Rise of The Fallen A Family's Concern

[setting: Leone's home.]

Inside, Leone lies on a massive leather couch, bruised and broken from the attack. His parents look down at their son with worry etched on their faces

His father, Rafael stands near the window, hands clasped behind his back, his sharp eyes clouded with anger. Samantha, his mother sits beside him dabbing a wet cloth on his forehead with uncharacteristic gentleness.

~ Samantha [Leone's Mother] ~

(softly) You need to rest, figlio mio. You can't keep punishing yourself like this.

Leone grunts, wincing as he shifts on the couch. The physical pain is nothing compared to the storm raging in his heart.

~ Leone ~

(Coldly) It doesn’t matter. I won’t feel anything soon enough.

Samantha exchanges a concerned glance with Rafael, who clenches his jaw. They've seen their son battle challenges before but never like this—never so hollow d distant.

~ Rafael De Luca [Leone's Father] ~

(sternly) this isn't about what happened in that alley. What did Veronica do to you, figlio?

Leone's lips press into a thin line. The mention of her name sends a fresh wave of bitterness surging through him.

~ Leone ~

(bitterly) she showed me that love is a lie! And I was stupid enough to believe It!!

Rafael's expression hardens. He's always thought Leone that emotions can be dangerous, but seeing his son break like this makes his blood boil. No one messes with the De Luca family—especially not a woman from a lower-ranking mafia clan.

~ Samantha [Leone's Mother] ~

We can deal with her. If you want—

~ Leone ~

(firmly) No!

He cuts her off, his voice low but sharp. The hatred in his heart isn't just for Veronica or Enzo—it's for himself. For trusting. For being weak.

~ Leone ~

This is something I have to handle on my own. No more love. No more distractions.

Rafael walks over, towering his son. His voice is rough, there's a hint of fatherly pride beneath it.

~ Rafael De Luca [Leone's Father] ~

Then stand up, son. If you've made up your mind to bury your heart, you need to become the man this family needs. Strong and untouchable.

Samantha frowns, sensing how this conversation is changing Leone. But she knows it's the only way to keep him safe in the dangerous world they inhabit.

~ Samantha [Leone's Mother] ~

(softly) but don't lose yourself completely, amore mio.

Leone says nothing. The tenderness in her words feels foreign to him now. He knows what he has to do—there's no room for softness in life ahead.

[days passed]

↓

In the basement of the De Luca estate lies a private training hall. The smell of metal and leather fills the air as Leone swings a sword, his muscles burning with every precise movement. Sweat drips from his brow, but he pushes through the exhaustion, sharpening his body and mind like a weapon.

~ Rafael De Luca [Leone's Father] ~

(observing) your form is improving. Again.

Leone wipes the sweat from him brow and picks up the sword without hesitation. He was relentless and determined to erase the version of himself that once begged for love. His days are filled with sparring, firearms, and hand-to-hand combat.

Meanwhile, Samantha watches from the sidelines, her heart heavy with concern. She knows this isn't just training—this is Leone trying to survive his heartbreak.

~ Samantha [Leone's Mother] ~

(whispers to herself) he's slipping away...

But his father only nods approvingly. For him, this is exactly what his son needs to survive in their brutal world—a heart made of steel, unbreakable and unforgiving.

. . .

[weeks later]

[In De Luca office]

↓

Leone stands before his father, his expression cold and composed. His bruises have healed, but something in his gaze has changed—something darker.

~ Leone ~

(firmly) I'm ready.

Rafael looks at his son with pride. The boy who once dreamed of love is gone. In his place stands a man forged by betrayal and pain.

~ Rafael De Luca [Leone's Father] ~

(grinning) good. It's time the world knows who you really are.

Leone's voice: " If emotions make a man weak, then I'll become the strongest there is."

. . .

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