Seraphine's Pov
“Are you okay? Isabella," I asked her over the phone after the call finally went through. The delivery never got to its owner, and I had received tons of calls. For that reason, I began to worry. After calling her with no answer, I became agitated. Maybe something happened to her; I shouldn't have sent her for the delivery; probs she lost her way.I was worried, continuously calling to know whether it would go through. “Yeah, I'm fine,” she said. I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she was fine. If she was fine, then what happened to the cupcakes? “The cupcakes didn't get delivered, why?” I could feel her roll her eyes at the end of the phone. “Sera, I quit.” “What do you mean?” I managed to ask; it was the bad time for her to do so; the business wasn't going as smoothly as before, and I needed every support I could get from her, no matter how little. “I quit Sera; I'm done with those shenanigans.” “You own part of this business, so what'm I supposed to do?” My heart was beginning to get so heavy. “Then buy me out” was the last word she spoke before the phone finally went dead. I stood there shocked to my bones to ask why Isabella would quit now. Why now? We have been in this business for three years, and now she just wants to leave. I felt a surge of heat on my skin, and suddenly it became so hot even under an air conditioner. It was already a bad day even before it ended, and just then a handsome dude with sunglasses walked in like he owned the place. "Hello,” I greeted myself, not allowing Isabella's words to get to me. I still need to get money to buy her off, which means attaining my customers even though I wasn't emotionally stable. "Hello,” he said with a flash of a smile that could warm the heart. “I need some muffins and cookies.” “That's a good choice; just give me a second.“ He went over to one of the seats and sat down with his legs crossed over the other. I gathered his order, and that was when those good-for-nothing mafia decided to show up. They took money for protection every single month for shop owners, and when you don't have them, they become so aggressive and use force to take them. Why will bad things happen on this day? As they approached, my heart sank into my stomach, knowing I had money to offer them. “Cupcake queen, we are here for the money for protection,” one of them said harshly, hitting heavily on the counter. There were about three of them; they looked fearful with different kinds of tattoos on the skin and irritating piercings. They looked so fearful. I was ready to face them and bear all the consequences. “I need someone to protect me from you. Please, I don't have the money. Can I use cupcakes to pay?” I said hastily, getting some freshly baked cupcakes. But instead he pushed them away, and it fell to the ground. “I don't need your cupcakes, but the money.” “I don't have any; if you don't leave, I'm going to call the cops,” I said just to scare them away, but instead they laughed at me. “Do you think the police aren't on our payroll? You must have lost your mind,” the head said, gripping my hand tightly. “Don't you think you need to treat the lady with some kind of respect?” my customer, the one that walked in a few seconds ago, said, drawing their attention away from me. No no! They can't be fighting my customer; I should be the one they are supposed to face. I ran over, blocking off the guys. “Hey, face me and leave him out of this; he is my customer,” I said boldly, stretching out my hand to block him from making another move, but instead he gripped my waist forcefully, taking off the necklace I wore around my neck. "Argh,” I groaned in pain as he forced the necklace off my neck. “Yeah, probably if I have the sweet juices of your pussycat, I might consider.” How absurd? I was so irritated by his demands. “Let the lady go,” he said firmly behind with authority evidence in his tone. “And if I don't, what would you do?” one of the guys said. I heard him stand on his feet, immediately twisting the hand of the guy that dared challenge him. The guy that held on to me quickly released me, and I fell to the ground, losing my bearing. Punches were heard as they all groan in pain. “I will give you a chance; walk out of this place whole or you are going to have your bones all cracked,” he said with a threatening voice, and I kind of admired him at that moment. Who was he, and why was he defending me? He was just like an angel sent to save me. I wondered what these guys would have done to me if he didn't stand up for me. I moved to the side as I watched him take the three men throwing in punches at each and every one of them, and the amazing part was none managed to hit him. It felt like I was watching wrestling and my support team was winning. Each one of them had a broken leg and a lost tooth. They all retreated when they couldn't take him out, pulling themselves till they were out of sight. “Sorry about your necklace.” “Yeah, it was all fake, so there wasn't any need. I will just trash this out.” “That's impressive; I wish I could have those moves and take them out myself,” he chuckled. I headed over to the storeroom to get a sweeper to take care of the mess they just made. There were broken bottles shattered on the floor. “Let me help you,” he offered, his hand blushing over mine. I felt a tingle run through my veins, and with both locked eyes, my stomach was twisted in a painful knot like I could feel butterflies deep down my lower abdomen. I shook my head off those dilutes. I politely declined. He had done so much for me already for defending me and didn't know how to pay him back for getting those scumbags out of my way. I knew they would come back, but before they will I be able to get their money ready, there was just one thing to keep them off, which is to close down the business. “No, you have already done a lot.” “I made the mess, and I thought I should help clear off the mess,” he muttered, even though I still didn't allow him to sweep my shop for me. “I will have to close down the business,” I said, breaking the deafening silence in the room. “Why?” He asked with concern in his tone. “My partner just backed off from the business, and I can't afford to pay her off, coupled with the Gambino and Gotti, all these freaking mafians. They will always have their way to get back their money. Those mafian scumbags,” I said, getting comfortable on one of the chairs with my hand on my forehead. I was already having a migraine from the bad day. “Do you like baking?” "Yes, I do; it feels like whenever I'm in the kitchen all my worries go away.” That was how deeply I love baking; it wasn't just about the business, but I love what I do. Making nice confectioners was a dream come true, but now it was already crumbling. “You mean magic cupcakes?” “Yes, but I guess I ran out of magic today." I was mentally drained from the bad play of today's event. “What if I invest?” “What!” My face lit up in surprise. Why will he invest in an already crumbling business? He sat opposite me, pulling off his sunshade, and that was when I recognized him. He was the guy at the party; I remembered him; he removed his mask so I could get a glimpse of what he looked like, though I didn't remove mine. Probably that was why he couldn't recognize me. “How are your wounds?” I asked, leaning further with concern, my eyes on his chest, where he got injured the previous night. “That isn't my blood.” He raised his knuckles to my face, and I felt probably he didn't remember me, but it felt good knowing he was still alive and well. “What is your name?” I asked inquisitively to know who he really is. “Carlos.” He paused, looking around them back at me. What was he looking for? “Carlos Meyer” “Carlos Meyer.” I etched a brow at him. Was he the son of Danny Meyer, the famous founder of Union Square Hospitality Group? "Listen, my grandfather gave me a bit of cash, and investing here will be the best since he was one of the famous chefs.” He stretched out a check to me for $20,000; my eyes widened in shock. Isn't this a little bit too much? . “No, I can't accept this. This is worth four times my business.” I stretched it back at him to take it back. What if something happens and I can't pay back? “You don't have to pay back,” he said with a smile, and I couldn't stop admiring those beautiful dimples at the side of his cheek. “Ok, then I will make sure your money is worth it." I stretched out my hand for a professional handshake to be partners. I could feel the determination within me, like I could quench a wavering storm. He took them with a warm smile, and just then the door cracked open, revealing a man in a black suit, which I assume was his personal bodyguard. “Carlos Gotti,” the bodyguard called, and I kind of twisted my brows in confusion. Why is he calling him Carlos Gotti? Is he a mafian, don? “No, Carlos Meyer, not Carlos Gotti.” “Oh my God, newbie.” “Is Carlos Meyer?” "Ok, boss,” he answered before looking at me, and I politely said hello. "Boss, your dinner date with your girlfriend has been scheduled.” Oh my God, he has a girlfriend friend. I thought I stood a chance with him, I thought to myself. The air suddenly became so tense, and for a spit of seconds I couldn't breathe. “I will like you to do something for me,” he said, turning his attention to me. “I will be glad to assist; I'm at your service,” he nodded, coming closer to me and whispering something to my ears. Tingles ran down my spine as his breath fanned my neck. He took me to a shopping mall to select a gift for his girlfriend. I helped him select a classic handbag that was worth a fortune. My eyes fell on the necklace, which was destroyed by those scumbags. It was the pure version of it, and it was worth 30 grand. “Let's get this too,” he said to the attendant who took both the necklace and handbag to package them, and I was kind of drawn over how lucky his girlfriend was to have him.Carlos Pov Those perfumes—why does it smell so much like Isabella? I thought sitting opposite the girl I just saved. I had finished up the cupcakes given to me by Isabella. I thought of checking out the store; it reminded me of my Nonna. She didn't fail to bake one for me when I was younger. I wanted to know the location of the stores so I could easily order one. Getting into the shop, I met a beautiful woman. I made my order before some mafia gang came. I was wearing sunglasses, so no one could easily recognize me. I knew that those boys must have been sent by Frank. I helped her send them away. Hearing her talk about Mafians in such a manner, she must have had personal experience with them. I don't know, but it feels like I have met Seraphine somewhere. She seems so familiar with those pairs of eyes. I am able to hide my identity, but I don't know how long I was going, but the way she is acting so nervous. Oh my! Has she fallen for me just this instant? I wanted to confirm my
Seraphine Pov I kept on staring at the necklace, caressing through it over and over again as I stared out through the window of my apartment. He is handsome and charming. I never thought I was going to see him again to ask him those questions of who were the people chasing after him. Why was he running from them? He doesn't even recognize me, which makes the questions useless. I couldn't get his face off my mind; can't he recognize me again? The girl who saved him at the Halloween party. It pained my heart that He couldn't recognize me any more, but I am grateful he is right on time to save me from those uncultured mafia. I wonder what could have happened to me if he didn't come. I'm already about to close down the business. Just then Isabella crossed my mind—what might have happened if she decided to back out at me? Is it because business isn't going fine anymore? Could it be that? But now I have an investor just like God sent. I'm going to give her a reason to come back. I can
Carlos' Pov I felt a sense of purpose watching her laugh heartily. Her laugh amazes me. I don't know why I am doing this, but it feels so right; it feels like I'm supposed to be here. It's been ages since I played and laughed with someone. My life is programmed to kill, to work till my knuckles, to be impatient, ruthless, mean, name it—I qualify all as a mafian don, but here I was laughing like a child. Something I was deprived of while growing up was all about being serious and being trained like someone is chasing after you. I was all my family got, but I wasn't given any breathing space. I was taught how to fight at the age of 15, and that was my life, but being with this girl feels so good, like a lost piece of me has been found by a treasure hunter. “This is so hilarious; I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard this way,” she said, playing with her fingers. She is nervous, and her eyes look down on the pool of mess we just made. She is avoiding eye contact with me.
Isabella's Pov Incredible! My plans worked as I planned, but then when I was on my way to my date, I forgot something. I have come back to pick it up when I saw the image of Carlos and Seraphine at her doorpost. I was consumed with rage and anger. They were so close that their lips almost touched like they were about to kiss. Seraphine lived almost in the same street with me, but I have to walk past her street to get to my apartment. I hide myself between a wall and watch them. My fist clenched and my lips pressed into a hard line. What is Seraphine doing with him? Has she figured it out yet? I don't think so; she doesn't even have any clue. But how did they both meet again? Oh no! The cupcakes. I shouldn't have given it to him, but what was I supposed to do? I acted out of happiness, unknown the consequences with cost my charade. I waited for him to kiss her, but he didn't; rather, he brought out a necklace. What! That is supposed to be my necklace. I know Seraphine scheme
Seraphine's Pov "Isabella, I have been worried about you.” I said to Isabella, who suddenly showed up in my cupcake shop. She looked restless as she constantly tapped her fingers on the counter. “You back me out; you hardly pick calls, and you even packed out of your apartment. Isabella, what is going on?” “Hey Seraphine. I don't answer to you, so quit the fake concerns.” “Fake concerns!” I shook my head in shock at her words. She thinks I'm giving her fake concerns. This isn't Isabella, I know; what has come over her? “You went to deliver cupcakes; it never got to its owner, and you put me through the stress of baking another cupcake. Do you even know what that means? You’re chasing our customers away.” "Our,” she asked with a raised eyebrow. “I told you I quit Isabella. I made it clear.” “But why, Isabella, we promised to pull this out. Why will you back out now?” “This isn't your business. I'm here for something. I need your perfume.” “My perfume!” I sh
Carlos' Pov “Boss Seraphine has been kidnapped,” my pa reported. “I asked you to guard her; why didn't you do your job?” I slapped my hand on my office desk, frustrated. I didn't go over to the cupcake store because of an emergency. “I'm sorry, boss, but the guard on patrol was knocked out. There is nothing to panic about the girl; she is just a lowlife,” my assistant added. My face darkened at her calling Seraphine a lowlife. What up with me with this girl anyway? I'm already suffocated without seeing her face. “I will give you the grace because you're family. Nobody dares question my authority, or do you want to carry your head on your palm?” He shrunk away in fear. I'm ruthless, but you see, I'm loyal to my family. “Get who took her and report back to me.” "Yes, Boss,” he immediately disappeared and was left alone in my office, my fist unconsciously clenched with my feet constantly tapping on the floor. I knew who might have done this—none other than my cousins. H
Isabella's PovHe acts like he doesn't know what I'm talking about; telling him might make him suspect me; I can't let it out.But he stays with Seraphine all day in that stupid store. Why will he reduce himself to a Seraphine assistant? Is there something I'm missing out on? The last time I checked, Seraphine hates Mafia; she is so bitter about them. She doesn’t even want to associate with them because of what they did to her father, but why does she like Carlos? I could see it from her eyes that she is really into Carlos, or is there something I'm missing? From his tone, he seems not to like me much. I need to come closer to him, have a way around his heart, and make him like me. But Seraphine, the previous day I sneaked up at them playing at the store, I was consumed with rage and anger. My heart broke into pieces watching them throw each other flour. I wanted to stop them but I couldn't.But he won't let me; he doesn't even want us around. I can't sit with her and watch him have
Seraphine's Pov My eyes blurred. I placed a hand on my forehead, my head pounding in-between. The feel of my home was the same; I felt safe, my legs untied. I was lying on my couch before the doorbell rang. It's a cozy one room, which was separated nicely. I got space for my bedroom, which was demarcated from my small sitting room. My dining and kitchen are in the same place.“I'm coming,” I yelled, staggering to the door to see who was knocking. My body lumps.“Who are you?” I yelled, and my eyes fell on the black pants tracing from down up.I could recognize that voice; it sounds quite familiar.“I'm glad you're okay,” his voice came again. I held a hand on the doorpost to prevent me from falling."Carlos,” I called startled. What is he doing in my house? “You don't look too good.” “Yeah, my head is pounding so badly.” “Come on, let me see that.” He took my hands and led me into the room.I grumble at each step.“Let me carry,” he offered, but I protested.“No, I'm good.” But h
CARLOSA door opened. “Look who I have here—” Nonna, with a stained apron, walked out of the kitchen. Immediately, I jumped to my feet. “Nonna—” my legs dragged me to her front and I took her in a tight hug. “You don't know how much I've missed you.” I looked at her face when the hug ended, taking her in another hug. “It's you who don't know how much I have missed you, my son. Come here.” We walked back to the living room together, while Jenny left our side. “You can easily not miss me by asking me to come back to this house with you and you know.” I shook my head. “It's not as easy as you think, Nonna. I need you more than safe for what's about to happen.” I held her to myself for a moment before letting go. “I'm so hungry right now. Maybe you should serve me some of the meals before you start nagging.” “Oh, really?” Nonna got up. “You say I nag.” She walked towards the diner and I remained on the couch, taking out my phone to text Seraphina about meeting Nonna at the house.
CARLOSNow that it was brought up, I shook my head, realizing I never really asked who told her about it. Well, how could I ask? How could I ask when an audience was never given to me? Did she joke with me or was she serious? A sigh ran out of my mouth as I managed to sit up on the chair where I was seated. At that moment, I looked up at Seraphina once. “You never told me. Do you want to tell me now?” I adjusted again on the chair. There was not enough time. “Isabella told me—” Her words shocked me, but not as I expected. “Isabella?” I chuckled as I looked away before looking back at her. “That's a lot,” I admitted with a sigh running out of my mouth. “I expected better than just Isabella, at least. Not herself.” A confused Seraphina asked. “How?” “How?” I chuckled again. “I don't know what to say but all I can say is that I don't know what to say either. Because why would she do a thing like this to a man she scammed of so much money?” Myself and Seraphina went into thoughts
CARLOSIt was unbelievable that she would ask me to come with her to her shop. Was it because she knew I wasn't a Mafia Don any longer? So many thoughts ran around in my head as I walked closely behind the woman who caught up with the door of the restaurant hall. “I'll get a cab.” Seraphina's voice woke me. I looked up and let out. “That I have lost everything doesn't mean I have lost my car and house, Seraphina.” I pointed at the end. “Vito is in there. I'm sure he can take us to your shop.”She nodded and we walked. The look on her countenance did not seem like a woman who was angry any longer. Maybe she no longer was mad at me but how could I know? What if this was some trap even? Thoughts did not stop running in and out of my head and in a shorter while, we hopped in the car. “Good morning, Miss Seraphina—” Vito looked at us from the mirror before him. “We meet again, don't we? I should have known your words were empty threats the other day.” “Can we get over this, Carlos?”
SERAPHINA It has been three months since the breakup. My life became a mess even when I least expected it. Just as myself and Carlos planned months before the breakup and even before I became his girlfriend, I moved out of the old shop to a new site that would suit me and the business. But life became even worse when I least expected it. This morning, I reached the shop and waved at the newly employed workers who did a good job when I wasn't even in the shop. Maybe I should take a day off. My mood seemed to be affecting my business, even to the point where my staff came into my office, demanding to see me. “Good morning, Stella,” I greeted her back, then I pointed at the chair before her. “Come on. Take a seat. You said there's something you would like to discuss with me and I want to hear it.” Slowly, she walked to the chair and took a seat. “Yes, ma'am. There's something I would love to discuss with you. And I'm sorry for addressing it but I cannot let it pass. Not today beca
CARLOSI burst into laughter at that moment. What did they think they were talking about? I stopped laughing and then looked at the men who moped at me as though they had seen a ghost. What could I say? Why couldn't they say something too? “What's going on here?” Finally, I popped a question. “Is there something I need to know and why are all of these coming at me?” “Carlos—” Mr. Robinson called. “We don't bring sentiment into this business and you know this. I'm sure you do. One thing you should know is my job and that of the others is to bring the company to life and that's what we're trying to do or can you not see it?” “No, I can't see it,” a chuckle escaped my mouth. “If there's something I can see then it's you being unfair to me by taking something I have spent the last decade building. What exactly is going on here?” “Carlos. This is a family business. It's a different thing if it were your business and you know this.” Frank was all smiles when I looked at him and he n
CARLOS “What? Why?” The same confusion that plastered on my countenance was the same as that of my man, Vito. “I wouldn't know, Vito. That's what he said.” Vito adjusted on the chair. He looked at me and looked around the room before facing me again. “I don't know what to say about this but you cannot run from the meeting. Maybe there's something he has to discuss with you and we'll never know until you get there.” “You're coming with me.” I got up and walked around the dining section. “I don't know how I'm supposed to face Frank if this is one of his games. I'm too weak to fight if one arises and the strength or courage to face him, I don't have. Do you see it?” “I understand, Boss. You mustn't kill yourself.” I turned to face him. So many thoughts ran around in my head and one that bothered me the most was what my cousin wanted. He rarely reached out to me on the phone. In fact, the last time Frank and I talked over the phone was months ago and it had to do with the Mafia g
CARLOSThe month didn't start well, or end well. No one needed to tell me but I knew I lagged in my tasks at the office. There was so much to do and whenever I walked into the office, I ended up doing only a few.What was wrong with me? I knew, but still needed to ask. A woman had never affected me in this manner and I didn't have the slightest idea what to do and how to go about what to do if I knew. I hit my hand on the table, shouting. Another month had started and this wasn't the right way to start the month—even the day. Especially when there was more than enough to attend to. What would I say to partners who I penned all these while? A frustrating sigh ran out of my mouth and I stopped trying while realizing how a woman would become my end. Standing up on my feet, I caught up with the door and walked out, catching up with the stairs and then the diner where Nonna and Jenny stayed to eat. Whenever I came into the diner and Jenny was there, she got up and left. But she didn
ISABELLA It was a good thing—watching from afar. Even though I wasn't sure what the news was, I knew there was no way the two would be together at the end of the day. Especially when I knew my once best friend hated lies more than her enemies. Or was she going to let this one be? No, she had better not. I snapped out of my thoughts when my phone rang. My gaze went to the phone and I nodded, smiling at the callers whose name appeared on the screen of my phone. Without any hesitation, I picked up the call. “Hello, Frank Gotti—” The man from the other end chuckled. “Good morning, Miss Isabella. You've done a great job and you don't know.” His words made the smile on my face widen and I nodded, happy that his suggestion worked after all. That was what we needed. “I'm happy to hear that, Frank. But how did you know? Did your cousin reach out to you so that you're told?” He laughed again, and now it annoyed me. Could this man go straight to the point? Could he answer my questions
SERAPHINA Life was difficult, more like different without him. I loved him enough and considered him my husband even though I didn't know his thoughts towards me. Arriving at the shop today, I had many thoughts running around in my head and one was how he was faring. Wasn't it better to pick up my phone and reach out to him, or maybe pick up his call when next he called? No. I wasn't going to do that. Not now or ever. The man had offended me and must live with it. How could he lie to me? What did he take me for? Obviously, a fool and only a fool was what I was to not try to check or confirm. But how would I know it was a lie? Sitting at my desk, I heaved a sigh and dropped my bag. Today was going to be another long day. I could not wait for it to come to an end so that I could be gone from the sight of neighbors who did nothing but ask if all was well with me since last week after the breakup. “Good morning, Miss Seraphina.” “Good morning—” I looked up. “Welcome to the s