CHAPTER FIVE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ONE – TEARING THE LOVE APART

Back at the Cesaro mansion, Jasmine found Marco in his study, poring over maps and documents. "Marco," she said softly, "we need to talk." Marco looked up, his face etched with fatigue. "Can it wait, mi amor? I'm in the middle of-" "No," Jasmine interrupted firmly. "It can't wait. Not anymore." Seeing the determination in her eyes, Marco set down his papers. "Alright. What is it?" Jasmine took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "Marco, I can't keep living like this. The constant danger, the violence... it's tearing us apart." Marco's brow furrowed. "Jasmine, we've talked about this. Once we deal with the Velascos-" "And then what?" Jasmine cut in. "There will always be another threat, another enemy. When does it end, Marco?" Marco stood up, moving around the desk to face her. "What are you saying, Jasmine? That you want to leave?" Jasmine felt tears welling up in her eyes. "I don't want to leave you, Marco. I love you. But I can't keep living in fear,