Marco

Waking up to find Bella sleeping peacefully on my chest was a profound moment for me. There was an undeniable feeling that this was exactly where I belonged. Our connection had deepened over time, and significantly, it was built on more than just physical attraction. We had shared our thoughts, dreams, and fears, creating a bond that felt uniquely genuine.

Bella's determination to leave the Italian family was something I both admired and feared. The reality of our world is that one does not simply walk away from such a life without significant repercussions. Her role in her family was crucial, and leaving it behind would undoubtedly come with a heavy price.

Needing to clear my head, I stepped outside, pulling on my jacket as I walked to my car. It was then that I decided to call my father, to confess the turmoil that was weighing on my heart.

"Where are you?" he asked right away.

"With Bella," I replied, bracing myself for his reaction.

He let out a long sigh, a prelude to his reminder. "We talked about this. You are going to marry Keta..."

"I know, but I want her, Dad. I think I love her," I admitted, my voice carrying a mix of certainty and apprehension.

There was a moment of hesitation on his end. "You do realize this will start a war. I'm giving you the reins to an empire, and this is your first act? Love?"

In response, I echoed the words he had once said to his own father when he chose to marry my mother. "La quiero como mi reina," I said firmly.

After a pause, he finally conceded. "Okay. I hope this is what she truly wants."

Hanging up the phone, I felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. My father's acceptance was vital, but it also underscored the gravity of my choice. This wasn't just a personal decision; it was a move that would have far-reaching implications. As I stood there, the early morning light creeping over the horizon, I knew one thing for sure: my path was now irrevocably intertwined with Bella's, for better or for worse.

After ending the call with my father, the weight of the decision I had just made was heavy on my mind. I knew what had to be done next. Picking up my phone again, I sent a message to Keta. My fingers hesitated for a moment over the screen, knowing the impact of the words I was about to send.

"I can't go through with it. I'm sorry," I typed and hit send.

It was a simple message, but one that marked a significant turning point. The ramifications of this text would be far-reaching, affecting not just me but our families and their plans. The decision to choose Bella over the arranged marriage with Keta was not one I took lightly, but it was driven by a truth in my heart that I could no longer ignore.

Putting my phone away, I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of apprehension and resolve. As I turned to go back to Bella, I knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges. But for the first time, I felt a sense of clarity about what I truly wanted. I was ready to face whatever consequences came our way, as long as I had Bella by my side. The next steps would be difficult, but with her, I felt a strength and certainty that gave me hope.

Bella

The silence in the room felt heavier as I realized Marco was gone. The plans and dreams we had discussed the night before were still vivid in my mind, but so were my fears about the consequences of our decisions. My heart sank a little as I picked up my phone, noticing a missed call from my grandfather. 

"Nonno," I greeted him, my voice a mix of apprehension and relief.

"Principessa," he replied, his tone laced with a rare hint of excitement. As our conversation continued, it was clear he sensed something significant was on my mind.

"Well, one of us needs to speak before the silence gets too dangerous," he joked, trying to lighten the mood. I could tell his asthma was causing him grief. Despite his diagnosis of lung cancer a few years ago, he still insist on having a cigar every Sunday.

"Who am I to marry?" I asked, cutting to the chase. He coughed for a moment before responding.

His response was reassuring at first. "You don't have to marry anyone. Your role is more significant than a mere formality," he said, referring to my sister's situation.

But when I confessed, "Nonno, I'm in love," his reaction shifted drastically.

"No, I won't hear of love. You can have lovers, but never speak of love," he said sharply, his tone laced with disdain.

When he demanded to know who it was, I hesitated, knowing the implications of my answer. "Marco Santos," I finally revealed.

His laughter was both dismissive and incredulous. "He's set to marry Keta Rivera. He won't start a war for you," he chuckled, seemingly amused by the notion.

"Why? Because you are in love. Have fun with him, but remember, your duty lies with the Romano name," he finished, hanging up abruptly.

I sat there, the phone still in my hand, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. Why hadn't Marco told me about his marriage to Keta? Was everything we shared just a fleeting moment for him? My grandfather's words echoed in my mind - a harsh reminder of the reality I was born into. Love, it seemed, was a luxury I couldn't afford, a sentiment incompatible with the obligations of my family name. The conversation left me feeling more confused and isolated than ever, torn between my heart and my duty.

As Marco entered the room, I couldn't mask my anger and confusion. His casual offer to grab something to eat didn't sit well, considering the turmoil swirling inside me.

He quickly sensed something was off. "Everything okay?" he asked, his concern evident.

I couldn't hold back any longer. "I just got off the phone with my grandfather. I told him I was in love with you... and he laughed, not because of my feelings, but because you're supposed to marry Keta," I said, my voice laced with a mix of hurt and betrayal.

As I walked past him, I saw his expression change to one of regret. "It's true," he admitted, reaching out to gently grasp my hand.

"Why wouldn't you tell me?" I demanded, my voice barely above a whisper.

He paused, a serious look on his face. "Because I knew you would have ended whatever we have. And I don't want to stop this, Bella. Look." He showed me the message he had sent to Keta, confirming his choice.

"I'm ready for war to have you, but you need to decide if this is really what you want. Once you say yes, there's no going back to your old life," he cautioned, his voice steady.

His words hung in the air as I paced the room, weighing the gravity of the decision. This wasn't just about us anymore; it was about the clash of two worlds, the potential for conflict and the irreversible change in our lives.

After a moment, I stopped pacing and faced him, a newfound determination in my eyes. "Yes," I said firmly and sealed my decision with a kiss.

In that kiss, there was an acknowledgment of the challenges ahead, a silent vow to face them together. It was a choice not just for love but for a future that would be ours to shape, outside the shadows of our families' expectations and legacies.

With my decision made to choose Marco, the consequences were swiftly unfolding. Keta, who had been set aside in favor of me, was struggling to come to terms with the rejection. Her reaction was fueled by hurt and anger, a dangerous combination in our world.

"I want him dead," she declared to her brother, her voice cold with resolve. The pain of being spurned had morphed into a desire for revenge, a common but perilous response in the intricate and often brutal dynamics of our families.

"Consider it done," her brother replied with a sinister smile. "He had it coming."

As he walked away, Keta was left alone, her decision to seek vengeance seemingly validated by her brother's agreement. This development was a stark reminder of the violent undercurrents that ran through our lives, the readiness with which retribution was sought and dealt.

In a world where alliances and enmities were as fluid as they were deadly, Keta's wrath represented a significant threat. Her brother's willingness to act on her behalf was a dangerous escalation, one that could lead to a cycle of violence and retribution.

This turn of events was a chilling confirmation of the risks Marco and I faced by choosing to be together. Our decision had set off a chain reaction, the repercussions of which would extend far beyond just the two of us. The path ahead was fraught with danger, and the shadow of Keta's vendetta loomed large, a dark cloud over the future we hoped to build together.