I stay out in the garden Papa made just for me ever since I was little, the one he kept perfect even when everything else in the estate seemed like it was burning in hell. Same roses he planted the day I turned six, same stone bench where he used to sit and watch me chase butterflies like the world wasn't already trying to eat us alive.
I've always known it as my safe place. Now it's the only spot in the whole estate where I can actually hide without everyone watching me.
The 24 hours are finally up and they're letting me see him soon, but right now I need five minutes to catch my breath.
My brain wouldn't shut up though.
The whole mistress ploy by Luca feels way too deceptive. Why the hell does he want me like that? As revenge for Santo? To break me in ways I didn't even know I could be broken? But that's too easy. He could've killed me a dozen times already if that was all it was. No… there's something else.
He needs me close. Watching. Some kind of leverage. He thinks having the Vitale heir under his roof gives him first dibs on whatever scraps are left of our empire once Papa's gone. Or maybe he actually wants the secrets I've been collecting. Sal's intel. The stuff nobody else knows I have.
He wants to find out how his brother actually died. If Papa really killed Santo and exactly how. Maybe to give my father a death that matches whatever happened to Santo.
That could be possible. But what if he got back after five years and decided he still wanted me? His ego just wouldn't let him say it straight, so this twisted deal is the best way. keep me under his control, claim ownership, make sure if he can't have me, nobody else can.
The last option feels super unlikely, but part of me kinda hopes that's the real reason. The truth is, the Luca Ferrante I know would never do anything without at least three backup plans and a knife in each one.
I hear footsteps behind the bench I'm sitting on. I don't even turn around. I already know who it is.
Aunt Inez. The sharpest Vitale alive — sharper than Papa on his best day, sharper than Uncle Matteo wishes he was. She stays behind the scenes pulling strings because she never wanted the spotlight.
"You've been out here a long time now, my darling Serena," she says, voice cutting but smooth. "Share with me. What's going on in that head of yours?"
God, I wanted to tell her everything. My head was exploding, my heart was already aching, and I wished someone could just help me soothe it. I was scared, more than I'd ever admit and it wasn't just the dangerous games Luca was playing. I was actually stepping into it now. But I couldn't. As much as I loved Aunt Inez, I couldn't tell her a single thing. Nobody in this estate is truly trustworthy. Not even me. Everyone walks around in the shadow of a snake, just waiting to get the details so they can move their own pieces on the chessboard.
"Aunt Inez… it's nothing. I just needed the air out here."
She nods like she knows that's a lie, eyes searching mine. "Serena… this must be a lot for you. I have eyes and ears everywhere, and I can tell you for free — the next few days won't be funny. But you're a strong girl. I've always admired your bravery." She leans in close to my ear.
"Don't tell Gia and Winscott, but you're my favorite."
She squeezes my shoulder once and walks away, leaving me sitting there with even more noise in my head.
Papa looks so much smaller in that bed than I've ever seen him. The machines beep every second, counting down on something I'm not sure of. The second he sees me he cracks a smile and tries pretending like he wasn't deep in thought before they let me in.
The doctors already gave me the stats. His situation is critical and even though he can be awake right now, they'll have to sedate him again soon.
I look around. The guards look way too skeptical. Their guns are placed too strategically for my liking, I'm sure they're wired.
"Leave. Everyone."
They glance at each other. "We had strict orders not to leave his room for even a second."
"And now I'm retracting that order. I want to be with my father. Alone. If anyone is still here by the time ten seconds tick on that clock—" I point to the clock hanging on the wall "it'll be your heads hanging there next."
It was obvious they didn't see me as much of a threat, but they knew I wasn't bluffing. They knew better than to disobey.
"My my, Serena… my princess, my jewel, my treasure." A warm feeling hits my chest. Papa's awake now.
"Come to see if the old man finally kicked it? Sorry to disappoint, princess. Takes more than a couple bullets to put me down."
I laugh even though it hurts. His arm is bandaged and he's holding it tight with the other one, trying to ease the pain. "Yeah, yeah. Papa's a very tough guy. The toughest one I know."
"You know it." He raises his chin and winces.
"You know what?" I'm caressing his face now, tracing every scar like I always do. "Once you survive this, which I know you will, we'll throw you a birthday party again. A more extravagant one. Who cares if your birthday was just last week? Every day can be Don Enzo's birthday. The world is yours and we're all just living in it."
Papa looks satisfied as hell. Nobody knows how to praise him like I do.
He chuckles, then winces again. "Head's killing me on this damn pillow. Come here and help your old man out before I pass out again."
I lean over the bed to adjust it, fluffing the pillow the way I used to when I was little. Then he grabs my wrist, gently but urgent He pulls me close so his mouth is right by my ear.
"Find Vincenzo Serra," he whispers, so quiet I almost miss it. Then he lets go like nothing happened and leans back with that same tired smile.
It was so fast and soft the cameras would never catch it.
My heart's hammering but I keep my face straight.
He gets serious then, voice dropping low. "I'm sorry, Serena. For putting you in this spot. I know what Luca demanded. And as much as it kills me… staying with him is the best move right now. The power games here are too dangerous for you. But listen — neither place is safe. Not really. The Ferrante empire's got secrets stacked like bodies in a basement. Not everyone's your friend. Don't let your guard down for a second. Not even with him."
Papa already knew about the deal even while lying here? Just how fast and deep does information move in this estate? It actually made me feel a little lighter, even sick, my papa was still watching out for me.
I nod, my throat tight. "I won't, Papa. Just promise me nothing's gonna happen to you. Promise me that no matter what their plots are, you'll fight. And you'll win."
He turns his head away and that alone makes my stomach churn. Is Papa giving up? Is this battle too much for him to fight alone?
"You should get out of here before they start wondering why we're whispering."
I want to ask about Uncle Matteo. About everything he knows on the attack. About the secret meetings. About Vincenzo Serra — who he is, where I'd even find him.
So many questions are ringing in my mind but I turn to leave. It's clear Papa wants me gone and he must have his reasons.
"Papa… stay strong. I'll come back to see you again."
He looks at me with this sad, tired smile. "If heaven permits."
I'm two steps from the door when the window beside it explodes inward. Glass shatters everywhere, a bullet hole clean through the frame right where my head would've been if I'd been half a second slower.
The monitor next to Papa starts screaming and I can hear the guards I sent out yelling outside. I drop to the floor on instinct, heart in my throat, shards cutting into my palms.
Someone was waiting for me to be inside this room with Papa before they made their move. They wanted me to see him. They me scared. To know they're watching and not afraid to act.
I'm shaking but my brain's already racing. Who? Uncle Matteo? One of the other families? Or fuck, did Luca set this up? Does he have eyes in our house? Is that how he always knows everything?
I push myself up, glass crunching under my shoes, and get the hell out before more bullets fly. I make sure Papa's safe first — I couldn't get back inside but I send Sal and two of my other trusted men in there right away to guard him.
My phone's ringing before I even reach the hallway. Luca's number. I missed the first call while trying to catch my breath.
He calls again.
I answer, voice still shaky. "What?"
Luca's voice comes through calm as ever. "You okay?"
I laugh, bitter. "Oh sure. I had a lovely visit with my dad and then someone tried to redecorate the room with my brains. You also happen to be calling not more than five seconds after it happened. Seems very suspicious."
I didn't want it to sound like I was straight-up accusing him, but I'm sure he caught the memo.
"I have people. You know that."
"Yeah? People who shoot at me or people who tell you when I get shot at?"
"Careful, principessa. That mouth of yours is gonna get you in trouble one day."
"Already in trouble, Ferrante. Thanks to you."
There was silence for a second. Then he chuckles, low and warm in a way that pisses me off even more. "Still got that fire. I missed it."
"So tell me, Luca. Did you call just to gloat that I almost got killed right after I left your house yesterday?"
"Talk to me directly, Serena. What are you insinuating?"
"You have a hand in this. Not just this but everything that's been happening, long before the attack on my father. You've had your eyes on us for a long time."
He laughs again, softer this time. "There she is. That sharp mind I always loved. Most girls would be crying right now. You're already connecting dots."
"You're still the same girl who used to beat me at chess even when I cheated. Still the one who never backs down. I admire that. Always have."
I swallow. Damn him.
Silence stretches. My brain's still spinning — everything's connected. I just don't see how yet.
Then I say it.
"Fine. I'll do it. I'll move in. I'll play your little game. But everything happens on my terms and you don't get to dispute that. Not the when, not the how, not what I wear or who I talk to. My rules. Or the deal's off and you can as well keep watching while I figure everything out myself."
He goes quiet, then answers. "Deal. But principessa? Don't think for a second I won't enjoy every minute of those rules."
I can hear the smirk in his voice.
"Tomorrow. Nine a.m. I'll be ready. Rocco will drive me."
"I'd rather my men come get you. I need everyone to know you're under my protection now."
I curse him under my breath. "Fine."
"And Luca?"
"Yes, carina?"
"If I find out you're behind any of this. I won't hesitate when the time comes."
"Good. Wouldn't want you any other way."
He hangs up.