Chapter Twenty

As the meeting resumed around them, Matteo turned away, his mind already spinning with plans. Lucas stayed close to him, his presence as constant as a shadow.

As the meeting went on. The elder statement Mr. Woods raises his drink up and echoed "

To my dear friend, Mr. Leonardo. Who have passed on. May his soul rest till we meet again." 

As they left the ballroom and headed toward the exit, Lucas scanned their surroundings, catching the subtle glances from other mafia heads. They weren't just watching Matteo they were watching him. His presence had become as commanding and terrifying. his reputation as the deadliest assassin in the under world.

As Matteo approaches the black limousine, Brook open the back door. Mr. Matteo shove into the the car, while Lucas taking the seat beside Brook who's on the strearing. While others follows behind with two other vehicles. 

Brook looks through the V-mirrow "Boss I got information that. Santoro's been meeting with one of Dominic's men it's more than just grudge."

Matteo's eyes flickered with a dark understanding, his voice barely above a whisper. "So Dominic's ghosts are still alive."

"Brook make sure you put eyes around Santoro, I want to know every of his move" Matteo to Brook.

"Yes Boss" Brook always set waiting for orders.

"Lucas find out who's left from Dominic's crew. wipe them out. Let's see how Santoro will come from to attack. Matteo smirked full of rage. 

Lucas nodded, his eyes dark, already planning his next steps. The game was more complex than he had thought, but the more pieces he uncovered, the closer he got to understanding the truth behind his father's death.

Lucas gathers more intel on his father's old allies, as well as getting more information about who his father was. And as far as the information is concern, there are still some good remarks to take home. That alone drives him more crazy to go as far as, to avenge his father.

Lucas pointing to a map as he pounds his fist on the table echoing in desperation.

"They are few  we can trust, in the dark world. But for now Santoro is our main target. He has declared that he murdered my father and I'm going to give back to him, the way he has presented it."

"Hey Lucas, we must stay resolute For now. Until we get them all into our palms. Until then we strike. Anything short, the others still hiding will be alerted so for now, we stand down." Alex mumbling with concern in his voice.

Lucas filled with rage but knows that the time is coming for him to step out of the shadows and reclaim his father's empire. But to do that he must endure so many challenges.

The city streets are bathed in a golden sunset, casting long shadows across the beautiful buildings. Sophia and Lucas stands on the rooftop of Matteo's grand estate, the open view of the city before them. It's one of the few places they can speak freely, without drawing attention and the weight of their respective duties. 

Sophia's long hair sways gently in the breeze, while Lucas, standing close, remains ever watchful, but there's a softness in his eyes whenever they fall on her. 

Sophia mumbling with her voice a mix of frustration and yearning. "I feel like I'm trapped in a life I never chose. My father, Jeff. it's all closing in around me."

Lucas remains silent for a moment, his eyes scanning the sky. He understands her far more than she knows. He's also living a life of lie too. his mission always in shadows, but his growing feelings for her complicating everything. 

"You don't have to go through with it. This marriage to Jeff. you have a choice." Lucas gently uttered glancing at her.

"Do I? My family's falling apart. My father's desperate, and this marriage is supposed to save us from ruin. But how can I marry someone I don't love? Someone I can't even stand to be around with?" Sophia sighed, shaking her head.

She turns to Lucas, her eyes searching his face, as if looking for answers he can't give her. Her heart beats faster, the closeness between them becomes almost unbearable. 

She felt this pull toward him since the night he saved her from those thugs, and every day since, it's only grown stronger.

"what if I don't want this life at all? What if I want something different?" Sophia softly whispered.

Lucas's jaw tightens. He wants to tell her everything, who he really is. why he's here, that his mission isn't just about being a bodyguard but also finding justice for his father's death. But he knows revealing the truth now could put her in danger and collapse his plans. Revenge and taking back his father's empire.

Lucas mumbled in a low tone. yet heavy with conflict "Sophia. there are things you don't know. Things I can't tell you. Not yet."

Sophia takes a step closer, her hand brushing against his. The contact sends a jolt through both of them, and for a moment, the world around them seems to disappear. 

Sophia whispering her eyes locked on his "Then what can you tell me? I feel like you're hiding something. like there's more to you than just being Matteo's bodyguard."

Lucas swallows hard, his heart beating in his chest. He's so close to breaking, so close to telling her the truth. But the dangers, that come with the truth. He knows the enemies are lurking in the shadows wouldn't hesitate to use her against him.

"I'm here to protect you. That's all that matters." Lucas voice strained, torn between duty and desire.

Sophia steps even closer now, her eyes flickering with emotion. Her voice is soft, trembling slightly as she speaks.

"It matters to me. You matter to me." Sophia says with a low tone.

The weight of her words hangs in the air between them, thick with tension. Lucas can feel his resolve crumbling, his duty as "Shadow" clashing violently with his feelings for her. The desire to protect her from everything, the dangers and implications that comes with the truth. The battles with the longing to hold her close.