TRAPPED BY LOVE

tament to his determination and ruthlessness. This audacious move had garnered the attention of the criminal underworld. The rivals of the Bianchi family and their partners viewed Alessi

a cancer growing in its heart, and we have the power to cut it out." His father's face remained impassive. "Our family has rules, Alessio. These principles have kept us strong for generations. We cannot waver." Alessio's fists clenched. He had hoped his father would see reason, but he had underestimated the man's unwavering adherence to tradition. "Then," Alessio said with a determination that burned in his eyes, "I will do it alone." Without waiting for a response, he turned and left his father's office. The die was cast. Tonight, he would confront the darkness that plagued the city, even if it meant defying his own family. As Alessio descended the grand staircase of the family mansion, he couldn't shake the feeling that this decision would change his life forever. He could almost hear Marco's voice, urging him forward, and for the first time in years, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. A few days into the coming-of-age ceremony, Alessio was sent on a business deal by his father, stating that he is the only one right for the job, unaware to Alessio that it is one of his father's dirty schemes. But can he blamed? No, he was just fulfilling his fatherly duties towards his son's upcoming ceremony. On getting there, it was like they were expecting him, the thick wooden doors of the Rossi estate swung open slowly, unleashing a blast of lively noise from within. Music and raucous laughter spilled into the stormy night, a stark contrast to the dreary world Alessio inhabited. A burly servant eyed him warily. "The Don 'has been expecting' ya," he grunted, ushering Alessio into a lavish foyer. Oil paintings of past family members lined the elegant halls as Alessio was led deeper into the heart of the celebration, accompanied by men he was ushered down. He emerged into a grand ballroom filled with masked revelers dancing to a live orchestra, and he was given a mask. The Martinez celebrated anot