The city seemed alive around Eli. Neon lights reflected on the wet road as rain fell softly. Tall buildings surrounded him, cold and silent. Eli stood on the sidewalk, his heart heavy. Something felt wrong. The storm inside him felt worse than the rain around him.
He pushed his hands into his old coat and felt his lighter in his pocket. It reminded him of the life he had before Leonardo—a simpler life. Loving Leonardo had pulled him into a dangerous world, one that excited and scared him at the same time. Eli was beginning to understand that love wasn't always gentle. Sometimes, it was painful and confusing.
Suddenly, his phone vibrated.
Eli checked the message. It was from Anton—a friend who knew the darker side of the city.
Anton: I found something. Meet me at Milan's. Now.
Eli's chest tightened. Milan's wasn't a normal bar. It was a place where dangerous people met. His instincts told him not to go—but something inside pushed him forward. He needed answers.
Milan's was hidden between two tall buildings. It looked old and worn. Eli pushed the door open and stepped inside. The bar was dim and quiet. Soft light flickered on wooden walls. His eyes found Anton sitting alone in a corner, looking tense.
"Eli," Anton said. "You need to see this."
Eli sat down. Anton slid a folder across the table.
Inside were photos and documents. Eli's hands trembled as he looked through them. They showed Leonardo dealing with rival mafia groups—groups that had been watching Eli closely.
"They're getting closer," Anton said quietly. "Leonardo is working both sides. You're in danger. You need to leave."
Eli shook his head. "No. He wouldn't do that to me. He loves me."
Anton leaned forward. "Love in this world is dangerous, Eli. It's used to control people. You're not protected—you're a target."
Eli stood up suddenly, anger burning in his chest. "You don't know him!" he shouted. The bar went quiet as people turned to look.
"Eli, calm down," Anton said, but Eli wasn't listening.
Memories rushed through his mind—late-night talks, quiet moments, the way Leonardo held him. Were they all lies?
"Don't let your feelings blind you," Anton said firmly. "This is about survival."
Eli took a deep breath. His voice was steady now. "I need to talk to him."
"You can't!" Anton warned. "That's dangerous."
"I have to," Eli said. "I need the truth."
He turned and left the bar, ignoring Anton's voice behind him. The night air hit his face as he walked fast through the streets. Fear followed him—but so did love. He refused to be used. He needed answers, no matter the cost.
Soon, Eli stood in front of Leonardo's building. His hands shook as he hesitated at the door. This place held everything he wanted—and everything he feared.
He stepped inside.
The penthouse was quiet. His footsteps echoed softly on the carpet, but his heartbeat was loud in his ears.
Leonardo stood by the window, looking out at the city. When he turned, his face was calm—but his eyes were dark.
Eli tightened his grip on the folder. The truth stood between them now.
Whatever happened next would change everything.
The heart of darkness was no longer something Eli could avoid—it was standing right in front of him.