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| 44 | Choices To Make
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 45 | Family Comes First
[ S E R A P H I N E ]“Why didn't you just tell me?” I stare at him, internally reminding myself to keep calm. My heart feels like it's gonna implode if I don't get this off my chest now. I just don't know how else to broach the subject that's been hovering like a heavy cloud between us. How to confront him about his impulsive decisions. If I don't demand answers and explanations right now, we'll just end up sweeping things under the rug. I can't just swallow my pride and say yes to everything he says if my life and my family's safety could be at risk. “I mean, I'm not saying get down on your knee and actually propose to me. But, put yourself in my shoes.” I hold my breath, steeling myself for what he's about to say. “How would you feel if I did all that without even asking if you're okay with any of it?” “You feel like I'm forcing you into this?” Dominico slowly gets up from the couch, his voice soft and steady, his gaze searching mine with a mix of concern and curiosity. I scoff
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 46 | Welcome To Firenze
[ S E R A P H I N E ] [ What?!! He just left you there? By yourself? ][ He's probably on a dinner date with some chick he met online. ][ Aren't you coming back here this week? ]Wow. Alina's unusually chatty tonight. I squint at my phone and drop it on the ruffled covers, unsure of what to say to her. I haven't told her that I'm already here in Florence with Dominico. Or that I'm no longer going back to Genoa.All she knows is that we're on a vacation, and like Dominico's parents and mine, she has no clue we're getting married this weekend.Upon checking the time, I take out the velvet-sheathed box in the nightstand drawer and just stare at the shiny wedding rings inside. They're simple but elegant. Real gold, but not the expensive kind. We bought these on sale, actually.A knot tightens in the pit of my stomach. I keep thinking about Dominico's more often than not capricious behavior lately. Even worse, he's being uncommunicative again. Emotionally distant. We haven't talk
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 47 | I Do
[ S E R A P H I N E ]“Alora, sei libero la prossima settimana?” [So, are you free next week?] I gawk at the words on my screen, just staring at each one of them until they all start to blur. My heart races as my breaths turn shallow. It's the second text Ignazio Tomassini sent me today. The first one shows only two short sentences congratulating me and Dominico, and then asking me if I'm willing to meet him and his wife for dinner this week. What the heck does that two-faced creep want now? “Shit.” I toss my phone on the maroon covers. I don't know what to do with him anymore. I can't avoid him forever. I can forgive him for what he did to me, but we can't pretend nothing happened and just go back to our previous rapport. Dominico's reassurances only ease my anxiety and fear to some degree. But it's not his fault that I'm still this anxious.The rain drums against the windows as my brain replays snippets of my previous conversation with him over and over, like it's stuck on a lo
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 48 | Husband And Wife
[ S E R A P H I N E ] Michele Serra is a curly-haired lanky guy in his early 30s. Most likely Alfeo's first cousin. They have the same downturned blue eyes. Light brown hair. Well-defined jawline. About the same height, too. Paolo, Fico and the other bodyguards remain standing near the carved wooden doors. They keep glancing around. Like they're all expecting someone uninvited to show up out of nowhere.It's only worsening my nerves. I'm not sure why Alfeo brought seven guards with him.Because Dominico told him to? Maybe he told Alfeo that security is an issue right now. Or does Alfeo usually bring this many bodyguards wherever he goes? I tilt my head and look at my groom. The guy looks stupidly handsome in his tux. Like he should be on a catwalk. Not sure if he did his own hair today. It looks on point, like the rest of his outfit. Something in me aches when he stares back at me with a faint smile. Help...I can't believe this is all happening. I'm marrying the man of my drea
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 49 | Let Me Take Care Of You
[ S E R A P H I N E ]The sun's up. Rubbing sleep out of my eyes, I squint at the light filtering through the curtains and giving the room a soft glow. My new bedroom. It's much bigger than the one in my apartment. The furniture looks brand new, too. Every corner is still unfamiliar, and I'm not sure how long I'm gonna be staying here. Until Dominico thinks it's time for me to stop freeloading off of him?This house is bigger than the property he sold in Genoa, and it's his first one here in Florence. I don't know the exact amount he paid for this property, but this certainly doesn't look cheaper than his old house.It's got three bedrooms, two indoor bathrooms, and one by the pool. The backyard is wide and nice, as well as the patio. Three large vehicles can fit in the garage. His older stuff and some of his gym equipment are in there. Pushing aside the covers, I get out of bed and make my way downstairs with careful steps. The muted noises coming from the kitchen tell me he's awak
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 50 | The Rebound
[ S E R A P H I N E ] Where the heck is it? It's not in any of his bags. Not in his briefcase, either. Did he bring his laptop with him? I need to check something on his computer. I need a distraction. Something to occupy my mind. Ease the knots of tension taking root in my chest. Even my shoulders feel heavy. Sighing to myself, I stand beside his windows. The cloudy skies match the somber feeling in the entire house, and I keep imagining Dominico with his family at the cemetery. Is he okay? Is he crying? Finally realizing he just lost a loving father figure? Or is he and his dad having another fight? Crap. I hope not. I can't keep worrying about him every time he's not here or anywhere near me. I'll go insane and end up in a nuthouse. Busying myself with some general cleaning isn't working. I've scrubbed the kitchen and dining room clean, and then vacuumed all the three bedrooms. My body's tired, but my brain is still on high alert. I rummage through his drawers and closets,
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 51 | A Day Of Sorrows
[ D O M I N I C O ] The service is over. Finally. Everyone's walking away from the grave and the endless rows of flowers. Except Pappa and Leandro. They're putting on another show. Convincing the audience that they're mourning Zio Luciano's death just like the rest of us. What people don't know is, deep inside, the tight-knit duo's wallowing in their success. They're probably already planning the biggest party of the year. Somewhere in the tropics, I imagine. I'm sitting behind the wheel, alone in the car with Enzo. My chest is heavy with unspoken questions and grief, but I'm trying to look the opposite. I'm only here to pay my respects. The last thing I want is to draw any more attention to myself.“You good?” I squint at the purplish and bluish spots on Enzo's nose and cheek. I can sense his real emotions brewing. Much like the tension stirring beneath the surface. The purple bruises on his face and his blank gaze on the dashboard say enough about his mental state. Although he'
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 52 | Losing Her
[ D O M I N I C O ] Why isn't she answering? It's been two hours. I've been trying to call her since Enzo and I left the cemetery. So far, still no texts, no callbacks, no emails from her. She didn't even bother telling me she's going somewhere. Waiting for my static inbox to move, I peel myself off the sofa and stand behind Enzo. We're one action flick down and two glasses away from finishing the bottle of red wine I rescued from the fridge. “So? Where's your wife?” Enzo's loud voice and grumpy tone only amplify the tension in my shoulders. “At the mall, prolly.” I pace behind the couch, my eyes glued to my phone. Worry is starting to consume my mind. I dial Seraphine's number again. Still no answer. Paolo hasn't called me back, either. The fuck is happening? Are they on a secret dinner date or something? They'd better not be making out on some gondola, or anywhere else. I ring his other phone number, the knots in my stomach only doubling by the minute. “Paolo,” I say the s
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Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | Epilogue | Birds Of A Feather
[ S E R A P H I N E ] “One last sheet. One last,” I sigh to myself, stretching my aching back as I recline. Looks like I'm still alone out here. I'm sitting by the pool, enjoying the gorgeous pink-orange sunset while waiting for Dominico to finish working. I stare at my laptop screen. I'm almost done with my work for the day, but my focus is split, already dwindling. Some mornings, I don't even feel like checking my emails. But I can't just quit now. I don't wanna feel like a freeloader or look for another job. Dominico can take care of me and provide our baby's needs. I know. But I don't want him to think I'm getting too comfortable. He's still upstairs, probably not done with their virtual meeting. “Emergency board meeting,” he told me an hour ago. Dom's been working from home all week. The new virus is still wreaking havoc all over the country. It's starting to scare me and Mamma, actually. Dominico agreed to stay home because he doesn't want to risk it. Our health and our b
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 137 | The Animal Is Caged
[ D O M I N I C O ] “Look, Freja. It's my own money. And this isn't a loan. You don't have to pay me back. Okay?” Do I sound like an arrogant douche? I hope not. I sit back and buckle up, dying to get home. Freja’s tear-streaked face stays on the edge of the screen. The gray skies outside her window match the somber look in her eyes. She dabs at her pinkish cheeks, trying to put the waterworks on pause. It's not that she's been blindsided by her ex-husband's death. The sudden loss and grief. She knew what she was getting into the moment she agreed to be his wife. But it's not really her fault that she can't give her child a better life right now. I can't undo any of my father's actions or rewrite the past. But I could at least make sure that she and her kid won't struggle for another couple of years. “I just wired you the money.” “Thank you,” she murmurs with weak nods. I glance at the damp road. “Should cover tuition and some bills. If you need more, just call or text
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 136 | Love Wins
[ S E R A P H I N E ] “We were gonna tell you. I-I just…” Just what? Forgot that I exist? That I have feelings, too? That I'm her best friend and they should've told me they're... Sheesh! I don't even wanna imagine what they've been up to. “Just what? It just slipped your mind?” Pierre glances at me, still can't look me in the eye. Like he knows how hurt I am. He should. This is like... It's betrayal. Right? I'm their best friend! I have the right to feel this way. “You just conveniently forgot?” My voice wavers. The odd numbness in my core spreads down my legs. Shucks. Breathing feels like a chore now. “Was it that hard to send me a text? Pick up the phone and just give me a call?”I probably sound hysterical. Overdramatic. I really don't care. I glare at Pierre, trying to dismiss the shock and hide the barely repressed anger. But I'm sure it looks like I'm failing miserably at it. Pierre sighs briefly, his hands on his hips. He's staring at the ground. Like he can't be bother
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 135 | Her Secret Lover
[ S E R A P H I N E ] “Hey. Alfeo looks more buff. Like, he looks bigger than you now.” Must be because Alfeo isn't taller and often wears clothes that flaunt his broad shoulders. I sit up on the bed, ogling my hot baby daddy as he walks out of the bathroom. “Is he taking anything? Steroids, or...” Dom snickers, glancing at me while he dries his hair with a black towel. After locking the door, he grabs a few clothes from his closet. “Why? Couldn't ask him yourself?” I scratch the back of my head. I don't know what his best friend's been up to lately. I haven't seen Alfeo in months. But I'm glad that he's not too busy to hang out with us. Maybe he's bulking up to impress a girl. Or girls? Not that it bothers me. He's always gonna be welcome here. Dominico still trusts him with his life. And no matter what his family thinks, Alfeo is still his most loyal friend. “Is he dating someone?” Dom scoffs and scrunches up his nose. It's straight, but the tip is a little bulbous, not too f
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 134 | Backdoor Parole
[ D O M I N I C O ] Are they downsizing? Or my dad's running out of payola? What even is this room? This is much smaller than the well-guarded room they let us use before. Smells like dried piss and sweat, too. Unlike the last time I was here, the prison guard stands behind the door. Just one. No weapon in sight, but I bet my left kidney he's carrying at least two. I sit down in front of the divider, surprised that the only prisoner I'm visiting agreed to see me today. I know he's still pissed that I didn't come by much sooner. That I didn't show up the last time he told me to be here. He wanted me to deliver more hush money, and of course more cash for his protection. And he's probably more pissed that I didn't help Ricchar Falco find his missing uncle. Stefano. The disgraced shipping mogul. The big-time swindler who ran off with the redhead. Daddy Dearest's former number one whore. Only because the bitch impressed him in and out of the sack. Glancing at the tall, dusty walls,
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 133 | Prayers Help
[ S E R A P H I N E ]What if Leandro found out about everything we did, all the sleuthing I tried, and the heap of evidence we contributed to the investigation, and then he got furious enough that he...Any way you look at it, my theory isn't farfetched. The guy's got motive. I don't wanna be the one to dwell on these negative thoughts. But we should consider the possibility. My privacy, my career, and my family's safety might be compromised.I'm pretty sure he's not here in Florence. Yet the feeling that he's somewhere near won't leave my head. Even now. Here in Dominico's house, a well-guarded private property in a gated neighborhood. I feel exposed. A little vulnerable. Even though I'm so much safer here with Dominico and Mamma keeping an eye on me. Plus the security staff guarding the property 24/7."Okay. I'll talk to Enzo again," Dom mumbles before reaching for my hand, giving it a light squeeze before he lets out a breath. Regrets and some frustration replace the pent-up anger
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 132 | You're Not Going Anywhere
[ S E R A P H I N E ] I step out of the bathroom, my skin still warm from the shower. I took a quick one just to help me relax. To help me fall back to sleep. I'm not sure if it will. The rain outside taps lightly against his windows, an almost soothing rhythm that contrasts the weight of my thoughts. Although I'm wearing a robe, I feel the chill in the air as I walk towards his bed, my footsteps quiet. Dom's still wide awake like I guessed. He's sitting on the wrinkled covers, his attention fixed on his phone. As I approach him, he sets his phone down, and his heavy-lidded gaze shifts to my face. I sit close to him and try to ignore the tension in the air. It's not the same awkwardness I felt right after I tried to kiss him for the first time. It's something else. Can't quite put my finger on it. But it's nothing we can't address. I'm sure. “Hey.” “Feel better?” “A little.” I put on a smile. I hold onto his forearm when he goes back to reading some emails. ”Babe, that ema
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 131 | Dissociate
[ D O M I N I C O ] Shit. I almost tore the label off. Cracked and nearly broke the cap into pieces, too. It's not clumsiness, though. I'm too distracted. Tired. Impatient. Frustrated. With caution, I press down a strip of tape over the torn label, running my thumb across it to smooth out the small creases. I can't just look up the right dosage on the internet. This label is practically the only thing helping me keep track of the proper dosage. I reach for the roll of tape again. I tear about an inch off the roll. Right after I put the bottle away, soft shuffling noises behind me interrupt me before I can get rid of the clutter on the counter. I look up and stare at my reflection in the mirror. Seraphine is standing at the bathroom door, just a couple of steps away, her eyes wide and unfocused. She's wearing the blue shirt I gave her before she went to sleep. There's some tension in her posture. Why is she out of bed? I turn to face her and put down the roll of tape near
Mafia Heir's Contract Wife [Mafia Games V] | 130 | Unfortunate Circumstances
[ D O M I N I C O ] “Cara, dico solo che...” [Dear, I’m just saying...] “Sì?” [Yes?] I tilt my wine glass, sitting back and interrupting my stepmother again. I don't have to keep my mouth shut. I already know how uncomfortable Seraphine feels. Trying to sit still beside me, she takes a small bite of bread and stares at Mamma, who's seated across from us and not really minding the food on her plate. Rain still patters on the windows. But it shouldn't turn into something worse. This should be a calm, quick, easy dinner. Unless Mamma brings up what happened last night. If that happens, Seraphine will probably... “Sephie, è più prudente se tu rimani qui ora.” [It's safer if you stay here for now.] My stepmother is talking a bit slower now, dragging her vowels. She drops her delicate smile, then sets down her fork with a soft clink. “Non preoccuparti, Mamma. Porto sempre una mascherina extra nel caso mi dimenticassi di indossarne una,” Seraphine replies with a polite smile, her vo
