31. Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-One

Lorenzo

Daniella's hand grips mine with a force I didn’t think possible.

Her face is contorted with pain, sweat slicking her forehead, but she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. We’re in the delivery room and I’m right by her side, guiding her through it, whispering words of encouragement.

“You’re doing amazing, Tesoro . Just a little more. You’re so strong,” I tell her, my voice steady despite the chaos around us.

She groans, her grip tightening. “I hate you right now,” she pants, her eyes wild with pain and determination.

I chuckle softly, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “I know, but you’re doing great.”

The doctor’s voice cuts through the air. “One more push, Daniella. You’re almost there.”

She screams, her body arching with effort. I hold her hand tighter, my heart pounding in my chest. The moment stretches, each second is an eternity and then the room is filled with the sound of a newborn’s cry.

Daniella collapses back on the bed, panting heavily. Tears stream down her face and I’m right there with her, my own eyes misting over. The doctor places our baby in her arms and we both stare in awe at the tiny, wriggling life we’ve created.

“She’s perfect,” Daniella whispers, her voice choked with emotion.

I look at our daughter, my heart swelling with a mix of love and protectiveness I’ve never felt before. Her tiny fists clench and unclench, her face scrunched up in a pout. “She’s beautiful, just like her mother.”

Daniella looks up at me, her eyes shining. “I love you, Lorenzo.”

“I love you too, Tesoro . More than anything.”

We stay like that, soaking in the moment, the world outside forgotten. This is our family, our future and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted.

***

The peace in the house is almost surreal. Our daughter, Sofia, is asleep in her crib, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. I stand over her, my heart full. It’s moments like this that make everything worth it.

But the peace is fragile and there are still battles to be fought. Massimo’s shadow looms over us, a constant reminder of the threat he poses.

“Are you sure about this?” Vincent asks, his voice low.

I nod, my gaze never leaving Sofia. “We have to end this. For her, for Daniella, for all of us.”

We’ve tracked Massimo’s location and my men are ready. It’s time to bring him in and put an end to this feud once and for all.

***

The warehouse is dimly lit, the air thick with tension. Massimo is brought in, flanked by my men, his face a mask of fury and defiance. He’s been a thorn in our side for too long and it’s time to deal with him.

I step forward, my eyes locked on his. “Massimo, this has to end. We’ve given you chances to walk away, to make peace, but you’ve refused every time.”

He sneers, his eyes glinting with malice. “There’s no peace with you, Duretti. This ends when one of us is dead. You owe me my life back.”

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “It doesn’t have to be this way. Think of your father, your family. We can stop this here.”

Massimo laughs. It’s a cold, harsh sound. “You think I care about that old man’s wishes? You think I care about anything but seeing you and your family destroyed?”

My patience snaps. I’ve tried reasoning, but it’s clear he’s beyond that. “So be it,” I say, pulling out my gun.

His eyes widen, but there’s no fear, only hatred. “Do it, then. End it.”

I hesitate for a moment, thinking of Sofia, of Daniella and what this will mean for them. Then I pull the trigger. The sound is deafening, and Massimo falls to the ground, lifeless.

The room is silent, the weight of what I’ve done settling over me. Vincent steps forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. “It had to be done.”

I nod, my eyes on Massimo’s still form. “It’s over.”

***

Bruno’s voice is heavy with grief when I speak to him. “I tried, Bruno. I tried to reason with him.”

He sighs, a sound full of tears and sorrow. “I know, Lorenzo. He was my son, but he was lost to me long ago. I hoped for peace, but perhaps this is for the best.”

“We’ll honor the treaty, Bruno. We’ll make sure this never happens again.”

He nods, his eyes distant. “Take care of your family, Lorenzo. That’s what matters now.”