Page 18 of Until It Ends

With these words I know things have gone too far, this feud between their families will not end until one of them pays the ultimate price.

I don't want to be in the crosshairs, but what will happen if and when I walk away? But I know without a doubt, I'm already part of the war that's coming.

Rocco still isn't convinced as he goes on about how he told them they should've never brought me into this. It's apparent that Rocco would never have trusted me anyway.

"Enough, Rocco," Polo says firmly, his voice commanding attention. "Like I said, no matter how much she has strayed because of her circumstances, Enzo is right, Valeria is still family."

Rocco's eyes soften slightly, but his anger remains. "Blood or not, she betrayed us. She's chosen Dante over our family," he retorts bitterly.

I watch the exchange, feeling a mix of relief and confusion. My mind races with questions. How did everything come to this? And what will happen next? I want to find a way out of this mess, to escape the clutches of these feuding families, but I know it won't be that simple.

Desperation fills my voice as I address Polo. "I want no part in this war, Polo," I confess, my voice trembling. "I never asked for any of this. I just want to live my life how I want to live it."

Polo's gaze softens, and he sighs heavily. "It's too late, Valeria. You're already in this," he says, his voice heavy with resignation. "The Argentieri's are trying to claim your true birthright, and they won't stop until they have it. The trade firm is what Marco offered to them along with you as the seal on the deal. Leonardo Argentieri would've confirmed receipt and transfer of the business if you hadn't put a bullet in his chest. Even now, I bet he's still holding on to what's yours. You need not be a pawn in anyone's game or a footstool for the Argentieri men. You are my daughter. I'll teach you how to be ruthless, to get what you want, just as I've taught my sons. You cannot run away from what's in your blood on both sides. But you must understand...you are family. You share my blood. Betrayal would be the downfall of us all."

His words hang in the air, and I can't help but feel a mixture of fear and determination. I never asked for power or wealth, but it seems that fate has thrust this burden upon me. If I want to find my own path and protect those I care about, I may have to face the storm that lies ahead.

"I barely even know you..." I whisper under my breath. "Any of you."

"I am...my sons and I...are the only blood relatives you have left," Polo replies.

With a deep breath, I meet Polo's gaze. "If there's a chance to reclaim my birthright, then I'll do what it takes. I'll learn what I have to learn," I say, my voice filled with resolve. "But I won't let this consume me. I won't become a pawn in anyone's power games."

Polo nods, his eyes reflecting a mix of pride and concern. "I understand, Valeria. Let me help you get that trade business back. The one that belonged to your mother before she married my brother. But uou must be prepared for the consequences of your choices. Each and every one you make."

As the weight of his words settles upon me, I know that my life has taken an irrevocable turn. Polo's offer is a chance for me to learn how to master the game.

Fifteen

Valeria

Ilie in bed, the softness of the sheets enveloping me, but my mind is far from finding rest. The events of the past days whirl around in my head, a chaotic dance of uncertainty and conflicting emotions. I miss Dante with an ache that penetrates my very core, but deep down, I know that our love was never meant to be simple or easy.

My real father, Polo, has offered me an opportunity—an opportunity that could be a lifeline in this treacherous world. He wants to teach me the business, to pass down his knowledge I've always been interested in. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance, an invitation to a world I never imagined being a part of in the way that Polo intends. But there's a nagging fear within me, a fear that learning the ropes could backfire, that it could change me into someone I never wanted to become.

I ponder my choices. The allure of power and influence tugs at me, but at what cost? Can I maintain my integrity and navigate the treacherous waters of this underworld? Or will I be consumed by its darkness, losing sight of who I truly am?

Thoughts of Dante invade my mind, his touch, his voice, his love. We were connected in a way I never thought possible, and yet our paths have diverged, pulled apart by the circumstances of our families. The pain of his absence throbs within me, a constant reminder of what we once shared. But I have to remind myself that love alone cannot shield me from the dangers that lurk. He'll never be able to shield me from all the world's troubles.

Sleep finally begins to claim me, but even in my dreams, Dante's presence lingers. I yearn for him, for his strength, his passion, and his unwavering loyalty. Yet, I know deep down that I must tread my own path. I can't rely on him to fix everything, to protect me from the storm that rages around us.

As the night draws me deeper into its embrace, I find solace in the belief that my choices have brought me here for a reason. The universe has guided me to this crossroad, and it's up to me to choose the path that aligns with my true self. I can't let fear or doubt cloud my judgment.

In this moment of vulnerability, I make a silent promise to myself. I'll learn the game and play it by my own rules.

But, as I drift into sleep, one thing remains certain: Dante's memory will always reside within me, fueling my determination, and reminding me of the love that once blossomed between us. Our paths may have diverged, but a part of my heart will forever belong to him.

With that thought, I surrender to the arms of slumber, hoping that when I wake, I'll find the strength and clarity to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Sixteen

Valeria

Ipeer down at the table in front of me and sigh. A colorful array of delicacies made up an elaborate feast, but no one else is around to share it with. I miss dinners with Dante. Whenever he wasn't on business, he always made it a point to have at least one meal with me. Polo and his sons aren't like him. It's come to my attention that they all eat in their separate offices. I even hear that Rocco doesn't even stay here on a full time basis. The family, according to Polo, is only in America for half a year. After that time, they would travel back to Italy where they were expected to take up the full duties laid out by the boss they reported to.

The only sounds are that of silverware clinking against fine china and slow footfalls approaching from behind. I look up as the servant shuffles towards me, her strained face framed by grey hair tied into a bun. She talks to the others like she's been working here for decades—though she can't be much over fifty. Her thin lips are pursed and she blinks slowly, her eyelids wobbling as she focuses on me.

"Can I get you anything else?" she asks.

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