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Chapter Thirty-Six

Romeo

The morning light filters through the windows of my study as I sit at my desk, reviewing a stack of documents that will redefine everything I’ve built.

Contracts, ledgers, and transfer agreements lie before me, each one representing a piece of my empire I’m about to let go. It’s not easy, and every fiber of my being tells me to hold on, to maintain the power that has protected me for so long. But then I think of Viviana, of the child she’s carrying, and the choice becomes clear.

Family over power.

Matteo enters without knocking, his expression grim as he surveys the papers scattered across the desk. He doesn’t speak right away, which is unusual for him. Matteo has always been direct, unafraid to voice his opinions, even when they contradict mine.

“You’re really doing this,” he finally says, his tone laced with disbelief.

“Yes,” I reply, not looking up as I sign another document. “The transfers are underway. The businesses will be out of my hands by the end of the month.”

He steps closer, his hands resting on the back of the chair across from me. “What about the operations that don’t have neat paperwork?”

“They’re being shut down,” I say firmly, setting my pen down and meeting his gaze. “No more shipments. No more deals. No more blood on my hands.”

Matteo’s jaw tightens, and I can see the conflict in his eyes. “Romeo, you know this isn’t just about shutting things down. You’re creating a power vacuum. The second you step back, someone else will step in. They won’t be as careful as you’ve been.”

“I don’t care,” I snap, my voice sharper than I intended. “Let them fight over the scraps. It’s not my concern anymore.”

“Not your concern?” Matteo’s voice rises slightly, his frustration clear. “You think they’ll just leave you alone, let you walk away clean? That’s not how this world works, Romeo.”

I stand, leaning forward on the desk to close the space between us. “I know exactly how this world works,” I say, my voice low and dangerous. “I know what I’m willing to do to keep my family safe.”

Matteo’s eyes narrow, his grip tightening on the chair. “What happens when they come after you? Or Viviana? You can’t protect her if you’re no longer in control.”

“I’ll protect her,” I say, my voice unwavering. “If anyone dares to come after her, they’ll regret it.”

He shakes his head, stepping back and crossing his arms. “You’ve changed,” he says, his tone almost accusatory.

“You’re damn right I’ve changed,” I reply, straightening. “I have something worth changing for. Something worth fighting for.”

Matteo exhales heavily, his frustration palpable. “I get it,” he says finally, his voice softer. “You want out. You want a life with her. Romeo, stepping back doesn’t mean you’re out. It just means you’re vulnerable.”

I lean against the desk, crossing my arms as I study him. “That’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

Matteo shakes his head again, his expression a mixture of frustration and respect. “You’ve always been the smartest man in the room, Romeo. This…this is a gamble.”

“Life is a gamble,” I say simply. “At least this way, Viviana and our kid won’t be involved.”

***

The day drags on as I meet with allies, some of whom have been with me since the beginning, and others who have only recently proven their loyalty. I explain my decision in calculated terms, framing it as a strategic retreat rather than an emotional choice.

Most accept it without question, though I can see the doubt in some of their eyes. They wonder if I’ve gone soft, if I’ve lost my edge.

Let them wonder.

By the time the last meeting ends, the sun is sinking low on the horizon, casting the room in golden light. I sit back in my chair, exhaustion weighing on me, but there’s also a strange sense of relief.

For the first time in years, I feel like I’m not just reacting to the chaos around me—I’m creating something better.

Viviana finds me in the study, her presence like a balm to my frayed nerves. She leans against the doorway, her expression cautious but curious.

“Busy day?” she asks softly, her gaze flicking to the stack of papers on the desk.

“You could say that,” I reply, motioning for her to come in.

She steps closer, her movements graceful despite the weariness in her eyes. “What’s all this?” she asks, gesturing to the documents.

“Change,” I say simply. “The beginning of something new.”

She tilts her head, her brows furrowing. “You mean…you’re really doing it, stepping back?”

I nod, leaning back in my chair. “It’s already in motion. The businesses, the operations—they’re being handed off or shut down.”

Her lips part in surprise, and for a moment, she’s silent. Then, she steps closer, her hands resting on the desk as she looks down at me. “Why now?” she asks, her voice trembling slightly. “Why not before?”

“I didn’t have a reason before,” I admit, my gaze locking onto hers. “I didn’t have you. Or the baby. I didn’t have something worth giving all this up for.”

Her expression softens, and she bites her lip, her hands tightening on the edge of the desk. “Do you really think it’ll work?”

“No,” I say honestly. “Let them come. I’ll fight them if I have to, but I won’t let this world touch you or our child.”

Tears well in her eyes, and she steps around the desk, slipping into my lap. I wrap my arms around her instinctively, holding her close as she rests her head against my shoulder.

“Maybe Matteo will step up to take my place,” I murmur, “but whatever the case, you’re safe with me.”

She pulls back slightly, her eyes searching mine. “You promise?”

“With everything I have,” I reply, my voice firm. “You and the baby are my future, Viviana.”

Her lips find mine in a soft, lingering kiss, and for a moment, the weight of the day fades away. It’s just the two of us, tangled together in a quiet moment of hope.

The fire crackles softly in the hearth as I sit on the sofa with Viviana curled beside me, her head resting against my chest. The soft glow from the flames dances across her face, highlighting the shadows under her eyes and the faint smile tugging at her lips.

It’s a rare moment of peace, and I want to savor it, but my mind is racing with plans for our future—plans I’m finally ready to share with her.

“We can’t stay here forever,” I say, breaking the comfortable silence.

She tilts her head up to look at me, her brow furrowing slightly. “What do you mean?”

“I mean this estate, this country…this life. It’s too close to everything I’m trying to leave behind.” I brush a strand of hair from her face, my touch lingering. “I’ve been thinking about a fresh start. A real one. Somewhere far from all of this.”

Her eyes widen slightly, curiosity flickering in their depths. “Where would we go?”

“I have options,” I say, a small smile playing at my lips. “There’s a villa in Spain, tucked away in the hills near a quiet village. Or a vacation home in Greece, on an island so small it doesn’t even have a proper dock.”

She blinks at me, surprised. “You’ve been saving these?”

“For years,” I admit, my voice soft. “I didn’t know why at the time. Maybe I thought I’d need an escape someday. Maybe I thought I’d grow tired of all this.” I gesture vaguely to the room, to the estate, to the life that has defined me for so long. “Now I know. I was saving them for you. For us.”

Her lips part, and for a moment, she says nothing. Then, she smiles, a small but genuine expression that lights up her face. “Tell me about the villa.”

I lean back, my arm draped around her shoulders as I paint a picture with my words. “It’s in Andalusia, surrounded by olive groves and wildflowers. The air smells like citrus and earth, and there’s a little terrace where you can sit and watch the sunset over the hills. It’s quiet, secluded. Peaceful.”

Her eyes soften, and she rests her hand on her stomach, her thumb brushing lightly over the curve. “It sounds like a dream.”

“It can be real,” I say, my voice steady. “I’ve already started making arrangements. We could leave as soon as you’re ready.”

She looks up at me, her expression cautious but hopeful. “What about the house in Greece?”

“Ah,” I say, my smile widening slightly. “That one’s a bit more rustic. It’s a stone house on a cliff overlooking the sea. There’s a tiny village nearby, full of old fishermen and their families. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone.”

She chuckles softly, the sound warming my chest. “I can’t picture you in a quiet little village.”

“Neither can I,” I admit, smirking. “But for you, I’d try.”

Her laughter fades, replaced by a thoughtful expression. “You’re really serious about this,” she says quietly. “About leaving everything behind.”

“I am,” I say firmly, my hand covering hers where it rests on her stomach. “This is our chance, Viviana. To start over. To give our child a life far away from all the danger and chaos.”

She nods, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “It sounds perfect.”

Before I can respond, her face suddenly contorts, and she sucks in a sharp breath, her hand tightening on mine. “Viviana?” I ask, alarmed. “What’s wrong?”

Her other hand moves to her stomach, her fingers pressing against the curve as her breathing quickens. “I…I don’t know,” she says, her voice trembling. “It’s—oh God,” she gasps, her eyes squeezing shut.

I sit up straighter, panic bubbling in my chest. “Is it the baby?”

She nods, her face pale. “I think so. It’s too early.”

When she goes to stand, I see dampness soaking through her dress. Her water has broken.

“Matteo!” I shout, my voice echoing through the house. Footsteps thunder in the hallway a moment later, and Matteo appears in the doorway, his expression instantly serious.

“What’s going on?” he asks, his eyes darting between us.

“Viviana,” I say, my voice tight. “She’s in labor. Call the doctor. Now.”

Matteo doesn’t hesitate, disappearing down the hall as I turn my attention back to Viviana. She’s clutching my hand, her nails digging into my skin as another contraction overtakes her. “Breathe,” I say, my voice as calm as I can make it. “Just breathe. I’ve got you.”

“I’m scared,” she whispers, tears streaming down her face.

“I know,” I say, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You’re strong, Viviana, stronger than you know. We’ll get through this together.”

The next few minutes feel like an eternity as I help her, guiding her toward the sitting room where she can lie down. Matteo returns with news that the doctor is on his way, but the worry in his eyes mirrors my own.

“Keep everyone out,” I tell him, my voice low but commanding. “No one gets near this house. Understood?”

“Understood,” he says, his tone as sharp as mine.

As he leaves, I kneel beside Viviana, my hands resting on her knees as I look up at her. “You’re going to be okay,” I say, though I’m not sure who I’m trying to convince—her or myself. “You and the baby. Both of you.”

She nods, but her face twists with another contraction, and she cries out, her hand gripping mine tightly. I feel helpless, useless, but I refuse to let it show. She needs me to be strong, to be the calm in the storm.

“Romeo,” she whispers, her voice breaking. “Promise me.”

“Promise you what?” I ask, my heart pounding.

“Promise me you’ll keep us safe,” she says, her eyes locking onto mine.

I squeeze her hand, my voice firm as I reply. “I promise, Viviana. With everything I have.”