The soft sound of rain tapping against the window filled the silence in their room. Elena sat by the edge of the bed, brushing her fingers over the silver bracelet Lorenzo had given her days ago. It was supposed to bring peace — but tonight, her heart was far from calm.
Lorenzo entered the room quietly, his shirt slightly wet, his jaw tight. She could see from the look in his eyes that something was wrong.
"Where were you?" she asked softly, rising to meet him. "You've been gone for hours, Lorenzo."
He hesitated, removing his jacket and tossing it onto the chair. His voice was low, rough. "I had to take care of something… something connected to your family."
Her brows furrowed. "My family?"
He met her eyes, the storm in his gaze mirroring the one outside. "Elena, I found out something tonight — something about your father."
She froze, gripping her robe tighter. "My father? What about him?"
Lorenzo took a deep breath. "He's not who you think he is. Years ago, before he met Luciana… he worked for one of my father's enemies — the same organization that tried to destroy my family's empire. He left them, disappeared, and rebuilt his life under a new name."
Elena's lips parted, disbelief flashing across her face. "No. No, that's not true. My father would never… he doesn't even like talking about violence or power—"
"That's how he hides it," Lorenzo interrupted gently. "He wanted to protect you from his past. But people like that — they don't forget. And now, they've found him again."
Elena backed away slowly, shaking her head as tears welled in her eyes. "Why are you telling me this? You think my father's part of everything that's happening?"
He stepped closer, his expression softening. "I don't think he's guilty. But his past is dangerous. And if they can't reach him, they'll come for you — because you're his blood, and because you're mine."
Her tears spilled over as she whispered, "You think I'm in danger because of him?"
Lorenzo reached for her hands, pulling her gently into his chest. "You were always in danger, Elena. But now it's worse. They'll try to use your father to get to me… and I won't let that happen."
Elena rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "Then we have to warn him. He might not even know they're after him again."
Lorenzo exhaled slowly. "I already sent men to keep an eye on him. But there's something else, Elena — your stepmother."
Luciana's name made her tense. "What about her?"
He looked down at her, his voice tightening. "She's been contacting people she shouldn't. I traced her calls to a man who used to work for those same enemies. She's trying to make a deal behind everyone's back. She wants her power back, even if it means betraying your father… and you."
Elena felt her stomach twist with anger. "She hasn't changed. Even after everything, she's still trying to destroy us."
Lorenzo brushed a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "I won't let her. I already froze her new accounts. She'll have nothing left to use against you."
Elena stared at him, torn between anger and gratitude. "You always protect me… even when I don't ask for it."
He smiled faintly, tilting her chin up. "Because you're mine to protect. Because I love you."
The words slipped out of him before he could stop them. It wasn't the first time he'd said it, but this time, it felt deeper — like a vow.
Elena's breath caught. She cupped his face and whispered, "And I love you too… even when your world terrifies me."
He pressed his forehead to hers. "Then stay with me, no matter what happens next. We'll uncover the truth about your father, about everything — together."
The storm outside grew louder, but inside the room, there was only warmth — the quiet rhythm of two hearts that refused to let fear tear them apart.
Elena leaned into him, whispering softly, "Promise me one thing, Lorenzo."
"Anything, my love."
"No matter what you find out… don't let your anger control you. Promise me you won't destroy him."
He kissed her hand gently. "For you, Elena… I'll keep my demons locked away."
And as lightning illuminated the dark sky, she knew — their love was walking on the edge of fire. But even if the truth burned them both, she would rather face the flames beside him than live a day without his arms around her.