The Rose & The Lion

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The lights of Milan blurred into streaks of gold and silver as Lia Romano sped down the highway, her heart pounding louder than the rain hammering the windshield. Each mile put more distance between her and the life she was leaving behind—the accusations, the heartbreak, and the man who had once been her world.

Dante Moretti.

Her fingers tightened on the steering wheel as his name echoed in her mind. Even now, even after the harsh words and cold stares that had driven her away, her heart betrayed her, aching for him. But this wasn't just about her anymore. She glanced at the small bag in the passenger seat—the results from the doctor, proof of the secret she would carry alone.

She couldn't stay. Not when he had looked at her with those piercing eyes, accusing her of something she hadn't done. Not when the walls of the Moretti mansion felt like a prison, suffocating her with guilt she didn't deserve.

The headlights of an oncoming car jolted her back to reality. She veered slightly, the tires skidding on the slick road.

"Focus, Lia," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling.

Her brothers had always told her she was too soft, too trusting. Perhaps they were right. She had fallen for Dante, the lion of Milan, knowing full well the dangers of loving a man like him. But she had believed in their love, believed that he would protect her against the world.

She hadn't expected that she would need protecting from him.

When she reached the edge of the city, Lia pulled over, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The enormity of what she was doing hit her like a tidal wave. Leaving Dante meant giving up the life they had built together, the dreams they had shared. It meant starting over from nothing, hiding her secret from everyone, even her family.

But she had no choice.

Lia closed her eyes, resting her head against the steering wheel. Somewhere in the distance, thunder rumbled, as if the heavens themselves disapproved of her decision.

"I'm sorry, Dante," she whispered into the darkness. "But I can't stay and let you destroy me."

The storm raged on as Lia started the car again, disappearing into the night—leaving behind the man she loved, the life she had known, and the secret that would one day bring her back to him.

This version focuses on Lia's escape and sets up the emotional stakes for the story, leaving readers eager to uncover the events that led to this moment and what will happen when Dante discovers the truth.

Would you like me to expand further on this or adjust the tone?

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thoughts?

welcome to my roller-coaster !!

if you like add it, add it to your shelves!

one chapter a day or two lesss gwooor ❤️

©️2025/01/17