Bab 56: Shattered Illusions
The soft hum of the car's engine did little to quiet the turmoil in my mind as I sat in the backseat, my thoughts racing. I could still hear Maria's taunts in my ears, and feel the venom in her words like an acid burning away at my resolve. But I wouldn't let it break me. Not now. Not after everything I'd been through.
I stared out of the window, watching the city lights flicker by in a blur, trying to steady my breathing. Every fiber of my being ached, but I couldn't afford to show weakness—not when so much was at stake.
The silence in the car was heavy, suffocating almost. I could feel the tension, the unspoken understanding between me and Dante. I didn't have to look at him to know his gaze was on me, his focus sharp, unwavering.
The events of the night had shaken me, yes, but they had also solidified something in me. I wasn't just fighting for my survival anymore—I was fighting for all of us. For everything Dante and I had built together, for the future we were supposed to have. Maria had crossed a line, and she would pay for it.
I felt Dante's presence next to me even before his voice cut through the silence.
"You handled her well," he said, his voice low and gravelly, a faint trace of approval in his tone.
I didn't look at him, keeping my focus on the passing scenery. "It wasn't enough. She's still out there. Still dangerous."
I could feel his eyes on me now, the weight of his gaze burning into my skin. He knew what I was saying—what I wasn't saying. I wasn't afraid of Maria. I was afraid of what came next. The battle between us wasn't over, not by a long shot.
"We'll take care of her," Dante said, his voice firm, his determination clear. "She won't be a threat to us again."
I clenched my fists, feeling the anger surge through me at the thought of Maria's games, her manipulations. She had played me for so long, twisted everything to her advantage, and now she thought she could win by breaking me.
But Maria underestimated me. And that was the last mistake she'd ever make.
"I'm not worried about her," I said, my voice steady, though a tremor of uncertainty slipped through. "I'm worried about the fallout. About what comes next."
Dante's hand slid into mine, a quiet reassurance, a silent promise that we were in this together. It was a gesture so small, so simple, but it meant everything. I squeezed his hand, grateful for the support, and the strength he always gave me.
"We'll face it together," he said softly as if reading my thoughts. "Whatever happens, we'll get through it. We always do."
I turned my head, meeting his gaze for the first time since the confrontation with Maria. His eyes were unwavering, full of confidence and resolve. In his presence, I could almost forget the chaos of the world around us, the danger that lurked in every shadow.
But I knew better. I knew that nothing was ever as simple as it seemed.
We pulled into the driveway of the mansion, the gates swinging open to welcome us back. The house loomed ahead, dark and imposing, but there was something different about it tonight. The air felt thick with anticipation as if the walls themselves were waiting for the inevitable confrontation that was coming.
As we stepped out of the car, I felt the weight of every decision we had made pressing down on me. I had chosen this path, and now there was no turning back.
"Are you okay?" Dante's voice broke through my thoughts, soft but full of concern.
I nodded, though the truth was more complicated. Physically, I was fine—maybe a little bruised from the confrontation, but nothing I couldn't handle. Emotionally, though, I felt like I was teetering on the edge of something I couldn't quite define. There was too much at stake now, and the pressure was almost suffocating.
"I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "Just... thinking."
Dante didn't push further, though I could tell by the look in his eyes that he wanted to. Instead, he simply nodded, pulling me into his arms. For a moment, I allowed myself to lean into him, to feel the steady beat of his heart against mine, to ground myself in his presence. The world outside might have been falling apart, but at this moment, I felt safe.
But safety was a fleeting thing, and I knew it wouldn't last forever.
As we entered the mansion, the atmosphere was thick with the same tension that had followed us all day. The staff moved with an air of caution, their faces tense, as though they were waiting for some kind of signal. It wasn't just Maria we were dealing with now. There were bigger forces at play, and we were in the eye of the storm.
I could feel the weight of every decision we had made, every person we had trusted, every betrayal we had suffered. And yet, despite everything, I couldn't shake the feeling that something—someone—was watching us from the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.
"Do you think she has allies?" I asked, breaking the silence that had settled over us as we walked through the hallway.
Dante paused, his hand tightening around mine. "I don't know," he said carefully, his voice low. "But I'm not taking any chances."
The sound of footsteps echoed through the hall, and I turned to see Matteo, one of Dante's most trusted men, approaching us. His expression was grim, his eyes dark with concern.
"We have a problem," Matteo said without preamble, his voice tinged with urgency. "Word is spreading. People are starting to talk."
My stomach tightened. I knew what he meant. The confrontation with Maria would have consequences—consequences we weren't ready to face.
"Who's talking?" Dante asked, his voice a low growl.
"The usual suspects," Matteo replied. "Those who want to see you fall. The ones who think they can take advantage of the situation."
I could feel Dante's anger simmer beneath the surface, but he kept his voice steady. "We'll deal with them, all of them. No one is going to undermine what we've built."
Matteo nodded, though his eyes betrayed his worry. "I've already made the necessary arrangements. But we need to act fast. The longer we wait, the more dangerous this situation becomes."
I looked between the two men, the weight of their words sinking in. This was more than just a fight for power—it was a fight for survival.
"We don't have time to waste," I said, my voice steely. "Let's end this, once and for all."
Dante's gaze shifted to me, a spark of admiration flickering in his eyes. He was proud of me, I could tell, and for the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of confidence rising within me. We weren't just fighting for our lives anymore. We were fighting for the future, for everything we had worked so hard to build.
And I would make sure no one would take it from us.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone