Page 4 of Until It Ends

"So, what do you say, Dante? It's come to my attention that Valeria's family has been trying to get to her for some time, and it's probably only a matter of time before they do." He raises his gaze slyly.

I meet my father's gaze, my voice laced with determination. "We cannot let the Ciprianos claim Valeria as their own. We have to protect what is ours and stand against those who would seek to destroy us. I will not let our empire crumble, nor will I abandon the woman I love."

My father's eyes narrow, a mixture of concern and begrudging admiration. He understands the gravity of the situation, the importance of unity in the face of adversity. In this moment, our shared legacy and bond are renewed, transcending the rift that once divided us.

"Dante," my father's voice cuts through the tension-laden air, his tone heavy with disapproval. "You're a fool for falling for her. How long did it take for her to seduce you? To cloud your judgment?"

I clench my jaw, feeling a surge of frustration mingled with a deep-rooted need to defend Valeria. My father's words sting, a reminder of the skepticism that clouds his perception of her. He sees her as a threat, not only because of the harm she inflicted upon him but also because of the danger she represents if the Ciprianos were to gain control of her.

I can't let that happen. That's why I sent her away. But I can't tell my father my plan. He'd mess everything up for me.

"Valeria is innocent in all of this," I assert firmly, my voice tinged with conviction. "She is not the manipulative mastermind you believe her to be. She has been caught in the crossfire of our world, just as we have."

My father scoffs, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "Innocent? Don't be naïve, Dante. She put me in a coma, for God's sake. How can you defend her after what she's done?"

I take a step closer, locking eyes with my father. "Because I know her. I've seen the pain in her eyes, the struggle she faces. She's trapped in a world she never asked for. She didn't choose this life, just as I didn't."

My father's gaze hardens, a wall of skepticism standing between us. "Have you considered the consequences of your actions? If the Ciprianos get their hands on her, she'll be compromised. You've probably told her all of our secrets. You've been inviting her to your bed for quite some tme, no? Our empire will be at risk because of your inability to stay away from loose whores."

"She's not loose," I bit out between clenched teeth.

He chortles as if he doesn't believe me.

A surge of frustration pulses through me. I understand my father's concerns, his need to protect what we've built from those who'd betray us. But I refuse to let his fears tarnish my belief in Valeria's inherent goodness.

"The Ciprianos can't have her," I declare, my voice laced with determination.

"She is Cipriano, damn it? Are you daft?" he screams.

"But they are her distant cousins. They are nothing to her," I state.

My father's eyes bore into mine, a mixture of doubt and resignation flickering within them. "Are you sure about that, Dante? Can you truly guarantee her safety? And at what cost? And can you guarantee that she doesn't choose family over you. That's what this business is about, son. Family over everything."

His words hang in the air, an unspoken challenge that echoes through my mind. Can I truly protect Valeria from the dangers that surround us? The doubts creep in, intertwining with my unwavering love for her. The road ahead is treacherous, and sacrifices may need to be made.

But as I meet my father's gaze, I reaffirm my commitment. "I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if it means risking everything. Valeria is not our enemy, Father. She is the woman I love, and I will fight for her until my last breath."

Silence envelops us, the weight of our conflicting perspectives hanging heavy in the air. In the depths of my heart, I know that our journey is far from over, and the challenges we face may test us to our limits.

I know one thing. Valeria is family.

Four

Dante

The wind rushes through the open window as the car speeds along the desolate road. I can feel the weight of anticipation hanging heavy in the air, mingling with the unease that gnaws at my gut.

This time, I'm driving.

Vito, my trusted confidant, my one and only right hand man, sits beside me, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, his eyes reflecting the gravity of our mission. I don't care what my father says; I'm not going back to the old ways.

After breaking away from the confines of the mansion and my father's iron grip, I'm determined to keep her safe until I can bring her back to my side. My father may be awake from his coma, but his intentions to reclaim his role as the head of our family business clash with the empire I have built in his absence. It would be a shame if we had to split off because of this, but if it leads to that so be it.

Glancing at Vito, I can see the concern etched on his face. He understands the delicate balance we must maintain, the need to protect the family's legacy while also acknowledging my father's deteriorating health. The cane he relies on, the moments of confusion that cloud his thoughts—these are signs that he cannot be trusted to act in full capacity. It falls on my shoulders to navigate these treacherous waters, ensuring that our operations continue smoothly and without interruption. If not, we'll all be doomed and weakened for our enemies to demolish. And I won't have that. Not now. Not ever.

As we sit in the car, the tension is palpable, the weight of the recent events heavy on our shoulders.

In the passenger seat, Vito turns to look at me.

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