The next day, Maria left the palace and headed to Matteo. On her way, she was ambushed by Adriano's men. They struck her on the head until she lost consciousness, then took her to Adriano's house, where he was eagerly waiting.
When they arrived, Adriano tied her up. When Maria woke up, she saw Adriano waiting. She cried out in pain: "Adriano! What do you want from me? Why did you kidnap me, you filthy man?"
Adriano walked up to her, pulled her hair violently, slapped her across the face, and shouted: "I'm the filthy one, you traitor? I loved you and did everything for you to love me back and this is how you repay me? By cheating with that boy? You don't deserve my love!"
Maria, shocked, replied: "I'm the traitor? Clearly, you've gone mad after being kicked out by my father. And who is this boy you're even talking about?"
Adriano said: "You know exactly who I mean the one living with you in your house. The one you spent the whole night with. I wouldn't be surprised if something happened between you two, you shameless woman."
Maria screamed at him: "What are you saying, you sick man?! How dare you accuse me of such filth! Listen to me carefully, you disgrace I can forgive your insults to me, but never speak of Matteo or even say his name again!"
Adriano snapped. He beat Maria violently until she screamed in pain. He shouted: "So his name is Matteo? It seems you love him deeply. That's why I'll bring him here and kill him in front of your eyes!"
Maria sobbed: "What do you want from me, Adriano? Why won't you let me live in peace? Leave Matteo out of this he has nothing to do with it. If you want revenge, take it out on me!"
Ignoring her, Adriano wrote a letter to Matteo: "Listen carefully, boy. Maria is kidnapped. If you want to save her, come to this address alone. Don't bring anyone with you, or I'll kill her."
Matteo, waiting anxiously for Maria, heard the mailman drop a letter. He took it, read it and froze in horror.
Worried, Matteo thought hard. Then he said: "I'll go to Leonardo. He'll know what to do."
He rushed to the store and said: "Leonardo, come quickly. Something terrible has happened."
Leonardo grew alarmed: "What is it, Matteo? You're scaring me."
Matteo said: "That scumbag Adriano kidnapped Maria. He wants me to come alone or he'll kill her."
Leonardo replied: "Don't you dare go alone. He's luring you into a trap to kill you. Here's the plan you go ahead, and I'll bring some soldiers. Once you're inside, he'll focus on you. We'll take out the guards quietly and then storm in."
Matteo went to Adriano's house. Leonardo followed with soldiers. Inside, Matteo found Maria tied up and visibly bruised.
He said fearfully: "Maria, what did that scum do to you?"
Adriano appeared and said: "Finally, you've arrived. How do you like this surprise?"
Matteo lunged at him, punching him hard before Adriano's men grabbed him and tied him up.
Adriano rose, fuming: "You dare attack me, you fool? I'll show you what happens now!"
He began to beat Matteo, but suddenly Leonardo and the soldiers stormed in. They surrounded Adriano and took down his men.
Leonardo said: "Are you okay, Matteo? I'm sorry I was late."
Adriano was shocked: "Leonardo?! What are you doing here? And what's your connection to this boy?"
Leonardo spat: "You filthy traitor. What do you even want? Wasn't being thrown out by Francesco enough for you? Treachery runs in your blood."
The soldiers untied Matteo and Maria. She ran into Matteo's arms, sobbing. He comforted her: "It's okay, Maria. I'm here. I won't leave you again."
Then Matteo turned to Adriano and beat him mercilessly: "How dare you hurt Maria, you worm! I'll make an example of you."
They dragged Adriano to the Altieri palace. Maria called her father: "Look what this animal did, father. He kidnapped me to get back at you for throwing him out. But Matteo saved me."
Francesco said: "How dare you do this? You've gone too far, Adriano. I'll make you a warning to everyone."
He ordered his soldiers to take Adriano to the gallows. They put the noose around his neck and executed him in front of all the townspeople.
Later, Maria told her father: "I'm going to my house and staying there a few days to rest. Don't try to stop me I've made up my mind."
Francesco agreed, and Maria left with Matteo. When they got home, she said: "Come here, Matteo. Let me treat your wounds. They must hurt badly."
Matteo sat down, and Maria began to dress his wounds. He asked: "Why did you leave the palace and come here? Did you do it for me?"
She answered: "Yes. I couldn't leave you like that especially since it's my fault you got hurt."
Matteo replied: "I only did my duty. I can't bear the thought of you being in danger and not doing something."
Maria stayed by his side, tending to his injuries until he fell asleep. Then she, exhausted, drifted to sleep beside him.
To be continued...