124- Shaken Feelings

**GIULLIA SANTORI'S POV**

Vittorio signals for the men to enter the house immediately. He holds my face and caresses it with concern.

"You're pale, tell me what happened!" He demands.

I know the man I love, and I know he'll freak out if I say anything now. Alessandro seems to be a smart man and wouldn't say anything if he didn't want to. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves and touch Vittorio's face.

"Can we talk at home? Please!" I plead, looking directly at him.

I can see his reluctance in his eyes, but he agrees. He takes my waist and leads me to the car. After I get in, he orders some of his men to stay at the house. When he returns, he instructs the driver to head to the mansion as soon as possible.

When we arrive, I notice the children aren't in the living room. Considering the time, they're probably doing their school tasks. Vittorio guides me to the bedroom, and I follow in silence.

As we enter, he closes the door and looks at me, alarmed, placing his hands on his hips and insisting:

"Tell me, what's going on? Did that man do something to you? I warned you, I'll kill him, and..."

"Vittorio!" I interrupt him, making him fall silent. "That man's name is Alessandro Messina."

Vittorio is frozen, his eyes seem to be ablaze. Knowing him, I can tell he's consumed by fury. I take a deep breath, walk to the bed, and sit on the edge of the mattress.

"So, he's the one behind all of this, for revenge?" He continues incredulously.

"Without a doubt!" I respond immediately.

I'm afraid of what Vittorio might do. Despite being a good leader, his flaw is impulsiveness. He turns away, and walks towards the window in silence, and I become even more frightened. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself, to think rationally.

"How did you find out?" He looks back, staring at me.

I'm puzzled by this coldness. Perhaps the Vittorio I knew has changed a lot. The man from years ago would simply go berserk, gather all the men, and search for Alessandro even under stones. Now, I see a different Vittorio.

"He revealed it to me!" I reply, taking a deep breath, and lowering my gaze. This will be the hardest part of this conversation.

"He... what? Simply... revealed it to you?" He turns to face me, walking to the table and leaning against it.

I have nothing to fear, even though I know that everything I'm about to say will trigger a great war between them, even bigger than revenge. Vittorio had already suspected his interest in me, and now he will confirm his suspicions.

"He started talking about us, and I didn't understand. Then he revealed that... he's Messina's son, seeking revenge. But he assured me that he won't do anything against Luca, or my parents." I lower my gaze, avoiding continuing and seeing Vittorio's worst side.

"Go on... there's something more to this story," he says in a serious tone.

I take a deep breath and start to consider what would be best. To omit and not talk about his interest in me to avoid something worse, however, the last time I hid secrets, it didn't end well. My other option is to be honest and inform him of what he said, thus removing this burden definitively.

"He said he wouldn't harm Luca or my parents because... he wants me!" I simplify, being direct.

I raise my gaze, and when I lock eyes with Vittorio, he's frozen. His eyes don't blink as he stares at me. Unexpectedly, he starts laughing, and I don't understand this reaction. I remain motionless as he starts pacing back and forth, laughing.

"He wants you? Just as I informed you from the first day? Yet, you insisted on continuing this purchase, knowing that in Milan there are thousands of houses available!" He stops pacing and looks at me; I can feel his frustration.

"I thought he was just some random man, that I didn't care about it, and..." I try to explain.

I'm surprised by the sound of breaking glass. I widen my eyes and look at the wall completely dirty because Vittorio just threw a whiskey bottle against it. My body trembles from the shock, but I can't tolerate this attitude.

I stand up, and he looks at me, breathing heavily. I stare at Vittorio and walk up to him, facing him.

"My son is in this house, Bella is also a child, and I won't tolerate shows that draw their attention. I won't allow them to witness anything that could affect their future. Contain yourself!" I speak coldly.

Vittorio falls silent, turns away, and sits at the table, lighting a cigar, and I leave the office. I'm hurt and afraid, but I've spent years alone, and I won't bow my head to anyone, not even to Vittorio.

I don't see a reason for him to act like this. I understand he's nervous and jealous, but I'm starting to realize that he seems to care more about leadership than leaving with us. I might be judging him wrongly, but I'm very confused.

I go to Luca's room, and Adellyn appears walking down the hallway, holding a tray with juice. She smiles, and I glance at the slightly open door, pushing it slowly without making noise, and come across the beautiful scene of Luca and Bella sitting at a colorful table. They are focused on the books scattered on the table, and I smile, feeling comforted after a difficult day.

Not wanting to disturb them, I retreat and stop in front of Adellyn.

"Bella will start studying at Luca's school tomorrow; I hope she adjusts well. I feel like she's a very lonely little girl," I sigh and give a faint smile.

"I'm very happy with her arrival in this house. Bella needed a female presence and a friend like Luca. I've always been very concerned about her," Adellyn confesses.

"I was also very happy to learn about her existence. Bella's mother was one of the most important people in my life. I'll take a shower and come down for dinner with the children," I smile, and she does the same.

I walk towards the room, as I open it, I look around and start to remember my life before Vittorio appeared. I know I lived in a false calmness; when I thought I was safe, it was the security guards around the house that provided that. I remember the piano lessons for the children and how I was forced to temporarily step away.

I feel the urge to play the piano; only that will calm me down. So I head for the shower and will soon go down for dinner. I'm not sure if Vittorio will be present.