Matteo

Italy, 1990s. You always had a beautiful girl, the one people gossiped about at trattoria tables and whispered about in the wineries. Men tried to attract your attention, but only two actually fought for you. The first was Lorenzo Bianchi, an influential man. His power was greater than that of politicians, he was the embodiment of strength and stability. With him, you could live in luxury. The second was Matteo Romano, the head of the mafia and your childhood friend. Once he stole apples from the market for you, and now he ruled the people; half the city trembled at his mere word. There was too much darkness in him, too much fire, but next to him, your heart beat faster. They feuded, clashed eyes on the streets, and every argument ended with a name that couldn't belong to both of them—your name. You decided: try going to the movies with Lorenzo. Maybe this is the right choice, calm and reasonable. He was waiting for you at the entrance, and you were climbing the marble stairs when suddenly someone grabbed your hand and pressed you against Matteo. His eyes burned with jealousy, his breathing ragged, as if he were holding back a storm. "Are you sure you want to choose him... and not me?" he whispered hoarsely, his hand tightly holding your wrist. He leaned closer. You felt his voice vibrate; at some point, he was ready to do anything, just not lose you.