Alessandro’s voice suddenly hardened. “I’m not going to lose my son or you.” Mariana opened her eyes in surprise. “Me, but before I could say anything else, a soft cry came from the crib.”
Alexio was waking up. Mariana reacted immediately and took him in her arms. The baby calmed down instantly, snuggling against her chest, as if that were the only place in the world he wanted to be.
Alessandro watched them, and the decision was etched on his face. “He’s already chosen you,” he whispered. “And so have I.” Mariana felt her heart leap, but she didn’t have time to reply.
Urgent footsteps sounded from the hallway. Esteban appeared in the doorway. “Alesandro, messages have arrived from the hospital. They’re demanding to see you.” Tension filled the room. Alesandro changed completely. His gaze became sharp, dangerous.
“What do they want? They say they know about the woman who’s supporting the Mancelli heir,” Esteban replied. “Do they want to meet?” Mariana swallowed. “Meet me or you?” She looked at him with concern.
With both of them. Alessandro stepped forward, his shadow covering Mariana and the baby like a shield. Over my dead body. Write in the comments, do you think Alessandro will really be able to keep Mariana safe, or are the Vitals already too close?
Ever since the hospital sent that message, the atmosphere at Villa Manceli changed completely. Every corner of the mansion seemed to hold something hidden: cameras circling, footsteps quickening, whispers among the staff, but the most unsettling thing was the silent tension on Alessandro’s face.
Mariana noticed it even when he tried to hide it. That night, after feeding Alessio, Mariana gently laid him in his crib. Alessandro stood by the wall, as if his presence there was already a habit.
“He won’t calm down unless you’re close,” Mariana said softly. “Sometimes I think,” he replied, watching the baby, “that Alexio understands everything better than I do.” Mariana smiled slightly.
It was the first time she’d heard him speak like this—sincere, vulnerable, human. “He needs you,” she added. Alessandro lowered his gaze. He didn’t know how much. A gentle silence fell between them, the kind that doesn’t make you uncomfortable, that offers comfort.
But then Renzo appeared in the doorway. His expression was stern, urgent. “Boss, it’s time.” Alessandro nodded. Then he turned to Mariana. “I want you to stay in your room tonight.”
Whatever happens, don’t go outside. Renzo and Esteban will be watching the hallway. Mariana felt a chill run down her spine. What? What’s going to happen? Alessandro approached slowly, very slowly, so as not to frighten her.
When he stood before her, his voice dropped to a low whisper. “The vitals requested a meeting. They say they want to negotiate, but I never trusted them.” Mariana swallowed. “And what are they going to negotiate?”
“Your safety,” he replied bluntly. “And my son’s.” Mariana felt the air drain from her. “Alesandro, I don’t want you to do anything dangerous for me.” He shook his head firmly. “It’s not for you, it’s for both of you.”
Those vital people have already crossed a line by even mentioning you. And if I stand idly by, they’ll continue. I won’t allow it. Mariana felt a tremor run through her hands. Alessandro noticed it and touched her for the first time.
Barely. A soft caress on her cheek, light, almost fearful. “I won’t let anything happen to you,” he said with a conviction that disarmed her. “Not to you or Alesio.” Mariana felt her heart race, but before she could answer, Renzo cleared his throat from the doorway.
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