Chapter 20 I rose from my seat , my heart thundering against my ribs as I made my way toward Lorenzo . The sea of faces turned to watch me , but their judgment held no power anymore . Not with Lorenzos eyes locked on mine , drawing me forward like a beacon in the dark . His hand found mine as I reached the stage , warm and steady . The simple touch grounded me , even as whispers erupted through the crowd . While youve all been plotting , Lorenzos voice carried across the silent room , I found something far more valuable than any empire . His fingers tightened around mine . I found love . Real love . And tonight , Im proud to announce that this remarkable woman has agreed to become my wife . Gasps rippled through the audience . Well be married soon , Lorenzo continued , his thumb tracing circles on my palm . After I handle some … unfinished business . Consider this an early invitation to our wedding celebration . That is , once your little coalition inevitably crumbles . He smiled , but it held no warmth . I look forward to seeing which of you survive long enough to attend . The threat in his words hung heavy in the air . I felt the shift in the room the realization that Lorenzo wasnt just refusing to surrender . He was declaring war . Now then , Lorenzo raised his champagne glass , pulling me closer to his side . Shall we toast ? To new beginnings , and to those foolish enough to stand in their way . I basked in Lorenzos protective embrace , feeling like royalty for the first . time in my life . His strength flowed into me , transforming me into the queen I was meant to be . My gaze drifted across the sea of faces , savoring their stunned expressions , until- The champagne glass nearly slipped from my fingers . There , among the waitstaff , stood a familiar figure . The same server who had handed me my drink earlier was now pulling off his mask with deliberate slowness . It was him . My blood turned to ice as Dominics face emerged , his signature cruel Sun , 2 Mar smile spreading across his features . My fingers dug into Lorenzos arm . This couldnt be happening . Not here . But there he was , his green eyes boring into mine with that same possessive glint that had haunted my nightmares . Lorenzo , I whispered , my voice barely audible over the crowds murmuring . The room started to spin , colors blurring together like watercolors in the rain . My grip on Lorenzos arm weakened as my knees buckled beneath me . The faces in the crowd morphed into indistinct shapes , swimming before my eyes . Val ? Lorenzos voice sounded distant , as if coming from underwater . I tried to form words , to warn him about Dominic , but my tongue felt heavy and unresponsive . The champagne glass slipped from my fingers , shattering against the floor in slow motion . The sound echoed strangely in my ears . My body felt impossibly heavy . The lights above grew brighter , then dimmer , pulsing like stars about to die . I caught one last glimpse of Lorenzos face as he turned toward me his expression morphing from confusion to alarm . His strong arms caught me as I pitched forward .. Valentina ! His concerned face hovered above mine , features blurring at the edges . The world tilted sideways , darkness creeping in from the corners of my vision . The last thing I registered was Lorenzos panicked voice calling my name before everything faded to black . I blinked against the harsh fluorescent lights , the sterile hospital smell filling my nostrils . A familiar beeping sound echoed through the room the same rhythm Id heard a week ago when Id last been here . Lorenzos hand squeezed mine . Welcome back , amore . My throat felt dry , scratchy . What happened ? You collapsed on stage . Lorenzo brushed a strand of hair from my face , but something in his expression made my chest tighten . His eyes held that mix of relief and … something else . Something darker . The doctors said- He stopped mid sentence , his jaw clenching . What ? What did they say ? I tried to sit up , but my body felt heavy , uncooperative . Lorenzos thumb traced circles on my palm , but his gaze dropped to our intertwined fingers . The gesture reminded me of how hed held my hand on stage , right before … Dominic , I gasped . I saw him , he was- Shh , Lorenzo pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead . Well talk about that later . Right now , you need rest . I gripped his hand tighter . You were about to say something . What arent you telling me ? Lorenzos expression shifted , a flash of anger crossing his features before settling back into concern . He opened his mouth , then closed it again , as if wrestling with himself . Lorenzo , please . His eyes met mine , and the sadness I saw there made my heart skip . The doctors found … But again he stopped , his grip on my hand tightening almost painfully . Found what ? Lorenzo , youre scaring me . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!