CHAPTER 3

The mafia world is one of constant threat, and Vincenzo has always been aware that betrayal could come at any time. One evening, Lena is invited to a gathering of the Romano family’s closest allies—a lavish dinner where she must play the part of the perfect wife. But things take a sudden turn when a rival family leader, Luigi D’Amico, arrives unannounced with a message: someone inside the Romano family has been leaking information to their enemies. The tension in the room rises, and all eyes turn to Lena, who feels out of place.

As the dinner turns into an interrogation, Vincenzo’s eyes narrow, and Lena realizes that a test of loyalty is underway. It’s clear that the dinner is less about the meal and more about finding the traitor. Vincenzo knows that someone close to him has been feeding information to Luigi, but he doesn’t know who.

The atmosphere is thick with suspicion, and as the dinner continues, Lena is forced to watch her husband’s unyielding nature. Vincenzo is ruthless, interrogating his trusted allies with calculated precision. After several hours, the traitor is revealed—one of Vincenzo’s oldest associates, a man who had been like a brother to him for years. The shock of the betrayal cuts deep, and Vincenzo’s coldness is chilling as he orders the traitor’s execution right there.

Lena watches, horrified by the cruelty, but at the same time, she can’t help but admire how quickly Vincenzo takes control of the situation. It’s a reminder of the world she’s now part of—where love and loyalty are tested, and betrayal is punished with swift and merciless consequences.

After the shocking events of the dinner, Lena retreats to her room, shaken by the brutality she has witnessed. Vincenzo follows her, his face hard as granite, but his voice betrays a flicker of concern. For the first time, he shows a vulnerability that surprises her. He wants to make sure she’s okay, even if he struggles to express it.

“I didn’t want you to see that,” he admits, his voice low and strained. “But in this world, if we show weakness, we die.”

Lena, though shaken, stands tall. “I understand the stakes. But… there has to be a way to fight back against all this violence.”

Vincenzo looks at her with a mixture of surprise and admiration. “You’re not like most women in this world. You don’t hide behind fear.”

Over time, this brief moment of openness becomes a defining point in their relationship. Vincenzo begins to rely on Lena in ways he never expected, asking for her advice in delicate matters, even though he struggles with his emotions. Their conversations become more frequent, and despite the violence around them, a slow, tender bond begins to form.

One day, Lena is approached by Giovanni Moretti, a rival mafia boss from a neighboring territory. He is charismatic, smooth-talking, and seems to see something in Lena that others don’t. He offers her a proposition: he wants to form an alliance with the Romano family, but he’s willing to go to extreme lengths to make it happen—whether it be through political marriages, secret deals, or using people like pawns.

Lena is both terrified and intrigued by Giovanni’s offer. As she returns home and discusses it with Vincenzo, she can see the anger building in him. Giovanni is a dangerous man, and Vincenzo isn’t willing to trust anyone who doesn’t earn his loyalty. But Lena sees a different side of the situation. Giovanni’s offer could potentially benefit the Romano family in ways Vincenzo doesn’t see.

This chapter explores Lena’s internal conflict. Is she willing to go against her husband’s wishes to secure an alliance with the rival family, or will she stand by Vincenzo’s side and watch him navigate the dangerous waters of mafia politics alone? The choice she makes will set the stage for even greater betrayals to come.

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