/Riccardo's POV/
It felt like my world was shattering around me, piece by agonizing piece. The revelation that Eliana was using me as a pawn in her revenge against my father struck me like a thunderbolt. I couldn't deny the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, the undeniable truth that she had chosen me solely to punish my father for his heinous act.
But despite the waves of betrayal crashing against me, I couldn't summon the courage to confront her. It wasn't because I doubted the veracity of the information or questioned the intentions of the source—it was because I was terrified of losing her. The mere thought of Eliana leaving me was enough to stop me dead in my tracks.
I had always been cautious, and overly protective of our relationship. Eliana was the sun that illuminated my life, the constant source of joy and happiness that I held so dear. Losing her would leave me in an abyss of darkness, a void that would swallow me whole.
