Page 13 of And Back

But someday... someday this anger will have its outlet. For now, I bide my time, each heartbeat another tic closer to that inevitable moment when everything will change.

Until then, I endure.

Because what other choice do I have?

The door creaks open, and I turn my head, the motion sending sharp stabs of pain through my neck. Mom steps in, her face a cocktail of relief and guilt. She approaches cautiously, as if I might lash out at any moment.

"Virgilio," she begins softly, her voice trembling, "it's thanks to you that we're safe now."

I want to scream at her, to unleash the torrent of anger that's been festering inside me. But the pain and exhaustion pin me down. I seethe silently, feeling the rage boil just beneath the surface.

"Dante owes you his life," she continues, her eyes pleading for understanding. "Even if he doesn't know it."

I clench my fists under the thin hospital sheets, the fabric scratching against my raw skin. How dare she stand here and thank me after leaving me to endure Benedetto's wrath alone? The words are trapped in my throat, held back by a pain and bitter resignation.

The door opens again, and Dante walks in. He looks different now—more composed, more confident. My anger begins to subside as I take in his presence. Despite everything, I'm grateful for Dante’s past protection.

“Cesare,” my mother says softly, using his new name. “This is Ettore.”

Cesare’s eyes meet mine, and there’s no recognition in them. He’s a stranger now—a blank slate free from the horrors of our past.

Cesare looks confused, glancing between her and me. “Who is Ettore?” he asks.

Mom takes a deep breath “Cesare, Ettore is your brother. He was in the military for four years. There was an explosion, a terrible one. That's why he's here.”

Cesare’s eyes widen as he looks at me lying in the hospital bed. “An explosion…” he repeats, struggling to process the information.

“Yes,” Mom continues. “His injuries are severe, so the military sent him back home.”

"Ettore… It's good to see you again," he says quietly.

I nod, swallowing hard. "You too," I manage to reply.

Seeing him like this—free from the weight of our past—gives me a strange sense of peace. He’s Cesare now, and he can live a life unburdened by the horrors we faced together. And for that, I'm thankful.

I realize that the best way to convey my gratitude is to keep this secret locked away. This time, I'll be the one to shield my brother.

Dante used to protect me. Even now, the memories of those forced fights with Benedetto linger, haunting my every thought. I see Dante's face—calm, resolute—letting me win every single time. He’d take the blows meant for me, his body absorbing the punishment without a flinch. It was his way of shielding me, his silent way to keep me safe.

As I lie here, staring at my brother, a mix of gratitude, sorrow, and loneliness floods through me. The brother standing before me now doesn’t remember any of it—the shared trauma, the nights we spent whispering plans for escape, the pain that bonded us together. To him, I am Ettore Russo, not Virgilio Messina.

He smiles faintly, and for a brief moment, I catch a glimpse of the brother I once knew—the one who would sacrifice everything for me without hesitation.

Inwardly, I vow to protect Dante from our father’s legacy. I will keep these secrets buried deep within me if it means keeping him safe and unburdened by our past. No one needs to know what really happened; not now, not ever.

He deserves that chance at happiness—a chance neither of us had growing up—and I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure he keeps it.

Even if it means carrying this burden alone forever.

CHAPTER NINE

ZOE

Itiptoe quietly, my heart pounding with each step. Every creak of the wooden floorboards feels like a gunshot in the oppressive silence.

I sent Valerie a message last night, pleading for her help. I knew it was a risk, but I couldn't wait any longer. Her response was swift and concerned. Luckily, she agreed to pick me up this morning, understanding the urgency in my words. My plan hinges on her arrival; she’s my ticket out of here without raising suspicion.

As I make my way through the labyrinthine corridors, my mind races with thoughts of Virgilio and Dante. Their rivalry is a ticking time bomb, and I'm caught in the middle of it. I can’t imagine how dangerous this could get—how disastrous it already is. Virgilio's scars are a testament to the violence that has shaped his life, and Dante's simmering anger only adds fuel to the fire. I need to intervene before things spiral completely out of control.

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