Mina tuned into the radio, eager to catch up on the news she had missed, while she patiently awaited Kai and Sora's arrival.
Upon Sora's arrival, Mina was excited to finally meet someone from Kai's family, her curiosity piqued as she anticipated learning more about her.
Glancing at Denise and Jack, Mina couldn't help but smile to herself, sensing a connection between them that seemed destined.
"Planning the wedding already?" Mina quipped with a smirk.
Denise's annoyance was evident as her mouth dropped, while Jack's wide smile hinted at his hopes, hoping Denise would catch on.
Amused by their reactions, Mina giggled as Denise approached with tea, followed closely by Jack with the cups.
"You know, I think my boyfriend can wait. I wanna learn more about that Sora girl! But don't you think they've been in there for a while?" Denise pondered.
Agreeing with Denise's observation, Mina shared the sentiment, while Jack carefully poured the tea, offering his perspective.
"Kai hasn't seen a family member of his in a while! Give them some time y'all!" Jack suggested.
Both women nodded in understanding just as Sora and Kai returned to the living room, bringing a smile to Mina's face.
As Kai settled near Jack, leaving the spot beside Mina vacant, she warmly encouraged Sora to join her, while Sora was resisting the urge to roll her eyes.
"Hopefully, your chat was productive! Now, how do you take your tea? Warm, cold, or iced?" Mina inquired, her smile unwavering.
Sora, despite her annoyance, admired Mina's demeanor, though her jealousy simmered beneath the surface.
"Warm. I prefer it warm. Now tell me, Mina. How did it feel like to almost die?" Sora asked, her smile tinged with a hint of mischief.
Kai's eyes widened in surprise, prompting a subtle stiffening in Mina before she composed herself.
Jack raised an eyebrow at Sora's question, while Denise's gaze shifted awkwardly, leaving Mina to finally respond.
"Well, it was terrifying! Having my whole life turned upside down in a single day was not something I ever anticipated. But, you know, I'm just grateful to be alive. I owe a lot to God for that. So, no, it wasn't exactly a walk in the park."
"What about Leonardo? Was it fun when you snuck off to see him, without Kai's permission?" Sora smugly replied.
Sora's smug response about Leonardo caused Mina's smile to falter, and Kai tensed awkwardly, while Jack and Denise remained silent, their eyes cast downward.
As Sora observed Mina's dumbfounded expression, she smirked before turning her attention to Kai, fluttering her lashes seductively.
"I'd rather not dwell on that topic, if you don't mind. But let's shift focus, shall we? When did you arrive in town, Sora? Where are you staying, and for how long?" Mina redirected, masking her nerves.
Rolling her eyes at Mina's evasion, Sora ultimately answered before a knock on the door interrupted the conversation.
"I arrived the day you got shot, but I'll be staying here since Kai extended the invitation. And as for leaving, I'm not going anywhere. I've decided to make Las Vegas my permanent home!" Sora declared confidently.
Kai's eyes widened in surprise, unaware that Sora had such plans.
Questions flooded his mind.
Did she move here for him?
Did her uncle approve?
Was she even allowed to do this?
Mina nodded in acknowledgment as she absorbed Sora's words, her smile unwavering as Jack swung the door open, revealing a surprising guest.
Standing at the threshold was Carter, Denise's longtime boyfriend, prompting Jack's gasp of surprise.
"Hey, Jack! How's it going, man? Is Denise around? I've been searching for her everywhere!" Carter greeted, his smile infectious.
Jack swallowed a lump in his throat, returning Carter's smile with an awkward nod.
With a friendly pat on Jack's back, Carter made his way inside, greeted by Denise's joyful leap into his arms.
"Hey, everyone! Denise filled me in on the accident. I hope you're feeling better! Here are some flowers for you. Hope you like roses!" Carter presented Mina with a bouquet.
Gratefully accepting the flowers, Mina thanked him, unaware of Jack's silent disapproval.
Though Jack didn't harbor any hatred towards Carter personally, his affection for Denise clouded his judgment.
In Jack's eyes, anyone who had Denise's heart was his enemy, regardless of their generosity.
Their paths crossed three years ago when Denise joined the LVPD, and Jack had been smitten ever since.
Despite his unwavering determination to win Denise over, she remained committed to her relationship with Carter, a fact that fueled Jack's relentless pursuit.
As Carter engaged in light conversation with the group, both he and Denise bid their farewells before departing, leaving the group behind.
********
"Well, that was quite the gathering, wasn't it? How about we grab lunch real quick? Join me, Sora," Kai suggested, flashing a smile.
Sora reciprocated the smile and prepared to follow Kai when Mina intervened, holding her back with a firm grip.
"Leave Sora be! It's our responsibility to cater to our guest. How about you and Jack go instead? I'm sure Jack has much to discuss with you, right Jack?"
Mina redirected, casting a meaningful glance at Jack.
Jack solemnly nodded, while Kai shook his head, insistent on having Sora by his side.
Kai's worry stemmed from his fear of Sora revealing their relationship and his determination to keep them apart was important.
"Come on, Kai! Let's give the girls some space. I'm sure Mina's starving!" Jack interjected, a hint of annoyance in his tone.
Kai, feeling torn between his desire to spend time with Sora and his concern for Mina's well-being, expressed his frantic thoughts.
"Are you sure Mina? Don't you want to rest? Jack can keep you company! I want to show Sora the city!" Kai said, his urgency evident.
Mina happily reassured Kai, and before he could protest further, Jack ushered him out, leaving Sora and Mina alone.
As Sora smiled at Mina, she noticed her yawning.
"Feeling tired?" Sora asked gently.
Mina shook her head, attempting to conceal her sleepiness despite the persistent yawns.
"It's just my medication, for the pain and diabetes," Mina explained sheepishly.
"Oh yeah. I remember Kai saying something about you having diabetes. But don't worry! You can rest for a bit! My father is awaiting a call from me anyways." Sora replied softly,
Mina, initially hesitant, eventually nodded, knowing she would soon succumb to sleep.
"Alright then, thank you. There are snacks in the cupboards if you're hungry. Wake me if you need anything," Mina offered warmly before drifting off.
"Of course, Mina. Sleep well," Sora replied with a smile.
If Kai wasn't going to divorce Mina until she was healed, Sora decided to make Mina go away faster.
Once Mina fell asleep, Sora seized the opportunity to tamper with her medication, swapping it with sleeping pills, her sinister intentions lurking beneath a facade of kindness.
With Mina out of the picture, Sora and Kai would finally free to pursue their relationship without any obstacles.
********
"Mommy! Mommy! Nonno bought me new shoes! Can we go to the park today? Please, please, mommy?!" Jace's excitement filled the room.
Gabriella stole one last glance at the mirror, adjusting her dark red lipstick and taming her curls, determined to make a better impression on Mina this time.
"Those shoes are amazing, Jacey! Real leather? Nonno spoils you, sweetheart! And of course, I'm sure you thanked him," Gabriella praised, her smile genuine.
Jace beamed and bounced with joy, but his eagerness for the park remained undimmed.
"Of course, I thanked him, mommy! But you didn't answer my question! Can we go to the park? Please, mommy? And this time, you have to come with me!" Jace pleaded.
Gabriella sighed, and Jace's disappointment was palpable as he looked downcast, used to his mother's typical response.
Richie entered the room, offering a sympathetic smile to Gabriella, who knelt down to Jace's eye level, her heart heavy.
"Oh, honey. You know mommy can't be seen with you outside. Mommy's done bad things, Jacey. I've hurt people, and I don't want them to hurt you or know I have a son. You have to understand, baby.
Mommy wishes she could go to the park with you, but it's just not safe. I don't want to lose you," Gabriella explained, her voice trembling with emotion.
Tears welled up in Jace's eyes at his mother's words, and he hugged her tightly, motioning for Richie to join in.
Richie embraced them both, offering comfort and solidarity to his family.
"I understand, mommy. Everything you and daddy do, it's to keep me safe. And Nonno, Uncle Liano, and Uncle Leo too. I love you both so much! But, if it's not too much to ask, can you please stay home, mommy? I just want us to spend time together. We haven't had much time since we left home. Please, mommy?" Jace pleaded, his gaze pleading with his mother.
Gabriella felt torn, but Richie encouraged her with a nod, and finally, she relented.
"Alright, fine! Enough with those eyes, Jacey! I'll stay, okay?"Jace and Richie cheered with joy, and Gabriella couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth in her heart as she watched her boys celebrate.
As they prepared to head back to the hotel, Jace shared some news that caught Gabriella's attention.
"Mommy, let's go to the hotel! That Aurora girl you don't like is here, mommy! Hurry, before Nonno tries to join!" Jace urged urgently.
Both Gabriella and Richie chuckled at Jace's urgency before sharing a tender moment, their love for each other evident in their eyes.
"You're hot," Richie said with a smirk.Gabriella playfully fanned herself at the compliment before responding.
"I know, honey."
Richie's smile widened as he admired his wife's confidence, sneaking a kiss on her cheek.
"Jace is adorable, honey. Why don't we have another?" Richie suggested, his smile beaming.
Gabriella returned the smile, her heart swelling with love as she watched Jace play, realizing just how fortunate she was.
Turning to Richie, who wore an expression of hopefulness, Gabriella paused before responding to his question.
"Well... No. I don't want to be fat again, Richie! When I'm depressed about my body, then we'll get pregnant. Besides, I don't want to have baby feet! I can't fit into my stilettos honey! And you know how I feel about my stilettos! It's a crime not to wear them!" Gabriella explained before darting off to join Jace.
Richie chuckled softly at his wife's words, understanding her fears even though he knew deep down she wanted another child.
He knew that Gabriella worried about being able to love another child as much as she loved Jace.
But he was confident in their ability to expand their family with more love to go around.
********
After a nice long shower, Leonardo laid on the bed, and contemplated his life, as he remembered all the things Gabriella told him about marrying a Muslim woman.
While Leonardo wasn't religious at all, he didn't know how to feel.
Would he change his whole identity for a woman?
His entire belief system?
Was Mina even worth the change?
"Of course she is. Amina is worth everything." Leonardo reaffirmed himself.
He didn't mind becoming Muslim, although Leonardo's job went completely against Islamic teachings, which would make him a hypocrite.
Even though he didn't kill, Leonardo ordered the kills, helped with torture, and ruined lives.
Leonardo paused, his hand hovering over the door handle, a moment of hesitation creeping into his thoughts.
Was he truly ready to embark on this journey, knowing the complexities and sacrifices it entailed?
With a deep breath, he steeled himself, reminding himself of his love for Mina and the potential future they could share together.
Gathering himself, Leonardo adjusted his appearance one last time, ensuring every detail was impeccable for their meeting.
With a final glance in the mirror, he smiled, his heart filled with anticipation for the moments yet to come.
Leonardo sprayed on a bit of cologne, grabbed his wallet, and was about to head out of the door, until...
"LEONARDO? WHERE ARE YOU GOING?" Salvatore's voice sliced through the air, dripping with anger.
Leonardo froze, caught off guard by Salvatore's sudden appearance and sharp tone.
His eyes flickered nervously to Salvatore, his mind racing to concoct a plausible excuse.
Salvatore's gaze scrutinized Leonardo's attire, recognizing the telltale signs of formality that hinted at an outing.
"Wait. Are you leaving the house? You know I will have people following you, and reporting back to me, wherever you go. Watch yourself, son," Salvatore warned, his smirk oozing with authority and intimidation.
Leonardo's muscles tensed, a silent understanding passing between them.
He couldn't risk exposing Mina's whereabouts to Salvatore, not with the dangers lurking in the shadows of their world.
"I- no. I'm not leaving the house, pa. I just wanted to try on clothes for the uhm, wedding," Leonardo stammered, his words stumbling over each other in his haste to fabricate a convincing lie.
Instantly, Salvatore's eyes widened in surprise, momentarily thrown off balance by Leonardo's unexpected response.
He hadn't anticipated such compliance from his son, especially regarding the impending engagement to Aurora.
Yet, Salvatore knew Leonardo's compliance ultimately stemmed from a deep-seated sense of obligation, a weakness he could exploit to maintain control.
"Alright then. Come with me. Let's have a drink together, son," Salvatore suggested, a deceptive warmth creeping into his tone as he guided Leonardo towards the bar within their home.
Leonardo nodded slowly, his facade of compliance masking the turmoil churning within him, as he followed Salvatore to the bar.
"To your engagement, my son. Salute!" Salvatore's voice boomed, raising his shot glass in a toast.
Leonardo forced a tight-lipped nod, mirroring Salvatore's gesture outwardly while inwardly recoiling at the thought of consuming alcohol.
He hated drinking alcohol and wasn't going to start now.
With practiced stealth, Leonardo discreetly diverted the contents of his glass to the floor.
"Valentina would be so proud," Salvatore remarked, a wistful smile gracing his lips.
Leonardo flinched at the mention of his deceased mother, a pang of guilt and grief tugging at his heartstrings.
Nevertheless, he offered a hesitant nod in response, masking his inner turmoil beneath a facade of compliance.
"Yeah. I hope so," Leonardo murmured, his voice barely audible above the din of their surroundings.
Salvatore's laughter filled the room, a sharp contrast to the heaviness of Leonardo's emotions, as he unabashedly indulged in the vodka, his actions betraying his diminished tolerance for alcohol.
Before Leonardo could intervene, Salvatore seized the bottle with a sudden forcefulness, his tone shifting to one of solemnity and reflection.
"You know how much I've prayed for this marriage between you and Aurora? I could never brag about my son in front of people, but now I can! It's been so long since you've made me proud.
In fact, I don't think you've ever made me proud! But it doesn't matter, because this time everything I've prayed for is coming true. Only Gabriella has done me good these years. Don't you remember her first kill?"
Leonardo's throat constricted with unspoken emotion, his eyes stinging with unshed tears as Salvatore's words cut through him with a mix of pride and disappointment.
Blinking back the moisture threatening to spill over, Leonardo swallowed hard, the weight of Salvatore's expectations bearing down on him with suffocating intensity.
"Y-yeah. I-i remember," Leonardo managed to utter, his voice trembling with suppressed emotion, a silent vow echoing in his mind to prove himself worthy of his father's pride, no matter the cost.
********
Sicily, 1983
As the golden hues of the sunset painted the skies over Sicily, casting a serene glow across the island, one of its most affluent families savored the tranquility from their terrace.
Salvatore occupied a chair, his imposing presence softened slightly by the figure of Gabriella at his side, while Leonardo struggled to master the techniques of swordplay under his father's stern guidance.
Despite the gentle caress of the wind ruffling his hair, Leonardo found himself grappling with the weight of the sword, his attempts marred by repeated fumbles and missteps.
"LEONARDO! You can never get anything right, stupid boy! Talk to your brother Gabi. Knock some sense into him," Salvatore bellowed in frustration, his words laced with disappointment.
Gabriella's sigh carried the weight of understanding as she interjected, her voice a soothing counterpoint to Salvatore's harshness.
"He's only twelve, daddy. You don't have to put pressure on him now! Ever since the incident, you've been so hard on him. He's still grieving, so chill out," she implored, her gaze softening with empathy.
"Valentina is my wife! I knew her for years, but unlike him, I moved on! If I grieve, I do it alone!
You'll never feel the way I felt when she was gone. Why can't you just be a man, Leonardo? WHY?" Salvatore's anger flared anew, his words slicing through the air with a sting of accusation.
Leonardo stiffened, his jaw clenching against the onslaught of his father's words, determined not to succumb to the emotions threatening to overwhelm him.
He tried to be a man, but couldn't commit to the act all the time.
Leonardo was only twelve after all.
Though Gabriella attempted to keep the peace between the father and son, her efforts were met with resistance as Leonardo withdrew further into himself.
With a resigned sigh, Gabriella retreated to a nearby chair, her expression a mix of frustration and resignation, as she watched Leonardo grapple once more with the weight of the sword.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, a glimmer of progress emerged as Leonardo finally found his footing, his movements growing more fluid and confident under Salvatore's begrudging approval.
"There you go, Leonardo! Now move it faster, in a forward motion!" Salvatore's tone shifted, infused with a hint of pride as Leonardo's perseverance bore fruit.
As Salvatore and Leonardo continued their training, Gabriella reclined in her seat, her gaze lingering on the horizon where the sun dipped below the horizon, a silent witness to the complexities of family bonds and the unyielding passage of time.
As the tranquil scene unfolded before her, Gabriella couldn't help but feel a twinge of bittersweet nostalgia wash over her.
Salvatore's gruff demeanor softened as he guided Leonardo's hands into the correct position, a rare moment of tenderness amidst their tumultuous relationship.
Despite Salvatore's harshness, Gabriella knew that beneath the layers of anger and frustration, there existed a deep-rooted bond between father and son, forged by love and grief alike.
The loss of Valentina still hung heavily in the air, casting a shadow over their family dynamics as they navigated the uncharted territory of life without her.
Leonardo's solitary coping mechanism, his tendency to withdraw into himself, mirrored Salvatore's outward displays of anger and frustration, both manifestations of their shared grief.
Gabriella herself had undergone a transformation in the wake of Valentina's death, her once carefree demeanor replaced by a more guarded outlook on life.
As Gabriella contemplated the grim pattern of tragic deaths that had befallen the wives of the De Luca men, a chilling realization dawned upon her.
The haunting repetition of these untimely deaths, each occurring on the thirteenth day of the month, seemed too precise to dismiss as mere coincidence.
From Alessandro's mother to Carolina, and now Valentina, the eerie synchronicity of their fates hinted at a deeper, more sinister force at play.
The fact that the attacks were originally directed at Alessandro, only to claim the lives of his loved ones instead, added another layer of intrigue to the mystery surrounding the De Luca family.
Gabriella couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to these tragedies than met the eye, a dark legacy rooted in the depths of the De Luca family history.
As she pondered the implications of these chilling revelations, Gabriella couldn't help but wonder if the future wife of Leonardo would inevitably become the next victim in this cycle of death and despair, destined to meet the same grim fate that had befallen those who came before her.
With each passing moment, the weight of the truth bore down upon Gabriella, leaving her with a sense of dread and apprehension for the ominous future that lay ahead for the women entwined in the tangled web of the De Luca family legacy.
*********
As Salvatore's warm invitation broke through her reverie, Gabriella shook off her thoughts and joined her family on the balcony.
With Salvatore's comforting arm draped around her, and Leonardo's silent presence beside her, Gabriella couldn't help but feel a sense of solace amidst the quietude of the sunset.
As they stood together, witnessing the fiery orb dip below the horizon, Salvatore's eyes glistened with unshed tears, a reminder of the profound loss they had endured.
In that moment, Salvatore realized that his children, Gabriella and Leonardo, were the anchors that had kept him tethered to hope in the wake of Valentina's passing.
Though Salvatore cherished Leonardo deeply, he couldn't bring himself to vocalize the depth of his love and the fear of losing the last tangible connection to Valentina that remained.
For Gabriella, leaning against Salvatore's chest and watching the sunset had become a cherished ritual, a silent communion between father and daughter that transcended words.
However, as the atmosphere grew heavy with unspoken tension, Gabriella couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease that gripped her.
"Daddy? Leo? Is it just me who feels weird?" she ventured, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Salvatore and Leonardo exchanged solemn glances, silently acknowledging the calmness shared moment.
"Yes, actually. It does feel weird. But that's because you're turning seventeen tomorrow! My baby girl is all grown up!" Salvatore interjected, attempting to lighten the mood with a forced cheerfulness.
Gabriella's muscles tensed at the reminder of her impending birthday, the looming presence of March thirteenth casting a shadow over her thoughts.
How ironic, she mused, that both she and Leonardo shared the same ominous birthdate, though his was in October.
For as long as she could remember, their birthdays had been cursed with misfortune, a recurring pattern that defied explanation.
As Gabriella contemplated the eerie coincidence, a shiver ran down her spine, her gut twisting with a sense of foreboding for the day that lay ahead.
As the trio watched the mesmerizing hues of the sunset paint the sky, Gabriella couldn't shake the lingering apprehension that gripped her heart.
Her first birthday celebration with Salvatore had ended in a nightmare, a harrowing ordeal of being kidnapped by Kazuya.
The memory still haunted her, casting a shadow of fear over the prospect of another year passing.
Nobody knew what lay in store for her this year, and the uncertainty hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over their tranquil moment together.
In the fading light of the sunset, Gabriella couldn't help but wonder what fate had in store for her on this anniversary of her birth.
With each passing moment, the buzzing in the air seemed to amplify Gabriella's unease, a subtle reminder of the unpredictability of their world.
As the buzzing sound continued, Leonardo's irritation flared, prompting him to suggest retreating indoors to escape the encroaching chill.
"Annoying flies. Let's head inside, it's getting chilly," Leonardo grumbled."
"It's just a few flies, Leonardo. Man up," Salvatore retorted, his tone carrying a hint of annoyance.
Leonardo rolled his eyes in response, while Gabriella's sudden startle at the sound of buzzing filled the air with tension.
With a paternal smile, Salvatore gently reminded Leonardo of the weight of their family legacy, urging him to rise to the challenge and prove himself worthy of inheriting their prestigious estate.
"This entire estate will one day be yours, Leonardo. But you must demonstrate your worthiness. Now, show some strength. You're capable of more than this," Salvatore encouraged, his words laced with pride and expectation.
Amidst Salvatore's words of guidance, a sudden realization struck Gabriella like a bolt of lightning, shattering the tranquility of the moment.
In a fleeting moment, Gabriella's gaze darted away only to snap back in horror at the sight of an armed assailant perched menacingly on the roof, taking aim at Salvatore.
Despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins, Gabriella fought to maintain her composure, even as Salvatore's concerned gaze locked onto her with apprehension.
"Gabi, what are you doing—" Salvatore's words were cut short by the deafening echo of a gunshot, shattering the peace of the evening.
With lightning reflexes, Leonardo propelled himself into action, pushing Salvatore out of harm's way in a desperate bid to shield him from the lethal threat.
"WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! INSIDE THE HOUSE, NOW, KIDS!" Salvatore's voice rang out.
As the assailant leaped from the roof, landing on the balcony with chilling precision, Gabriella's heart pounded in her chest as she sought refuge behind a large plant, her breaths coming in shallow, panicked gasps.
Salvatore's eyes widened in grim realization as the menacing figure drew nearer.
In that moment, it seemed as though time itself stood still, the air thick with tension as the looming threat of violence hung palpably in the air.
But before the assassin could carry out his deadly intent, Leonardo, propelled by instinct and unwavering devotion, leaped into action, placing himself between his father and the looming threat.
"PAPA!" Leonardo's voice rang out, a desperate plea laced with determination, as he braced himself to confront the imminent danger head-on.
With bated breath, Gabriella watched in silent dread as the assassin hesitated, his finger poised on the trigger, before uttering a cryptic message that sent chills down her spine.
"Greetings from the Asah—" The assassin's words hanging in the air as Gabriella pulled the trigger.
In an instant the man fell to the floor, seemingly dead.
With trembling hands and a heart heavy with guilt, Gabriella faced the grim reality of her actions, the weight of taking a life weighing heavily upon her soul.
"I-i just k-killed s-someone. I JUST KILLED SOMEONE!" Gabriella sobbed.
In the deafening silence that followed, Leonardo's steady presence offered solace and support, guiding Gabriella to safety as the echoes of violence faded into the night.
As they retreated indoors, the harsh reality of their vulnerability sank in, leaving Gabriella to grapple with the haunting aftermath of her decision, and the realization that their lives would never be the same again.
**********
Salvatore's expression darkened as he yanked the mask off the fallen assailant's face, revealing a familiar face.
"One of Kazuya's little messengers." Salvatore muttered under his breath, his frustration palpable as he contemplated the implications of this brazen attack.
As Salvatore moved to dispose of the body, a sudden commotion drew his attention skyward, where another figure descended from the roof, hands raised in a gesture of surrender.
"Wait! Wait! I'm not armed. I just want to retrieve the body!" the newcomer pleaded, desperation evident in his voice.
Salvatore eyed the masked figure warily, his grip tightening on his gun as he prepared to confront this unexpected intruder.
"Who else is with you?" Salvatore demanded, his voice laced with thinly veiled anger.
"Nobody, I swear! It's just me," the masked man insisted, his tone tinged with urgency.
Salvatore's lips curled into a menacing smirk as he contemplated his next move, his gaze never wavering from the masked figure before him.
"Why shouldn't I put a bullet in your head right now? Show me your face, and maybe I'll consider showing you mercy," Salvatore taunted.
With a tense nod, the masked man complied, revealing a face that sent a chill down Salvatore's spine.
This was a face he never expected to see in the heart of Sicily.
It was Kazuya Asahi's eldest son, heir to the powerful Japanese Yakuza, a figure shrouded in mystery.
He was famously known as the "White Warrior" for orchestrating over eight deaths, all at the tender age of thirteen.
Including, Valentina's death.
Hi friends!!! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!!
I am so sorry for not posting! I'm pregnant with........A cyst!
No but fr, I've been sick for the last couple of days because of a tiny ovarian cyst that decided to disrupt my sleep one night, and cause everlasting pain for days!!
I can't promise that I'll update regularly again, because school is starting.
Even though I haven't started yet, the thought of college disgusts me.
Like thinking about it makes me physically ill.
But anyways, I want to have a little rant real quick!
Okay so I've seen people do their icks in different situations but today I want to talk about my icks in romance books/ shows.
1st ick is when there's one girl, and there are two guys that fall in love with her.
The reason: The girl will always choose the shitty man a thousand percent of the time!
2nd ick, when it takes like 50 chapters for the couple to finally fall in love.
*ahem, miraculous ladybug!* (also, isn't cat noir kinda..)
Reason: Ain't no body taking five years to fall in love with a handsome tall rich man. 😭
3rd ick is when the male or female lead is abusive and yet they'll still fall in love.
Reason: Nobody is gonna hurt me without catching some hands! But also, it's incredibly toxic and horrible to be in a relationship where you fear for your safety. :)
4th ick is when the main character is a bitch.
Reason: just because.
5th ick is when the character has a toxic best friend who gives bad advice.
Reason: It makes it so much harder for the characters to become a couple.
6th ick is when the male or female lead, kisses someone else if they're drunk, or if they're doing it to get spite the other lead!
Reason: It just ruins everything for me.
Now lastly, biggest ick of ALL.
"My girl best friend said... My guy best friend said.."
🤮
I'm sorry but that's just a no.
The best friend always falls in love with the main lead.
Ick ick icky ick.
Actually my last ick is the word ick.
I'm also not the biggest fan of first person pov. I prefer third person, because I have the ability to show the depths of so many other characters other than the protagonist! First person gets confusing sometimes too! But please tell me I'm not the only one who hates first person narrative!
Sorry for the long authors note!
But tell me your opinions in the comments!!
Till next time my dear readers!!