Chapter 10: Luca's Dark Secret"I wonder if we can run away from our past or if it keeps coming back to haunt us. Trying to demise everything we've done to forget it. Yeah, I guess I will find out."As I looked at Luca, I could hear my heart pounding so loudly. It was as if I had a gun pointed at me and I was made to watch my Dad being killed right in front of me. This feeling was the worst I ever had in a while.It was a feeling I dreaded for weeks now. Ever since I first found out his secret. I have tried to forget about it, to pretend that it didn't exist. But it was always there, in the back of my mind, a dark cloud that threatened to rain on our happiness."Luca," I said, my voice trembling. "I need to know the truth. I need to hear it from you, so tell me. Is it true?"He sighed and looked down at his hands. "I know," he said. "I should have told you from the beginning."He took a deep breath and began to tell me his story. He told me about his childhood, about growing up in th
Chapter 11: Bruno's DescentThe mounting pressure was starting to get to Bruno. The war with Los Sombrosos was taking its toll, and he was starting to feel the strain. He was becoming more and more paranoid, and his temper was getting shorter and shorter.I could feel the tension in the air. It was like a thick, heavy blanket that was suffocating me. I could see it in Bruno's eyes, the way they were darting around, never settling on anything for too long. I could hear it in his voice, the way it was always raised, always on edge.Things are getting tense and something was about to happen. I just didn't know what it was.Bruno has been acting strange for weeks now. He was always on edge, always suspicious. He was quick to anger, and he seemed to be constantly looking over his shoulder.I tried to talk to him about it, but he would just brush me off. He said that he was just stressed out, that the war with Los Sombrosos was becoming what he never expected.I felt it was more than that.
Chapter 12: A Desperate EscapeI couldn't believe I was finally safe. I have been running from Bruno with Luca. He was the only person who could protect me, and I was so grateful to have him in my life.We are staying in a small apartment in Dallas, and we were both trying to rebuild our lives. It is hard, but we are doing it together. We are both determined to create a new life for ourselves, away from Bruno.One night, we were sitting in the living room when we heard a knock at the door. I froze. Immediately the thought of Bruno came to my mind. I have become very paranoid, has he found us? I was so stressed out..."Be careful, love," I said.Luca went to answer the door, and I held my breath. I could hear him talking to someone, but I couldn't make out what he was saying. Then, I heard him say my name."Isabella," he called. "It's okay. It's just me."I let out a sigh of relief and went to the door. Luca was standing there, and he smiled when he saw me."Are you okay?" he asked.I
Chapter 13: MariaBruno and his men surrounded a strip club where the Los Sombrosos hang out. "Where's Nicolas?" Bruno asked. "I don't know sir,” one of his men replied.He has been waiting for this day for a long time. The Los Sombrosos have been a thorn in his ass for a while now and he was finally ready to put an end to them.He gave the order to attack, as his men charged forward. The Los Sombrosos were caught off guard, and they were quickly overwhelmed. Bruno's men fought their way through the building, and soon they reached the main room.Bruno and his team stormed into the room, guns blazing. De Mario and his men were caught off guard, and they quickly fell to the ground, dead or wounded. Bruno and his team advanced on De Mario, who was the only one left standing."De Mario," Bruno said. "It's over. You're finished."De Mario smiled. "Is that so?" he said. "We'll see about that."De Mario raised his gun and fired, but Bruno was too quick for him. He ducked behind a table, and
Chapter 14: Redemption and SacrificeIsabella woke up in the motel room, feeling a sense of unease. The events of the previous day were still fresh in her mind, and she knew that Bruno wouldn't give up easily. They had narrowly escaped his clutches once again, but she couldn't shake off the fear that he would come after them with even more determination.She glanced over at Luca, who was still sleeping peacefully beside her. His face was relaxed, and it brought her a small measure of comfort. They had been through so much together, and she knew that they had to stay strong and united to face whatever challenges lay ahead.As quietly as she could, she got out of bed and went to the window. The morning sun was just starting to rise, casting a soft glow over the deserted streets of the small town. It seemed peaceful, but she knew appearances could be deceiving.They couldn't stay in one place for too long, as it would only make it easier for Bruno to track them down. They needed a plan,
Chapter 15: SisuI can't believe we were finally here. After months of running, we have finally found a place to hide. A small Mexican town, far away from Bruno's reach.It was a busy day for me yesterday so this morning, I stood in front of the little apartment we're staying and I took a deep breath appreciating the humid air. It was a relief to be away from Texas, where we have been hunted by Bruno. But even here, I couldn't shake the feeling that we weren't safe and that we were being watched. It's a feeling that makes me nostalgic.Bruno! He has all the resources and connections all over the world. He would never stop looking for us. That declaration he made the day my Dad presented me to him, gives him the drive to never give up until he gets me. Just like the tales of the Finnish people, Sisu. He'll never give up.I don't need anyone to remind me, we have to be careful and remain low-key. We can't let anyone know who we are. We have to blend in and become invisible.In the town
Chapter 16: Ricardo The conversation hung in the air, heavy with uncertainty and possibilities. I exchanged glances with the man as a sought for a decision to make. "I have come too far to turn back now," I said, "If there's a chance to end this once and for all, I have to take it."So I nodded, agreeing to trust him. "Tell me, what's the plan?"The man smirked, seemingly satisfied with my response. "Very well. Meet me at the old Churubusco warehouse at Ciudad Juárez, at midnight tomorrow. Don't be late and Come alone. Do you hear me? This is important, Isabella."I can't lie to you and say I'm comfortable with this. Of course, I'm not and I'm not going there alone, definitely will go with me undercover. As soon as he left the shop, I followed through and hurried back home.When I got home, Luca was not around. He had left me a voicemail saying that he would be home late that night. This gave me a chill, as I could not stop looking around and feeling like I was being watched. The b
Chapter 17: A Father's PleaIt's been three weeks since Bruno defeated Los Sombrosos. He has run out of patients with Isabella and the nuisance she is putting up with him. He has searched for her everywhere but he can't find her. So he resolved the only thing that he can use to draw her attention, to bring her back. Mr Demarco her father. He has to use him to send messages to her so he tortured Mr. Demarco.The room was dark and cold. The only light came from a single candle on the table. Bruno stood in the center of the room, his gun pointed at Mr. Demarco."I did my part of the deal," Bruno said, his voice filled with rage. "I gave you the power you use today, and all I got from your daughter in return is betrayal!"Mr. Demarco looked up at Bruno, his eyes filled with fear. "Please," he said. "I beg of you. Let me speak to her. I can make this right."Bruno shook his head. "It's too late for that," he said. "You've made your choice."He turned to his men. "Tie him up, I said tie hi