FIFTY-TWO.

The double doors to my father's room burst open, and I jump to my feet to see who the hell has disturbed our peace, ready to bite their head off.

I cautiously advance three steps, my heart pounding in my chest, only to retreat five steps in sheer terror as Alessandro, bursts into the room with his entourage of four loyal henchmen hot on his heels.

He's got a fire in his eyes, a burning rage that could melt steel.

And for once, I feel the weight of his gaze bearing down on me, like a vice tightening around my soul.

He steps forward, his presence looming over me, his jaw clenching with a ticking time bomb of fury.

Our eyes meet, and he ensnares my wrists with a swift, calculated move, firmly clasping them between our bodies.

He doesn't utter a single word, nothing—zilch.

He fixes his steely gaze upon me, and a shiver runs down my spine.

In that instant, I feel the weight of every ill-fated choice I've ever made, each one leading us inevitably to this crossroad.

As his vice-like gr