FORBIDDEN LOVE

The Pasquale estate was a huge luxurious mansion in the heart of Philadelphia, its beauty an evidence of the family's power and wealth. The mansion had beautifully carved stone walls, large windows, and a stunning garden that was always well maintained. The gardens were always maintained, the halls adorned with priceless art, and the air was always filled with a weak scent of expensive cigars and old money. Adriana Pasquale stood by the long windows of her bedroom, her pale blue eyes were fixated on the garden directly below her bedroom. The soft glow of the moon shone on the carefully cut hedges and blooming roses, creating a peaceful atmosphere. She looked very quiet and peaceful but Adriana's mind was far from peaceful. Her heart skipped every time she glanced at the clock on the wall. It was almost midnight, and she knew he would come. Marco DeLuca. A highly rated member of La Mano Nera, and Luca Vincenzo's most trusted lieutenant. He was tall, lean and muscular young man with an athletic build. His contoured features and strong jawline made him look even more handsome. His appearance was striking, perfectly combining charm with a dangerous edge. He was quite an ambitious man who felt he could achieve a lot for himself, yet remained loyal, and fiercely protective of the Vincenzo family. The thought of him alone always sent shivers down her spine. He was everything she ever wanted. Warm, attentive, and passionate. Marco's eyes burned with a fire that made her feel alive. Every time he looked at her, she felt like she was the only person in the world. Their affair had started innocently and unexpectedly enough, an unplanned encounter in the gardens one evening when she had been crying over the death of her mother. Marco had comforted her, and one thing had led to another which brought them to where they were currently. A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts and back to reality. Adriana's heart skipped multiple beats and she stood up hastily and hurried to the door, her silk nightgown kept swishing around her ankles. She opened it just enough to peep from, and there he was…Marco, his dark hair slightly trimmed, his green eyes filled with longing of her. 'You came," she whispered, struggling to get her voice which had a trembling mix of relief and excitement. 'I told you I would," Marco replied, his voice lower than Adriana's. He stepped inside, closing the door quietly behind him. The moment the lock clicked, Adriana threw herself into his arms, her lips meeting his in a desperate kiss. Marco's arms wrapped tightly around her, holding her close as they kissed. Marco's hands caressed her body gently. He kept pulling her closer as if he was trying to push her into his own body. 'I've missed you," Adriana murmured against his lips, her fingers gently pulling his hair. 'It's been too long." 'I know," Marco replied, his breath warm against her skin. 'But we have to be very careful. If anyone finds out we could be in real trouble and you know it" 'I don't care," Adriana interrupted, her voice fierce. 'I can't keep pretending, Marco. I can't keep living this lie. Luca doesn't love me. He never will. He has never thought of me in that sense I'm very sure. But you… you make me feel like I'm something." 'You know I love you so much, and I can never love Luca" Marco covered the sides of her face in his hands, his expression softening. 'You are worth everything, Adriana. More than you may even know." Their lips met again, the kiss was deeper than the previous ones, as the world outside faded away in their mind. For a moment, it was just the two of them, lost in each other. But reality was never far away… 'Knock knock" A soft knock on the door made them both freeze, their hearts pounding together. Adriana's eyes widened in panic as she stood there, her mind kept racing and she was very confused. 'Who is it?" she called out, trying to keep her voice steady. 'It's me, Adriana," came the voice of her father, Matteo Pasquale. 'I need to speak with you." Adriana's stopped at that instant. She glanced at Marco, who was already on moving back slowly, his expression grim. He increased his pace, grabbing his jacket that he had dropped on the couch before slipping into the closet. Adriana smoothed her hair and took a deep breath before opening the door. 'Father," she said, forcing a smile. 'What are you doing here so late?" Matteo's sharp eyes scanned the room, his gaze lingering as if he was looking for something or… someone before settling his gaze on his daughter. 'You've been acting strange lately, Adriana. Tutti bene? (Is everything alright?)" Adriana's heart raced, but she kept her expression calm. 'I'm fine, Father. Just… tired. It's been a long day." Matteo studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he nodded, though his eyes still held a hint of suspicion. 'Very well. Remember, you're to marry Luca in a few months. It's important that you focus on your duties to the family, ricorda, la famiglia viene prima." Adriana's stomach rumbled at the reminder, but she nodded. 'I know, Father. I won't let you down." Matteo gave her a nod before turning to leave. 'Buona notte, Adriana." (Goodnight Adriana) 'Buona notte, Padre.," she replied, closing the door behind him. She leaned against it, her legs shaking as she tried to steady her breathing. Marco came out from the closet, his expression tense. 'That was too close." Adriana nodded, her eyes filling with tears. 'I can't do this anymore, Marco. I can't keep living like this." Marco crossed over to the part of the room where she stood, and pulled her into his arms. 'We'll figure something out," he promised, though his voice sounded unsure . 'We have to." As Marco slipped out of Adriana's room, he didn't notice the shadowy figure watching from the end of the hall. The figure lingered for a moment before disappearing into the darkness…