The rain hammered against the penthouse windows, blurring the city lights. Inside, the stillness was suffocating. She sat on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, eyes unfocused. Antonio Moretti, the feared head of the Moretti crime family, leaned against the wall, his dark eyes on her.

“You’ll make yourself sick sitting like that,” he said, his voice low with concern.

“I’m fine,” she replied, but her voice cracked.

Antonio crouched in front of her, softening as he spoke. “You’re not fine. You don’t have to pretend with me.”

Tears slipped down her cheek. “It’s just… everything. Him. The way he made me feel like I didn’t matter… Now, I don’t even know who I am.”

Antonio’s jaw clenched in anger at the man who had hurt her. “He doesn’t deserve to live in your head. You’re worth so much more.”

Her eyes met his, filled with doubt. “You don’t get it,” she whispered.

He reached for her hand, his touch warm. “You’re stronger than you think. You walked away. You’re smart, kind, and beautiful.”

Surprise flickered in her eyes as his words softened her walls. He leaned closer. “If you can’t see it yet, I’ll remind you every day.”

She leaned forward, resting her forehead on his shoulder. Antonio froze, then wrapped his arms around her.

“It’s okay,” he murmured, holding her close. “I’ve got you, bella.”

In his embrace, she allowed herself to believe in healing, in a future without the weight of the past.