Rise of The Fallen Assault

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[setting: A dark alley in the heart of the city.]

Leone walks in a daze after Veronica's betrayal, his thoughts swirling with confusion, anger, and heartbreak. His world feels shattered but the night is about to get worse.

He stumbles through the streets lost in his emotions trying to piece together what went wrong. Rain starts to drizzle, cold and heavy as if the world itself mirrors his despair. He clinches his fists as frustration bubbling beneath the surface replaying Veronica's words over and over in his mind.

~ Leone ~

(Whispers) how could she do this to me?

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps behind pulls him from his thoughts. Leone turns, his senses on alert but it's already too late.

~ Enzo ~

(mocking) well, well... Look who's all alone tonight.

Leone's jaw tightens as Enzo Mancini steps out from the shadows flunked by two men—members of the Mancini family. Their smug smiles tell Leone everything he needs to know: they aren't here to talk.

~ Leone ~

(coldly) walk away, Enzo. You've already taken enough.

Enzo laughs, his tone dripping with mockery and triumph.

~ Enzo ~

(grinning) you think I'm done with you? Veronica told me to send a message—and... I plan to make sure it sticks.

Before Leone can react, one of Enzo's men lunges forward landing a sharp punch to his side. Leone stumbles but stays on his feet glaring at them unwilling to back down despite the odds.

~ Leone ~

(low, dangerous) touch me again and you'll regret it!

~ Enzo ~

(sneering) Regret? No Leone. The only thing you'll regret is crossing someone like me!

The next blow comes hard and fast—a fist slams into Leone's jaw wending him crashing to the wet pavement. He spits blood but refuses to stay down forcing himself to rise again. The men surround him, each blow more brutal than the last.

~ Leone ~

(gritting his teeth) is that all you've got?

Enzo smirks enjoying the sight of Leone struggling to stand. The rain pours harder mixing with the blood trickling down Leone's face. His vision blurs but his pride won't let him give them the satisfaction of seeing him broken.

~ Enzo ~

(mockingly) Still think you're the big shot, huh?... Guess love made you soft, pretty boy.

Leone clinches his fists, his breath ragged but stays silent absorbing every insult and punch like a shield around his heart. Each blow feels like a hammer driving home the truth—love is weakness and weakness has no place in his life anymore.

One of the men pulls out a steel pipe smirking as he swings it toward Leone's ribs. The impact sends him to the ground with a painful grunt but he refuses to cry out. He refuses to give them that power.

~ Enzo ~

(laughing) Look at you. Pathetic!

Leone struggles to his knees, blood dripping from a cut on his brow but there's no fear in his eyes—only rage simmering beneath the surface. He knows this moment will define him. He knows he can't go back to who he was before.

Leone's voice: "This is the end of the man I used to be. No more begging. No more weakness."

Enzo leans in close, his voice low and filled with venom.

~ Enzo ~

(whispering) If you're smart, De Luca. Otherwise, next time, we won't leave you breathing.

With one final kick to Leone's side, their laughter echoing through the alley. Leone remains on the ground gasping for air, every inch of his body aching but his heart is colder than ever.

For a moment, he lies still, letting the rain wash over him. Then, slowly, painfully, he drags himself to his feet. His clothes are soaked, his face bruised and blooded but something inside him has changed.

~ Leone ~

(Whispering to himself) Never again!

With every painful step, Leone walks away from the alley not as the man who loved Veronica but as someone new. He knows what he has to do—become stronger, and bury his heart so deep that no one will ever hurt him again.

Leone's voice: "Love is for fools."

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~ Author ~

What do you think about this chapter? 😊

~ Author ~

Did you enjoy it?

~ Author ~

Anyways, thanks for reading 😘

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