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I can see the fear in Lorenzo’s eyes, but there's also something else – a conviction that I haven't seen before. He takes a deep breath and looks Dario straight in the eye.
"Because I believe Frank is innocent," Lorenzo replies, his voice shaking slightly. "I've known him for years, and he has always been loyal to our codes. If anything, it's someone else who's trying to set him up. Plus, if I killed him, it would have brought war at our doorstep. A war that would take more innocent lives and those too, from our familia."
My heart races as I observe the tension in the room. It's like watching a high-stakes poker game, with each person holding their cards close to their chest.
"Father," Dario says, turning his attention to Don Marchetti, "Lorenzo has made a valid point. We shouldn't punish him for speaking his honest opinion."
The air feels heavy, as if an invisible hand is pressing down on all of us. Dario's defiance is palpable, and I can't help but admire him for standing up against his father. But I know that such opposition could have severe consequences for both him and Lorenzo.
"Is that so?" Don Marchetti asks, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You truly think that we should spare this man because of his supposed honesty?"
"Yes," Dario replies firmly, not backing down. "If we want to find the real traitor, we need all the information we can get. And if Lorenzo believes Frank is innocent, then we must investigate further."
As I watch Dario put his own reputation on the line for Lorenzo, I feel a surge of love for him. It's clear that he values loyalty and truth over ruthless power, and that's what makes him such a remarkable leader.
But I also fear for our future and the safety of our unborn child, knowing that Dario's defiance could lead us down a dangerous path.
A deafening silence fills the room, stretching out like a tightrope between Dario and his father. The tension is unbearable. I grip Dario's hand, hoping to lend him some strength, but my own heart is pounding so loudly that I can hardly hear myself think.
"Very well," Don Marchetti says quietly, his eyes locked onto his son's. I hold my breath, praying for a reprieve, for mercy. But instead of acquiescing, he raises his gun with a swift, fluid motion and fires.
The gunshot rings in my ears as Lorenzo crumples to the floor, blood pooling around his lifeless body. Horror grips me, freezing me in place as my mind struggles to comprehend what just happened.
Dario's grip on my hand tightens painfully, and I know he shares my shock and disbelief.
"Father!" Dario roars, his voice shaking with rage. "How could you do that?"
"Because, mio figlio, loyalty must be absolute," Don Marchetti replies coldly, his eyes never leaving Dario's. He's unrepentant, merciless.
"Absolute?" Dario spits, his face contorted with fury. "You want blind obedience, not loyalty! You've just killed an innocent man!"
"Enough!" Don Marchetti snaps, his voice commanding the room. "I will not tolerate insubordination, even from you, Dario."
In this moment, I see the true depths of Dario's father's brutality. This isn't about finding a traitor or preserving the family's honor; it's about power and control.
And as I stand here, gripping Dario's hand, I'm terribly afraid of what comes next.
"Father, you're wrong," Dario says, his voice filled with raw emotion. "Killing Lorenzo didn’t solve anything. It'll only breed more distrust and fear."
"Silence!" Don Marchetti snarls, his face twisted with rage. "You dare to lecture me on how to run my family?"
"Because you're destroying it!" Dario shouts back, the words erupting from him like a volcanic explosion. "This isn't what our family should be about!"
Before I can even register what's happening, Don Marchetti whirls around and points the gun directly at me.
Chapter 34
The Don’s Demand
Dario
I can't believe what I'm seeing. My father is pointing his gun at Jasmine, his finger curled around the trigger. Panic and guilt churn in my gut. I brought her into this madness.
This beautiful, innocent woman who has become the center of my world is in danger because of me. My heart races, and a cold sweat forms on my brow.
"No!" I lunge forward but my father's men grab me, pinning my arms behind my back. I struggle against them with all my might, my heart pounding.
Jasmine's eyes lock onto mine, wide with terror, pleading for help. I have to reach her. I have to save her.
