Page 55 of Scar

“Scar knew that sending you away was the best way to keep you safe. No one has a problem with you; the plan was to weaken our brothers by taking you out. Once we were weakened, they would attack. We just accelerated their plan.”

“How exactly?” she asks.

“By giving the assassins what they wanted,” Dante chimes in, stepping forward. “With some help from good friends who took over the cartel, we eliminated your husband and his brothers.”

CHAPTER 48 – ALLEGRA

I now understand just how close I came to death. If I had gone back and buried the dead, leaving everything alone, they wouldn't have put a target on my back. However, because I was causing trouble for Benita and unpredictable at best, they saw me as a threat that needed to be eliminated. As the men tell me the whole story, it plays out like a Hollywood action movie, making my heart race.

Despite trying to make sense of it all in my head, it ultimately boils down to their failed attempt on my life - thanks to Scar sending me away before anyone could track me down. This ultimately led to the “fake ambush” which apparently took my family’s lives. Using pellet guns and special effects, it was all recorded and doctored to collect the contract money and expose who ordered the hit. And this was their plan from the beginning.

“So you basically faked your own deaths,” I say incredulously. Even though it hurts to find out the truth, their plan was undeniably clever.

“It was the only way to find out who was trying to take over our territory,” Scar explains softly, still pleading for my forgiveness. But I’ve already forgiven him. What matters most is that they are still alive.

“You almost ruined our entire plan, though,” Lucky interjects with raised eyebrows.

“Me?”

“Someone must have taken offense to you, based on the fact that they attempted to kill you once again.”

The mere thought of how I ended up in this underground bunker sends shivers down my spine. Just thinking about the close call I had – and with Scar still alive – makes me wonder how he would have handled it. His expression tells me that he's thinking the same thing as his eyes blaze with anger.

“I remember you trying to warn me at the funeral,” I say, turning to face Dante and Caleph. They stand tall and serious, nodding their agreement without saying a word. No one is judging or saying, 'I told you so.' They had warned me against getting involved with Benita Gatti. The conversation replays in my mind as I contemplate it before finally looking back at each person in the room.

I am surrounded by greatness here. I've heard all the stories before. Granted, I wasn't paying much attention, but our circles are small. I know enough to recognize these are some of the best of the best, and I'm grateful for their support in Scar and his brothers' corner. These are also the same Titans who prevented my husband and brothers from being massacred. They were there when I needed help.

A shiver runs through my body, making my blood turn cold.

“Who gave the order for the hit?”

My words come out hard and stern, causing an eerie silence to fall over the room. No one wants to admit it, but deep down I already know the answer. It's a realization that takes hold of me, but somehow, I always knew it. And maybe that's why I stayed around for so long - to confirm what I already suspected because I needed to be sure. The looks on everyone's faces tell me all I need to know.

“You've got to be fucking shitting me.”

At this moment, no one is aware of my whereabouts. Not even my own parents. According to the rumors, two hitmen fought over the contract to eliminate me, and ultimately, one came out on top. I am now buried somewhere in the desolate desert, and the winner has collected their bounty. Everyone can sleep peacefully tonight, except for my parents. I watch a recording from CCTV that confirms the story to be true. My father is slumped over his wheelchair at the kitchen table, drowning his sorrows in a bottle of his favorite scotch. My heart breaks for him as he appears disheveled and defeated. My mother is collapsed at the bottom of the stairs, wailing and tearing at her clothes like a woman possessed. “Did you have to take it that far?” I say with a whimper.

“Our enemies have seen the footage. If they don't believe you're truly gone, then they believe nothing,” Scar reminds me coolly.

He's not wrong. Deep down, I know he's right. But seeing my parents' agony only brings back memories of when I heard about Scar's supposed death. I wouldn't wish that pain upon anyone.

“What happens now?” I ask, setting my phone down on the table. I can't let myself get caught up in my parents' grief. The sooner this is all over, the sooner we can resume our normal lives and end their suffering.

“We have a plan,” Brando finally speaks up, moving away from the wall where he has been leaning since we arrived downstairs.

“Please tell me what it is.”

There is an uncomfortable silence that hangs in the air, and no one makes a move to break it or provide me with theanswers I need. They all stand still, their expressions reflecting uncertainty and reluctance. With my head still bowed, I dart my eyes up from beneath my lashes and challenge them with my intense gaze. They can ignore me for now, but they cannot deny me the truth that I deserve to know. My determination only grows with each passing second.

I feel the weight of their stares as they squirm under my piercing gaze. The air is heavy with anticipation, and every moment feels like an eternity. But their hesitation only strengthens my resolve. I refuse to be kept in the dark any longer. I have a right to know what is going on. For myself. And for my unborn child.

I take a deep breath, the sound echoing loudly in the stillness, and straighten my posture. “Someone needs to tell me your plan,” I demand firmly, my voice cutting through the tense silence like a sharp blade.

There is a subtle shift in the room, and Scar steps forward to meet my eyes. I can see the turmoil reflected there – torn between wanting to protect me and needing to be honest.

“You're right. You deserve to know,” he finally admits.

So that's it. No one wants me involved unless my husband approves it. It may be old-fashioned thinking, but I can see that they are just trying to keep me safe. However, that same mentality likely got me into this dangerous situation in the first place.

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