ROSALINA'S POVThis was torture. I was tired of hearing after 'how in love' Selena was with Leonardo. It was unbelievable how fast she moved on from the man she claimed to have loved for three years to someone she went on just three dates with."Leo is the ideal boyfriend!" Selena exclaimed, her eyes clouded with a pink, dreamy mist as she sighed. "The most open-minded, chill guy I've ever met and he was the best sex I've ever--""Enough!" I snapped, feeling like hurling my latte to the damn wall. "If I hear you gushing about how 'amazing' his dick was one more fucking time, I'm going to burst like a piñata at a wild party!"Selena's eyes widened in shock at my outburst."I'm sorry, Selena--" I cut myself off, taking a sharp breath through my gritted teeth. "But I can't take it anymore. I can't stand here and listen to you talk about Leonardo like he's the greatest thing since sliced bread. You barely know him, Selena. You're just infatuated with him because he's new and exciting. But
ROSALINA'S POV"Should I consider this a date?" I asked Sebas as he pulled the chair for me to get comfortably seated."You told me you were hungry," Sebas replied dryly before taking a seat across me from the table."Oh, I'm starving!" I picked up the menu and browsed for something vegetarian, most probably salad since I was cutting carbs to lose a few more pounds. Madam Marisha wanted me to be as light as a feather so I could glide freely in the air like a petal on the wind as I performed Giselle.As I was deciding which salad to order, the waiter came over to take our orders. Sebas ordered a steak, medium rare, and I finally decided on a mixed greens salad with a side of grilled vegetables.Once the waiter left us alone, I felt a sudden itch at the back of my neck. My eyes aimlessly darted around the people huddled around the tables having a good time, when my eyes landed on a familiar face. Actually two familiar faces. Without sparing me a glance, Leonardo continued his conversati
ROSALINA'S POV"I Got You Under My Skin" by Frank Sinatra played on my Nonna's beloved radio as I placed the porcelain plates and silverware on the long patio table. I never actually caught a glimpse of Lily's fiancé. As it turns out, he had visited our home earlier, but I wasn't present as I had left for my dance rehearsal. According to Sebas, Vincenzo Salvadori used to be the capo regime before becoming the "Boss" or "Capofamiglia" after Elena Salvadori, the Godmother, passed away.I had never seen that woman in my life, but suddenly I had grown respect for her. I mean, she single-handedly controlled the whole family like some Queen Bee. A Godmother was unheard-of in our world because they never trusted women with positions of power. I wondered what sort of a person she was.As Leonardo made his entrance at the table, clad in a pristine white shirt that accentuated his toned chest, along with tan pants and dress shoes, I stood out in a pink, sleeveless crop top that hugged my curves
ROSALINA'S POVNow "Paint It Black" by Rolling Stones was tuned on the radio. Nobody bothered to shut the damn thing off so I did it myself. Earlier, Lily had a panic attack and threw up her lunch in the toilet because of the shock. I had tried to comfort her when Vincenzo showed up. I was going to fight him to stay the hell away from Lily if only Nonna hadn't pushed me out of the kitchen.The corpse of Marco Salvadori stared expressionlessly at the bright blue sky while we kept eating brunch. Nonno believed that wasting food was a terrible sin. Matteo Russo wasn't always a wealthy gangster. He grew up in poverty after he lost his father in the war, but he possessed a powerful sense of pride and an unshakable desire to succeed. He ultimately achieved his goals, rising to become one of the era's most notorious mobsters.I didn't argue with him and finished my lunch, which tasted sour in my mouth knowing there was a literal corpse laying in our backyard. Vincenzo talked about putting Ma
ROSALINA'S POVThe reason I hated this life was not because of how men killed each other without a second thought, but it was the apathy toward taking a life that bothered me. I hated to admit this, but I had turned numb to murders and killings, so much so that I could binge-watch serial killer movies without getting uncomfortable. I even found it more entertaining than a rom-com.Maybe it was because my first witness to murder was at the age of six when Papa shot a man inside the basement. That image had burned into my mind and stuck with me ever since. I was shocked at first, disgusted even, but I came to accept it little by little. That my Papa was a killer.For someone not familiar with our world, what we saw as normal would likely have seemed like a crime thriller to them. This was because the La Cosa Nostra operated in a manner where we may have appeared as a blameless, white-picket-fence family on the outside, but in reality, we only reached the top by using our enemies' corpse
LEONARDO'S POVI sat in Enzo's opulent office, surrounded by the familiar scent of aged leather and the faint sound of Sinatra crooning from a hidden gramophone. My brother was truly an old soul at heart as his taste for old classics, something he inherited from our Nonna.Enzo, dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, sat beside his mahogany desk, engrossed in the papers he held in his hands."So, what's the deal?" I asked him, leaning back on the sofa.Enzo's piercing gaze met mine as he looked up from the papers spread across his desk. His dark eyes, framed by a pair of meticulously groomed eyebrows, held a profound sense of authority. Enzo leaned back in his plush leather chair, his body straight and composed."We need to tighten up the security for the wedding," he began, his voice low and measured. "I want you to gather our most trusted men and coordinate the security measures. No detail should be overlooked, no vulnerability left exposed. Our reputation rests on the succes
ROSALINA'S POVAs I sat in front of my vanity mirror, I could feel the soft touch of the makeup brushes against my face. The heavenly scent of my favorite rose-scented foundation filled the air around me, mingling with the faint aroma of the lavender-scented candles that adorned my room. I took a deep breath, attempting to ease my troubled mind before breaking the news to my cousins. Elizabetta, always the studious one, was at my desk, engrossed in her books. Her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose as she furrowed her brows in concentration. Isabella, on the other hand, sat on the bed, texting someone on her phone, completely oblivious to the world around her and Lily was busy painting her toenails white.I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my heart heavy with worry as I brushed a delicate layer of blush onto my cheeks. The rhythmic back-and-forth motion of the brush against my skin was strangely soothing, but it couldn't mask the anxiety that gnawed at me from within. "You
LEONARDO'S POVI stepped out of my car and offered my hand to Selena, my date for the night. She smiled warmly, her dark eyes sparkling under the streetlights of bustling New York City. Tonight was supposed to be a special evening, a date night in the city that never sleeps. But deep down, I was feeling a little bad for using her to get close to Rosalina. I knew I had to stop, and I was going to come clean tonight and break up with her.As we strolled down the vibrant streets, the scent of hot pretzels and roasted peanuts filled the air. Selena held onto my arm, her fingers delicately brushing against my leather jacket. She seemed genuinely excited, her laughter echoing through the night as we passed by the brightly lit marquees of Broadway theaters.I didn't love Selena. Our relationship had started as a mere charade, a ploy to maintain appearances after Tristan cheated. She wanted to get over Tristan, and I was the easiest route.As we turned a corner, a familiar figure emerged from
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