776 The most powerful Mafia boss in New York was about to be blown apart by the woman he planned to marry—but my six-year-old daughter exposed her secret. Minutes later, he claimed us in front of five Mafia dons and declared a war that would change everything.**

Over the next two weeks, the war raged across state lines. Damiano’s forces dismantled the Romano network piece by piece, seizing their assets and dismantling their strongholds. Yet, despite his dominant victories, Damiano remained on edge.

The head of the Chicago operations—Victoria’s ruthless uncle, Lorenzo Romano—had vanished into the shadows, taking a squad of highly trained mercenaries with him.

Inside the cliffside villa, life felt like a dream wrapped in a nightmare. During the day, Damiano was a devoted partner and father. He played board games on the carpet with Emma, taught her how to play chess, and spent long, romantic evenings talking with me on the balcony. For the first time in my life, I felt truly cherished, protected, and loved.

However, the peace was shattered on a foggy Tuesday night.

The villa's internal security lights suddenly flickered and died. The emergency generators kicked in with a low rumble, bathing the hallways in red backup lighting.

Outside, the muffled sounds of gunfire echoed through the heavy fog.

Damiano burst into the bedroom, fully geared in a tactical vest, holding two weapons. "They bypassed the perimeter. Lorenzo bought off a local coast guard officer and came up the river cliff."

I pulled Emma behind me, my heart racing. "Damiano, no!"

"Listen to me, Sophia," Damiano said firmly, cupping my cheek with one hand and kissing me deeply—a fierce, passionate kiss that tasted of devotion and rain. "Take Emma into the panic room behind the wardrobe. Lock it from the inside. Do not open it for anyone except me."