Page 99 of Malevolent Secrets

Massimo laughs. It’s a cold, harsh sound. “You think I care about that old man’s wishes? You think I care about anything but seeing you and your family destroyed?”

My patience snaps. I’ve tried reasoning, but it’s clear he’s beyond that. “So be it,” I say, pulling out my gun.

His eyes widen, but there’s no fear, only hatred. “Do it, then. End it.”

I hesitate for a moment, thinking of Sofia, of Daniella and what this will mean for them. Then I pull the trigger. The sound is deafening, and Massimo falls to the ground, lifeless.

The room is silent, the weight of what I’ve done settling over me. Vincent steps forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. “It had to be done.”

I nod, my eyes on Massimo’s still form. “It’s over.”

***

Bruno’s voice is heavy with grief when I speak to him. “I tried, Bruno. I tried to reason with him.”

He sighs, a sound full of tears and sorrow. “I know, Lorenzo. He was my son, but he was lost to me long ago. I hoped for peace, but perhaps this is for the best.”

“We’ll honor the treaty, Bruno. We’ll make sure this never happens again.”

He nods, his eyes distant. “Take care of your family, Lorenzo. That’s what matters now.”

Epilogue

Daniella

Sofia’s laughter fills the air, a sound that never fails to bring a smile to my face. She’s a bundle of energy, always curious, always exploring. Lorenzo and I watch her from the porch, his arm around my shoulders and the ring on my finger catches the sunlight.

He proposed a month ago, in the most Lorenzo way possible—direct, sincere, and full of love. The ring is beautiful, a symbol of everything we’ve been through and everything we have to look forward to.

“You’re happy?” he asks, his voice soft.

I nod, leaning into him. “I am. Happier than I ever thought possible.”

He kisses the top of my head and I feel the warmth of his love enveloping me. “Good. That’s all I want.”

***

Renee and I sit in the garden, Sofia playing nearby. It’s peaceful, the sun shining down, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. We’ve talked a lot over the past few months, working through the lingering issues between us.

“You know, even without the ulterior motive, I wanted to be friends with you the minute I saw you. I think it had a lot to do with the shoes you were wearing. Black Jimmy Choos, strappy.” Renee sighs, and I smile.

“I remember those shoes. Jeremy bought them for me as a birthday present.”

She smiles again, but it’s sad.

“I really am sorry about Jeremy,” she says, but I wave it away. I've put it all behind me. Mark, Jeremy, all of it. All I care about now is raising my daughter and being a good partner for Lorenzo like he is for me.

“It’s okay, Ren. The universe more than compensated me for it.”

“So, you're happy? My brother makes you happy?”

“He does. I've never been happier.

I look over at Sofia, who’s discovered a butterfly and is watching it with wide eyes. This is the life I’ve always wanted, a life filled with love, family, and peace.

I look over at Renee, seeing the storm that is always contained in her eyes. I know she wants to make her own mark, that she resents being female and being cut out of most of the decision-making processes in the family.

She feels my eyes on her, and looks up at me, her expression clearing. I see her fiddling with the ring on her left hand. Vincent proposed to her a few months ago. I know that he makes her happy, but I can tell that she still feels frustrated about her position as secondary to her brother.

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