Chapter 40. Unfortunately

But even as we savored these sweet moments together, we couldn’t help but wonder what new threat might be lurking around the corner… what fresh hell we would be forced to face in the days and weeks ahead.

And yet still, we persevered, hearts and minds united, even as everything around us collapsed into chaos and turmoil. For as long as we had each other, we knew that anything was possible that love could conquer all, even the darkest of evils that threatened to undo.

Despite our victories and moments of passion, there was always an underlying sense of danger and tension among us. Every moment felt like a ticking time bomb, waiting for a new threat to rear its head.

Riccardo and I knew that we had to be vigilant – more so now than ever before. And yet, even amidst all the paranoia and suspicion, our love continued to burn bright as ever.

One night, as we sat together in the dim light of his office, Riccardo looked up at me with a grave expression on his face.<