"Il Capo Supremo è scelto,"
— The Supreme Leader is chosen.

******************

Nikolas's POV

We stood there, side by side, in the room of the higher table, a silent battleground of wills ongoing. The air hung heavy with the weight of centuries-old tradition, each member of the council held an air of authority, their eyes boring into us with scrutiny and expectation.

Isaac's stance was rigid with defiance, resisting against the inevitable. His refusal to relinquish his grip on power was palpable, a silent challenge that echoed through the room.

As the minutes stretched on, each second a whole eternity in the hushed chamber, I felt the tension coil tighter, anticipation thrumming through my veins like a relentless heartbeat. The ritual loomed before us, a passage of authority that demanded to be fulfilled.

"We are gathered here today," began the elder statesman, his voice resonating through the room, "To bear witness to the sacred passage of power, the transition of authority from one leader to the next."

One of the council's members, Giovanni was his name, an old associate who worked with my grandfather back in the day, focused all of his attention on me, "Nikolas, you were born and raised in this family," He spoke, his voice carrying the weight of decades of loyalty, "Your grandfather, may he rest in peace," His gaze flickered to Isaac at the sentence before he faced me, "He was a titan among men. He forged our family into the formidable force it is today, a beacon of strength and honor in the underworld."

"He led us through the darkest of times, guiding us with wisdom and vision," Giovanni continued, his voice tinged with admiration, "Under his leadership, the Sicilian Mafia rose to unparalleled heights," Pride shone in his eyes the longer he spoke and I found myself slightly relaxing, breathing, in and out.

Just like I planned from the start, I knew he in exact would be my ally. It's one of the clues my mother left out for me. It filled me with an unexplainable surge of confidence that one of the council members was firmly on my team. It only assured the awaited outcome.

"He always spoke of how he wanted you to carry on with his legacy," Giovanni's lips formed a faint smile as he seemed to recall very old memories, "And I believe in you, Nikolas, that you will resume what he started generations ago."

Giovanni's gaze shifted to Isaac, and instantly, his expression hardened, "For far too long, our people have been under misguided leadership," He said, his hand on the table's edge tightening, the anger etching lines over his forehead and at the corner of his eyes, "It's about time we change that."

"Giovanni-" Isaac started to speak, ready to defend himself maybe, but he was cut off almost instantly. Giovanni angrily shot up to his feet, his palm slamming into the table, "You shut up, Isaac!" He snapped and god, it was taking everything in me not to break into the biggest smile.

"Our first rule, the most important code we go with, is our unity — to stand together rather than against each other!" Giovanni's voice thundered, his rage consuming every feature of his face, "It wasn't enough that you killed our true leader, and took his place, but then you went ahead and killed his daughter, your very own wife!"

Isaac's brow furrowed, his expression shifting to one of defensiveness. "Giovanni, you're making baseless accusations here, I'd advise you to be more careful," he retorted, his tone sharp, feigning confidence, "Where is your proof of such claims? These are serious allegations, and you know better than to accuse me of killing my wife—"

"Come on, Father," I interjected, my voice slicing through the tense air, drawing his attention to me, "Did you really think I came empty-handed?" I questioned, feigning innocence, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips as his composure faltered.

"Yes, Nikolas supplied us with all the proof we needed," Giovanni affirmed, but Isaac's gaze remained fixated on mine.

I nodded, my expression serious. "The car the shot came from, the order you made that day—I have a copy of everything that deems you guilty," I revealed, my voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside me. The memory of her sacrifice weighed heavily on my very weak heart. My voice dripped down as I added, only for him to hear, "She knew she was going to die, and she didn't want it to go to waste."

Every piece of evidence I needed to bring Isaac to justice was contained within that file she left for me. Every detail was meticulously documented, every clue carefully arranged. From the precise selection of the restaurant we went to, the one Isaac would learn about through her reservation and come for her. To the security footage outside that captured her death, the ones that were sent to me afterward. Not to mention that she followed up on all of Isaac's phone calls and texts; she had orchestrated everything to ensure that justice would be served.

And now, it was up to me to carry on, to see her work through to its rightful conclusion; to Isaac's demise. Once and for all.

Isaac's shocked and unhinged gaze flickered from me and back to the council, as Giovanni strictly added, "We have everything that marks you as guilty, you broke our code and you will severely pay the price for it," He said.

Giovanni was about to continue but was rather interrupted by another member, named Marco. When I researched the council, I learned that this Marco was some distant cousin of my dear father, which could only mean that Isaac, too, had a council member on his side.

"Giovanni, I get your point, but I still don't believe that Nikolas, out of everyone, would be the best choice here," Marco carried on, pulling out his defenses, "With everything I've presented to the council beforehand, you can see how he is mentally unstable," Marco's eyes flickered to me, a challenging tinge in his gaze, "The things he went through at a young age, it...messed him up," Marco shook his head, "He can't and won't be a reliable leader."

"Exactly," Isaac affirmed, unwilling to give up before he had laid out all of his cards on the table. I figured he'd take such a dirty route, I figured he didn't slip me those hallucinogens just to mess with my head, but also to gather enough proof that I wasn't stable enough to take over.

Always going for the mentally unstable card; it's becoming really old and I am fucking tired of it.

Before Isaac could carry on, a light knock interrupted the charged atmosphere, the sound slicing through the tension like a knife, the door opening followed the knock, and Emma popped her head inside. Confusion wrapped her expression up and her lost gaze drifted around before it finally fell on me.

"Which is why I have a much better option for all of you," Isaac announced, pure delight in his tone, his proud gaze on her and he ushered her to get inside, "Emma, sweetie, why don't you come inside."

My brows furrowed in confusion as I locked eyes with Emma, struggling to comprehend her unexpected presence. This wasn't part of the plan. Her bewildered expression mirrored my own, silently questioning the unfolding situation, completely unaware of Isaac's intentions.

"You all know Emma, my daughter, the prodigy of the HEX, the system I designed to create soldiers and future leaders, the very system you all approved of," Isaac added and Giovanni's eyes met mine, a silent message exchanged between us.

Hesitant in each step she took, Emma paused to a stop beside me, "What the hell is happening?" She hissed lowly, only for me to hear.

"You tell me," I retorted, my jaw clenched with frustration, "What are you doing here?"

She shot me a genuine look of bewilderment, a helpless shrug punctuating her cluelessness, before her gaze flickered to Isaac, just as he carried on, "She might not be a Viarchi by blood, but she carries the legacy of our heritage."

Lines etched every corner of her face, her eyes widening in pure shock when Isaac added, "She should be your next leader," His face turned to us, a sick smile lifting the corner of his lips as he met my gaze, "She is the future of the Sicilian Mafia."

His eyes were only on me, "Not you, Nikolas," He said, totally fine with surrendering his power, but just not to me, another sick game of his, another way to mess with my head and fuck me up on the inside, "I am not giving my power to some...crazy kid, unstable and unhinged," He shook his head, "And, definitely not to a rapist."

My hands clenched into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms as I fought to contain the seething fury threatening to consume me. The air crackled with tension, charged with the raw energy of my suppressed rage, but he wasn't done yet.

"You said we go by a code, right Giovanni?" Isaac directed his attention to the council, his unconquerable eyes challenging us all, "That we don't and shouldn't work against each other, but well, Nikolas did exactly that, for years," He looked at me, his eyebrow-raising, "He had hurt his very own brother, his own blood, so what do you expect from such a man?"

He turned his body to them, "You say I am bad, and yeah sure, I am not going to stand here and defend myself, you are absolutely right," He carried on ever so casually, "But make sure you are not transferring such power to someone even worse."

I knew that succumbing to the primal urge to lash out and fuck him up on the spot would only play into his twisted words. So, I held myself back, I faked composure, I tried to clutch and grasp into every little thing I had left, to seek that voice in my head, the one asking me to just wait, wait a little more. He can't win. He won't win. I can't let him.

Chatter arose from the council's side as they discussed and questioned this sudden turn of events. Giovanni's eyes were on me, an underlying question that I didn't hesitate to answer with a nod of my head, approving and giving him the green light to speak next on my behalf.

"I need you to stay calm after what he is going to say," I whispered to Emma beside me.

Confused, her eyes flickered up, "What?"

"I get everyone's hesitation over here, but I've got every proof that opposes Isaac's claim of his son's...unhinged mental state," Giovanni spoke, imitating Isaac's words, "A full psychoanalysis done and approved by one of our very own doctors, tests and data to prove that he is just like all of us," Giovanni's eyebrow quirked knowingly, "I mean, we all do have a bit of insanity in us after all, how else could we lead such a life, am I right?"

His eyes went to Emma before he focused his attention back on the rest, "Let's not deceive ourselves here. Throughout our history, we've never had a woman in a leadership role, and for good reason. The title alone speaks volumes—it's not suited for her. She will fail." He added and Emma's eyes widened at his blunt statement, "Because a woman cannot lead."

"She cannot command the respect and fear required for the role. A woman can't win," He added, "In this ruthless game, she will always be outmatched, outwitted, and ultimately, defeated."

"What the fuck!" Emma hissed, a low groan rumbled from her chest and my hand instantly curled over her elbow, pulling her back.

"I will fucking show him what this woman can do!" She grated out and I tightened my grip over her arm, "Not now, Emma," I said, hoping she'd get it was all just a show.

Giovanni and I, we measured and calculated, we drew possible solutions for every twist we expected Isaac to pull on us. Even Emma's appearance, I gave that move a probability. After these years, I've come to understand Isaac to some level. He always plays dirty but this time I took measures.

This time, he couldn't be a step ahead.

This time, I came prepared. I was ready.

"So tell me, who'd you rather be your leader?" Giovanni said, "A real Viarchi by blood, the royal heir to the man who pulled us up from ashes?" He added, "Or some..." His eyes fell on Emma, mockingly adding, "Some girl?"

Emma groaned, "I am calm, I am fucking calm!" She grumbled under her breath.

"It's almost over, hang on," I told her but she wasn't satisfied still.

A hushed anticipation enveloped the room before the statesman's words reverberated, "It's time to vote, gentlemen," he declared, his voice commanding attention amidst the tense atmosphere. "And after that, the heirloom will be passed to anoint the next leader before the rest of the official matters take place."

As the minutes stretched on, each one feeling like an eternity, the atmosphere grew palpably tense.

Finally, the verdict was announced.

Me.

Just like I expected.

Our eyes met and a flicker of satisfaction passed between Giovanni and me, a silent acknowledgment of my victory in this battle.

Yet, despite this being a success, the significance of the moment eluded me. Ascending to the throne, and becoming a king, had never been my goal or dream; it was merely a means to an end, a stepping stone on the path to Isaac's downfall.

So, while the outcome was expected, it held little personal resonance for me.

This was not a triumph to savor but a calculated maneuver in a much larger scheme.

I had orchestrated every move with precision, knowing full well the real endgame I sought.

After all, I hadn't come this far to see my plans unravel.

My mother's death won't be wasted. I will make sure of that when Isaac breathes his last tomorrow.

"Il Capo Supremo è scelto,"  the statesman's voice echoed, delivering the news in our native tongue. The Supreme Leader is chosen.

All the council members stood up, showing the respect this moment held. The statesman held the heirloom— an antique dagger, one I've only heard rumors about. It has stories steeped in the traditions of the Sicilian Mafia. Legend has it that it was crafted centuries ago by a renowned artisan, and commissioned by the very first leader of the Viarchi family.

The leader wielded great power and influence, and the dagger became emblematic of his authority.

It has been passed from one commander to another, through generations, and its importance transcended its physical form, serving as a reminder of the traditions, honor, and strength that bound the family together.

In my opinion, it's all bullshit. But well, who am I to complain when I had just checked off another task from my list?

The man stood by Isaac's side, extending the heirloom, asking him to hand it over to me. Traditions and all. But Isaac's fury was unmatched, his gaze darted from the dagger to the council, his voice dripping with disdain, "You must be kidding me," He grated out, "I refuse to partake in this fucking charade.  As I've made it clear, I don't approve of your choices—"

"To be honest, Isaac," Giovanni interjected, stepping forward with a sly smile, "Your opinion holds little weight here," Snatching the dagger from the man's grasp, he addressed my father, "I will do it myself," He added, "You are dismissed, Isaac."

Isaac's bewilderment was evident as his gaze darted all over the room. He knew he had no other choice, so he stormed past me, his shoulder harshly brushing my own, his parting words laced with a veiled threat, "This is far from over, son."

Giovanni's gaze locked with mine as Isaac slammed the door behind him, his smile mirrored my own triumph. I turned to Emma, who despite all, broke into an accomplished smile too, because for once, after all these years, we've got the upper hand on Isaac.

******************

The rest of the secluded ceremony passed smoothly. Words and vows exchanged within the chamber, promises for a better future that held little to no significance for me. My focus remained fixed on the one important thing; the impending downfall of Isaac's reign.

As for all of this charade, I can take care of it afterward.

The council members departed, each going his way, preparing official documents and ready to announce my ascending to the throne to everyone in the family in an upcoming event.

Giovanni waited for everyone's departure before he edged closer to us. His gaze, primarily on Emma, held a hint of contrition as a small smile graced his lips, "Allow me to apologize for my previous words, my dear," he began, his hand extended, offered in a gesture of peace.

Emma's glare remained unyielding, her arms crossed defiantly over her chest as she met Giovanni's gaze. "Considering your views on women, weak and all, I'll pass on the handshake," she retorted, her tone laced with mockery, "My weak body might shatter under the strong male force."

Giovanni chuckled softly, his amusement genuine as he sought to explain, "As I mentioned, we were only putting on a show, they are a bunch of close-minded old people, and I only spoke in their language to hit the right spot," He explained, "Rest assured, not a word was meant on my side."

A flicker of emotion passed through Giovanni's eyes, a vulnerability beneath the surface. "I have a daughter, likely around your age," he said, a trace of agony shadowing his features, "And even though I haven't seen her in a while because of Isaac," His jaw tightened at that sentence; revealing to Emma the main reason he had helped me out;

A deal we made, he supports my case and I save his daughter. One for one. Simple.

"I believe that she is the strongest there is," He said.

"So, Emma, should you ever choose to pursue this path in the future, I am sure you'd make one hell of a leader," He added, his sincerity evident, "And I can assure you that you will have my full support throughout."

Emma's tense posture eased at Giovanni's genuine words. He extended his hand again, "Can we declare peace now?" He asked, eyebrow arching.

Emma's lips twitched and she placed her hand in his, shaking it, "Okay, you are forgiven."

When he let go of her hand, his gaze traveled to me, his smile slowly dropping, "Nikolas—"

"Tonight, I promise," I spoke before he could ask. I had made a deal, a promise, and I was going to keep it.

He passed by me, tapping his hand on my shoulder, "I am counting on you," He said before he walked away.

Emma and I followed right after, walking out of the room and pausing by the edge of the stairs, our gaze flickering down to the crowd, "This feels surreal to you, too?" Emma asked with a low sigh.

I offered a silent nod in agreement; none of this seemed quite real.

My gaze flickered to my watch, "Emma, I am gonna need your help with something," I said, "Meet me in half an hour outside, and bring Roman too, I think I saw him nearby—"

Emma rolled her eyes, a hint of exasperation in her voice, "Yeah, the idiot made it his mission to stalk me everywhere."

"He is your husband," I stated the obvious.

She rolled her eyes again, "Soon-to-be ex-husband," She retorted, "No, wait, sorry, soon-to-be-dead ex-husband."

My eyebrow raised, "Emma, now's not the time for us to be at odds and apart, we are so close to finally putting an end to everything, so suck it up for now, you put whatever the hell this is behind you and let us finish, we can't be distracted and unfocused," I pointed out, not willing for any little detail to disturb our plans.

"Okay," She mumbled lowly, shooting me a glare at my commanding tone, "Already acting like my boss, aren't you."

"Emma," I said in annoyance and she sighed, "Okay, okay, whatever."

"Also, I saw Natalie here," She pointed out, hitting me back with the same arrow, "How did that happen? When? and why?"

My jaw tightened at the unnecessary questions, "She came with Isaac."

Emma's eyes widened, "What?" She shot out, "God, that's so ewww—" She added, her expression twisting into a disturbed one, "Oh my god, it's even more eww than me and Alex kissing."

"Not like that," I grumbled out, glaring at her.

Emma continued, her imagination running wild. "Just picture it—Isaac and Natalie," she said, making a face as if she were about to vomit. She was saying all of this on purpose, making me pay for pulling the Roman card previously.

"Stop it," I grumbled, lightly punching her arm in frustration.

"Will she be my new step-mommy?" She asked and I was so close to pushing her off the stairs.

She chuckled at my furious expression, "Okay, okay, sorry," She tiptoed and pecked my cheek, "Love you."

We descended the stairs, and as my foot landed on the final step, Ronald was right there, his eager eyes searching mine, "Well?" he prodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Did it work? Am I supposed to start calling you boss now?" he asked, his excitement palpable.

I sighed, rolling my eyes in response, and nodded.

His eyes widened with excitement, "Fucking finally!" he exclaimed before he edged closer and...fucking hugged me. I stiffened at the unexpected gesture. The fuck—

Instinctively, I drew my gun and pressed it against his stomach, "If you don't back away, I will kill you, Ronald, right here, right now," I grated out, meaning every word and carefully, he pulled back, pushing his arms up in surrender, "Okay, okay, I know that this is your love language—" He addressed the gun pressed into his guts, "So I won't complain."

My jaw ticked and I withdrew my gun. Ronald let out a sigh of relief, adjusting his collar as he composed himself. My gaze shifted to...Natalie, who stood silently beside him. Our eyes briefly met, but she quickly averted her gaze, her attention momentarily captured by Emma's glare.

"You are so lucky that you're important to my brother," Emma said, edging closer to Natalie. "Otherwise, I'd have dealt with you myself," she warned, her tone sharp with animosity.

"Emma," I started to say, ready to stop her before this accelerates. I knew my sister well.

"I will see you in a bit, Nik," Emma mumbled, her eyes still on Natalie, who remained silent, words failed her, and she couldn't defend herself from Emma's accusing stare.

Emma scoffed before she walked away, leaving the three of us alone.

Hefting out a low sigh, I stepped away too, not willing to deal with this or her now. It was neither the place nor the time. I made my way outside the mansion, searching for a fresh breath of air and I sought solace in the cool night air.

Outside, I paused my steps beside the tranquil water fountain, its gentle flow offering a sense of calm amidst the turmoil raging within and around me. With my hands tucked into my pockets, I watched the rhythmic dance of the water, attempting to distract myself from the thoughts swirling in my mind.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Jeremy, asking him to give me Nathan, so I could check up on him.

"Nikolas?" His young questioning voice echoed from the phone.

"Hey buddy, how are you doing?" I asked.

"I am good," He replied, his tone relaxing, almost like hearing my voice helped ease down his nerves, "Jeremy and I are playing PlayStation," He added, his voice lowering, "He is no good, I keep beating him up," He said, a hint of a smile in his voice.

Hey, I heard that. Jeremy mumbled from the background.

The corner of my lips pulled up slightly, "That's great," I mumbled.

"When will you come back?" He asked, his tone shifting back to sad.

"Soon, I promise," I said, "Just a couple more days, okay?"

"Okay," He mumbled lowly, "Oh, by the way, the doctor said Chris is getting better," He said, his voice becoming more energetic, "When he wakes up, I will go and see him," He added, "We will become friends."

"Yeah, I talked with the doctor too, he will get better soon," I assured him and myself, "You two will make good friends, I am sure."

"Uhuh," Nathan mumbled, "Just come back quickly, okay?" He softly requested just as I heard faint footsteps from behind me. I turned around just as Natalie paused across from me, "I miss you and I miss Natalie," Nathan added and my heart made that thing I hated. His words stirred a pang in my chest, that familiar sensation of heartache.

"Me too," I mumbled, my eyes on her, "Natalie misses you as well," I added, noticing the crease forming between her eyebrows, "I gotta go now, I will check up on you later, okay."

"Okay, deal," He said before he bid his goodbye and hung up.

I lowered my hand, tucking the phone in my pocket, "Is that Nathan?" Natalie asked, her expression clouded with sadness.

I nodded my head silently.

"He is okay, right?" She whispered.

I nodded, again.

She inched closer, her voice barely above a murmur. "Okay. I won't ask you where he is," she said, her gaze dropping to the ground, "It's better if I don't know."

"I wasn't going to tell you, anyway," I said.

She lifted her gaze and met mine, her throat moving, bobbing in nervousness, "Nikolas—"

I pretended to be busy on my phone, typing down so I wouldn't have to look at her, "I will ask Ronald to get you back home, you can't be here," I interjected, stopping whatever she was going to say.

"But—"

Before she could speak more, before I could say another word, we were interrupted by an unwelcome presence, "Will you look at you, two?" Isaac's mocking voice sliced through the night, drawing closer with each step. His hard eyes swept between us, dripping with disdain. "So adorable," he added, his sarcasm dripping like venom.

My eyebrow raised, "Always so bitter, aren't you," I said.

His jaw clenched, the look in his eyes so different from anything I've seen before, unhinged, mad, and on the verge of unraveling, "But of course, I can't blame you," I spoke, adding salt to the wound, "First, you lose your precious little boy, and now —your power," I edged forward, attempting to indirectly shield Natalie behind me, just in case he pulls something out.

Giving him a feigned look of innocence, I pressed on, "What do you have left, father?"

His jaw tensed further, his expression contorted with barely restrained fury, "That's the thing, Nikolas," he spat out, his voice dripping with malice. "I've got nothing to lose anymore. So what makes you think I wouldn't just kill you, right here, right now?" His gaze flickered to Natalie, a sinister glint dancing in his eyes. "You, too, have been playing on my nerves for a while now."

His hand was slowly reaching for his gun but I noticed it in time and prepared myself, "Might as well just kill you two and put an end to this," He grumbled.

Everything unraveled in a mere second after. In the heartbeat between breaths, the world around us collapsed into chaos. Isaac pulled his gun just as I pulled mine out, he pointed it at me just as I did the same, ready to defend. The chilling click of triggers echoed through the frigid night air, poised to shatter the fragile silence.

"Nikolas!" Natalie's panicked voice, a desperate cry, pierced the tense silence. Before I could react, a flash of blonde surged forward, a protective instinct propelling her into harm's way. The air crackled with tension as Isaac's bullet tore through the stillness, its deadly trajectory aimed at her.

Bewilderment gripped me like icy fingers, freezing time in its tracks. My heart pounded harshly in my chest, ready to jump out as I surged forward, hands reaching out frantically to grasp her, to shield her from the impending danger. My hands urgently curled around her arms, turning her around and my eyes scouring her body for any sign of injury.

A wave of relief surged through me when I noticed she was unharmed.

My gaze went ahead, finally comprehending what occurred. How Isaac was pushed away, at the right moment, and how his shot was fired aimlessly into the air. Isaac staggered to the left as Ronlad pushed him with all his might, his demeanor transformed by adrenaline and determination, in an attempt to defend us.

He tensed slightly when Isaac tried to compose and straighten himself. Disbelief hung heavy in the air, his wide bewildered eyes shifting from Ronald to Natalie, a storm of rage brewing beneath the surface.

Ronald pulled his gun up, keeping it pointed at Isaac, "You stay the hell away from them," He grated out, his chest heaving up and down, because for once, he was actually threatening Isaac.

Isaac scoffed, his next words, laced with venom and fury, cut through the night like a blade, "You know what," he seethed, his jaw clenched with barely contained rage, "I was only holding back because you are Maria's kids. But guess what? I don't give a damn anymore. All of you will fucking pay."

His last threat echoed into the air before he turned and strode away, leaving us in the wake of the moment.

Ronald lowered his hand down, his gaze falling on us, "Did I just push Isaac himself?" He questioned, his throat bobbing as he registered what just happened.

He rubbed a hand over his chest, and his face paled, "I don't feel well," He mumbled, taking a few steps away as he taught himself how to breathe again.

My terrified hands were still so tight around Natalie and my bewildered gaze dropped down to her, "What the hell did you think you were doing?!" I shot out, grinding my teeth at the possible way this could've ended, "He could've shot you, are you fucking insane!"

Fear took residence in her eyes, but she shook her head, "It wouldn't be the worst thing to happen, would it?" She mumbled lowly.

"Natalie, for god's sake—" I snapped, unable to understand her, unable to form coherent words. She makes me lose my fucking mind every single time.

She shook her head again, the tears in her eyes gathering but never passing the threshold, "I wasn't going to let him hurt you again," She added in defiance.

"Why are you here?" I shot out, "Why are you here, still?" I added furiously, "You know me, now, Natalie, you know every fucked up thing I've done, so why are you here? Why are you taking a fucking bullet for me? Why aren't you running away in the opposite direction? Why the fuck are you here still!"

"I don't know, okay," She responded, her frustration echoing my own, "I don't know!"

"Hate me, Natalie. I need you to fucking hate me!" I grated out, edging closer, my face so close to her, my hands still curled around her arms, holding her, "Just hate me for the love of god, and make this easier."

"You think I don't want to," She said, her jaw tightening, "You think I don't wish to just hate you and get it over with," She shook her head, helplessly, "That it would make everything so much easier if I just hated you, but I can't, I can't Nikolas, I can't!" Her voice raised at the last part, the tears crossing the limit and dripping down her cheek.

"I can't," She mumbled again in helplessness, her voice dropping lower.

A tremor coursed through her frail body, I felt her tremble, quivering beneath my grip and my harsh gaze. The goosebumps that erupted along her skin painted her neck and face a very light shade of crimson. Her eyes, still looked at me the same, but the only difference was they were shattered now, the waves of ocean raging within them were only pushing her under, suffocating her beneath the truth; my truth.

"Everywhere hurts," she whispered to me, her tears steadily falling down, "This feeling, this guilt, this fact that I was just another person who had hurt you," She added, the air she tried to suck in suffocated her more, "I wasn't supposed to hurt you, not me, I wasn't...I should've not," She sniffled, her eyes bare for me to see the chaos and the hurt, the pain, so much pain; and it killed me to know I was indirectly responsible for it.

"I made you trust me, I asked you to trust me, I said that I would not judge you no matter what, I made you believe in me," She hiccuped a sob, "I asked you to show me your vulnerable side," She added, her voice so low as she spoke out her inner turmoil, "You allowed me to touch your scars, those on the inside and outside," She shook her head, "I wasn't supposed to hurt you," Tears flowed uncontrollably, "If I didn't, maybe...maybe I would've been able to hate you, and all of this would be so much easier."

"Hurt me, Nikolas, just hurt me, maybe...maybe then I would stop loving you," She mumbled, ruining me yet again, distracting me from my purpose, "Maybe I would hate you then," She added; her pain, her tears, her vulnerability, everything about her suffocating me, "Just hurt me back..."

"I can't deal with this now," I told her, my inside a mess I wasn't ready to face yet, "I have so much left to do, Natalie," I added, shaking my head, my pain echoing her own, "Just go, please, I am begging you to just go away, to leave me alone," I am better when she is away, it makes it easier to not face every fucked up thing in and around me.

She is an existing proof that I don't deserve to be okay, I don't deserve to be happy, I don't deserve to live and fight. I should've just walked away that first day at her clinic, I should've turned around and walked away. I should've not looked back once.

I was better off not knowing what happiness felt like.

I was better off not knowing how consuming love can be.

How destructive and ruthless such a delicate feeling can be.

I was better off drowning in the suffocating silence of my loneliness, shielded from the cruel sting of hope and the searing ache of longing.

I should have embraced the numbness and welcomed the emptiness. There was no room for heartbreak back then; no space for shattered dreams to haunt my every waking moment.

But I didn't walk away. No, that day, I stayed, and I led myself to her delicate trap welcomingly. With every smile, every laugh, every whispered promise, she chipped away at the fortress around my heart, unraveling the carefully constructed walls that guarded my weak heart.

She unraveled me, and now I have nothing, nothing but the bits and pieces of someone I used to be.

Now, I have nothing left.

My tight grip finally let go of her, releasing her, wishing she'd disappear from my sight and heart altogether.

I didn't waste a chance when Ronlad got closer to us, I asked him to take her away, far from here, from me.

Instead of fighting, she allowed him to whisk her away.

I took a moment or two to gather myself, clear up my head, and refocus on my goal. I called Emma and asked them to meet me outside. I made a promise to Giovanni I must fulfill before dawn.

As I waited for Emma and Roman, my gaze couldn't help but flicker back to the road Ronald and Natalie had taken minutes ago. I watched as she got into the passenger seat, wincing as she pulled the side of her dress and took a look at her injured leg. She said something and Ronald bent down, his hand going to her bandaged leg, inspecting something.

A silent conversation went between them before Ronald got up, closing her door as he circled his way to the driver's seat. Without thinking, I texted him, 'What's wrong?'

He paused and pulled his phone out, reading the message before his gaze flickered up, meeting mine across the distance. He typed down before his message came back as; 'Her gunshot wound is bleeding again, I'll take her to the hospital first.'

My jaw tightened, my grip on the phone ready to crush it. I quickly replied, 'Call me if something is wrong.'

He read the message and looked up at me, nodding his head in assurance before he got into the car and drove her off.

Not long after, Emma and Roman arrived at my side just as I was arranging for our men to reach our destination beforehand. We had a long night ahead.

"So, where are we going to exactly?" Emma asked.

My eyes carefully assessed her face before I said, "To the HEX."

Lines etched her forehead and the muscles of her jaw worked, so I asked, "You want to come?"

Her tone hardened as she replied, "Won't miss it for the world."

***************

"So, Giovanni's daughter is being kept at the HEX?" Emma asked and I nodded, "Yeah, he couldn't get to her no matter how hard he tried," I explained, "And he couldn't get a proof that Isaac was keeping her there."

Emma nodded in understatement, "No wonder he helped you," She commented as we got out of my car and stood a short distance from none other than the center of the HEX; its imposing presence loomed over us like a dark specter against the night sky.

The building stood tall and foreboding, its sleek, metallic exterior reflecting the faint glimmer of moonlight. Tall, razor-wire fences surrounded the compound, serving as a stark reminder of the intensive security measures within.

It was almost like a fortress, with its sturdy walls rising high into the air, seemingly impenetrable to any intruder. Harsh floodlights illuminated the perimeter, casting long shadows that danced ominously across the ground.

"Well, hello old friend," Emma mumbled lowly as she gazed ahead, her eyes drifting around and down memory lane.

Roman's unwavering focus on Emma was evident, his determination to never leave her side steadfast even amidst our risky mission to infiltrate the HEX.

My plan to breach the fortress-like walls of the HEX had been meticulously crafted for months now. I gathered all the necessary information from Matilde before Emma captured her. Jeremy did his intensive research till he was able to hack into the security system. And my men were now doing their part, fighting through Isaac's men, a bloody battle that allowed us passage inside.

Just before we could make our way into the fortress, Ronald's car halted to a stop beside mine and he hurriedly went down, stepping forward toward us, "I arrived on time, I guess," He commented.

He read my questioning gaze and informed me right away, "One of the wound's stitches came loose, that's why she bled, they will keep her at the hospital overnight," He added, "I kept some of the guys watching over her, just in case."

I nodded my head, absorbing the news before I pushed all of this to the back of my head and focused on our task, "Okay, let's do this."

"Emma, do you know where section 18 is located?" I asked.

My question had her eyebrows pulled closer before she nodded her head, "Yeah."

I nodded and gave her space ahead, "Lead our way, then."

Isaac had fortified this place with layers of security, and even with our men engaged in fierce combat, we encountered numerous obstacles along the way. Yet, none was more than what we can handle. With grit and determination, we fought our way through until we reached the designated area I learned Giovanni's daughter would be held captive in.

Ronald paused momentarily, "Why exactly are we here?" he asked, his confused gaze scanning the surroundings for answers.

"To save someone," I said as I typed the code Jeremy had supplied me with into the keypad. A beep sound echoed, the green light flashing before the metal doors slid open.

Beneath the door, a group of girls stood in apprehension, their eyes wide with fear and uncertainty. Among them, one girl stood out, shielding the rest behind her. A gun held in her tight grip and pointed at us with defensive resolve.

Her gaze, fixated on me, held a mixture of wariness and defiance as she assessed the situation, uncertain whether I posed a threat or a potential ally.

From the pictures, I figured out who the girl  standing at the forefront of the group should be. She looked petite but poised, her stance exuding a mixture of defiance and vulnerability. Her features were soft and youthful but yet determined. Her dirty blonde hair was pulled up into a ponytail. Her attire, like the rest of the girls, was what I suppose is their usual uniform.

I took a step closer, but the girl's eyes widened, and she instantly took a step forward, her gun high, and aimed at me, "I advise you to get back," She grated out, ready to defend her group at all costs, "I know who you are," She added, anger consuming her features, "You're Isaac's son."

I tried not to roll my eyes at that bitter fact.

"And I know who you are," I stated, taking yet an unthreatened step forward, "I am working with your father, and I am here to take you back to him."

A wave of emotions darkened her eyes, she hesitated for a second but then she shook her head, refusing to believe me.

"Look, I get it," Emma spoke, stepping ahead and grabbing the girl's attention, "I guess you are the head of your team here, and you want to protect them," She added, addressing the rest of the girls who seemed to be depending on her for safety, "I was the head of my team back in the day," Emma added, tilting her head to the side as she recalled old dark memories, "But do you know what they make you do later on," She said, "They will force you to kill everyone on your team, so please, come with us, we are not here to cause you any harm."

"We are here to save you all," I added.

The girl, couldn't trust us still, she hadn't lowered her gun yet. Hesitation, fear, and determination played across her features, it seemed that nothing would make her believe us, well except for one very unexpected thing, or someone.

"We are here to help," Ronald was the one to speak, his voice a different type of soft as he took a step forward, revealing himself to her, "So, please Celiá, let us get you out of here."

My eyebrows pulled closer and I didn't know what shocked me more, the fact that he knew her name or the bewilderment that consumed the girl's face at his sight, widening her eyes before she finally lowered her gun down, believing in him out of everyone.

Her throat bobbed, her eyes focused on Ronald before she forcefully broke her gaze, turning around and whispering something to her group.

Finally convinced that we are on the same team. The girl stepped ahead, walking closer to us, but her eyes focused on Ronald only.

She paused by his side, her expression neutral at first. Ronald tried to smile, and the corner of his lips lifted up just slightly before she unexpectedly edged closer and with one swift motion, kneed him in the groin.

My eyes grew wide and the force sent Ronald reeling in pain against the wall. You see, I thought I would never find joy in life after breaking up with Natalie, but this must be the best day of my life.

I couldn't help my chuckle, very much amused as he crashed against the wall, wincing in agony, "I am so happy right now," I couldn't help but say. This girl is my favorite person from now on.

"Let's go," Celiá spoke, confidently leading her group of girls to step outside into their awaited freedom.

Emma chuckled, gazing down at a pained Ronald, "I think I found my new best friend," She said, in amusement as she gushed something to Roman before they made their way outside.

Meanwhile, I stepped closer and paused by Ronald's side, extending a hand to assist him, but he stubbornly refused, grumbling under his breath as he struggled to his feet.

"What did you do to her?" I asked, for once curious about his life.

He grumbled some curses again, glaring ahead at her back as he limped all the way to the car, "Shut up," He mumbled and I chuckled once again. This is beyond priceless.

We stopped by the entrance, Emma's eyes on me as she said, "We'll take care of the rest," She said, referring to her, Roman, and the rest of our men.

I nodded, "I will take her to her father," I said, ready to return here afterward and put a definite end to this place.

"Yeah, and drop Ronald at a nearby hospital," She added teasingly as she eyed him, "He looks like he needs it."

Ronald muttered another curse under his breath, clearly fed up with the situation, before making his way to my car. He took the passenger seat, evidently unable to drive in his current state of discomfort.

While I assigned some of my men to escort the rest of the girls to safety, I accompanied Celiá to my car, "How exactly do you know Ronald?" I couldn't help but ask.

She met my gaze briefly, her response short, "From when he used to be here," she replied cryptically before climbing into the car.

With Celiá now with us and safe, I joined them in the front and drove ahead towards Giovanni's house. I quickly sent him a text, informing him of his daughter's safe release.

The atmosphere inside the car remained tense, enveloped in an uncomfortable silence. Neither Ronald nor Celiá uttered a word throughout the drive. Ronald's eyes would flicker to the rearview mirror, stealing glances at Celiá every so often, while she appeared lost in her own thoughts, gazing out of the window as if relishing the newfound freedom she had longed for.

Once arrived, she was the first to step down, her gaze falling on her father as he made his way outside of the house. She ran so fast, meeting him midway and crashing into his arms. He engulfed her ever so tightly, the weight of everything crashing over him. I kept my distance, allowing them to privately have their moment.

Ronald stepped down from the car, leaning against it as he gazed ahead at them.

He sensed my gaze and turned to look at me. I nodded ahead at his state, my lips twitching as I fought my smile, "You're okay?"

He shot me a glare, "I never wanted kids anyway, so it's okay if I lost my chance now," He answered mockingly.

A brief silence fell between us before he spoke again, his tone more serious this time, "I didn't know that the HEX was on your plans." Before today, he didn't, that's true. Maybe it felt easy to get them out, but it was the fruitful outcome of months and months of heavy work.

"Of course, it was," I said as a matter-of-fact, "That place hurt my sister," I added, "And it continued to hurt a lot of people after her, there was no way I'd keep it going."

Ronald's eyes met mine, and then he nodded, "Thanks," he mumbled.

My eyebrows pulled closer, "For what?"

He rolled his eyes, "Just accept it without interrogations," He grumbled before he got back into the car, being more annoying than usual.

Just then, Giovanni edged closer, his daughter safely tucked to his side, an appreciative smile decorated his lips and he gave me a grateful nod.

Celiá stepped forward and she extended her hand, offering her gratitude as well, "Thank you so much, I never thought I'd leave there," I took her hand in mine and shook it.

"It's nothing," I said, "You don't have to worry about that place, anymore."

Her smile was full of relief, her expression shifted when her eyes briefly drifted to Ronald inside my car before she shook it off. Giovanni's gaze met mine and he questioned, "So, tomorrow?"

I nodded, "Yes."

He smiled, delighted at Isaac's downfall, "Make it hurt."

Oh, I will. I definitely will.

*****************

I learned that Isaac had boarded his jet to New York after our last encounter, prompting me to make arrangements to follow him there. But before I could bring myself to depart, I felt compelled to visit the hospital and check on her first.

It was a foolish impulse, but one I couldn't resist any longer.

Stepping into her room, I found it shrouded in darkness, with only the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the window.

Natalie was lying in the hospital bed, her figure outlined by the soft moonlight. She seemed almost at peace, her breathing steady and calm. Her features now softened in slumber, her worries momentarily forgotten.

I stood at the doorway, watching her for a moment, feeling a mixture of relief and guilt wash over me. Relief that she was safe, at least for now, and guilt for the chaos and danger I had brought into her life since day one.

As I gazed at her sleeping form, I couldn't help but wonder what dreams danced behind her closed eyelids. Did she dream of happier times, of moments before me, when she was free from the burdens of our shared reality? Or were her dreams haunted by the same fears and uncertainties that plagued us consistently?

I walked closer to her, unable to stop myself as my fingers tenderly carressed her delicate cheek, feeling her warmness, recalling every happy moment we shared, and trying to register the fact that I would have to force myself to function without her from now onwards.

I retreated my hand back at the last bitter thought. My throat moved, swallowing past the heavy lump clogging my airways.

I shook my head, shaking myself back to reality, and turned around to get out of here. But before I could make my next step, before my heart could take its next beat, I felt tender fingers reach for my own, weakly clutching into my hand.

I turned around instantly, my eyes falling on her face. Her eyes opened halfway and she tried to shift her body around, "Nikolas?" She mumbled sleepily, uncertain, and under the haze of the pain meds. Ronald told me that she was in so much pain when they got here, her injured leg taking its toll on her.

Her vulnerable voice beckoned me forward and I edged closer. She looked up at me, the look in her eyes so sleepy and unfocused, "Stay," She whispered, "Come here, please," She added, her fingers on my hand weakly tugging me closer.

I left my defenses outside the door, my anger and my rage were tucked layers underneath, I knew that because I couldn't stop myself from doing anything she wanted, from taking the spot next to her, from gathering her frail body into my arms and breathing again.

Her head rested against my chest, her arm going around my waist, "This is a dream, isn't it," She whispered, ever so sadly.

"I think it is," I told her.

Maybe tomorrow, when she wakes up, she'll think it's a dream. It was for the best.

She snuggled closer into my chest, like she wanted to attach herself to it, but what she did that know is that she already was, right inside it, occupying the biggest space on my shattered heart.

"I love you so much, Nikolas," She whispered, her eyelids dropping down in tiredness, "I wish you believe me."

My arms tightened around her body, my eyelids dropping down, my chin resting on the top of her head, taking all of her delicate scent in, "I love you, Natalie," I whispered back, my heart quivering, every cell in it churning with pain so different than anything I've felt before.

"And do you know what the worst thing is," I mumbled, "I don't think I will ever stop."

**********************************

Hey!

It's been a while since I updated this book but I am glad to be back.

So, what do you think of these last developments? ;)

Are you aware just how close we are to the end? :(

Unlike Blue Ribbon, I really enjoyed writing this book and it's making me nostalgic knowing it will end so soon.

Anyway, don't forget to vote and comment your expectations for the upcoming chapter!

See ya soon ;)