I search around for Isabelle, finding her at the bar again. 'Who's driving us?' Marco asks, chugging his drink in one go, before placing the empty glass on the table in front of us.

I point at myself and get up, 'Go find Tiago, we're leaving too.'

'Already?' He asks, pouting a bit.

He looks like a complete idiot, and now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever seen him drunk before. 'Yes, you're going to regret drinking tomorrow.'

'That's something I'll deal with tomorrow.' He chimes as he stumbles down the stairs.

I grab Isabelle's stuff and head down as well, straight to the bar because that's where I saw her last.

Her eyes widen when she sees me and she starts waving to catch my attention as if I didn't see her yet.

'Are you ready to go?' She frowns at me for a second, before taking another drink served to her.

'Already?' She asks, pouting as well.

'You and Marco are the exact same,' I sigh as I take the drink away from her and place it back on the bar, 'But yes, we have to go.'

We have to- well I have to wake up early tomorrow.

And since it's already past midnight, I think it's time we head back home.

'Don't bring him up, please, and let me finish this drink first.' She reaches for her drink, almost falling off her chair, before taking a long sip.

'Don't you think you've had enough?' I ask while she shakes her head in response. 'Coming from you? We never tell you to stop drinking!'

'You do, actually-' 'Okay, but let me just finish this one.' She chimes with a smile on her face.

I sigh and take a seat next to her, waiting for her to finish her drink so that we can go.

'Yes, Neveah,' I look behind Isabelle, right into Tiago's eyes, 'Let her finish her drink.'

My heart starts racing by the way he looks at me and I hate it. I honestly thought he left with the others, but apparently, he's still here.

How long has he been standing there?

'Leon! Did you know that I kissed your girl?!' Isabelle asks, pulling me closer. 'Isa-' I get off the chair just in time before I fall off, and stick to her side since she's leaning on me for support.

'I know, I saw.' What? 'Did you like kissing her, Veah?'

I can barely look at him for longer than three seconds, but his question makes me sick.

It's not that I didn't like Isabelle's random kiss, she's an amazing kisser, but I just don't get why he's asking me this.

'Of course she did, I'm a better kisser than you!' Isa chimes in my stead, before poking me in my arm. 'There's no way you're a better kisser than me.' Tiago chimes, leaning forward, almost falling off his chair as well.

He's drunk...

'I so am!' Isa leans forward as well, making me wonder how she hasn't fallen off her chair yet. 'There's no way, right Veah?'

He looks at me again, waiting for me to answer, but I can't.

I don't want to give him the wrong impression and I will if I tell him that he's the better kisser.

'Can we not do this right now?' He frowns for a second, before rambling on how he has to be the better kisser.

But Isabelle notices my discomfort and finally jumps off her seat. 'You're right,' She says as she empties the rest of her drink, and grabs my arm, 'We should be dancing instead!'

Before I can even respond, she pulls me toward the dancefloor and starts dancing like a complete idiot.

'Isabelle, we were going to leave after that drink.' She shakes her head and places her hands on my hips, trying to get me to dance with her.

'After this song!' She shouts as she throws her arms around. 'Do you even know this song?' I for sure don't...

She shakes her head and pulls me closer, 'But I bet it's almost done.'

I roll my eyes and stick close to her as she dances through the crowd.

'Dance with me, don't just stand there!' She shouts as she attempts to make me dance again.

This time I give in, only because I have to wait for her anyway, and I hope that this will get her to leave with me.

She gets behind me, making sure no creep gets a hold of me as I grind myself against her.

'Look who's watching us.' She whispers into my ear, making me look around.

But when our eyes lock, I feel my heart stop for a solid minute.

Tiago's staring at us, leaning on the bar while sipping on his drink.

'Let's give him something to look at.' I can feel her arm go around my waist and wonder if I should let her continue or not.

I want to drive him insane, I want to make him crazy by dancing with Isabelle, especially if he saw our kiss, but it wouldn't be fair.

So I grab Isabelle's arm and turn around to face her, 'The song's over, we're leaving.'

She sighs deeply but lets me drag her towards the entrance.

'We're leaving, come on!' She chimes as she pulls Tiago with us as we pass him.

When we finally make it outside, I see Marco kissing a girl on a bench nearby. Great...

Isabelle stops walking and stares at them until Tiago whistles and makes them look at us. Her cheeks turn bright red and I can tell she's hurt.

'We're heading home, come on Marco!' Tiago shouts as if Marco is on the other side of a lake.

Marco whispers something in the girl's ear, before kissing her hand and stumbling over to us.

'You are disgusting.' Isabelle mumbles, holding onto my arm as if I might disappear. 'Says you.'

They're all drunk...

'Which car are we taking and who has the keys?' Marco points at Tiago, who rumbles through his pocket, before handing me a set of keys.

His hands linger in the air for a few seconds, before he turns me around, facing his jeep.

I unlock the car and watch as they all climb inside, hoping that either Marco or Isabelle takes the passenger seat.

Marco slams the door as he climbs into the passenger seat, making me smile when he struggles with his seatbelt.

'Need some help?' He nods and raises his hands in the air, hurting himself by touching the roof of the car. 'You're an idiot.' I joke as I buckle up his seatbelt.

'Ready?' I ask as I look at the two in the back. They nod and start rambling about how they don't want to leave yet.

I try to explain that we have to wake up early, but they keep repeating themselves.

As soon as we get back to the house, Isabelle rushes out of the car and slams the door right in Marco's face, who's rushing after her.

'Those two are... So in love.' Tiago mumbles as he climbs out of the car as well.

I get out as well and hand him back his keys. He holds onto my hand for a few seconds and takes a deep breath.

'Tomorrow's the big day.' He mumbles and all I can do is nod. 'We should probably head to bed.'

I nod again and turn around to head to Ariana's place, 'Goodnight Tiago.'

Instead of hearing his footsteps fade, I only hear him coming closer to me.

'Neveah, wait.' I turn around, making him stumble back and almost fall on his ass. 'Yes?'

'Why aren't you sleeping at our place anymore?' Our place...

I know we're not sleeping in the same bed since he broke things off, but I didn't expect him to know that I wasn't sleeping at his place anymore.

'I am, I just wanted to check up on Ariana first.' I lie, hoping that he'll buy it.

'Don't lie to me.' He says, dragging his hand across his face, 'You have been sleeping at Ariana's place for four nights now.'

I can only look into his eyes. He has been watching me all this time...

'You don't have to hide from me, Veah.'

'You have been watching me.' I mutter as the weight pressing on my heart only increases.

'Of course I have.' He says proudly, almost making me laugh. 'That's not something to be proud of, Tiago.'

'It is to me.' He takes a step forward, keeping his eyes on mine to see if I'll let him closer or not. 'Why?'

'Because it's the only thing that's keeping me sane and it kept me from locking you in our house.' He says as he takes another step.

I don't move and keep my eyes on his.

'You have been on my mind every second I've been awake, god, I dreamed about you every fucking night. And I couldn't hold you.' He slowly reaches out, his hand cupping my face as he keeps his eyes on mine.

I can't help but lean into his touch and take a deep breath, before taking a step back.

'Tiago, you're drunk.' He sighs deeply, staring at his hand, before looking back at me.

We stare at each other for what feels like decades, but a split second at the same time.

'Come sleep in our bed.' He whispers as he takes another step forward, simply holding out his hand this time.

I shake my head and look at his hand instead of his face, hoping that he won't persuade me to come with him.

But of course, he lifts my face to meet his gaze and takes another step forward, almost closing the gap between us.

'Please,' He whispers, his voice so soft that I think I'm imagining it, 'Let me hold you before you leave.'

'I don't want to hurt you.' Or me...

I mean, sleeping on my own in an empty bed isn't the worst thing that I have to endure, but sleeping in his arms would be so much better.

But I know that I'll get too attached. That I'll let him persuade me to stay.

And maybe that's not such a bad thing- No.

I told myself I wasn't going to do this again because if I do, we will suffer way more than necessary.

'Please Neveah.' He begs, slowly ripping my heart in two.

I have never been good at saying no, especially to him.

I can't say no to him. One night won't hurt?

And I don't want to say no to him.

At least not about this.

So I curse at myself when I take his hand, watching as his entire face lights up.

We make our way to his house and walk straight up the stairs, towards the master bedroom.

We change into our pajamas, which consist of him only wearing shorts and me wearing one of his shirts laying on the floor.

I take a deep breath as I climb into bed, making sure to remember his scent as if I'll never be able to smell it again.

'I want you to stay.' He mumbles as he pulls me into his arms, holding onto me as if it might be the last time.

'People always say that you should love yourself before you want to love someone else.'

He frowns but doesn't let go of me.

I know we should talk about this when he's sober, but that will be too late.

'You're telling me you don't love yourself?' He asks, looking up a little.

'Not really.' This time he does let go of me, leaning back so that he can look at me normally. 'Why not?'

'Because I realized I'm fucked up and I need to work on that.'

'Without me.' He mumbles, rolling on his back.

I turn to my side, facing him entirely, and nod, 'Without you.'

It stings to say it, but I can't focus on anything else when he's around.

I hold my breath when he lowers himself until his head is placed on my stomach.

'Why haven't I noticed before?' He asks, running his hand across his face again. 'What do you mean?'

'I thought everything was going great in our life?' Our life...

'There's nothing wrong with my life.' He looks at my lips as if wine is coming out my mouth, taking in every word coming out of me.

'I should be happy,' I watch as he frowns in confusion, 'I am happy. Especially with you and Leya- everyone to be fair.'

I chuckle as I let my hand glide over his soft skin, 'Even with Rio.'

'But?' He asks as he takes a deep breath, his face still pressed against my stomach.

'Somewhere in my head, in some dark messed up corner, there's this... Feeling.' He nods, tilting his head up a bit more as he looks into my eyes now.

'Like a cloud, coming out of nowhere, and it's just filled with sadness and pain and fear.'

He blinks a few times, his grip on my waist loosening a little, 'And I don't know where it's coming from or how to get rid of it.'

'I wish you could love yourself just as much as I love you.' He says, kissing my stomach a few times, before looking at me again.

I can't help but smile at him as I take a deep breath and force myself to remember this moment.

'I do too.' He places his head on my stomach and slowly closes his eyes, a smile plastered on his face.

One that won't fade as long as he's holding me.

'Tiago, you might want to use a pillow-' 'I'm perfectly comfortable this way.' He mumbles against my belly, before taking another deep breath.

'Write me.' He whispers in a sleepy tone, 'Write me like you did the first time.'

I never gave him those books... 'About that-' 'I know, give them to me when you return or whenever you want.' He says, turning the other way, before making sure we're both comfortable.

'I will.' It's like his smile only widens, which I thought was impossible, 'Now go sleep, please.'

'Goodnight cara.' I smile and watch as he slowly falls asleep on top of me, wishing that this moment could last forever, before soon falling asleep as well.

The next morning, I wake up to my alarm at five in the morning.

I quickly roll over and turn it off, realizing that Tiago is still laying on top of me.

Somehow, he didn't wake up by my frantic turning around.

He seems so peaceful, that I don't want to leave the bed.

But I promised myself. One night.

I go into the bathroom to brush my teeth, quickly redoing my hair in a random ponytail, before heading downstairs.

I have ten minutes to get something to eat before I have to get going.

When I stumble into the kitchen, I can hear the front door open and soon after footsteps coming towards the kitchen.

I keep my eyes on the doorway, wondering who would wake up this early after last night's party.

But when Rio stumbles into the kitchen in lazy clothes and messy hair, I frown.

And so does he when he notices I'm up at this time of day.

'You're awake?' I ask, watching as he rolls his eyes and places an envelope on the kitchen counter. 'I'm definitely not sleeping right now, so I must be awake.'

Grumpy as always...

I look at the envelope and wonder what's inside of it. Because by the looks of it, it's empty.

'Why are you up so early?' He asks as he moves around the kitchen.

'I have to go to the venue and make sure the flowers are delivered and placed correctly.'

'At five in the morning?'

I frown as I take my eyes off the envelope to look at him. 'Yes?'

'You, the girl who could barely make it in time to anything, are up at five in the morning to make sure things are set for a wedding?'

'Not just any wedding.' I state, making him roll his eyes, 'Plus, someone has to do it.'

'And why didn't you send anyone else?' I shrug and look back at the envelope. 'Because it has to be the bride or groom or someone close to the family.'

'And why can't I go?' He asks, making me look at him because of his curious tone. 'Because it's your wedding day, you shouldn't have to.'

He frowns at my answer and shakes his head as he looks me up and down. 'What?'

'You're staying?' Now I'm the one frowning at him. He looks me up and down again, making me wonder what's going on with him.

But then I realize that I'm only wearing Tiago's shirt and some shorts.

'We just talked and kind of agreed on spending our last night together, just to-' He rolls his eyes and I sigh deeply, before turning back to the envelope.

'It's for you.' He says when he notices my interest. 'Really?'

He sighs deeply, probably annoyed by my questions, but nods.

I reach for it and slowly open it, seeing a small black card inside.

A new credit card. With my name on it.

'Why-' 'For your trip.' He mutters as he leans on the counter behind him.

'Wait, I don't-' 'There's five million on it so far, but there will be more eventually.' He continues, completely ignoring me, 'You can take everything out at once, I will get notified of big expenses, but I won't look at any of it because I don't care about the shit you buy.'

'I don't want it.' He looks me dead in the eyes, before sighing deeply. 'I don't care, you'll take it.'

'Rio, I don't want your money.' I say, making him shake his head in response. 'It's the money you worked for, plus some extra's from all of us.' No...

I feel the tears well up again and quickly blink them away.

'I truly appreciate it, but there's no way I can take this.'

'Just take it and use it if you really need it, I don't fucking know. But there's no way I'm taking it back.' He says as he looks at me strangely.

It's as if he wants to smile again.

I look at the new black card in my hand and read my name off of it.

Neveah North.

'Now about your trip.' He starts, making me look up again. 'What about it?'

'Even though I gave you that card, I don't think you're leaving.'

I can't help but smile at his words, knowing that he'll miss me. Even if it's just a little bit.

'I am.' I state as I reach for my phone and notice that I've spent the ten minutes I had for breakfast talking to Rio. 'Now I have to go, see you at the venue!'

I grab all my stuff and run to the door, hearing him chuckle behind me. 'Always late!'

'I'm not late!' I close the door and rush to the garage, grabbing one of Brandon's cars, before driving off to the venue.

When I make it to the mansion, I notice a few trucks just arriving there as well.

'Miss North?' I hop out of the car and shake a lady's hand.

She has one of those fancy clipboards in her hands and hands it to me, before introducing herself as Daniela.

We go over the list together, before I notice a few people loading all the flowers out of the car.

White and very light pink roses.

Exactly the way she wanted them.

After making sure everything is going according to plan, I take out my phone and text the others.

ʙʀᴇᴀᴋꜰᴀꜱᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅʏ?

Daniela shows me around the mansion and every room we will be using while I wait for a reply to my text.

Leya loved this place when we came to visit last time, and though I was tired as hell and could barely walk after visiting ten other places the same day, I get why she did.

It's huge and looks like a fucking movie set on the inside.

The tiled floors are freshly polished, the draped curtains bring color to the room, and the big windows make every corner in every room bright.

ᴡᴇ ᴀʟʟ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʜᴇᴀᴅᴀᴄʜᴇꜱ😞

Brandon texts first, making me laugh a little. He did drink a lot last night...

ʙᴜᴛ ᴀʀɪᴀɴᴀ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ᴘᴀɴᴄᴀᴋᴇꜱ, ᴡᴇ'ʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ɪɴ 3 ʜᴏᴜʀs!

Isabelle texts as well. I'm glad they're all awake and hope that their hangovers will go away at some point soon.

I look through the big windows at the front of the mansion, staring down the big and empty driveway, knowing that it will be packed later today.

When I glance at one of the trucks, I notice someone staring back at me.

A man with a hood on.

Now I normally wouldn't think much of it, but it's very hot outside.

Don't tell me... I grab my phone and wonder if I should call Rio for something this stupid. It might not be him...

But the man keeps looking at me, right at me.

And even though everyone else is loading up the trucks again, he isn't.

'Give me one minute.' I say as I reach for my phone again, stepping away from Daniela.

She nods and heads back downstairs, to make sure everything is going alright down there.

I reach for my phone and wonder who I should call first.

If it's Hunter we're fucked.

But if it's not, I- Fucking hell.

I call Marco instead, waiting for him to pick up, before peeking through the window again.

He's still standing there, staring at me.

I can't make out his face, because he's too far away, but I know he's looking at me.

Because he hasn't moved an inch.

'Pick up. Pick up.' Marco... Come on...

'Veah? Everything okay?' He asks, sounding like he just ran a mile. 'Is there any chance you can come to check something out at the venue?'

'Right now?'

'Yes. Or- As soon as possible.'

'Why? What's going on?' He asks, probably sensing my fear.

I step away from the window and take a deep breath, not allowing the nerves to get to me. 'I think Hunter is outside, but I'm not sure and- can you just get here please?'

'Right now I can't,' No... 'But I'll send Vincent your way and tell him to do a perimeter check?'

I would've checked it out myself if I had a gun with me. 'Thank you, Marco.'

'Wait for Vincent to call you.' He says before hanging up the phone.

I put my phone away again and peek around the curtains, staring right at the spot the man was standing not so long ago.

But he's not at the same spot anymore.

He moved closer. Still too far away to make out his face, but closer than he was before.

'Neveah?' I turn to Daniela and watch as she hands me a set of keys. 'This is for the changing rooms.'

I take the keys and thank her for her help so far, before heading to one of the rooms I'm going to use to change.

Daniela suggests we should take a walk around the garden, just to make sure that everything is right.

She shows me around the gardens and at all the rooms available for the guests and staff.

My phone starts ringing just as we make our way back inside.

'Are you inside?' Vincent asks as I hear a car drive up the mansion. 'Yes, did you see him?'

'I walked up to him,' The front door opens and Daniela and I head into the foyer to look and see who it is.

Vincent hangs up the phone, before walking over to us, 'And he ran away, but it was a boy.'

'That was not a boy, it was a fully grown man.' He laughs and shakes his head at me.

Daniela gasps and shamefully looks away, before looking back up at me. 'I am so sorry, that must've been my little brother.'

'What?' I ask, looking at her with a confused look on my face.

'I know- He needed to go to one of his friends and he wouldn't make it in time, so our mother made me take him so that I can drop him off. I was going to be late so I told him to wait outside while I showed you around.' She explains as her cheeks slowly turn pink, 'I'm so sorry, it's so unprofessional of me and I sincerely apologize.'

'You thought her brother was Hunter?' Vincent asks, almost laughing at me.

'He doesn't look like a boy, okay!' Daniela nods and tries to cover her face. 'He just got through his growth spurt, so he looks like a grown man.'

'It's okay, but he doesn't have to wait outside you know?'

She shakes her head and continues to talk about how unprofessional it would be for her brother to be at her work.

After finally convincing her to let him in, she shows me where Vincent and I could change.

'I'll be back in thirty minutes, once again, I'm so sorry.' Vincent walks them to the door, before turning around to face me.

'This place is amazing.' He chimes and all I do is nod as I look around the foyer one more time.

It's amazing.

After showing Vincent around the place, we decide to both get dressed and wait for the others to arrive.

Once they do, Brandon drags Leya away from all of us, before locking the bridal room door with her inside.

I show the others around the garden and watch as the staff slowly start to gather around the place.

And it doesn't take long for the guests to arrive either.

'I thought you two were joking about this place, but this is perfect.' Isabelle says, looking around as well.

'I know, this place is absolutely amazing.' Celine chimes in as people start greeting her.

'Do you know where-' 'Leon needed to talk to someone, he has to be somewhere around here.' Marco says, not even letting me finish my sentence.

'Rio. Do you know where Rio is?' He slowly turns to me and gives me a small smile as an apology. 'He's in his room.'

I nod and pat him on his shoulder, before walking towards the groom's room.

I knock on the door, waiting for just a second, before opening the door.

'Okay so listen.' I say as I walk into the room. Rafael looks stunning, as always, in his entirely white suit.

'You look amazing, not as good as Leya, but good.' He rolls his eyes at me and focuses on his tie again.

'You haven't even seen her yet.' He sneers, his hands shaking as he tries to focus on his tie. 'We both know she'll blow everyone away.'

'That's true.' He admits, making me light up inside. He's so hooked...

I walk over to him and help him since he seems to struggle more than usual.

'I know it's a little late for this, and I wouldn't do this if it wasn't for Leya.' I start, making him raise an eyebrow at me. 'I have to admit, I started liking you when we were searching for her.'

'You did?' I nod and finish tying his tie. 'Yes. I did. Strange right?'

We stare at each other for a second and start laughing. Again, something I didn't think we would ever do together, and I don't think we'll do it again.

Ever.

'No, but for real, I need to talk to you about this.' I state while throwing my arms around the room.

'What about it?' He asks before turning back to the mirror in front of us.

'I don't want to be one of those typical girls, but-' I grab his arm and turn him around, looking directly in his eyes.

'I dare you to hurt her and I promise I'll cut your balls off.' His lips curl up, but I look him dead in the eyes. 'Aren't you a little late with all of this?'

'Shut the fuck up.' I sigh before composing myself again, 'kiss someone else and I will cut off your lips and shove them up your fucking ass.'

'And don't even think about cheating, I mean why would you sleep with someone else if you have Cataleya?'

'You're right, why would I ever do that?' He asks, turning me towards the mirror, smiling like the idiot he is.

'I'm serious Curse, don't you fucking dare.' I sneer at him, trying to get my point across. 'I won't.' He swears, placing his hand on his heart.

'You better not.' I say, staring deep into his eyes.

'If I ever hurt her, I let you torture me as long as you wish.' Dramatic...

'I'll keep you on that.'

His lips curl up into the most precious smile ever and he nods.

This man, who I once thought was incapable of loving, fell in love.

He fell in love with the one person I wanted to keep him away from. Someone with the purest heart I know. He fell in love with my best friend.

We make our way to the hallway and head back downstairs, entering the foyer where Rio is almost immediately swept away from me.

And since I lost the others, I stick to him and follow him around the room.

We end up in the big checkered room with some light music playing in the background.

'What is he doing here?' Rio asks as we enter the room filled with guests that are greeting him left and right.

I follow his gaze, ending at a young man with grey eyes and short curly hair.

If I didn't look at his face, I would've thought it was Tiago, but it's not.

He's handsome, wearing a white suit with a black tie, just like most of the guests attending, and he's talking to another man on his right.

'Am I supposed to know him?' I ask as I glance around in hopes of finding Celine or Isabelle, 'Marcello invited the guests, so I don't know who he is.' I don't know ninety percent of these people.

'Shit-' I frown when I hear Rio mumble and follow his gaze, back to the grey-eyed man.

He's staring right at us and starts smiling, before quickly finishing his conversation with the man he was talking to, before walking our way.

'Ciao brother, how have you been?' Brother?

'I'm not your brother, and what the fuck are you doing here?' Rio asks, keeping up a front for all the other guests.

But even an idiot knows that he's annoyed already.

'I came to attend your wedding of course, as a good brother does.' I look at his face, trying to see anything he has in common with Rio, but they don't look like each other at all.

Their faces are shaped differently.

Rio has hazel eyes, this new guy has light grey eyes.

Rio has wavy, leaning more towards straight hair, and the other guy has curly hair like Tiago.

'You're not supposed to be here.' Rio says, gritting his teeth. 'Yet you invited me.' The man counters, lifting his glass towards us.

Marcello did... And Rio obviously doesn't want him here.

'Aren't you going to introduce me to your lady friend over here?' The man asks, turning to me.

His grey eyes pierce through me, making my skin crawl before I force myself to look away.

'No-' 'Ciao lady, the name is Alessio Moretti. I'm Rafael's brother.' He smiles at me and turns to Rio, waiting for him to introduce me to him.

But Rio stays silent and simply glares at him.

Alessio... The one they talked about before?

I stay silent, knowing that Rio would've introduced me if he wanted Alessio to know who I was. And it's clear that he doesn't want him here at all

'What are you doing here, Alessio?' I look around the room, trying to find someone who can get him to leave, but I don't see anyone I know.

'My wife died.' He suddenly says, making me look at him again. But he's staring at Rio.

'So?' Rio asks, making me look away again.

I don't know Alessio, but I know he's hurt. I can hear it in the tone of his voice.

He genuinely cared about his wife.

'You didn't-' He stops as he locks eyes with someone behind me and starts smiling instead, waving at whoever it is that's standing behind me.

'Look at you!' I feel a gentle hand on my waist, before seeing Tiago brush past me. 'What are you doing here?' He asks, hugging Alessio as if they're old friends.

He's wearing a creamy white tuxedo with a dark red tie, making my heart go even faster.

Brother. He kept calling Rio his brother so maybe they're related somehow?

'I came to my brother's wedding, of course!' Alessio exclaims overly excited.

'I'm not-' 'Stepbrother, now don't anger him on his wedding.' Tiago jokes, even though there's a serious undertone in his voice.

He makes his way back to me and wraps his arm around my waist, placing his chin on my shoulder, 'You are absolutely gorgeous.'

I melt at his words and can't stop smiling because of his compliment, while Rio and Alessio continue to bicker in front of us.

'Who is she?' Alessio asks, now turning to Tiago as if Rio wasn't talking to him at all.

Tiago looks at Rio, before shaking his head and sighing deeply.

Alessio rolls his eyes and looks back at us.

'I'll ask her myself.' He says teasingly.

'Why haven't you?' I ask, feeling Tiago's arms tense around my waist.

Alessio looks at me and frowns, before grinning to himself.

'Because they both look like they would slit my throat in front of anyone if I even think about looking at you the wrong way.' Right...

'But I'll leave it for what it is, we'll introduce each other later.' He continues, before walking off.

I turn to Rio and frown, wanting to know what he wants with Rio and how he's his stepbrother.

Because so far, I didn't know there was another Curzio alive. But he's not a Curzio...

He's a Moretti.

A name I've never heard of before.

'Get him to leave.' Rio commands, looking at Tiago who's still holding onto me tightly. 'No.'

Fucking hell...

I like annoying Rio most of the time, but today won't be one of those days.

It's his wedding day, he doesn't deserve it today.

'What-' 'Marcello invited him, I can't just send him away.' Tiago counters, nodding his head at some people that are waving at him.

'I don't care who invited him, make. him. leave.' Rio demands.

But Tiago sticks behind me and simply shakes his head at Rio. 'I swear to god, I will kill-'

'You look handsome as well, but I have to go and look for the others.' I say as I slip out of Tiago's arms, quickly walking off as they bicker about how they're going to get rid of Alessio.

Daniela slowly starts directing the guests toward the garden, making sure all one-hundred-fifty seats are filled.

The whole crowd is silently waiting for the ceremony to start.

Marcello walks down first, greeting every row as he passes them, before stepping behind the altar.

The music starts, something light- a mix of a cello and piano that sound very familiar.

We left the music to the bride and groom, but I just know Leya picked it out.

Because it's A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.

And I know that she has been obsessed with it ever since she heard it in Twilight.

But it's perfect and I expected nothing less.

I look at Isabelle, who's standing across from me, while we're both waiting for our moment to walk down the stairs.

Isabelle nervously looks around, trying to straighten her dress even more. 'You look great, calm down.'

She smiles and hooks her arm around mine when she hears the music, our cue, and leads me down the steps.

I try to keep my balance as everyone looks at our every step. All the way to the front of the altar.

Marco and Tiago smile at us, making me blush before I turn around to face the mansion and everyone else.

I peek at the crowd, noticing Celine all the way in the front next to an empty seat that's probably reserved for Ariana, and Theo.

Vincent, Killian, and Brandon are seated there as well.

As the song goes on for a few seconds, I notice everyone turning to the mansion, and watch as Rio walks down the aisle.

He needs to wear light colors more often.

Rafael strides his way down the aisle, making some people snort. Because he wants to get this over with.

He wants to make her his wife already.

I keep my back facing the mansion and look at Rafael, who looks nervous as hell.

'You okay?' He takes a deep breath, slowly looking up at me.

'Do I look okay?'

'Not really, but you know-' He rolls his eyes, making me chuckle lightly.

I don't think I've ever seen him this nervous, not even for when we got her back.

Victoria walks down the aisle with a small basket in her hands, throwing white rose petals on the floor, before she walks over to a seat next to Vincent.

I smile at her and give her a small wave when she waves at me with a big smile on her face.

The doors open and as the music gets to its climax, I notice everyone turning to the door, but I can't take my eyes off Rio.

He looks like he's about to faint.

He turns to the door and straightens his back, inhaling sharply.

I notice his eyes getting glossier by the second and can't help but snort.

'Don't tell me you're crying.' I whisper, shaking my head a little.

'Shut it North, before I kill you.'

'Weren't you already supposed to do that?'

'If you want to, we could do that shit right now and-'

'Shut up you two!' Marco sneers, chuckling a little, making Rio and I laugh as well.

Everything feels good and happy and light.

I turn to the door and feel all the air leave my lungs when I see her.

The dress is perfect, beautifully made by Brandon. But I expected nothing less.

It's almost the same as the one he made the first time, a year ago.

A corset that looks like it's made out of flowers, tightly wrapped around her chest, with thin straps, keeping everything in place.

And a skirt so big that it's making me wonder how Ariana is even able to get so close to her.

Her hair is half up, half down, some diamonds pinned in her hair, her curls framing her perfect face.

A little gold eyeshadow and scarlet red lips, her full lips accented in the color that never looked better on anyone else.

She looks like an absolute goddess...

'Holy shit...' I mumble, feeling the tears well in my own eyes.

I turn the other way and blink them away, because I can't cry already, and hear Leya chuckle because of it.

She smiles at me and slowly walks up the steps, leading to the platform we're all standing on, before turning to her future husband.

Ariana looks at Rio and nods, before walking to her seat in the front row, next to Theo.

Everyone turns around and looks at her, as they should because she's stunning.

Marcello clears his throat, taps Rio on the shoulder, and smiles warmly at Cataleya, before nodding.

'We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, and to cherish the words which shall unite Cataleya Valentina Velez and Rafael Adriano Curzio in marriage.'

Rio can't keep his eyes off of Leya, and neither can anyone else.

But I wish I could take a picture of this exact moment.

Even though I came up with the rule of no phones, I just wish I could take a quick picture of the desperate look on his face.

'Marriage is the promise between two people who love each other, and who trust in that love, who honor each other as individuals, and who choose to spend the rest of their lives together.'

I wipe my tears and glance past the soon-to-be husband, to see Tiago looking at me.

He also has tears in his eyes, but he can't stop smiling.

'This ceremony will not create a relationship that does not already exist between you.' Marcello says, grabbing both their hands and squeezing them gently.

'It is a symbol of how far you have come since you two met. It is a symbol of the most beautiful things on the earth.'

Love.

'Trust, growth, and love.'

We all know he put the first two in there just to tease Rio a bit, but he seems to be able to laugh about it.

For now.

Marcello brings their hands together and lets go of them.

They hold onto each other as if it's the last time they ever get to do so, mostly Rio.

'I'd like you to think about the hands that you are holding, even if it's in your head, hold someone's hand.' Marcello says, mostly to the guests.

I notice Ariana grabbing Theo's hand, wiping her tears with the other, Kai tries to grab Celine's hand, but she grabs Vincent's hand instead, Killian confidently grabs Brandon's hand and I melt as I smile at them.

They seem genuinely happy.

Isabelle reaches out and I take her hand, smiling at her. She gives my hand a small squeeze, before turning back to Leya and Rio.

I slowly meet Tiago's gaze again, wishing that I could hold his hand right now.

But we're standing on opposite sides.

So I guess I'll just have to imagine.

'These are the hands of your best friend,' A smile creeps on his lips as he keeps his eyes on mine, warming me in the best ways ever, 'holding your hands on your wedding day. Promising to love you and to work together as you build your future together.'

The way those two look at each other makes me doubt the dress will survive tonight.

'These are the hands that will give you strength when you need strength, tenderness when you need tenderness, and love when you need love.'

Rio doesn't flinch at the word love the way he used to.

I even think he got used to it, maybe he's even enjoying it by now.

'These are the hands that will hold all those whom you love. These are the hands that years from now will still be searching for your hands, still seeking the love, encouragement, and support that each of you seeks from each other.'

Leya wipes a tear away, chuckling a little when she hears Brandon inhale sharply in the crowd.

She can't ruin her make-up.

I glance around the crowd, noticing some blue eyes that I thought I would never see again.

Nikolai is sitting in the middle of the crowd, staring right at me with a small smile playing on his lips.

He almost seems excited to see me.

But I look away as soon as I hear Marcello speak again.

'I honestly want to give my speech right now, but I'll wait until later.' Marcello chimes, lightening the mood, making everyone laugh a little.

'Who wants to start with their vows?' We all look at them, waiting for either of them to start, but they both stay silent.

'We'll do them in private.' Leya says, smiling sheepishly at Marcello. Oh?

He nods and smiles at Rio, before clearing his throat.

'You came here today to affirm your love for one another and formally acknowledge that which your hearts already knew...'

Rio a long time before Leya did apparently...

Marcello turns to Tiago, who stumbles back, before reaching for his back pocket.

He grabs two little white velvet boxes, before handing them to Marcello.

Rio goes first, sliding a simple ring, covered in diamonds of course, around her finger.

It's the exact same design as the engagement ring, matching the diamond and gold, but this one doesn't have a big ruby in the middle like the engagement ring does.

Leya slides a golden ring around his finger, making me realize that it's the exact same as hers, just a bit wider and with no diamonds.

But they match.

They fit perfectly together, just like in real life.

'That your lives are meant to be shared as one, that you are stronger together than you are apart, and that, for all your days yet to come, you wish to share together all life's joys and challenges, committed one to the other.'

Rio is still drooling over Leya, making me smile automatically as they turn to each other, hand in hand, with those shiny rings on their fingers.

'Cataleya Valentina Velez, do you take Rafael Adriano Curzio as your lawfully wedded husband?' Marcello looks at Leya with a big smile, waiting for her to say the words.

'I do.' She says, not taking her eyes off of Rio at all. 'And Rafael Adriano Curzio, do you take Cataleya Valentina Velez as your lawfully wedded wife?'

'I do.' Rio says, without hesitation. It's like he was waiting for Marcello to ask.

'I'm so happy that Rafael finally found his one and only.'

Leya starts blushing like crazy and can't stop smiling either.

'Therefore, it is my pleasure, that I now pronounce them husband and wife. You may kiss your bride!'

And they don't hesitate one second, going in for a deep, long, and passionate kiss, as if no one is watching.

Everyone starts applauding, some even start shouting, and I notice Nico whistling from his seat, before smiling at me again.

Once they're done kissing, Leya turns around to Isabelle and I, going for a warm hug.

'Thank you.' She whispers into my ear as she wipes her face just a little.

She's crying.

'You look like an absolute goddess.' I say when she finally lets go of me.

She smiles at me and gets swooped away before she can respond.

Holding each other's hands, the newlyweds make their way back to the mansion while everyone else starts applauding for them again.

Once they're out of sight, everyone starts talking to each other again. And Daniela asks us to help her guide the crowd back into the mansion.

So we help her out and watch as the crowd slowly fills the room with lots of windows looking out at the garden.

Leya and Rio are already seated at the front of the room, taking a bunch of pictures with the photographer.

There's a small line forming in front of them, ready to congratulate them on their wedding, and I'm astonished by how well everything's going.

'I told you everything was going to be fine.' Isabelle chimes as she walks up next to me.

I nod and look around the room, trying to find Victoria.

But I feel her small hands on my leg and slowly turn around to face her.

'You look pretty!' She exclaims as she walks around me and Isabelle.

'Says you!' I chime as I take her hand and make her turn a few times. 'I look like a princess.'

'You really do.' I laugh, before hearing someone tap something against a glass.

The line isn't halfway done, but everyone needs to sit down so they can go and cut the cake.

Rio decided he wanted to do the speeches before dinner, so everyone takes their seats at the big round tables around the room and looks at the small stage where they're sitting.

He gets handed a microphone, but won't take his eyes off of Leya at all costs.

So Leya takes the mic and taps on it, making it echo through the room.

'Hello everyone.' She chimes nervously, but still with a smile on her face.

Some people laugh around the room, but they're not laughing at her. They're laughing because Rio looks possessed by her beauty.

'Even though I just met most of you five minutes ago, I want to thank you all for coming to our wedding today.' She continues, looking around the room, 'Everyone looks absolutely amazing and I hope you'll enjoy this day just as much as I will!'

'That will be impossible.' Brandon whispers into my ear, nodding Leya's way, 'I'm glad she'll change before we go home, otherwise, the dress wouldn't survive the night.'

I shake my head and hear the music start again.

They cut up the three layered cake and make sure everyone gets a piece, before moving back to their own table.

The band moved over to this room and starts playing some songs. 'The first dance!' Someone exclaims, making Rio's head bolt the other way.

Everyone watches as they head to the middle of the room, lights shining right on them and them only, and start dancing.

The moment feels absolutely magical as they dance around the room as if they're the only ones in the room.

Tiago steps in, taking over for Rio. He rolls his eyes and hesitantly steps over to us, holding out his hand.

I give Celine a nudge and watch as she takes his hand and joins the others in their dance.

At some point I end up dancing in the circle as well, being twirled around by Vincent, then Rio, then Killian, before I'm finally able to step out of the circle and watch from a distance.

Leya follows me towards the side of the room and hooks her arm around mine. 'Did you know Rio has a stepbrother?'

She shakes her head with a smile on her face and takes a sip from her champagne. 'I just found out too, I had no idea.'

'I really didn't see it coming either.' She tips her glass towards me and smiles at some guests congratulating her.

I smile at the guests as well, wondering how she's so calm about everything going on.

Because I would've lost it a long time ago, especially without Ariana.

Wait- 'Where's your mom?'

I haven't seen Ariana ever since the ceremony ended.

Leya sighs deeply and my heart sinks a little. 'She's not feeling well because of the new medicine she's taking and I told her she should rest if she's not feeling well.'

Ariana would never leave Leya if there was any other way, which means that she's exhausted.

'At least the medicines are working?' I say, trying to stay optimistic.

But Leya just takes a shaky breath and says, 'Or it's making it worse.' No...

'Sorry- No sickness talk, I forgot.' She shakes her head at me and looks around the room with a soft smile on her lips.

'How does it feel to be a Curzio?' I ask instead, trying to lighten the mood at the fact that she just got married.

She smiles brightly and pulls me even closer, not once taking her eyes off her husband, who's standing on the other side of the room. 'You could be one too, you know?'

I playfully roll my eyes at her and shake my head, 'Not until it feels right.'

She takes another deep breath and takes a step back, looking right at me.

Her eyes are suddenly teary, as if she'll break down and cry any second now. 'I'm sorry, I-'

'I will miss you, so fucking much.' I pull her into my arms, realizing that the dress just shapes around anyone that gets too close, and barely keep my tears in. 'I'll miss you more.'

'Impossible.' She whimpers, making me curse at myself for making her cry at her wedding. 'No, you're the only one who didn't get tired of my shit so far- or at least you stuck around even though I didn't deserve you ninety percent of the time.'

'Shut up.' She says, smiling as she quickly wipes her tears and leans back to look at me.

I wipe a few tears away as well, feeling my heart burst at the look on her face.

Even though she doesn't want me to leave, I know she'll manage. If anyone won't be able to manage, it's going to be me.

But I know she's going to be absolutely fine because she has a family. She has a husband, she has Brandon, Celine, Marco, and Tiago. She'll be perfectly fine.

Brandon makes his way over to us and frowns when he sees me wiping my tears again. 'Don't tell me- Leya, did you cry?!'

People turn their heads our way, making me smile at them for a few seconds. 'No...- Maybe.'

'Oh god, come with me! We have to change anyway.' He says, pulling her back to the bridal room.

She gives me a small smile, before disappearing into the crowd.

I take another glance around the room and notice Nico talking to Alessio.

Do they know each other? Did Nico know Alessio is related to Rio?

I wait for Leya to return and talk to some of the guests who come up to me. They ask the same questions.

Who am I and how do I know the Curzios?

Tiago sees me and instantly heads my way, wrapping his arms around me as he pulls me away from all the questioning guests, and onto the dancefloor.

'I told you we would be together again..' He whispers against my skin.

'You look absolutely stunning cara..' Oh god... I want to go somewhere private with him, but I can't do that today, even though she's too busy eye fucking her man.

Because everyone has been watching Rio look at her, but the way she looks at him is something else.

'They look happy, don't they?' I ask, trying to change the subject because otherwise, I'll jump him in front of all of these people.

He chuckles and twirls me around, before pulling me back against his hard chest. God, I'll miss him...

'They are.' He mumbles, pressing his lips against my shoulder.

I gasp for air and smile against his chest, trying to not make a sound since there are a bunch of people around us.

No one seems to care, everyone is busy dancing and the music is way too loud for them to hear a thing.

'I'm going to miss you so much.' He nods and presses his head on mine, wrapping his arms around my waist tightly.

'I'm sorry.' I wish he wouldn't be. It would make all of this a lot easier.

I lean back so I can look into his eyes and melt.

Tiago never meant for any of this to happen, but it did. And thanks to that I started liking Rio. I finally started unraveling the truth about my family's death. I finally found the answers I didn't know I was searching for.

'Don't be.' I whisper before pressing my lips on his. It's the most tender kiss, but it's perfect.

His hands travel up to my face, cupping them in the most gentle way ever.

'I love you Tiago..' His eyes open wide at my words, not that I haven't said it before. It's just different now.

As if this is all that we needed, the finishing touch.

'I love you too Neveah..' I wrap my arms around his waist and bury my face against his chest, hearing his fast heartbeat.

'Sorry to ruin the mood, but Rio wants to talk to you.' Brandon sighs, before holding out his hand to me.

Tiago sighs deeply and rolls his eyes, before heading to Rio since he wanted to talk. I wonder what's wrong now...

'Are you going to leave me standing like this all day?' I smile at Brandon and grab his hand before he pulls me closer. 'Weren't you helping Leya?'

'She's done already.' He chimes as he turns me around, so that I can look at Leya.

She's wearing a shorter dress now. Still red and still perfect.

It makes her look like a doll, the way her body just fits into the dress perfectly.

'She's-' 'Beautiful, I know.' Brandon finishes, before turning me back to him and twirling me around the dancefloor.

We dance around the room for a while, enjoying the evening as the sun slowly goes under, and talk about everything that happened.

Brandon feels like a brother to me, even though we're not blood-related.

I guess it's right what they say about blood. It doesn't make you related, moments like this do.

And hell will I miss him...

'Do you want to grab a drink?' He asks after a while of dancing around the room. I nod and pull him towards the bar.

I quickly glance around the room and stop at Leya who's talking to Celine.

They look absolutely stunning.

Just when I decide to go and talk to them, I notice someone entering the room.

Someone that is not supposed to be here. Shit!

Hunter walks deeper into the crowd, keeping his left hand inside his jacket.

How the fuck did he get in?

And of course, he shows up when everything was going perfect.

'Brandon, where is Rio?' I ask, but it's too late. Hunter's already storming towards the newlywed couple on the other side of the room.

'Is that-' 'We have to get everyone out of here.' Brandon grabs my arm before I'm able to make my way over the others.

'Leya!' I shout barely loud enough with everyone talking around us, hoping she'll hear. She turns towards me and meets Hunter on her way.

And my heart sinks when I notice him aiming his gun at someone.

Rio.

The music stops and people start running towards the exit, but it's no use. There are more people, dressed in all black, blocking the way out.

'No!' I run over there, ignoring Brandon's advice not to and push myself through the panicking crowd.

A loud bang, just a single shot, and everyone falls to their knees, protecting the children and their own heads.

Everyone except me. I look at Leya and see how she starts screaming at people surrounding her, but I can't hear a thing.

I follow her gaze to the person on the ground. He's bleeding.

Tiago is bleeding.

My heart starts racing like crazy and I jump over all the people that are crying on the ground as the shooting continues.

I don't care if I get shot, I need to get to him.

'Tiago!' I shout as soon as I get to him. I press my hands against his wound and hope that it's enough to stop the bleeding for now.

He's been shot in his shoulder, and he's trying to get back up.

'Get out of here now!' I shake my head and stay close to him. 'I'm not going anywhere.'

'Neveah please-' I shake my head again and feel the tears streaming down my face. 'We have to go and-'

'Sad isn't it?' A deep voice says. A voice I didn't think I would ever hear again, 'Pathetic even.'

I turn around to face the monster himself.

Hunter walks over to me and grins like the devil he is. I never thought anyone could be worse than Rio, but Hunter. Hunter is something completely different. He's the devil.

'I'm going to fucking-' Tiago pulls me back, trying to keep me safe as if he didn't get shot at all. 'Adriano!'

I look around the room, but everyone is panicking and I can't see him. I can't even see Leya who was standing not so far away from me just a few seconds ago. 'Where's Ley-'

'See, I thought about this for a long time. I wanted to kill Rafael, but this is way better.'

'Fuck you.' I sneer, before Tiago pulls me back through one of the halls.

But that doesn't stop Hunter from following us. 'We have to get out of here.'

'We have to kill him.' I never wanted to kill anyone as much as I want to kill Hunter Steel.

He murdered my family. He took my best friend and made her go through hell. He deserves to die.

'I get that you want to kill him, but we need to get to safety first.'

'What if we just-' A bullet flies right past us and I can hear more people screaming behind us. 'Get down!'

Tiago pushes me behind a pillar, hiding behind another one himself, before pulling his gun and checking to see if it has enough bullets.

'Are we really going to play hide and seek?' Hunter asks, entering the big hall that was meant for the staff, 'It's not like I didn't just see you two enter this room.'

Tiago puts his index finger in front of his mouth and looks me directly in my eyes, mouthing 'Stay quiet.'

I do as he says, holding my breath as well. As if that won't make him kill us when he gets the chance.

Tiago takes a deep breath and rushes to the next pillar, shooting a bunch of bullets at Hunter as he does the same.

I almost shut my eyes, afraid of him getting shot, but I can't. It's too much.

Please...

I want to distract Hunter and just let him shoot me, but I know he won't stop at me.

Suddenly the shooting stops and I look in the direction Tiago ran towards, wondering where he went.

Stay quiet. I want to call out for him and see if he's okay. Stay quiet.

Fucking hell.

I've never wanted to shout more. Stay quiet.

It's not that hard, I just- 'Look at you!'

I inhale sharply when I feel the end of a gun pressed against my temple and slowly look at the person holding the gun.

It's not Hunter, but it's definitely one of his men.

'Get up.' He sneers, pulling me closer as he keeps the gun on my temple. 'What's your name?'

I stay quiet and look around the room, trying to figure out if there's some way I can get out of this.

'Answer. Me.' He grunts, putting more pressure on my temple.

My heart drops when I see Tiago appear at the end of the hall, blood covering his used-to-be perfectly white suit.

'Move and I'll shoot.' The man holding me sneers, wrapping his disgusting arm around me.

I try not to panic, but I suddenly feel faint.

It might be because I barely ate anything, or because his grip on me makes me think back about- No... Please not now...

'Let her go.' Tiago says, pointing his gun at the man holding me.

I feel his chest rumble against my back as he keeps me close, making my skin crawl.

'This is your girls, isn't she?' He asks as he moves his face closer to my neck.

I can feel his breath on my neck.

His fucking breath.

My knees give in and I almost drop, but he's holding onto me so I don't fall to the ground.

Get up. I fight the fear pushing me into a dark corner and look at Tiago.

He's like a light at the end of a tunnel.

We have to get out of here. We have to find Leya and Rio and everyone else.

I can't let him scare me.

'Drop the gun and let her go.' The man holding me laughs again and starts humming a random song.

'She's your girl,' He hums, slowly pushing my face to the side with the gun, 'She's Neveah.'

Something takes over me and my heart starts racing again.

'Hunter told us we could do whatever we want with her.' No.

Before I fight back, before I risk it all and wait for the bullet to burst through my skull, a single shot is fired.

And I'm released.

The body of the man tumbles to the side as he slowly takes his last breath.

Vincent's standing behind me, his gun pointed in my direction, and looks at me.

'Are you-' I feel a strong set of arms wrap around me, before turning back to Tiago.

'Are you- Cara, tell me you-' I nod and take a shaky breath, before looking at the man who just touched me.

His blood pools around the floor, staining our shoes.

'I'm okay.' I mumble, before looking at Vincent. 'Thank you.'

Tiago nudges me towards Vincent and takes a step back, before dragging the man's body to the other side of the room.

'What are you doing?' I ask, confused as to why he's doing that instead of searching for the others.

'Get her out of here.' Tiago says, making Vincent nod and grab my arm. What- 'What about-'

Before I can finish my sentence, Tiago starts shooting at the already dead guy on the other side of the room.

'Neveah, come with me.' Vincent says as more shots sound in the distance.

I want to stay, but I don't have a gun. I'll only get in the way.

'Now!' I follow Vincent through the halls when I notice people heading towards our room.

Tiago stays behind, but Vincent pulls me into one of the rooms and shuts the door just in time.

They shoot at the door and we barely avoid them as we shove one of the chairs in the room in front of the door.

The shooting stops after a few seconds, making me wonder who's behind that door.

I reach for the door, but stop when I hear Vincent groan behind me.

He looks at me, his shirt suddenly staining redder than it was already.

He's bleeding.

I catch him just in time and drop to the ground with him, pressing my hand on the pool of blood forming on his stomach. 'Vince-'

'It's okay.' He mumbles as he places his hand on mine, 'It's going to be okay.'

I shake my head and watch as he smiles at me before he groans out in pain.

He's trying to stay as silent as possible, just in case, it's not the Curzios who are the ones behind the other side of the door.

'It is, just stay with me, okay?' He nods and keeps his breathing as steady as possible. 'You're going to be okay, just- Fuck.'

I can't stay calm the way he is. I can't tell him he's going to be okay.

Because he's losing a lot of blood.

He's losing it fast.

'Veah-' He coughs and grabs my hand, squeezing it tightly. 'No-' I can't let him do what he's about to do.

I've been here before and I can't do this again.

'It's not fair.' I sneer, looking away for a split second in hopes he won't see my tears, 'Shut up and just- stick with me, okay?'

'If I don't get the chance-' No... He coughs again, his body trembling as he fights the pain, 'Tell Celine I love her.'

'Tell her yourself.' I say as the tears stream down my face, onto his chest, 'Just wait until-'

'Tell her to move on, she-' He gasps for air and almost chokes, 'She deserves the world.'

'Vincent, please- Fight through the pain, please.'

I hear footsteps go past the room we're in and hold my breath again, feeling him squeeze my hand as well.

The footsteps fade, making him gasp for air.

'Go travel.' He groans, lifting his hand towards my face and wiping a tear away, 'Go find yourself again.'

I shake my head and watch as his arm slowly drops to the ground. 'Vincent-'

'It was an honor.' He mumbles, fighting the pain for just another second, 'Make sure everyone's happy, and Celine-'

I watch as the light leaves his eyes, his body going limp in my arms.

And the air turns thick and heavy.

I shake his body, hoping that he's just resting because that's what he looks like.

Like he's resting.

'Vincent.' I whisper as the shooting outside starts again.

It's loud enough to cover my sobs as I hold onto his body, waiting for him to wake up and smile at me like he always does.

But he doesn't.

I don't know how long I stay seated with Vincent's body on my lap, but I ignore the pain in my arms and back, unable to move in any way.

It's until I hear the door open behind me that I realize the shooting stopped again.

'Veah-' It's Marco. He stops and gasps for air when he sees me, 'Mio Dio.'

I can't let go. I can't breathe. I can't do this.

'Neveah, we have to-' I shake my head and look at Vincent's body in my arms, 'It's okay-' 'It's not.'

Marco stays by the door, taking a deep breath. 'He's fucking dead.'

'We have to go.' He insists, slowly moving closer. Fucking hell...

I shake my head and feel his hand on my arm, realizing that he's kneeling at my side. 'Come with me.'

'We can't leave him like this.' I cry, unable to let go and walk out like this didn't happen. 'I'll come back for him once you're safe, I promise.'

'Celine-' She'll break... I can't do this to her, she doesn't deserve this, and- 'Veah, we need to leave now.'

He grabs my arm and pulls me up, forcing me to let go of Vincent. I can't help but cry as he drags me through the room, my body going numb once again.

I can't do this...

This pain, this loss...

'Leya-' 'We have to go!' He sneers, hearing the shooting on the other side of the mansion.

I can't leave without Leya. What if she's injured?

I wipe away my tears and look into his eyes as he pushes me further out of the mansion

'She's-'

The doors swing open and Rio is standing there. He looks at me for a second, before shooting at someone behind us. 'Get down!'

I drop to my knees, hiding behind a pillar once again as the air seems to dissolve around me. I hear an explosion in the distance, wondering if there will be any survivors.

Everything's a mess and I don't know where Leya is and- 'North, get to the car.'

Rio pulls me up, quickly reloading his gun as he shoves me toward the door.

'She's there.' He says, before turning back to Marco, 'Andiamo.'

I force my lungs to fill with air as I make my way to the car waiting in front of the house.

Leya points a gun at me when I open the door. She looks terrified but ready for anything.

She almost drops the gun when she realizes it's me and pulls me into the car. 'Thank God!'

I start sobbing in her arms, unable to stop even though I already cried my eyes out a few seconds ago.

'It's okay, we're safe.' Isabelle trembles, a cut going up her arm. 'Not all of us.' Celine says, looking back at the mansion.

I look around the car, realizing that Celine is sitting across from us, next to Isabelle, and Brandon's driving.

They all look like a mess, Leya's red dress has dark stains because of all the blood, Celine's dress is ripped and she has a cut running up her leg.

Just as we're about to drive onto the highway, a fire starts at the mansion. With soon after a big explosion, burning down half of the building as the other half continues to burn.

My heart drops to the ground and I gasp for air. No. No. No.

Guys... Please be safe...

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A/N: .....

DO NOT KILL ME PLEASE.

I'm banned from tiktok until monday so... yeah.

Love you guys <3

Have an amazing day/night (even though I left the chapter like this)