Chapter 201

Christion Who are we glaring at Christian yelled over the loud music The Logan guy who is tanding bitton close to my sister Bean folded his arms Christian followed who was talking “We have rather stuff to worry about, don’t you think?” Christian commented. It was beyond him how Beau was able to worry about something like that when they were about to do the most dangerous thing any of done “Be “Who are we glaring at?” Dario asked as he joined the two. Christian chuckled at Dario’s similar question and pointed his head towards Carmen “Carmen’s little boyfriend”

“Oh, that’s cute” Dario smiled while Christian gave him a nod. “Cute?” Beau questioned “There’s nothing about this, and we all know the mind of a teenage boy-

“I think that’s your mind. Beaut intentions like you and Enzo cked him with a smile. “Not everyone is a pig with bad “And you” Christian reminded him. He didn’t want to bring up the subject about Serena, but he couldn’t help but mention it whenever Dario handed him the opportunity. “And me apparently Dario laughed awkwardly. “Anyway, I came here to tell you that grandpa took care of the money, so all we have to wait for is “Kenzo Christian finished his sentence as his cousin entered the house. He seemed nervous and scanned the room with his eyes while Christian’s eyes were looking for Luca “Where is Luca?”

Christian worried.

Dario shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know, and I couldn’t find Johnny either.” He explained. The instructions about making sure Luca wouldn’t approach Kenzo were clear, but they had lost their villain. “Well, find them “Too late, Beau commented. Christian turned his head to look at Kenzo and watched as Luca approached him “Shit,” He muttered under his breath. “Stay here, and I’ll take care of it.”

Christian made his way through the dancing teenagers as he was eager to get to Kenzo. He placed his hand ousin’s shoulder in a protective matter and pulled him back “Hey, I’m glad you could make it.”

Luca glared at Christian and shot him a suspicious look. Tim just telling Kenzo that I had no idea that he was this close to f and La Luca chuckled “Well, you know the families get along” Christian made up. He knew that Luca was dangerous and that it would only take one mistake for the entire plan to get ruined. Johnny’s advice about canceling the party didn’t make it any better.

“Since when did all of us get along with the Alfonzo’s again? Luca frowned. “Because you’re not only having a party in their name, but you are also screwing that Alfonzo slu-

“If I were you, I’d choose my next words very carefully, Christian warned 1 uca He was shocked by his consin’s words, mainly because he had once saved Serena’s life, and wondered what might’ve pushed him. to make a statement like that Luca, what’s wrong with you,” Christian asked, disappointed. “I know haven’t always been fair towards you, but Serena has never done anything to you-”

“And yet all of our lives were so much better when she wasn’t in it.” Luca stated. Christian was speechless. and tried to remain calm as he did not want to cause a scene. “She’s the best thing that has ever happened to me, and the only reason why you don’t have a bullet in your head is because of this party, so watch yourself.”

“Oh, is that a threat?” Luca laughed. Christian looked at Kenzo and realized it was not the time or place to deal with Luca, so he decided to ignore him. He grabbed his cousin’s arm and pulled him upstairs so that they could talk someplace quiet. “I-I didn’t tell him anything, I swear!” Kenzo repeated.

Christian ignored his cousin’s words and took him to his office. “W-where is Dario?” Kenzo asked.

“I’m not doing anything without Dario.”

“You better sit down before you won’t see anything at all.” Christian spoke. He didn’t want to threaten his cousin, but there was not much time. “I’m here!” Dario burst through the door. Christian rolled his eyes and looked at Kenzo with a sarcastic smile on his face. “There he is, so, unfortunately, we’re going through with the plan Dario stood behind Kenzo and placed his hand on his shoulder. “I’m afraid he’s right,” Dario told him. “I know you’re scared, but we need you.”

“O-okay.” Kenzo trembled. Christian felt terrible enough to involve a teenager, but there was no other option. “I need you to do exactly what we’ve discussed.” He told him. “Call my uncle, tell him you found the money, and ask him to meet you at the warehouse.”

Kenzo took a deep breath and gathered some courage to meet Christian’s eyes. “He’s not coming alone.” He stated. Christian nodded his head. “I know, and neither am I, so you better call him.”

“You better do what he tells you to.” Dario joined the conversation. Christian felt insecure over the fact that it was once again Dario who had pushed his cousin to follow his instructions as Kenzo pulled out his phone. “He gave me this number last week.” Kenzo sighed as he searched for Berto’s number.

Christian sat down and brought his hand to Kenzo’s cheek. “I know you’re scared, but I’m doing this for all of us.” He encouraged him one last time before the phone went off.

“U-uncle?” Kenzo spoke. Christian focused on the fear in his cousin’s voice and felt guilty. Even though he hadn’t told anyone, also he felt threatened by his uncle. He would never forget the look in his face as he told Franco that it wasn’t his time yet.

“You disrespectful brat, has your mom not taught you any manners?” Berto answered. The warm and soft tone he had always been known for had vanished entirely. “Do you know how late it is?”

“I-I know, 1-It’s just.” Kenzo stuttered. Dario brushed his hand through his cousin’s hair to calm him down. “I found the key, and I know where the money is.”

It was silent for a few seconds before the room was filled with Berto’s laughter Are you sure?”

“A hundred percent.” Kenzo convinced him Christian could tell his cousin felt a bit more at case.

“I was starting to doubt your stupid ass, but I can see that you’re good for something” Berto Laughed out loud. 7 was starting to think you were a failure like Dario.”

Christian looked at Dario and felt terrible as he tried to avoid all eye contact. Christian couldn’t even imagine what he would’ve done if his dad called him a failure. He knew Dario was not the one to open up about his feelings and would sweep it under the rug. Maybe we’re much more alike than we think, Christian thought.

“I need you to come to the warehouse right now.” Kenzo continued the conversation. All Berto had to do for all of this to be over was to accept Kenzo’s request.

“Oh, don’t you worry about that. You’ll see me.” Berto spoke after a long pause. Christian released a relieved. breath. Are you really sure, kid? Did you really find my money?”

My money? Just hearing those words made Christian’s blood boil. Christian believed that cash was only meant to be for Siena. He had to admit, he was willing to give it away, but he was happy that Serenat changed his mind. He would not allow anyone to touch his daughter or her money.

“Yes, I did.” Kenzo replied. “You should come to the warehouse to get the key, and I’ll tell you where it is. We shouldn’t be discussing this over the phone.”

“You’re right. We shouldn’t be discussing this over the phone.” Berto agreed. Christian smiled at Kenzo’s quick thinking.

“I’ll be on my way, and I promise you, if you let me leave my cage for bullshit-it’ll be the last anyone will ever hear of Kenzo Lamberti.”

Christian felt his heart rise at the sudden threat and was afraid his cousin would back down, but to his surprise, something shifted. The look in Kenzo’s eyes had changed. He seemed betrayed and angry. “It’s not, uncle, I’m sure of it.”

“Hmm.” Berto hummed before he hung up the phone.

The first thing Kenzo did was reach for his throat as he tried to catch his breath. “Get him some water!” Christian instructed Dario.

He placed his hands on Kenzo’s shoulder and looked into his eyes. “Calm down, you’re going to be alright.” He comforted him. “I’m not. He’s going to kill me-and you probably don’t even care because I betrayed the family-

“Stop it!”

Christian wrapped his arms around Kenzo and pulled him into a tight hug. “You’re my family. Just because I’m angry with you doesn’t mean I want you dead. Don’t ever say that again!” He told him.

“I’m hard on you because I love you. It’s not because…I want you dead.”

“Here’s your…water.” Dario blinked, surprised. The last thing he had expected was for Christian to speak those warm words. “I-I’m so sorry.” Kenzo broke down in tears. “I only did it because Berto told me that grandpa and uncle Lucio hate my mom. He told me they don’t love us, and he promised me money to-”

“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Christian sighed. He grabbed a napkin and wiped away Kenzo’s tears.

“He’s going to kill me,” Kenzo whispered “I don’t want to die. I can’t die.”

He buried his face in his hands and released more tears while Christian’s eyes met Dario’s. He noticed Dario was awfully quiet and figured it must’ve been because he felt embarrassed by his dad. Despite everything going on, Christian wanted him to know that it was not his fault and that he was nothing like his dad.

I’m sorry,” Dario barely whispered. “If I would’ve done something from the beginning-

“But you couldn’t Christian told him “You couldn’t, and it’s not your fault, so fer the past stay in the past”

“You’re a good person, Christian Dario smiled. He knew better than anyone that he should probably kiss Chrisman’s feet for everything he had done. It was none other than Christian who had brought him into. this family Am I really a good person? Those were the only thoughts going through Christian’s head. He wanted to resent Dario for the way Serena felt about him, but he wasn’t making it easy.

“Chritian?”

Christian flinched at Carmen’s voice behind the office door and wanted to tell her to wait, but before he could, she had already entered the office. She looked from Christian and Dario to Kenzo’s tears.

“Is everything okay here?”

“Yes, everything’s fine.” Christian smiled nervously. “Look at you!” Christian got up from his chair.

“You look like a princess.

“Really?” Carmen blushed as she spun around. “This is my second dress, and Luke and I are matching again.” She ranted. “And I know that I don’t look half as pretty as my friends downstairs, but-

“Are you crazy? You look like an angel.” Kenzo wiped away his tears. “I’ve never seen anyone like you before”

“I can see the name is not the only thing you have in common with Enzo” Dario rolled his eyes.

Carmen placed her hand on her cheeks to cover the flush on her face. “Thanks I’m sorry, who is this?”

“Kenzo, we’ve met a few times, but I don’t think you remember, Kenzo introduced himself. “So much for not wanting to die.” Christian muttered.

“Carmen, you need something?”

“Uh, yes, Carmen spoke. “I came to ask for the key to the storage room. It’s locked.”

Christian reached for his pockets and pulled out the key to give to Carmen. “Here you go, wait a second, I’ll be right there” He smiled as he rushed Carmen out of his office.

“Kenzo, this is for your own sake, but don’t get yourself involved with an Alfonzo Christian taught him an important life lesson “Her brother is crazy, and her dad is it’s not a normal family”

“I guess he’s speaking from experience” Dario chuckled while he waited for Christian’s instructions “| need you to call the others to tell them we’ll be on our way, and I think we need to take Kenzo with us”

“Understood,” Dario spoke Christian left the office and felt terrible as he looked at Carmen, who leaned against the wall Tm here!” He smiled “Are you sure everything’s okay? Carmen worried as she stepped closer “You’ve been acting all weird, ant your coust “No. I’m fine, Christian reassured her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and led her down the hallway He didn’t want her to worry about something which didn’t concern her “How are you!

Are you and Luke having fun “Yes, we are, and it’s all thanks to you and Enzo. I really like Engo. He’s been so good to me”

Carmen spoke while she pulled him into a side hug. “I know I already told you, but I’m so grateful to have you in my life, and I’m happy to have you as my brother.”

“I’m happy to have you as my sister.” Christian smiled. It warmed his heart to see how forgiving she could be while he had caused Serena so much unnecessary pain.

“Carmen, come on, I heard Logan is looking for you!” A girl called out from afar. Christian’s mind went to Beau and the poor kid who had no idea what he was getting himself into. “Go and enjoy your party.” He smiled.

Christian kept his distance as he made his way back to the party and tried to find Luca and Johnny, but both were out of sight. He expected the two had hopefully gone home and wondered whether Luca understood the clear threat. He didn’t mind about whatever Luca had to say about him, but he would not let him speak on Serena.

Christian hoped for today to be the last day of all the unfortunate issues. All he wanted was to heal his family with Serena and he knew that he could only do that if there was no threat surrounding them.

Today will be the last day, Christian told himself as he pulled out his phone to text Dario and Beau. It was finally the last step of the long thought-out plan.

Christian:

It’s time to go.