Chapter 25. More Success and Victory

The years that followed were filled with more successes and victories. Riccardo’s business empire grew exponentially, as did our love for each other.

I had become his confidante in a world where trust was rare, something which I cherished deeply.

Everything seemed stable and well, until one night Riccardo came home late, looking worn out and tense. “We’ve just received some troubling news,” he told me gravely as we sat down to dinner.

“What is it?” I asked, my heart racing at the thought of anything happening to him or his business.

“The Colombians are encroaching on our territory up north,” he said grimly, “and they’re not backing down without a fight.”

As the reality of what we were facing sinks in, Riccardo looked deep into my eyes. “I don’t want to lose anyone important to me to them, your safety is paramount,” he said firmly.

My fear instantly transformed into resolve – I wasn’t going to back away from this fight. The coming weeks went by in