☆Chapter 28: Lucian's Silent Battle☆

The Forgotten Son

Lucian had always known his place.

Third son.

Third priority.

Or more accurately…

No priority at all.

Born into the Romano household, Lucian was overshadowed by his two older brothers, Marco and Enrique Jr.—both heirs trained to take over the family's vast business empire.

His mother, who had been his only source of warmth, died when he was 5.

Since then…

No one looked at him.

His father, Don Romano, only cared about the eldest, Enrique jr.—the future head.

Marco was the family's political ace, destined to handle the government ties that kept the Romano family afloat.

But Lucian?

Invisible.

To them, he was just a timid, quiet boy who had nothing to offer.

He was always overlooked.

Always forgotten.

Until…

Seraphina.

☆☆☆

Lucian met Seraphina when they were kids.

She had saved him from bullies on his first day of school.

And since that day, Lucian had followed her like a shadow.

She was…

His light.

The only one who saw him, truly saw him.

Seraphina didn't care about his family name, his rank, or the lack of attention he received at home.

To her, Lucian was just…

LUCIAN.

And that was enough.

But when his father found out about his friendship with Seraphina De Luca…

Everything changed.

For the first time, Don Romano looked at Lucian.

"You're close with the De Luca girl?" His father's tone was calculating, his eyes cold.

Lucian nodded carefully.

"Yes, Father. She's my friend."

His father's expression shifted.

From that moment on, Lucian was no longer invisible.

But the attention…

Wasn't the kind he wanted.

☆☆☆

Suddenly, Lucian was pulled into endless conversations about the De Luca family.

"Does Lorenzo trust you?"

"What does Seraphina like?"

"Do they suspect anything?"

Questions.

Demands.

Favors.

His father and brothers bombarded him with inquiries about the De Luca family, using him as a pawn.

At first, Lucian complied, hoping to maintain peace.

But as time passed…

Their greed grew.

"Convince Lorenzo to invest in our new project."

"Ask Seraphina to attend the Romano gala."

"We need an alliance. Make sure the De Lucas support it."

It never ended.

Then came the final blow.

"You should marry Seraphina, Lucian."

Lucian froze.

"What?"

"It's the best way to secure a permanent alliance with the De Lucas." Don Romano spoke as if it were a business deal, not a marriage.

Lucian's blood ran cold.

"No."

"What did you say?" His father's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"I said no."

"You'd refuse an opportunity to secure our family's future?"

Lucian's jaw clenched.

"Seraphina isn't a bargaining chip."

"She's a De Luca." His father's tone hardened. "And you're a Romano. This is bigger than your feelings, Lucian."

"If you touch her… in any way…"

Lucian's voice was low, cold, and steady.

"I'll drop the Romano name and walk away."

His father's eyes widened.

"You wouldn't dare."

"Try me."

☆☆☆

After that confrontation, Lucian knew he couldn't trust his family.

So, he went to Lorenzo.

"Sir… I need your help."

Lorenzo studied Lucian carefully, his cold eyes calculating every possible scenario.

"What happened?"

Lucian didn't hold back.

He told Lorenzo everything.

From his family's manipulations to their attempt to use Seraphina.

Lorenzo's expression didn't change.

But the air grew heavier.

"They want to use her as a pawn?"

"Yes."

Lorenzo's jaw clenched.

☆☆☆

Lucian never told Seraphina.

He couldn't.

She was too kind, too trusting.

If she knew…

She'd blame herself.

So Lucian kept his distance, ensuring that Seraphina never got wind of what was happening behind the scenes.

He maintained a careful balance, playing the obedient third son while secretly sabotaging his family's plans.

☆☆☆

Oddly enough, Lorenzo De Luca—Seraphina's terrifying father—

Became the only person Lucian truly trusted.

Lorenzo's cold exterior didn't fool him.

Underneath the ruthless mafia boss was a man who would burn the world for Seraphina.

And Lucian respected that.

If he had to choose between his own father and Lorenzo…

It wasn't even a contest.

☆☆☆

"You're quiet today, Lucian."

Seraphina's voice pulled him back to the present.

They were studying together in the De Luca mansion's library.

Lucian glanced at her, her soft smile warming the cold corners of his heart.

"Just thinking."

"About what?"

"Nothing important." He smiled softly.

But deep down…

Lucian had already made a promise.

No matter what happens…

I'll protect you, Seraphina.

Even if it means walking away from everything.