Chapter 6 – The After-Party & Goodbye

Chapter 7 – The After-Party & Goodbye

The club was alive with flashing lights, thumping bass, and the sound of laughter echoing through the air. Raven leaned against the bar, sipping a cold drink, letting the night wash over her. For the first time in a while, she felt… free. No missions, no responsibilities—just her and her friends celebrating the end of an era.

Across the room, her five male cousins and three brothers—Lorenzo, Marco, and Dante—stood like an impenetrable wall, their eyes scanning the club. The other cousins were back home in Italy, while the rest where in Spain, and Mexico, but these eight made sure no one dared to approach her. It was suffocating and hilarious at the same time.

Julian, already tipsy, smirked. "With all these overprotective men around, I don't know how you even had a boyfriend, Rav."

Valentina nodded, sipping her cocktail. "Seriously, it's like you're a damn princess guarded by warriors."

Raven rolled her eyes, about to retort, when she spotted a familiar figure pushing through the crowd.

Matteo.

Her amusement died instantly. He looked desperate, his expression tense as he walked straight to her.

"Raven, we need to talk."

She arched a brow. "No, we don't."

"Did you really burn my penthouse?" he asked, his voice tight.

Raven sipped her drink, pretending to think. "Hmm… I wonder."

Matteo sighed in frustration. "Damn it, Rav. You can't just destroy things whenever you're angry."

"Watch me."

He ran a hand through his hair, stepping closer. "Look, I messed up. I get it. But you can't just walk away—"

Before he could finish, a hand clamped on his shoulder, jerking him back.

"You have five seconds to walk away before I break your head ," Lorenzo growled, his tone dark.

Matteo stiffened as he looked at Raven's brothers and cousins, all of them glaring at him like he was an insect. His jaw clenched, but he knew better than to test them.

With one last glance at Raven, he muttered, "Goodbye, Raven."

She simply raised her glass in a mock toast. "Ciao."

—

The Next Morning >>>>

The apartment was eerily quiet.

Raven stood in front of her packed suitcases, staring at the place she had called home for years. Today was the day. She was leaving.

A knock on the door made her turn. Julian, Valentina, and Sophia stood there, their faces unreadable.

"So… this is it?" Valentina murmured, crossing her arms.

Julian sniffled dramatically. "Our little Rav is abandoning us."

Sophia rolled her eyes. "Jules, stop being dramatic."

Raven chuckled but couldn't shake the heaviness in her chest. This was harder than she thought.

Julian grabbed her hands. "You better not forget us, Raven Castillo. Or I will fly to Italy and drag you back myself."

Raven squeezed his hands. "Like I could ever forget you idiots."

Sophia handed her a delicate silver bracelet adorned with a little pieces of diamond. "So you always remember us."

Raven swallowed, trying not to cry as she slid it onto her wrist. "Thank you."

They stood in silence for a moment, just taking in the reality of it all. Then Valentina, in true Valentina fashion, sighed and grabbed her. "One last hug before you go."

Raven melted into their embrace, clutching them like she'd never see them again.

Then, with a deep breath, she grabbed her suitcases and walked toward the waiting cars.

As the engine roared to life, she looked back one last time.

Julian, Valentina, and Sophia waved, smiling despite the sadness in their eyes.

She forced a smile and waved back. "I'll see you soon."

And then… she was gone.

—

Homecoming – The Return to Italy

The flight to Italy felt like an eternity.

By the time she stepped off the private jet, the familiar scent of home filled her lungs—warm, rich, and laced with nostalgia.

The moment she stepped into the estate, she was surrounded.

Her Nonno and Nonna—the powerful pillars of the Castillo family—stood at the front, smiling proudly.

"Welcome home, mia cara," her Nonno said, pulling her into a strong embrace.

Her Nonna cupped her face. "Look at you, all grown up. We missed you so much, tesoro."

Then came her aunties and uncles, cousins both big and small, all greeting her with warmth and excitement.

Her brothers, Dante, Marco, and Lorenzo, smirked at her from the side.

"Damn, you really left us for years, huh?" Marco teased.

"Shut up, idiot." Raven shot back, punching his arm.

Her little cousins practically tackled her, shouting her name. "Raven! Raven! Tell us about America!"

Her uncle clapped her shoulder. "We need a full report, niece."

Her aunt sighed. "You've gotten even more beautiful, figlia mia."

The chaos was overwhelming, but it was home.

Raven laughed, feeling something settle in her chest.

She was finally where she belonged.