[ Arielle ]The air was filled with quietness as I, Vincent and Feline sat down for dinner. I was the one who insisted her to stay with us. Knowing the dark past that both Feline and Vincent shared, I thought it would be a good idea to make her feel welcomed. She has lost everything, at this age, she was all alone, all by herself. I feel bad for her.“I am happy for both of you. You’re going to be parents very soon.” Feline broke the silence, her polite smile and her gaze on my baby bump said it all.“Thank you, Ma’am. We want your blessing for your child.” I said with lowered gaze as a sign of respect.“Yes, Feline. We have faced and endured a lot since we got married. We want a fresh start with our child and we need your blessing.” Vincent said with a smile.“My blessings are always with you two.” She smiled widely and sipped her drink, “What are you having, a boy or a girl? I am sure it’s a boy.” She said teasingly.“It’s a girl, Feline.” Vincent said with pride in his eyes as he p
[ Arielle ]“Please, place these roses in the centre of the table, make sure you use the white clay vase. Vincent loves red roses placed in his favourite vase which I brought from Greece for him.” I instructed the house staff.Today’s special for us. It’ll mark a new chapter of our lives. We have been waiting for this day for almost three years and today, we’ll finally be released from the shackles of our destiny and build our own fate.“Signora, you have to come with me.” I heard the voice of my princess’ caretaker and I turned to face her. She was standing in front of me with folded hands.“Don’t tell me she again gave you a hard time in bathing her?” I crossed my hands across my chest.“I am sorry, Ma’am but she isn’t coming in my hold. I tried but she sneaked into Capo’s office where our entry is prohibited. Signor Marcello isn’t around otherwise I had requested him to bring her out of there.” She told me and I knew that my daughter plays this trick whenever she doesn’t want to do
[ Arielle ]“This is unacceptable! Have you lost your mind?”Lorenzo’s roar echoed in the silent air of the gigantic dining room of the estate, his eyes oozing lava as he glared at his eldest son, ready to see blood. I was afraid imagining how things may lead to violence but when I glanced at my husband, he looked very calm.“Papa, I have made my decision. I am not going to step back now. My children also deserve a normal life like other kids of this family. I don’t want my daughter to live like a caged bird just because I’ll be too worried for her security and cage her like a wingless bird. I don’t want to live a living hell for the rest of her life because only other mafia can guarantee her safety. She’ll lose her freedom to choose her life partner. Not everyone is as fortunate as I or my siblings. So, I have decided to pass over the position of Capo Dei Capi to Marcello until one of our kids, either mine or Alessandro’s or Stefano’s wants to take over the family business.” Vincent
[ Marcello ]“No! Capo! Please, forgive me. I haven’t deceived you.” The man sitting on the chair begged me to spare his life, his battered face, flowing tears and eyes reflecting fear of death satisfied me because he dared to go against the rules I had set before recruiting him in my team.I picked my favourite dagger that I received from former capo Vincent, my Godfather and I use it when I send my enemies and traitors straight to the hell.“Then open your mouth and spill the name of the person who fed you to betray me and leak the details of our latest shipment?” I traced the sharp point of the dagger on his cheek and pierced it in his skin. He cried again but still not giving away the name of the enemy who tried to steal my latest shipment of weapons in the Atlantic Sea.“I am giving you last chance, Pedro. I am not very patient man and you’re wasting my time. I have craving to eat walnut cakes from my favourite bakery and it closes at eight in the night and it’s already six. Knoc
[ Ella ]“These cookies smell delicious, you’re slowly learning the secret art of baking the best cakes and cookies of Sicily. One day, you have to become a part of our family business.” My uncle, Rio said to me when he tasted the cookies I baked in the café. A grin broke on my face. I love making desserts and working in my uncle’s bakery is one of my dreams so I went to Rome to master in culinary school.“Thank you, Uncle. I’ll try harder next time.” I said and placed the plate in the glass shelf. The café wasn’t much crowded as it was the mid of the week and we were about to close.“Rio, Capo and his men are here.” One of the waiters came into the kitchen to inform my uncle about some customer, I have heard this place is also where people associated with illegal business live.“Ella, my dear, can you help your aunt in the kitchen? I am going to greet one of my regular customers.” Uncle said and went out in hurry.I took one last glance at the clock and went inside the kitchen to jo
[ Ella ]A few days had passed since I last saw Marcello, the mafia lord. I tried to forget about him and mostly spent my time in the café’s kitchen rather than doing counter duty. I busied myself in learning baking new types of cakes and cookies. Soon, I almost got over the incident and I thought I was only being paranoid that night. Why would a man like Marcello may be interested in a common nobody like me.“Auntie, look how’s this pineapple icing is looking?” I asked my aunt who was busy making pastries.She glanced at my art and smiled widely, “You’re a fast learner, Ella. I am sure that one day you’ll take our café to a new height.” She encouraged me and I placed two cupcakes on a plate to take them to my friend Rita and Uncle Rio.The café was busy as it was morning time and it seems everyone in the city wants our coffee. I walked in the cafeteria. I felt more confident than before. I also passed smiles to customers who walked past me and welcomed them in Italian.“I never enjoy
[ Ella ]I stared at the man standing in front of me. His face had a smug smile whereas I just wanted to disappear into thin air or leave the country.“I think you heard me correctly, Ms. Ella. I want to take you out for a dinner in the evening.” He repeated in direct and clear words.“No, I can’t.” I flatly rejected his proposal. He was just a stranger. I can’t trust him let alone going out with him. What if he drugs me and then rapes me, or worse kill me and dump my body into the ocean.“Are you rejecting my request, mon cheri?” He raised his brow and I could see that he felt humiliated in front of his subordinates.“Yes, Mr. Marcello. I can’t go out with you. You’re our respected customer and it’s very inappropriate for me to keep any relationship with one of our customers.” I lied keeping my head low. There was no such rule but I can’t say the truth on his face.“If you don’t want to come with me then you can directly tell me, Ms. Ella. You don’t need to make lame excuses because
[ Marcello ]Why this girl’s thoughts aren’t leaving my mind since I had seen her. Her shyness mixed with fear, the way she stole glance at me and then scurry away as if I’d eat her. Capo Vincent was right when he used to tell me that one day, someone will mess up with my mind. After battling with my patience and sanity, I finally reached at the café and lured Rio to send her with me for a dinner. My pride was hurt but she wasn’t wrong on her place either.“Capo, are you thinking about Miss Ella?” Vincenzo asked me.“Perhaps, yes. She’s an interesting character.” I said with a wink and scrolled through her social media account, she’s quite active, updating the world with her life and her different aspects. I could see her following but I felt a strange sensation which wasn’t good at all when I saw her photos with boys, probably her friends or class mates. She hid nothing about her. She looked vibrant and a jolly person except when she was around me.“Can I help you with something? Som
[ 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