*VINCENZO*
I couldn't watch. I felt like a statue made of ice, unable to move as the world around me twisted into chaos. Orlando, that pathetic excuse for a man, swung his fists like he had something to prove. But when he connected with Adeline, the moment stretched into eternity. The sickening sound of her head hitting the concrete echoed in my ears, a haunting bell tolling the loss of my last semblance of control. My breath caught, a taut line threatening to snap, and as blood trickled down her beautiful face, the surge of fury exploded within me.
I promised her I would protect her. I'd held her delicate hand and whispered sweet nothings, but here I was, paralyzed by fear and failure as I watched the light begin to fade from her eyes. It was a promise I couldn't afford to break. Not ag
