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I appreciate them a lot :), motivation !! and enjoy loves

I don't know much about horses, but I can't deny how Bruno is indeed a beautiful creature. There's something about him that reminds me of Salvatore, perhaps the way his mane flows or the intensity in his eyes.

As I tentatively place my hand on Bruno's face, he snorts suddenly, catching me off guard. My expression shifts from shock to a playful smirk as I wipe away the snort.

"You're much more playful than you look," I remark, addressing the majestic animal before me.

Salvatore chuckles beside me, his laughter blending with the gentle rustle of the wind. "Bruno really listens to you," he remarks, admiration evident in his tone as he watches our interaction.

The horse draws closer to my face, almost seeking a cuddle, and unintentionally, a smile blooms on my lips. It's the most innocent and beautiful smile, my cheeks flushed with a delicate pink hue. With closed eyes and hands gently resting on the sides of the horse, I find myself lost in the moment, basking in the warmth of this unexpected affection.

Salvatore's eyes widen in sheer surprise, his lips parting as he witnesses this beautiful interaction. He quickly captures the moment with his camera, freezing the image of my laughing smile, a sight he's never witnessed before. His expression mirrors his astonishment, as if seeing me in a new light, as if he's utterly captivated by this side of me.

"It's the first time I've seen you smile like that," he remarks, his voice filled with genuine wonder.

I glance at him, a hint of sadness flickering across my features. "There's a fake one as well," I reply softly, unable to shake off the weight of my past.

"But that's your real smile," Salvatore insists, his words laced with tenderness. "A teasing smile, an empty smile, a smirk—I mean, those are just facades."

My gaze falls to the ground, my expression reflecting a sense of melancholy. The truth is, I don't have many reasons to smile comfortably. Despite the freedom of living away from that suffocating house, life isn't easy. With limited earnings, every day is a struggle, and the idea of finding joy in the simple things seems like a distant dream.

In the midst of it all, I've never imagined how much happiness could be found with just a hundred dollars.

"I'll make you smile more often from now on and put a ring on your finger," Salvatore declares with a tender smile, his words carried by the gentle breeze.

As the wind dances around us, our eyes lock in a silent exchange, each word unspoken yet deeply felt. There's a certain magic in the air, an invisible thread connecting us in this moment of shared understanding and affection.

Slowly, I turn away, my heart fluttering with a mixture of emotions. "Don't just casually make promises," I murmur, the words tinged with a hint of skepticism.

Normally, such a statement would be accompanied by a grumpy expression, but as I turn away from him, a genuine smile graces my lips. With cheeks flushed pink, I find myself smiling not because of his words alone, but because of the beauty of the world around us.

In that fleeting moment, as I face away from him, the warmth of my smile illuminates my features. It's a genuine expression of joy, a reflection of the serenity I feel in this picturesque setting. And as I smile, the horse by my side gazes at me with a sense of quiet admiration, as if appreciating the beauty of the moment just as much as we are.

The three-day, two-night honeymoon passes swiftly, marked by moments of quiet companionship and shared glances filled with unspoken words.

As I adjust my seatbelt and take a sip of tea, its aroma enveloping me in warmth, Salvatore's gaze remains fixed on me, his eyes speaking volumes without uttering a word.

"I don't want to be stressed anymore," he finally says, breaking the tranquil atmosphere and drawing my attention.

His words pull me from my thoughts, and I meet his gaze with a curious expression. "It seems you've grown accustomed to it. The distance has certainly shortened," I remark, taking another sip of tea as I ponder our destination.

At my observation, Salvatore lets out a soft exclamation, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Ah," he murmurs, his tone tinged with amusement.

Perplexed by his response, I inquire, "What did you expect?"

There's a fleeting moment of levity between us, the tension of our journey momentarily forgotten. "You're a funny man," I chuckle, lifting the cup to my lips for another sip, finding solace in the simple pleasure of tea and laughter amidst the uncertainty of our travels.

From the exhilarating journey to the somber final flight, and the surprisingly serene moments amid the storm, even the present tranquility cannot dispel the unease as I return to Naples. The prospect of our next destination looms ominously – "home"

A/N: In this world of the story, every child kneels or bows to their parents as a sign of respect and to receive blessings. This custom is prevalent, transcending cultural boundaries, similar to practices observed in certain Asian countries like India, Japan, Korea, China, among others. However, it's essential to note that in this fictional setting, this tradition is universal, regardless of nationality. It's a narrative device to add depth and drama to the story. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that Muslims do not partake in this custom as it goes against their religious beliefs, as bowing is reserved for worship towards God alone.
Respect all :)

Entering the opulent penthouse, I announce our arrival, "Dad, Mom, we're home." Salvatore follows suit, his smile radiating warmth as we carry gifts for the in-laws.

"Welcome back, Salvatore," Rose greets him warmly.

But when Alessandro remains seated, absorbed in his newspaper with his back to us, I feel a surge of frustration. Despite being his son-in-law, he maintains his distant demeanor. It's infuriating.

"Dad! It's been too long. You're looking even more distinguished," Salvatore attempts to bridge the gap with his charming smile.

He's such a good man, trying to break through the ice.

"Please accept my bow," Salvatore continues, dropping to his knees and bowing at his father-in-law's feet, a gesture of respect ingrained in our traditions.

"alright" says Alessandro

"Alright," says Alessandro, his tone stoic.

My mom, visibly saddened, keeps her head hung low, unable to meet anyone's gaze.

But why should he and I bow as if it's a normal thing to do? He traded his own daughter for the sake of his mafia, and that's utterly unacceptable. Anger courses through me, making my hands tremble with fury.

"What are you doing, Valentina? Shouldn't you bow down too?" Mateo's voice interrupts my thoughts as he descends from the spiral stairs.

I turn sharply, my expression twisted in disgust and rage.

"Who is this girl to mock you? You shouldn't concern yourself with her. Let's receive Valentina's bow together. I never imagined I'd see you kneel before me. Isn't this what we wish for, longevity?" Mateo's words cut through the air, his tone laced with condescension, as he settles beside Alessandro.

Meanwhile, Salvatore remains on his knees, a symbol of respect amidst this twisted display of authority.

Though I never wanted to come here because of my biological parents, now that I'm here, an unexpected calm settles over me.

Yes, this is the reality of marriage.

I stand there, my knuckles clenched white, still shaking with the intensity of my emotions.

Salvatore, though seething with anger, manages to mask it with a smile, still on his knees. "Then I'll bow twice on her behalf," he declares with unexpected enthusiasm.

I would traverse the depths of hell and kneel at the feet of the gods themselves if it meant I could spend an eternity by her side.

The room freezes in shock. My brother, my dad, and even I wear identical expressions of disbelief, our mouths agape in astonishment. "What?!" I exclaim, the word bursting out of me in utter incredulity.

But Salvatore, despite the tension thickening the air, continues to smile. It's a smile that speaks volumes, revealing the depth of his love and devotion. And in that moment, as he offers to bow twice in my place, he defies not only the expectations of the mafia world but also the norms of our society. It's a gesture that resonates deeply, a symbol of his unwavering commitment to me, even in the face of adversity.

A/N: Loves cherish him well.. and please VOTE AND COMMENT!!!

loves a short poem for my Salvatore and Valentina

So Far Till Now-

In shadows of the night, where darkness reigns,
A love unfolds, amidst whispered refrains.
He's a lion of the streets, yet a puppy for her,
She's a queen of the cold, her emotions a blur.

His heart beats fierce, a mafia's pride,
Yet melts like wax when she's by his side.
A single glance, a touch, a scar's embrace,
Love sparked in shadows, in clandestine grace.

Three fleeting meetings, a dance in fate's embrace,
In funeral's hush, in the brother's fierce chase.
Their love, a slow burn, in the depths it grew,
In the heart of the darkness, their passion true.