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Chapter 105
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Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 106
My eyes widen in surprise, there’s no way they know I’m part of the mission team. From the corner of my eye, I notice Dante’s finger flexing around the rifle’s trigger. As carefully as I can, I reach forward to grip the back of his shirt, tugging him back, a silent warning to help him calm down. It seems to work.“Let them go,” Noah hisses, his shoulders tense as he aims his gun slowly toward the village chief.“Those weren’t my orders,” the chief replies smoothly, in his thick South Asian accent. “I was told to talk only to Jean Atwood and I’m sure that’s not you.”Ever so slowly, Dante inches sideways to block me from the enemy’s view. My grip on his shirt tightens, in fear of what’s about to come.“If she’s not here, my orders are to kill them all.” There’s a glint in the chief’s eyes, something akin to amusement, and it makes me sick to my stomach.I can’t let him kill all of these innocents. Slowly, I pull away from Dante, but he senses my movements, he knows what I’m about to do
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 107
“What are you doing?!” I ask, my voice turning shrill in sheer panic, but before Dante could answer Noah and another soldier had positioned themselves in front of him, to protect their master.I stare Dante down, but I don’t shake his hold on me. His hands grip my upper arms in a bruising hold, his rifle forgotten, hanging uselessly on its strap.“Jean—”“It’s okay,” I whisper, “It’ll be okay.”With my eyes, I beg Dante to understand. I don’t want to make the sacrifice either, knowing full well that Serafino is just salivating at the notion of possessing me, but I know what I have to do. I’m desperate to stop this. I won’t be able to take it if another person gets hurt because of me. Especially if I can stop it from happening, even if I have to turn myself in to do it.“Jean, no.” Dante’s voice is stern, but there’s desperation mixed in there too. He’s grasping at straws the same way I am. There’s no explanation for it, just the urgent need to protect.Dante’s stormy gray eyes hold mi
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 108
DanteEverything happened so fucking fast, there wasn’t enough time for us to react. Apart from the sudden charge from a new party, explosions from all directions keep shaking the ground causing the prisoners to panic.Two distinct gunshots ring in the air bringing my attention back to Jean.“Adeline!” Jean’s voice pierces through and I watch her dive for Adeline. A close distance from where she lies is the chief’s body, as the life drains out of him, watering the ground with his blood.Fuck. Did she shoot him?I didn’t even see it happening. I can’t believe I was so focused on the chaos caused by the rebels that I hadn’t realized what happened to Jean. Some husband I am.“Protect your mistress!” I shout over the chaos, already running toward where Jean is hunched over Adeline, her hands coated with red as she presses her hands firmly on the latter’s chest. But I know it’s too late. One look at Adeline’s eyes and I knew she was dead before she even hit the ground.I don’t bite back th
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 109
Dante“What do you mean I can’t go back to my estate?” I clutch the phone tighter, bracing myself for the bad news.Luca clears his throat on the other end, “Serafino made several hits just last night… After he learned of your attack on the island. Word on the street is he’s still pissed and that he might try to attack your estate. It’d be better to stay in one of the penthouses for now.”Well, that certainly isn’t the way I would have wanted to start my day. I’m jetlagged, my head is pounding with a headache, and Jean still hasn’t woken up. And now my consigliere tells me more bad news.My eyebrows furrow as I rub the bridge of my nose to try to alleviate the pressure. “Fine. I’ll stay at the penthouse. Wait, multiple hits?”From the driver’s seat, Noah spares me a glance through the rearview mirror, also interested in what Luca has to say. I put the phone on speaker, and we both intently listen to Luca’s words.“Yeah. My best guess is Serafino’s throwing a tantrum after learning of
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 110
Jean“You really love him, don’t you?”I turn around when I hear Adeline’s voice behind me. I hadn’t even realized I’d been staring at Dante who was standing a few paces from where we are as he ironed out more of our plan with Noah.No matter how I look at it, Dante has this certain lightness to him when he’s around Noah. It’s like with Noah here, Dante’s burden is lessened and I’m thankful for that. He must be so happy seeing his brother again after so long. And I can only imagine I would feel the same joy when I see my sister again.I face Adeline and give her a genuine smile. “Yeah. I really do love him.”There’s no point denying it now, even to myself. I love Dante. And we’re minutes away from storming a smuggling ring. I can’t help but worry for him.Dante may be hardened by hundreds of battles but he’s still human, he could still get hurt, and he could still be killed.“I just worry that this is the last time I’ll see him.” I shake my head to rid myself of the thought. “Sorry,
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 111
Jean “What?” Dante asks in disbelief, looking at me as if I‘d said something out of character. Maybe I did but it’s for the best. This way he knows exactly what I want to do. The need to be active and involved is strong because the minute I stop moving I’ll start to crumble. “How are we proceeding with the plan?” I ask, subtler than the last question. “I need to do something, Dante— no you don’t understand!” I add when he tries to reach for me and cut me off. “I need to do something.” Dante’s eyebrows scrunch in confusion before the realization hits him. Suddenly, he has a hand around my wrist and practically drags me across the kitchen and into the living room. I don’t even get time to admire the penthouse’s interior because Dante all but pushes me down into the plush black couch. I hit the cushions with a soft plop leaving me to crane my neck all the way back to look up at him. “What—” “Sit down,” he says, cutting me off. Though confused and pissed at how he’s manhandling me, I
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 112
JeanHow long has it been? Two hours maybe since I fell asleep on the couch from exhaustion. How many times have I cried myself to sleep these days? But I needed that.Sometimes, a good cry is what you really need to clear your head. And now that my head is clear, I’m starting to regret everything I said earlier.I find myself in the kitchen after my stomach grumbles its complaints. I don’t remember when the last time I ate was, I think it was before the mission started. I fix myself a simple breakfast of bread and coffee, forcing my mind to stay blank as I go about mundane activities.After loading the dishwasher, I head back to the bedroom on the second floor to rest, there’s nothing else to do anyway. I try to watch a movie but I can’t seem to focus, not even making it to the ten-minute mark. I can’t seem to shake the images of Adeline in my arms along with our other fallen soldiers.I clench my fists until I could feel my fingernails bury deep into the skin of my palms, the pain g
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 113
JeanShocked to hear Dante’s voice, I don’t turn around, instead, I wait for him to come closer. He admits that he has been keeping this room a secret, but I want the explanation to come from him.“What are you doing here, Jean?”“You didn’t tell me about the casino,” I reply instead, curious to know why.I hear some shuffling behind me as Dante moves closer. Dante hums before replying, “I didn’t want it to be the first thing I tell you after waking up.”“Ah,” I reply nodding, having assumed as much. This whole time he was thinking about how I felt and I, on the other hand, didn’t stop to consider his feelings. “I’m sorry about how I acted this morning,” I add ashamed. “It’s… not excusable. I’m sorry for the trouble. I didn’t mean what I said.”I chew the inside of my cheek, waiting for Dante to say something.“I accept your apology,” he replies finally. “And to be honest, you did mean it. You meant what you said, and what I won’t accept is you downplaying your emotions. I appreciate
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Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] EPILOGUE
12 YEARS LATER. “Come on! We’re going to miss it! Hurry, Papa!” “Okay, okay. Slow down, sweetheart.” The man hastens after his daughter, weaving through a small crowd of people that had just arrived, same as them. The young girl complains, “We promised Lily we’d be on time—there!” she points to the entrance of the auditorium. “Lily!” Lily waves back frantically at her sister. “You made it, Rose!” Lily replies running up the remainder of the distance between them. “You missed the opening ceremony but the displays are out. Come on!” The twins leave their father behind, opting to rush inside the auditorium that was converted into a small gallery to display the artworks created by the students of the summer art program. The auditorium is large for a school with a population of only a few hundred, but the family decided that a private school was best for their kids. “Ah, you’ve finally arrived,” Jean greets her husband as he strides toward her. She looks as beautiful as ever with her
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 137
Jean“Is there somewhere we can talk privately?” he asks when he notices the tear that escapes my eye. “I won’t have tears for our reunion, love.”I quickly wipe away the tears that managed to stain my cheeks and pull away from the man I used to call my husband.With my head still spinning, I manage to get out of work immediately with the promise that I would close the deal with the mysterious art donor.Dante—or rather, Gavin and I find ourselves behind the safety of my apartment doors soon enough.“Now,” I order just as the doors close behind us. “Explain yourself.”Gavin quirks an eyebrow at me, “Quite a warm welcome, love.” I sense the sarcasm in his voice which makes me roll my eyes at him.“When you explain yourself, I might reconsider.”“Why are you mad at me?” he asks almost in disbelief. “When everything I did, I did for you.”“For me?” I scoff loudly, returning the same energy and disbelief. “You left me alone for two years! Even when I asked you to come—” then shaking my he
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 136
JeanI think it’s been three days since I learned about Dante’s death. Three days that I’ve stayed home, calling in sick for work because there’s no way I can hold myself together in public when I burst into tears every hour or so.It’s been three days since my world shattered.The television has been playing on the same news channel the whole time with me waiting for any developments. I dove into the deeper parts of the internet, looking for any information but there is none to be found.“This is it, huh?” I whisper to myself, clinging onto the fleece blanket wrapped around me as I stare out the window. The heavy rain doesn’t help my mood at all, but it gives me comfort that the sky weeps for my loss too.I go to sleep that night feeling a blackhole-sized void in my heart.~~~The next morning, I woke up with several texts from the gallery asking me to come back to work. I’ve informed them that I couldn’t come but it must be an emergency if even my head supervisor is leaving me voic
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 135
JeanI don’t remember the bar being this stuffy, but I somehow find myself suffocating in the middle of a conversation with my colleagues. And suddenly the black dress I’m wearing is too short and too tight on my body.I shouldn’t have come tonight. It’s a full night at the club, and it doesn’t take long before I request to move to a private room. I’m met with various curious and lust-filled looks but I ignore them. Parisians know how to party, and oftentimes those parties involve more than just drinking and dancing, there’s always something more.I’m sure my colleagues assumed I was asking for more, but I simply needed to get away from the crowd.Lara invited way too many strangers, but I figured this party was more for them than it was for my work anniversary. But I go along with it. I’ll just have to find an excuse to leave a bit earlier than the rest of them.“Jean, why aren’t you dancing?” Lara pipes up hugging me from behind. I chuckle softly, she’s already buzzed. “Ditch these
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 134
Jean I fumble with my coat as I reach for my phone in my purse. The rain hasn’t let up once since December rolled in. I would have preferred to stay in the office today, but the statement for Bianca’s tuition came in my email last night.I tried to call her, but Bianca’s phone seems to be turned off and I went straight to voice mail.“Hey, Bub. I’m on my way to the bank now to pay for your tuition and other fees. Let me know if you need anything else— Oh! And as usual, do you want me to release your trust yet or not? That’s all bye! Call me back!”The answer has always been the same. Bianca doesn’t want to touch the money our parents left us until she was making her own. And I took it upon myself to pay for her education despite her protests.But I still figured I’d ask her every four months or so. Bianca was sustaining herself by working part-time and getting free lessons by volunteering for every camp and workshop. But she grew up sheltered and pampered. As her big sister, I still
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 133
DanteIn the end, Jean leaves like a thief in the night. She left no note except for the signed divorce papers on top of the living room center table. I watch from the balcony as Jean shoulders a small carry-on bag with only her essentials. Despite the thundering protests I feel stirring in my chest, I know that tonight is the night I lose her. From the corner of my eye, I spot a few men with guns trained at her, ready to fire at my command. Their previous orders were to not allow Jean out of their sight, which includes having to injure her if she gets taken away by enemies again. But this time is different.Luca stands beside me, watching the same scene unfold. “Dante, are you sure about letting her get away?”I understand his sentiments. The amount of time, money, and effort I’d put into making her mine, only to watch her walk away in the end.And I was sure. But as I watch her walk away, I find out that letting her go is the single hardest thing I’ve done in my life.“Yes, tell m
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 132
DanteI let Jean cry in my arms. The contract was a way to keep us both tethered to each other, and now that it’s gone, there’s nothing officially tying us together. In a way, we both lost someone tonight.“What happens now?” Jean asks with the softest voice. She sniffles a bit before sitting up, but she doesn’t leave my lap.With us finally being at eye level, I can see how red Jean’s nose is, her cheeks are tinted pink as well. She’s beautiful, and I make sure to tell her just that.“Will you stay?” I ask instead, even though I know full well that Jean’s already made up her mind about this long ago.Her eyes soften as she takes me in fully. One of Jean’s hands comes up to cup my cheek, and she smiles ever so softly as she whispers my name.“Dante… I love you,” Jean starts and it’s the saddest I’ve ever heard her utter those words. I know there’s a but coming up. “I never asked for this life, and I—I don’t want any part of it.”Jean finishes talking, shaking her head from side to sid
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 131
DanteThe day I’ve been dreading has finally come. The day that I let her go.I watch Jean silently as she stares out of the wall windows. With the rain softly pattering outside, it reflects my mood perfectly. Jean looks stunning even in sleep shorts and a pullover she stole from my closet. She looks so perfect in my clothes, in my penthouse… and in my life.Suddenly the folder in my hand feels heavier than it should be.I ground myself before approaching Jean, needing to be a hundred percent sure I can handle this conversation. Because once I start, there’s no going back.“Hey,” I whisper in her ear as I wrap my arms around her from behind. Jean leans into my touch, resting her head against my shoulder.“What is it?” she asks, a frown on her face as she turns in my arms to face me. She must have noticed my agitation. “Is everything okay?” Jean reaches forward and cups my cheek.“Yeah,” I reply simply, offering her a reassuring smile—at least I tried to. “Come here for a sec.”“Dante,
Fallen From Grace [Married to the Mafia Novel] Chapter 130
JeanUpon hearing those words, I notice that Dante had made himself scarce. Now that I think about it, he didn’t enter the living room with me and Bianca. He most likely left the penthouse to talk to Noah. How do I know that? Because there is no way in hell that Dante would have allowed Bianca to travel alone right when the investigation for the Regis family is about to start.But there’s something in the air that doesn’t quite feel like home.The woman in front of me may look like my little sister, Bianca, but she’s different. The last time I saw her she still had her baby cheeks and that wanderlust look in her eyes, but now that’s all gone.Her eyes no longer hold wonder in them but wisdom that only hardship and experience can mold. Her features look more angled, more mature.It makes me wonder if I somehow look the same to her or if I’ve changed in her eyes as she has changed in mine.I smile at my sister, albeit a little sad that I missed out on an entire year of her life. My baby
