The Mighty Marco Alessandro

Chapter one

Third person POV

A tall, imposing figure emerged from Fort Bragg station, his hand casually tucked into his pocket. Soldiers streaming out of the station snapped to attention, saluting him with crisp precision.

The general acknowledged their salute with a nod, his eyes scanning the gathering. Alex, his trusted right-hand man, hastened to his side.

"We're going to miss you, General," Alex said, his voice laced with sincerity.

The general's expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'll miss you all too, Alex. But my time here is done. New challenges await."

Alex fell into step beside him, matching his stride. "The troops will feel your absence, sir. You've been an inspiration to us all."

The general's gaze swept the bustling station, his mind already focused on the future. "They'll adjust. They always do. What's the status on the transport?"

"All set, sir," Alex replied. "Your vehicle is waiting."

With a nod, the general headed toward the waiting vehicle, Alex at his side. The soldiers parted, watching their respected leader depart.

"I'll be your driver for now, General," Alex said, his eyes meeting General Marco's in the rearview mirror.

General Marco nodded curtly, his expression thoughtful.

"Drive me to a flower and jewelry shop," he instructed. "I need to get some gifts to celebrate our seven-year anniversary."

Alex raised an eyebrow but said only, "Yes, General."

As he navigated through traffic, Alex asked, "How do you feel about finally meeting your wife after seven years of absence and no communication, sir?"

General Marco's gaze drifted out the window, his voice low and reflective. "It was hell, but the thought of winning that war kept me going. The thought of coming home to her."

Alex nodded sympathetically, his eyes flicking to the general's face. "She'll be thrilled to see you, sir."

General Marco's expression softened, a hint of warmth creeping into his eyes.

As they arrived at the shop, Alex swiftly opened the car door for the general. "Shall I accompany you, sir?"

General Marco shook his head. "I'll be fine, Alex. Wait here."

With a nod, Alex took his position beside the vehicle, watching as General Marco disappeared into the shop.

Marco stepped into the jewelry shop, his eyes scanning the glittering displays. A sales attendant rushed to greet him, her expression transforming from welcoming to astonished.

"Welcome, Sir!" she exclaimed, her smile widening. "Please, come in, have a seat."

Her surprise wasn't subtle, generals rarely visited without their entourage. But Marco seemed different.

Marco felt uneasy under her gaze, aware his military tags had revealed his rank. He considered removing them, but a part of him savored the respect, a stark contrast to the disdain he'd faced years ago.

"I need jewelry," Marco said, his deep voice firm. "Show me your newest and most exclusive designs."

The attendant nodded swiftly, her eyes sparkling. "Right away, Sir. We have exquisite pieces from Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Bulgari."

She led Marco to a glass case, carefully unveiling stunning diamond necklaces and elegant gold watches.

"What type of jewelry are you looking for, Sir? For yourself or perhaps a gift?"

Marco's eyes softened. "It's for someone special, my wife. I need something that will make her shine."

The attendant's smile turned envious. "I'm so jealous of her, Sir. She's a lucky woman."

She expertly selected a stunning piece from the glass case. "This is our rarest design, the 'Eternal Bloom' necklace, featuring a 5-carat diamond pendant. Only three exist in the country."

Marco's gaze locked onto the sparkling gemstone, envisioning it adorning his wife's neck.

"Will you take this, Sir?" the attendant asked, her voice hopeful.

Marco nodded, his decision made. "Pack it."

The attendant carefully wrapped the necklace in velvet, placing it in an exquisite box. "Shall I add a personalized message, Sir?"

Marco's smile hinted at his love. "Yes. 'Forever yours, Marco'."

The attendant's eyes sparkled, sensing the romance. "I'll make sure it's beautiful, Sir."

His phone rang loudly, breaking the tension. He quickly retrieved it from his pocket, surprised by the sudden interruption. It had been a long time since he'd last used his phone.

He glanced at the screen, and his heart skipped a beat. The caller ID displayed "Unknown Number." A spark of hope ignited within him.

"Maybe it's Jessica," he thought, his mind racing. "She might have heard about my dismissal."

He swiftly swiped to answer the call, his voice firm but hopeful. "Hello?"

"Hello, Daddy! Please help us, we're in trouble!" Marco heard a faint, desperate voice of a little girl in the background. He was stunned, left speechless.

"Daddy?" he repeated, bewildered, as he couldn't recall having a child before he went away.

"I don't have any daughters," Marco replied, trying to clear up the confusion.

But the little girl insisted, "You're my daddy! Mummy and I are in trouble, and we really need your help."

Marco's confusion deepened. "Who's your mummy?" he asked, seeking answers.

"Jessica Alexandro is my mom," she replied.

Marco was shocked, his mind racing. Jessica was his wife's name. How could this be?

"Where exactly are you guys?" Marco asked urgently, his mind racing with doubts. Was this truly his child or a cruel prank?

"I don't know where we are, Daddy," the little girl replied, her voice trembling. "The Saint family kidnapped Mummy and me."

Marco's grip on the phone tightened, alarm coursing through his veins.

"Who's—"

But before he could ask another question, the line went dead.

Marco's eyes widened in horror as he stared at the silent phone, his thoughts reeling.

Jessica, his wife, kidnapped? A child, his child, in danger?

His world spun out of control.

*******

The girl's pleading call was abruptly cut off as a dark-clad figure loomed over her. He snatched the phone from her grasp.

A harsh slap silenced her cries.

"What were you thinking?" the man sneered. "No one can save you now."

The girl's terrified gaze followed him as he dragged her down the hospital corridor.

"Let go of me! Please, free me and my mommy!" she sobbed, struggling against his grip.

The man's cold smile sent chills down her spine. "No one can save you now. Your kidneys, and your mother's, are too valuable to us. And honestly, I doubt either of you will leave this place alive."