Chapter 124: A Night of Declarations and Danger

The dinner table rumbled with laughter, clinking glasses, and golden candlelight dancing on each of their faces. Alessandro was at the head, his fingers gently intertwined with Jacqueline's, a secret smile playing at the corner of his lips as he glanced her way. There was a spark of pleasure at his touch, the warmth seeping through even as she played it cool. Others were opposite them across the table-Romano and Ariel embroiled in some quiet conversation of their own-and Grandma Penelope watched, her eyes aglow with knowing fondness.


"I wanted to say something," Alessandro started in a voice even but laced with the obvious hint of excitement. "I know that in this family, we don't make a big deal of it as such, but…" Then he stopped as he looked in Jacqueline's direction. "Jacqueline, I want everybody here to know that you are officially my woman, and I intend to keep it that way."

was a moment of stunned silence, promptly cut into by the clinking of glasses and murmurs of approval. Grandma Penelope's eyes gleamed with delight as she raised her glass in toast.

"To Jacqueline and Alessandro!" She proudly declared, pride oozing from her voice.

"To Jacqueline and Alessandro!" Romano and Ariel chorused, raising their glasses with matching smiles. Jacqueline felt her cheeks flush, the warmth of the wine mingling with the surge of happiness Alessandro's declaration had brought.

As they sipped their wine, Romano suddenly set down his glass and leaned back in his chair-an amused smile crossing his face. "Well, since we are talking about announcements." he said, his eyes flicking to Ariel, whose eyebrows rose in surprise. "I think it is only fair that I make one too." He looked at Ariel closely, paying much attention to her reactions. "Ariel," he started, the glint in his eye mischievous, "I'd like to let everybody here know that you too are my woman."

The table fell silent for a heartbeat as all eyes turned to Ariel. She stared at Romano, apparently taken by surprise, before she burst out laughing, her cheeks coloring in a soft hue of pink.

"Well," she said, laughter coloring her voice, "I suppose I shall have to take that as acceptance, then." She raised her glass to him, her eyes shining. "To Romano and… me, I guess!"

Romano grinned, raising his glass in response to which everybody burst out laughing and clinked their glasses again. Grandma Penelope looked from one couple to the other-the pride and nostalgia welling up in her heart.

"Ah," she breathed wistfully, "to see the two of you with women you truly deserve… it's everything I could've wished for. It's not often that one finds true companions who will stand by their side; you both do.

Jacqueline exchanged a warm smile with Ariel; the feeling of unity was more palpable now. They hadn't spoken much about their relationships with Alessandro and Romano, respectively, but in those seconds, it felt as though they shared an unsaid bond, a sisterhood forged in friendship and knowledge of the complex world each girl had stepped into.

Suddenly, a sharp crackling pierced the evening air to be followed by the unmistakable sound of gunshots outside. Alessandro's head jerked up, his eyes going steely as his mind registered the sound. Romano pushed back from the table, his face darkening as he gave Alessandro a grim look.

Everyone down!" Alessandro yelled, commanding, as he pulled Jacqueline to the ground with him, shielding her with his body. Romano did the same, pulling Ariel under the table, as Penelope instinctively hunched down, her eyes wide but composed.

More shots rang out, this time even closer; the sound shook the windows and shattered the serenity of the dining room. Alessandro reached for the radio attached to his belt, shouting orders across to his security team. "Check all exits, secure the perimeter, and get us a safe passage out if necessary!

Jackie's heart was racing in her chest as she clung to Alessandro, terror and adrenaline coursing through her brain. "Who would do this?" she whispered, shaking.

Alessandro looked down at her, his jaw clenched. "There are many who would try to disrupt this family," he said low. "It's probably one of my father's old rivals or someone who hopes to take advantage of his absence.

Kneel beside Ariel, Romano exchanged a bleak look with Alessandro. "Do we want to attempt an escape?"
Alessandro's head turned. He looked at the bay windows that overlooked the garden. "Not yet. They may block all the exits. We wait until the security team confirms before doing anything else.

Under the table, Romano found Ariel's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Stay near me, just in case. Nothing will happen to you, I promise."

Ariel nodded, terrified at what was going on, yet her face set. "I trust you, Romano."

Penelope huddled on the floor, an air of serenity surrounding her despite all that was happening around her. "This family has been through worse than this," she whispered, her tone strange with strength. "We will get through it.

The shooting stopped, and the heavy footsteps coming towards the house took precedence. Alessandro pulled Jacqueline closer, his eyes darting to the entrance of the dining room. "Closer they get."

The sound of footsteps caught Jacqueline's breathing, and her heartbeat wildly. Alessandro's eyes, interlocked with hers, spoke in a low, deep voice: "Whatever happens, don't leave my side. Nobody hurts you, nobody touches you.

In an instant, Alessandro's earpiece crackled to life. "Sir, we have the main entrances secured, but it would appear they're trying to breach from the east side. Holding off, but would suggest you move to the safe room."

Alessandro nodded. "I understand. We go now." His gaze scanned the room as his tone turned urgent. "Follow me to the safe room. Stay low and stay close.

One by one, they crawled out from under the table, not a word spoken as they made their way to the hall leading to the safe room. Alessandro kept a protecting arm around Jacqueline while Romano took the lead for Ariel, his eyes scanning everywhere for any sign of danger. Penelope moved calmly beside them, her face masked with steely determination.

They, at last, reached the hidden door that gave entry into the safe room. Alessandro put in the code and swung it open, gesturing for everyone to go inside. When they were all in, he closed the door behind him, looking around at each of them for injuries.

Each took a deep breath as the weight of their situation finally hit home in that darkened room. Ariel was trembling, but she held Romano tightly, he gave her a steadying smile.

Jacqueline leaned against Alessandro, her heart finally slowing its racing. She looked up into his eyes, which were filled with a myriad of questions.

This is the life I've chosen," Alessandro whispered, his words a response to the question she had not asked. "And now, it's the life you're part of too. But I promise you, Jacqueline, whatever it takes, I will protect you."

She nodded as inside her, her resolution hardened. "I understand. I'm with you, Alessandro.