Chapter 2 The Shadow in the Dark

(Aurora's POV)

My new home was small but cozy, with wooden floors that creaked under my steps and a single window that overlooked the lively street below. It wasn't much, but it was mine.

After unpacking the few belongings I had, I stood by the window, watching Naples come alive under the golden glow of the setting sun. The city was beautiful in a way that made my chest ache-a mix of old and new, rich and poor, beauty and danger.

A knock at the door startled me.

I hesitated before opening it to find Matteo standing there, holding a bottle of wine and wearing a smile that could melt anyone's defenses.

"Thought I'd officially welcome you to the building," he said, lifting the bottle. "Unless you don't drink?"

I laughed softly. "I do... occasionally."

"Well, tonight's an occasion, isn't it?" He leaned against the doorway. "New life, new city... new neighbor."

I bit my lip, feeling a warmth rise in my cheeks. Matteo was effortlessly charming, the kind of man who knew exactly what to say.

"Alright," I relented. "But only one glass."

As we sat on the small balcony, sipping wine and watching the city lights flicker to life, I felt something I hadn't in a long time. Light. Like, for the first time, I could just exist without worry.

But that feeling wouldn't last.

(Riccardo's POV)

From the alley below, I watched them.

My fingers curled around the glass of whiskey in my hand, the ice clinking against the crystal as I swirled the dark liquid. My men stood silently behind me, knowing better than to interrupt.

Aurora.

Her laugh drifted down from the balcony, soft and unguarded. A sound that made something dark coil inside me. She looked happy.

With him.

Matteo.

My fingers tightened around the glass until a sharp crack filled the air. I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to stay composed. He was nothing. A man who thought he could touch what wasn't his.

He didn't know it yet, but he was already a dead man.

I took another sip of whiskey, watching the way Aurora tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, the way her lips curled in amusement as she listened to him.

Soon, she would learn.

She would understand that she had no choices left.

Because Aurora wasn't meant to be with someone like him.

She was meant to be mine.

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