It's best if I don't panic. I have to breathe. In and out. As long as they don't discover me, they'll just think I was nervous. That's fine. I have to control myself. My mind can be weak, but I need to grow stronger. For my family. So no one I love will ever suffer like I did.
My father used to beat me mercilessly. He never liked me. I was just a tool, a means to make money. And he did—my marriage earned him plenty. But despite all that, I finally have a life of comfort and happiness. I will never leave Matteo. I don't want a divorce. These six years with him—he's given me smiles I never knew existed. With him, I've finally known what it feels like to be truly happy.
I have to do my best. I have to bring him back… bring him back from this darkness.
⸻
Luna's eyes followed every gesture, every word Matteo spoke. She couldn't believe what she was hearing—her husband, the man she loved, leading operations to steal, giving orders to kill, commanding people to risk their lives. She had always known he was powerful, but this… this was something else entirely.
"Let's go meet someone," Matteo said, leaning closer to Lorenzo. "There's a man I want you to meet—someone to bring into the operation. He has men of his own. We need more for this mission. I haven't revealed my face to him yet. He has to prove his loyalty. You'll handle the introductions and the details."
"We don't know exactly how much the former boss left behind," Matteo continued. "But if we're talking figures… I'd say at least 500 million dollars. And there's probably more."
"Yes, sir," Lorenzo replied. "Are we meeting him now?"
"Yes," Matteo said, "but first… let's order something to eat."
"You didn't eat before leaving the house?" Lorenzo asked.
"I did," Matteo said with a grin, "but it wasn't enough. Go ahead, order."
Lorenzo waved over the waiter. "Waiter! Over here!"
The waiter blinked at them. "I've been watching. You've been sitting here all this time without ordering."
Lorenzo narrowed his eyes. "Excuse me?"
"My apologies, sir!" the waiter stammered. "I didn't mean anything by it. Please forgive me."
"Bring me a steak," Lorenzo said dismissively. "And one for the man next to me."
"Yes, sir," the waiter said before hurrying away.
When the plates arrived, Matteo's eyes lit up. "Wow. I love steak. Last night, my wife cooked an amazing steak for me. She's the best cook in the world. The most beautiful woman I've ever seen."
Lorenzo laughed. "You praise your wife constantly. You act like no one else has a wife."
Matteo shook his head, smiling. "I'm serious. She's an angel. I have everything—money, a beautiful wife—and yet I still crave more. I don't even know why."
"You're right. We've made a lot since you became head," Lorenzo said. "It's easier now, but it's never just about money."
Matteo nodded. "Exactly. Once you enter the underworld, there's no stopping. Every day could be your last. That's why I cherish every moment with her. I could die tomorrow, and I want her to know she's loved today. That's why I praise her—because life can end in an instant in this world."
"You're right," Lorenzo said quietly. "You never know when it'll be your last day."
"You see?" Matteo leaned forward. "Moments like these are precious. You have to cherish them. Be close to your wife. Make her happy. Because in this life… there's no guarantee you'll see another day. I myself am young. I don't have a child yet… but soon, we will."
Lorenzo smirked. "I've been distant from my wife, but I see your point. I'll try. I'll learn from you."
Matteo smiled and gestured to the steak. "Enough talking. Eat before it gets cold."
⸻
Luna realized she hadn't eaten anything all morning—just coffee. Hunger gnawed at her. She couldn't call the waiter too loudly; Matteo might hear her voice. She waved her hand subtly.
The waiter approached, and she whispered, careful not to draw attention. "I… I'd like a plate of spaghetti, please."
"Of course, madam," he replied and walked away.
As she waited, she thought about Matteo's words.
Treat every day like it's your last.
She took a deep breath, feeling a strange mix of fear, admiration, and love.
And when the waiter returned with her plate, she smiled. Italy—the food, the culture, her husband—everything was a reminder of the life she now wanted to protect.
She picked up her fork. She was ready.