2025-03-31 01:38:29Sanchez stepped out of the Escalade limousine and walked straight to where the boys were awaiting his arrival for his instructions. Tied to a chair and blindfolded was a man in his forties with blood stains all over his body, evident of the severe torture he has undergone.
“Has he spoken yet?” Sanchez asked, signaling for a cigar smoke. ” He is still proving stubborn, Adrian spoke; he is the top henchman of Sanchez's echelon of hoodlums. “Remove the blindfold,” Sanchez ordered the boys. “You think you can double-cross me, you nitwit?” he asked, pointing his walking stick at the man sitting under their torture. ”Are you ready to speak to save your life?” Sanchez asked, stooping low to give him a lower gaze. The man spat at Sanchez’s face; immediately, his boys began another round of beatings as he began coughing blood. While the boys were still at it, a call came through for Sanchez. “Have you seen the whole package”?,he asked the caller before ending the call. “Adrian, you can dispose of him as dead; we have gotten the tons and money back. Meet me at the subway when you are done with this bin of trash.” he ordered as he made his way out. The subway was outside the city of Genoa, facing the river with an echo of cool breeze blowing across. Sanchez, standing facing the river while puffing the cigarette, looked on as the boys arranged the tons of cocaine in the bag and stashed the wads of dollar notes in briefcases. Sanchez turned around to see how the boys had rounded up their exercise; he headed into the car as they all, in their droves, drove out of the space. The sun bathes the courtyard in a golden hue, as Alejandro’s laughter rang through the open space as he kicked a worn leather ball, his small feet scuffling against the ground. His mother sat under the growing oak tree, watching him with great admiration. There is a soothing contrast from under the soothing leaves compared to her son’s playful energy, with a glimpse of wistfulness glaring in her eyes.. A convoy of sleek, black cars rolled past the giant iron gates, with the tinted windows making the men inside hidden. The vehicles gradually came to a halt in front of the villa, with a deafening silence bearing an aura of authority. Alejandro’s attention was caught, with his small arms wrapping around the ball as he looked on at the thrilling scene unfolding before him. His mother instinctively rose to her feet,with a sharpened gaze. The air shifts with a thicken unspoken anticipation. Sanchez emerged from the lead car as the door opened. Decked in a dark, designed tailored suit, he with an audacious command of power and authority, how the world shifts at his mere presence.The courtyard hallowed his presence with glistering of his polished shoes by sunlight,he adjusts the cuffs of his shirt with tenacity. His face had an unreadable expression leaving a cold feeling with no room for warmth. In a split second Alejandro sprang into action. "Papá!" His voice brought ease to the atmosphere that was getting tensed up. Sanchez with a slightly curved lip caught Alejandro mid-air, lifting him swiftly before settling him down, with a gentle but firm grip. Alejandro’s mother had stepped forward too,but couldn’t name what had drawn her.. Her hands clutching her fabrics with clenched fist hoping to be acknowledged by her husband. He didn’t even give her a glance. It was not the first time and it would not be the last. She swallowed, the flicker of hurt meeting with a lump in her throat with an undertone of pain,mirroring her non-existence in the face of her husband. Sanchez, walking along with his son’s hand in his, finally spoke. “I see you’ve been playing football, Chapo,” he said, ruffling Alejandro’s dark hair gently. Alejandro giggled, clutching his father’s fingers like he will never let it go. Following closely is his mother whose presence has become unnoticed. She exhaled softly with her gaze still lingering on the space she once stood before the arrival of her husband whose presence had melted the joy blooming in her heart. Young Dino just woke up and was crying in the room, the old nanny Mara went in to bring him out,he went into the open arms of the mother.”I think he is hungry” she said looking at Mara “get him his food”.Mara took Dino and heads to the pantry for his food. Celia was watching her youngest son being led to be fed in the pantry, had a lump in her throat as tears welled up in her eyes.Sanchez was standing right behind her with murderous looks on as he watched Dino being led by Mara. “You startled me,” Celia said as she stylishy wiped her eyes.”I didn't realize that,” Sanchez said, lifting her face to have a proper look at her Celia felt a cold chill down her spine as a mere touch leaves a scary crawl on her skin. “I'm awaiting the day you would tell me what I need to know” He snorted at her. “I don't know what you are talking about” she replied as she fought back her tears. “With time I promise, you will know” Sanchez replied with a wry smile and walked away. Celia walked to her room wiping her tears, she brought out a box she hid in a secret drawer and saw the picture of a young man.She touched the frame before her,as her little cry turned into wailing.She heard the door of her room opening slowly,she hurriedly kept the picture in the box and hid it under her bed. She saw Alejandro walk towards her “Mama why are you crying” he asked; she couldn't mutter any word she just drew him close for an embrace.Turning to look at her son,”promise me you will always take care of your brother Dino” she said looking at his eyes carefully as if she was searching for an answer. Alejandro tilted his head, confused. Take care of Dino? His mother’s voice trembled, her grip tightening around him. “Promise me, mi amor,” she whispered, desperation seeping into her tone. “I—I promise,” Alejandro said, though he didn’t understand why her words felt so heavy. Celia exhaled shakily, brushing his hair back. But before she could speak again— A distant thud. The sound came from the hallway. She stiffened. Alejandro did, too. Another thud. Closer this time. Then— A baby’s cry. Dino. Celia spun toward the door. The nursery was down the hall, but something felt wrong. The cry grew louder, more urgent. Alejandro clutched her arm. “Mama?” Celia took a slow step forward, heart pounding. The nursery door creaked open. A shadow moved inside. Someone was in there. She barely had time to react before— The crying stopped.
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Sanchez swirling his drink with an air of satisfaction, leaning back on his chair. "niña,you are not enjoying this moment" he mused, his voice sounding silky like a sharp blade. "This ought to be a joyous and memorable night for you."Elena curls her fingers in her palms. "Joyous?" she repeated snortingly, the word forcefully past the lump in her throat.Sanchez’s gaze flicks to Alejandro, who watches the conversation with mild amusement while standing close to the fireplace with a glass of whiskey in hand. "You are betrothed to my son at last. A perfect match fatefully designed."Fate.Elena had a sickening feel. "Tell me it isn’t true." She turns to her father hoping he refutes the claim.Capello rubbing a hand over his face exhaled deeply. He looked older and more fragile tonight this can’t be the man she knew growing up with lots of admiration for "Elena—”No replyCapello hesitated; slowly nodded in affirmation “it was decided a long time ago while you were still a child.”Th
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The estate’s grand hall was filled with echoes of clinking glasses and laughter, as the night was fast approaching. Inside, women adorned in diamonds whispered secrets behind painted lips, while the men bartered over power with fine wine. Wealth, blood, and control were the foundations of this world.Everything was different,as the dim light shone over the balcony.Elena's gown was shimmering under the soft glow of the garden lights as she stood before Dino.Her voice remained steady as her chest rose and fell with quiet fury."I need your help."Dino, expecting this, had seen the desperation in her eyes back in the hall, with her hands trembling against her dress when she realized the truth. Before she could speak, she had already been sold.Tightening his jaw "It's not as easy as you think.Elena chuckled. “It has never been, has it?”Dino's gaze shifted past her, beyond the balcony, where the city stretched in the distance. Out there, people lived free. He always dreamt about that k
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After Alejandro left, there was tension lingering in the balcony.There was no going back to pretending as Elena stood frozen and her pulse hammering in her ears.Dino stared at his hands, fingers curled into a fist, as if he could still feel the weight of that moment. The same hands that gripped Alejandro a while ago.He exhaled finally. “We aren't doing anything reckless tonight.”Elena flinched. “You think I don’t know that?” “I think you’re angry. And anger makes people careless.” As his dark eyes met hers.Elena let out a bitter laugh. “Maybe I want to be careless.”Dino, lowering his voice, stepped closer. “No. I Want to be free. And those aren’t the same thing.”Elena caught her breath.She should have argued.But he was right.Her fury at Alejandro, at Sanchez, at her father—the thoughts burned in her chest like a wildfire. But wildfires aren't planned. They just destroy, with no strategies.Dino wasn’t going to let her self-destruct as he saw it in her.He glanced back towar
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There was a distant hum of music fading from the ballroom, drowning beneath the pounding of Elena’s heart. Alejandro’s grip on her wrist was possessive with a silent declaration of control. Guests whispered around them, their glances shifting between the two. Some watched with amusement and discomfort.But none of them would dare intervene.“I see you were distracted,” Alejandro said, tilting his head as he murmured. His voice was soft and teasing, but Elena knew better. There was calculation with no warmth in his words. “Thinking about him?”Elena kept her expression blank as her stomach twisted. She didn't want him to see the effect he had on her.“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said, with an even tone.Alejandro's thumb brushing over her palm with a smirk on his face. The touch was a mockery of affection but gentle. “I felt your hesitation and your mind somewhere else as I held you.” He whispered.She forced herself to meet his gaze as she tightened her chest. “You’re drunk.”He smiled.
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Dino led Elena through a maze of dimly lit backstreets, his movements swift and sure. He had spent years navigating the city’s underbelly, and now, that knowledge was keeping them alive. The night air was thick with tension, every sound amplified as if the city itself was holding its breath.After what felt like an eternity, they reached a rundown garage on the outskirts of town. The metal shutters were rusted, the paint peeling from years of neglect. To anyone else, it looked abandoned—but for Dino, it was a safehouse he had set up months ago, anticipating a day like this.Once inside, Elena collapsed onto an old, threadbare couch. Her body trembled, her breaths shallow. Dino knelt in front of her, scanning her face.“Did he hurt you?”She shook her head, but tears burned her eyes. “He almost caught me.”Dino exhaled slowly, his hands clenching into fists. The thought of Alejandro touching her, caging her like a possession, made his blood boil.“He won’t get another chance,” he promi
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Chapter 20
The dim glow of overhead floodlights cast long shadows as the rows of towering cargo containers stretched endlessly. The arrival of Dino, Elena, and Sergio at the Genoa shipping yard was met with a night air thick with the salty scent of the sea.Dino’s grip on his gun was firm, his mind razor-sharp. His mother was here. Somewhere. And Sanchez knew he was coming.Elena adjusted her earpiece. “Security’s light, but that’s not a good sign.”Sergio scanned the perimeter with binoculars. “Yeah. Too easy.”Dino’s jaw tightened. This was a trap. But it didn’t matter.“We go in,” he said. “Fast and quiet.”Inside the ShadowsThey moved between containers like ghosts, their footsteps silent on the cold pavement.Sergio pointed. “That warehouse. The one with the guards.”Dino nodded. It made sense. If his mother were here, they’d keep her close.Two men stood at the entrance, armed but relaxed.Amateurs.Dino signaled. Elena slipped behind the first guard, wrapping an arm around his neck. He s
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The tension in the air was thick. The moment Capello’s message came through, Dino knew this wasn’t just a meeting—it was a trap.Elena sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her fingers curled into fists. Her father had betrayed her mother. He had watched as Sanchez silenced her, and now he wanted to see Elena.Dino’s grip tightened around the wheel. “We’re not going.”Elena turned to him, her voice steady but laced with pain. “I have to.”“No, you don’t.” Dino’s jaw clenched. “Capello’s been playing both sides for years. We show up, and we’re dead.”Sergio, seated in the back, exhaled. “Dino’s right. We need to get to that locker first. Your mother risked everything to hide that evidence.”Elena’s eyes burned. “You think I don’t know that? But if I don’t go, he’ll send people after us.” She looked at Dino. “This is my father. I need to look him in the eye and see if there’s any part of him worth saving.”Dino shook his head. Capello had already proven who he was.But Elena had made up he
Chapter 16
The first gunshot shattered the night.Dino lunged, pulling Elena to the ground as the window exploded in a rain of glass. Sergio flipped the table for cover, gun already in hand.More gunfire. Tires screeched outside. Shadows moved beyond the broken window. Sanchez’s men had found them.Dino grabbed a pistol from the floor, eyes flashing to Sergio. “We hold them off. Get Enzo out!”Enzo, still weak from his wound, tried to move, but Elena was already at his side, gripping his arm. “We need to go now.”Another shot ripped through the air, just missing Sergio’s head. He fired back, hitting one of the gunmen.Dino turned toward Elena. “Go! I’ll cover you!”Elena hesitated, eyes locked onto his. But then she nodded, gripping Enzo tighter as she ducked low and moved toward the back exit.Sergio provided cover fire, taking down another attacker. Dino grabbed a second gun from the fallen man, his mind clear, body moving on instinct.One shot. Two. A swift kick to disarm another enemy.But t
Chapter 15
The night air carried the acrid scent of gunpowder as gunmen closed in from the trees.Bullets ripped through the wooden walls of the cabin, shattering glass and sending splinters flying.Dino pressed Elena against the floor, shielding her as Sergio fired back. “We’re sitting ducks here!” Sergio growled.Enzo Moretti, his face pale, clutched his side where a bullet had grazed him. “Sanchez won’t stop! He knows I know too much.”Dino’s jaw clenched. “We move. Now!”A Fight in the DarkSergio lobbed a smoke grenade through the broken window. As thick gray fog consumed the cabin, Dino pulled Elena up and guided her toward the back door.Enzo struggled to keep up, his breath ragged.A gunman appeared in the clearing—Dino took him down with a swift elbow to the throat, twisting his gun away before knocking him unconscious. Another came from behind. Dino spun, delivering a brutal side kick to his ribs, then a finishing blow to the temple.Elena grabbed a discarded pistol, her hands steady a
Chapter 14
Dino sat in the dimly lit safehouse, his fingers tapping against the armrest of his chair. The name Enzo Moretti echoed in his mind. A ghost from the past—one he had never heard of, yet somehow tied to his mother’s fate.Elena paced in front of him, arms crossed. “I ran the name through our databases. No public records, no social security number. It’s like he never existed.”Sergio leaned against the wall, arms folded. “Which means he’s either dead… or very good at hiding.”Dino exhaled sharply. “Then we make him come to us.”Elena frowned. “How?”Dino’s eyes darkened. “By rattling Sanchez’s cage.”A Baited TrapHours later, Dino and Sergio sat inside an unmarked black SUV parked across from one of Sanchez’s lesser-known clubs—a hub for his illegal migration business.Sergio adjusted his earpiece. “Are you sure about this?”Dino’s gaze remained fixed on the club entrance. “We go in, make some noise, and force Sanchez to react. If Moretti is connected, he’ll show up.”Sergio grinned. “
Chapter 13
Across the dimly lit room, Capello’s expression remained unreadable; he wasn't hurt because he was putting on a bulletproof earlier, but Elena—her face was a storm of emotions.She clenched her fists. “He’s toying with us.”Dino nodded. “But he slipped up. He wants me to stop digging, which means there’s more to uncover.”Capello exhaled heavily and sat down, rubbing a hand down his face. “You’re walking into dangerous waters, Dino.”Dino stepped forward, his voice firm. “I need the truth. No more half-answers.”Capello locked eyes with him. “The truth is, your mother knew too much. She wasn’t just paying Sanchez to keep you alive—she had something on him. Something big enough that he needed her gone.”Elena sucked in a breath. “And you knew?”Capello hesitated before nodding. “I suspected. But by the time I started asking questions, she was already dead.”Dino’s fists clenched. His mother hadn’t just been murdered. She had been silenced.Sergio walked in just then, holding another fo
Chapter 12
There was an echo of gunshots through the burning warehouse.Dino’s heart slammed against his ribs.Elena gasped, clutching her side. But no blood.Instead, one of Alejandro’s men had a bullet hole bloomed in his chest, staggered, eyes wide in shock. Then he collapsed.Dino’s gaze snapped to the entrance.A dark silhouette stood there. Sergio.Gun still raised, smoke curling from the barrel.“Elena, run!” Dino shouted.Alejandro snarled, firing twice.Dino lunged, shoving Elena out of the way. He felt the heat of the bullets whip past his ear. Too close.No time to think.The building groaned, about to collapse. As the fire roared louder, licking the ceiling.Alejandro was still blocking the exit; a second was all Dino needed. The timely distraction of Sergio had bought them that.---Dino didn’t hesitate.He launched forward, tackling Alejandro to the ground. Fists flying.Alejandro grunted, twisting beneath him, trying to bring the gun up.Dino slammed his elbow down hard.Alejandro