Omniscient POV

The Romano estate was unusually quiet the morning after Serafina's panic attack and her family's dramatic intervention at the school. Alessandro had issued a stern order: no one was to bring up Connor or the incident unless Serafina chose to talk about it herself. The family, protective as they were, respected his wishes, but tension lingered beneath the surface.

Serafina woke up later than usual, the events of the previous day weighing heavily on her mind. As the sunlight streamed through her curtains, she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling and replaying Connor's words over and over.

"You don't belong here, princess."

The words cut deeper than she wanted to admit. They echoed the doubts she'd harbored since returning to her family—the fear that she was too broken, too damaged to fit into their world.

A soft knock at her door broke through her thoughts.

"Fina?" Isabella's voice was gentle.

"Come in," Serafina called, sitting up and pulling the blanket around her.

Isabella entered, carrying a tray with breakfast: toast, fruit, and a steaming cup of tea. She placed it on the bedside table before sitting beside her daughter.

"How are you feeling, tesoro?" Isabella asked, brushing a strand of hair from Serafina's face.

"I'm okay," Serafina lied, avoiding her mother's gaze.

Isabella frowned. "You don't have to say that if it's not true. It's okay not to be okay."

Serafina hesitated before nodding. "I just... I don't understand why he hates me so much. I didn't do anything to him."

"Some people don't need a reason to be cruel," Isabella said softly. "But that doesn't make what he said true. You belong here, Fina. You're strong, and you're loved more than you know."

Serafina bit her lip, her eyes filling with tears. "I don't feel strong, Mamma. I feel... broken."

Isabella pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly. "You're not broken, my love. You've been through so much, but you're still here. That's strength."

Downstairs, Alessandro was in the living room with his sons, discussing Serafina's future at the school.

"I still think she should be homeschooled," Enzo said, crossing his arms. "It's safer."

"She doesn't want that," Antonio argued. "She likes being around people her age. Taking her out now would only make her feel more isolated."

"What she needs is a better security system at school," Dante added. "Aiden can't be the only one watching her back."

"We'll discuss it with her," Alessandro said, his voice firm. "This isn't a decision we can make for her. She needs to feel like she has control over her life."

At that moment, Serafina appeared in the doorway, looking hesitant.

"Papa? Can I talk to you?"

Alessandro immediately stood, gesturing for her to join him. "Of course, tesoro. What's on your mind?"

She glanced at her brothers, who were watching her intently, before saying, "Actually, I'd like to talk to all of you."

They exchanged surprised looks but nodded. Alessandro motioned for her to sit on the couch, and they all settled around her.

"I've been thinking a lot," Serafina began, fidgeting with her hands. "About school, about Connor... about everything. And I just want to say thank you. For coming to get me, for standing up for me. I know I haven't said it enough, but it means a lot."

"Fina," Luca said softly, "you don't have to thank us. You're our sister. Protecting you isn't something we do for gratitude—it's just what we do."

She smiled faintly. "I know. But I still wanted to say it."

"Is that all, tesoro?" Alessandro asked, sensing there was more she wanted to share.

Her smile faltered, and she hesitated before nodding. "I want to stay at school. I don't want to run away just because of Connor. But... I think I need help. I don't want to keep falling apart like this."

Her brothers exchanged glances, their expressions softening.

"Fina," Dante said, leaning forward, "needing help doesn't make you weak. It makes you smart. If you're ready for that, we'll do whatever it takes to make sure you get it."

Tears welled in her eyes, and she nodded. "Thank you."

Later that evening, the family gathered in the living room for a movie night. Serafina sat nestled between Dante and Enzo, a blanket draped over her lap. The laughter and warmth of the evening helped ease some of the tension she'd been carrying, and for the first time in days, she felt a sense of peace.

When the credits rolled, Alessandro stood and stretched. "Alright, time for bed, everyone. We've had enough excitement for one day."

Serafina smiled as her brothers began teasing each other about who had picked the worst movies in the past. She felt a surge of gratitude for her family, their unwavering support a balm for her wounded spirit.

As she headed upstairs, she realized that while the road ahead would be challenging, she wasn't walking it alone. And for the first time in a long time, she felt hopeful.