☆Chapter 50: The Price of Belonging☆

The Meeting Begins

The De Luca estate was unusually quiet.

Lorenzo sat at the head of the long mahogany table, his gaze cold and calculating as he observed the man kneeling before him.

Lucian.

His head was bowed, his posture unwavering despite the heavy weight that came with what he was about to do.

"You understand what this means, Lucian."

Lorenzo's voice was low, each word carrying the weight of generations of De Luca power.

"Yes, Sir."

Lucian's voice was steady, though his heart pounded painfully in his chest.

"If you wish to marry Seraphina…"

Lorenzo's gaze darkened.

"You'll drop the Romano name. Completely."

Silence hung in the air.

Nonno sat nearby, his expression unreadable.

Matteo leaned against the wall, arms crossed, but his eyes showed a rare glimpse of seriousness.

"You'll be one of us,"

Lorenzo continued.

"A Full-Fledged De Luca."

Lucian didn't hesitate.

"I accept."

Lorenzo narrowed his eyes.

"This isn't just a name, Lucian."

"It's a lifetime of loyalty, sacrifice, and blood."

Lucian met his gaze.

"I know."

"And I'm ready."

Lorenzo's jaw tightened

But before he could say more…

Nonno spoke up

"It's not just up to you, Lucian."

"The Romano Family… They won't let you walk away so easily."

Lucian's expression hardened

"Then i'll handle them myself."

"And if they refuse?"

Lorenzo's voice was icy.

"Then i'll make them understand."

Lucian's tone was calm, but the fire in his eyes said otherwise.

Nonno chuckled softly

"I like this kid."

His eyes twinkled with mischief.

"There's no turning back once you start this war."

Lucian nodded without hesitation

"I'm sure, Don Vincenzo."

Lorenzo let out a slow, measured breath.

"You have my blessing, Lucian."

Lucian's chest tightened

"Thank you, Sir."

"Don't thank me yet."

Lorenzo's eyes narrowed.

"Fix This… Or you'll never stand beside Seraphina."

Lucian's resolve strengthened

"I won't let you down."

☆☆☆

Facing the Romano Family

The Romano Estate Was a Fortress

High walls. Guards stationed at every corner.

But Lucian walked through the gates without hesitation.

His Father sat at the center of the study

"Lucian."

The man's cold eyes scrutinized his son.

"You finally remember where you come from."

Lucian's jaw clenched

"I'm here for one reason."

"Oh?"

His father leaned back, feigning interest.

"To cut ties."

The room fell silent.

Lucian's words echoed, cutting through the tension.

"You're joking."

His father's voice was cold, but the hint of anger was unmistakable.

"I'm not."

Lucian's voice was firm.

"I'm leaving the Romano name."

"And I'm becoming a Full-Fledged De Luca."

"You dare turn your back on us?"

His father's eyes flashed with fury.

"You turned your back on me first."

Lucian's tone was sharper now.

"I was nothing to you until you could use me."

"And now that I'm of value to the De Lucas… You want me to marry Seraphina to gain power."

His father's lips curled in disdain

"You think you have a choice?"

Lucian took a step closer

"I'm not asking."

The silence was deafening.

For the first time… his father looked uncertain.

"What do you want, Lucian?"

Lucian's eyes hardened

"Freedom."

"And If we say no?"

Lucian's expression darkened

"Then I'll burn everything you hold dear."

His father's eyes narrowed

"You wouldn't dare."

Lucian's smirk was cold.

"Try me."

The room was heavy with unspoken threats.

And then…

His father looked away.

"You'll regret this, lucian."

Lucian's voice was quiet but firm.

"No. I won't."

☆☆☆

It took days, but lucian did it.

He cut ties. He gave up the Romano name.

And he stood before the De Luca Family… A New Man.

In his hands…

The Flower of Stella d'Italia.

Its white petals glimmered in the moonlight.

And It was ready to be presented… To Seraphina.