[ Arielle ]White ceiling, a dull pain in my upper body and spinning head, that’s what I experienced when I woke up on a hospital bed. I hate hospitals and the smell of it but it was a private room. I tried to speak but my throat was dry so I pressed the alarm.The doors burst open within seconds and a group of medical stuff rushed inside before I could process anything. Behind them, the De Niro guards entered, alarmed and ready to shoot if they see danger when I recalled how I ended up in a hospital.I was shot but I survived.“How are you feeling now, Mrs. De Niro?” The doctor asked me after he checked my vitals, eyes and heartbeats.“I feel mild pain in my right shoulder. I hope it won’t increase when the effect of medicines wear off.” I told him with a weak smile but the sweat beads on his face was the evidence of the pressure he must be feeling.“Good, you’re in a good condition. The wound will heal in two weeks but you may need physiotherapy for a few weeks for the smooth moveme
[ Vincent ]“She was asking about you.” Marcello said as he occupied the vacant seat across me in the plane. We’re were flying back to home.I raised my eyes from the report I was reading.“So?”I gave him a curt look and looked down at the white papers but nothing made sense as my mind was invaded with conflicting thoughts. I couldn’t focus on the work, it didn’t happen in years. Nothing can derail me from my goals, I always keep moving forward and aim at the success.He shook his head, “It’s not my right and I might be stepping out of the line but I think you should meet her once. She didn’t say anything but I observed how she kept looking at the door, whenever it opened, her face had a different expression. Perhaps, she was expecting you, Capo. She even asked me if you had rested or eaten something.” He said and it added more complexity to my thoughts.She was sitting in the other part of the jet while I was in the other half of the chamber where no one is allowed to enter except M
[ Arielle ]A week has passed since the gala night and the attack. Vincent made all the necessary arrangements for my recovery. Doctors visit me twice a day to check on my wound which is healing but I am still not able to move my hand, even the slightest move pains a lot.I haven’t seen him since we returned to the estate. I mostly have my meals alone. I know he comes to the house but never for once, I got a chance to see him. Marcello also visits me when the doctors examine me. I know something is going on, the security is also tripled and whenever I wish to breathe in open air, guards circle me.Knowing, it’s useless to fight, I gave up and started living my life as it is planned by my husband. He wants to keep me safe, he doesn’t care if I feel suffocated.My thoughts were disturbed by Emily’s footsteps because no one else is allowed to come near me unless the guards check them.“Ma’am, Mrs. De Niro is here. She wants to see you.” Emily informed me and when I heard my mother-in-law
[ Arielle ]I spent the rest of the day with Lilliana. She’s a nice woman with a good sense of humour. She kept me involved in talks and we had our lunch together. For the first time in two weeks, I felt good, having someone in a huge house who likes you and respects your ethnicity and your personality, it means a lot. She gave me valuable advises for my survival in the house as she herself lived at the estate when Lorenzo used to work for his brother.I again felt lonely when she left in the evening. No one can stay overnight at the estate without the Capo’s permission. I insisted her to stay for the dinner but she said she had to go back as she and Lorenzo were flying to England to attend a wedding function.The temperature had dropped and the wind became slightly chiller but I had no mood to go back inside the house. The walls feel colder and dead.“Shall I bring a shawl for you, Ma’am?” Emily asked who was walking beside me at a distance.“No, I am fine. I am going inside in ten m
[ Vincent ]Arielle Wilson, a name which has been invading my mind for last eight days. I tried telling myself that it just my mind playing with my sanity and engrossed myself in my work. The return of Faolan Walsh and his secret meetings with Nikolai spread among the circles like a wild fire. As the leader of the Italian mafia, the responsibility to stop Nikolai who is also seeking aid from the Mexican mafia along with Faolan, fell upon my shoulders.“So, what’s next, Capo?” Marcello asked. I left him at the estate to ensure my family’s security and to handle the business in my absence.“Faolan has brain, Nikolai has the resources and it’s a deadly combination. We need to be discreet. Edward has taken the responsibility to trace Faolan’s activities who is working lowkey. We have to catch him when he expects the least and our chance is near, the annual meeting of the mafia heads in Madrid and this year my brother-in-law is hosting it.” I lay out my plans to him.“Do you really think t
[ Arielle ]A kiss.Words can hardly do justice to the range of emotions they evoke. Currently, I am also going through the swirling of contradictory emotions. Vincent’s lips were on mine, it happened in a split of a second, I froze on my spot, I could taste the bitterness of whiskey in the tenderness of his soft lips which took mine for a perfect kiss.It was spontaneous and exhilarating. For several moments, my mind was fogged, I couldn’t understand whether it was my illusion or he was kissing me in real. The heat radiating from his body wrapped me in its warmth, my shaking hand fisted the fabric of his shirt. His left hand was around my waist to hold me on my place while his other hand inclined my face for a better angle.He bites on my bottom lip and I gasped. It was happening in real. Vincent De Niro kissed me out of blue and he isn’t backing out.This kiss was different from the one we shared at the altar, I could feel urgency, want, protectiveness, jealousy and a trace of inse
[ Arielle ]“I can’t believe, you’re going to the vineyard and the Capo himself is taking you there?” Emily paced behind me. Her face told that she was in shock, Marcello had same expression when he saw me getting ready.“Yes, in fact, you have a day’s rest today. Go and give yourself some time.” I said and checked my appearance in the mirror. I wore a white cotton shirt with high waist denim jeans and boots. I asked the guards about the soil and structure and they suggested me to wear boots instead of sneakers or normal shoes.“You look different today, more like yourself today, Ma’am but I’d suggest you to open your hairs, they look more prettier when they wave in the air.” She said pointing on my high ponytail.I took in her advise and let my hairs fall on my shoulders. I applied a nude shade of lipstick.“It’s perfect now. The Capo won’t be able to take his eyes off from you, Ma’am.” She teased me and I again slipped into my thoughts.I don’t know where we stand in our marriage. I
[ Arielle ]The car drove on small lanes, stretched between the fields, the bright sunny day, clear sky and mild breeze, I found myself lost in the open air, I almost forgot that the most dangerous and feared man of this soil was sitting next to me.If this small fraction of my life gives me temporary happiness, I can live with it.“The weather isn’t this pleasant in this season in New York. In fact, I haven’t gotten a chance to see fields and summer in such picturesque place since my grandparents died.” I said, I didn’t expect him to hear me but I felt like talking in the moment.“I know the life in New York, to be honest, I was better there. You must be a unique piece who doesn’t like the city life of the city of dreams.” I heard him saying.“It was your escape and this is mine. We both left our past behind that’s why a change of air allowed us to breathe without suffocating.” I said looking in his direction now. The warm sunrays falling on his face made him look more handsome. His
[ Ella ]“So, this is the end of the story. The prince married the princess in the end. They lived happily ever after with their little daughter who was just like you, my princess.” I closed the fairytale book that I was reading to the young girl who looked sleepy but she was still awake.“This is your and Uncle Marcello’s story, right?” She asked me cuddling into my lap.“Yes, our story is like a fairytale you can say. There were demons in our story too but your uncle fought with them bravely and we are together.” I said with a smile. She blinked her big blue eyes at me.“When will uncle return. I miss him.” the little girl pouted and I started tickling her to lift up her mood.“Your uncle is very busy in his work but he will come soon. I am also missing him but I think he doesn’t miss us or he’d come home early.” I pouted with her.“I heard you both.”Marcello’s voice drew our attention on the door where he was standing. He looked tired but his smile was radiant.“Uncle Mars!” Lila
[ Ella ]I tried to open my eyes but a banging headache forced me to groan in pain. I tried to move but I couldn’t because I felt my hands and feet tied up. I shot my eyes open and found myself in a ramshackle building, the plaster was gone, I could see iron rods on the ceiling and the smell was putrid. I was tied on a chair with no source of light except a small window.“Help!” I cried but I could hear my own voice resonating in the empty walls.I cried recalling the moment when Molly sprayed something on my face and I fainted, and now I am in a shabby place. Someone kidnapped me.“Who are you and why are you keeping me here?” I shouted and cried. I knew my kidnappers were there. They could hear me.A few moments later, I heard footsteps approaching and a man appeared first, behind them entered Molly. She was smirking. Anger rushed through my veins when I saw her. She deceived Lucy.“You bitch! I am gonna kill you.” I shouted and wiggled in the ropes.“I fear you won’t be alive by th
[ Marcello ]“Fuck! Why did I let her leave without security?” I punched the wall as there was no sign of Ella. we searched the whole area where the bar was located but the kidnappers left no clues behind.“I am asking you for one last time, tell me if you are involved with the enemies. Ella was with you two when she went missing.” Massimo pointed his finger at Ella’s friends. The girls were shaking with fear and also crying silently.I rubbed my temple and breathed deeply.“Massimo, don’t blame them. They have nothing to do with her disappearance. Just look at them.” I said and approached them calmly.“I swear, Capo. We don’t know where that girl took her. We were in the bar. Ella went to the restroom and Lucy’s girlfriend followed her. We had no idea that she was a spy who was with Lucy just to track Ella.” Rita cried and pointed her finger at a really heartbroken Lucy.She was dealing with heartbreak. She was betrayed by someone she truly loved and trusted so I had to talk to her v
[ Marcello ]The life seemed meaningless without her. I thought pushing her away from me will help me to clear my mind but I failed miserably. I still find it hard to accept that my brother and my fiancée had a past and he still harbours feelings for her.Does she also feel something for him?I don’t want to go down that lane. I love Ella and seeing her with another man makes my heart go restless. She left the estate with her family. I didn’t stop her because then it’d be impossible for me to keep my distance from her but my mind goes to her when I don’t have work.I haven’t talked to Massimo as well. I don’t know if our equation is changed or he is still my younger brother. He hides such an important truth from me.“Capo, Mr. Whitford is on the call. He says Billy is in Sicily. Why didn’t we see him?” Vincenzo’s voice broke the chain of my thoughts.I snapped my head in his direction. My senses got alert.“How can he be so sure?” I asked him.“Many informers confirmed it. We must be
[ Ella ]“Ella, let’s go for shopping. We know that you’re going to the city of fashion but we want us to hang out together before you leave or we don’t know when next we’ll get a chance to hang out, just three of us.” Rita said.After talking to Mama who encouraged me to keep faith in my love and prepare to leave for Paris because she doesn’t want me to give up on my dreams. Marcello wouldn’t want me to quit them either so the next morning, I woke up early and packed my stuffs.I decided to resume working in the café to fight the ache of heartbreak. I would go mad if I stay home any longer because with passing time, I am missing him more and more.“The café was closed for two days and now we have bulk of orders, flooding customers and no Enzo to manage the café with us. Sorry, girls but I don’t think we can leave the café today or we’ll be fired. Actually, you two because I am leaving tomorrow.” I answered her and put the fresh set of buns into the oven.“I don’t agree with Rita usua
[ Ella ]“Ella, my baby, please eat something. It’s been two days since you have touched a grain or left this room. I am worried about you. Life doesn’t go on like this.” My aunt rubbed my back.I was laying on my bed like a motionless vegetable for past two day, my tears have dried up. I didn’t expect Marcello to learn about my past in this way. In fact, I decided to tell him everything after our wedding and ask for his forgiveness. He didn’t try to stop me nor he said a word to me when I left his house with my family.Massimo Romano, you ruined my happiness. I didn’t hate you before but now, I surely do.“Ella, please... Mrs. Romano also called in the morning. She is worried about you. Why aren’t you telling me what exactly happened between you and Marcello. Did you two fight? Please, say something.“I want be alone, Aunt.” I said in a barely audible whisper. My strength had given up. I don’t want to live any longer.She sighed and gave me a helpless look.“I am putting the food her
[ Marcello ]“Why are you doing this, Ella? Can’t you see how much I love you?”Blood boiled in my veins. I felt betrayed by two people I loved the most. They were standing too close. She was wearing her bridal dress, she’s going to be my bride but she was in my brother’s arms. I could feel the pang in my heart. My vision became hazy. I didn’t want to believe on my eyes but they weren’t deceiving me but my bride and my brother.But must give the answer this time. I took long strands towards them and pulled Ella out of his embrace harshly. They were taken aback by the sudden interruption. Ella yelped but when she saw me, her eyes dilated in horror.My brother’s face was indifferent though.“What the hell is going on in here? Do not dare to lie or make an excuse because I have seen everything with my own eyes.” I dangerously whispered to them.“Marcello, I am telling you the truth. I haven’t done anything wrong. Please, trust me. I was asking him about you when you didn’t pick up my ca
[ Marcello ]“Why did you do it?” I asked quietly from the man tied in front of me.“I don’t know what you are talking about, Mr. Romano. You abducted me, forcefully keeping me here and you expect me to surrender and confess something I didn’t do.” Enzo Bianchi sneered, his eyes were red due to anger.I exhaled deeply and rose from my chair, I was treating him patiently but I was reaching to my limit.“Enzo, I do not want to hurt you. In fact, I will spare your life, today is the most important day of my life. I and Ella are getting married in a few hours. Ella and your family will be worried if you don’t join us soon. So, speak up. We won’t hurt you, I promise. Ella is too precious for me to lose and I don’t think I will harm her brother but you are leaving me with no choice.” I said and picked my gun.“You claim to love my sister but I think you are nothing but a vile and despicable man like other mafias. I wish my sister could see your true face.” Enzo spitted but it didn’t reach t
[ Ella ]“You’re getting married?” Uncle Rio frowned and looked at us.Marcello invited my family to the estate to break the news personally to them early in the morning. Except Enzo, uncle, aunt and my two cousins came.“Yes, Uncle. I am leaving for Paris in three days, it’ll be a long stay so I thought marrying Marcello is what I want. His name will give me protection if he has hidden enemies or your enemies there. I will no longer be an ordinary girl.” I said as Marcello taught me.It was necessary to lure my uncle since he can’t be trusted after he sneaked behind us to borrow money twice.“Honey, but why all of a sudden? You could do it earlier or give us some time to prepare for the wedding. After your parents, it’s our responsibility to act like your guardian.” Aunt said.“Don’t worry about the preparations, Mrs. Bianchi. We’re taking care of everything. Moreover, it’ll be a private ceremony. Only our families and Ella’s friends. It’s not in our favour to throw a big wedding in