The city was alive with energy. Neon lights covered the streets, bright colors mixing with the darkness of night. Eli stepped onto the sidewalk, feeling tense. Everything felt louder, brighter, heavier. Laughter and music filled the air, but beneath it all, Eli felt uneasy. Since getting close to Leonardo Moretti, this feeling had never really left him.
As Eli walked through the crowd, his heart beat fast. Outside the fancy building where the media gala was being held, cameras flashed nonstop. Reporters shouted names, and people posed like their lives were perfect. Eli was here to support Leonardo, but something deep inside warned him that tonight wouldn't be simple.
"Eli!"
He turned and saw Mia rushing toward him, smiling brightly. For a moment, her presence made him feel lighter.
"You came!" she said happily.
"Yeah," Eli replied, forcing a smile. "I wanted to see what it's all about."
Mia studied his face, her smile fading. "Are you okay? You don't look fine."
"I'm okay," he said, though he wasn't sure it was true. "Just thinking."
She lowered her voice. "Eli… I know you're involved with Leonardo, but that world is dangerous. It's not just luxury and fame. The mafia doesn't forgive mistakes."
"I know," he said quietly.
"If you ever want out, or just need someone to talk to, I'm here," she added gently.
Her words meant more than she knew. But Eli was torn. Leonardo thrilled him, scared him, pulled him in all at once.
"I'll be careful," Eli said. "I think I can handle it."
Mia squeezed his hand. "Just don't lose yourself."
Inside the venue, music filled the air. The gala was full of wealth and excess—beautiful people, expensive drinks, loud laughter. But Eli could feel tension beneath it all, like a storm waiting to break.
Then he saw Leonardo.
Leonardo stood confidently near the front, surrounded by reporters and important people. He looked powerful, calm, untouchable. Pride and fear twisted inside Eli at the same time.
Eli walked toward him, feeling out of place among the polished crowd. When he reached Leonardo, the familiar scent of his cologne filled his senses.
"Eli," Leonardo said warmly. "I was wondering if you'd come."
"I almost didn't," Eli replied. "This place is… a lot."
"You'll get used to it," Leonardo said with a small smile.
As the night went on, Eli stayed close to Leonardo. He noticed people watching them, whispering. Some looked curious. Others looked jealous—or suspicious.
Then Eli noticed a group standing at the back of the room.
They didn't fit in. Rough-looking men with tattoos and sharp eyes. Eli's stomach tightened.
"Who are they?" Eli whispered.
Leonardo glanced over, his expression changing slightly. "Business associates."
"That doesn't make me feel better," Eli said. "This feels dangerous."
Leonardo turned to him. "You're safe with me."
Eli wanted to believe him—but fear refused to leave. He finally understood: his feelings for Leonardo weren't just love. They were tangled with obsession and danger.
As the gala continued, Eli felt trapped. The pressure, the attention, the risk—it was all too much. When Leonardo was pulled away for another interview, Eli felt exposed and alone. Cameras flashed. Eyes followed him. He wasn't invisible anymore.
He moved to a quiet corner, leaning against the wall, trying to breathe. Around him, people laughed and celebrated, but Eli felt isolated. He questioned himself—was this love, or was he losing control of his life?
Then everything changed.
A loud disturbance erupted outside. Shouting. Movement. Panic.
The room shifted from glamorous to dangerous in seconds.
Eli's heart raced. Without thinking, he pushed toward the chaos, searching for Leonardo. Fear and need collided inside him. Leonardo was his safety—and the reason he was in danger.
As voices rose and security rushed in, Eli realized the truth clearly for the first time:
He was no longer just in love with a powerful man.
He was part of a dangerous world.
And now, he would have to choose—
his freedom, or his heart.
Nothing would be the same after tonight.