Danteās hands trembled slightly as he balanced the tray. He wanted to avoid troubleāLucas wasnāt worth it. If he could just quietly drop off the champagne and leave, maybe he could get through this shift without incident.
āWhereās the damn champagne I ordered?ā Lucasās voice boomed across the dining hall, sharp and demanding. Dante flinched. Of course, it had to be him. His grip on the tray tightened as he glanced around. There were no other servers in sight. Just his luck. He exhaled slowly, trying to steady his nerves, and reluctantly made his way to Lucasās table. As he approached, Lucas looked upāand froze for a moment. Then his lips curled into a smirk. āWell, well, well,ā Lucas drawled, leaning back in his chair. āIf it isnāt Dante. What are the odds?ā Dante bit the inside of his cheek, ignoring the heat creeping up his neck. He placed the tray on the table carefully, trying to avoid eye contact. āDidnāt know you've started working here,ā Lucas said, his tone dripping with mockery. āBut I guess it makes sense. Jobs like this isā¦are fitting for someone like you.ā Danteās jaw tightened, but he forced himself to remain calm. āWould you like me to pour the champagne, sir?ā he asked, keeping his voice steady. Lucas laughed, loud enough for nearby tables to turn and glance their way. āOh, sir now, huh? This is priceless.ā He turned to Mia, who sat stiffly across from him, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. āBabe, isnāt this hilarious? Your ex-boyfriend, serving us.ā Mia didnāt respond. She kept her gaze down, her expression unreadable. Danteās stomach twisted when he noticed the faint bruises on her cheek, barely concealed under makeup. She turned her face slightly, as if trying to hide it. āMiaā¦ā Danteās voice came out softer than he intended. āAre youāā āHey!ā Lucas barked, cutting him off. āYou donāt talk to her. Youāre here to do a job, remember? So, pour the damn drink.ā Dante swallowed hard and reached for the bottle. His mind raced. Mia didnāt look happyāfar from it. And those bruises... Had Lucas done that to her? He didnāt want to believe it, but the signs were there. She avoided his gaze, her shoulders hunched as if she were trying to make herself smaller. He bent slightly to pour the champagne into the glass, but his thoughts kept pulling him back to Mia. The sound of the glass filling seemed to echo through his head, each drop a reminder that Lucas was still there, still throwing his weight around. "Careful, Dante," Lucas said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. " Wouldnāt want you to get fired over something so small." Dante's hand faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained control, lifting the bottle higher. The champagne poured out too quickly. The glass overflowed, splashing onto the pristine tablecloth. The bubbles fizzed and spilled over the sides. āShit!ā Dante muttered under his breath. The last thing he needed was more attention. Lucas leaned forward, eyes narrowing. āLook at that. The lowlife canāt even pour a drink properly.ā He shook his head, clicking his tongue like he was disappointed in Dante. "Such a waste of space." Danteās face burned. He quickly grabbed a napkin and tried to wipe the mess, but Lucas wasnāt done. āYou know, Mia,ā Lucas said, turning to her with a sickeningly sweet smile, āthis is exactly why I never understood why you were with this loser. He canāt even handle a simple job without making a mess. What a joke.ā Mia shifted in her seat, avoiding Danteās eyes, her lips pressed together. She looked like she was trying to disappear into herself. āMaybe if he had any ambition, he wouldnāt be stuck serving drinks at a crappy restaurant. But then again, losers like him donāt ever change, do they?ā Lucas continued, his voice growing louder, feeding off the attention. The room seemed to freeze as Lucas stood up, his smirk still plastered across his face. Dante's heart sank as he watched Lucas drop to one knee in front of Mia, completely oblivious to the tension hanging thick in the air. āMia,ā Lucasās voice rang out, loud and clear, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. āYouāve been through so much, babe, and Iāve watched you struggle. But I promise, Iāll take care of you. No more living in the past. No more pain. Just you and me.ā His eyes gleamed as he pulled out a small box from his pocket, flipping it open to reveal a glistening diamond ring. āWill you marry me?āMiaās lips curled into a slight, almost sad smile as she watched Lucas kneel before her, the ring sparkling in the light. She took a long, quiet breath before nodding slowly, as if she had made a decision long ago.āYes,ā Mia said softly, her voice not as confident as she tried to make it seem. āIāll marry you.āDanteās heart dropped, his entire body seeming to freeze as he stared at her, feeling like the air was being sucked out of the room. The words hit him harder than he couldāve prepared for. His mind raced, a thousand thoughts flooding his chest, but they all collided into a single, painful truth: she was settling for him."Mia... please," Dante said, his voice cracking slightly. He reached out, but she pulled back, her gaze hardening. "I know you're not happy. This isnāt what you wanted. You canāt pretend it is. You donāt have to do this, Mia."She finally looked up at him, her eyes cold. Her lips parted, and for the first time, she spoke with real bitterness. "Oh, I donāt?"
Marley returned from the balcony, his phone call finished, and looked at Dante with a forced, almost tired smile."Look, kid," Marley began, pulling a chair closer and sitting down in front of Dante. "I know things have been tough. I know losing your parents, losing your mom-" He paused, his voice softening. "I know it hurts. I've been there too. It's never easy losing someone you love." Dante's chest tightened, but he said nothing, still staring at the phone on the table as if the answers he needed would come from it."I know how you feel, Dante," Marley continued, his voice laced with an almost sympathetic tone. "You think I don't? Losing your mother.. my sister..." His voice cracked slightly as he let out a slow breath, his gaze dropping to the floor. "It was the hardest thing I ever had to deal with. You know how it is, losing someone that close to you."Dante finally looked up, his eyes narrowing. "Youknow how it is, huh?" His voice was low, but thewords were sharp. "How exac
Minutes later, the sirens screamed as a convoy of police cars surrounded the building. Dante stood there, handcuffed, still reeling from what he'd just done. His mind was blur. He had avenged his mother, but now, standing here in the aftermath, everything felt surreal.Lucas stood a few feet away, his face twisted with shock and anger. Mia, his girlfriend, leaned on his shoulder, her expression grim as she watched the unfolding chaos. She kept glancing at Dante, her eyes filled with doubt, unsure whether to feel relief or fear.The police officer approached Dante, his face a mix of sympathy and professionalism. "Sorry Mr Dante," he said, looking at the handcuffs, "we're sorry for what happened. You're free to go."Dante blinked, utterly confused. "What? I... I don't understand. What do you mean, I'm free to go?" He looked at the officer, his brow furrowing."The evidence... it's not what it seems. We found no handprints on the objects used on the deceased. Thereās no solid proof lin
Three Days Later Lucas slammed the empty bottle on the table, his fourth for the day, and it wasnāt even noon. He muttered under his breath, his face red with frustration. āDante kills my father, and the authorities just let him walk. This is bullshit. Absolute bullshit!ā Mia entered the room quietly, her heels clicking against the marble floor. āLucas,ā she said softly, trying to sound calm, āyou need to take it easy. Drinking like this isnāt going to solve anything.ā He shot her a glare, his voice sharp. āTake it easy? Take it easy? My fatherās dead, and DanteāDante!āis out there celebrating like nothing happened! And you want me to take it easy?ā Mia hesitated, her voice faltering. āIām not saying itās fair, butā¦ā She paused, choosing her words carefully. āBecause of all this, the weddingā¦ itās been postponed until further notice.ā Lucas froze, then slowly stood, his eyes narrowing. āPostponed?ā His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. āYouāre postponing our wedding because o
Lucas stepped into the backyard, the cool breeze doing little to calm his frayed nerves. He pulled out his phone, dialing Victorās number with a sharp jab of his finger. Pacing the length of the garden, his tone was already laced with frustration when Victor answered."I told him, Victor," Lucas snapped, not waiting for a greeting. "I warned the damn doctor. I said thereād be consequences if he didnāt cooperate. But he ignored me, and now heās gone. Vanished! And no one knows where the hell he is."Victorās voice on the other end was steady but tense. "Calm down. We know who took him."Lucas stopped dead in his tracks, narrowing his eyes. "Who?"There was a brief pause before Victor said the name. "Dante."For a moment, Lucas was silent. Then he let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through his hair. "Dante? Of course, itās him. Heās like a damn roachāalways creeping back no matter how many times you think youāve crushed him. Whatās his problem now?"Victorās tone sharpened. "He kno
At a private airport, the rumble of a plane engine gradually faded as it came to a halt on the runway. The doors opened, and heavily armed men stepped out first, scanning the area with sharp, trained eyes. Then an old man appeared, stepping onto the tarmac with the casual confidence of someone who had seen it all. A cigar hung from his lips, its ember glowing faintly in the dusk light.Victor stood near the hangar, his posture respectful but firm. He held a bouquet of fresh flowers, an unusual but calculated gesture of deference. As the old man approached, Victor extended the bouquet toward him."Mr. Delgado," Victor said with a polite nod. "Itās an honor to see you again after all these years."The old man took the flowers, a faint smirk curling his lips as he examined them briefly before looking back at Victor. "Nice touch, Vic. Youāve grown into a proper man, havenāt you? Your father would be proud.""The pleasureās all mine, sir," Victor replied smoothly. "Welcome back. Weāve prep
Victor adjusted his cufflinks as he walked toward the Golden Gala Hall, his tailored suit reflecting his usual precision. The valet quickly opened the car door for him."Keep it close," Victor instructed, handing over the keys before striding inside.The hall was alive with music and laughter. On the stage, the bride and groom danced under the sparkling chandeliers. Delgado sat at a prominent table, his guards stationed strategically around him. Victor moved through the crowd with purpose, nodding politely at familiar faces."Mr. Delgado," Victor said as he approached. Delgado turned, a broad smile lighting his face."Vic," Delgado greeted warmly. "I hope you're not here to talk business. Tonight's about family and celebration."Victor offered a small smile. "Of course, sir. Just wanted to let you know the containers have been moved to a more secure location. Everything's under control."Delgadoās grin widened. "Thatās why I trust you, Vic. Youāre your fatherās son through and through
Victor spun around, meeting Danteās calm gaze. He tightened his fists, his voice cold. "You better not mess this up, Dante."Dante chuckled lightly, his hands raised in mock surrender. "Relax, Vic. I didnāt, and Iām not planning to. Just here to enjoy the moment."Victorās jaw tightened as he caught movement behind Dante. His men rushed in, encircling them quietly. A faint smile tugged at Victor's lips as he stepped closer to Dante. "You see, Dante, I could get rid of you right now. A snap of my fingers, and you'd disappear. No one would notice a thing."Danteās smirk didnāt falter. He tilted his head slightly. "You could, but Iād advise against it. Unless, of course, youāve accounted for everything Iāve been keeping an eye on."Victorās eyes narrowed, his voice a deadly whisper. "What the hell are you talking about?"Before Dante could answer, Delgadoās voice boomed behind them. "Victor! Whatās going on here?"Victor stiffened, quickly masking his annoyance with a forced smile. "Noth
Victor spun around, meeting Danteās calm gaze. He tightened his fists, his voice cold. "You better not mess this up, Dante."Dante chuckled lightly, his hands raised in mock surrender. "Relax, Vic. I didnāt, and Iām not planning to. Just here to enjoy the moment."Victorās jaw tightened as he caught movement behind Dante. His men rushed in, encircling them quietly. A faint smile tugged at Victor's lips as he stepped closer to Dante. "You see, Dante, I could get rid of you right now. A snap of my fingers, and you'd disappear. No one would notice a thing."Danteās smirk didnāt falter. He tilted his head slightly. "You could, but Iād advise against it. Unless, of course, youāve accounted for everything Iāve been keeping an eye on."Victorās eyes narrowed, his voice a deadly whisper. "What the hell are you talking about?"Before Dante could answer, Delgadoās voice boomed behind them. "Victor! Whatās going on here?"Victor stiffened, quickly masking his annoyance with a forced smile. "Noth
Victor adjusted his cufflinks as he walked toward the Golden Gala Hall, his tailored suit reflecting his usual precision. The valet quickly opened the car door for him."Keep it close," Victor instructed, handing over the keys before striding inside.The hall was alive with music and laughter. On the stage, the bride and groom danced under the sparkling chandeliers. Delgado sat at a prominent table, his guards stationed strategically around him. Victor moved through the crowd with purpose, nodding politely at familiar faces."Mr. Delgado," Victor said as he approached. Delgado turned, a broad smile lighting his face."Vic," Delgado greeted warmly. "I hope you're not here to talk business. Tonight's about family and celebration."Victor offered a small smile. "Of course, sir. Just wanted to let you know the containers have been moved to a more secure location. Everything's under control."Delgadoās grin widened. "Thatās why I trust you, Vic. Youāre your fatherās son through and through
At a private airport, the rumble of a plane engine gradually faded as it came to a halt on the runway. The doors opened, and heavily armed men stepped out first, scanning the area with sharp, trained eyes. Then an old man appeared, stepping onto the tarmac with the casual confidence of someone who had seen it all. A cigar hung from his lips, its ember glowing faintly in the dusk light.Victor stood near the hangar, his posture respectful but firm. He held a bouquet of fresh flowers, an unusual but calculated gesture of deference. As the old man approached, Victor extended the bouquet toward him."Mr. Delgado," Victor said with a polite nod. "Itās an honor to see you again after all these years."The old man took the flowers, a faint smirk curling his lips as he examined them briefly before looking back at Victor. "Nice touch, Vic. Youāve grown into a proper man, havenāt you? Your father would be proud.""The pleasureās all mine, sir," Victor replied smoothly. "Welcome back. Weāve prep
Lucas stepped into the backyard, the cool breeze doing little to calm his frayed nerves. He pulled out his phone, dialing Victorās number with a sharp jab of his finger. Pacing the length of the garden, his tone was already laced with frustration when Victor answered."I told him, Victor," Lucas snapped, not waiting for a greeting. "I warned the damn doctor. I said thereād be consequences if he didnāt cooperate. But he ignored me, and now heās gone. Vanished! And no one knows where the hell he is."Victorās voice on the other end was steady but tense. "Calm down. We know who took him."Lucas stopped dead in his tracks, narrowing his eyes. "Who?"There was a brief pause before Victor said the name. "Dante."For a moment, Lucas was silent. Then he let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through his hair. "Dante? Of course, itās him. Heās like a damn roachāalways creeping back no matter how many times you think youāve crushed him. Whatās his problem now?"Victorās tone sharpened. "He kno
Three Days Later Lucas slammed the empty bottle on the table, his fourth for the day, and it wasnāt even noon. He muttered under his breath, his face red with frustration. āDante kills my father, and the authorities just let him walk. This is bullshit. Absolute bullshit!ā Mia entered the room quietly, her heels clicking against the marble floor. āLucas,ā she said softly, trying to sound calm, āyou need to take it easy. Drinking like this isnāt going to solve anything.ā He shot her a glare, his voice sharp. āTake it easy? Take it easy? My fatherās dead, and DanteāDante!āis out there celebrating like nothing happened! And you want me to take it easy?ā Mia hesitated, her voice faltering. āIām not saying itās fair, butā¦ā She paused, choosing her words carefully. āBecause of all this, the weddingā¦ itās been postponed until further notice.ā Lucas froze, then slowly stood, his eyes narrowing. āPostponed?ā His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. āYouāre postponing our wedding because o
Minutes later, the sirens screamed as a convoy of police cars surrounded the building. Dante stood there, handcuffed, still reeling from what he'd just done. His mind was blur. He had avenged his mother, but now, standing here in the aftermath, everything felt surreal.Lucas stood a few feet away, his face twisted with shock and anger. Mia, his girlfriend, leaned on his shoulder, her expression grim as she watched the unfolding chaos. She kept glancing at Dante, her eyes filled with doubt, unsure whether to feel relief or fear.The police officer approached Dante, his face a mix of sympathy and professionalism. "Sorry Mr Dante," he said, looking at the handcuffs, "we're sorry for what happened. You're free to go."Dante blinked, utterly confused. "What? I... I don't understand. What do you mean, I'm free to go?" He looked at the officer, his brow furrowing."The evidence... it's not what it seems. We found no handprints on the objects used on the deceased. Thereās no solid proof lin
Marley returned from the balcony, his phone call finished, and looked at Dante with a forced, almost tired smile."Look, kid," Marley began, pulling a chair closer and sitting down in front of Dante. "I know things have been tough. I know losing your parents, losing your mom-" He paused, his voice softening. "I know it hurts. I've been there too. It's never easy losing someone you love." Dante's chest tightened, but he said nothing, still staring at the phone on the table as if the answers he needed would come from it."I know how you feel, Dante," Marley continued, his voice laced with an almost sympathetic tone. "You think I don't? Losing your mother.. my sister..." His voice cracked slightly as he let out a slow breath, his gaze dropping to the floor. "It was the hardest thing I ever had to deal with. You know how it is, losing someone that close to you."Dante finally looked up, his eyes narrowing. "Youknow how it is, huh?" His voice was low, but thewords were sharp. "How exac
Miaās lips curled into a slight, almost sad smile as she watched Lucas kneel before her, the ring sparkling in the light. She took a long, quiet breath before nodding slowly, as if she had made a decision long ago.āYes,ā Mia said softly, her voice not as confident as she tried to make it seem. āIāll marry you.āDanteās heart dropped, his entire body seeming to freeze as he stared at her, feeling like the air was being sucked out of the room. The words hit him harder than he couldāve prepared for. His mind raced, a thousand thoughts flooding his chest, but they all collided into a single, painful truth: she was settling for him."Mia... please," Dante said, his voice cracking slightly. He reached out, but she pulled back, her gaze hardening. "I know you're not happy. This isnāt what you wanted. You canāt pretend it is. You donāt have to do this, Mia."She finally looked up at him, her eyes cold. Her lips parted, and for the first time, she spoke with real bitterness. "Oh, I donāt?"
Danteās hands trembled slightly as he balanced the tray. He wanted to avoid troubleāLucas wasnāt worth it. If he could just quietly drop off the champagne and leave, maybe he could get through this shift without incident.āWhereās the damn champagne I ordered?ā Lucasās voice boomed across the dining hall, sharp and demanding.Dante flinched. Of course, it had to be him.His grip on the tray tightened as he glanced around. There were no other servers in sight. Just his luck. He exhaled slowly, trying to steady his nerves, and reluctantly made his way to Lucasās table.As he approached, Lucas looked upāand froze for a moment. Then his lips curled into a smirk.āWell, well, well,ā Lucas drawled, leaning back in his chair. āIf it isnāt Dante. What are the odds?āDante bit the inside of his cheek, ignoring the heat creeping up his neck. He placed the tray on the table carefully, trying to avoid eye contact.āDidnāt know you've started working here,ā Lucas said, his tone dripping with mocke