23

On the previous chapter...

For the first time since I walked in, I saw something break behind his eyes—something fragile, something he'd been holding in for so long. A flicker of hope, maybe, or just the first crack in his armor.

"Please". I whispered, barely audible. "Talk to me, Jacques. Let me help you".

He hesitated. His lips trembling slightly, his breath uneven. And then, slowly, his voice emerged, fragile and raw.

"I'm scared". He confessed. "I don't know what to do anymore... It feels like I'm losing myself."

"Hey". I pulled him into a tighter embrace, holding him close. "You're not losing yourself. You're finding strength. I'm here, and I won't let you go through this alone."

The tears finally slipped down his cheeks. Silent, but heavy. He let them fall, his body shaking slightly as he buried his face in my shoulder. And in that moment, I vowed to never let him feel alone again.

Ever.

"We'll get through this together". I whispered. "I promise you."

                           ʚ FEDERICO'S POV ɞ

The dim light from the office window cast long shadows across the large desk. I sat behind it, the weight of documents, reports, and the usual mafia dealings spread out in front of me.

The meeting had been going on for hours, discussing territory expansion, shipments, and security measures. Every decision carried heavy consequences, as if any wrong move could tip the delicate balance of power.

Everyone already left the room expect for Silvio. He sits comfortable in his chair, a cigar hanging from his fingers, his eyes half-lidded as he listened with the kind of calm that came from years of experience.

"Everything is moving as planned?" I asked, tapping a pen on the desk, my tone steady but firm with authority.

"Everything is under control". Silvio replied, exhaling smoke. His voice was calm and sure, as if he expected everything to fall into place.

If we are sure of one thing, it's that everything will fall into place. Whatever it seems like it or not, in the end it does.

You must be confident in the this you do.

"The shipments will arrive on time, and security in the east has been tightened. No signs of trouble". I nodded, satisfied for now, though my mind remained cautious.

Years of leading the Mancini empire had taught me one thing: there was always something waiting to go wrong. Every shipment, every meeting, carried the potential for chaos. Survival meant always being prepared, always staying one step ahead.

My focus had already shifted to the next steps. Power was never stable. Enemies, old and new, were always watching, waiting for a chance to strike.

"Keep an eye on the shipment routes". I said firmly. "Make sure the eastern perimeter stays secure. No mistakes. Add more surveillance near the docks. I want updates, hourly if needed. We can't afford delays".

Silvio raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "Consider it done."

"But the real test will be after the shipments arrive". I added, narrowing my eyes. "It's not just about getting them there. We need to make sure our supply lines stay intact. If anyone catches on, they'll try to exploit any weakness".