Chapter 6: The Don Who Crossed the Border

The following morning, the Rossetti estate was already alive with activity.

Servants hurried through the halls while Northern captains gathered inside the council chamber.

I sat beside Father, reviewing financial reports as though I had never left.

"The Eastern trade routes have recovered," I said after reading the documents.

"Increase security around the Montrava ports. Southern Silenzio has become unpredictable."

Several elders exchanged approving glances.

"The Principessa hasn't lost her touch," one of them murmured.

Father gave a faint nod of satisfaction.

"This is exactly why Northern Silenzio needs you."

Before the meeting could continue, the heavy doors burst open.

"Don Rossetti!" a guard shouted.

"Rafael Holloway has crossed the border!"

The entire room fell silent.

Father's expression instantly darkened.

"How many men?"

"Only five."

"He came without an army."

Bianca frowned.

"Is he insane?"

"Crossing into Northern territory without permission is practically suicide."

Father slowly stood.

"Bring him in."

"Alive."

"I want to hear what Southern Silenzio's Don has to say."

Half an hour later, Rafael was escorted into the council chamber.

His expensive suit was dusty from the journey.

Dark circles rested beneath his eyes.

For the first time since I'd met him, he looked exhausted.

The moment our eyes met, his breathing became uneven.

"Gianna..."

I looked at him calmly.

"Don Holloway."

The unfamiliar title made his face turn pale.

"Please... can we talk alone?"

"No," Father answered before I could speak.

"Whatever you wish to say to my daughter can be said before me."

Rafael clenched his fists.

"I came to take my family home."

A soft laugh escaped Bianca.

"Family?"

"You remembered that word now?"

Ignoring her, Rafael looked only at me.

"Gianna... I was wrong."

"I shouldn't have left you alone."

"Not once."

"Not seventeen times."

His voice cracked.

"Come back with me."

"We'll get married immediately."

"I'll announce our child as my legal heir before the entire South."

The room remained silent.

I slowly stood from my chair.

"Rafael," I said quietly.

"Do you know what broke me?"

He opened his mouth but couldn't answer.

"It wasn't Natalia."

"It wasn't the cancelled weddings."

"It wasn't even the humiliation."

"It was the fact that every single time, you expected me to wait."

"You believed I'd always forgive you."

His eyes reddened.

"I know."

"I'm here because I finally understand."

I gently shook my head.

"No."

"You only understand because I'm gone."

Silence filled the chamber.

"Gianna..."

"I'm begging you."

"Please give me one more chance."

I smiled sadly.

"I already gave you seventeen."

Those words struck harder than any bullet.

Rafael lowered his head in defeat.

Father finally spoke.

"Don Holloway, you've heard my daughter's answer."

"Return to Southern Silenzio."

"The Rossettis have no desire for war."

"Neither do I," Rafael replied hoarsely.

"I only want Gianna."

"Then you want something that no longer belongs to you," Father answered coldly.

The guards stepped forward.

Before leaving, Rafael removed the engagement ring from his pocket.

He carefully placed it on the council table.

"I'll keep waiting," he whispered.

"Whether it's one year... or ten."

"I'll prove I've changed."

Without another word, he turned and walked away.

I watched the doors close behind him.

For the first time in years, I didn't cry.

The only thing I felt was peace.

Outside the Rossetti estate, Rafael looked back one final time at the towering mansion.

He silently made himself a promise.

No matter how long it took...

He would earn the right to stand beside Gianna Rossetti again.