The door opened, revealing a maid who came over to deliver Alessia’s dinner.Grace walked forward to receive the meal from her and dismissed her afterward.She made her way back to the bed, placing the meal down on the table in the room.Alessia soon walked out of the closet and seeing the meal on the table, she raised a brow in confusion.“A maid?” she asked and Grace nodded.Just then, Grace finally noticed how much weight Alessia had lost. Alessia looked emaciated, her face and body, pale and thin.Grace shook her head pitifully and said, “Ali, you look so thin.”Alessia smiled weakly and nodded, “Yeah, I've spent all the time crying lately. I couldn't eat even, I lost my appetite each time I saw food.”“Woah, for a foodie like yourself, that's too much to bear.” Grace poked with a snort. “And on a serious note, now that you are expecting a child, you need to take care of yourself more,” she added with a serious look on her face.“I don't want this child.” Alessia’s face hardened a
“Make sure she stays safe, I don’t want to hear any complaints when I’m gone,” Marco instructed for the umpteenth time as he gathered his papers, packing them into a briefcase. This was supposed to be a trip for inspection, but to avoid arousing suspicion, he had to dress corporate and carry a briefcase. “I’ll repeat, She is pregnant and vulnerable. Ensure she’s safe, but also make sure she doesn’t get any ideas of escaping.” He recited again, wanting to make sure Selena got the message loud and clear. He would kill her if anything were to happen to Alessia and his child.“Understood.” She nodded.“Also, Grace, her friend, needs the same level of scrutiny.” He added and turned around to face them; Dante and Selena.“Sure, boss.” Once he had finished his packing, he grabbed his case and headed out with Dante following behind. The convoy was ready outside, black SUVs lined up with their engines running. Clear definition of opulence and power. Marco entered into the lead vehicle, his
Alessia’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the car keys in Grace’s hand. “How did you…..” she paused, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “How the hell did you steal this?” She asked.Grace chuckled and rolled her eyes, “I didn’t fucking steal, woman! A guard gave it to me.”“Yeah, like I’ll believe that.” Alessia rolled her eyes. “It’s the truth,” Grace said, her eyes shining with sincerity.Seeing the look in her friend’s eyes, Alessia squinted. “You’re saying the truth?”“Of course, bitch. I’m not lying.” She said and made herself comfortable on the bed.“But how and why did he give it to you?”“It’s simple, he thought I worked here. So he handed the keys over to me.” She narrated, a victorious smile on her face. “Huh? Are you sure he is a guard?”Grace nodded, “He had the uniform on.” Alessia frowned.“Then how did he think you worked here? He surely has been around for a while and should know you’re just a guest.” “Now that I think about it, you’
The airplane’s slope was smooth, The wheels touching down with a gentle thud. The airport intercom announced, “Flight 347 from Reggio has arrived, passengers please proceed to the baggage claim.” Marco and Dante who were sitting in the business class, glanced out the window, watching the bustling crowd of passengers of Scilla airport. The plane taxied to the gate and they both came down when it reached their turn.As they stepped out of the airport, a convoy of SUVs came into view as it awaited them a few meters away.The appearance of the cars stirred up a little commotion at the airport, everyone thinking the president of Italy just flew in or something.The chauffeurs stood by each door with guards in tow. Their expressions remained stoic and professional.Marco strolled directly to the lead vehicle, while Dante trailed behind him with his usual casual swagger. Once inside the car, Dante began his teasing. “You know, Marco. I’ve heard Scilla has one of the most beautiful women in
“What?!” Marco roared, voice echoing through the hallway. He felt like the ground beneath his feet had disappeared with the wind. The only ringing sound in his head was that of Alessia escaping from the base in the same car Double S had returned.The car was loaded with a bomb!“Boss,” Selena’s voice came through from the other end of the phone, strained but unwavering. She was trying so hard to keep her composure, but Marco was too busy to notice the tension in her voice.“We’re doing everything we can to track them.” “You let them escape?!” Marco bellowed, his hand tightening around the phone. Dante who was about to ask what the commotion was all about, kept quiet the moment he heard the word, ‘escaping’. Alessia had gone and done it now.The beautiful woman who served as their guide, also turned toward them, her expression the one of confusion and surprise. Marco abruptly ended the call and turned to meet Dante’s gaze. “I have to get back to Sicily.” He said with urgency in his
Marco paced back and forth in the hospital hallway, his usually steely composure shattered. He just couldn’t shake off the image of Alessia lying on the ground, blood seeping from her head and leg. It felt like his entire world went crumbling down. He had rushed her to the hospital, her lifeless form in his arms, praying to every God he knew to keep her and the baby safe.Dante also stood nearby, his gaze fixed on the door to the room where Grace had been taken. His concern was also palpable, though he couldn’t quite understand it himself. He couldn’t grasp why he cared so much for her. He wasn’t supposed to be this scared, or even care. They barely knew each other and, she was not someone he wanted to be friends with. But, the thought of her facing death, had shaken him deeply. Was he developing feelings for her or something? He doubted it, but the unease gnawing at his heart suggested otherwise.The door to Alessia’s room opened, and Marco snapped out of his anxious state. A doctor
Alessia stared at Dante, shocked. Marco was letting her go? Just like that? After everything that has happened, he was giving her freedom?She should feel relieved, but all she felt was confusion and a strange, aching sadness.“Why?” she whispered. “Why is he letting me go now?”For a strange reason, When she had been blown away by the blast earlier, the pain shot through her, she realized the reason Marco had always wanted to keep her by his side.Even if she hadn’t met Marco, The world was still a cut truth world. One way or the other, she would be encountering a lot of danger.But Marco wanted her safe, and away from all this.Though his ways seemed a bit extreme.Dante shook his head, “I don’t know, maybe losing the baby changed something in him.”He could see the sadness in her eyes, but he was confused about why she felt sad. Wasn't she the one who wanted to escape? Didn't she hate Marco so much?So why was she acting this way now?Or was she trying to put on an act?Alessia’s h
Marco stepped out of the sleek, black car, his driver holding the door for him. He adjusted his suit jacket, feeling the cool evening air of Reggio Calabria. Remembering his dinner date with Mimi made him feel stressed out. He just needed all the distractions he could get, to get away from the tedious situations he was facing.He strode to Ristorante Bella Vista, the finest restaurant in the city, known for its exquisite cuisine and stunning view of the Mediterranean.The restaurant’s facade was elegant, with ivy trailing up the stone walls and soft, golden lights casting warm glows on them. The aroma of Italian spices filled the air, mingling with the soft murmur of conversations and clinking of glasses from guests. Marco strolled in, his presence commanding attention despite his cold, distant demeanor.He spotted Mimi sitting in a corner near the back. She was fiddling with her phone, her red hair styled neatly as it also cascaded down her small back.Seeing the red hair again brou
Finally, the night of the masquerade ball arrived with an air of mystery and excitement. The mansion was transformed into a lavish scene straight out of a fairytale, with decorations that portrayed the world they all lived in; Mafia.It wasn’t like all those royal balls seen in England or on TV. It was a totally different setting and the opposite of elegance. Guests began to arrive, each one dressed in the way they wanted to be addressed. Their mask, coat, and gowns, were all in colors that reflected their personality. Alessia and Grace sat in her bedroom, doing their finishing touches.“I can’t believe Marco is bringing you to the spotlight,” Grace said as she brushed Alessia’s long red hair backward. “I don’t think that’s the point, though. We’re merely coming as his workers.” Alessia corrected.“Workers who got the best Jovani and La Femme dresses? That’s quite an important worker.” Grace chuckled.A knock sounded at the door almost immediately. “Come in,” Grace yelled.The doo
“I can’t believe we’re stuck here,” Alessia grumbled, glancing at Grace, who was lounging comfortably on the chaise in the corner of the room. Grace, ever the optimist, smiled softly. “To be honest, I’m actually relieved that we don’t have to leave. I don’t have the energy to roam the crowded malls today.”Alessia rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t deny the fact that she was also relieved. What Grace said about the crowded mall was the truth, plus Marco was trying to keep them safe. If they mingled with the crowd, an enemy could easily attack them and Marco wouldn’t be able to help.“But I just wanted to see the outside for once. We’ve been indoors for a long time now.” Alessia whined and slumped on the couch next to the chaise. Grace didn’t say a word to her and just shut her eyes, wanting to sleep if she could. After a while, Grace finally said something. “Don’t worry your pretty head, Ali. Just know that the attendants would bring something we would like.”As if on cue, there was
Grace walked out of her bedroom, heading to the kitchen to find lunch. She wandered into the kitchen, expecting to find the usual hustle and bustle of the staff preparing food. But to her surprise, the kitchen was eerily quiet. The large space, typically filled with clatter of pots and pans was empty. The counters were spotless, the stove cold, and not a single soul was in sight. “Where did everybody go?" She muttered under her breath, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of life.She hadn't eaten since breakfast, and the hunger gnawing at her insides was growing impossible to ignore. “They can't just leave me to starve," she grumbled, turning her heel to leave.But as she turned, she nearly collided with Dante, who was leaning casually against the door frame, a smirk on his lips. His sudden appearance made her jump in fear, her hand holding her chest.“What are you grumbling about, princess?" Dante asked in a teasing tone, his voice filled with amusement.Grace glared at him, he
Marco leaned back in the leather, his gaze fixed on the glass of whiskey swirling in his hand. The amber liquid caught the light from the morning sun, shining a warm glow across the room. Dante sat across from him, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the armrest, a thoughtful expression on his face.“So,” Dante began, breaking the comfortable silence, “you’ve been quiet since that rooftop moment with Alessia. What’s going on in that head of yours, Marco?”Marco sighed, setting the glass down on the polished mahogany table.“I’m just thinking about how things are going to change soon,” he said, his voice heavier than usual. “In a few days, things are going to be changed.”Dante understood where he was heading, it was about his position as head of the clan. Before Dante could say a word, Marco continued, “Before anything changes around here, I want to do something fun.” Dante raised a questioning brow, already showing interest. “You’re thinking about a party, aren’t you?” he asked, e
The sight before her left her utterly speechless as she stepped out of the guest room. Her eyes darted between Marco and the woman who stood beside him. Were they just locked in each other’s embrace, kissing?Her anger surged, boiling over into a fury. “What the hell is going on here?” She demanded as if entitled to their explanation.Marco rolled his eyes and shoved both his hands into his pants pocket.“What does it look like to you?” He returned the question with his.Miracle’s gaze darkened, her eyes now locked onto Alessia. She had red hair—just like hers, and they both looked similar, which was uncanny for Mimi. It only riled her up even more. “Who is she?” She went ahead to ask Marco. “Is she the one? Your lover and the reason you’re refusing to accept me?”“She has nothing to do with you,” Marco interrupted her words, his face grim. “And I think it’s time for you to leave.” He added, his tone leaving no room for argument.But Mimi was far from done. Her first clenched at her
The sight before her left her utterly speechless as she stepped out of the guest room. Her eyes darted between Marco and the woman who stood beside him. Were they just locked in each other’s embrace, kissing?Her anger surged, boiling over into a fury. “What the hell is going on here?” She demanded as if entitled to their explanation.Marco rolled his eyes and shoved both his hands into his pants pocket.“What does it look like to you?” He returned the question with his.Miracle’s gaze darkened, her eyes now locked onto Alessia. She had red hair—just like hers, and they both looked similar, which was uncanny for Mimi. It only riled her up even more. “Who is she?” She went ahead to ask Marco. “Is she the one? Your lover and the reason you’re refusing to accept me?”“She has nothing to do with you,” Marco interrupted her words, his face grim. “And I think it’s time for you to leave.” He added, his tone leaving no room for argument.But Mimi was far from done. Her first clenched at her
“Fuck! The miracle is here,” Marco announced to their surprise. “Find a place to hide yourselves, I’m not ready for any explanations yet.” He directed at Grace and Alessia.Grace snorted in disapproval, “why do we have to hide? I mean we work for you.” She said.Dante sighed and shook his head.“He knows that, Bestie. But you still need to stay hidden.” And with that, Dante pulled her up and directed her towards the staircase.Alessia glanced at Marco for a while, she couldn’t help the feeling in her heart. Miracle had been the woman he was supposed to marry, but she rejected him at the altar, which was good enough for Alessia to believe that Mimi didn’t love Marco. But her sudden arrival stirred up something in her, maybe jealousy if she must admit.Marco turned to see that she was still standing there and frowned. “What are you waiting for? Go!” He ordered in a gruff voice.Alessia nodded, wanting to turn and do as told, but instead, she rushed over to Dante and pulled him in for a
The next day crept in faster than usual, Grace stirred and to her surprise, she was wrapped in someone's embrace. Her first thought was if she unknowingly went with one of those men at the table. Her heartbeat accelerated in fear as she actually thought maybe she had done it. She hurriedly pulled away from the figure but also realized it wasn't one of those men as she had thought. It was actually Dante. Dante's eyes fluttered open, as he jerked up from his sleep, reaching under his pillow as fast as lightning as he pulled out a gun. "Who's the fool?!" He yelled, aiming aimlessly. Grace, who hadn't expected that, froze at the sight of the gun he pulled out. Did... Did he just pull out a gun? The grogginess he felt slowly wore off and he could finally see it was Grace in the room with him and not someone else. He released a sigh of relief and put the gun aside. "Fuck, you scared me." He muttered and fell back on the bed. Grace then glared at him before yelling. "Was that a gun
A day after Dante had exposed his relationship with Grace, he drove directly to Devil's Den to find her. On his way to the place, he suddenly caught sight of a chocolate store by the roadside. An idea struck him, why not buy her a box of chocolate?With a small smirk on his face, he parked the car right beside the store and stepped down, ready to buy a box of chocolate for his bestie. But the moment he stepped before the store, ready to enter, he suddenly thought about something. What if Gracino didn't like chocolates? Yes, he knew girls liked it, but Grace was a hooligan. She wasn't like other girls. She and Alessia were crazy girls who didn't mind ripping a pack of chocolate apart in the twinkle of an eye. "Fuck, I don't think she likes chocolates." He said to himself, rubbing the back of his neck and standing there awkwardly. He groaned, throwing his head back as he turned to leave. He'd better not do something that would end up having Grace mock him at the end. He got back int