the way i love you

The antiseptic smell of the hospital ward lingered in my nostrils as I walked down the corridor, my footsteps echoing against the sterile floors. The walls were painted in a bland shade of white, a futile attempt to mask the suffering contained within. I had just left Louis' room. Seeing my youngest brother in such a fragile state was an unfamiliar feeling – I wasn't used to seeing him vulnerable.

Dr. Hastings, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a permanent frown, waited for me at the end of the hallway. He straightened as I approached, a nervous habit I'd noticed in many people who had the misfortune of meeting me.

"Mr. Romano," he greeted, his voice barely masking the anxiety that came with addressing me.

 "Doctor," I acknowledged with a curt nod. "How is he?"

"Your brother is stable, but his condition is delicate. The injuries from the accident were severe. We've done everything we can for now, but his recovery will require constant monitoring and top-tier medical care."

 I nodded, absorbing the information with the same cold calculation I applied to business decisions. "This hospital, while adequate, is not suitable for what he needs. I'll have him transferred to our family facility. It's equipped with better technology and more specialized staff."

 Dr. Hastings hesitated, clearly wary of the power dynamics at play. "That's certainly possible, Mr. Romano, but moving him could be risky given his current state."

 I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "Doctor, you've done your part. Now, let me do mine. Prepare the necessary documents for his transfer. My team will handle the logistics."

 He nodded reluctantly, understanding that arguing would be futile. "Very well, Mr. Romano. I'll start the paperwork immediately."

As the doctor turned to leave, I took out my phone and dialed Kate. who went to the administration to complete the paperwork. his efficiently and discreetly, qualities I valued immensely. he answered on the first ring.

 "Christian," he said, his tone professional and composed.

 "Kate, I need you to arrange a transfer for Louis to our family hospital. Have the medical helicopter on standby and ensure the best team is ready to receive him. Also, there's another patient in the ICU – a man brought in with Louis. Get his details from Dr. Hastings and make sure he's transferred as well. I want both of them under our care by tonight."

 "Yes, I'll handle it immediately," he replied without missing a beat.

 I ended the call and looked back down the corridor, my mind already several steps ahead. There was something about the "mysterious person" as Dr. Hastings had described him, that piqued my interest. The fact that he was found with Louis and had no identification was suspicious. I needed to know who he was and why he was with my brother.

 A nurse walked by, giving me a nervous glance before hurrying on her way. The power I held over these people was palpable, but it did nothing to alleviate the gnawing concern I felt for my brother. Emotions were a luxury I rarely indulged in, but for family, the rules were different.

 I entered the room, standing silently beside his bed. My expression remained stoic, even as I reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You'll be fine, Louis. I'll make sure of it," I murmured, more to myself than to him.

 My phone buzzed again, a message from Kate confirming the arrangements. The helicopter was on its way, and the transfers were approved. I stepped back, composing myself. There was much to do, and showing weakness was not an option.

 Leaving the hospital, I felt the familiar detachment return. Emotions were a distraction; efficiency and control were my true allies. As I got into the car, I called Kate once more.

 "Kate, I want a full report on the mysterious patient as soon as he arrives. Background checks, medical history, everything. No detail is too small."

 "Understood, Mr. Romano. I'll keep you updated."

 The call ended, and I leaned back in my seat, watching the city blur past the tinted windows. Louis was in good hands now, and I would ensure he stayed that way. As for the other man, I would uncover his secrets soon enough. In my world, there were no coincidences, only pieces of a puzzle waiting to be placed.

As the car sped towards the Romano family hospital, I felt the familiar surge of control, the thrill of maneuvering pieces on a chessboard only I could see. Louis would recover, the mystery would unravel, and I would remain the unyielding force guiding it all.

The sleek, black Mercedes sedan idled at the curb, its tinted windows shielding the occupants from prying eyes.

Christian Romano, the enigmatic figure at the heart of the city's underworld, I sat in the back seat.

my steely gaze fixed on the bustling street outside. Beside me, Zoris, remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings with a watchful eye. Mr. Luo navigated the vehicle with precision through the labyrinth of city streets.

Tonight was unlike any other. my usual focus on business dealings and strategic maneuvers was momentarily overshadowed by concern for Kate, who was at the hospital with Louis, a key member of my organization. my mind briefly wandered to Louis's condition, but I quickly reined in my emotions. In my world, sentimentality was a luxury that I couldn't afford.

As my thoughts churned, my phone vibrated in my pocket, interrupting the silence of the car's interior. I retrieved it with a practiced motion, noting the caller ID: Luca. With a press of a button, i accepted the call, bringing the device to my ear.

"Luca," i greeted, my voice low and commanding.

"Hey, Christian," Luca's voice crackled through the line, tinged with a hint of urgency. "I need a favor."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Luca rarely asked for favors, knowing time was valuable and my resources were not to be squandered.

"What is it?" I asked, his tone measured.

"I'm taking Ashley out for a date tomorrow night," Luca explained, his words rushing out in a flurry. "And I need someone to watch Ray."

"I see," I replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "And you want me to watch her."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Luca confirmed, "Yeah. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important, but I want this night to be special for Ashley."

Ray. The mention of his three-year-old daughter softened my demeanor imperceptibly. She was a bright spark in Luca's life, a reminder of innocence in a world tainted by darkness.

"And?" i prompted, though he already knew there was more to Luca's request.

my lips curved into a faint smirk. Babysitting was hardly within his realm of expertise, but I owed Luca a debt of gratitude a debt that stretched back years, forged in the fires of our shared endeavors.

"Consider it done," i replied smoothly. "What time should I be there?"

"Thanks, Christian," Luca said, relief evident in his voice. "I'll drop her off at your place around six. Oh, and one more thing..."

I raised an eyebrow, silently urging Luca to continue.

"I'm bringing someone along for the date," Luca said cryptically. " It's Lina. She's Ashley's cousin's sister."

My interest was piqued at the mention of a new acquaintance. "Lina, you say?"

"Yeah, she's... intriguing," Luca admitted, his tone tinged with excitement. "I thought you might appreciate her company."

A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips. "I'll be sure to extend her a warm welcome."

With our plans settled, the conversation came to a close, and I returned my attention to the world outside the car window. The city lights blurred into streaks of color as Mr. Luo maneuvered through the traffic with practiced ease.

As the car glided along the streets, my thoughts drifted to the enigmatic woman named Lina. I knew little about her, save for the few details Luca and Kate had shared. Yet there was something about her—something that sparked my curiosity and stirred a long-dormant ember within me.

I pictured her in his mind's eye: cold and beautiful, with an air of mystery that surrounded her like a shroud. She was the type of woman who commanded attention without saying a word, whose presence lingered long after she had departed...

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