2

Chapter 2

The next morning, Adrian kept calling and texting. I didn't respond and just turned off my phone.

That afternoon, the door was suddenly kicked open violently.

It was the Moretti family's execution squad. The man at the front wore black leather gloves, his expression cold and hard, like he could kill at any moment.

Damian Rizzo. Adrian's most loyal and fierce subordinate.

His eyes swept over me without emotion. "Miss Serena, the Boss wants to see you."

"I'm still busy..."

Before I could finish, he stepped forward, grabbed my arm, and yanked me up violently: "This isn't a request."

They practically dragged me out of the apartment and shoved me into a black SUV.

The Moretti estate was heavily guarded as usual. But when I was dragged into the hall, I froze.

This place I'd spent years decorating—firearm display cases, hidden door mechanisms, tactical map tables, custom weapon racks...every single thing carried memories of him and me.

Now it had all been replaced. Everything changed to white silk, gold candelabras, carved tables and chairs. This was Bianca Vitale's style. Even the air was filled with the cold fragrance she liked.

That's when I saw Adrian walking over with a young, beautiful woman. White dress, white diamond necklace, cold demeanor.

Bianca Vitale.

The future queen of the Neapolitan mafia.

"Serena. Come here." Adrian called me over, then introduced me to Bianca, "This is my most capable assistant, Serena De Luca."

Bianca's green eyes flashed with amusement: "Nice to meet you, Serena. Adrian mentions you often—says without you, he wouldn't even know how to maintain his weapons properly."

"Being solely responsible for the family's weapons system...must be exhausting. After all, those are the most dangerous, dirtiest parts."

She emphasized "dangerous" and "dirty," though her eyes were full of "innocent" kindness.

I met her gaze, my voice as calm as ice: "Ensuring the Moretti family's firepower runs flawlessly is my honor."

After I spoke, Adrian nodded at me. I could tell he was satisfied with my answer.

After dinner began, everyone's eyes followed Bianca.

Adrian held her hand, announcing their marriage alliance to everyone.

I sat in a corner, watching them like a king and future queen surrounded by golden light.

While I was just a weapons master pressed against his shadow.

After dinner, Adrian put his hand on Bianca's waist and led her to the car convoy. I was forced to ride in the same car with them.

Halfway through, the car suddenly stopped. An ambush appeared ahead—gunmen in black surging from the shadows. Rocket launchers, submachine guns, assault rifles.

Instantly, flames filled the air.

When the bullets came flying, I realized the danger.

"Bianca, get back!" Adrian pulled Bianca behind him, then looked back at me.

In that moment, I thought he would rush toward me.

But he...didn't.

The next second, he shoved me away—toward the enemy.

I only had time to widen my eyes.

Searing pain burned my shoulder and back like fire, blood flowing down my fingers.

I watched Adrian hold Bianca tightly, using his back to shield her, running with her to a safe area. He didn't even glance at me.

And I—the world went black.

When I woke, I was lying in a quiet room. The smell of disinfectant was sharp—this was the Moretti family's medical room.

Damian stood at the door: "You almost died. I saved you."

"Where's Adrian?"

He said: "Boss is next door comforting Bianca. She was terrified."

I smiled bitterly.

He pushed me aside to block bullets, I almost died, and he was comforting another woman.

I struggled to sit up from the bed, preparing to leave. Passing the next room, I noticed the door was ajar. Then I saw a scene that would shred the last piece of my heart.

Adrian knelt on one knee in front of Bianca, the light illuminating his chiseled features. He held a custom white diamond ring, his voice calm, certain, tender: "Bianca Vitale, will you marry me? Not for the family, not for the alliance, just because...I love you."

In that moment, all my breath stopped. He loved her. Not because of so-called business—because of love.

Bianca hugged him tightly and cried: "I will!"

The world collapsed silently but fatally.