The night stretched on endlessly, quiet except for the sound of the wind brushing through the tall trees outside. Lorenzo stood on his balcony, staring at the city lights far below — the reflection of a world built on blood and betrayal. His father's world.
A world he wanted nothing to do with anymore.
But walking away had never been so difficult, not until she came into the picture.
Alessia Romano.
The name alone was forbidden.
His father's enemy. His heart's weakness.
He should have hated her — that was what he was raised to do. But the moment he looked into her eyes, he saw something familiar. A reflection of his own pain. A loneliness that matched his.
Lorenzo exhaled deeply, resting his forearms on the railing, the cool air stinging his skin.
"She's supposed to be my enemy," he murmured. "So why does protecting her feel like the only thing that makes sense anymore?"
Behind him, his right-hand man approached carefully. "Boss, you've been out here for hours. The men are worried. You haven't slept, haven't eaten. Is it about her again?"
Lorenzo didn't respond at first. His eyes stayed locked on the horizon — on the faint direction of where she was. "She's stronger than most people I've ever met," he finally said. "But she's also too stubborn for her own good. If she finds out everything that's coming… she'll walk straight into the fire trying to stop it."
"Then why lie to her?" his man asked quietly. "Telling her that her father knew you took her… you know she'll find out sooner or later."
Lorenzo's jaw tightened, his voice low and calm, but heavy with something close to regret.
"I know. But I'd rather have her hate me and live than trust me and die."
He turned away, walking toward the dimly lit room. The glow of the lamp cast shadows across his face, the tiredness in his eyes.
"She doesn't deserve any of this," he continued. "My father destroyed everything I ever loved. My mother, my peace, my faith in family. I won't let him destroy her too."
The man nodded silently, not daring to speak again.
Lorenzo reached into his pocket and pulled out a small white ribbon — delicate, worn, and familiar. He rubbed it gently between his fingers.
"This belonged to my mother," he said softly. "She used to tell me, 'One day you'll meet someone who carries the same fire I once had. Protect her, Lorenzo — even if it costs you everything.'"
He smiled bitterly, a flicker of pain hiding behind his calm expression. "Looks like she was right."
The room fell silent for a while. Only the sound of the rain beginning to fall outside filled the air.
His right-hand man finally asked, "So what now, boss?"
Lorenzo's eyes hardened, but there was warmth in his tone. "Now, I go back for her. She thinks I'm just some cold-hearted man playing a game — but she doesn't see what's coming. My father won't stop until he destroys everyone tied to me. And that includes her."
He took one last look out the window, his voice dropping to a whisper meant only for himself — and for her.
"Hold on for me, my queen. I'll come back for you. Even if it means burning down everything my father built."