↳ ❝𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙎𝙄𝙓𝙏𝙀𝙀𝙉;❞

❝𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙄 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙪𝙥 ,
𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨.❞

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐𝘵 𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴,
𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘢 𝘎𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘻

「𝑰𝑺𝑨𝑩𝑬𝑳𝑳𝑨」

𝑵𝑰𝑪𝑶 𝑾𝑨𝑳𝑲𝑬𝑫 𝑶𝑼𝑻 𝑶𝑭 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑹𝑶𝑶𝑴 𝑳𝑶𝑪𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 it. "Nico please unlock the door. NICO! I I won't leave I promise just unlock the door please." I screamed letting a tear fall down my face. "Please.. I'm scared." I whispered sitting on the floor hugging my knees.

Flashbacks that I didn't want to remember run in my mind once again. I wiped my tears trying to not think about it.

I stood up and walked towards the balcony door. I tried opening it but it was locked. I slammed the door in frustration and once again slipped on the floor my back against the wall.

I heard the door and stood up. A woman walked in holding a tray with food. "Hey." She smiled softly. She looked nice. She had her short hair down. She was wearing black jeans with a button up shirt and white boots.

She looked really beautiful. And the smile on her face was probably the most comforting thing.

"Nicola wanted me to bring you something to eat." She said and placed the tray on the nightstand. "I'm Melanie." She said sticking her hand out for me to shake. "I'm Bella." I said softly shaking her hand. I didn't want to be rude. She did nothing wrong to me.

I sat on the bed and looked at the food. I wasn't even hungry. "Thanks for this but I'm not hungry." I said and looked at her.

"Okay.. maybe later." She said and sat next to me. "Can you help me get out of here?" I suddenly asked. "I'm sorry.. I can't." Melanie said and I nodded. "Of course you can't." I muttered pulling my hair in frustration.

"Take this I don't want it. Thanks though." I said referring to the food. "Okay." She said softly standing up taking the tray.

"Please don't lock the door." I almost begged looking at her. She gave me a sympathetic look looking down for a second. "I'm really sorry." She whispered and walked out.

I heard her lock the door and I just laid in the middle of the bed hugging myself.

I heard the door unlock and when I saw Nico walk in and close the door behind him I immediately stood up looking at him. His clothes and hands were covered in blood. His side face. My heart dropped.

"Nico?" I whispered. "Please hold me." He whispered before falling on his knees.

I kneeled in front of him cupping his face. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?" I asked softly. "No." He said as I pulled him in my arms holding him. "Leo... he's gone. He's really gone." He cried causing my heart to break.

I kissed his head and rubbed his back softly trying to calm him down even though I knew very well that it wouldn't be easy to calm him down.

"My brother is gone because of me." He said. "No.. no it's not your fault." I said taking his hand kissing it not caring about the blood that was on them.

"Don't blame yourself love." I whispered. I heard a woman scream and cry and I closed my eyes letting a tear fall.

"Leo.." Nico cried. "Shshsh I'm here." I whispered. "Please don't go." He said once again making my heart break in million pieces.

"I'm not going anywhere I'm here." I said. "I'm here." I whispered holding Nico.

That night none of us went to sleep. Nico would close his eyes and somehow take a short nap for ten minutes. Then he would wake up crying.

I just stayed there holding him trying to comfort him. It broke my heart seeing him in pain. The whole night the cries were heard from everyone.

I can imagine their pain. That's exactly how I felt when Elsa died.

I looked down at Nico that had his eyes open. "Nico?" I whispered. "Hmm." He hummed softly. He looked exhausted. Not just physically but mentally too. "Come on let's get you cleaned." I said softly causing him to look up at me.

"I won't see him again." He said. "I know." I whispered. "It hurts." He added. "I know it does love." I whispered and kissed his hand. "But you have to be strong. You have to be strong for your family. For Leo's family too." I said causing him to nod.

He finally sat up and looked at the blood on his clothes. I noticed he was struggling to breath and I immediately cupped his face. "Hey hey look at me. Nico you're with me I'm here you're good." I whispered causing him to close his eyes for a few seconds then open them again.

He kissed my forehead and rested his forehead on mine. "Thank you." He whispered. "Not just about this but for everything." He said softly. "I'm always here. For you." I said.

He smiled softly and stood up. I followed him and helped him get rid of his clothes. I then let him have his shower.

I couldn't leave Nico. Even though this was wrong I just couldn't go. Nico didn't leave when Elsa died. So now I can't leave, now that his brother is gone.

I was sitting on the edge of the bed when Nicola walked out of the shower with a towel around his waist. He walked in his closet and after a couple minutes he walked back in the room dressed in a black suit. Black shirt.

I stood up and played with my fingers nervously. "Bella.. I need to talk to you." He said causing me to frown.

"What do you wanna talk about?" I asked curious.

"If you wanna go you can go. But I can't leave. At least not now. This is my life. Weapons, trouble, danger, revenge. All these are things I grew up in. Now my brother is dead. And I will find the one that did this and will fucking kill them with my own hands. I understand if you wanna go. So I'm allowing you to leave. Even though it will kill me." He said whispering the last sentence.

I smiled softly and cupped his face making him look me in the eyes. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. Not now, not ever." I said causing him to pull me in a hug.

"I love you." I whispered and kissed his cheek once we pulled away. "I love you." He whispered kissing my forehead before taking my hand in his.

Nico didn't know about the trauma I've been through.. okay maybe I came out harsh but I was shocked. My mind went back at some dark stuff I've been through. I couldn't wrap my head around what was really going on in his life.

We made our way downstairs hand in hand. Once we made it downstairs I saw the whole family sitting around the table. The breakfast was served but no one was really eating.

They were dressed in black and all looked like they've been crying the whole night.

"Good morning." Nico muttered as we took our seats. They were faint good mornings heard back. I bite my bottom lip nervously scratching my wrist softly.

Nico squeezed my hand trying to stop me from making my wrist bleed. "The funeral is being held today." A man that looked like he could be Nico's father said.

"Get ready." He added and stood up walking off. Nicola's mother went to follow him.

"Irene.. do you wanna go get ready?" One of the women asked softly. I assume Irene was Leo's wife. She sniffled and looked at the girl and boy sitting near her. "Come on. Let's go get ready." She said softly taking her kids with her.

I saw Melanie stand up and I decided to ask her for black clothes for the funeral since I had no clothes with me. I walked after her. "Melanie." I said softly causing her to turn at me.

"Hey Bella sorry I didn't see you." She said rubbing her forehead softly. "No I understand. I just wanted to ask you if I can borrow some black clothes from you or something for the funeral. I don't have my clothes so." I said rubbing my hands together nervously.

"Of course. I think I have something that will suit you." She said. "Thanks." I said. "Come on." She said and I followed her.

She opened the door to her bedroom and I looked around at the room. It looked good. This whole house was a palace. And they're all living together that just shows how close they are with each other.

"Here it is." I heard Melanie say making me snap out of my thoughts. "This doesn't suit me so I think it's definitely your size." She said handing me a black dress.

"Thank you." I said. "No need to." She smiled softly. "Must be hard for you. You just got here and have to attend a funeral already." She said sitting on the couch that was in the bedroom.

"Sadly that doesn't affect me no more." I said softly. "Nicola is a nice guy. I'm happy you decided to stand by him." She said. "I love him. So I will stand by him.. always." I said causing her to nod.

I thanked her one more time before walking out of her bedroom. I made my way in Nico's room and started getting ready.

I took a shower first since it felt like forever since I had one. After my shower I wrapped a towel around me. I walked out of the bathroom and started getting dressed.

The black dress was going till down my knees. I dried my hair and let them down since they were straight and I didn't have time or was in the mood to do my hair.

Nico walked in the room and looked at me. "We have to go." He said softly and I nodded. After putting my shoes on I walked his way and took his hand in mine. "Let's go." I said.

The funeral was painful. Irene was crying. The kids were crying. Everyone was devastated. Even though I didn't knew Leo it doesn't mean I didn't feel sad.

I even let a few tears fall seeing Nico in that condition.

After the funeral we went back home and just when me and Nico were about to walk upstairs his mothers voice stopped us.

"What did you do?" She asked causing Nico to turn and look at her. "What did I do?" He sighed. "You cried in front of so many people." She said causing Nico to sigh again. "Crying in front of all those people shows weakness. You're a De Luca. Act like one." She said causing me to look at her.

Is she serious?

"Weakness? Crying for someone that you just lost is weakness to you?" I asked everyone looking at me. "What should they have done instead huh? Stand there and watch the person they love get buried emotionless?" I added.

"Crying doesn't show weakness. It shows you're still alive. It shows you're a human and you're in pain." I said trying to hold my tears.

"So don't go teaching your sons the wrong way. He can cry. He just lost his brother." I said pointing at Nico. "She can cry. Because she just lost her husband." I said now pointing at Irene.

"And they're allowed to cry. Because they just lost their father. The person they dreamed to always have in their lives." I said softly pointing at the kids. "And you're allowed to cry because you lost your son." I said softly before pulling Nico upstairs with me.

We walked in his bedroom and I closed the door. "Nobody has ever had the courage to talk back to my mum. From the women." He suddenly said after taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

"I don't like the way she talked to you." I said sitting next to him looking at him since he was already looking at me. He smiled softly and nodded.

"Crying is not a weakness." He said softly. "Of course it's not." I said. "Do you think Leo... is watching over us?" He asked almost in tears. "I believe he is." I said cupping his face. "And I think he's always going to watch over you. His wife and kids. He's your guardian Angel now." I said pecking his lips softly.

"Thank you for walking in my life like a damn miracle." He said and I smiled. "Miracle? Aren't you overreacting a little now De Luca?" I smiled. ''No. I'm not known for overreacting.'' He said softly and I smiled.

''I love you. Never forget that.'' I said. ''I love you more. You never forget that.'' He said softly.

I stood up and sighed. ''So I have no clothes here.'' I said. ''Oh yeah I forgot I had someone grab you clothes.'' He said and walked in the closet taking the suitcases out. ''You sent someone to grab me my clothes?'' I raised an eyebrow. ''Hmm there was a girl that packed your clothes though. Don't worry.'' He said and I sighed in relief.

''Thank God. It would be so awkward if a man packed my clothes.'' I said causing Nico to chuckle. ''I'll have to go.'' He said and I frowned. ''Where to?'' I asked. ''Work. I have to deal with some stuff.'' He said. ''Be careful please.'' I said and he smiled kissing my forehead. ''I will I promise.'' He muttered. ''I love you.'' I said. ''I love you more.'' He said pecking my lips before walking towards the door.

''Impossible I love you more.'' I said. ''Nah. I love you more than more.'' He smirked. ''We're so cringy we act like we're fifty or something.'' I muttered causing Nico to laugh softly.

"See you later habibti." He smiled softly. "See you later mad man." I muttered and he walked out.

I sighed and changed into a more comfy outfit of mine.

I decided to explore Nico's room a little since I had nothing better to do. That didn't go good the last time I did this but...

I found a book on his nightstand and took it in my hands. I smiled softly when I noticed the familiar cover of the book.

I had read this book over million times. My Chaos. I didn't know Nico liked reading. I smiled softly and decided to start reading the book I loved so much.

I was at page 119 when there was a knock on the door. I closed the book and said a soft come in. The door opened and Melanie walked in closing the door behind. "Hey." She smiled softly walking towards the couch I was sitting.

"Hey." I said. She sat next to me and noticed the book in my hands. "My Chaos oh my Nico has read this book over million times." She chuckled and I smiled. "He has?" I asked and she nodded. "Oh Melanie I'll return the dress to you after I wash it." I said causing her to roll her eyes playfully.

"Whatever Bella." She said. "Earlier you talked back to Cecilia. No one has ever done that before." She chuckled. "She can't control your feelings. I speak when I want and I sure as hell speak when I have a different opinion." I said.

"You're brave. Now I see why Nicola is so madly in love with you." She said. "Hmm. Why is that?" I chuckled.

"He can see how strong and brave you are. He can also see how pure you are. Everyone can see that from your eyes." She said and I smiled softly looking down. "Thank you." I whispered and looked up at her.

"How is Irene?" I asked. "She is in her bedroom. She doesn't look that good. I actually came to tell you if you could give her a sedative." She said.

"I could but I don't have my stuff with me." I sighed. "Nicola dropped your stuff earlier." She said and I nodded. "Right." I said and walked towards one of the suitcases and found my medical bag.

"Let's go then." I said and followed her. I walked towards Irenes bedroom and when I walked in I saw her sitting on the bed hugging one of Leo's shirt.

She was softly talking while rocking herself back and fourth.

I sat on the side of the bed and took out what I needed. My heart dropped at the sight of Irene. She looked so broken. I did my best to hold my tears and after I was done with the help of Melanie I helped Irene lay on the bed.

I grabbed a blanket and covered her. Once I saw her close her eyes I left the room with Melanie.

"Are you worried she'll do something to hurt herself?" I asked causing Melanie to sigh. "Yes. At times. But then again I'm like no she'll think about her kids now. She won't do anything. But you never know. The mind plays games. And our heart is dangerous." She said softly causing me to nod.

"You're right." I said softly.

"She'll be sleeping till tomorrow. So don't worry." I said and she nodded. "Thank you Bella. We were really in need of a doctor in this house." She said and I chuckled softly. "You say?" I asked as I made my way towards Nico's bedroom.

"Duh. You won't meet a normal person in this house. That's a fact." She said. I shook my head and opened the door to the bedroom. "Anyways see you at dinner." She said before walking downstairs.

I walked in the bedroom closing the door behind. I placed my bag in the closet and walked towards the balcony.

I opened the balcony door and walked out. The guards were everywhere. The place was huge. It was like a palace. The only place that had no guards was the garden.

And it looked huge from here. And so magical. I can't wait to walk there. Funny. I'm already making plans to stay here. Even though I came against my will.

But I'm staying for Nico. And that's all that matters.

I heard a car engine and smiled when I saw Nico walking out of his car with Zain following. I walked in the room and closed the balcony door since now at night was a little chilly.

I didn't really know how to act in this house. I didn't feel welcomed by Nico's mother much. I've only talked to Melanie and she is a sweetheart.

The rest of the women look nice too. I just didn't have the chance to talk to any of them yet. The door snapped me out of my thoughts and Justin walked in.

I smiled making my way towards him wrapping my arms around his neck. ''You're back for dinner.'' I smiled. ''I'll always come home to you no matter what.'' He said wrapping his arms around my waist. ''Even if bullets go through my heart I will come home to you.'' He said causing me to frown. ''Don't say stuff like that.'' I said and he smiled connecting our lips.

I smiled softly through the kiss then after a few seconds we pulled away. ''I didn't know you liked reading.'' I said and pulled away from his grip and picked the book up showing him. ''You caught me red handed.'' He said pulling his hands up causing me to laugh softly.

''I have a library here. If you want someday I can show you around and you can grab any book you would like.'' He said taking off his jacket then unbuttoning his shirt. I looked at him and hummed taking a seat on the edge of the bed. ''I think you should know I will go back to work. I won't just stay in the house all day Nico.'' I said and he looked at me.

''We'll talk about that some other time.'' He said and walked in his closet to put on clean clothes. I followed him in the closet and looked at him. ''What do you mean some other time? I can't just miss at work for long. I'm a doctor Nico remember?'' I asked getting slightly irritated. 

''I know but my brother just died. Everyone is trying to get a chance and hit us again as a family. I can't risk losing you.'' He said looking at me. ''But no one knows about me.'' I argued. ''Really? Then why did people ruin your apartment? They wanted to kill you Bella.'' He said causing me to swallow. ''I understand you're not used to this lifestyle but I can't risk your safety. You will go back to work after a while I promise.'' He said but I just walked out of the closet hearing him sigh.

I sat on the edge of the bed and started scratching my wrist nervously. After a few minutes Nico walked out of the closet and walked my way. He grabbed my hand causing me to look up at him.

''You're gonna make it bleed.'' He muttered. ''I won't allow anyone to hurt you you understand? I will never allow that.'' He repeated and kissed my wrist then hand. ''We're gonna be fine.'' He said softly. I nodded and hugged him. Nico hugged me back and placed a kiss on the top of my head. ''Now let's go it's dinner time.'' He said standing up taking my hand in his.

We made our way out of the bedroom then walked downstairs where everyone was sitting in the dinning room around the table. ''About time.'' Cecilia muttered but I decided to ignore her. Ricardo gave her a look then cleared his throat. ''Enjoy your meal everyone.'' He said softly.

Everyone started eating but I wasn't really hungry. Even though the food looked and tasted amazing I'm not going to lie about that.

I could see Cecilia's pain in her eyes. She wasn't emotionless as she tried to show. She was hurting and from her eyes I could see that she must have been crying. Ricardo was also devastated. It cost him a lot losing his son.

''Why aren't you eating?'' Nico said softly so only I could hear. ''Why aren't you eating?'' I asked pointing at his plate that was still full. ''I'm not hungry.'' He said softly and looked down at the plate. ''Me neither.'' I whispered.

''Now that we're all here.. Nico we need to talk about something.'' Cecilia said and I looked up at her. ''In this house you can't bring a woman unless it's your wife.'' She said and Nico looked at her clenching his jaw. ''You know the rules.'' She added causing Ricardo to also sigh and rub his forehead softly.

''I don't follow the rules. I'm not like you all. I've never followed any rules and I will continue to not follow them. I will marry Bella when I want and when she wants. Now if you'll excuse us.'' He said standing up taking my hand.

We both walked outside at the garden hand in hand and I smiled softly. ''You don't follow the rules huh?'' I asked. ''I don't want us to rush things.'' He said and stopped walking. I stood in front of him and nodded. ''I agree. We have our whole lives. We can take things slowly.'' I smiled.

''I'm sorry about my mum. She's a lioness when it comes to her sons.'' He said and I chuckled. ''I can tell. She is too overprotective when it comes to you guys.'' I said and Nico smiled as we started walking again. ''She kind of is.'' He said.

''I love this garden.'' I said and smiled looking around. ''Hmm. Mum loves her garden. She takes care of it herself.'' He said and I raised my eyebrows. ''She does? This place is huge how does she even deal with all of it?'' I asked. ''She does.'' He chuckled and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

''It's a little cold huh?'' He asked and I nodded. ''Let's go inside.'' He said and we walked in the house. Everyone was sitting in the living room and Cecilia looked at us. ''Anyways good night you all.'' Nico said and everyone said a soft good night back before we made our way upstairs in our bedroom.

I got under the cover and Nico did the same after we took our shoes off. I rested my head on his chest and he had an arm around me.

''Good night habibti.'' He whispered causing me to smile. ''Goodnight Nico.'' I whispered. ''I love you.'' He added. ''I love you more.'' I said softly and closed my eyes. ''Impossible.'' He whispered and I smiled drifting to sleep.