Early morning sun peeked through the blinds, making long shadows across the room. Nico sat at his desk, staring at the papers scattered across it. He had spent most of the night trying to sort things out and figure out how to escape the mafia life. But the more he thought about it, the harder it got. Every time he felt ready to break free, something or someone pulled him back in.

Running a hand through his hair, frustration eating his thoughts. It seemed so easy to leave when he first decided. He wanted to get away from the violence, the constant danger and the bloodshed. He wanted a life with Caterina, far from the empire he had built. But now, the reality of it felt difficult than he ever imagined.

Walking away wasn't just about giving up power, it meant facing the consequences of everything he had done – every choice, every person he'd hurt, every life he had taken. His enemies were in front of him and he was facing the music.

Caterina walked in, her footsteps soft against the marble floor. She'd been keeping an eye on Nico, worried sick about how zoned out he was. Her heart hurt for him. She knew how much he was struggling over it, but she also knew he'd made the right call. The man she had grown to love wasn’t the cold-hearted mafia king the world feared.

“Are you okay?” Caterina gentle voice broke the silence.

Nico looked up, meeting her gaze. The concern on her face softened him. “I don’t know,” he said, his voice rough. “It’s harder than I thought.”

Caterina came closer, sitting on the edge of the desk. She reached out, brushing her fingers over his hand, offering some silent comfort. “You’ve made the right choice,” she said quietly. “You deserve a life, Nico. A life that’s yours not one ruled by your past.”

He shook his head, his jaw clenched. “It’s not that easy. I can’t just leave without consequences.”

Her grip on his hand tightened. “You’re not alone. You have me, Nico. You always will.”

His heart twisted at her words. He wanted to believe it. He wanted to trust that together, they could get through anything. But he knew the truth. His past would always haunt him. He wanted peace but his past just wouldn't leave him alone.

○●○

Later, Nico met with his most trusted men. The air was thick with tension, every word felt heavy. They talked about what his decision to leave meant how the other families would respond, how to keep him safe and how to protect Caterina.

“They won’t just let you walk away,” Ivan, one of Nico closest allies said grimly. “There’s a target on your back now. The families won’t accept this. You’re marked.”

Nico eyes hardened. “I know,” he said quietly. “But I can’t keep living like this. I won’t.”

Ivan nodded, his expression serious. “You’ve made your choice but there’s no easy way out. There’s going to be blood, Nico. And if you want to protect her, you’ll have to fight.”

Nico thoughts turned to Caterina. She was his whole world, his rock, the person he'd move heaven and earth for. But in his world, safety wasn't guaranteed. To protect her, he had to confront the danger directly.

That night, Nico and Caterina sat together in his penthouse. The city’s lights twinkled outside but the apartment was quiet, almost too calm. Caterina had always been his safe space the one person who made him feel like he could just be himself. But tonight, that peace felt fragile, like it could shatter at any moment.

“I don’t want to lose you,” Nico said softly, reaching for her hand.

Caterina met his gaze, her heart aching. “You won’t lose me,” she whispered.

But as she said the words, a shiver ran down her spine. She had always known Nico world was dangerous, but she had hoped they could outrun the threats. She hoped they'd figure things out together, but a bad feeling crept into her gut.

Just then, a gunshot echoed in the distance—a sharp, terrifying sound that froze them both. The shot sounded close and its echo filled the air with dread.

Nico instincts kicked in. He jumped to his feet, grabbing Caterina arm. “Get to the safe room. Now,” he ordered, his voice firm.

Caterina didn’t hesitate. She knew something had changed. Danger was closing in and there was no time to waste.

As they moved through the apartment, Nico mind worked. His enemies had found him and they weren’t just after him they were after Caterina too.

○●○

The safe room was tucked away in the penthouse, a small, secure spot Nico had set up years ago for emergencies. It was supposed to be a place of safety, somewhere he and the people he cared about could hide. But as he slammed the door behind them, the reality of the situation hit hard. The danger surrounding them was impossible to ignore.

Nico took a deep breath to calm himself. He had to protect her the only person who made him feel anything other than fear or anger. But with every minute that passed, the reality of what was happening became clearer. They were under attack.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. He quickly pulled it out, his heart racing when he saw Ivan name on the screen.

“Nico, they’ve broken into the building. We’ve got them held on the lower floors for now, but I don’t know how long we can keep them back,” Ivan shaky voice came through.

Nico stomach tightened. He had always known this day could come, but hearing Ivan say it made it feel all too real. “Where are you?” Nico asked, his voice tense.

“We’re doing our best, but we’re surrounded,” Ivan said. “You need to get out now. It’s the only way.”

Nico mind raced. He couldn’t leave. He wouldn’t leave Caterina behind. But staying here would only put her in more danger. He had to decide quickly.

He glanced at Caterina, her face pale with fear, but her eyes were calm and full of believe. She wasn’t going to leave him and he couldn’t leave her either.

“We fight,” Nico said, his voice a little shaky.

Without a second’s hesitation, Caterina nodded. She trusted him completely and wasn’t about to let him face this alone. “We fight,” she repeated, squeezing his hand tightly.

As they prepared for what was coming, the sound of gunfire grew louder. The attack had begun and the weight of their choices was heavier than ever. Nico had always known his past would catch up with him, but facing it now still felt like a shock. The danger wasn’t just after him it was after everyone he cared about.

But Nico wasn’t the same man he used to be. He had changed. And for the first time, he was fighting not just for his empire but for the woman he loved.

Together, they had to face whatever was coming.

And they had to fight for a future worth living.