Chapter 4

* FIORELLA*

Today they brought the dress and the jewelry that I would wear tomorrow at that party; I can't complain because the dress is beautiful, black color that elegantly shows my curves, the jewels are diamonds, Fabrizio didn't skimp on spending splendidly on this.

I went downstairs and was about to go to the kitchen for a glass of water when I heard my father and Fabrizio arguing in the office.

I heard a loud bang and rushed in, "Papa, what's going on?" I asked, surprised to see Fabrizio on the floor touching his face from the blow my father had given him.

"That we are ruined," said Papa holding onto the desk.

I ran to him to help him sit down and calm down, "What are you talking about?" I said, worried.

"That your brother has put us in debt, we have lost property and money, all because of his gambling," Papa said, and my face turned white.

"Fabrizio, how could you, Papa's life's work," I said, and he stood up and walked over to me.

"Everything was under control, and I was going to return the money and cover the debts, but one business didn't complete and then another, by the time I realized, I couldn't get the money back in time, but I can still fix it, Papa," he said.

"You are an imbecile; you think Mancini will give in easily and give you a fair term and time to give him back his money. Are you an idiot, or was I wrong to raise you because I thought you were smarter than that boy"?

"I am not a boy, I am a man, and soon I will be the Don of this Family," said Fabrizio shouting at Papa.

"You are finished; most of your friends are already dead, you have no contacts, and I doubt very much that the Devil is going to extend his hand to save you," said Fabrizio mocking.

"The devil, who is that man? maybe if we can talk to him, we could ......" I said, but Fabrizio dropped me on the spot.

"Don't even think about it; I don't want anything from that asshole, and we won't ask him; he might be the son of your old friend, but he is my enemy, and if I could, I would kill him to get his place."

"Mancini has offered me an option, and I have taken it, so you have nothing to worry about; as I told you, everything is settled. Fiorella, you should go and rest so that tomorrow you will be gorgeous; there is a party we must attend."

"How do you expect me to go when ...., I just found out that you have lost everything."

"Nothing is lost; I told you I will fix it, now go" I looked at him and then at Papa, who smiled back at me.

"Go rest Fiorella, I'll talk to Fabrizio, and you don't worry about anything."

"Alright, see you tomorrow."

*Lorenzo*

Finally, the day arrived, and at eight o'clock at night, the surroundings of the Contti House where the reception would take place was surrounded by luxurious cars and elegant women.

It looked like an auction and not an engagement party; at the house door, many curious women saw me arrive, looking at me as if I were a piece of meat. Still, I was already used to it, and sometimes I took advantage of that to take a woman to bed.

When I entered the great hall, I could see everyone drinking and talking to each other, I walked looking for that beautiful blonde with blue eyes in the crowd, but I did not find her.

I heard how some women, who were close to me, started talking about someone in particular, "You saw who was there ....." said a woman looking towards the main door, while Dante Mancini made his presence known.

He was not used to attending these meetings. Still, apparently, that has changed, and I know perfectly well the main reason, the exact reason why I am here tonight.

I approached some people I knew, who greeted me with a smile, not because they liked me but because otherwise, I might kill them for their disrespect.

After half an hour, talking with some Dones about business and possible future alliances, I met Dante. He approached me, wanting to kill him for his audacity to set his eyes on Fiorella.

"What a miracle, Lorenzo; when did you resurrect? It's been a long time since I've seen attend this kind of event," said Dante, looking at me with a cynical smile.

"I received the invitation from the Contti Family and decided it was a good time to reappear; besides, I understand I'm not the only one coming for the first time, and I'm anxious to meet the new faces of the family' I said haughtily looking at him.

His smile faded completely; he walked over to me and said, "Not all the new faces are available. You should be careful not to notice the wrong woman; she may already be out of the way".

I laughed at his comment and moved closer to him, challenging me, "I don't care about that; you should know by now what I want I get," I said and left him talking to himself, walking away in search of old Giuseppe.

But I was met with the unpleasant presence of the host, Don Luciano Contti, "My dear Lorenzo, it is an honor that you have accepted my invitation."

"I could not refuse, before such an honor, I am happy for the union of your daughter, and I wish you an abundant future; by the way, Luciano, I thought this was an exclusive event, but apparently it is not," I said trying to get him out of his comfort zone.

"Lorenzo, you offend me, of course, it is; only the most important families were invited," said old Contti.

"Then, why don't I see anyone from the Santelli family present, I said, completely furious, showing my dissatisfaction for the absence of Giuseppe, no longer able to contain my impatience.

"I do not know the reason; I personally sent the invitation to Giuseppe; I am sure there is an explanation for his tardiness."

I grimaced in disgust at him and withdrew to look for Camillo; when I saw him near some women, I signaled him, and he immediately approached me.

"You haven't seen her?"

"Who? Camilo asked.

"No one from the Santelli family has arrived; I don't have to remind you that's the only reason I attended this ridiculous party."

"Ah ! Fiorella, I haven't seen her, but I assure you that as soon as she arrives, our men will let us know; they are already outside waiting for her.".......

*Fiorella*

My blonde hair was adorned with waves that made me look quite sexy. The dress was black in color, elegantly adjusted to my figure; my jewels were some exquisite diamond earrings.

My makeup is simple but striking, my lips in a red fire tone, highlighting my full lips and blue eyes; after several hours, I was finally ready.

My father and Fabrizio were already waiting impatiently for me. Still, it was worth it when they saw me before them, "Figlia mia, sei bella," Papa said with a huge smile.

"We didn't wait any longer, it's late, and we should be on our way, andiamo! andiamo! "said Papa with a smile and walked towards the front door of the house.

When I was about to follow him, Fabrizio stopped me placing his hand on my arm with force, "! Wait!" he said in a haughty tone.

Fabrizio saw me and circled my body, looking at me in a way I didn't like at all as if he was inspecting the merchandise he was about to deliver; his face did not give me confidence.

He had changed so much in these years, far had been the shadow of that tender and loving brother, who always protected me; now he was cynical, a drunkard and pedantic of the worst.

I could not avoid making a face of displeasure when the smell of alcohol reached my nose, "You are stoned or drunk, I do not know which of the two things, how is it possible that you can not behave at the height, you will be the next head of the family," I said with a tone of voice that I did not expect.

I have always been the sweet sister; even though I am an adult, my soul and character are still the same, without a drop of corruption or evil; Papa said that I was an oasis in the desert, that's why I was hiding.

He knew that if a Capo knew of my existence, they could even kill them all; I always told him that he was exaggerating, that I could attract men if I was a simple and ordinary woman.

But his words scared me more than I expected, "My daughter, you are pure, innocent and beautiful, any Mafia man would kill to have a wife like that, those qualities are extinct among us, although your character is of a strong and determined woman, you can not deny the innocence that dwells in you and that is what could be the end of your freedom."

When I was in high school, several times, I was about to give myself to the first man who asked me, but something told me to wait; my father knew me well and knew that I was not a crazy woman who spent her time having sex with any man.

He would have raised me well, and I always respected myself, contrary to my cousins and friends. However, the rumor that I was a virgin spread like wildfire when I was 15 years old was when Dad decided to send me away to study for my safety.

Fabrizio's hand, grabbing my chin tightly and bringing me closer to his face, brought me back to reality, "You're still a virgin, aren't you?

My eyes jumped, I became very nervous, I couldn't believe the question he had asked me. .......