Rise of The Fallen
Happy Beginnings
~ Author ~
Welcome to my story.
~ Author ~
This is my first story ever. I hope you enjoy it 😊
[ A sun-drenched café in a bustling city, where Leone and Veronica often meet. ]
Leone is sitting at a small table, nervously tapping his fingers. He glances at his watch, anticipation written all over his face. The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses. Suddenly, the bell above the café door jingles and Veronica enters, her smile lighting up the room.
~ Leone ~
*standing up, grinning*
There you are! I was starting to think you'd forgotten about our date. 😁
~ Veronica ~
*Playfully rolling her eyes*
Please, you know I could never forget about you.
*She leans in, giving him a quick kiss*
Sorry for being late. I got caught up at the clinic.
Leone's heart swells as he watches her. In moments like this, everything feels perfect-like they're the only two people in the world.
~ Leone ~
*Gesturing to the table*
I ordered your favorite cappuccino. Thought it might sweeten the deal for a beautiful doctor.
Veronica laughs, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
~ Veronica ~
*Teasingly*
Oh, you know me too well. But let's be honest. You only remembered because you wanted to impress me.
~ Leone ~
Guilty as charged. But seriously, how's work been? I bet you're saving lives left and right.
They settle into a comfortable conversation about their lives, their dreams, and their plans for the future. Flashbacks intersperse their conversations showing their four years relationship.
Flashback 1: Leone and Veronica on a beach, laughing and splashing water at each other. A young couple completely in love, sharing promises about their future.
(Leone's voice) "I remember that day like it was yesterday. We promised to travel the world together, to live a life full of adventure and love."
Flashback 2: A cozy night, wrapped in blankets watching movies while sharing popcorn. Veronica's head resting on Leone's shoulder.
(Leone's voice) "Veronica was my world. Every moment spent with her felt like a dream. She made everything brighter."
They finished their coffees. Leone gazes at Veronica, noticing how her laughter brings warmth to his heart.
~ Leone ~
You know, I can't imagine my life without you. You're everything to me.☺
Veronica pauses, her expression shifting slightly. There's a flicker of doubt in her eyes but she quickly masks it with a smile.
~ Veronica ~
*Leaning closer*
Oh, Leone, you're so sweet. You know I feel the same way. We're meant to be together, right?
Leone nods, a confident smile on his face, but there's a nagging feeling deep down, a whisper of uncertainty he can't shake off. They continue to talk about their future.
They exited the cafe, hand in hand, laughter echoing into the street. But the sense of foreboding lingers, hinting at the challenges that lie ahead.
~ Author ~
How was my story?
~ Author ~
I hope you enjoyed it!
Uneasy
[Setting: Leone and Veronica's apartment, decorated with pictures of their memories together.]
Leone is at home scrolling through his photos on his phone reminiscing about happier times. He smiles at pictures of their travels but the smile fades as he stumbles upon a recent photo of Veronica and a man together, laughing intimately.
[Dinner time at their apartment] They're having a quiet meal together. Leone notices Veronica's distracted demeanor, her phone buzzing on the table.
~ Leone ~
(casually) Who keeps texting you? You've been glued to your phone all evening.
Veronica looks up, startled and quickly grabs her phone, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks.
~ Veronica ~
(Dismissively) Oh, it's just some friends from the clinic. Nothing important.
Leone studies her sensing the shift in her energy. Something feels off but he brushes it aside.
~ Leone ~
(smiling) You know I hate it when you keep secrets. I thought we were all about honesty.
~ Veronica ~
(smirking) Since when did you become the relationship police? Relax! It's nothing. Just work stuff I swear.
Leone forces a smile but the unease festers within him. He tries to ignore it but Veronica's words seem hollow.
Later that night, Leone is restless. He sits on the couch unable to shake the feeling that something is amiss. He finally decides to confront Veronica.
Betrayal
[Setting: A dimly lit rooftop where Leone confronts Veronica about their relationship. The night is cold with the distant hum of city lights beneath them.]
Leone stands at the edge of the rooftop. His hands are buried in his coat pockets, his heart pounding. Veronica joins him. Her expression is impatient as if she would rather be somewhere else. Leone studies her hoping for a spark of the woman he once knew but something in her gaze feels different--distant and cold.
~ Leone ~
(softly) Veronica... We need to talk.
Veronica sighs crossing her arms. She knows what's coming but has no intention of sugar-coating it.
~ Veronica ~
(flatly) So, talk.🤨
Leone's jaw tightens, his heart breaking piece by piece. He searches for the right words to stop what he knows is coming but the silence between them feels heavier than anything he's ever faced.
~ Leone ~
(pleading) I know something's changed. Just tell me what's wrong, we'll fix it. We've been through so much—four years, Veronica. You said you wanted to build a future with me.🥺
Veronica looks away avoiding his gaze. Her lips curling into a slight almost mocking smile.
~ Veronica ~
(bitterly) That was before I realized what I really want.🤨
~ Leone ~
(confused) What do you mean? 😟
Veronica turns to him. Her eyes are sharp now, the pretense of love is finally gone. There is no apology in her tone—only cold truth.
~ Veronica ~
(shrugging) Let's be honest Leone. You thought love was enough but it isn't. Enzo can offer me everything. Money, connections and power. You? You're just... beautiful. But beauty isn't enough. Not for me
Leone feels the ground shift beneath him, her words cutting deeper than any knife. He takes a step forward, disbelief painted across his face.
~ Leone ~
(whispers) So... You only stayed with me because of how I look? 🥺
Veronica smirks not even trying to deny it.
~ Veronica ~
What can I say? You were fun while it lasted. 😏
Leone clinches his fists at his sides trying desperately to keep control of his emotions but the betrayal burns like fire in his chest.
~ Leone ~
(voice trembling) I thought we were building a life together Veronica. I gave you everything. Doesn't that mean anything to you?
Veronica rolls her eyes irritated by his emotions.
~ Veronica ~
(coldly) Don't make this harder than it is. I'm moving on Leone. You should too.
Leone stares at her, every memory of their relationship in his mind—every kiss, every promise, every dream shattered in a single moment.
~ Leone ~
(desperately) Please... Don't do this. We can still make this work. I love you Veronica. Isn't that enough? 🥺
Veronica's face twists with annoyance as if his love is a Burden she no longer wants to carry.
~ Veronica ~
Love? Love doesn't get me anywhere. I've made my choice. And so has Enzo.
The mention of Enzo's name sends a jolt of anger through Leone but he swallows it down clinging to hope.
~ Leone ~
(voice breaking) Just... Don't leave me like this. 🥺🥺
Veronica scoffs as if his pleading is pathetic in her eyes.
~ Veronica ~
(smiling cruelly) Oh, Leone. I've already left.
As she turns to leave, Leone reaches out to grab her arm—but before he can, a shadow steps into the rooftop's light. It's Enzo Mancini, grinning smugly as if he's already won.
~ Enzo ~
(mocking) Is this the part where I tell you to move on, pretty boy? Or do you need a little more convincing?
Leone glares at Enzo as anger bubbling beneath his calm exterior.
~ Leone ~
(low, dangerous) Stay out of this, Enzo. This is between me and Veronica.
Enzo chuckles darkly stepping until he's towering over Leone. Veronica slips behind Enzo, her arms draped around him like a trophy sending a final blow to Leone's heart.
~ Veronica ~
(playfully) Don't waste your breath Enzo. He's already done here.
Leone's fists tighten, his knuckles white from the pressure but before he can act, Enzo delivers the final insult.
~ Enzo ~
(smirking) Don't take it personally. She just upgraded.
Leone takes a step back feeling like the wind has been knocked out of him. He watches as Veronica and Enzo walk away together arm in arm, laughing as if Leone was nothing more than a passing fling.
The pain is unbearable but it quickly transforms into something colder—something ruthless. Leone stands alone on the rooftop, his heart shuttered but with a new determination burning in his chest.
Leone's voice: "Love is a lie. I gave her everything and she threw it away for someone else. Love is weakness. And I will never be weak again."
Leone stares out over the city, his jaw set, his eyes cold and unyielding.
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