The Verona family mansion was known for its grandeur and beauty, surrounded by blooming gardens and guarded by imposing gates. The sprawling gardens surrounding the house were filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, a sight that never failed to impress visitors. Inside, the luxurious decor spoke volumes about the wealth and status of its inhabitants. But on that fateful night, the gardens were still and silent, almost as if nature was holding its breath in anticipation of what was coming.

Marco and Sofia Verona were in their private study inside the mansion, discussing the upcoming charity gala they were hosting. It was an event they looked forward to every year, as it was a chance to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Little Gianna was playing nearby, gurgling, and giggling as she tried to grab her parents' attention.

Suddenly, the tranquillity was shattered by a loud crash. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the halls, causing Sofia to jump in fright. Marco quickly got up from his seat, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of danger. That was when he saw her, a woman wearing a black mask, her features obscured. She held a gun in her hand, her gaze cold and calculating.

"Who are you?" Marco demanded; his voice laced with authority. The woman didn't respond, instead raising the gun and firing.

The first shot missed, hitting the wall behind Marco. "Get down, Sofia!" Marco shouted, as he quickly moved to shield Sofia, pushing her down to the floor as another shot rang out. This time, it hit its mark. Sofia cried out, blood staining her dress as she clutched her chest.

Sofia's mind raced as she tried to comprehend the situation. "Gianna," she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper. "Protect Gianna."

Marco's heart sank as he saw the extent of her injuries. He knew that there was little hope for her survival, but he refused to give up. He grabbed his own gun, firing at the woman as she tried to escape. But it was too late. The damage had already been done.

As Marco tried to tend to Sofia's wounds, he felt a sharp pain in his chest. He looked down to see blood seeping through his shirt, the realization dawning on him that he had also been shot. He collapsed to the ground, his strength failing him as he clung to Sofia's hand.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, tears streaming down his face. "I couldn't protect you."

Sofia smiled weakly, her tears falling as she looked up at her husband. "You... you did everything you could," she said, her voice barely audible. "Just... just protect Gianna."

And with those final words, Sofia Verona breathed her last.

"No...No...No...No...Sofia," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Stay with me, love." Marco looked at her lifeless body in shock, unable to comprehend the magnitude of what had just happened.

The woman who had killed his wife and injured him was long gone, disappearing into the night without a trace.

She was like a ghost, slipping into the mansion undetected and disappearing just as quickly. Her face was hidden behind a black mask, making it impossible for Marco and Sofia to identify her. But there was something about her that sent chills down their spines, something that made them feel like they were facing a force of nature.

Her movements were quick and precise, her gun steady in her hand as she fired at the couple. Her eyes were cold and calculating, devoid of any emotion as she carried out her deadly mission. She didn't say a word, didn't offer any explanation for why she was there.

It was as if she had been hired to carry out a hit and was determined to see it through no matter what. And at that moment, Marco and Sofia were just collateral damage, nothing more than obstacles in her path.

As the silence settled over the mansion, Marco's eyes flickered to where little Gianna was lying, oblivious to the tragedy that had just unfolded. He knew that he had to protect her, no matter what it took.

And with that resolve, he took his last breath, leaving behind a legacy that would shape Gianna's future in ways she could never have imagined. The Verona household was now silent, save for the sound of Gianna's cries.

The tragedy of that night would haunt Gianna for the rest of her life, a constant reminder of the cruelty and unpredictability of the world she had been born into.

As the police arrived on the scene, the chaos of the attack slowly began to sink in. The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder and blood, and the once beautiful study was now a scene of devastation.

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