Page 35 of Marco

My uncle Enzo is the first to react, slamming his fist on the table in anger. "You can't just walk away from this life," he spits. "Your father built this empire with his blood and sweat. You have a duty to this family."

I hold his fiery gaze steadily. "My only duty now is to Alessia. I won't risk her life anymore."

"Love makes you weak," Enzo sneers. "Our rivals will see this as a chance to destroy us. Without you at the head, we'll be ripped apart."

"My mind is made up. Nothing is more important than the woman I love. I won't lose her to this world of violence and fear. I know many of you depend on me, and for that I'm sorry. But it's time for me to leave the mafia behind."

I scan their stunned faces. "The family will go on without me. There are good, loyal men here who can lead you. I trust you'll make the right choices."

Around the table, I see others nod grimly. My cousin Vincenzo looks troubled but doesn't speak up. He knows as well as I do how dangerous our world can be.

"I don't have a choice," I say firmly. "I can't be the man Alessia needs and run the family too. This life put her in danger—that's not something I can allow again."

Enzo's eyes blaze, but before he can respond, my uncle Salvatore raises a hand. "Marco is right. There are some things more important than power or money. If you truly love this woman, she must come first."

I feel a rush of gratitude toward Salvatore. He's always been a voice of wisdom in our volatile family, and under his rough exterior he's a hopeless romantic.

"There will be consequences," Enzo says darkly. "Rivals like the Di Gregorios won't hesitate to strike against us. The Rosales' will almost certainly hit us again soon. The O'Malleys are always lying in wait just around the corner, those Irish punks. Your love may bring about the ruin of everything we've built!"

I meet Enzo's accusing glare steadily. "Then we'll face those consequences when they come. But I won't sacrifice the woman I love anymore."

I can see the dismay on the faces of my men. They've depended on me to lead them for so long. But though it pains me, I know I had to break free of this life that has caused so much suffering already. The challenges ahead will be immense, no matter what. But with Alessia by my side, I'm ready to face them.

With that, I turn and walk away, my heart pounding. The deed is done. Right or wrong, my old life ends today. A new uncertain future lies ahead, but with Alessia, I can face anything.

Alessia

Marco's words echo in my mind as I stare at him in disbelief. He's really doing it—leaving everything behind for me. After all we've suffered, I should feel only joy, but a knot of anxiety twists in my gut.

"Alessia, say something," Marco pleads, his eyes searching mine.

"I just...I can't believe it," I stammer. "You would give up your empire for me?"

Marco steps closer, taking my hands in his. "You're all that matters to me now. I was a fool not to see that sooner."

My heart swells, even as my mind spins with doubts. "But the mafia is your legacy, your family's honor. And it won't be easy to walk away."

"None of that is worth losing you," Marco says fervently. "We'll face whatever comes together."

I want to believe we could leave it all behind. But the dark world we've known doesn't release its grip so easily.

"I'm scared," I whisper. "Your rivals, even some of your own men...they won't let you go without a fight."

Marco's jaw tightens, his eyes hardening. "Let them come. I'll do whatever it takes to protect you, Alessia."

I cling to him then, tears filling my eyes. Marco has risked everything for me. Now it's my turn to be strong, to stand beside him no matter what the future holds. This is our chance at a new life. And I will fight for it with all I have.

Finally, I nod, holding back my doubts. This is our chance, I have to believe that.

We leave the gathering hand in hand, Marco's men parting to let us through. Their faces are grave, some angry, others confused. Word will spread quickly about Marco's decision.

Outside, his sleek black car idles at the curb. Marco opens the door for me, his eyes constantly scanning our surroundings. My heart is in my throat as I get in, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

The engine purrs to life, and we pull away into the night. Streetlights flash across Marco's stoic face as we drive in silence. I can feel the tension radiating from him. This goes against everything he's been raised for, betraying his father's legacy.

"Where will we go?" I ask softly.

"Somewhere far from here," Marco says, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. "I have a safe house prepared out west. We'll lie low until things settle down."

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