Although I was happy in Rome, I sighed in relief when Tina and I arrived at St Mark's Square. Our new clothes turned into our original ones, so I had to make my badge invisible. I couldn't believe we had finally defeated the Knights. The world was safe from eternal darkness. The only obstacle left was our families. How would we make them accept our love? I had no idea, but I'd find a way. I had given up on Valentina once because of my dad. That would never happen again. I had become immortal, so good luck to those who tried to kill me. My lips curled into a sweet smile as I glanced at Tina.

"We saved all these people from eternal darkness, and they have no idea," I chuckled while looking around. "Isn't that crazy?"

"Indeed," Valentina's lips curled into a weak smile. "I believe that makes us heroes."

"I thought you'd be happier about this," I put a strand of hair behind her ear. "After all, now we'll get our beer and swordfish. Remember that?"

Tina nodded. She glanced away, seemingly unable to look into my eyes. Why was she acting that way? I shook my head, wondering if I was worried for no reason. What could've taken place so quickly? We had barely finished fighting the KHW! Swallowing hard, I hoped it wasn't stupid Ettore. I'd freak out if that bastard had harmed her again.

"Tina, is everything alright?" I approached her. "You're very quiet."

"It's just... I'm devastated by what Ettore did. Besides almost killing Isa, he murdered Dario," Valentina wiped some tears off her face. "He was a horrible man."

"I'm so sorry," I put an arm around her shoulder. "Losing people we care about is always devastating."

She swallowed hard. It seemed my words had made things worse rather than better. My eyes bulged as Valentina took my hand, removing it from her shoulder. We hadn't argued, so why didn't she want me to touch her? Something was very wrong. Dario's death couldn't be the only problem.

Did I upset her?

"There's something else I must tell you," Valentina squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. "This will be difficult."

"You can tell me anything," I reassured her. "Deep breaths."

"San, the truth is... This isn't working," Tina rubbed her neck. "I'm not as happy as I thought I was."

I frowned. "What are you saying?"

"You're a great man, but we're not right for each other. My feelings have changed," Valentina bit her lower lip. "I'm breaking up with you."

My jaw dropped to the floor. I kept looking at her, unsure of what to say. Tina had surprised me so much that it seemed I had forgotten how to speak. Despite my flaws, I didn't deserve that. Had I failed her? What if I said something hurtful and forgot about it? My hands were sweaty. I had no idea what made Valentina change her mind. Everything seemed normal between us before we fought the KHW.

"This can't be true!" I breathed fast. "What did I do wrong?"

"I'm sorry," she sighed. "This wasn't an easy decision. Trust me."

"If this is about our differences, I'm willing to compromise. I'll go to Christmas masses with you," I took Tina's hands in mine while looking deep into her eyes. "It'd be nice if you celebrated Hannukah with me, but you don't have to. We'll find a way to make..."

"I appreciate your effort, but I've made up my mind," Tina interrupted. "It's too late."

I shook my head in denial. Even though Valentina kept insisting she didn't want me anymore, I had a feeling that wasn't the truth. Every time I looked at her, she looked away. Either Tina hated me, or she was hiding something. I was her magical Jew a few seconds ago, so how did I suddenly become the bad guy? My mind wouldn't stop torturing me with that subject.

"Whatever I did to you, I apologize," I knitted my brows. "I love you so much. Please, don't do this."

"This is my fault," Valentina took a deep breath. "You'll understand what I mean."

What if it was that private conversation?

Analyzing Tina's expression, I wondered what she could not be telling me. Perhaps she hadn't told me everything she and Guido had discussed. Although the Master Source didn't seem bad, maybe he had given her relationship advice. Guido knew how dangerous my situation with Valentina was. Did he tell her to break up with me because of my religion? I hoped not.

"What else did you and Guido talk about?" I narrowed my eyes slightly. "Did he mention our relationship?"

"Guido was concerned about my immortality, remember?" Tina laughed nervously. "That red glow around me... He said it was nothing. Magic makes different colors some... sometimes."

"You're stuttering," I crossed my arms. "Are you sure you told me everything?"

"Not exactly," Valentina cleared her throat. "I left an important thing out."

I knew it!

Even though I'd only known Tina for a few months, I had a feeling Dario and Ettore were just half of the story. She had been hiding the other part. I caressed Valentina's cheeks, wondering if I could help her. Nobody deserved to face challenges alone. Whatever she was concealing, it didn't seem painless for her. Tina rubbed her chin, apparently thinking.

I raised my brows. "So... what is it?"

"There's another man," Valentina closed her eyes for an instant. "I still have feelings for him."

No way. That couldn't possibly be true. From all reasons, did it have to be the worst? An idiot who had somehow beaten me? Scowling, I felt a huge desire to find whoever had stolen my Tina. That situation made me clench my fists. After all the things we had gone through, how could Valentina love someone else? Although I was far from perfect, I did my best to make her feel loved. Clearly, it wasn't enough.

I gulped. "I hope it's not Ettore."

"It's an old friend I've always loved. I met him eight years ago at... at an Easter mess," Valentina couldn't look into my eyes. "His name is Luigi... Farinelli. Luigi Farinelli."

"I don't understand. You seemed so happy with me!" I blinked fast while trying not to lose my mind. "What does this man have that I don't?"

"Please, don't make this more complicated than it already is! I just can't be with you anymore," Tina sighed intensively. "Especially when I think about Luigi all the time."

While I paced back and forth, Valentina breathed fast. Could she be lying? Although I wanted to trust her, I wasn't sure I could. Subtly, I touched her arm. My magic ran through Tina's veins, reaching her glowing soul. I saw her memory of breaking up with me after mending a new wound. Our breakup shouldn't hurt her that much if she loved another man. I sensed different energy in her as I closed my eyes. Where was that second glow coming from? Valentina moved her arm away from my hand before I could see more.

What was that? Did I see a second soul? No, I must have gone crazy.

I glanced at her arm. "Why is there something similar to a new soul in you?"

"You're hallucinating," Valentina took some steps back. "I hope you find happiness. You deserve it."

"Valentina, please!" I took a deep breath. "This can't be what you really want!"

"I'm thankful for our great moments, but we're over," her eyes were teary. "If you truly care about my feelings, do not come after me. Goodbye, San."

Before I could respond, Tina left and turned invisible. That was an unfair trick to stop me from following her. I shook my head, trying to forget that strange glow. Perhaps the breakup had messed with me so much I had hallucinated. Walking to my old neighborhood, I stared at the ground. Even though I hate to admit it, many tears ran down my cheeks. How could I lose Valentina to another man? I rubbed my eyes, trying to forget that horrible conversation.

Things seemed fine last night! What happened?

My mind was making me crazy. I wanted to find Valentina and ask her more questions, but I couldn't disrespect her will. Rubbing my forehead, I arrived at my dad's shop. He shot me an icy glare. Instead of apologizing for his ridiculous behavior, my father walked upstairs. If that idiot didn't wish to talk, I wouldn't complain. Dad's attitude did not surprise me. However, the new rag store right across from his did. I gawked as I saw my mother, Roberto, and his parents working together.

I entered the store. "What happened since I left?"

"Sandro! We missed you!" Roberto gave me a quick hug. "Where have you been?"

I sighed while remembering the Knights. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"I'd love to hear the story after I show you this wonderful place," my best friend smiled while looking around. "Your mother, my family, and I opened it while you were absent."

My mother walked closer. "I must speak to my son first."

Roberto nodded and left. Mom took a deep breath while walking closer. Her eyes were filled with tears as she gave me a warm embrace. Closing my eyes, I felt every moment of that hug. After her strange attitude when she saw my powers, that was all I needed. I pressed my lips together, trying to forget I wouldn't be able to introduce her to Tina.

"I'm so glad you're back! I'm sorry for not being nice to you because of your magic," my mother looked at the floor. "Also, I regret supporting your father when he made you choose a wife."

"That means a lot," I tilted my head to the side. "May I ask why you helped Roberto's family start a rag shop?"

"Your father and I have gone our separate ways. That happened a week after you left. I was so angry I gave Roberto's parents the idea of opening a store to compete with your dad's," my mom chucked. "I'm finally the old Anna Oppenheim again!"

I nodded while smiling. "I'm proud of you. Dad didn't deserve your love."

"I appreciate the praise. Now let's talk about you," my mom caressed my face. "Why did you run away, my dear? Did anyone hurt you? Do you want food?"

"Easy! You don't need to worry so much," I raised my brows. "I'll tell you what happened. Promise you're not going to freak out."

"I won't. However, you must never say that absurdity again," my mother gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "Saying a mother shouldn't be concerned about her child is stupid."

I laughed softly. My mom seemed intrigued as I explained what had taken place since I discovered my powers. The Knights, the Unity, Guido, my relationship with Valentina, Ettore's evil betrayal, my new immortality... Everything but the intimate moments and the breakup. My eyes widened as I didn't see an angry or upset look on my mother's face. Not even when I told her I loved a Catholic and healed a pope with magical powers.

Mom seems to believe me.

"A secret Catholic organization who wanted darkness? How crazy!" my mother sighed in relief. "I'm happy you, Valentina, Isabella, and Guido defeated it."

"So am I," I sighed while recalling Tina's words about Luigi. "I just wish it ended differently."

Mom raised a brow. "Why are you saying that?"

"Valentina just broke up with me. We expressed our love for each other yesterday, so I still don't understand why," I closed my eyes for a moment. "It was very sudden."

"I see. That makes me wonder..." my mother analyzed me as if she tried to read my mind. "Did you consummate your relationship?"

"Mom, remember what I said about asking personal questions?" I scowled as I couldn't believe her attitude. "I'm a grown man now!"

"I'll take that as a yes," she shot me a mysterious gaze. "When did it happen?"

"I already said... You are..." I rolled my eyes after realizing I couldn't win that battle. "Last night."

"Too recent," she shrugged. "My theory cannot be correct."

I blinked fast. "What are you talking about?"

My mom glanced at the wall. "I thought she might be pregnant, but one day isn't enough time for a woman to notice it."

Pregnant? Once again, my mother is exaggerating!

Frowning, I couldn't believe my mom had come up with something so absurd. If Tina cared about my feelings, she'd never hide a pregnancy from me. That would be too much, even with all the risks involved. Luckily, my mother was right. No woman found out about a baby so fast. Stupid Luigi made Valentina end our relationship, not a secret child.

"You're right," I said. "Besides, Tina couldn't hide something like that."

"Valentina would be an unmarried Catholic having a baby with a Jew. This puts her, you, and the kid in danger. If I were her, I'd get married to someone and give the baby a chance to be happy," she looked deep into my eyes. "Illegitimate children live horrible lives. That would be enough for her to break up with you and conceal the pregnancy."

I gaped. "You must have drunk a lot of wine to have such a crazy idea."

"I just have good instincts," my mother glanced at the floor. "Despite the dangerous situation, I would've loved to be a grandmother."

I huffed. "I like children but wouldn't be a good father."

Mom's lips curled into a sweet smile. "I completely disagree."

Shaking my head in denial, I tried not to remember Tina's feelings for Luigi. Mom gave me work to do, so at least I could forget my sadness for a while. Despite trying to concentrate on separating rags, my thoughts sometimes came back to the breakup. Although I thought I'd found the right person, it seemed I was wrong. Maybe my heart was stupid for not fearing falling in love anymore. Love was beautiful and yet extremely painful. Staring at my hands, I hoped I'd get over Valentina soon. 

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Author's note: Sandro is feeling heartbroken. Will Valentina ever come back to him? Keep reading and you'll find out... :-)

I dedicate this chapter to my dear friend debrlynn