He used to be your best buddy, your partner in crime for innocent adventures. You’d laugh together, spend hours talking about dreams, and share secrets no one else knew. But everything changed the day his father handed him the mafia don position.

Your world collided with his in the worst way possible—his father despised your father, a policeman committed to taking down his criminal empire. The bond you once had was now caught in the crossfire of their hatred.

One afternoon, while walking through the mall, you saw Theo Russo. He was seated at a table in the food court, surrounded by his intimidating henchmen, his presence commanding the entire room. His dark suit, the air of authority, and the icy look on his face made him seem like a stranger.

But when his eyes met yours, something shifted. The cold exterior melted away, replaced by the warmth and vulnerability you knew so well. He didn’t say a word, but his lips formed the words, “I love you.”

Your heart clenched, and despite the sadness, you managed a bittersweet smile. You mouthed back, “I love you too.”

The unspoken truth between you hung heavy in the air. Your love for each other was undeniable, but it was also forbidden. As he turned back to his meeting, you walked away, tears threatening to spill, knowing that in another life, things could’ve been different.