“Two men visited us three days ago, Matteo. They inquired after you. We informed them you didn’t return from your trip. They discussed amongst themselves in your language. We couldn’t understand anything they said. They left but returned last evening to ask about you again. One of them said you were dead. They introduced themselves as your family and wanted your apartment keys,” said Freddie. Matteo frowned at the information. “What did they look like?” He took out his mobile phone and showed them a picture of his siblings, Marcello and Marco. “No, Matteo, the men didn’t look like them. Are these your brothers? They resemble you,” said Seth. “Yes. Then how did they look?” Matteo was at his wit’s end. Did Luigi send his men to take over his business? “They were twins, Matteo, although they disguised themselves,” said Freddie. Matteo frowned at the information. The only twins he knew were the Moretti brothers, Rafael and Ross. Did they come over thinking him dead? Why would they com

Seven Months LaterAmelia opened the parcel her lawyer had couriered her. She had been eager to know the status of her divorce, yet there had been no news so far. It was only when she returned home for lunch did she receive the package from her lawyer. With Matteo still at the shop, she smiled all by herself, taking out the document. Her smile widened at the realization that she was free at last. Free to marry Matteo. For the last seven months, she and Matteo shared a beautiful time with each other. Their love for one another intensified to such a level that they had grown inseparable now. For the last seven months, she had tried to reach out to her parents multiple times, but they were adamant. They could only forgive her if she left Matteo and returned to them forever. Last month, after the last futile attempt, she gave up hope. She had been upset for a week but Matteo’s love and understanding comforted her a lot. They hadn’t announced their relationship to Matteo’s family yet,

“Come to the point, Costello. Why have you abducted my fiancée? What do you want from me?” Matteo demanded, while the mafia man dragged a chair and sat in front of him. He watched Matteo closely for a second and then asked his men to leave the room. After they left, he turned towards Matteo. “Luigi has abducted Carlozzi, our boss. We have used all our resources but haven’t found where he has kept our boss imprisoned. I want you to join Cartello della Vendetta and help us rescue him.” Matteo gaped at the man and his impossible demand. “I can’t help you with that. I used to work for Di Salvo when he was alive. I know nothing about Luigi. Moreover, I’ve left the mafia circuit behind. Please find other ways to get to your boss. So where is my fiancée? I want you to release her.” Costello fisted his hands, annoyed with his non-cooperation. “That’s not an option, Matteo. You’re our only hope now. Your fiancée is safe, but I can only release her if you co-operate with us. Help me rescue C

“I faced the same after I called Rafael. One of Luigi’s rival gang members kidnapped Emilia. They wanted me to join them to rescue their boss, who’s under Luigi’s custody,” said Matteo. “Oh! Do you think Rafael is giving away our information?” asked Marcello, having never liked his cousin. “Maybe not intentionally. Maybe his phone is being tapped.” Amelia looked around the room his Mama wanted them to occupy. It was cozy and clean, and she wheeled her luggage inside.“So what did the threat calls say?” asked Matteo, wondering who could have contacted his family. “There were always disturbances in the line and I could hardly make out much. A raspy, muffled voice always asked about your whereabouts. He threatened that you’ll be killed if I didn’t give him the information he wanted.” Matteo frowned at his brother. “Did he say he would kill me if you didn’t spill the information he needed?” “No, he said you’d be killed. He didn’t mention by whom!” Matteo frowned since it made no sen

For the next few days, Matteo was extremely busy with the legal formalities necessary for witnesses. Both of them couldn’t contact their family or friends until the investigation was over and the mafia gangs were arrested. Matteo’s new identification documents arrived. The cops renamed him Leandro Rossi, a resident of Florence, Italy. Even Amelia had her new disguise and identification ready. Her new name was Sierra Brown Rossi, a resident of Seattle and wife of Leandro Rossi. Their wedding was coming up in the weekend but none of them were looking forward to it. “Won’t we go to church?” asked Amelia when they lay down on the bed to sleep. She was upset to see Matteo stressed out every single day. The investigation had started, and no one knew what the criminals would do next. Could the police provide them with adequate protection? Therefore, Matteo hardly got time to interact with her. The whole day, he had to be with the cops at their headquarters. It was a lonely life for Amelia.