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The Don's bargain 1
BellaBy now I should have been tying the knot with the love of my life, but life has other plans. Plans that led me farther away from my wishes. Just a few months ago, Robin was diagnosed with cancer, which worsened afterwards. It seemed like the pronouncement gave the cancer the right to manifest aggressively. Each time I thought about my boyfriend, my chest ached even more because, as a medical practitioner, I was powerless in the situation.During my break, I decided to check in on Robin in the next ward. Having finished his first lap of the chemotherapy session, he was still under monitoring. Although he didn't have enough strength to talk for now, I enjoyed talking to him. I pushed through the door, and my lips started to spread into a smile."Hey, baby—" I started to say as I closed the door behind me, but my lips shut halfway. My brows furrowed, and then my eyes started to scan around the empty room. Slowly at first, then desperately in search of my boyfriend. Maybe he had be
Last Updated : 2024-12-24The Don's bargain 2
Stefano stayed quiet during the process of removing the bullet although I could see the stress lines on his forehead. He still hasn't changed over the years, he hated showing any hint of vulnerability. "Okay, so we're done here," I said to another man who had been pacing around the room when I finished bandaging Stefano's arm."Thank the heavens." He breathed out and moved closer. "I'm glad you're fine, I swear I could have blown off his head if you hadn't asked me to stop." They were dangerous men, I thought. I stood up from my kneeling position. The man quickly dipped his hand in his pocket and handed me a wad of cash. "Here.""Thank you," My eyes lit up before making my way to leave but I turned back. "Make sure you give him some antibiotics."I was leaving Stefano again, and my stomach was twisting into a painful knot. I was weak and needed to rest. "Matteo," I heard Stefano's firm voice, "Tell the nurse to stay. Leave now, you have to fill in the gap."On hearing that, I paus
Last Updated : 2024-12-24The Don's bargain 3
My heart jackrabbitted as I blinked my eyes, hoping I had seen wrongly. I have just been relieved of my duties at work. I had held on to hope, like a treasure, hoping this day wouldn't come so soon.I quickly rushed down to the nearest pharmacy, got the antibiotics, and came back to the hotel. Before I entered the room, I made sure to wipe every trace of tears from my eyes.I stretched a tablet towards Stefano without speaking once I got into the room. "Thank you..." he muttered, his eyes following me with concern as I sat on the sofa. I retrieved my phone and stared at the notification once more, as though the weight of my gaze could alter my reality. My chest constricted as I thought about how to get more money. I had inherited a debt I knew nothing of, and with what Papa told me, they wouldn't hesitate to kill us if we defaulted. So, a large part of my salary went into there every month. Also, Papa's bills were heaping up with every minute he spent in the hospital. Sometimes I w
Last Updated : 2024-12-24The Don's bargain 4
In the next weeks that followed, money plagued my mind. With the job applications being unsuccessful, I was beginning to panic. Although I didn't relent, I plunged myself deeper into a more frenzied search. I had no choice; the bills were piling up by the day: house rent, father's debt, and his hospital bills. As I typed away on my laptop, I got a call from the hospital my father was admitted to.The nurse in charge of the case was on the line.I knew why she was calling, so I almost didn't want to take the call, but I did anyways."Hey Bella, I'm calling from St. Thomas's hospital." She introduced herself in a professional tone."Yeah, I can tell.""I'm wondering if you could visit the hospital; we need to have an important discussion concerning your father."My heart picked up an irregular pace. "Yeah, sure," I stuttered. "What's it about?""Kindly visit the hospital for further inquiries."I hissed the moment I ended the call. Did it even make sense to her to disrupt my daily act
Last Updated : 2024-12-24The Don's bargain 5
What the hell was Stefano doing here? Seemed like his recovery had been so great that he had to party over it. Stefano stood on the staircase, holding the handrail with an impassive expression on his face, so I couldn't detect what was running through his mind. Although, one thing was certain — he wasn't surprised to see me. I lowered my gaze till I got in front of him. I took a deep breath and raised my gaze. We were just inches apart, so my face was in the same region as his chest. A smirk crossed his lips. He reached forward, his mouth directly near my ears. "Bella, we finally meet again." "How coincidental." I replied, unsure if he had heard me. In a swift motion, Stefano held my wrist and dragged me somewhere else. As my feet gilded behind me, I wondered where all this was leading to. Where was he going in the first place? What was all this about? How did applying for the Job of stripper lead me to Stefano's hold? "What are you doing here?" I asked the moment we got into a r
Last Updated : 2025-01-05The Don's bargain 6
I was beginning to think it would be impossible to work as a nurse. With each application that got declined, my faith weakened. I had enough money to cater for my needs for the next five months but I couldn't find joy around me. I needed more to be happy, I needed my job back as a nurse. Apart from the fact I obviously loved working at the hospital, part of Father's incurred debt was due to catering for my schooling expenses so I couldn't let him down by just accepting menial jobs without seeking for more. Later that day, I was informed of a party happening in the evening. Before I could text Katrina with the intent of malingering, she beat me to the game. The thought of having to conquer another unknown experience made my heart beat faster and I had not fully recovered from my experience with Stefano. Heck, I didn't even want to think about what happened that night. A sigh escaped my lips as my fingers hovered on the screen of my phone. I decided against not viewing the message an
Last Updated : 2025-01-07The Don's bargain 7
My eyes widened at the gigantic building in front of me as I stood in front of the car, waiting for my luggage to be brought near me. My eyes roamed around my surroundings, first capturing the fleet of cars and then the flowers. "You don't have to worry, he'll bring it in." Matteo's voice cut through my thoughts. "Let's go.""Sure," I nodded with a tight-lipped smile, my heart racing. All the anticipation to see Stefano had disappeared, what was left with me could be considered as dread. It was fear of the unknown.The moment we stepped in. A woman, probably around age fifty with grey streaked black hair bounded towards us."Good to you see, Matteo," she bowed slightly."Good to see you too, Marianna," Matteo replied. "So this is Bella, I'm sure your boss has told you about her.""Yes," she wiped her hands with a napkin and her eyes looked ahead of me. "I'm sure that's her luggage." She reached foward to take it from the driver's hold and started walking up the stairs.The driver dis
Last Updated : 2025-01-09The Don's bargain 8
I suddenly lost my ability to speak. Why does Stefano have this effect on me?"Uhm…yay." I stuttered, tucking a lone strand of my hair behind my ears and looked away."Had a good meal?" He asked, putting away the cigarette.I nodded because my mouth chose to be silent on its accord. Stefano acknowledged my answer with a nod and he started walking up the stairs. I ran towards the direction and he halted, looking down at me and raising his eyebrows as if saying yes?"What about the party?" I asked, my voice low. "Isn't that why I'm here?""Guess?" He winked at me. Typical Stefano was at it again with his antics.I sighed and glared at him. I shook my head as if to shove the thought away. I was beginning to think that he had brought me here for another reason."What do you mean?" I asked, my brows furrowed."I said take a random guess."I shook my head. "Nah, you're not going to do this right now." With the mischievous glint in his eyes, it looked like he was taking me for a fool. I mea
Last Updated : 2025-01-10
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The Don's bargain 90
I held my breath the moment I picked up the call.I had no idea of what he wanted to say to me and that made me extremely mad.“Hey dad.” I started.“Hi Bella.” His deep voice came through. “How are you doing?”Not again. Could he just go straight to the point and tell me why he was calling?“Eveything is fine I guess.” I replied.“Are you sure?” He asked.“Hmm why?” I asked him, suprised.“You said I guess. It seems like you're not fine to me but okay I'll let it slide.” He observed.“Well thank you but I'm okay.” I added, not ready for any sort of long conversation with him.I needed to get back to bed. The reason I left the bed while having this conversation was because I was sure that Stefano wouldn't like the idea of me talking to my father. He had the mindset that anytime I spoke to him, I ended being sad. He wasn't actually far from the truth if we're being real.“So I called because of something.” Thank the heavens, he was finally saying why he called me.“I called because I w
The Don's bargain 89
A flicker of suprise crossed his eyes. “What now huh?”I sucked in a deep breath. I was about to launch into a full fledged rant and my look like a fucking lunatic… but I didn't care at this point.“Tomasso, look into me and tell me you don't remember a fucking thing.”He cackled. When he recovered from the laughter, he let go of my hold. “Hell naw I didn't even remember my name. Marco show me a few videos so I believe we're friends.”“You remember nothing from those video?” I probed, a part of me believed he was choosing to suppress his memories that's why the drugs are not being as effective as we want them.He hesistated. “No. And stop being pushy. This whole theatrics is old already.” He said with an irritated look on his face and started walking towards towards him room.“Whatever you call it.” I muttered and pinched my wrist. How long were we going to continue with this. I was growing impatient by the day. He had to remember. He needed to know we see siblings, he had to tell us
The Don's bargain 88
The next morning Tomasso insisted on sitting on the parlour with me while stefano had gone to the office. We didn't say anything, just glancing at each other from time to time.I texted Stefano to inform him of what was happening.S: Maybe you could engage him in a conversation, who knows if he might begin to remember somethings…I think he was right. One of the mistakes we were making was avoiding certain questions he was asking.Me: I'll try, I miss going to work.Stefano replied immediately.Do you wanna go back? We could employ someone to baybsit him.Then how is he going to recall faster?It could still happen. He just needs his drugs and need to be in contact with his environment that way he'll continue to have flashbacks.Thank you captain obvious. I teased.“So y'all said you are my guardians.” Tomasso asked and I paused midway the sentence I was typing on my phone.I raised my head slowly. “Yes you've been living with us.”“For how long?” He asked.I told him the accurate dat
The Don's bargain 87
The next morning, Stefano stirrred softly in his sleep as I watched the rise and fall of his chest.I got out of the bed with one intention in mind. i wanted to make him breakfast in mind. He has been going through hetic days and I suspected that he needed moments like this. Something that would make the corners of his lips curl with a smile.Heading towards the kitchen, I met Maria thre. I rubbed my eyes, suprised. I wasn't expecting to see her, she had been taking frequent breaks because she wanted to remarry. Stefano cared so much her and would always give her the breaks each time she requested for one.“Hey Bella.” She greeted, eyes glancing up.“Hey…” I hesistated. “Did you tell him you'd be coming today?”“No.” She shook head. “I wanted to suprise him.”“Hmm okay.” I replied. “I'll just assist you then, I'm trying to give him breakfast in mind. I hope he doesn't stand up from the bed soon.”“I promise you, he won't just yet.” she responsed and I laughed, holding the words with f
The Don's bargain 86
Stefano“Guess who I just saw?” I asked Bella other the phone.“I don't know.” She drawled.“Just think think.” I urged her.“I wouldn't know even if I tried harder, how about you just speak huh?”She was right. There was no way on earth she would have been able to guess Rosa's return..“I just saw Rosa.” I informed her, my mind still reeling from the shock.“Nah nah.” I imagined her shaking her head in disbelief. “You just saw her? Where? What was she doing?” All of these numerous questions were asked and I didn't even know which to answer first.My mind wasn't at peace… for some reasons, I knew Rosa had an agenda for coming back. I just hoped I was out of it and she wasn't thinking of hurting me or my family.“I saw her at the bar. I went to drink and she Sauntered to my direction saying she was.” I explained.Bella was short of words. She hesitated and that gave it away. “I can't believe it.”“I can't believe this either… if no one had told me she was the one I'd have probably miss
The Don's bargain 85
The moment we stepped into the house, Tomasso stood still. We noticed this because we were all seated while he was the only one standing."You should seat." Marco suggested, patting the space next to him.Tomasso shook his head. "Nah I'm alright." He continued to scan around the environment.I cleared my throat. "You can also do that while sitting." I said, my voice low."Not wrong, but I choose to stand." This version of Tomasso was rude but we'd have to cope and not take any offence."Okay would you like to get anything to eat?" I asked.He waved a dismissive flick of his wrist. "Nahhhhh." He dragged the words."I want to have a word with you." Stefano requested and we stood up."Excuse me." I said."Take the room at the left wing." Stefano insructed Marco and he nodded."if this used to be my house then why is he telling you where to sleep?" Tomasso asked."I think I need to ease myself." Marco said dismissing himself. He was tired as hell, having trapped with a bunch of question
The Don's bargain 84
"Doesn't seem like it."The words Tomasso had uttered earlier on made my heart skip a beat. I sucked in a deep breath, trying to hold my tears together.I couldn't afford to cry in front of these people.I stared at Stefano, and he squeezed my hands. "Try to keep it together." He whispered; he must have noticed the tears brimming in my eyes.I nodded.Marco visibly exhaled and then reached out for Tomasso's hands. "You think I'll lie to you?" He asked with a harmless smile. "They're your family, and they care about you very much. Think about it; they wouldn't have come again after you blatantly denied them."Tomaso seemed to consider Marco's words for a second. I held my heart in my hand, hoping that his response would be positive at least. Something we could work with."You're right." He shrugged, looking away."Or would you rather be somewhere else?" Marco asked arching his brows at him."Damn it!" Tomasso punctuated his sentence by slamming his fist on the bed. "Where would you wan
The Don's bargain 83
“It was the doctor calling.” stefano informed me the moment I opened my eyes. I met him tuckening into his trousers as though he was in a hurry.“What's the problem?” I asked, scratching my eyes and yawning.“I don't know. I didn't bother to ask him since he just said he wanted me at the hospital.” He explained as he wore his trousers.“How about I come with you?” I suggested. Right from the second I heard him say the doctor had requested to see him at the hospital, I had become worried. i knew i wouldn't be able to keep still while he'd be away. I would call life out of him. So i needed to be there with him“Sure I could have woken you up but I thought you needed the rest after how hard I made you scream.” He teased, a coy smile plastered on his Face.“Come off it bruh.” I waved a dissimive flick of my wrist as I made my way to stand up.I discovered I was naked.My hands flew to my palm. “What the hell?”He raised his eye brows in a questionable tone. “What's wrong?”“I'm naked.” I
The Don's bargain 82
Shock washed over Stefano. It was evident with the way his mouth gaped open at my statement.“Surprised right?” I asked and he nodded.“I never would have guess that.” He shook his head. “Maybe this was the reason you were naturally drawn to him, I mean he's your blood.”“I don't know how to feel about it. He can't even remember me. He doesn't remember anything, then how do I tell him I am his sister?” Tears misted my eyes. I haven't been so confused in a long time.I felt like I was surrounded by a maze of trees in a thick forest with no idea of the next direction to go.I wouldn't let Stefano decided for him. I had to solve all of this by myself.He stared at me, “Listen this isn't any of your fault. I mean blame your parents. They should have told you guy earlier on and to be honest I don't think it would be nice to tell him now. He's not even going to understand what you're talking about. Just keep the information to yourself till he starts getting back his memory.” Stefano advi
