Liliana opened her eyes, expecting a peaceful morning. Instead, she jolted awake to the sound of a gunshot echoing through the hotel where she was staying with Vance. Instantly, Vance sprung into action, grabbing Liliana and swiftly guiding her to a room secured with a passkey only he possessed. "Do not make a sound," he whispered, kissing her before he hurriedly left to face the danger.
Liliana's heart raced as she heard Vance's bodyguards shouting commands to protect him and his wife. Her worry for their safety grew, and she made a quick decision to call Isabella for help. With concern in her voice, Isabella answered, and Liliana urgently explained the situation, "There are armed people in the hotel I'm staying at."
In a panic, Isabella replied, "Oh my, let me get my brother." Liliana thanked her and ended the call, anxiously waiting for what felt like an eternity. Finally, she heard Isabella's voice approaching. Liliana pressed the button and quickly made her way to Isabella, and together they planned their escape.
As they fled, Liliana caught a glimpse of Vance and Emanuel fighting side by side. Her worry for their safety consumed her, and she turned to Isabella, saying, "We have to help them." But Isabella pleaded with her, "We can't interfere. They will get mad at us. Please, Liliana, don't get any ideas."
Unable to bear the thought of Vance or Emanuel getting hurt, Liliana mustered up her courage and seized a gun from one of the fallen henchmen. Stealthily, she made her way behind Emanuel and Vance, determined to protect them. However, her actions did not go unnoticed, as Emanuel spotted her and swiftly grabbed her, expressing his concern, "What are you doing, Liliana? You could get hurt."
Vance turned around and yelled at Emanuel, "Get her out of here!" But Liliana shook her head and pleaded, "No, Vance, please come with me." Reluctantly, Emanuel carried her to safety, and with a voice filled with worry, he explained, "Please understand, Liliana. These are rebels. We need to fight against them to protect my people."
Feeling remorseful for her impulsive actions, Liliana apologized, "I'm sorry. I just can't afford to lose him." Emanuel looked at her with admiration, touched by her willingness to risk her life for Vance. He gently held her face and planted a passionate kiss on her lips. "If I die, I will die for my people, and I got to kiss the most wonderful woman," he declared.
Surprised by the spark that ignited within her, Liliana watched him fight alongside Vance, her heart torn between the two brave men who were willing to sacrifice everything for what they believed in.
Liliana found herself curled up in a corner, trying to block out the unsettling images of the lifeless bodies surrounding her. Her mind drifted back to the memory of her father, lying motionless, and the pain washed over her once more. Suddenly, someone tapped her, causing her to jump in surprise. It was Vance, and without hesitation, she leaped up and embraced him tightly. "I'm sorry. I'm so relieved you're okay," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Her worry for Emanuel consumed her, and she anxiously asked Vance, "Where's Emanuel?" Vance reassured her, "He's okay. He's with Isabella." A wave of relief washed over Liliana, knowing that both the men she cared about were safe. Wanting to understand the aftermath of the chaos, she inquired about the fate of the rebels and the gifts they had brought. Vance explained, "The rebels' bodies will be returned to their country as a message, and our people will receive a proper burial."
Liliana saw the sadness in Vance's eyes and, in that moment, she knew she needed to comfort him. She pulled him close and planted a passionate kiss on his lips, conveying her love and support. Vance held her tightly, but he couldn't forget the dangerous stunt she had pulled. He gently lifted her chin, locking eyes with her, and sternly said, "Don't ever jump into a battle like that. I will do anything to keep you safe."
Liliana felt a pang of guilt for her impulsive actions but decided not to mention the kiss she had shared with Emanuel. Vance was already grappling with his own emotions, and she didn't want to burden him further. Instead, she apologized, "I'm sorry. I was just trying to protect you." Vance reassured her, "I can protect myself, baby. It's my job to protect you."
Wanting to bring some joy back into Liliana's life after witnessing death once again, Vance suggested they go get some ice cream. He wanted to make her feel better and distract her from the haunting memories. As they enjoyed their sweet treat, Vance informed Liliana, "In an hour, I'll take you to the stylist." Liliana was surprised and questioned, "We're still going to the ball after what happened?" Vance nodded and replied, "Yes, I have business to attend to, but I want us to have some moments of happiness amidst the chaos."
Liliana agreed, understanding that life must go on, even in the face of tragedy. She held onto Vance's arm, finding solace in his presence, while silently contemplating the complex emotions swirling within her.