Page 67 of Masked Mafia's Runaway Bride

“You need to stop whatever game you’re playing,” I warned. “Because if he finds out the truth, it won’t just be you who gets hurt. Alex will be in danger, too.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

MIRELLA

The words hung in the air like smoke—“Because if he finds out the truth, it won’t just be you who gets hurt. Alex will be in danger, too.”

I could still hear Sergio’s voice and see the desperation in his eyes. He was right, of course, but what choice did I have? My mind felt like a storm, churning, wild, and relentless. There was too much at stake. I could see the path ahead was dangerous, but it was the only one left to take.

Tonight was the engagement party Don Carlos had mentioned. A little party, he called it, as if the weight of it didn’t press on every bone in my body. But it wasn’t just an engagement party to me. It was an opportunity. My opportunity.

I turned to Sergio. He hadn’t moved, his expression torn between anger and hurt. “I need to do this.”

“You don’t,” he shot back, his voice low but forceful. “You think you do, but there are other ways, Mirella. Let me help you.”

His words were almost a plea, but I shook my head. “This isn’t just for my son, Sergio. I need to do this for my father.”

He blinked, confusion flooding his face. “Your father?”

“Yes.”

“You’re talking like he’s alive,” he said slowly like he was trying to put pieces together that didn’t fit. “Mirella, your father is dead.”

“That’s what everyone thinks,” I cut in, forcing myself to stay calm, to stay steady, even as my voice trembled. “But he isn’t. I have sources, Sergio. He’s out there somewhere. Don Carlos is keeping him hostage, and I’m going to find him.”

His shock was a living thing written across his face. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I needed to be sure,” I answered simply, my words quiet but firm. “I had to know where your loyalty lies.”

He stepped back like I’d struck him. “Where my loyalty lies? Mirella, you think I would betray you? After everything?”

“You work for Don Carlos, and he is your father,” I reminded him. “Your world is dangerous. If he so much as suspected…”

“My loyalty has always been to you,” Sergio cut in, his voice hoarse, his fists clenched like he was holding himself back. “Don’t you get that? I would burn this entire world to the ground for you, Mirella.”

The fire in his words softened something in me, but I couldn’t afford to falter. Not now. “I believe you,” I whispered, “but this is something I need to do myself.”

He shook his head, running a hand through his hair, frustration pouring off him in waves. “Let me find him for you. Give me time, Mirella. I can do this.”

“You think I have time?” I countered, my voice rising before I could stop it. “Don Carlos is already suspicious of me. He’sdigging into my past. If I don’t act now, he’ll uncover everything, and then I’ll lose my chance. I have to move quickly, Sergio.”

“You’re walking straight into the fire,” he muttered, looking at me like he could change my mind. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Yes, I do,” I answered. “I know you mean well, but my mind is made up.”

He looked at me then, really looked at me, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched long between us before he finally spoke. “I’m not giving up, Mirella. Not on you, not on this.”

“For now,” I answered softly, “just take a back seat. That’s all I’m asking.”

He exhaled sharply like he’d lost some unseen fight. “Fine. I’ll respect your wishes. But promise me something—if you need help, if you so much as stumble, you call me. No hesitation.”

“I promise,” I said, the words feeling heavier than they should have.

He stepped closer, and his gaze locked on mine. For a moment, I thought he might say more, but instead, he leaned in and kissed me on my forehead—softly, like it was goodbye, like he was afraid I might disappear. I didn’t pull away.

When he left, the room felt colder and emptier, and for a long moment, I stood alone in the silence. My hands shook as I pulled out my phone and dialed Enzo.

He picked up on the second ring. “Hello Raven. What’s going on?”

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