2025-01-11 18:25:17She looked up, her eyes widening in shock before narrowing in irritation. The man beside her raised an eyebrow, glancing between them.
“Anthony? What are you doing here?” Catherine asked, her tone sharp.
Anthony ignored her question, his gaze fixed on her. “Is this your grandma’s house? Or is this where you needed to be so badly?”
Catherine’s face flushed, but she quickly regained her composure. “It’s not what it looks like. This is just... a friend.”
The man smirked, clearly unfazed. “Friend, huh? Cath, why don’t you just tell him the truth?”
“What truth is he talking about, babe?” Anthony’s fists clenched, his knuckles turning white.
The betrayal he felt was unlike anything he’d experienced before. “Catherine... why?”
She rolled her eyes, her annoyance now evident. “Oh, come on, Anthony. Don’t make a scene. We were never going to work out. You’re... you’re just not what I need.”
Anthony’s heart shattered, but this time, anger burned through the pain. “You could’ve told me that instead of stringing me along. Instead of using me.”
Catherine shrugged, unfazed by his words. “Maybe. But you let me, didn’t you?”
His heart race faster. He looked at the guy... He’s tall, fit, strong, handsome, smells so rich, and a guy Catherine or any women can be proud of to be with.
“So, he’s the grandma you were telling me, huh?” Anthony smirked.
Catherine and the guy were both shocked.
“What the f*ck did you just say?!” the guy punched him, making him to fall to ground.
Anthony didn’t care and didn’t even feel hurt about it.
“Felix, stop. Anthony, can you just go home?! Why are you always embarrassing me?!” she shouted at him.
He felt like a dagger stabbed on his heart. So, all this time, Jake was right. He was blinded by his love for her. Anthony stood up and wiped the blood coming out of his nose.
“Jake was right all along. Why was I so stupid? Catherine, you were just using me for the entire time. You were just using me and taking my money!” he scoffed angrily.
“Don’t you ever talk to her like that. Catherine would never date someone like you. Look at you! You’re not just ugly, but also poor.” Felix said, and his friends started laughing.
He became a laughingstock inside the bar. With that, he angrily punched Felix hitting his right eye.
“Yes! I am poor, but I don’t have the attitude you have!” he shouted at Felix.
But before Felix hit him back, Jake arrived with two bouncers. They split them up.
“You and I are not yet done, asshole. Remember this night. I will make sure to ruin you.” Felix gritted his teeth angrily.
Catherine walked with Felix, leaving Anthony with Jake. The bouncers looked at them.
“Just go home and don’t come back. Felix is our VIP here.” they said.
Jake and Anthony decided to leave. Jake sent him home with his motorcycle. The night air hit him like a slap, but for the first time in a long time, he felt a flicker of clarity. He deserved better—and it was time he started acting like it.
“Damn it! Damn this life!” He kicked the trash can at the entrance of the building he stays.
“Careful, kid. You will hurt yourself.” A guy from the dark corner said.
Anthony couldn’t see his face, but based on his voice, he knew he had met him already but he didn’t know where.
“Who are you?” he asked.
The guy just chuckled and left without saying anything. Out of anger, Anthony went up to his small apartment to clean the blood on his face and to treat it as well.
Anthony stared at his reflection in the cracked mirror, the fluorescent light flickering above him. The bruise on his cheekbone was already darkening, and his split lip throbbed with each heartbeat. He leaned against the sink, gripping its edges as his mind replayed the events of the night—the betrayal, the humiliation, the fight.
His phone buzzed on the counter, snapping him out of his thoughts. He glanced at the screen. It was a message from an unknown number:
"You think tonight was bad? You don’t know what you’ve just started. Watch your back."
Anthony’s stomach dropped. The words sent a chill down his spine, and he immediately thought of Felix’s parting threat. Could this be him?
Before he could decide whether to ignore it or call Jake, there was a loud knock on his door. He froze, his pulse quickening. The knock came again, louder and more urgent.
“Who is it?” he called out, his voice trembling slightly.
No response.
He approached the door cautiously, peering through the peephole. The hallway was dimly lit, but he could make out a figure standing just out of sight.
“Anthony, open up.” came Jake’s familiar voice.
Relieved, Anthony unlocked the door and swung it open. But Jake’s expression wasn’t reassuring. His face was pale, his jaw tight.
“What’s wrong?” Anthony asked, his heart sinking further.
Jake stepped inside, glancing nervously over his shoulder before shutting the door behind him. “We’ve got a problem. A big one.”
“What do you mean?”
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The De Luca Heir 4: Big problem
Jake pulled out his phone and handed it to Anthony. On the screen was a photo taken earlier that night—of Anthony punching Felix. In the background, Catherine was watching with a smirk. But it wasn’t just the photo that caught Anthony’s attention. It was the caption beneath it: “No one crosses Felix and walks away unscathed. Tick-tock, Anthony.” Anthony’s blood ran cold. “This… this isn’t just about Catherine, is it?” Jake shook his head. “Felix isn’t some random rich guy. He’s connected. Really connected. I’ve been digging into him, and he’s tied to people you don’t want to mess with.” Anthony sank onto the worn-out couch, his head in his hands. “So, what do I do now? Apologize? Run?” Jake hesitated. “I don’t think apologizing is going to cut it. And running? That might make things worse.” Before Anthony could respond, the sound of tires screeching outside made both men jump. Jake rushed to the window and peeked through the blinds. “Anthony,” he whispered urgently, “you’ve go
The De Luca Heir 5: Questions
The screech of tires echoed through the street as another black car emerged from the shadows, its headlights cutting through the darkness. Anthony recognized it instantly—it was the same car that had been following him earlier. The vehicle swerved between Jake’s motorcycle and the SUV, blocking Felix’s men from advancing any further. The car door opened, and a tall figure stepped out, cloaked in a black trench coat. “Y-You?” Anthony’s eyes widened. It was the guy from the restaurant earlier. And his voice... it was the same guy he saw a while ago. “Step back.” the man ordered, his deep voice calm yet commanding. Felix’s men exchanged uncertain glances before one of them sneered. “Who the hell do you think you are?” The man didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he reached into his coat and pulled out a sleek handgun, pointing it directly at the lead thug. Anthony was very surprised. In his entire time being alive, it was the first time he had seen a real gun. “You don’t want to
The De Luca Heir 6: Baptism by fire
The man smirked. “You can call me Victor. Let’s just say I’ve been keeping an eye on Anthony. You two? You’ve become collateral in a game much bigger than you realize.” Anthony frowned. “Bigger? What are you talking about?” Victor walked over to the map, tapping one of the red dots. “Felix isn’t just some rich jerk throwing his weight around. He’s the son of a big group.” Victor said. Anthony's heart raced as Victor stared at him with an intensity that made him feel both uneasy and strangely significant. Jake shifted uncomfortably beside him, his gaze darting between the mysterious man and the high-tech command center surrounding them. Victor finally spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. "Anthony, you’ve been in the dark for too long. But it’s time you know the truth about who you really are." Anthony frowned, confusion mixing with frustration. "What are you talking about? I’m nobody. Just a guy trying to survive in this mess." Victor chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "You’re fa
The De Luca Heir 7: Shadows of the past
The hallway erupted into chaos as more men stormed in, their shouts and gunfire echoing off the walls. Anthony moved on autopilot, ducking and firing as Victor directed him through the melee. He didn’t feel the pain of his grazed arm or the ringing in his ears. All that mattered was survival. A sharp whistle cut through the noise, and Anthony turned to see Jake barreling through the side door, wielding a shotgun. “Thought you could use some backup!” Jake shouted, blasting an attacker who had crept up behind Victor. Victor nodded curtly. “About time. Hold the west wing! You're so good, kid. Where did you learn that?” Jake ignored him and motioned to Anthony. “You good, kid?” Anthony didn’t answer, his focus locked on the next wave of intruders. They moved with precision, their formation tighter, their aim deadlier. These weren’t grunts. These were the professionals Victor had warned about. Victor cursed under his breath. “This is Felix’s message. He’s not just testing you—he’s try
The De Luca Heir 8: Bloodlines and betrayal
“Dad!” Anthony yelled, struggling against Victor’s iron grip. His father lay crumpled on the ground, blood pooling beneath him, but his hand twitched as he tried to push himself up. Felix’s laughter cut through the tension, sharp and mocking. “Touching, really. But this is just the beginning, Anthony. You’re not ready for the weight of that crown.” He waved the detonator for emphasis. “You think you’ve won, but I always have the upper hand.” Anthony’s vision blurred with rage. “You’ll regret this, Felix.” Felix smirked, stepping back toward his car. “Oh, I don’t think I will. But feel free to try.” Before Anthony could break free, Victor snapped him back to reality. “Focus! He’s not out of reach yet.” Jake appeared at their side, weapon ready. “What’s the call, boss? Do we take him out or save your old man?” Anthony’s gaze darted between Felix retreating toward his SUV and his father gasping for breath on the cold concrete. Every fiber of his being screamed for vengeance, but th
The De Luca Heir 9: Spark of vengeance
Anthony hesitated for only a moment, his mind racing as the older man’s piercing gaze locked onto his. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm. “You know who that is?” Anthony didn’t break eye contact. “Should I?” Victor nodded. “Leonardo Moretti. Your father’s closest ally in the old days. If he’s here, it means he’s got a stake in this fight.” Jake, still catching his breath, muttered, “Or he’s here to claim the spoils.” Leonardo chuckled, as if hearing Jake’s skepticism. “I assure you, I’m not here to take anything from you, Anthony. I’m here to make sure you don’t lose everything your father built.” Anthony’s jaw tightened as he glanced back at the smoldering wreckage of the garage. His father’s blood still stained his hands, and Felix’s mocking laughter echoed in his mind. “Why now? Where were you when he needed you?” They put his dad inside the car and drove away. Leonardo’s expression turned cold. “Your father made enemies faster than he made allies. He kept
The De Luca Heir 10: The Heir's Revelation
The sterile lights of the hospital reflected off the polished floors as the team rushed Alexandro through the emergency entrance. Anthony walked beside the stretcher, his jaw clenched, his hands still smeared with his father’s blood. Victor stayed close, scanning the surroundings for any sign of Felix’s men, while Jake barked orders to secure the area. “We need a surgeon now!” Anthony shouted as the staff took over, wheeling Alexandro into the operating room. The doors swung shut with a metallic clang, leaving Anthony standing in the hallway, fists clenched in helpless frustration. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder. “He’s tough, Anthony. He’ll pull through.” Anthony nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. He didn’t want to lose his dad anymore. His parents were out of the picture of how many years and his grandma never told him the truth until she died. “I want to be with my family again, Victor.” he sighed. Victor understood him. He glanced at the folder Leonardo had given him,
The De Luca Heir 1: Proposal went wrong
"Anthony, I’m sorry, but I’m breaking up with you.” Catherine’s words echoed through Anthony’s mind like a cruel mantra, each syllable heavier than the last. The world around them seemed to slow, but the reality of the crowded café didn’t. The clinking of cups and muffled chatter continued, punctuated by hushed gasps and whispered judgments. He knew people were watching. In his hand, the small velvet box felt heavier than ever. Inside was the modest ring he had saved up for months to buy. With trembling hands, he snapped it shut and smiled bitterly, masking the storm inside him. “Oh my gosh. She rejected him.” a woman’s voice whispered behind him, loud enough to be heard. “Serves him right. Look at that ring—it’s so cheap! And him? Ew. He smells awful.” another chimed in, her voice cutting through him like shards of glass. Anthony’s face flushed a deep crimson. He swallowed hard, resisting the lump in his throat. Slowly, he stood, slipping the ring into his pocket, his eyes dar
Latest Chapter
10: The Heir's Revelation
The sterile lights of the hospital reflected off the polished floors as the team rushed Alexandro through the emergency entrance. Anthony walked beside the stretcher, his jaw clenched, his hands still smeared with his father’s blood. Victor stayed close, scanning the surroundings for any sign of Felix’s men, while Jake barked orders to secure the area. “We need a surgeon now!” Anthony shouted as the staff took over, wheeling Alexandro into the operating room. The doors swung shut with a metallic clang, leaving Anthony standing in the hallway, fists clenched in helpless frustration. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder. “He’s tough, Anthony. He’ll pull through.” Anthony nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. He didn’t want to lose his dad anymore. His parents were out of the picture of how many years and his grandma never told him the truth until she died. “I want to be with my family again, Victor.” he sighed. Victor understood him. He glanced at the folder Leonardo had given him,
9: Spark of vengeance
Anthony hesitated for only a moment, his mind racing as the older man’s piercing gaze locked onto his. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm. “You know who that is?” Anthony didn’t break eye contact. “Should I?” Victor nodded. “Leonardo Moretti. Your father’s closest ally in the old days. If he’s here, it means he’s got a stake in this fight.” Jake, still catching his breath, muttered, “Or he’s here to claim the spoils.” Leonardo chuckled, as if hearing Jake’s skepticism. “I assure you, I’m not here to take anything from you, Anthony. I’m here to make sure you don’t lose everything your father built.” Anthony’s jaw tightened as he glanced back at the smoldering wreckage of the garage. His father’s blood still stained his hands, and Felix’s mocking laughter echoed in his mind. “Why now? Where were you when he needed you?” They put his dad inside the car and drove away. Leonardo’s expression turned cold. “Your father made enemies faster than he made allies. He kept
8: Bloodlines and betrayal
“Dad!” Anthony yelled, struggling against Victor’s iron grip. His father lay crumpled on the ground, blood pooling beneath him, but his hand twitched as he tried to push himself up. Felix’s laughter cut through the tension, sharp and mocking. “Touching, really. But this is just the beginning, Anthony. You’re not ready for the weight of that crown.” He waved the detonator for emphasis. “You think you’ve won, but I always have the upper hand.” Anthony’s vision blurred with rage. “You’ll regret this, Felix.” Felix smirked, stepping back toward his car. “Oh, I don’t think I will. But feel free to try.” Before Anthony could break free, Victor snapped him back to reality. “Focus! He’s not out of reach yet.” Jake appeared at their side, weapon ready. “What’s the call, boss? Do we take him out or save your old man?” Anthony’s gaze darted between Felix retreating toward his SUV and his father gasping for breath on the cold concrete. Every fiber of his being screamed for vengeance, but th
7: Shadows of the past
The hallway erupted into chaos as more men stormed in, their shouts and gunfire echoing off the walls. Anthony moved on autopilot, ducking and firing as Victor directed him through the melee. He didn’t feel the pain of his grazed arm or the ringing in his ears. All that mattered was survival. A sharp whistle cut through the noise, and Anthony turned to see Jake barreling through the side door, wielding a shotgun. “Thought you could use some backup!” Jake shouted, blasting an attacker who had crept up behind Victor. Victor nodded curtly. “About time. Hold the west wing! You're so good, kid. Where did you learn that?” Jake ignored him and motioned to Anthony. “You good, kid?” Anthony didn’t answer, his focus locked on the next wave of intruders. They moved with precision, their formation tighter, their aim deadlier. These weren’t grunts. These were the professionals Victor had warned about. Victor cursed under his breath. “This is Felix’s message. He’s not just testing you—he’s try
6: Baptism by fire
The man smirked. “You can call me Victor. Let’s just say I’ve been keeping an eye on Anthony. You two? You’ve become collateral in a game much bigger than you realize.” Anthony frowned. “Bigger? What are you talking about?” Victor walked over to the map, tapping one of the red dots. “Felix isn’t just some rich jerk throwing his weight around. He’s the son of a big group.” Victor said. Anthony's heart raced as Victor stared at him with an intensity that made him feel both uneasy and strangely significant. Jake shifted uncomfortably beside him, his gaze darting between the mysterious man and the high-tech command center surrounding them. Victor finally spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. "Anthony, you’ve been in the dark for too long. But it’s time you know the truth about who you really are." Anthony frowned, confusion mixing with frustration. "What are you talking about? I’m nobody. Just a guy trying to survive in this mess." Victor chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "You’re fa
5: Questions
The screech of tires echoed through the street as another black car emerged from the shadows, its headlights cutting through the darkness. Anthony recognized it instantly—it was the same car that had been following him earlier. The vehicle swerved between Jake’s motorcycle and the SUV, blocking Felix’s men from advancing any further. The car door opened, and a tall figure stepped out, cloaked in a black trench coat. “Y-You?” Anthony’s eyes widened. It was the guy from the restaurant earlier. And his voice... it was the same guy he saw a while ago. “Step back.” the man ordered, his deep voice calm yet commanding. Felix’s men exchanged uncertain glances before one of them sneered. “Who the hell do you think you are?” The man didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he reached into his coat and pulled out a sleek handgun, pointing it directly at the lead thug. Anthony was very surprised. In his entire time being alive, it was the first time he had seen a real gun. “You don’t want to
4: Big problem
Jake pulled out his phone and handed it to Anthony. On the screen was a photo taken earlier that night—of Anthony punching Felix. In the background, Catherine was watching with a smirk. But it wasn’t just the photo that caught Anthony’s attention. It was the caption beneath it: “No one crosses Felix and walks away unscathed. Tick-tock, Anthony.” Anthony’s blood ran cold. “This… this isn’t just about Catherine, is it?” Jake shook his head. “Felix isn’t some random rich guy. He’s connected. Really connected. I’ve been digging into him, and he’s tied to people you don’t want to mess with.” Anthony sank onto the worn-out couch, his head in his hands. “So, what do I do now? Apologize? Run?” Jake hesitated. “I don’t think apologizing is going to cut it. And running? That might make things worse.” Before Anthony could respond, the sound of tires screeching outside made both men jump. Jake rushed to the window and peeked through the blinds. “Anthony,” he whispered urgently, “you’ve go
3: Caught in the act
She looked up, her eyes widening in shock before narrowing in irritation. The man beside her raised an eyebrow, glancing between them. “Anthony? What are you doing here?” Catherine asked, her tone sharp. Anthony ignored her question, his gaze fixed on her. “Is this your grandma’s house? Or is this where you needed to be so badly?” Catherine’s face flushed, but she quickly regained her composure. “It’s not what it looks like. This is just... a friend.” The man smirked, clearly unfazed. “Friend, huh? Cath, why don’t you just tell him the truth?” “What truth is he talking about, babe?” Anthony’s fists clenched, his knuckles turning white. The betrayal he felt was unlike anything he’d experienced before. “Catherine... why?” She rolled her eyes, her annoyance now evident. “Oh, come on, Anthony. Don’t make a scene. We were never going to work out. You’re... you’re just not what I need.” Anthony’s heart shattered, but this time, anger burned through the pain. “You could’ve told me
2: The truth
“What the hell was that?” Jake asked, his arms crossed and fury blazing in his eyes. Anthony just shook his head and sighed. “Jake, don’t say anything. Catherine apologized and said we are still together.” he said. Jake’s eyes widened. “Are you out of your mind, bro? Can’t you see it? She just said that to get money from you. I can’t believe you!” he walked out angrily. Anthony just groaned and took a deep breath. Suddenly, someone caught his attention. He saw the guy wearing a black tuxedo he had also seen from the cafe yesterday. “I am sorry, do I know you?” he asked the guy. He must be on his 40’s already. The guy smiled at him and shrugged his shoulder. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to dwell with your own business, but I couldn’t help but stir up. We don’t know each other, but I remember you. You were the guy who was rejected by his girlfriend at the cafe yesterday, right?” he chuckled. Anthony suddenly became shy. “Y-Yes.” he said. “I was right then. Just a little advice
