Don's Pov Cowen walked into my domain - just a side of the diner that I had gotten extra comfortable in. He wore a serious look on his face. "Don. I've got something," Cowen said, handing over the bag. The small bag containing the camera tapes. I raised an eyebrow."Tapes from the cafe and mall. I think you'll find them interesting."My eyes widened. He had done the job real quick, just like I wanted it. I quickly inserted the first tape into the player. The coarse footage showed Luke entering the cafe with my wife, but the most interesting was his face was visible.Just like I predicted. This was all I needed."Is this...?" Cowen's voice trailed off.I nodded. "Luke, aka Salvatore. His face is on our database. It's a match." I turned over the laptop to Cowenas he checked Salvatore's file. I had requested that Romano send them to me this morning.My expression turned fierce. "I knew it. He's been trying to play us all along."However, there was more. The second tape showed Luke meeti
Don's POV I adjusted myself in my seat, crossing my right leg over my left as I scanned the packed hall. Today was Claire's diploma verification award day, and I couldn't miss it for the world. My girl was finally graduating and would soon be able to pursue her career as a luxury event planner. The auditorium buzzed with excitement, filled with graduates, families, and friends. Claire's university had transformed the space into a celebration hub, with balloons and streamers adorning the walls.The uniform clapping of persons present in the hall distracted me from the COD game I was playing, making me raise my head. In a bid to show some iota of respect to the gray-haired man who had just finished talking, I joined in the clapping which soon came to a stop. My eyes darted to where the graduates sat and after moving over the heads and profiles of different men and women, I finally spotted Claire. She sat aglow in her graduation gown and her hair was styled perfectly. Her make-up arti
Claire’s POVMy head swam. “Luke is Salvatore” Don’s words reverberated in my head. How was that even possible? Luke and Salvatore were clear opposites. So, how could Salvatore be Luke? “Don, that’s impossible. Luke can’t be Salvatore. Salvatore is a Mafia Boss, Luke on the other hand can’t even hurt a fly”“Wait until he hurts you. I guess that’s when you’ll believe me” Don replied, eyes on the road. Although it was dark, and aside from the car’s headlights, the ceramic tints of the car made us see perfectly well as if it were morning. “I need proof, Don. I just can’t swallow what you said hook, line, and sinker”He tapped his breast pocket repeatedly before sliding down to feel the pockets of his tailored pants. “Are you looking for something?”“Yes, my phone. The proof that you so badly need is in there”“You tossed it in the backseat when we got into the car, remember?”“How come I‘m having memory lapses? I mean, I’m not even forty yet”“Boy, you getting old” I spanked the bac
Claire's PovI coughed, my eyes hurting from the thick smoke filling the air. The sound of baby Nolan's cries rang through the confusionI wrapped Nolan around me as I tried crawling out of the mess, The ceilings were breaking and the smoke increased. Elyse gripped my arm, her eyes wide with fear."What happened?" Don shouted, his voice gruff from the smoke. He reached out to where Elyse and I were and carried us on both sides and proceeded to put us beside the door, going back to check the rest of the people inside.I opened the door immediately putting baby Nolan outside to the cool breeze, the baby coughed and I feared he was going to choke. "Please, please Nolan" I cried."Claire…" Elyse coughed very hard as she held onto the door, she had a slight cut on her forehead and the glass was still stuck in it. "You're hurt…" she pointed to my legs.I saw glass also stuck to my legs and I was bleeding, but I didn't care, I paced further and further to get baby Nolan to breathe properly a
Don’s POV I tapped my fingers gently on the steering wheel, my eyes locked forward as I waited in the traffic cue. The traffic light had shown red, signaling everyone to stop. Elyse was in the passenger seat playing a game. We were returning from the hospital where we went to see Claire, Madam Desideria, and Romano. The explosion had left a very ugly aftermath. Claire bled while Madam Desideria and Romano were injured in their arm and legs respectively. It was a good thing the doctor had arrested the bleeding the moment she was rushed to the hospital. He had called it spotting and said that it wasn't critical, so both mother and child were safe. But he mentioned that her pregnancy was delicate, hence she needed a lot of bed rest when she got back home, to avoid further complications. I couldn't stand losing either Claire or our unborn child so I was going to see to that meticulously. Madam Desideria and Romano, on the other hand, had severe injuries and needed a lot of medical att
Don's POV:---I called for a cook to clear the table, my mind still on the explosion. I didn't finish my food because my appetite was poor. Once the table was empty, I returned to the quarters provided to me by Romano, pulled out the carton from my drawer, and examined the bomb's fragments.I turned on my laptop, continuing from where I had begun in my research, trying to understand what device was used. What type of bomb was it and how it was attached to the baby carrier without anyone taking notice? "What kind of bomb is this?" I muttered, scrolling through pages of explosive devices.Hours passed and finally, my extensive research came to an end when I stumbled upon a match and realized that it was a computer-controlled bomb, capable of indefinite delay. Detonation could occur at any moment, triggered remotely.But I needed confirmation.I dialed Cowen's number. "Send a bomb technician over. I need expert analysis."The technician arrived later and we sat in my study, surrounded
Don’s POV It's been a week and a few days since Romano and Madam Desideria were admitted to the hospital. Claire had been discharged already and on the day I picked her up, I checked on both Romano and Madam Desideria and so far, both had gotten proper medical care and were recuperating. They were returning today and Cowen had gone to pick them up. Claire, Elyse, and the cooks had prepared and decorated the house in anticipation of their return. As much as all that mattered, I was the least concerned about that. My utmost priority lay in finding out how the bomb got into my safehouse and who the fuck had planted it there. Most importantly, Madam Desideria had a lot of explaining to do. I had found the remnants of the bomb at the spot where the baby carrier was and she was the one who had brought the strange baby into my home. Left to me, I wouldn't have let it stay but Claire's pleas made me. Something about her weakened my willpower, hence I couldn't resist and tell her no. See w
Claire's Pov"Salvatore?” I widened my eyes at her. From the corner of my eye, I saw Elsye raise her palm to her mouth as she gasped in shock. “Yes, Salvatore” She replied, more tears streaming down her face “He was the one behind the explosion because he gave me the baby and no, I'm not working for or with him. The baby is mine. He's my grandson” She dropped the bombshell “You have a son? You never mentioned to us that you have a family” I chipped in softly. Don's blazing eye was more than enough to cause Madam Desi to pee on herself. I knew this was a shocker but, he still needed to listen softly."I'm sorry Don, I am.""This is not about the apology!" Don growled. "You worked for Salvatore. Why the fuck did you do this?""Don…" I placed my hand on his palm but instead, he stood up refusing my comfort. "Please let her complete her explanation.""Whatever story she is about to cook up. The bottom line is, she betrayed us!" He snapped in annoyance."Please go on, Madam Desi" I urged
Claire's POV"I'm so excited for the baby shower," Elyse said, looking up at me with a smile. "We need to start planning the details. What's your theme? Have you thought about games and food?"Elyse and I were resting on the couch in the penthouse, enjoying a lazy afternoon together. We'd just finished lunch, and Elyse couldn't get over her excitement about the baby shower I was planning.I laughed. "Slow down, Elyse. I've barely had time to think about it. But I do know I want something simple and intimate. Maybe just close friends and family."I was almost due…oh, I could feel this baby coming and I was excited at the thought of going into labor and birthing Don's son.Elyse nodded. "That sounds perfect. And I've already started thinking about baby names. I have a few favorites for a boy."I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What are they?"Elyse grinned "Well, I think 'Atticus' is a great name. Or maybe 'Ethan'?"I chuckled. "Those are both nice names. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. W
Claire's POV The ringing doorbell interrupted my movie, causing me to wonder how it was, but I felt too lazy to stand up. Maybe it was my pregnancy after all. The doorbell rang again almost immediately but I didn't see any sign of anyone else coming to answer it. I took that as my cue to answer it. But just as I was about to stand up, Elyse appeared in the living room. “I'll answer it, don't worry” Elyse said I turned to the door when Elyse opened it, and I was greeted by the sight of Romano standing there, with a warm smile on his face. He looked just as handsome as I remembered, with his tousled hair and charming eyes. “Heyyyy” he drawled, stepping forward to wrap her in a hug. I could see the delight on her face as she embraced him. It was a sweet moment, one that made my heart swell and miss Don . I suddenly wished he were here. Damn you, Salvatore! I cursed inwardly. “Heyyy” She replied back “It's so good to see you” Elyse said, pulling back from the hug but keeping her han
Romano’s POV I walked into the room of one of my underground houses set aside as a ward for Don’s healing and recovery. It all came as a flashback, rushing into my memories. How I had been tracking Don for hours, following the clues. I knew Salvatore's men were closing in on him, and I had to act fast if I was going to save his life.From a distance, I had seen Don sprinting towards the river, Salvatore's men drew their guns, aiming at Don who had just jumped into the river. I had to act fast, but I didn't have a choice till they weren't watching and I had stopped shooting. A few minutes after they had gone, I sprinted towards the water's edge, scanning the river for any sign of Don. That's when I saw him, his body in the water as he tried to swim away from the riverbank.But he was hurt, badly. I could see the blood spreading through the water, and I knew I had to get to him, fast. I dove into the river and I swam towards Don. As I reached him, I wrapped my arm around his chest, h
Elyse's POV Just as I settled into the couch for a movie on Netflix with a tube of Pringles and a glass of lemon squash, my phone beeped and a notification came in. It was a message from Romano. My heart skipped three beats. I abandoned my movie for his text. ‘I can't wait to see you in the dress. Sign and collect ASAP. And no, I'm not spilling the location’ Wait, what? This could only mean one thing. Romano was taking me out. He was asking me out on a date. A proper, restaurant date. We hadn't done this before, although we had a lot of chemistry. I liked Romano a lot and he liked me right back, so there was no way I was going to say no or stand him up. The doorbell rang immediately and I answered it. A face–capped man with a package, clipboard and pen stood, waiting for me. I wrote my signature hastily, got the package and dashed back inside.I didn't even bother exiting Netflix, I just grabbed my phone and sprinted up the stairs. I got into the shower right as I got into my roo
Claire's POV Today was the day of baby Nolan's baptism, and I couldn't wait to celebrate this special moment with our little family.I noticed the bodyguards stationed outside our door. A reminder that I still needed to be protected from that monster, Salvatore.The chapel was beautiful, it had been a long time. It had never felt that far. It was so good to be home. Madam Desideria, Elyse, and I took our seats, surrounded by our securities The ceremony was lovely, with baby Nolan looking adorable in his tiny white outfit.As the priest poured the holy water over Nolan's head, I felt a lump form in my throat. And although Don might not admit or it might not seem like it, this baby had brought so much joy into our lives, and I was grateful to be a part of his journey.As we stepped forward, Madam Desideria, Elyse, and I walked over to the front steps of the cathedral, where we knelt on the stone floor."Let us pray," Madam Desideria said, in her soothing voice.We bowed our heads, and
Claire's POV I watched as Elyse and Romano said their goodbyes. He gave her a long peck on her right cheek as they hugged. “Alright guys, let's get going now” I signalled to them. The sun was getting brighter and I wanted us to get to the penthouse before late afternoon. I looked at the wall on the clock. The time read 09:10 am. “Take care, Elyse, I'll miss you” Romano smiled at her “I'll miss you too” She smiled back Our bags were hauled by some bodyguards to the trunks of the two vehicles taking us. When they were done, we said our final goodbyes to Romano, waving and smiling. We boarded the vehicles and soon, we were speeding down the road. It was going to be a long ride so I decided to keep myself busy. I plugged in my earphones and selected a movie –Disney’s Mufasa– to watch. Baby Nolan on the other hand was enjoying Cocomelon which was playing on the mini television in the car. I wasn't sure exactly how long we took but we were at the underground penthouse already. We ali
Claire's POV "Let's take a moment to remember…" I held back more tears, even when my face was red and swollen. "…a mentor, a brave man, a brother, ...a husband" I couldn't control it anymore.Romano came to my side, rubbing me by the side as he comforted me. Elyse sat at a side, her expression numb, she said no word nor did I hear a sob, but her face watered.I wanted to tell her again that I was sorry. That this was entirely my fault. How would I be able to live through this guilt? Staying in the same house knowing that I pulled the trigger and even made no effort to find his body for a proper burial."Don was everything…to me, ..to us" I continue, in between my sobs. "I love you, Don." I kissed the flowers, as I placed them on the little pavement around our former house, where Don and I spent most of our memories.Since there was no corpse to mourn, I thought it was only proper to pay tribute to his property. This wasn't a mode to move on. Never, could I move on from this. But ra
Claire's POV Tears streamed down our cheeks as I returned to hug my late husband’s sister. If only she knew how her brother died. I sighed. We remained in the embrace for God knows how long. After a while, Elyse slowly pulled away, first wiping her tears before she wiped mine. “That's okay, Claire, that's okay. Enough with the tears” She wiped under my eyes “What matters right now is that you're back, hale and hearty” “I know, right “ I replied, my eyes still teary “I'm so glad to be home, Elyse. You don't know how much I've missed you guys” I broke down into fresh tears. My outburst lasted for quite a while and Elyse did nothing but be patient with me, while rubbing my back and saying soothing words to me. I calmed down after a while, only shaking with silent sobs. “Come right in. Sorry we left you at the door” Elyse ushered me into the house “It's fine. You all were surprised to see me” I replied as I sat on a couch. I looked around the house, taking in everything. I had miss
Claire's Pov"Hey, Bambina" the soft voice of Don, like a wind had brought it and taken it away too. "Bambina, you look so good…spreading out your fucking legs like that" The voice suddenly changed into Salvatore's voice and I sprang up from the bed, waking up from a terrible nightmare.The switch from my sweet Don to Salvatore the monster had startled me. It was like Salvatore kept interrupting every moment I wanted to have with Don, even in my dreams.I rolled on the bed, cuddling the pillow to my chest as I resumed crying. I had cried all through the night and had begun again this morning. The feeling of being in New York is all of Don's memories and I thought I was ready, but I was not.I went on my knees beside the bed, in prayer mode. "I am sorry Don, please forgive me." I sobbed. "You were my literal existence and I took that life from you. I hate myself right now. I am so sorry, Don" I cried."I love you, my husband. I do"After more confessions, like Don's spirit was beside m