Chapter 1 THE NIGHT IT ALL FELL APART

CHAPTER ONE

THE MORETTI ESTATE

JASMINE'S POV

"Hey darling, are you and Lorenzo having fun without me. Oh no! But I said I'd be back soon." I said to Vincenzo as I walked into the Living room.

"Just because Mira called to tell me about an appointment she booked for me, you got jealous" I teased feigning surprise.

"I know Mira would never betray me or do anything foolish with you; she's my sister after all. So tell me, do I have any reason to be jealous of my sister being with my wife on the phone" He asked raising a brow.

"On the contrary, I think you're the jealous one" he added with a smile. "Oh yeah, how so" I asked, walking over to pick up Lorenzo's teddy bear from the sofa and brushing it's fur with my hand.

"It's obvious, just look at how you're handling that teddy", Vincenzo replied chuckling.

"And yes! You looked almost furious when you first entered back here and met us continuing the game with or without you" Vincenzo explained.

"Whatever", I said with sigh. While I got a little distraction on my phone again, Vincenzo and Lorenzo got tangled together in what looked like a wrestling match but it was a playful cuddling.

Then, Lorenzo suddenly sprang up from his father's arms "

I don't want to be an instrument of jealousy between you two", he declared folding his little hands across his chest like a tiny diplomat.

"Nonsense, who said you're an object of jealousy besides, you're not an object-you're our son" I smiled and ruffled his hair as I assured

him. "Your dad and I were just teasing each other; it's what couples do sometimes you know" I asserted giving Lorenzo a questioning look.

He nodded his head solemnly as if he understood.

"Now back to our game" I grinned "And this time, the winner gets a prize from Vincenzo" I declared authoritatively.

Vincenzo raised an eyebrow, "wait! why do I have to be the one giving out prizes huh" he asked, sounding very alarming.

"Alright! Prize or no prize, let's get back to it and this time, Vincenzo I'm not going easy on you". I laughed grabbing his hand playfully.

"Don't worry daddy, we've got this together" Lorenzo chimed in, his eyes twinkling.

"Oh! So you two are ganging up on my sister-in-law, not on my watch!" Rafael declared surprisingly.

We all turned in surprise as Rafael suddenly walked in, grinning.

"Hey, sis I'm on your team all the way," he asserted.

"Thanks, Rafael. You're such a wonderful soul," I replied with a grateful smile.

We kicked off the tug-of-war game, with laughter filling the room.

Vincenzo stood behind Lorenzo, both of them pulling hard as Rafael and I resisted. But I knew if we actually won,

Lorenzo would be disappointed so I shot Rafael a quick wink.

We eased our grip just enough to let them "win," and all four of us toppled onto the sofa in a pile of laughter.

"Daddy! Did you see that, We won!" Lorenzo shouted in triumph. "That means Mom has to treat us to a restaurant dinner!" he rejoiced

"Whoa, hold on we didn't agree to that! We canceled the bet, remember" I said, laughing.

"Don't worry, kiddo. If you want a restaurant meal, we can make that happen," Rafael said, giving Lorenzo a playful nod.

"Thanks, Uncle! You're the best!" Lorenzo beamed, running into Rafael's arms for a big hug.

"Honey, have you heard anything from Jason lately, he's been unusually quiet for someone with a personality like his," I asked, settling beside Vincenzo on the sofa. I wrapped my arm around his shoulders and peeked over at his phone as he scrolled

"I think the real question should be: how have I managed to keep him away from me lately" Vincenzo said, his voice calm but laced with a trace of tension.

"Well, since you care to know, I'll tell you," he continued. "I've just been using some business gimmicks and tricks and of course, force when necessary."

"Oh, I see," I replied thoughtfully. "I was just curious about how you managed to keep him off your side this time. And to think he hasn't made any move against you since you secured that contract it's truly remarkable."

Bang! Bang!! Bang!!!

Loud echoes of gunshots suddenly shattered the moment. They came from the estate gate. I froze, my heart lurching, and instinctively turned toward the direction of the noise.

"Speak of the devil..." Vincenzo muttered, his eyes narrowing. "I bet those are gunshots and they must be connected to Jason. Of all places, he chooses to ambush me here, in my own estate, where he knows I'll be vulnerable." he hissed.

"Adrian," he called, his voice steady despite the rising panic. "Get in touch with the others. They need to split into two groups. One group should spread out and defend from the outside. The rest should make their way into the house to reinforce us here."

He then turned to me, his expression softening. "Darling, I don't want you and Lorenzo get caught up in the middle of this. Take him and leave the estate now through the back gate. The threat's coming from the main entrance. Some of our men will escort you." he assured me.

"Quick," he said urgently, stepping closer. "Use the back door. You and Lorenzo come first. I won't forgive myself if anything happens to either of you." he cupped my face gently and kissed me fiercely and passionately. "They're almost onto us," he added.

I stepped back abruptly from his bossom, with my eyes blazing. "And you must be out of your mind if you think I'm leaving you behind to face God knows what!" I snapped.

"We are all leaving here together-anything less, you can count me out. How do you expect me to explain this to our child if something happens to you? Do you honestly think I could live a meaningful life without you" I asked searching his eyes as if answers were visibly there.

I stepped even closer now, my voice trembling but firm. "You want me to tell Lorenzo I was selfish enough to run away with him and left you to die, I'm not doing that. We're leaving together or not at all. If you won't agree to that, then we face it together." I declared stubbornly.

Realizing time was running out, Vincenzo turned to Rafael his brother. "Rafael, take Lorenzo and Jasmine through the back door. I need all of you to get out safely. Take some men with you, they'll cover your escape."

As he issued the order, he made a conscious decision to ignore my protests. Things were getting far too complicated and even faster.