The warehouse was dark except for one hanging light in the center. A large table was covered with maps, shipping routes, port layouts, and documents. A few armed men stood around quietly, waiting. At the head of the table stood Lucas, looking at a map of the Italian ports with a slow, dangerous smile on his face.

One of his men finally spoke, a little confused. "Boss, we have been quiet for months. No attacks, no interference, no moves against the Romanos. They are starting to think we are backing off."

Lucas didn't look at him. He just kept staring at the map. "I was silent for months," Lucas said slowly, "not because I was scared..." He finally looked up, his eyes cold. "I was planning something big."

The men around the table exchanged glances. "What are you planning, boss?" one of them asked carefully.

Lucas picked up a file and threw it on the table. On the cover was written "Romano-De Luca Joint Shipping Project."

"He destroyed my shipment," Lucas said coldly. "Cost me millions. Embarrassed me in front of my own people." His jaw tightened slightly. "I heard Romano signed the deal with the De Luca family. New shipping routes. New ports. Weapons, luxury goods, electronics, imports, exports... billions moving through those routes."

He slowly leaned forward, placing both hands on the table. "So I will do the same to him," Lucas said quietly. "I will destroy his shipments." One of the men frowned slightly. "But Boss, Romano security is very tight now. After the last incident, they doubled the guards."

Lucas smiled. "That is why we waited," he said. "We don't attack now. We attack when everything starts moving. When ships are full. When containers are loaded. When contracts are active." He tapped the map. "Here," he said. "The Genoa port route. Their first major shipment will leave from here after the project officially starts. Weapons and high-value cargo."

Another man asked, "So we attack the port?"

Lucas shook his head slowly. "No. Not the port." He pointed to a location in the sea route. "We attack here. In the water. Where security is less. Where accidents can happen. Where ships can disappear. Where containers can fall into the sea."

The men around him started understanding the scale of the plan. Lucas leaned back and laughed quietly, a cold, devilish laugh. "When their project starts, they will be celebrating," he said. "And then one by one, their shipments will disappear, ships will burn, containers will sink..."

He smiled slowly. "It will cost Romano billions in losses." He paused, then added, "And the De Luca family will not leave the Romanos either. Because they are also a big fish in this sector. If shipments start disappearing, they will blame Romano security, Romano management, and Romano leadership."

One of the men smiled. "So they will start fighting each other." Lucas nodded slowly. "Exactly." He picked up a glass and took a slow sip. "I won't attack Donato Romano directly," he said. "I will attack his empire. His money. His reputation. His business partners."

He placed the glass down and said quietly, "And when his empire starts shaking... then I will go for his family." The room went silent. Lucas looked at the map again and smiled. "Just wait a few more days," he said softly. "Let the Romano-De Luca project start." Then he whispered, "And then we start the war."

_____

Morning light was falling through the large glass windows of the top-floor office of Romano Industries. The entire floor was quiet, elegant, and powerful-just like the man who owned it. Inside the main office, Donato was standing near the window, reading a report on his tablet, his suit perfectly fitted, posture straight, expression serious.

The door opened without knocking. Only one person in the entire building had permission to do that. Kiara Romano walked in, holding a file and a cup of coffee. "You skipped breakfast again," she said, walking toward his desk and placing the coffee there.

He didn't even look surprised. "Good morning to you too."

"Don't change the topic," she said, opening the file. "You had only coffee in the morning. That is not breakfast."

"I am busy," he replied simply.

She looked at him, unimpressed. "You run a billion-euro empire. If you collapse because you didn't eat breakfast, it will be very embarrassing for Romano Industries." He almost smiled but controlled it and walked back to his desk.

She opened the file and started explaining, switching to work mode immediately. "The Milan branch sent the revised contract. I checked the numbers-they reduced logistics costs by 3.5%. If we sign this version, we save around 4 million annually."

He sat down, listening carefully now. She continued, "Also, the De Luca shipment schedule came. First shipment in ten days. Security clearance documents need your signature."

He looked at her. "You already checked everything?"

"Yes," she said calmly. "Container allocation, port clearance, insurance papers, route approval. Everything is ready. You just need to sign."

He leaned back in his chair and looked at her for a few seconds. "You are becoming very dangerous, Mrs. Romano," he said.

She raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"You are making yourself too important in my office," he replied calmly. "Soon I will not be able to run this place without you."

She crossed her arms. "Good. That is the plan." He smiled slightly this time.

For a moment, both of them just looked at each other across the desk - not like boss and assistant, not like business partners, but like two people who were slowly learning how to fit into each other's lives.

Kiara walked around the desk and started arranging the files he had messed up while signing. She was talking while working, completely comfortable in his office now, like she belonged there.

"You have a meeting at 12 with the Milan investors," she said, checking her tablet. "Then lunch meeting with the logistics team at 2. And in the evening, you are supposed to review the De Luca shipment security plan."

Donato Romano leaned back in his chair and just watched her.

She noticed and frowned slightly. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I am thinking," he said calmly.

"About what?"

"About how my office slowly became your office," he replied.

She shrugged slightly. "Efficiency. If I sit in another room, you will call me every ten minutes anyway."

"That is true," he admitted.

She looked at him suspiciously. "You are very calm today. That means you are planning something or hiding something."

He smiled faintly. "You are learning very fast."

"I learned from the best mafia boss," she replied without thinking.

He raised an eyebrow. "Careful. Don't say that in board meetings."

She smirked. "In board meetings, you are Mr. Donato Romano, CEO of Romano Industries. Outside... different story."

He stood up slowly from his chair and walked toward the window again. "Do you regret it?" he suddenly asked.

She looked confused. "Regret what?"

"Marrying me," he said without turning. "This life. This family. This business. This... dangerous world."

She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she walked and stood beside him near the window. Cars looked tiny from the top floor. The whole city looked small from there. "I regret many things in my life," she said slowly. "But marrying you is not one of them."

He finally looked at her. She continued, "Sometimes I get scared. Sometimes I get angry. Sometimes I want a normal life. But then I think... even if I had a normal life, I would still choose you."

He didn't say anything for a few seconds. Then he asked quietly, "Why?"

She looked straight ahead at the city and said softly, "Because I would rather live a dangerous life with you than a peaceful life without you."

He stared at her. That was not a dramatic confession. That was not a romantic movie dialogue. That was a decision. A very dangerous decision. He slowly moved his hand and held her hand - not passionately, not dramatically - just quietly, like it was something natural now.

"You know," he said softly, "people are scared of this type of life."

"I am also scared sometimes," she replied honestly. "But," she continued, turning slightly toward him, "I am more scared of losing you." That sentence changed his expression completely.

He tightened his hold on her hand slightly. "You won't lose me," he said quietly.

She looked at him. "You can't promise that."

He didn't reply to that. Because both of them knew the truth. Instead, he changed the topic slightly. "Come, we have a meeting in ten minutes." She nodded and started to move, but before she could step away, he gently pulled her back by her hand.

She looked at him questioningly. He leaned slightly closer and said in a low voice, "Also, Mrs. Romano... you still haven't removed the rule about scratches and bedroom entry."

She narrowed her eyes slightly. "Rule still stands."

He sighed dramatically. "Very strict wife."

"Yes."

"Very cruel also."

"Yes."

He leaned closer and whispered, "But very beautiful wife."

She tried not to smile. "Flattery will not remove the rule."

He nodded. "I will find another way to negotiate."

She raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Romano negotiates billion-euro deals. Let's see if you can negotiate with your wife."

He smirked slightly. "Business deals are easier."

Then both of them walked out of the office together for the meeting - the most powerful man in the room and the only woman who was not afraid of him walking right beside him.

_____

Romano mansion living room was warm and elegant as always. Afternoon sunlight was coming through the tall windows, and the room smelled faintly of coffee and fresh flowers.

Aravi , Lucia , and Nonna were sitting together, juice glasse in their hands, talking about family matters - which in the Romano family usually meant business, marriages, or problems.

Nonna put her glass down and said thoughtfully, "I think now we should start thinking about Albert." Aravi looked at her immediately because she had been thinking the same thing for days. "Yes, Mathre," Aravi said slowly. "I was also thinking the same."

Lucia nodded. "After so much difficulty, that boy finally said he is ready to marry. If we wait too long, he will change his mind again."

Nonna sighed dramatically. "That boy rejected so many girls in the past. Beautiful girls, rich families, educated girls - but no, Mr. Albert Romano didn't like anyone."

Lucia laughed softly. "He always said he will only marry when he finds someone who can argue with him and still respect the family."

Aravi smiled slightly. "Yes, and someone who is not scared of him."

Nonna nodded seriously. "Then we need a strong girl. Romano family daughter-in-law cannot be weak. Look at Kiara. Perfect."

Lucia smiled. "Kiara really changed this house."

Aravi nodded. "Not only this house. She changed Donato too."

All three of them smiled knowingly. Then Nonna leaned forward slightly and asked, "So, Aravi... you said you have a girl in your mind?"

Aravi nodded slowly. "Yes. I was thinking about someone for Albert."

"Who?" Lucia asked immediately.

Nonna also looked curious. "Tell us."

Aravi said slowly, "Mathre, do you remember Kiara's aunt... Kavya?"

Both Lucia and Nonna immediately tried to recall.

"Kavya..." Nonna thought for a moment. "kiara aunt the one who teach dance?"

"Yes," Aravi said. "Kiara's younger aunt. Kavya."

Lucia nodded slowly as she remembered. "Tall girl? Sharp eyes? Very confident? She was handling wedding arrangements also, right?"

"Yes," Aravi said. "That one."

Nonna leaned back and thought carefully. "Hmm... I remember her. She was very intelligent. She was managing guests, decorations, finances, everything. Even we were impressed."

Lucia added, she dance so beutifully." "And she was not scared of anyone. I remember she argued with the hotel manager in front of everyone when they made a mistake." All three of them laughed remembering that scene.

"Yes," Aravi said. "She is strong, educated, and most importantly - she understands Kiara and our family culture now."

Lucia smiled. "That means adjustment will be easier. She already knows Kiara, so she will not feel alone here."

Nonna thought for a moment, then said, "But the most important question - will she be able to handle Albert?" All three of them went silent for a second.

Then Lucia laughed. "Mathre, I think only a girl like Kavya can handle Albert."

Aravi also smiled. "Albert needs someone who is not scared of his silence. Someone who will talk to him, fight with him, and still stand beside him."

Nonna nodded seriously. "Yes. Albert is not difficult. He is just... quiet and stubborn."

Lucia added, "And very emotional but hides everything."

Aravi sighed softly. "He took a long time to even agree for marriage. That means we have to be very careful this time. The girl must be right."

Nonna nodded. "First we should talk to Kiara. If she thinks Kavya will be suitable for Albert, then we can talk to her family."

Lucia smiled. "Kiara will be very happy if her aunt comes here."

Aravi also smiled slightly. "Yes. And Albert will not feel like he is marrying a stranger. Through Kiara, they already know about our family."

Nonna suddenly smiled mischievously. "Imagine this house with two Rajput girls and three Romano men."

Lucia laughed. "Poor Romano men."

Aravi smiled. "No. Poor girls." All three of them laughed softly.

Then Nonna said seriously again, "Okay. First step - we talk to Kiara. But don't tell Albert yet. If we tell him too early, he will run away."

Lucia laughed again. "Yes, first confirm the girl, then trap Albert."

Aravi shook her head but smiled. "You both are planning like mafia people."

Nonna said proudly, "We are Romano family. Of course we plan like mafia."

And the discussion about Albert Romano's marriage continued, slowly turning into planning, possibilities, and quiet excitement - because in the Romano family, marriages were not just weddings.

They were alliances. They were family expansions. They were strategic decisions. And somewhere in India, Kavya had no idea that three Romano women were already planning her future.

____

Meeting room was already full when the door opened. The moment Donato and Kiara, entered together, everyone in the room immediately stood up.

"Good morning, Mr. Romano."

Donato gave a small nod and walked to the head chair of the long conference table. Kiara sat on his right side - her usual place now. Files, laptops, project reports, and presentation screens were already set.

As Kiara settled in her chair, her eyes automatically scanned the room. And then she saw her. Vittoria. Vittoria was sitting on the left side of Donato's chair, perfectly dressed, confident posture, and exactly as Kiara expected - her eyes were already on Donato, and she was smiling.

Kiara's expression didn't change, but under her breath she muttered quietly, "After threatening her, she still has the guts to look at my husband."

Donato heard that. He didn't react, but the corner of his mouth almost moved. The meeting started. The Milan Project manager began presenting slides - logistics expansion, warehouse investments, projected profits, risk factors, shipping timelines, partner coordination. The team discussed numbers, routes, investment returns, and operational challenges.

Donato listened carefully, occasionally asking sharp questions that made managers nervous. Kiara also spoke a few times, pointing out cost inefficiencies and suggesting changes in distribution strategy. Many people in the room were still not used to the fact that Mrs. Romano not only attended meetings but actually understood business very well.

Then it was Vittoria's turn to speak. She opened her laptop, connected the presentation, and stood up slightly, leaning one hand on the table as she began explaining the financial projections from her company's side.

But Kiara noticed something immediately. Vittoria was not just presenting. She was talking in a very soft, sweet tone - and every time she explained something, she looked directly at Donato, not at the screen, not at the team.

"Mr. Romano, if we adjust the shipping insurance structure here, we can increase the net margin by almost 2.3%," she said with a polite smile. Kiara watched quietly. Then Vittoria said again, "And I believe, with your leadership, this Milan expansion will become one of the most profitable projects in this sector."

Too sweet. Too personal. Too flattering. Kiara's fingers slowly clenched under the table. She kept her face calm, but inside she was getting irritated. She is not talking like a business partner, Kiara thought. She is talking like she is flirting in a café.

Vittoria continued presenting, occasionally smiling toward Donato, speaking in that same friendly tone that was starting to annoy Kiara more and more. Under the table, Kiara's hand was clenched tightly.

Donato noticed. Without looking at her, without stopping the meeting, he slowly moved his hand under the table and gently held Kiara's hand. She was slightly startled and looked at him.

He was still looking at the presentation screen, expression calm, like nothing happened. But his hand was holding hers firmly - not romantic, not dramatic - just steady. A silent message. Calm down. I am here.

Kiara looked at him for a second, then slowly relaxed her fingers, letting him hold her hand. She turned her attention back to the meeting, but now she was calmer.

Vittoria continued talking, not knowing what was happening under the table. After a few minutes, Donato finally spoke.

"Ms. vittoria," he said calmly.

"Yes, Mr. Romano?" Vittoria replied immediately, almost too eagerly.

"Focus on the numbers, not on impressing me," he said in a calm but sharp voice. "If the numbers are good, I will be impressed automatically."

The room went silent for a second. Vittoria's smile froze slightly. "Of course, Mr. Romano. I apologize."

Kiara looked down at the table, hiding her small smile. Under the table, Donato slightly squeezed her hand once. And this time, Kiara didn't even try to hide her satisfaction.

____

Evening lights had already turned on across the city. Albert was still sitting at the table even after the Romano Fashion Industries's meeting at a quiet upscale café ended. His laptop was open in front of him, a half-finished cup of coffee beside it. He was focused on the screen, checking design budgets, fabric supplier contracts, and expansion plans for the Milan showroom.

Albert Romano was known in business circles as calm, sharp, and quiet. He didn't talk much, but when he did, people listened. He preferred working silently rather than socializing. He was typing something when he suddenly heard a female voice behind him.

"A-Albert? Is it... you?"

His fingers froze on the keyboard. That voice. He hadn't heard that voice in almost five years. Slowly, very slowly, he looked up. And then he froze completely. Standing in front of his table was a woman in her early thirties, well dressed, styled hair, expensive perfume - and a face he had once loved. Gia ricci his ex.

Her eyes widened in excitement. She almost squealed in happiness. "Oh my God, Albert, it's really you!" Before he could say anything, she pulled the chair and sat in front of him like she had every right to be there.

Albert's expression changed from shock... to cold anger in seconds. "What the hell are you doing?" he said in a low voice, controlling his tone because it was a public place. "Get up and get lost."

Her face immediately fell, the excitement disappearing. "Albert, look, I am sorry, okay?" she said quickly. "Please listen. I-I know I did wrong. I am ashamed. Please forgive me."

Albert leaned back in his chair and suddenly chuckled - a cold, humorless laugh. "Forgive you?" he said slowly. "For what, Gia? For cheating on me? Or for lying that you were an orphan? Or for lying that you loved me? Tell me... for which lie should I forgive you first?"

She looked down, her eyes filling with tears.

"You know," Albert continued quietly, "I don't even want to talk to you. You disgust me. Just... get lost from here."

"Albert, please listen to me," she said desperately. "I know I did wrong. Please, just once, just one chance. I tried to contact you so many times, but you blocked me from everywhere. Just let me explain why I did this."

He looked at her with pure coldness. "You did this because you are a disgusting, greedy woman," he said flatly. "Did you hear that? Now get lost."

She reached forward slightly. "Albert, please-"

He suddenly closed his laptop, put it into his bag, stood up, and said, "No. You sit. I will go." He picked up his bag and walked away without looking back even once. Not once. Not even for a second.

Because five years ago, he had loved that woman so much that he had almost destroyed himself when he found out the truth - that she wasn't poor, wasn't an orphan, wasn't innocent, and definitely wasn't in love with him.

She had dated him because he was rich. Because he was a Romano. Because she wanted status. And when a richer man appeared, she left Albert without even explaining. That day, Albert Romano stopped believing in love.

Inside the café, Gia was still sitting in the chair, watching Albert walk away through the glass window. The moment he disappeared from sight, her crying face slowly changed. Her lips slowly curved into a smirk.

"Just wait, Albert Romano," she whispered to herself. "I will make you fall for me again." She picked up her phone and looked at his picture - an old picture she still had saved. "You loved me once," she said quietly. "And people like you... love only once. Which means somewhere... you still love me."

She stood up, fixed her hair in the mirror, and smiled slightly. "This time," she whispered, "I am not leaving empty-handed."

And outside, Albert Romano was walking toward his car, his jaw tight, his hands clenched, and memories he had buried five years ago slowly coming back to life.

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