Chapter Six
Luca Crovetto “ I'm back to the ville as instructed,Father” I said firmly pacing the courtyard of my ville with my phone pressed to my ear. “ Bene” he wheezed, his voice still carrying its depth “Resta li, await further instructions”. “Father I have problem, I need to speak to you about the deal” I quickened my pace , frustration building inside of me. “What about it” he asked his breathing was laboured and faint “The consortium is insisting on seeing the United front of our families before they agree and seal the deal!” “And How is that a problem,son” he sounded reluctant and it made me scratch my head feeling the familiar frustration build up in side of me. “ Father, you know i can’t stand sophie, I know her, she's not exactly the most cooperative person” I explained Trying to keep my voice even. There was silence at the other end of the line which made me wonder if he was paying attention.I was getting restless, then he finally speaks again. “ Luca, we need The consortium, they need our resources and we need to up our finances” “I know” I sighed feeling a surge of irration “But can't we find another way?” “ if all they want is you and Sophie present as a joint front to show that the both families are in the same page before they agree on anything, then that you must do, there is no other way..” “Sophie is unpredictable and impulsive..” I trailed off, my face twisted in distaste as I mentioned her name. “ I fear she will ruin the deal, what if she can't keep her temper in check?” I argued. “Looks like you're the one who's going to ruin the business deal,Not Sophie. But you! “ his voice thundered through the phone amid disturbing coughs and wheezes. “you are a smart boy” he continued “ figure it out, Amario did his part, why can't you?” I scowled feeling a sting from his words There he goes again ,always reminding me of Amario's loyalty and the favour I owe him. But I knew we needed this deal. working with The Consortium would make us a lot of money and earn us visibility. They only work with the most powerful Empires that has achieved a unity treaty with other rivals Empires. Usually this is hard to achieve because most strong empires lack that ability. Which is why The Consortium want to work with us, They know that our Empire was powerful enough to provide that security for them.they believe by doing so, they will avoid the risk of being attacked, losing their funds or damage in their business. And in return,they will offer us a huge share of their resources, funds and connections which will help us expand our business and solidify our position in the market. “Don't think about leaving just like you did or disobeying me a second time just like you did” he warned sternly. “you are going to do as I have asked,Do you understand?” “ si padre, capiso” I nodded, even though I knew he couldn't see me. “ I apologize,I will do as you've asked. at least, please no one should inform sophie yet. Let me handle it, I will speak to her as soon as the meeting is set.” I pleaded, my patience running thin “ Very well Then. Make it quick” He replied curtly and the line went dead. I stopped pacing and lowered the phone kicking a nearby stone in disgust as frustrating groan escaped my lips. I just have to think of a way to get it to work with sophie or there will be serious consequences for me. I took a deep breath and quickly shoved the phone back in my beige trench coat. As I Stood in the courtyard, lost in thought. A deep familiar voice from a distance interrupted my contemplation “Amico mio! I knew I'd find you here” I turned to see my friend, Roco, approached with a knowing smile. “This is the third time this year you've made a break for it , isn't it?” he asked shaking his head. I looked at him with a concerned gaze” Roco,how did you know I was here?” “ you are not as steathly as you think you are my friend” Roco chuckled “ you are always drawn to this place. it's like a sanctuary for you” I frowned worried that Roco had inadvertently revealed my whereabout to Sophie or to anyone else. “You know I can't have anyone knowing I'm here. It's not safe” Roco held up his hand reassuring me “Don't worry, Luca I can't tell sophie something she doesn't need to know. But you know I've offered you a way out, You are the one who insists on staying here.” I signed, Roco has offered me ways to redeem my self that I've declined and he understands, he has always been very understanding since we were kids. But as we grew up,we began to develop different interest, Roco took his path and became a cop, atleast we knew that I had to take my family’s path. Despite everything, Roco still remains a loyal friend. Focusing on our bond rather than my chaotic life. He still believes I'm still the same person he has grown up with. it was good to have someone like Roco who understands me and the whole situation. “Good to see you man, let's get you something to drink” I said tapping his back. As we both walked back to the ville lounge. “ this place never gets old” roco said his gaze roamed the room, his voice low and appreciative. he seemed to still appreciate the details and the sense of style that surrounded every aspect of the room. The walls embellished with dark wood panelling and contemporary art piece that I carefully selected. the table, made with polished black wood, The velvet sofa and armstairs still appeared modern and luxurious. Their deep red color seemed to pulse with the dim light. The bar is a centre piece of its own, the shelves where lined with collection of fine spirits, rare whiskey and cognacs that I've actuated for years. I took a sit next to Rocos while my personal bartender pours in the Negroni he knows I love. But Roco stops him half way into his glass. “ get me something strong and different, maybe Macallan 64” I nod, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease as i take the first sip. While Roco took his right after the bartender passed his drink to him. We had our drinks in silence before Roco spoke up “The boys are in town you know, just thought I should stop by and give you a little heads up” “Right, I'll take note of that “ I responded emptying the content of my glass in my mouth while I winced. “I have a business deal I need to close in with sophie or I will face severe consequences ” “Something you can't do alone ” Roco asked with concern “ surprisingly, It's not my shine” Roco took the hint,i knew he was making a list of advice for me and I wasn't in the mood, I needed a miracle more than an advice.” But he went ahead anyway “ you know luca,it's business, sometimes you need to be flexible, other times, you need to adapt to suitations” Roco said casually. “Where are you getting at?” I furrowed my brows. unsure of what he meant. Roco leaned in closely “ I mean there is always a way to still meet the requirements without necessarily involving sophie directly” Just then an idea began to form in my mind. my phone buzzed, interupting our conversation. it was a message saying “THE WOMAN FROM YESTERDAY IS ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT YOU, WHAT'S GOING ON ” I glanced at my screen with curiosity, my other hand gently tugging my beard. I didn't even give much thoughts into it before replying “ BRING HER TO ME”Chapter SevenCécile Garnier“I'm begging you!” I pleaded with the staff at the reception, my voice brittled in desperation while my two hands clasped together as I wrung them in a frantic plea. “I just need to find Luca crovetto, My ID and my bank cards are still missing” The receptionist, a lady dressed in a tailored navy blue uniform with a tight bun leaned in closely, her eyes seemed to hesitate, as if it was weighing the cost of helping me. She bridged her fingers together and her voice firm but gentle. “We still can't disclose any information about our guest mademoiselle, please try to understand” she repeated, She had been a little bit sympathetic at the beginning after I stormed into the reception asking about lucas whereabouts.The receptionist's gaze flicked to her colleague, a younger man who rocked back and forth with a little bit of impatience. his eyes rolled subtly before he looked away. I sensed a silent warning passing between them to maintain their neutr
Prologue My name is Cécile Garnier, and I've just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I just turned 25 two months ago and my life is supposed to be just beginning. Doctor Martins had said the cancer is advanced and it's likely that I will have a few months.his words the day he broke that sad news to me still echo in my mind like a death sentence. I remember the day at his office like it was yesterday. The look on his face, usually calm and welcoming, was lined with concern as he delivered the diagnosis and His gentle tone couldn't mask the gravity of the news. My mind raced with questions, but my voice was frozen with the sound of my heartbeat echoing in my ears. As Silence enveloped the room, the ticking of the clock became deafening. I never realized my body was trying to tell me something throughout those times I felt very tired and exhausted. But I kept brushing it off as stress from work. If only I had listened, I would have asked for help sooner Because I have a lot
Luca crovetto. I Stood outside the door of the imperial suite with three of my men, my fist still clenched from the force of my knock, the manager's nervous whisper still lingered in my ear “she said she's not interested, please forgive her” He knew better, he had to plead on her behalf But I wasn't there to make a scene , I was here to get what I want. And what I wanted was that suite. Just a little escape from “ a human tragedy” the daughter of a rival mafia family “ the Barralis” Our families had a long standing agreement. I was betrothed to her from birth, it was an arrangement that would strengthen our alliance and secure our families power ending the Turf war between the both families. if I refuse to carry on with the marriage, I definitely facing the wrath of my family and the Barralis. my father would be furious and I might be cut-off from the family business or even be exiled. Her Father Don Amario Barralis, is one of the few men that I fear. He treated me like
Cécile Garnier What the hell just happened! Did I just challenge a man who just clearly told me who he was, A mafia Boss! This doesn't look Good! “Should I apologize or should I leave” I thought to myself, fear began to creep in on me No” I said, shrugging it off. “these rich mother fuckers, He started it first, just because he had the power he just wanted to show it off on me “ but again my cell phone rang this time, it was Chloe. grateful for that distraction.I smiled picking the phone up and placing it on my ear “ Hey Chloe,” I answered, trying to sound casual. “Cécile, are you alright?, you sound upset, ? chloe asked “I just had a run in with a rich dude, says his name is Luca Crovetto” I said trying to mimic the lucas voice. “ and I may have challenged him” “NO WAY!” Chloe let out a deafening scream that made me quickly pull the phone far from my ear. “ LUCA CROVETTO! AS IN THE MAFIA LUCA CROVETTO ? “yesss” I replied surprisingly rubbing my chin “Since wh
Luca Crovetto Otto And I were just leaving the district, feeling quite satisfied with my evening entertainment, when I spotted her, the same lady from earlier today. I remember that face vividly. It kind of amused me seeing her in the streets. What was she doing In this neighborhood of all places? Maybe she was there for the same reason as me, to have a good time. I nudged otto who was about to get the car door for me and i nodded discreetly towards the lady “looks like we have a familiar face here otto, the lady from the hotel, what do you think?” Otto observed her “ I'm seeing her here for the first time,is she lost?” “Lost?” I scoffed, placing my hands on each side of my pocket. “In this neighborhood? Unlikely” “Then it's likely madame Sophie sent her” Otto's suggestion made a whole lot of sense. But it cackled me up “Then this lady either has a lot of balls or she's very foolish. I responded. I had expected Sophie to dig up information on where I am, who I a
Chapter five Cécile Garnier I slowly opened my eyes, sluggishly taking in my surroundings. I was in my hotel suite lying on the bed “What happened?” I muttered, my dry mouth trying to form words as I tried to sit up, a sharp pain shot through my head and I winced in pain. My muscles were aching. I looked around my suite,My clouded mind struggled to recall what happened the previous night especially how I got to my room. Suddenly the events came flooding back, the robbery, the men who tried to molest me and then Luca! I remember him saving me from those men, dragging me to his car and bringing me back to the hotel. “ Did he bring me up to this place?” I asked under my breath, rubbing my temple. I tossed off the blanket and got out of bed, stumbling towards the dresser. My legs felt like jelly. I caught a glimpse of myself in the dressing mirror. And I recoiled in horror! My eyes looked sunken, my skin pale and I was still putting on my dress and sandals from yesterday.