Chapter 8 You are mine forever

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SOMEWHERE IN ITALY: 12 AM

A couple sat together, laughing and eating, seemingly lost in their happiness. Their joy was contagious as they leaned into each other, sharing stolen moments.

"You know, ever since I got the job in the U.S., I haven't had much time to talk with you. I'm really glad we could steal some time together," Francisco said, his voice warm. Aurora smiled, her eyes soft.

"It's okay, babe. What matters is that we're here now," she replied, and they kissed, the world around them fading away.

But their bliss was short-lived.

"Well, well, well..." The sound of slow clapping drew their attention.

Aurora's heart sank as her eyes met Alessandro's-a man she had desperately hoped never to see again. His presence, always surrounded by an entourage of guards, screamed danger. The few remaining patrons scattered like mice, sensing the storm about to unfold. Alessandro's aura alone could clear a room.

Aurora felt a cold wave of dread wash over her. She had never expected him to find her here.

A guard quickly pulled up a chair, and Alessandro sat down, crossing his legs with a smirk. The tension was palpable.

Francisco furrowed his brow in confusion, while Aurora trembled in fear.

"Uh... do I know you?" Francisco asked cautiously, his voice uncertain.

"No," Alessandro replied, his voice calm yet lethal, "but your fiancée knows me very well."

Francisco turned to Aurora, who was already pale, swallowing hard.

"Isn't that right, amore?" Alessandro's smirk deepened.

"Amore? Why is he calling you that?" Francisco asked, his gaze sharp with suspicion. Aurora fumbled for words.

"I... I don't know him," she lied, throwing a nervous glare at Alessandro.

"Tsk, tsk. That's harsh, amore. How can you deny the man who was your first?" Alessandro's voice dripped with venom.

Francisco scoffed, his expression darkening. "First? What is he talking about, Aurora?"

"I don't know!" she said, panic seeping into her voice.

"Pretend all you want, Aurora," Alessandro's eyes narrowed, "but I'm not playing games. I'll ruin you if you keep lying."

"Shut up, Alessandro!" Aurora yelled, her voice cracking. She turned to Francisco, whose face had twisted into one of betrayal and confusion.

"You just called him by his name," Francisco said, his voice low and dangerous.

Aurora sighed in defeat, her eyes pleading for understanding. "I... I can explain."

"Did you sleep with him?" Francisco's voice trembled, the weight of the question hanging in the air.

Tears welled up in Aurora's eyes as she struggled to find the right words. Her silence was answer enough.

"I begged you for just one night, Aurora! Just one! And now you've slept with someone else?" Francisco's voice cracked with pain, his trust shattered.

Alessandro chuckled darkly from across the table, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama.

"I did it... for my brother," Aurora whispered, but before she could say more, Francisco's hand flew across her face, the slap echoing through the now-empty restaurant.

Aurora gasped in horror, clutching her stinging cheek.

"You slut!" Francisco raised his hand again, but this time, Alessandro's voice cut through the air like a blade.

"Touch her again," he said coldly, "and the next funeral in this town will be yours."

Francisco froze, his hand mid-air, locked in Alessandro's icy stare. Slowly, he lowered it, realizing the depth of the threat.

"You've just dug your own grave for daring to lay a hand on her," Alessandro growled. His guards sprang into action, grabbing Francisco and dragging him toward the waiting car.

"No! Let him go!" Aurora screamed, trying to intervene, but Alessandro caught her arm, pulling her back.

The car sped away with Francisco, leaving Aurora standing in shock.

"You bastard!" Aurora screamed, slapping Alessandro hard across the face.

"You ruined my relationship!" she hit him again, but Alessandro only smirked, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement.

This was the second time she had slapped him. Alessandro clenched his fist but didn't strike back. No, he had other plans for her punishment.

She swung at him again, but he caught her wrist this time, his grip firm but not painful.

"I'm being nice, amore," he said, his voice dangerously low. "You'll truly hate me once you see the devil in me."

"You've already shown me who you are! Why can't you just let me go?" she cried, her voice filled with despair.

"Make me the villain if you want, but no one touches what's mine," Alessandro said, his smirk returning.

"You're insane!" Aurora sobbed, her tears flowing freely now.

He ignored her outburst and wiped the tears from her cheeks with a surprising gentleness. "When love isn't madness, it isn't love," he whispered, his lips brushing her ear.

"And when someone doesn't love you back, you're supposed to let them go!" Aurora shouted, her frustration bubbling over.

Alessandro chuckled softly. "That's where you're wrong. I never lose. You slapped me, and there's a price for that."

His hand slid around her waist, pulling her close.

Without warning, Alessandro hoisted Aurora over his shoulder like she weighed nothing.

"Let me go!" she yelled, pounding his back with her fists, but it was useless.

"I'll report you to the police!" she threatened, her voice frantic.

Alessandro laughed darkly. "The police worship me, amore. You're mine... forever"

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