ROSALINA'S POV (Eighteen years old) After Papa's death, I spent the rest of my years with my grandparents. The warmth that I had felt in our home faded away over time because I was discovering more about the illegal activities my family did to earn money, to bring food to our table, and to provide for me. My whole life was practically built upon piles and piles of blood-money. The more I learned about my family's wrongdoings, the more I figured out why Mamma left us. Nonna was the only one who ever talked about her when we were in privacy. Otherwise, Nonno would get livid for uttering her name. My Mamma was the bringer of shame to our family and to my Papa, and Nonno regarded her as good as dead. That's how Nonno expressed his hatred, by forcing everyone to forget about the person who crossed him. Because they weren't worthy of living, not even in our heads. I was dying to see my mamma. Not just because I still loved her, but because I needed answers for why she did what she did
ROSALINA'S POV Mark kick-started his Harley, and we sped off. I glanced back at my picturesque home, which diminished as we rode further down the road. I felt a prickling sensation in my chest—guilt. I didn't want to imagine how my family would react when they find out I was gone. Especially Nonna and Lily, who cared for me the most in that house. Nonno would probably go berserk upon hearing the news and comb the entire New York City to drag my disobedient ass back home. But that shouldn't concern me right now. What I should be concerned about was how I was gonna find my mamma in Chicago. I had booked my flight tickets and a hotel room a week ago and I had enough money that I saved up from my allowances so I can travel. If only Mamma had given me her number too so that I could contact her. Only the home address was given to me in the letter. Regardless, I will find her. "You sure as hell got a lot of balls to do this," Mark commented. I could tell he had a smirk on his face insi
LEONARDO'S POV I pulled out my car keys from my back pocket as I stepped down the hotel's front entrance. New York looked depressing because of the layer of dark, damp clouds hovering over the place. I wasn't fond of monsoons because of the cold, deathly atmosphere they created. It reminded me of the day of Mamma's untimely death. Shaking off the sore feeling up my chest, I approached my flaming red Ferrari that was parked near the sidewalk. As I was about to open the door, someone slammed into my side and I almost dropped my keys. "Hey! Watch where you're going—" I stopped mid-sentence when I looked down at the person who bumped into me. It was a woman—A short one. She wore a black cap, a mask covering up her mouth, and sunglasses. Who the hell wears sunglasses in the monsoon? The attire she wore made her look like a street punk, yet it suited her perfectly, hugging her flawless, curvy little body. The short leather skirt gave a generous view of her long, slender legs, and I won
LEONARDO'S POV I revved my engine, feeling the power of my red Ferrari seething beneath me. The Lamborghini behind me was no match for my speed and skill. "Whoa!" The girl gasped as I sped up the Ferrari to 150 miles per hour. I smirked as I took a sharp turn, feeling G-force push me into my seat. The Lamborghini tired to keep up, I knew I had the upper hand. It was then I spotted a narrow street up ahead, barely wide enough for one car. A mischievous grin spread across my face as I gunned the engine, determined to overtake the Lamborghini no matter what took. I weaved through the traffic, my senses high on adrenaline. As we approached the narrow street, I heard the girl's breath hitch in her throat. "What are you doing?!" "Brace yourself, babe." I said as I gripped the wheel. It was too late to turn back, I shot through the narrow streets, barely missing the walls on either side. The Lamborghini tried to follow, but it crashed the brick wall and I emerged on the other side, winni
ROSALINA'S POV"What's wrong?" I frowned at him for stopping the car in the middle of the highway like this. I was getting late for my flight dammit! Where did all that hype and energy go?"What did you say your name was?" His face scrunched up like a raisin in the sun.Was he seriously pissed off by my name?No, he was actually pissed off by my surname. The name Russo used to have a notorious reputation in this city. However, that reputation was snatched by the Salvadori crime family a long time ago."Rosalina," I said, backing up to the door while I sneaked my hand around the door handle."Russo." He finished with gritted teeth.Wait, he didn't have a reason to be so offended by my surname unless he was a..."Salvadori." Hate coated my voice.The hate for snatching my Mamma away from me.The hate for killing Aunt Ariana.The hate for killing my beloved Papa.He gave a sarcastic smile at my quick guess. "You guessed it right, Russo."I pulled the door but it won't open."Who's the gu
ROSALINA'S POV Saint grabbed my elbow and dragged me inside the house where all of my family members were waiting. The stares aimed at me caused my pulse to quicken with anticipation, as though I were an animal on display at a zoo. Nonno scrunched up his nose upon seeing me and Nonna, who stood right beside him, shook her head in disappointment. "I'll talk to her." My Uncle Ricardo offered. Among my three uncles, he was the most caring and patient one, and he understood that my Nonno's temperament could harm me if no one intervened. Uncle Ricardo halted in his tracks as Nonno gave him a lethal, gray-eyed glare. "You got something to say, young lady?" Nonno asked gruffly, pinning those steely eyes on me and raising his cleft chin up a little. Did I really have something to say after being caught red-handed? Nope, not at all. So I kept quiet. "I asked you a fucking question!" Nonno's sudden outburst caused my shoulders to jump. My body shook so much that only an earthquake match
ROSALINA'S POV I spent the week investing most of my time inside my room, on my pink bed, binge-watching several TV shows on Netf*ix or else, I would have plucked out all of my hair and gone crazy out of boredom. The reason I was so upset was not just because of my house arrest. My Nonno found me a fiance who was a decade older than me. From what I heard, he was the senator's son, Italian, and needed my Nonno's connections for the upcoming elections since my Nonno was well-respected among the Italian community here in Brooklyn. My Nonno could easily help them out without an alliance, but of course, he wanted to punish me in another way instead of beating me up. I'd grown a thicker skin over the years and I got beaten up more than any other male cousin in the family. Not flexing, but it was a fact. Nonno believed in gender equality only when he had to punish his grandkids. He never showed me any mercy because I was a girl. But did that stop me from calling him out on his B.S.? Abso
ROSALINA'S POVThe next Sunday came, which meant all of my family members would gather around the table for family dinner. Well, technically we are just your average, everyday family - if your idea of normal was living in a mansion, wielding power and influence like it's nobody's business, and occasionally making offers that people can't refuse.My friends talked about the romanticized version of the mafia (From Mafia novels mostly). Most of them were about a rich and handsome Mafia man and a damsel in distress, or that cliché arranged marriage trope. I found it funny how contradictory it was to the real thing.Made Men were the least desirable partners. Most of them were self-centered assholes who didn't give two fucks about fidelity.Now, don't get me wrong. I wasn't talking about ALL Made Men, but most of them were jerks. Take my Nonno Matteo Russo, for instance. He was a good husband to Nonna, and I don't think he ever cheated on her, considering how obsessed he was with her. But
5 YEARS LATER... LEONARDO'S POV I reclined in one of Enzo's plush office chairs, half listening to my cousins drone on about business. My gaze landed on Enzo's hands as he gesticulated, and I had to bite my cheek to keep from laughing. His nails were painted a glittery pink and decorated with Hello Kitty stickers. When he caught me staring, Enzo shrugged. "Gigi ambushed me this morning." "Daddy-daughter time looks good on you, brother," I teased. Enzo shot me a wry look. "We'll see how you handle it when your little hellion grows up." I chuckled thinking about my spirited son. "Adriano keeps things exciting, for sure. Just yesterday he finger-painted a mural on his bedroom wall using Rosalina's lipstick." My cousins howled. "Takes after his old man," Luca said. "In all the best and worst ways," I agreed. Right on cue, my cell phone rang. I didn't have to check the caller ID to know it was Adriano's teacher. "That'll be Mrs. Dawson now. Let me guess - he set off stink bombs in
LEONARDO'S POV(A few months later...)A piercing cry split the night air. I groaned, clinging to the last remnants of a pleasant dream as little Adriano's wails persisted."Your son is awake," I mumbled, still half asleep.Rosalina stirred slightly. "Before sunrise, he's your son," she quipped drowsily.I chuckled at the familiar Lion King quote, then dragged myself reluctantly from the warm bed. I shuffled over to the crib and gently lifted my bawling son into my arms. We had named him Adriano, after Rosalina's father."Shhh Adriano, go back to sleep," I soothed, rocking him gently. His tiny mouth rooted hungrily at my chest, latching onto my nipple. I winced. "Wrong nipple, buddy."I retrieved one of the bottles of breast milk Rosa had pumped earlier and offered it to Adriano. He sucked greedily, his cries subsiding as I held him close. I smiled down at my son, my heart swelling with love and pride. He had his mother's beautiful hazel eyes and my strong Salvadori nose and chin.I
ROSALINA'S POV I stared at my reflection, scarcely recognizing the radiant bride smiling back. The strapless gown hugged my body perfectly, the pink floral accents on the skirt matching my rose tiara."Oh, you look absolutely beautiful!" Lily dabbed at her eyes as she helped me smooth the skirt.I couldn't stop smiling, joy bubbling inside me. After everything, this day had finally come - my wedding day! My Nonna stepped forward, clasping my hands warmly. "Stellina, I'm so happy for you. You chose well, my dear. That boy loves you with his whole heart."I embraced Nonna tightly. "Thank you. For understanding, and supporting us." She stroked my hair lovingly. "Always, il mio tesoro."A loud commotion outside made us glance at the door. I heard Leo's voice rising insistently."Let me see my wife, damn it!"Isabella shot me a bemused look. "Somebody's impatient to get this show on the road."I laughed softly. Trust Leo to toss tradition aside. My heart swelled with love for my soon-to
ROSALINA'S POVI clutched the address in my hand, the edges creased and worn from the countless times I'd unfolded it. Antonella DiMarco - the stranger who used to be my mother. "You sure about this, babe? No one would blame you if-""I'm sure," I cut him off, my voice tight. "I gotta do this, Leo. I can't..." My throat closed up for a moment. "I can't move on until I look her in the eye and get some damn answers."He nodded slowly, jaw tight. I could practically hear the argument raging in his head about why this was a bad idea. But one glance at my expression and he just sighed, holding out his hand.I shifted in my seat, trying to ignore the growing pressure in my bladder. The sun was starting to set, casting an orange glow across the desert landscape blurring past. Leo kept his eyes fixed on the road, one hand resting gently on my knee in silent support.I knew I should've gone to the bathroom again before we left the last rest stop an hour ago. But nerves had killed my appetit
LEONARDO'S POVThe dank basement reeked of blood and fear. My uncle Giovanni was tied to a chair, swollen and battered from the beating he had gotten. But I felt no pity for the traitor.My cousin Luca's eyes were wild with grief. Losing his twin Lucio had destroyed him. Now seeing his father Giovanni revealed as a turncoat was the last straw."Alright, talk," I said coldly to Giovanni. "Spill why you teamed up with Andrae against your own family."When Giovanni stayed silent, Alessio slammed a fist into his gut. Giovanni wheezed in pain as Luca flinched, choking back a sob."Last chance," I said casually as Giovanni fought for breath. "Give me the details, then you get a quick death for ratting out the family."Fear flashed in Giovanni's eyes. He started rambling about how Andrae had approached him and offered control of the family if Giovanni helped kill my brother."Lies!" Giovanni cried desperately. "He used me! I never wanted Vincenzo dead, you gotta believe me!"Disgust roiled t
LILLINA'S POVI cradled Enzo's limp hand in both of mine, pressing fervent kisses to his chilled fingers. The steady beep of the heart monitor was my lone comfort as I maintained my bedside watch. His chest rose and fell rhythmically, but he remained locked away in unconsciousness. "You have to come back to me, Enzo" I whispered, my vision blurring. "Our daughter needs her father." I swiped angrily at the tears streaking my face. I had to be strong for our child, though the effort threatened to shatter my fragile composure.A knock interrupted my swirling thoughts. Carlo entered, his expression carefully neutral. "Any change?" I shook my head mutely, a fresh wave of tears spilling over. Suddenly, Vincenzo's hand twitched feebly in mine. I gasped, leaning forward intently as his brow furrowed. "Enzo?" I choked out. "C-can you hear me?"With agonizing slowness, his eyelids fluttered open halfway, still clouded by anesthesia. But they locked onto mine with recognition that flooded my
ROSALINA'S POVThe courthouse appeared all too soon, a hulking stone edifice that filled me with dread. Andrae dragged me forcibly up the steps, his grip leaving blossoming bruises on my arm. I scanned the empty foyer frantically, praying for some means of escape. At the far end, an elderly clerk sat stamping documents behind a high desk.Andrae strode toward him purposefully, shoving me ahead of him. "We need to be married immediately," he barked.The clerk's eyes widened at Andrae's imperious demand, flickering uncertainly to my tear-stained face. "I'm sorry, sir, but there are certain requirements..." he began weakly.In a flash, Andrae had a pistol aimed at the man's forehead. "The only requirement is that you do as I say," he growled. "Now."The clerk paled, raising his trembling hands in acquiescence. "Y-yes sir, right away." He fumbled with shaking hands to ready the license and certificate, the gun still leveled at his head.Once the documents were prepared, Andrae scrawled hi
VINCENZO'S POVChaos erupted as bullets flew in all directions. Years of simmering hatred between the Salvatores and Armandos had finally boiled over, transforming my brother's wedding into a bloodbath."Get the women and children to safety!" I bellowed. My men rushed to usher the terrified guests away from the hailstorm of lead.I scanned the pandemonium desperately for my pregnant wife. "Lily!" Where was she? There - a flash of her yellow dress across the courtyard. I sprinted towards her, bullets kicking up shards of brick at my heels.She stood paralyzed behind an overturned table, one hand instinctively cradling her belly. I shielded her body with mine and urged her towards the exit. "We need to move, now!"We scrambled into a sheltered alcove. Her eyes were wild, face streaked with tears. "Oh God, the baby-""You'll both be alright," I soothed. I peeked out - we weren't far from an escape route. I steeled myself. "On three, we run."I took her hand in mine. "One, two, thre-"The
ROSALINA'S POVI slipped into the marble restroom, the swell of violins and chatter fading behind the heavy door. Gripping the gold-flecked countertop, I steadied my breathing, willing my roiling nerves to quiet. Today Leonardo pledged himself to another while our unborn child grew in secret within me.The door creaked open and my reflection paled. Mia. An awkward tension thickened the air as we hovered, over the betrayed bride-to-be and the 'other woman'. To my surprise, her dark brown eyes held no malice. Only sympathy. "Hey, Rosalina," she said gently. "Are you okay?"I attempted a weak smile, my hands trembling. "A bit unwell, thanks." A massive understatement. I smoothed my dress self-consciously, the pink chiffon Leonardo adored. Mia's gaze flickered over it. "That color suits you Wanna rest a while in my suite?"Giving a weak smile, I nodded. I followed mutely, sinking into an ornate chaise lounge as attendants fluttered around Mia. The opulent chamber with its marble friezes