I chuckle darkly. "Oh, I know I won't. Because by the time I'm done with you, you won't be able to speak. Or see. Or hear. Or touch. You'll be alive, Domenico, but unable to interact with the world in any meaningful way. Just like how you made Vittoria feel, trapped, helpless, and alone."
I turn to Lorenzo. "Make sure he stays conscious throughout. I want him to feel every cut, every slice."
As I prepare to begin, Domenico's terrified screams echo through the warehouse. But I feel no pity, no remorse.
This is justice; brutal, perhaps, but fitting for the crimes he's committed.
Hours later, I return to the hospital. My hands are clean, suit immaculate, but I feel the weight of what I've done. Not regret, never that, but grim satisfaction mixed with lingering anger.
I enter Vittoria's room quietly, not wanting to wake her. But I find her awake, eyes fixed on the window where sunlight streams in.
"Tori," I say softly, moving to her bedside.
She turns to look at me, eyes searching my face. "Is it done?" she asks, voice barely above a whisper.
I nod, taking her hand gently. "It's done. He will never hurt you again. I promise you that."
Vittoria's eyes close and she nods. "Thank you."
Christ, she shouldn't have to thank me. Not for that. Never for that.
"It's over," I assure her. "He'll never lay a hand on you or anyone else again."
Vittoria is quiet for a long moment, her eyes distant. When she speaks again, her voice is barely audible. "I used to dream about this, you know. About someone coming to save me from him. But I never really believed it would happen."
Her words hit me like a physical blow. I think of all the years she suffered in silence, dreaming of a rescue that never came.
Until now.
"I'm sorry it took so long," I say, voice rough with emotion. "I'm sorry I didn't know sooner."
Vittoria turns to look at me, a small, sad smile on her lips. "You couldn't have known, Cesare. I was very good at hiding it."
I lean forward, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You don't have to hide anymore, Tori. Not from me. Not ever again."
She looks at me, eyes searching my face. "Promise?" she whispers.
"I promise," I say firmly. "You're safe now. You're home."
Vittoria's eyes fill with tears. I gather her gently in my arms, mindful of her injuries, as she begins to sob. Years of pent-up fear, pain, and relief pour out of her as I hold her.
As her sobs subside, I realize something has fundamentally shifted between us. This isn't just an arranged marriage anymore. It's not about alliances or business.
Somewhere along the way, Vittoria became truly important to me.
And I'll be damned if I ever let anyone hurt her again.
"Rest now," I tell her softly, laying her back against the pillows. "I'll be here when you wake up."
Vittoria nods, eyes already drifting closed. As she slips into sleep, I settle back in the chair beside her bed, prepared to keep watch for as long as necessary.
My phone buzzes with a text from Lorenzo:It's handled. Costa won't be a problem anymore.
I delete the message and put my phone away. Justice has been served.
Now I can focus on what really matters: taking care of my wife and building something real between us.
Something that started as a business arrangement but has become so much more.
