"True love makes you sleep and dream. But loud reality wakes you up" ― Bangambiki Habyarimana

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Giovanni Leone Santorini's POV

"I had Tristan working on getting some information about Salvo. They broke into his home last night," Isaias casually said.

It's been a week and I heard nothing from Enna. She's not in her condo and apparently not even in her parent's house. The fact that she's gone hurts more than the shot I got. "How about Enna?" I asked, ignoring the fact that the Giudici just charge me with kidnapping and attempted murder. 

Vito and Isaias look at each other. Isaias face morphs grimly. "I don't think it's wise to think about her, Leone. She's going to testify against you," Isaias spoke so cold and detach as the words rolled out of his tongue. 

"How do you know?" I croaked, and I felt a lump at the back of my throat. An excruciating pain hits me hard right at the center of my heart. It feels like a bullet just struck it and pierced it into tiny million pieces sending shock waves all over my nerve endings and I felt dying slowly inside.

"Someone told us," Isaias responded shortly.

I chuckled with bitterness as I scratch under my chin, feeling a large hollowness growing inside me, a cradled blackness that grew bigger. "I understand her. I almost killed her father-"

"HE KILLED YOUR FAMILY, LEONE. DON'T FORGET THAT!" Isaias growled in his very deep low tone, emphasizing each word, his eyes screams so much hatred and disapproval. 

"He is right, Gio. That slimy ball deserves more than death!" Vito piped in. I stared at them both and chuckles, then heaved my chest with the realization, that in real life, we never get what we wanted, always. I thought, there's nothing I couldn't get. I grew up achieving everything that I want, by any means.

Isaias and Vito were right, but after that shooting, my heart had changed. I no longer crave that justice. I don't know, but I don't have that fuel to drive me to achieve that goal that I had kept in my heart for a long time. 

"Let's just get the authority involve in this matter. Hand them that tape that proves Salvo killed my family, as well as Carmine would rot in jail. Make sure of that!" 

Vito and Isaias stared at me dubiously and incredulously. I can't blame them, but the beast inside me for some reason, I couldn't find it.

"Don't give me that stare," I glared at the two. "Life is too short, you'll know what I mean when you find yourself dying." I told the two and they look at each other in confusion and uncertain.

"Is this because of Enna?" Vito asked, cocking his eyebrow. I could literally see the word, disapproval in his brown orbs. 

I chuckled. "No, no, amigo. I just thought, why hate everyone, if we can forgive? Let the authority do their job and let's enjoy the remaining life we have. Who knows maybe tomorrow, we die." I said and even myself, I felt uncertain about what was going on to myself. Is this really me? I don't sound like the Giovanni everyone knows, but it feels good. 

It felt amazingly good.

But, I knew it's me because I feel that familiar pain whenever Enna crosses my mind. The thought of her gone leaves unbearable pain in my heart.

"Something is really wrong in here. I think that Chet dick did some heart transplant without our permission!" Isaias growled gruffly in disapproval, and I burst into a fit of laughter. 

"Don't be so uptight, Sai. Chill man," I said between dying laughter.

"Are you sure, it's our old friend, Giovanni. The ruthless, heartless, cold, and impassioned bastard!" Vito stressed out, emphasizing each word. His frown creases on his forehead deepened.

"Vito, Vito, mio amico!" I stood up from my swivel chair and rounded my rectangular table, then pace towards the two who was sitting across each other, across my table. "If the authority will let this two go that easily, then I will not think twice to pay someone to end their life," I sneered sternly. 

I shoved my hands deep in my pocket as I spoke with sternness. "I was just thinking, Salvo must have been hiding something that would help us dig him his grave," I said as I faced the two. Their faces lit up.

"Tristan hadn't gone back to me. I'm sure, he has something to share," Isaias responded too confidently, and knowing Tristan had been working with Rafael for a long time, I knew he is just as efficient as Isaias and Vito.

"I like that guy," I remarked.

"What do you think of him joining us?" Sai asked.

"He could be your replacement?" I cocked my eyebrow and Sai's face darkened.

"No pun intended, huh?" Sai retorted grimly. I stifled my laughter as I watch how he looks like to murder someone. The typical Isaias Vitale. This dog never knew how to joke.

"Chill man, he's just kidding," Vito stood up and pace around the room. 

"Not funny!" he growled like a madman. My laughter boomed inside my office room.

"Get that stick out of his ass, Vito," I teased and paced back to my chair. Sai glared at us deadly and Vito chuckled. 

"Well, if Tristan would like to join our team, then he's more than welcome. I think that guy is trustworthy." I commented with sincerity.

The conversation cuts off when Sai's phone rang. He excuse himself and walk to one corner as he talks on the phone. Vito sat back to the chair he emptied.

"So what will you do now? Enna would testify against you and there's a possibility you will end in jail?" Vito clenched his jaw at the end of his words. 

"Then if that's the case and she'll happy to see me behind bars, then it shall be. Besides, I really attempted to kill her fa-"

"He killed zio, zia, and Ellona, Gio. He is merciless. He shouldn't be walking around freely." Vito cuts me off. Thinking of my family's death, for some reason, it's not as painful as before. I don't feel that extreme wrath and that passionate revenge I always longed, it's just odd. I don't understand too. I could still feel the pain, the longings to give them justice, but not driven to kill the killer. It seems the surgery had done something to ease that fuel that always igniting that passion for getting revenge. 

I don't know if I'm liking it, but at some point, it feels something good, rather odd.

I look around my office, then my eyes trained on Isaias. He was standing beside the indoor plant, with his free hand resting on his pocket. He looks grim, typically him. 

"I just realized, killing him will not give me that satisfaction, and will never make me live in peace. I would live with guilt until I die because seeing her all the time would remind me of him. Reminds me that I'm a killer." I said and my eyes darted to Vito, who looks at me completely lost in confusion.

"You really going to pursue her, don't you?" 

"Yes, by any means!" I said firmly.

"Now, that's explains everything. You really got it bad, Gio. And I hope you will get the happiness you deserve. If that's your decision, as a brother, I will respect and support you all the way!" Vito got up and fix his suit. 

"Thanks, Vito!" I smiled sincerely. 

"We will work on the evidence to get that two thrown in the slammer, by whatever means possible," Vito exclaimed confidently. I nodded my head. "As well as Enna,"

Vito's head snaps in my direction with a frown stuck on his face. I stared at him, determined. He nodded.

"As well as Enna!" He repeated my word as he bobs his head up and down. I stared at him with grateful eyes.

"Tristan found another bunch of DVD's and some VHS. He'll bring it tonight in my office. Would you like to watch it with us?" Sai broke our staring contest. 

Our eyes darted to him. "I'll see you tonight," I confirmed and the two left.

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Athena Giudici's POV

         Bell looks healthy and tough. She gained from her pregnancy and her belly is so big and it looks like it's going to explode anytime. I met Kevin who was an ex-army, tall and broad shouldered guy, but his bulky features concealed his weak points. He had several injuries and once in a while he could feel the pain, that's why he resigned in his job. 

He was now working in a restaurant not far from their place. Bell seems took cared well. I saw how Sister Therese and Kevin adored her and treated her like their own sister and I'm happy. She looks troubled when you look into the depth of her beautiful cerulean eyes, but she's too skilled to masked that sadness and pain. 

"I'm so glad you're here. I can't still believe you're here with me," Bell giggled as she stared at me. I saw longing and a lot of emotions swirling in those cerulean orbs. Seeing her now, she looks like the girl I first met from that Diner. Although she grown up tougher. She's a duchess yet she looks nowhere close to a duchess. She wore this old frumpy dress that probably owned by sister Therese though it didn't hide her beauty. Nothing too fancy in her outfit today. She looks so ordinary. Who would have thought she's the duchess of Russia?

"How are you doing?" I asked, forcing a smile and happy tone. I'm here to ease and comfort her, not to add more troubles in her full plate.

"I'm fine," she looks down on her mug of decaf tea. Her voice quivered a little.

"You can tell me what really happened, Bell. Why did you leave?" Bell made a tentative sip of her tea then stared at me with her index finger stroking the hand of her mug. 

"I couldn't stand anymore these girls keep coming in and out of Rafael's life," she quipped deeply. My frown creases deepened in curiosity.

"What do you mean? I know he's a womanizer, but I thought he changed." I said.

"That's what I thought so too, but I was wrong." She chuckles bitterly. "I had to leave him and he needs to sort his life out. What he really wants in his life. If he loves me and he's ready to ditch out his womanizing life, then I will give him a chance, besides, he is the father of my child." She looks down on her big bump and smiled. She sounded so ecstatic as she uttered the last words.

I felt happy for her, yet at the same time, sad if Rafael would never man up and get her back. I know Rafael loves her so much of he wouldn't go through all those chasing if he didn't, but I don't know much of the things that happened between them since I was too focused battling in my own trials.

"How about you? How are you and Gio?" she asked after a short pause.

My smile withered. The happiness plummeted to the ground. I suddenly felt choking as the reality slaps me. I couldn't get away, could I?

I escape from my problems and I thought I could get away for some time, but I was wrong. It kept chasing me. 

"Enna," I heard Bell's worried voice snapping me back to earth.

"Uh, I-I'm fine. I just remember the time when we both got kidnapped." I lied and she seems to buys it. Guilt tugs my heart.

"How is Angelo?" she asked. I could hear some concern in her voice. The last time I talk to him was when he was found guilty of kidnapping. I'm angry at him and at the same time, I don't want to see him in the slammer with those criminals. It just breaks my heart, but at the same time, reason overwhelms me. 

"I never talk to him, but my parents does. I heard he's vulnerable, and he regretted everything," I uttered and heaved a sigh.

"I can drop the charges, but Rafael and grandpa should do the same, otherwise it will be pointless."

"Thanks, Bell. For now, let's just drop this depressing topic and talk about anything else." I chuckled and she chuckles, too.

"You're right." 

"So what will be your baby's name?" I asked enthusiastically.

"I don't know. I'm thinking Rafael Benedict, but I'm not sure yet." 

"Where did you get the Benedict?" I asked curiously.

"My father's name is Benedict. He is one of the knights in the royal palace." I nodded.

"That's a nice name," I commented.

She beams at me. "Thanks, Enna." 

              THREE DAYS passed by like a running water. Bell and I spend most of the days talking, strolling around the block since we can't go anywhere further in case her water breaks. At the park, we sat after several minutes walking. She unscrewed the cap of her water bottle and drank it straight until it was half full. 

My phone vibrated and I check it. I have a feeling it's my mom or my brother. I had been receiving texts from them asking me where am I, that they needed me back home, blah, blah, blah. 

When I check it, it was from Dean. An email. 

I check my email and then downloaded that files attached. A picture of the newspaper where in a big bold letter was printed, THE INFAMOUS RUTHLESS GIOVANNI SANTORINI FACING TWO CHARGES, FILED BY SALVO GIUDICI. THE DAUGHTER OF THE GIUDICI PUBLISHING CORP. CEO AS THE WITNESS.

What happened? - Dean.

The relaxing feelings I felt suddenly wiped out. My heart sunk and anger rose within me. Anger for my family, for my father who blinded everyone with his lies. 

I emailed Dean back. 

I'll explain everything when I came back. I'm here in Austin with Bell. I'll fly back soon. Then I hit send.

"Are you alright?" I heard Bell.

I quickly hit the homepage and back to my wallpaper screen. I smiled as I look at the picture of Dean and me sharing the same beach chair lounge as we had selfies. Those wicked smile that always made me feel mushy and feel loved. That longing suddenly filled me and I felt that tears slowly welling up around my eyelids. I blink it back and swiftly stuff my phone inside my waistband as I smiled at her. "It's Dean. He was wondering where am I. I didn't tell anyone where I am. I didn't think I need to anyway," I chuckled forcefully.

Bell chuckles softly. "Uncle and Aunt will be really upset with you," she said chuckling.

Yes, they are. They're going ballistic for all I care. 

"It's fine," I shrugged nonchalantly.

"Let's go." Bell stood up and I followed suit.

"I need to fly back to New York, tomorrow," I said as I walk beside her.

"Of course," Bell agreed. "Thanks, Enna for coming. I really appreciate it," she smiled gratefully.

"Don't mention it, Bell. It was nice to see you and to have a little vacation. I've got to meet this second family of yours, and I'm glad they are very nice and kindhearted." I smiled genuinely. 

She nodded her head. "Yes, they are." We turn to her street and walk along the concrete sidewalk. It's almost five in the afternoon, the road is getting busy. "I may not be lucky to see my parents, but I'm lucky to have these people around me," she beams. She is really an epitome of a tough woman. After all the tragedies she went through, she is still positive and full of hope. 

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Giovanni Leone Santorini's POV

              TRISTAN MARCONI, the badass who runs a silent assassins agency. A crook defensive agency. He looks younger than his age early thirties. With dirty blonde hair, cheeks caved in, highlighting his already prominent cheekbones. His jawline was exquisite as all the magazines said, with a well defined dimpled chin. He doesn't look a bit of a deadly man. His charming face usually gives him the advantage. 

As soon as he entered the office, he cocks his head to his company who was holding a brown cow leathered attache case. The guy who was a few inches shorter than him step forward and handed to Vito the case. 

Vito took it and laid it on the table and opened the attached case. 

Tristan shook my hands and so was Sai as we watch the case being opened. A bunch of DVDs and VHS revealed in front of us. 

"Those will surely entertain you," Tristan chuckled. I cocked my eyebrow at his direction. 

He raised his hands in silent surrender with his smirk plastered on his face. "Well, I have to make sure, it's what we needed." He justified and look back at the things in front of us.

"Well, I don't want to spoil this moment, I have some other things to do. My boss just called." Vito approached him and they did our infamous shake hands, the grip-  gripping the hands with the thumb presses against the top of the first knuckle-joint, and the latter would do the same. It was a strange handshake but it meant a lot and only us who knows what it meant. It's like taking an oath to the brotherhood. "Submitting and fully gripping/accepting the brotherhood's life with loyalty and trust." 

"Thanks, amigo." I nodded my head and he left with his company.

As soon as the two disappeared the door, Vito closes the door and Isaias started playing the first CD he   picked up.

"AHHh... OHHH FUCK! YES BABY, RIGHT THERE... AHHH...." the loud moaning filled the room and my eyes bulged staring at the woman who was enjoying the hard shaft thrusting in and out of her dripping cunt.

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A/N: There you go.. hope you all like it!