Hope Emily Nightingale

As we waited at the location Remo had forwarded for the meeting, Fina's family was already present, accompanied by a man bound in ropes, likely the one Remo had kidnapped Serafina for in the first place.

Standing next to them, Dante gave me a cold look.
"Why didn't you inform me about having Nino as a captive? This could've unfolded differently if you had."

Returning his cold stare, I replied, "Because this was my own attempt to free Serafina. Your family's traditional views wouldn't have allowed women to assist."

Samuel scoffed. "We don't need a woman's help, especially not someone outside the mafia life."

"Really? What do you think expedited Remo's release of Fina? Your empty threats? Doubtful. Women are more than just objects. Cross me, and I'll show you firsthand," I retorted.

I noticed Nino trying to suppress his laughter, likely enjoying my defiance against those who resembled his former self. Locking eyes with him, it was evident he appreciated my standing up to people like him from two months prior.

Before Fina's family could further irritate me, Remo's car arrived. As attention shifted to Serafina and the car, I gave Nino's hand a final gentle squeeze, my expression indifferent.

Remo and Fabiano emerged from the car, the resemblance between Fabiano and the bound man striking.

"Hand over Scuderi and Nino," Remo demanded.

"No, you release Scuderi first. Then, you'll free Serafina, after which I'll hand over Nino. Don't try anything foolish; I'm stronger than I appear. Nino can attest to that," I warned.

Remo and Fabiano glared at me, their hostility palpable. Mentally sighing, I acknowledged it would take time for them to tolerate my presence. Longing for Nino's next encounter weighed heavily on my mind.

Dante escorted Scuderi to Fabiano. Then, Remo whispered something to Fina, her expression betraying a sense of betrayal. When he released her, she appeared liberated but devastated, her gaze pleading with me to understand. The ache mirrored my own upon parting with Nino.

"Now, release Nino," Remo commanded, pulling me from my thoughts. I uncuffed him and nudged him toward Remo.

Serafina who was up until now hugging her father embraced me, I hugged her tightly, feeling her bury her face in my neck. Glancing at Remo, I noticed him and Nino sharing a bond evident in their intertwined forearms.

After Fabiano secured Scuderi in the back seat and Nino settled in the passenger seat, Remo exchanged a final glance with Serafina before departing. Just as he was about to leave, I called out:

"Oh, Remo, never underestimate people simply because they appear weak. Your brother is a prime example of the consequences of such arrogance."

Remo's murderous glare softened upon seeing Serafina clinging to me. Clenching his fist, he turned away and left.

Once Remo departed, Serafina's mother embraced her. After the comforting hugs, Serafina voiced her desire to spend the next few days with me in my country. Samuel and Danilo immediately objected, fearing another kidnapping under my supervision.

"We just got you back, and I won't allow you to be taken again under her watch," Samuel protested, his words dripping with chauvinism.

Unfazed, I countered, "Did it seem like I was with her when she was initially kidnapped? No, that was you, accompanied by bodyguards. Serafina needs time away from this chaos."

After Serafina did some more pleading, they reluctantly agreed to let her stay with me, albeit with threats aimed at me. Their warnings amused me.

Throughout the flight, Serafina slept peacefully, likely seeking solace in sharing her experiences with me, free from her family's judgment. As she slept, my mind drifted to memories of Nino. Admitting to myself, I already missed him—the banter, the cuddles, and most of all, the sense of completeness he brought.