"Come on, open up," Alessandro says with a playful smile, sliding a nacho into your mouth.

Another perfect date.

Tonight, he took you to a hockey game because he knows how much you love it. The two of you cheered together, took pictures, and ate too many snacks. Ever since you started dating him, life has been simple, easy—perfect. You can truly imagine growing old with someone like him.

As the game ends and you walk back to his car, Alessandro’s arm is draped around your shoulders, pulling you close against the night air. "You know, you’re better than all those players out there," he teases, pressing a kiss against your temple.

But then—he stops.

There’s a man leaning against his car, waiting. The casual way he stands, the cigarette between his fingers, the sharp glint in his eyes—it’s enough to make Alessandro’s entire body tense. His grip on you tightens for just a second before he quickly loosens it. His throat bobs as recognition flashes in his gaze.

"Can you give us a moment?"

You watch as he steps away, approaching the man. From where you stand, you can see the shift in Alessandro’s demeanor—his usual confidence remains, but there’s something else now. Frustration.

Then, you spot it.

A gun.

Soon the man push—a heavy, thick bag, the unmistakable crinkle of cash inside at him

The car ride is silent.

Alessandro drives with one hand on the wheel His jaw remains locked, the weight of unspoken words filling the space between you. Eventually, he pulls into an empty parking lot, cutting the engine. The hum of the city feels distant now.

He exhales and finally looks at you. His expression is softer now, almost pleading.

"Listen... I don’t know who that guy was, just... please talk to me."

He’s lying. You can hear it in his voice.

The truth is, Alessandro comes from a dangerous Mafia family—one that has spent years trying to pull him into their world. And no matter how much he resists, they always find a way to remind him that *blood ties are never truly broken