(Isaias' POV)

"Maybe in a blood but not in the real sense, so don't call me your son!" I said in a very low dangerous tone as I tried to hold my temper at bay. Every time I talk to him, hear his name, my past kept taunting me, stirring the hatred within me, anger resurfacing, causing me to feel nothing but vengeful, hateful, and cold. "What do you want?" I asked gravely, never concealing the menacing edge in my tone.

"You know what I want, Lorenzo."

"Lorenzo! Lorenzo! You fucking piece of shit!" I could hear my mother yelling at me, calling me whatever curses suits her.

"My name is Isaias!" I unconsciously rectified, my nerves felt like it's going to snap from clenching my jaws too tight.

"My father named you Lorenzo, from his name, Lorenzo Lucca D'Antonio," he chuckles humorlessly, but I don't find it amusing. Anything that related to him, I abhor it. "I just want you to go home." I scoffed but kept my mouth shut. "This mansion is yours, son. You're the only D'Antonio's generation left. You are the sole heir of the D'Antonio's fortune, and when I die, it will be all in your name." His arrogant tone softens, almost pleading.

"I'm Vitale. I'm not D'Antonio. You keep your fortune because I'm not interested, Luigi," I arrogantly retorted and I heard him sighed.

"You are a D'Antonio, too, Isaias. Even if you deny it, half of D'Antonio's blood runs in your veins."

I just clenched my jaw, my hands curled into tight balls. He was right. I carried my mother's last name since she wasn't married to my father. I wanted to change it, but no matter what I will do, I can't change the blood that runs through my veins. It is always Vitale and D'Antonio.

"I just want to be a father to my son. I know it's too late, but your mother was too good in hiding you. I've been looking for you all my life as soon as she disappeared." I don't want to believe him. If he really did, he can find us. Italy is a small country and his family is very influential, one of the richest family in the Europe. They owned the biggest auto company called Panera, and the multi-billion dollar hydrocarbons company. A company that had been run by the family since time immemorial.

"When you left us, kick us out of your life, my mother taught me things and one is hatred. I never forgive easily, Luigi."

"I understand, Isaias. I've been a fool of chasing her away. I was greedy of power, married a rich girl but can't provide me an heir—"

"They call it karma, Luigi." I scoffed with a gruff, cutting him off midsentence.

He just chuckled it off. "Indeed!" he said softly enough for me to hear. "It is a bitch," he commented bitterly. "You know, I'm dying," he said randomly. I felt like I misheard it.

"You are a ruthless evil, you can't just die!" I responded tersely.

"Well, my doctor just told me I have five months to live," I suddenly froze. I can't believe he's life span ends pretty soon.

Should I celebrate? But I felt nothing.

"I've been wanting a child all my life. When Lucia was diagnosed with infertility, she can't accept it and became addictive of alcohol, smoke a lot, until her body couldn't take it anymore and died." I just listened to his sentiments with no emotion. I felt nothing as I listen. Nothing but coldness.

He just kept on blabbering, but his words 'five months to live' stuck in my head. I suddenly have this urge to feel how it's like being with my real father. I longed for that for twenty years, then one day, that longing died, and hatred filled my heart.

I shook the ridiculous thoughts off. I scoffed inwardly. I don't think it will any difference. "I have no time to listen to your drama, Luigi. I have work to resume—"

"Wait!" he stops me and I scowled at oblivion.

"If you don't want to be my son, then let me hire Angel Rose Viggorino. Maybe she could be my daughter. I know how special she is to you, Isaias." My hands unconsciously gripped the phone tightly. "And don't worry, I just want to be a father, and she's perfect if you can't fill the void. She will be my daughter," and before I could respond, I only heard the dial tone.

I know what he was doing. He was using her to get me to him.

Fucking pussy!

I decided to go to the gym. It's always been my stress reliever.

Angel's face popped in my head. I know she can relax me just by her presence. She made me feel things I never felt before.

But she's not here! I snapped at myself inwardly.

.

.

"So, how did it go?" Vito probed as soon as he found me at the gym. I'm sure it's late at night since I'm the only one left in the gym except for Logan who was patiently watching me pounding the black bag, venting out my frustrations. After two hours shooting in the underground's shooting range, I'm still fuming, so I decided to spend the rest of the hours in the gym.

I slowly took the hand wrap off as I turned to face him. My breathings heavy after long hours of kicking and boxing. "Failed," I simply replied ignoring the burning feelings of the bruises on my knuckles. Angel's defiant face popped up in my head, and I unconsciously swore under my breath.

"You mean failed?" he cocked his eyebrow waiting for deeper information as he sat on the bench and crosses his right leg over the other as he watches me with that irritating smirks playing on the corner of his lips.

I let out a frustrated breath as I sat on the other end of the bench, ignoring the beads of sweat trickling on my back. "He offered her a job. I know what he is up to," I said gravely as I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees with my legs apart. I gave Vito a brief glance then stared at the hand wrap crumpled in my palm.

"Luigi," Vito confirmed, and I nodded twice.

He knows about him. How I'm related to him. Vito found it out when Luigi's personal secretary Ibrahim came to visit me one day. He told me that I'm the only son of Luigi D'Antonio who was running for Presidency that time, five years ago, in Italy. He showed me proof that I was indeed the son, they know my mother so well, and everything that they told me about her, it was all true. She used to be his secretary and his lover until she got accidentally pregnant.

I know my father is an Italian, but never thought it was him, now the President of Italy. A dictator, a heartless President that hated by many, including me.

"You are like your father, useless!" it kept playing in my head like a mantra.

"I hate you because you always reminds me of your heartless father!" words that are implanted, tattooed in my heart as I grow up. It's like a routine every time my mother gets aggravated.

I never felt so happy when I left Florence. I thought I could get away with my past when I left my abusive mother, then there's Agata. And when they died, I thought I'm free, but Luigi appeared, and my past starting to catch up with me.

"We are killers, Sai." Vito's arrogant tone drags me out of my short reverie. "You can take him down if you thinks he's a threat to you," Vito was already sitting beside me. Again, I'm grateful I have a friend like him and Leone. They were my brothers I never had.

"He's my father, Vito. Yes, I hated him for what he did to my mother, and I end up carrying all the blame, but he's always my father, by blood." And he's going to die soon anyway. I shook my head. An idea that crosses my mind once in a while, but I always kicked it away. And now, knowing he has only 5 months to live, I'm not happy about it, neither I'm looking forward to it. I felt nothing. "I don't think he's a threat, I just don't understand why he was so eager to get me back. I'm old to be taken care of, no?" I let out a soft humorless chuckle as I shook my head.

He wants to be a father. I scoffed inwardly. I'm almost thirty-two.

"Yes, too old, brother!" then Vito burst into laughter.

When his laughter's sobered, silence took over. Only our deep sighing that can be heard in the room. After a while, Vito stood up, and I followed him. We both walk towards the changing room, but he stops just before the exit door. He places his hand on my shoulder, and I hated that gesture all the time. I felt like I was short when he does that, but I didn't say anything.

Vito stood about 6'4-6'5 tall. Maybe I was taller a half inch or maybe we stood the same height.

"Don't let your past ruin your future. I think that Angel perfectly suited you. It's like a cream or sugar to a coffee, when it blended, it makes a really good taste." I just shook my head when he chuckled. He's always acting like a cupid. A fucking matchmaker. "Or maybe a fire to an ice, or an angel for the devil," Vito grinned wolfishly, and I smack his hand away playfully.

"I have no time for your games, Vito. She is too innocent for our world. She's better off me!" I patted his shoulder lightly and gave him a soft push towards the exit door. "Goodnight, bro." Then I turned towards the changing room.

"Don't be ridiculous, Isaias. Do it man! Don't let this opportunity pass by, they only come once!" I was still shaking my head but didn't bother looking at him. "Just think about it, when you grow old, lonely and rotten, and nobody wants you anymore." I shook my head. Vito, always the believer of love, but love never believes in him. "Looks has an expiration date, too. Don't forget, Sai! Take every opportunity before it's too late!" Vito said before leaving. When I turned my head to look at him, his back disappearing into the door.

I shook my head again and decided to take a long shower. As the warm water runs over my body, Vito's words rang in my head.

"When you're old and rotten, when nobody wants you anymore."

Angel's innocent face popped up in my head and a ghost of a smile broke out on my lips. "I like it when you're smiling. I don't want to see those dead, distant eyes. I want these ones, sparkling, and full of life, full of spirit."

Her words, it feels like a warm palm caressing me, soothing me, and relaxing my restless mind.

I quickly shook the thoughts off as I uttered series of profanities. "Looks has an expiration date, too!" Vito's words rang in my head once more.

"FUCK!" I grit out unconsciously.

"Take every opportunity before it's too late."

I tried to shook the thoughts of my head. I have a lot of things running in my head, and one is to pay a visit to Giovanni's real father, Carmine Castellano, but Vito's words dominated all of it.

.

.

"Carmine Castellano," I stared at him, still surprised how on earth did he survive that shot. It was right in his head. His brain was shattered as I remembered. How could he survive that?

Something amiss.

"Isaias," he looks like he just saw a ghost upon seeing me. His face became pale, and his eyes bulged.

It was hard to find his little house that was sitting in the farthest part of Seguismonda. An old barren farm, the derelict house looks so old, and nobody would think there's someone who lived in this place.

It took Logan weeks to find out where he is, and his name is Vicente Rapiazi. One of the staffs recognized him because he always comes almost every day with his magazine.

I sat on the small wooden chair that looks like it's going to give up anytime soon, sitting at the corner. He was repairing a box, and I watch him dropped the wood and hammer, then he stood up, wiping his hands on his overalls that look more gray than blue with all the dirt stuck in it as he trained his eyes on me.

"H-how did you find me?" he swallowed hard as he walks towards me. His surprised aura now vanished.

"I'm sorry to disrupt whatever you are doing," I glibly apologized as I stood up, and he just waved his hands off in nonchalance.

"I saw you as I drove by the La Vigna Seguismonda one day, and I asked one of the staffs of Seguismonda if they know you. Luckily one recognized you, she gave me your address, hope you don't mind?" I gave him an apologetic look not that I really care.

"Laila?" he nodded his head.

I'm not sure if she is, but I nodded my head anyway.

He let out a soft chuckle but lacks happiness. He shook his head after a while. I was just watching him, he still looks surprised. "No, no, I don't really mind," he shook his head. "It's nice to see you," he said, his eyes filled with mixed emotions. Then he gave me a brief hug which I reluctantly reciprocated.

I hate hugging or sharing emotions.

"What happened that day, Carmine?" I asked without going around the bush.

He looks away and heaved a deep sighed. "I witnessed the death of Domingo, I was with him that night he went to see Martino Constantini, two years ago," he started. "Martino didn't comply with their deals, so things got heated. Martino shot him in the head together with his men. I was actually waiting in the car for Domingo." I was just listening. I know who is Domingo and Martino. They are from different mafia's group, and they are based in Rome where my father's family came from. "When I saw what happened, I sped off but Martino saw me as I drove by them. They tried to shoot me, but I was lucky to escape. But that didn't end there. They were hunting me, and then threatened me to kill Giovanni, that's why I schemed my death. Then went here to lived in this small barren farm. I changed my identity, my name, and everything that's related to Carmine Castellano."

I shook my head as I let out a soft humorless chuckle. "Giovanni will be elated when he learns that you are still alive," I said as I shoved my hands into my pockets.

Carmine just gave me a small smile. I saw the pain in those eyes that look a little like Giovanni. "How is he?" he asked. I could hear the deep longings in his voice.

"He is happy now. He's married and they have a baby, his name is Giovannie Piere." I responded shortly. Carmine wipes the stray tear that fell on his cheek, then he looks away, trying to hide his emotion.

"He already knows that you are his father," I said and he suddenly whips his head into my direction. His eyes bulging in surprise.

I nodded in confirmation, my eyes trained on his glistening eyes. "Does he hates me?" he asked rather choked. The timbre of his voice gave away of his real age. I could still hear the deep tone, but it lacks youthfulness. It sounded tired and old. His once handsome face was now weatherworn, his eyes were a little watery or probably because he was crying.

I shook my head and he looks relieved. "He just regretted that he never had the chance to thank you for taking care of him," I explained softly and he nodded. He looks torn. I don't want to see those emotions in his eyes, so I look around the small room where I think he mostly spends his time.

There are tools around the small room, few old tables with scattered tools. Most of his equipment were hanging on the wall. There is also a few hand planer, a woodcutter, and a chainsaw.

"Doing carpentry works?" I asked as I walk towards the undone cabinet which I just noticed.

"Yes. It was a hobby," he responded shortly.

I nodded. "Why don't you go back to your son, Giovanni can help you with Martino. We can help you," I suggested. Giovanni would be happy to see him, I'm sure.

When I look at Carmine, he was shaking his head, yet I saw his eyes sparkled with the idea. I know he wanted to, but he was afraid.

"Martino is not a small fish, Isaias. He has a lot of connections, and one of it, is the President," I suddenly stop stared at him hard.

"How do you know?" I frowned, shoving my hands back in my pockets as I walk closer to him.

"Domingo was working with them. He told me everything about them, that's why Martino wants me dead."

I clenched my jaw and just nodded. I don't know Martino much, I had to dig more information about him. My father, I'll take care of him. He was no threat to me.

"I'll see what I can do," I said and Carmine gave me a disapproval look.

"Isaias, you are young and has a lot of opportunities, don't let your life be taken away. I'm old, and soon, I'll be dead anyway. Just let this thing go, and be it this way. Where everyone is safe," Carmine said and patted me on the shoulder softly. "Come, I'll make us some lunch," he led me inside his house, and I noticed that the inside looks new. He must have done renovations inside the house. It looks spacious, and no unnecessary furniture sitting around the room. Everything that's in the room was things he needed. Chairs, tables, and TV. The only decoration that was in it, were a big picture frame of him and Giovanni when he was young. Carmine was holding him, and they were smiling brightly.

.

.

After dealing with Carmine, I flew back to New York. I can't wait to see her, especially after Logan told me that she was working at the decent size florist not farther from her aunt's house, the Fair Blossom's florist.

I was ecstatic to find out that she didn't accept the President's offer. "Where to, boss?" Logan as soon as I got inside the car.

"To the hotel," I replied briefly and decided to close my tired eyes. I've been restless, Angel's face never left my brain, since I left NY and until now. I can't shake her off my brain. Her innocent face seems like it was tattooed in my brain. No matter how I tried to forget her, it kept on taunting me.

I tried to get laid, I thought maybe I could get her out of my system, out of my head, but I called that girl who was giving me a blowjob her name.

I unconsciously let out a soft humorless chuckle. I can't believe I'm going to take Giovanni's path.

Well, I thought before I did, when I met Almira. She was different. She showed me loved and I started to feel something. I met her in the bar when I was nineteen. She was one of those strippers but I don't really care about her job.

She respected me, treated me like a king, and loved me for who I am. Just then I felt something. My cold heart starts to feel something. And then when I start to feel warm, to feel like a normal human again, she starts bringing men in my place, fucking in my own place. How many times I caught her, but she never justifies her action.

I broke up with her, my heart turns colder than before, I started to hate women. I thought they are all the same. I still respect them, a man should be, but my expectations, it's all the same.

Women are nothing but a walking hormone machine.

Until I met her.

My dangerous angel.

"Boss, they are not selling the Fair Blossom Florist. The old man refused to sell it," Logan said a little apprehensive causing me to snapped both my eyes open.

"I'll take care of it," I said, and then closes my eyes again.

.

.

"I've been outside the Fair Blossom for like a half hour already, trying to collect my shit together. When I saw her through the glass wall, I suddenly chickened out.

"You can do this, Isaias!" I mumbled under my breath, then I strode towards the glass door. I mumbled profanities when the chime rang.

Then I saw her. She was wearing tight blue jeans with a loose shirt, and an apron on her chest that has the name of the shop. She had her hair in a tight bun. No makeup yet she still looks stunning rather ravishing.

She didn't recognize me because of my jacket hood. I pushed it down to my back and tried to act casual but my voice gave away. "H-hi!" sounding a little off than my usual tone. I cursed myself inwardly. I felt like a fool.

"Isaias?" she looks utterly surprised.

How I wanted to pull her into my arms and feel her soft body against mine. Just seeing her makes my heart in a frenzy mode, like a teen struck fool. These things she made me feel, it's all strange to me, yet it is beautiful.

Vito is right.

Why should I let my past ruin my future?

I can see my future with her.

Now, I understand why Giovanni did all those crazy things. Right now, I'm eager to do the same and I don't give a fucking shit as long as I get her, and be mine.

Yes, she will be mine!

"Are you here by any chance to buy flowers?" her sweet voice drags me out of my trance. She was smiling at me, but I could tell, they are not genuine. She wasn't happy seeing me, and that hurt truthfully.

"Well," as I shoved my hands into my pockets. Trying to act cool, normal, but I couldn't calm my fucking heartbeat down. She cocked her delicate eyebrow, and all the more my confidence plummeting into the grounds.

"I don't know if this woman likes flowers," I gave her a small smile. The way her lips moved as she told me flowers are every woman's weaknesses, I couldn't help but feel hope. Because I really want her to forgive me, and then ask her to move in with me.

Too fast, Isaias. A part of my brain reminded me.

It's all the same, the other justified

.............

A/N: Here we go.. Isaias is on the roll!