For the first time in what felt like forever, the Romano mansion woke up peacefully. No hospitals. No gunshots. No tears. No panic. Just peace. Soft golden sunlight slipped through the tall windows of the mansion, filling the halls with warmth. The birds outside chirped lazily as a gentle morning breeze carried the scent of fresh flowers from the garden.

It was one of those rare mornings where everything felt normal. Or at least as normal as life could be for the Romano family. Downstairs, the dining room was unusually lively. Nonna was already complaining about the quality of modern coffee. Albert was pretending not to listen while secretly replacing her cup with a fresh one.

Elio and Sofia were arguing over something ridiculous. Kavya was laughing so hard she nearly spilled her tea. And for the first time in weeks Elena was smiling. A real smile. Not the fake one she used whenever someone worried about her. A genuine smile. The kind that reached her eyes. Aravi noticed immediately.Every mother notices.

She sat quietly for a moment simply watching her daughter. Thanking God silently. Because seeing Elena smile again felt like a miracle. Meanwhile At the far end of the table Enzo sat beside Elena shamelessly. Completely shamelessly. he refused to leave Romano mansion. Ever since the engagement, he had somehow forgotten the meaning of personal space.

If Elena moved He moved. If Elena reached for something He reached for it first.If Elena needed water The glass magically appeared in front of her. And if anyone dared to tease her They had to deal with him first. At one point Elena simply sighed.

"Enzo."

"Hmm?" He looked at her immediately. "What?" Everyone at the table rolled their eyes.

Elena looked embarrassed. "You don't have to stare at me every second."

Enzo blinked. "I wasn't staring."

The entire table groaned. "You absolutely were," Albert said.

"No, I wasn't."

"You haven't looked anywhere else for ten minutes." Enzo pointed at him. "I looked at you." Albert deadpanned. "For half a second." A burst of laughter filled the room. Even Elena laughed. The sound made Enzo smile instantly. There it is. His favorite sound in the world. Her laughter.

Donato watched the scene while drinking his coffee. A small smile appeared on his face. His sister looked happy. His best friend looked happy. After everything they had suffered That was enough. Beside him, Kiara leaned closer. "You know," she whispered. "Enzo is becoming impossible."

Donato glanced toward his best friend. Who was currently cutting fruit for Elena. Peeling it. And arranging it neatly on a plate. Like a personal servant. Donato snorted. "Becoming?" Kiara laughed. "Fair point."

At that exact moment Elena tried reaching for a strawberry. Enzo picked it up before she could. And held it toward her. The entire table froze. Elena stared at him. Enzo stared back. Completely serious. "Eat." Elena's face turned bright red. "Enzo."

"Eat."

"People are watching."

"So?"

The room exploded with laughter. Even Nonna nearly choked on her tea. "Look at him!" Sofia cried. "He has completely lost his mind!"

"I agree," Kavya added.

"He used to be cool."

"What happened to him?"

Enzo looked offended. "I am still cool."

"No." The entire table answered together. This time Elena laughed so hard tears formed in her eyes. And Enzo For a moment Forgot everyone else existed. Because after everything that had happened. After all the fear. The pain. The sleepless nights. The tears. Seeing her laugh like this again made him feel like the luckiest man alive.

Aravi merely shook her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. Then her gaze drifted toward the mansion entrance for what felt like the fifth time in ten minutes. Kiara noticed immediately. "Mom, are you waiting for someone?" she asked curiously.

Aravi nodded. "Yes. I invited Lilli. She should be here any minute." The moment Enzo heard his mother's name, he nearly dropped his coffee. His head snapped toward Aravi. The betrayal on his face was so dramatic that everyone at the table burst into laughter before he even spoke.

"Aunt..." He placed a hand over his chest as if physically wounded. "Have I become such a burden that you called my mother to come take me away from here?" The complaint came out sounding exactly like a sulking child. The entire dining room erupted into laughter. Albert nearly choked on his drink.

Elena buried her face in her hands. Even Donato had to look away to hide his smile. Aravi stared at him in disbelief. "What?" She laughed. "Why would I invite her because of you?" Enzo pointed dramatically at himself. "Because I have been living here for weeks."

"You practically have your own room now."

"I practically am family."

"You are family," Nonna interrupted.

"Exactly!" Enzo said triumphantly.

"Then why is my mother being summoned?" More laughter filled the room. Aravi shook her head. "I didn't invite her because of you, Enzo." Then she looked toward Elena. Her expression softened instantly. "I invited her so we could discuss your wedding." Silence. Complete silence. Enzo froze. The coffee cup halfway to his lips stopped moving.

Across from him, Elena's eyes widened dramatically. For a second she genuinely forgot how to breathe. "W-Wedding?" The word barely came out as a whisper. Aravi nodded calmly. "Yes, baby." Elena stared at her mother. Certain she had heard wrong. But Aravi continued. "I know you're young." Her voice was gentle.

"Believe me, if this were any other man, I would never even consider marrying you off this early." She reached over and squeezed Elena's hand. "But this isn't any other man." Her eyes moved toward Enzo. "This is our Enzo." The entire room grew quieter. "You both love each other." "He's at the age where marriage makes sense."

"And a few days ago, Lilli suggested something." Aravi smiled slightly. "She asked why we couldn't start discussing a wedding once you turn twenty in a few months." Elena's face turned bright red. Enzo looked equally stunned. Aravi laughed softly at their expressions.

"Of course I immediately said no." That earned a relieved sigh from Elena. Unfortunately The relief lasted only a second. "Then your future mother-in-law insisted on having a family discussion." Enzo groaned loudly. Everyone laughed again. "And that," Aravi finished, "is why she's coming."

Just as the words left her mouth The front door opened. A familiar cheerful voice echoed through the mansion. "Hello, everyone!" Instantly everyone's attention shifted toward the entrance. Lilli walked inside looking elegant as always. Her smile brightened the entire room. The moment she entered, the atmosphere somehow became even livelier.

Without greeting anyone else first, she marched directly toward Elena. Elena barely had time to stand before she was pulled into a tight embrace. "Oh, my darling girl." Lilli squeezed her affectionately. Elena immediately felt shy. Unlike most people, she had known Lilli her entire life. In fact According to family legend Lilli had been the first person outside the Romano family to hold Elena after she was born.

And she never let anyone forget it. "I still remember your mother refusing to let me take you home." Lilli sighed dramatically. "I wanted to adopt you the moment you born."

Aravi rolled her eyes immediately. "Here we go again."

"It's true!" Lilli protested. "She wouldn't let me." Then she cupped Elena's face lovingly. "But look at you now." A mischievous grin appeared on her lips. "My son solved the problem." The room instantly erupted into laughter. "He stole you for me." Lilli looked toward Enzo proudly. "Good job, my son." "I raised you well."

Enzo immediately straightened in his chair. "Thank you, Mumma." Everyone laughed even harder. Even Elena couldn't stop herself from smiling. The nervousness she had felt moments ago began fading. Because despite the embarrassing topic, Lilli had always made her feel comfortable. She wasn't intimidating. She was warm. Loving. The type of woman who made people feel safe.

After greeting everyone individually, breakfast slowly came to an end. Soon the family moved into the large living room. The atmosphere remained light and cheerful. Sunlight streamed through the massive windows, filling the room with warmth. Nonna claimed her favorite chair.

Albert and Donato settled on opposite sofas. Kavya, Sofia, and Kiara gathered nearby. Aravi sat beside Lilli. Meanwhile, Elena found herself seated between her mother and her future mother-in-law. Which somehow felt more terrifying than facing Nico ever had.

And directly across from her Enzo sat watching her. Smiling like an idiot. The moment their eyes met, Elena immediately looked away. Her cheeks turning pink. That only made Enzo's smile wider. The family noticed. And judging by the amused looks being exchanged around the room Elena knew she was about to survive something far more dangerous than a mafia war. A family discussion about marriage.

____

The living room was filled with a warm, comfortable atmosphere as everyone settled into their seats. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, painting the room in shades of gold, while the aroma of freshly brewed coffee still lingered in the air.

Lilli sat comfortably beside Elena, looking happier than anyone else in the room. Her eyes moved between Elena and Enzo, and her smile widened. "First of all," she began, clapping her hands together excitedly, "a very, very big congratulations to both of you." She pointed dramatically toward Elena and Enzo.

The couple immediately became the center of attention. Elena lowered her eyes shyly while Enzo sat there looking suspiciously pleased with himself. "I think I was the happiest person in Italy when Enzo finally told me he was in love with you." Lilli shook her head dramatically. The family laughed. "Do you have any idea how many blind dates I arranged for him over the years?" Enzo groaned instantly. "Mom."

"No, let me speak." Everyone laughed harder. Lilli pointed at her son accusingly. "If this fool had told me sooner, I would never have wasted my time arranging those meetings."

"To be fair," Albert interrupted with a grin, "nobody forced him."

"Exactly," Lilli agreed immediately. "I practically handed beautiful women to him on silver platters." Enzo buried his face in his hands. "Please stop."

"No." The answer came instantly. The room erupted with laughter. Lilli leaned back in her chair dramatically. "But I suppose my son inherited his father's intelligence when it comes to love." Across the room several people immediately began smiling. They already knew where this story was heading. Lilli pointed toward the framed photograph sitting on a nearby shelf.

A photograph of her late husband beside Alessandro Romano. Two young men smiling proudly with their arms over each other's shoulders. The sight softened everyone's expressions. Even Donato's smile became gentler. Lilli's eyes filled with nostalgia. "His father was exactly the same." She laughed softly. "It took him five years." "Five entire years."

The room erupted again. "Five years?" sofia repeated. Lilli nodded dramatically. "Five years of loving me." "Five years of following me around." "Five years of acting jealous every time another man looked at me." The family laughed harder. "And yet he never told me." Aravi covered her mouth, already knowing the story by heart.

She had heard it dozens of times. But somehow it never got old. Lilli smiled at the memory. "I was literally days away from marrying another man when finally he confessed." Everyone turned their attention toward her. Even Elena forgot her embarrassment. The older woman's eyes sparkled with amusement. "And then one evening..." She paused dramatically.

"Someone started crying outside my house." The room burst into laughter.

"Actually crying?" Kavya asked.

"Oh yes." Lilli nodded proudly. "A grown man." The laughter became louder. "Enzo father arrived at my house looking like the world had ended." Her smile widened. "And beside him was his best friend." Her eyes moved toward donato father.

"Mr Alessandro Romano"

Everyone's attention shifted toward Mr Romano. Mr Romano smile softly. then he look at image. The image of the two best friends suddenly became even more meaningful. Lilli laughed softly. "They both stood outside my father's door." "One crying." "The other trying to convince him not to faint."

The room exploded with laughter. Even Nonna laughed. Aravi shook her head fondly. "I remember that story."

"Oh, it gets better." Lilli grinned.

Then she mimicked her late husband's desperate voice. "'Please, Uncle.'" "'Don't marry her to anyone else.'" "'I want to marry her.'" The entire room laughed again. Tears formed in Aravi's eyes from laughing too hard. Lilli wiped away an imaginary tear. "And that was his confession."

She pointed toward Enzo. "Unfortunately." "The family curse continues." The room immediately turned toward him. Enzo groaned. "Oh no."

"Oh yes." Lilli smirked. "My son is exactly the same." Her gaze softened. "He loved Elena." "For years." Everyone became quieter. The teasing slowly faded. Because now they could hear the sincerity in her voice. Lilli looked toward Elena. A gentle smile appearing on her face. "He loved you long before he ever admitted it."

Elena slowly raised her eyes. Across the room Enzo was already looking at her. Lilli noticed immediately. And rolled her eyes. "See?" She pointed at him. "Look at him." The family followed her finger. Enzo didn't even bother pretending anymore. He was openly staring at Elena. Like she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

The room burst into laughter once more. Elena's face immediately turned bright red. "Mom." Enzo groaned.

"What?" Lilli spread her arms dramatically. "He is doing it right now." More laughter filled the room. Even Donato shook his head. Hopeless. Absolutely hopeless. But as everyone laughed and teased them, Aravi quietly looked around the room. At her daughter smiling.

The laughter that had filled the living room slowly faded. The teasing. The jokes. The embarrassment on Elena and Enzo's faces. All of it gradually disappeared when Lilli reached forward and gently took Elena's hand into her own. Her smile remained, but it was softer now. Sadder. Filled with memories. The change in her expression immediately caught everyone's attention. The room became quiet. Very quiet.

Lilli looked down at Elena's hand resting in hers and softly brushed her thumb across her knuckles. "You know, darling," she began quietly, "I married your father-in-law by luck." Her voice was warm. Gentle. Filled with affection for a man who was no longer there. A small smile touched her lips. "But life wasn't as generous as we hoped." The room grew still.

Even the younger members of the family fell silent. Lilli took a slow breath. "We only had seven years together." Elena's eyes softened. Beside her, Enzo lowered his gaze. He had heard this story before. Yet somehow it hurt every single time. Lilli continued. "Seven years." She smiled faintly. "Do you know how quickly seven years disappear?"

Nobody answered. Because everyone knew she wasn't really asking. Her eyes drifted toward the large family photographs decorating the walls. Toward the picture of her husband standing beside Alessandro Romano. Two young men smiling proudly. Two best friends who had thought they had their entire lives ahead of them. "We thought we had time."

Her voice became quieter. "We thought there would always be tomorrow." Aravi lowered her eyes. A painful ache settling inside her chest. She remembered those days. Remembered watching her best friend lose everything overnight. Remembered standing beside Lilli in a hospital hallway while doctors rushed around them. Remembered the way Lilli had collapsed when they announced that her husband was gone.

A heart attack. One ordinary day.Then suddenly Nothing. Gone. The very next morning. The memory still hurt. Even after all these years. Aravi turned slightly and looked toward her husband. Alessandro Romano. The strongest man she had ever known. The man who had faced enemies without fear.

The man who had never bowed his head to anyone. Yet she could still see sadness in his eyes whenever he thought about his best friend. Because losing him had broken something inside him too. Mr. Morro and Alessandro Romano had been inseparable. Just like Enzo and Donato. Brothers in everything except blood.

For Alessandro, accepting that his best friend was gone had been almost impossible. And for little Enzo.He had only been two years old. Too young to understand why his father stopped coming home. Too young to understand why his mother cried when she thought nobody was looking.

Lilli smiled sadly. "Enzo only had two years with his father." Her voice cracked slightly. Just slightly. But everyone heard it. And everyone felt it. Instinctively, Enzo reached over and covered his mother's hand with his own. Lilli smiled at him. A smile full of pride. Then she looked back at Elena.

"I know what you're all thinking." A small laugh escaped her lips. "Why is she talking about this on such a happy day?" The room remained silent. Waiting. Listening. Lilli squeezed Elena's hand gently. "Because I have a reason." Her eyes moved between Elena and Enzo. And suddenly there were tears shining in them.

Not tears of sadness. Tears of love. "I want you two to live fully." The words were soft. Yet they echoed through the room. "I want you to laugh together." "I want you to travel together." "I want you to make memories together." "I want you to fight over stupid things and make up five minutes later."

A few people laughed softly. Lilli smiled. Then her voice became emotional. "What I don't want..." She paused. Taking a shaky breath. "What I don't want is for either of you to spend your life regretting lost time." The room fell completely silent. Even Elena felt her throat tighten. Lilli's eyes drifted somewhere far away.

Toward memories only she could see. "When my husband died..."She whispered the words. "I realized something." Everyone watched her. "I would have given anything for one more day." Her voice broke. "One more hour." "One more conversation." "One more dinner together." A tear escaped her eye. Nobody moved. Nobody interrupted. Because they all understood.

"I spent years wishing I had more time." She smiled sadly. "And that is exactly why I don't want the two of you making the same mistake." Her gaze settled firmly on Elena and Enzo. The living room remained completely silent. Everyone simply listened. Lilli took a deep breath and wiped away the tears that had gathered in her eyes.

Before she could continue, Aravi quietly reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. The silent gesture carried years of friendship. Years of shared happiness. Years of shared grief. Lilli looked at her best friend and smiled gratefully before turning her attention back toward Elena and Enzo. she said softly. Her voice trembled slightly. "Do you know what Enzo's father told me on his deathbed?"

The question immediately tightened something inside everyone's chest. Enzo lowered his eyes. Even after all these years, hearing stories about his father always affected him. The room grew even quieter. Lilli smiled sadly at a memory that still hurt after all these years. "He was lying in that hospital bed." Her eyes became distant.

As though she could still see it. The white walls. The machines. The endless beeping. The man she loved struggling to stay strong. "He held my hand so tightly." A tear escaped down her cheek. "And he looked at me and said..." Her voice broke. She swallowed hard before continuing. "'Lilli... today I have only one regret.'"

The room was completely still. "'I regret not telling you sooner that I loved you.'" A painful silence followed. Even Elena felt her heart ache. Lilli smiled through her tears. "'I regret not marrying you sooner.'" Her fingers tightened around Aravi's hand. "'If I had married you earlier, maybe we would have had ten years together instead of seven.'"

The words hit everyone like a punch to the chest. Enzo lowered his head. His jaw tightening. Because for the first time he wasn't hearing a story. He was hearing a husband's final regret. A man who had run out of time. Lilli continued softly. "'I wanted more time with you.'" Another tear slid down her cheek. "'I wanted more time with my son.'" Enzo closed his eyes. His throat burning. "'I don't want to leave either of you.'" The room had become painfully quiet.

Even Nonna was wiping away tears. Lilli smiled sadly. "And then he said something I never forgot." Her eyes found Enzo. "'Don't let our son have this regret one day.'" Enzo slowly looked up. His eyes were already red. Lilli pointed gently toward him. "'If one day Enzo comes to you and tells you he loves someone...'" Her voice softened. "'Don't make him wait.'"

The tears she had been holding finally slipped free. "'Make him marry her.'" Enzo looked away immediately. His chest hurt. Because suddenly he could imagine his father. A young man. In love. Frightened. Realizing he was leaving behind the people he loved most. And wishing for more time. Just a little more.

Lilli took a shaky breath. 'Life is unpredictable, Lilli.'" She repeated her husband's words exactly. 'Anything can happen. 'So if our son finds someone he truly loves...'Make sure he spends as much of his life with her as possible."The room fell into silence once again. A heavy silence. The kind created only by truth.

Lilli looked at Elena. Her expression soft. Affectionate. Almost motherly. "And that's what I'm trying to do." Elena's eyes filled with tears. Lilli smiled gently. "I know you're young, darling." "No one understands that better than me." "If this was anyone else, I would probably be telling you to wait too."

She laughed softly through her tears. "But when I look at the two of you." Her eyes moved between Elena and Enzo.I don't see children."I see two people hopelessly in love." That made Elena blush instantly. And for the first time, even Enzo looked embarrassed. The family smiled.

Lilli pointed at them dramatically. "Look at them." The room laughed softly. "They spent years loving each other." "Years misunderstanding each other." "Years suffering because neither one wanted to speak honestly."

Donato immediately nodded. "That's true."

Albert laughed. "Very true."

Enzo groaned. "Please stop helping."

The room chuckled. Lilli ignored him completely. "Tell me honestly." She looked at Elena. "What exactly are you waiting for?" Elena opened her mouth. Then closed it again. Because she didn't have an answer. Lilli smiled knowingly. "You love him."

Then she pointed toward Enzo. "He worships the ground you walk on." The family burst into laughter. Enzo covered his face. Elena's cheeks turned crimson. "And yet you want to spend years dating first?" Lilli shook her head dramatically. "No." "Why waste precious years proving what you already know?"

Her voice softened once more. "Why spend years waiting when you could spend those years together?" She reached forward and held Elena's hand again. Life had taught her something cruel. Something painful. Something she wished she had never learned. "Time is not guaranteed." The smile disappeared from her face.

"We all act as if tomorrow belongs to us." Her eyes glistened. "But sometimes tomorrow never comes." The room became silent again. Everyone understood. Because this family had already lost people they loved. They knew how quickly life could change. Lilli squeezed Elena's hand. "If you two decide to wait, I will support you." "Always."

Her eyes softened. "But if you ask me what I want."She smiled."I want you two to spend as much of your lives together as possible." Then she looked at Enzo. The little boy she had raised alone. The little boy who had grown into a man. "I already lost the love of my life once." Her voice trembled. "I don't want my son losing years he could have spent with his."

Enzo's eyes immediately filled with tears. Across from him, Elena was crying too. And for the first time since the conversation had started Nobody had a response. Because some truths were too powerful to argue against. And deep inside, every person in that room knew exactly what Lilli meant.

"You have already wasted enough years being stubborn." That earned a small laugh from Donato. Even Enzo smiled sheepishly. Lilli pointed at him immediately. "Especially you." The room laughed softly. Then her expression softened once more. "I don't care if the wedding happens in six months." "But what matters to me is that neither of you spend your lives waiting for the perfect moment."

She squeezed Elena's hand again. "Because perfect moments don't exist, darling." Her eyes glistened. "The only thing that matters is the person standing beside you." Silence followed. A deep, emotional silence. The kind that settles over people when the truth touches their hearts. Elena felt tears gathering in her eyes.

Beside her, Enzo was staring at his mother. His throat tight. His chest aching. Because he finally understood. This was never about rushing a wedding. It was never about traditions. Or expectations. Or age. It was about a woman who had once loved deeply. A woman who had lost the love of her life far too soon. And who wanted her son to have what she no longer could. More time. More memories. More love. Before life decided otherwise.

____

Enzo looked at his mother, then at Elena. For a moment, the room seemed to disappear around him. The people sitting there. Taking a slow breath, Enzo finally spoke. "Mom, you're right." His voice was calm but filled with sincerity. "Life is really unpredictable." A shadow crossed his eyes. Everyone in the room understood what he meant.

After everything that had happened during the past few weeks, no one understood the fragility of life better than Enzo. He had held Elena's unconscious body in his arms. He had sat beside her hospital bed for days. He had spent endless nights wondering if she would ever open her eyes again. He knew exactly how quickly life could change. How quickly everything could be taken away.

"I know this very well," he continued quietly. His eyes never left Elena. "I don't have any issue with marrying Eli. Whether it's today, tomorrow, or a year later." A faint smile appeared on his face. "I want to spend my life with her." The words were simple. Yet they carried so much love that Elena felt her chest tighten.

Enzo slowly reached forward and held his mother's hand. "But it's her decision." His voice became softer. "If she's ready, then we'll get married." He glanced at Elena again. "And if she's not ready."A gentle smile touched his lips. "Then we won't." The room fell silent. "I understand your concern, Mumma." He squeezed Lilli's hand affectionately. "But I can't force her."

Lilli stared at her son. Pride filled her eyes. For a second, she saw his father in him. The same respect. The same devotion. The same unconditional love. A tear slipped down her cheek. Not from sadness. From happiness. Her little boy had become a man. A man who knew how to love correctly. Not possessively. Not selfishly. But with patience. With understanding. With respect. A mother's heart could ask for nothing more.

Listening to Enzo, Elena was completely stunned. Her fingers tightened unconsciously around the edge of her dress. For weeks she had been terrified. Terrified that she had changed. Terrified that people would see her differently. Terrified that Enzo would eventually regret choosing her. But every single word that left his mouth shattered those fears. There was no hesitation in his voice. No doubt. No pity. Only love. Pure and unwavering.

Everyone slowly turned toward Elena. Waiting. Not pressuring. Simply waiting. Aravi gently squeezed her daughter's hand. The touch immediately pulled Elena from her thoughts. She looked toward her mother. Aravi smiled softly. The warm smile only a mother could give. "Baby," she said gently. "There is no pressure from anyone." Her fingers brushed lovingly through Elena's hair.

"You know that, don't you?" Elena felt her eyes sting. Aravi's voice remained soft. "We all support you." She looked around the room. At every single person gathered there. The family who had stood beside Elena through her darkest days. "Whatever you decide," Aravi continued. "We will support it."

A tear rolled down Elena's cheek. Aravi wiped it away immediately. "If you want to wait, we wait." Another tear escaped. "If you want more time, you take all the time you need." The room remained completely silent. "And if you want to marry him." A teasing smile appeared on Aravi's face...then we'll start planning."

That finally earned a small laugh from everyone. Even Elena smiled through her tears. The tension in the room eased instantly. Donato shook his head. Albert laughed softly. Kiara and Kavya exchanged emotional smiles. Sofia looked suspiciously close to crying. Nonna was already crying openly without shame.

And through all of it Enzo remained completely silent. Waiting. Patiently. Because for him, only Elena's answer mattered. Nothing else. His entire future rested in the hands of the girl sitting across from him.

Elena looked up from the floor and finally raised her tear-filled eyes. Then she looked at Enzo. Tears continued slipping down her cheeks silently. If anyone had asked her how she felt at that moment, she would have said she was standing in heaven. Just a month ago, her life had been falling apart. She had convinced herself that she would never have Enzo.

Never. She had accepted that the man she loved would never belong to her. Marriage? She had not even dared dream about it. And now here they were. Their families were sitting together, discussing her marriage--- Her marriage to the love of her life. Everyone was waiting for her answer---Answer?

A small laugh escaped her lips through her tears. If it had been possible, Elena Romano would have married Enzo Morro the very day she realized she was in love with him. The thought made her chuckle softly. The room fell silent. Everyone looked at her in confusion. Enzo's eyes never left her face. Not even for a second.

Elena wiped her tears before looking toward Aravi. "Mama..."Her voice trembled. "There is nothing to decide." The entire room became quiet. "We are talking about Enzo." A fresh tear rolled down her cheek. "The man I love." Her gaze shifted toward him. "The man I trust more than I trust myself."

Enzo felt his chest tighten painfully. "And I want to spend my life with him." Her voice broke. "Every second." Nobody spoke. Nobody interrupted. Everyone simply listened. "I already lost him once." The words came out as a whisper. "I spent months convincing myself that Enzo Morro would never be mine."

Her lips trembled. "I accepted it." More tears fell."I accepted that he would never love me back." Enzo lowered his head. Pain flashed through his eyes. "But look at us now."A smile appeared through her tears. "We're together." Her eyes locked with his. "And I want us to stay together." Her voice grew steadier. "Forever." "Until our last breath."

The room became completely silent. Even the air felt still. Then Elena looked toward Lilli. "Lilli Aunt." Her voice softened. " you are right. After everything that happened with you, after listning you." Her fingers tightened around her dress. "I can't take that risk." Everyone watched her carefully. "Life is too unpredictable."

A sad smile touched her lips. "I don't want to waste my time staying away from him." Her eyes returned to Enzo. And never left. "I want to marry him." The moment those words left her mouth Enzo broke. Completely. He didn't think. Didn't care that the entire family was sitting there.Didn't care that her parents, brothers, grandmother, and everyone else were watching.

He stood up so suddenly that his chair nearly fell backward.Then crossed the distance between them in seconds. And pulled Elena into his arms. Tightly. Desperately. Like he was afraid she would disappear if he let go. A broken sob escaped him. His entire body trembled. Elena froze for a second before wrapping her arms around him.

The moment she did Enzo buried his face in her shoulder and cried. Actually cried. Months. Years. Three years of hidden love. Fear. Longing. Regret. Everything shattered inside him. And for the first time He let it all out. Elena's own tears flowed harder. She hugged him tighter. As if promising she would never leave again.

Around them, everyone's eyes became wet. Even Albert discreetly wiped his face. Donato looked away toward the ceiling, pretending he wasn't emotional. Nobody believed him. Aravi cried openly. And Lilli Lilli practically exploded with happiness. "Oh my God!" She jumped from her seat. "My son is finally getting married!"

Before anyone could stop her, she rushed forward and wrapped both Enzo and Elena into a huge hug. "Look at my children!" She cried dramatically. "After making me suffer for years, they finally admitted they love each other!" The room erupted with laughter. Even Elena laughed through her tears. Lilli kissed Elena's forehead repeatedly. "My daughter!" She announced proudly. "My beautiful daughter!"

Aravi immediately protested. "Excuse me, she is still my daughter."

"No." Lilli shook her head firmly. "Half mine now." Everyone laughed again. The heavy atmosphere that had haunted the family for weeks finally disappeared. For the first time since the nightmare began The Romano mansion felt alive again. Then Aravi stood up smiling.

She looked at both families before making the announcement. "So it's decided." The room immediately quieted. Aravi's smile widened. "After Elena turns twenty in a few months..."She looked at the couple lovingly. "We will hold their wedding." The room exploded into cheers. Sofia squealed.

elio started clapping without understanding everything. Nonna immediately began talking about wedding preparations. Albert shook his head while laughing. And Donato Donato simply looked at Enzo and nodded once. A silent approval. A silent promise. Take care of her. Forever.

Enzo nodded back. I will. Always. Then he looked down at Elena. A mischievous smile appeared on his face. And he winked. Elena's eyes widened instantly. Heat rushed to her cheeks. "Oh my God." She immediately looked down in embarrassment. The entire room burst into laughter. And for the first time in a very long time Elena Romano was blushing because of love instead of crying because of pain. And that sight alone was enough to make everyone in the room smile.
_____

Meanwhile other side of the city. Lucas had barely been back in Italy for a few hours. The private jet had landed just before sunset. By now, darkness had settled over the city, covering the skyline in shadows. Lucas sat inside the top floor of his office building, a glass of whiskey resting in his hand as he stared through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The city lights glittered below. But his expression remained cold. Unreadable. The past few weeks had been a disaster. Nico was dead. The Romano family had survived. And Elena Romano had somehow emerged stronger than Lucas had anticipated. Everything that had been carefully planned had collapsed.

The thought alone made his jaw tighten. The office door suddenly opened. One of his most trusted men stepped inside. Lucas didn't even bother looking at him. His eyes remained fixed on the city. "I hope you came with something useful." His voice was calm. Dangerously calm. "Because if it's bad news, leave."

The man immediately smiled. "Don't worry, boss." That finally earned his attention. Lucas slowly turned his chair toward him. "I have something much better than good news." The man stepped closer. Something excited flickered in his eyes. "Something that could change everything."

A slow smile appeared on Lucas's face. For the first time in weeks. "Talk."

The man nodded. "We found him."

Lucas's smile disappeared. The room became silent. "Found who?"

"The man Enzo Morro hid." Lucas immediately sat forward. His eyes sharpened. the man contniue " Months ago, before everything had happened with Elena, Enzo had secretly captured a man connected to the mysterious stalker you had been searching for for years." "You remember one of our informants working near Romano territory?"

Lucas nodded slowly. "Keep talking." The man smirked. "He reported seeing Enzo bring someone into one of their isolated cottages." Lucas's expression darkened. "He couldn't hear the conversation because he was outside the property." "But he confirmed one thing." The man paused dramatically. "That prisoner knew who the stalker was."

For the first time, genuine surprise appeared on Lucas's face. The room became deadly silent. "And Enzo?" Lucas asked quietly. The man smiled. "Enzo questioned him." "Then moved him somewhere safe." Lucas slowly stood from his chair. His heartbeat was beginning to accelerate. Years. Years of searching. Years of dead ends.And now Enzo Morro had apparently discovered the truth long ago.

The realization made anger burn inside him. "You're telling me..."Lucas spoke slowly. "Enzo knows who the stalker is."

"Yes, boss." The answer came immediately. Lucas laughed. A dark, humorless laugh. Of course. Of course Enzo knew. And he had kept that information hidden. Protected. Guarded. its mean only one thing. this stalker is someone whom Enzo know thats why he keep them hidden. Lucas clenched his jaw.

"So while I' and Donato wasting time chasing shadows. His voice became colder. "Enzo already had the answer." The man remained silent. Lucas walked toward the window. His reflection stared back at him. Dangerous. Focused. Hungry. A thousand possibilities raced through his mind.

If this prisoner truly knew the stalker's identity. Then everything could change. Every question. Every mystery. Every unfinished piece of the puzzle. Lucas turned sharply. "Where is he?" The man smiled. "In one of our safe cottages." Lucas grabbed his coat immediately.

"Alive?"

"Very."

"Good."

The smile on Lucas's face looked almost predatory now. For the first time in weeks, genuine excitement flowed through him. He could almost feel the answers within reach. "So why are we still standing here?" His voice echoed through the office. The man immediately straightened. Lucas walked toward the door. Every step filled with purpose.

"Let's go meet our guest." His smile widened. "And finally find out who this fucking stalker is." The man nodded and hurried after him. Behind them, the office lights switched off. And somewhere far away A man carrying secrets powerful enough to change everything sat waiting. Completely unaware that Lucas was already on his way.

____

Lucas arrived at the isolated cottage just after midnight. The place was hidden deep within the woods, far away from cities, roads, and curious eyes. The only sounds were the rustling trees and the distant cries of night birds. Two armed guards opened the heavy metal door as soon as they saw him. A foul smell immediately hit Lucas's nose. Blood. Sweat. Fear.

The smell of a man who had been broken. Inside the dimly lit room, the prisoner hung from chains attached to the ceiling. His body was covered in bruises. Dried blood stained his face and clothes. One of his eyes had swollen shut, and every breath that escaped his mouth sounded painful. Lucas walked forward calmly.

The sound of his expensive shoes echoed across the concrete floor. The prisoner lifted his head weakly. Fear instantly appeared in his eyes. For the past several hours, Lucas's men had questioned him repeatedly. They had beaten him. Threatened him.Broken several of his ribs. Yet he had refused to speak. Until now. Lucas stopped directly in front of him.

His hands slipped casually into his pockets. "I'm getting tired," he said quietly. The prisoner trembled. "So I'll give you one last chance." Lucas leaned slightly closer. "If you tell me who the stalker is, I'll let you live." Hope flickered across the man's broken face. Then Lucas's expression darkened. "But if you don't." His voice became deadly. "I'll find your family."

The prisoner's breathing stopped. "I'll bring them here." Lucas smiled. "And I'll make you watch." The man's entire body began shaking violently. "No." His voice cracked. "Please." Lucas remained silent. "I'll kill them one by one in front of you." The smile on Lucas's face widened. "And after that." His eyes turned cold. "I'll kill you too."

The prisoner broke. Completely. "No! Please! Don't touch my family!" Tears mixed with blood on his face. "They have nothing to do with this!" Lucas said nothing. The silence was worse than any threat. The prisoner finally lowered his head. Defeated. Broken. "I'll tell you." Lucas smiled. "Good."

The prisoner swallowed painfully. His entire body trembled. Then he whispered the name. The truth. The identity of the person Lucas had spent years searching for. For a moment Lucas simply stared. His expression froze. The room became completely silent. Even the guards exchanged confused looks.

Because Lucas looked genuinely shocked. His eyes widened. Disbelief flashed across his face. "No." The word escaped his mouth almost soundlessly. The prisoner nodded weakly. "It's true." Several seconds passed. Then suddenly Lucas started laughing. At first it was quiet.

A low chuckle. Then it grew louder. And louder. Until the entire room echoed with his laughter. The guards shifted uneasily. There was something disturbing about it. Lucas pressed a hand against his forehead while laughing. "I don't believe it." He shook his head. "All these years." Another laugh escaped him. The realization settled completely.

And when it did His shock transformed into excitement. Pure excitement. A cruel smile slowly spread across his face. "If this is true.He whispered. "This changes everything." he began pacing slowly around the room. His mind racing. Every piece of the puzzle suddenly fit together. Every mystery. Every strange event. Every unanswered question.

The prisoner watched him fearfully. Lucas stopped and looked toward him. The smile on his face was terrifying. "Do you understand what you've given me?" The man remained silent. Lucas laughed again. "This truth won't just hurt Donato Romano." His eyes darkened. "It will destroy him." The room suddenly felt colder.

Lucas imagined the chaos. The betrayal. The pain. The collapse of everything Donato believed in. And he loved every second of it. "But no." He murmured. Shaking his head. "No, no, no." His smile widened. "I won't reveal it this yet." He crouched in front of the prisoner. Like a predator enjoying its prey. "That would be too easy."

His voice dropped into a whisper. "Before the truth comes out..."His eyes gleamed with malice. "I'm going to take away the people he loves." The prisoner felt a chill run through his body. Lucas stood again. Straightening his coat. "I'm going to make his life hell." His smile turned darker. "And when he has lost everything..."He looked toward the darkness outside the window.

"Then I'll reveal the truth." Be ready to lose everything Donato." The cottage fell silent. Only Lucas's laughter remained. Cold. Patient. Dangerous. Because for the first time in a long time.Lucas believed he finally had a weapon powerful enough to destroy the Romano family from the inside.

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