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2024-11-16 09:28:03“I’m sorry, Mom. I need more time to figure out my decisions in life,” Klarisse mumbled as she parked her car and headed to another branch of her café. She owned multiple branches of Klarisse’s Café around the area.
“Good morning, ma’am,” the guard greeted her.
She smiled warmly. “Good morning. I’m just going to check some things here.”
The guard nodded as she walked inside. The café was bustling with customers, which brought her a sense of pride. It made her happy, but a wave of sadness washed over her as she remembered her twin sister, Klara, was no longer alive to share in her success. The happiness was bittersweet.
“Klara, if you were here, I know you’d be happy to see how well the café is doing, I know you’d be proud to see my hard work paying off,” she whispered to herself.
Just then, the manager spotted her and called out, “Klarisse! It’s great to see you here.”
Klarisse forced a smile and walked over. “Hi, I just wanted to see how everything’s going. It looks busy.”
“Really well, actually. We’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback from customers. They love the new menu items you introduced,” the manager said enthusiastically.
“That’s great to hear,” Klarisse replied, trying to focus on the positives. “I’m glad everything is running smoothly.” Her mind was momentarily distracted from her grief. She walked around, observing the customers and staff, taking a moment to appreciate the atmosphere she had worked so hard to create.
“Klarisse, there’s something I wanted to discuss with you,” the manager said, pulling her aside. “We’ve had some inquiries about expanding our catering services. I think it could be a great opportunity.”
Klarisse nodded, considering the idea. “That sounds promising. Let’s set up a meeting to go over the details.”
“Absolutely. I’ll arrange it,” the manager replied.
As she made her way around the café, checking on various aspects of the operation, she couldn’t shake the feeling of loss. Every detail reminded her of Klara’s absence, making her heart ache.
“I miss you so much, Klara,” she thought, pausing for a moment to gather herself. “But I’ll keep going, for both of us.”
As she continued her tour, Klarisse’s phone buzzed with a message from her mother, but she ignored it. She needed this time to immerse herself in her work, to feel a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of her emotions.
“Klara, you always believed in me,” she thought, feeling a bittersweet mix of pride and sorrow.
She spent the next few hours at the café, engaging with the staff, tweaking the décor, and ensuring everything was running smoothly. It was a brief respite from her troubles, a reminder of what she had achieved and what she still had to fight for.
As the day drew to a close, Klarisse felt a little more at ease. Klarisse spent some time chatting with the staff and ensuring everything was in order before deciding to leave. As she walked out, she felt a mixture of pride and sorrow, knowing that her success was something Klara would have been proud of, even though she wasn’t there to see it.
“I’ll keep making you proud, Klara. I promise,” she whispered as she got back into her car.
Meanwhile, at the Mansion...
“Alan, I didn’t catch her. Allie said she went out,” Kareen said.
Alan took a deep breath. “What are we going to tell them? They're on their way already.”
“I don’t know, honey. I think she needs more time to think about it, but I know she won’t let us down,” Kareen said, though worry crept into her voice.
Alan sighed deeply. Klarisse needed to accept her fate. As the heiress of a mafia family, she had to claim including the arranged marriage.
“Angela and Bronson are already here,” Kareen announced.
They composed themselves and greeted their guests cordially.
“Bronson, Angela, come in,” Alan greeted them.
They welcomed the guests into their mansion warmly.
“Where is she?” Bronson asked.
Kareen and Alan exchanged uneasy glances. “She needs to take care of a few things in her business and she's not done yet,” Alan said.
“She needs more time to think about it, and she’s not home yet,” Alan added.
Bronson nodded.
“Angela, you didn’t bring him?” Kareen asked.
Angela rolled her eyes. “You know Alex, he can’t accept the situation. He’s still fighting for his girlfriend.”
They knew Alex had a girlfriend from a poor family, which was why he fell in love with her.
“I pity him,” Kareen said.
Angela chuckled. “Don’t. I hate his girlfriend. She’s just after his money.”
Kareen remained silent, avoiding a debate with Angela, known for her sophisticated yet harsh attitude. Kareen felt uneasy thinking Angela might become her daughter’s mother-in-law someday.
“Kareen, your daughter is beautiful,” Angela said, admiring Klarisse’s picture.
“Yes, she is,” Kareen said proudly.
Angela noticed another picture of Klarisse and was shocked.
“Why does she have two portraits of herself?” Angela asked.
Kareen stuttered. “Oh, she loves doubling her photos.”
Kareen felt nervous as Angela nodded. Everyone knew the Fowls family had only one daughter, Klara, because Klarisse had separated from them when she was young to build her own life.
“When will we set up dinner for our children to meet?” Bronson asked.
Alan asked the maid to serve wine and coffee. “Anytime, but I’ll check my daughter's schedule first,” he said.
“That’s good,” Bronson agreed.
Alan felt uneasy, knowing his wife felt the same around the Robinsons, especially knowing Alex still had a girlfriend.
“How about Alex? Where is he?” Alan asked.
Bronson sighed. “Probably with his girlfriend again.”
“Oh,” Alan muttered.
“Don’t worry. Before he marries your daughter, we’ll make sure he’s no longer involved with that woman,” Bronson assured.
Alan nodded, worried that if Alex still had his girlfriend, Klarisse might end up as the mistress instead of the wife.
**************
Klarisse wanted to go home, but she was afraid.
“Klarisse, you have to talk with your parents,” Allie said gently.
“Allie, I know, but what am I going to say? I don’t want to get married already!” Klarisse replied, frustration evident in her voice.
Allie sighed. “Then what are you going to do?”
Klarisse went silent, her thoughts tangled and uncertain.
“Ugh, I need more time and more, more, more,” she mumbled.
Allie chuckled softly. “Klarisse, remember, they are still your parents.”
Klarisse nodded, her eyes filled with uncertainty.
Bab terkait
The Heart of the Mafia Twin The Waitress and the Arrogant Man
It was already dark, and Klarisse was on her way home to their mansion, a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest. She knew she needed to speak with her parents about her decision regarding the arranged marriage. Lost in thought, she spotted a car stopped at the corner ahead, with a man waving urgently as if in need of help.“Who is that?” she mumbled to herself, curiosity piqued. Her initial instinct was to keep driving—strangers on dark roads often meant trouble. But as she approached, the man stepped into the center of the road, forcing her to come to a halt.“Hey! Are you crazy?!” she shouted, feeling a mix of irritation and fear.The man, wearing a cap that partially obscured his face, responded sharply, “I am not crazy, but you are. You’re ignoring someone who needs help.”Klarisse squinted, trying to place where she might have seen him before. “Wait, do I know you?” she asked cautiously. But her curiosity got the better of her.The man looked up, and recognition flickered acros
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-16The Heart of the Mafia Twin The Girlfriend
"Alex, you're here again," a man said, greeting Alex with a friendly bump of fists.Alex smiled, his expression warm. "Of course. Is Maxine home?"The man nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "Yeah, she's inside."Alex made his way to the small, humble house, knocking gently on the door."Who is it?" a woman's voice called out from within."It's me, aunty," Alex replied, his voice tinged with familiarity and affection.The door opened swiftly, revealing an older woman whose face lit up with excitement. "Alex! What are you doing here at this hour?" she asked, her eyes twinkling."I came by to see Max. Is she here?" Alex asked, a note of urgency in his tone.The woman's expression shifted subtly, a mix of hesitation and concern. "Oh, she's inside her room," she said, stepping aside to let him in."Thank you," Alex said with a nod and made his way to the small, humble house. He gently knocked on Maxine's door before pushing it open.Inside her room, Maxine was sitting at a small wooden de
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-16The Heart of the Mafia Twin Acceptance and Protest
Klarisse got home, the familiar warmth of her childhood home surrounding her. The maids greeted her with smiles, their presence a comforting routine. “Where are Mom and Dad?” she asked, her voice carrying through the hallway, a mix of weariness and determination.Her parents, Alan and Kareen, heard her voice from the dining room, where they were quietly finishing their meal.“Klarisse, is that you?” Alan called out, hope and anxiety mingling in his tone.Klarisse heard them and walked towards the dining room, feeling a mix of nervousness and resolve. Her parents' faces lit up with joy and relief at the sight of her. As she entered, her mother stood up, a relieved smile spreading across her face. She wrapped Klarisse in a warm, tight hug."You’re finally here," Kareen said, her voice thick with emotion, holding her daughter tightly as if she might vanish again.Klarisse returned the hug, feeling a brief moment of comfort before the weight of her decision settled back on her shoulders.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-16The Heart of the Mafia Twin Twin’s Heart
Klarisse lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The soft glow of the moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting delicate shadows that danced across her room. Despite the late hour, sleep eluded her. She tossed and turned, her mind a whirlwind of memories and emotions.Images of her twin sister, Klara, flashed through her mind. They were children again, sitting under the old oak tree in their backyard. Klara's frail frame was wrapped in a warm blanket, her face pale but lit up with a determined smile."Klarisse," Klara had said, her voice soft yet strong, "we have to promise each other something."Klarisse nodded, her young heart filled with a fierce love for her sister. "Anything, Klara."Klara took her hand, her grip surprisingly firm. "Whatever responsibilities or problems we face, we'll help each other. Always."Klarisse squeezed her sister’s hand, tears welling up in her eyes. "I promise, Klara. I'll never leave you alone."But as the years went by, Klarisse’s desire for indepe
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-16The Heart of the Mafia Twin Dinner
The exclusive Italian restaurant chosen by the Robinson family was nestled in a secluded part of the city, far removed from the bustling crowds. Its facade was elegant, with ivy-covered walls and grand iron gates that hinted at the opulence within. The entrance was guarded by a trio of imposing men, their eyes scanning every passerby with practiced vigilance. Inside, the ambiance was warm and inviting, yet undeniably sophisticated. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished marble floors, and the rich, dark wood furnishings added a touch of elegance. Each table was set with the finest china and silverware, and fresh flowers adorned every corner. The atmosphere was intimate, with soft Italian music playing in the background, creating a serene yet luxurious ambiance. This was no ordinary dining experience; it was a sanctuary for those who lived within the shadows of power and secrecy.Bronson and Angela sat at a private booth in a corner of the restaurant. Heavy security pre
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-16The Heart of the Mafia Twin Alliances
When the main course was served, Bronson raised his glass. “To new beginnings and strengthened alliances.”“To new beginnings,” the others echoed, though the toast felt heavy with the weight of their respective secrets and obligations.The tension around the table, however, was sharper than the silverware as the real reason for the evening revealed itself. It was no longer just a polite dinner—it was a negotiation for power.The atmosphere in the private dining room grew heavier as the servers cleared the main course and began serving desserts. The waitstaff arrived with trays of decadent desserts—tiramisu, panna cotta, and a dark chocolate lava cake paired with a perfectly aged port. A rich tiramisu and delicately plated panna cotta were placed before the guests, but neither family seemed particularly interested in indulging. Instead, the evening was approaching its true purpose—business. Bronson Robinson leaned back in his chair, swirling his glass of wine thoughtfully before placi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-21The Heart of the Mafia Twin A Forbidden Meeting
The moon hung low in the velvet sky as Alexander slipped out of the Robinson mansion, the weight of his family’s expectations pressing heavily on his shoulders. He had to see her—Maxine. He needed to hear her voice, to feel her reassurance. He couldn’t face the future they had planned for him without knowing where they stood. The small café they used as a meeting spot was dimly lit, tucked away on a quiet street far from the prying eyes of his family. It was late, and the few patrons inside paid little attention to him as he walked toward the back booth. Maxine was already there, her hands wrapped around a cup of tea, her face illuminated by the faint glow of the candle on the table. She looked up as he approached, her warm smile faltering slightly when she saw the tension etched across his features. “Alex,” she said softly, standing as he reached her. He pulled her into an embrace, holding her tightly as if she might slip away. “Max,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-22The Heart of the Mafia Twin A Union of Power and Shadows
The grandeur of the Robinson-Fowls wedding was the talk of both the legitimate and underworld communities. Held at an exclusive estate on the outskirts of Florence, Italy, the ceremony was a seamless blend of elegance and tension, with an atmosphere heavy with hidden agendas and unspoken alliances. The estate itself was a sprawling villa surrounded by lush vineyards and guarded by a security detail so discreet yet intimidating that no uninvited soul dared approach. The sprawling gardens were transformed into a fairy tale setting. Ivory drapery lined the open-air pavilion, with crystal chandeliers suspended above rows of gold-trimmed chairs. A fountain gurgled softly in the background, its waters shimmering under the midday sun. A symphony orchestra played a hauntingly beautiful melody, a mix of classical compositions and Italian folk songs, setting an air of sophistication. At the center of it all stood the altar, adorned with white roses and lilies, a stark contrast to the darker u
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-24
Bab terbaru
The Heart of the Mafia Twin The Hearts of the Mafia Twins
Spring had fully arrived in Venice, and with it came a softness in the air that even the most hardened of old Mafia families could feel. The Robinson estate’s gardens were in full bloom, roses and jasmine threading through the hedges like nature’s embroidery. On any given day, the laughter of teenagers could now be heard echoing across the open courtyards.Lucas and Liana Robinson—twins born from a bloodline of legacy, leadership, and carefully kept secrets—were no longer the children their family once protected in silence. Now teenagers, their presence in the world of the Five Families was impossible to ignore. Yet amid the lingering shadows of history, their hearts were beginning to be stirred by something much simpler, yet just as powerful: the first spark of young love.Liana sat on a marble bench beneath the flowering archway that framed one end of the courtyard. Her sketchpad rested on her lap, open to a lightly penciled drawing of the garden before her. Across from her, Matteo,
The Heart of the Mafia Twin The Introduction
The early spring light filtered through the great windows of the Robinson estate, bathing the drawing room in soft gold. It was a rare day of calm—a brief pause in the rhythm of power plays and legacy meetings that had long ruled the Robinson and Fowl households.But today, something else stirred under the surface. Something long delayed.Artemis Robinson stood near the tall windows, his gaze fixed on the drive beyond where cherry blossoms danced in the breeze. His arms were folded, his brow slightly furrowed—his usual composure softened by the weight of the decision he was about to confirm.Allie entered the room behind him, a cup of tea in hand, her other hand resting on her small bump. She was visibly pregnant, but it hadn’t slowed her down. If anything, the coming baby had strengthened her resolve.“He’s ready,” she said softly, her voice breaking through Artemis’s thoughts.He turned to her, his face unreadable for a moment, but then he nodded. “I know.”“You’re still worried,” A
The Heart of the Mafia Twin A Grave for the Truth
The wind was gentle that morning as the car wound through the private forest road that led to the ancestral Fowl burial grounds. The towering trees, thick with the greens of early summer, whispered softly in the hush that followed four old souls making their way toward closure.It was the first time the Robinsons had agreed to come here—to Klara Fowl’s final resting place.Bronson and Angela Robinson stepped out of the car, the air around them filled with the kind of silence that demanded reverence. The land had long been in the Fowl family, hidden and guarded, far away from the public eye and the chaos of their intertwined legacies. Now, it was just them—the original architects of what had once been a powerful alliance built on marriage, promises, and quiet betrayals.Alan and Kareen Fowl followed closely behind. They weren’t dressed in mourning, but in solemn hues: dark greys and muted blues, fitting for a day that bore no celebration but sought peace.The gravestone sat atop a smal
The Heart of the Mafia Twin What the Years Leave Behind
The wind danced through the garden once more, as if time hadn’t moved forward at all. But it had. The olive trees were taller now, the hedges more filled out, and the café near the far side of the estate had long since expanded into a flourishing local favorite. The laughter of children that once echoed through these halls had matured into deeper, more grounded voices—still joyful, still curious, but shaped by the years.Inside the villa, Klarisse sat curled up on the same couch she and Alexander had picked out together all those years ago. Her cup of tea had gone lukewarm in her hands, but she didn’t mind. She was lost in thought, eyes following the movement outside—where two teens, tall and full of energy, walked along the path near the grove.Lucas and Liana.They were no longer the small, giggling toddlers who used to chase butterflies or sword-fight with wooden sticks. Now, they were confident teenagers—Lucas tall, athletic, with the intense, thoughtful eyes of his father. Liana
The Heart of the Mafia Twin The Cousin
The air in the countryside estate was soft and warm, touched by the late afternoon sun. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees as if whispering old secrets among the leaves. The house nestled at the top of the gentle slope still bore the faint scent of vanilla and fresh lavender from the day’s baking—something Allie had insisted on doing herself despite having a full staff.She had always loved the calm of this place, far from the legacy-filled city of deals and hidden tensions. This house, built not far from Klarisse’s family villa, had been gifted by Artemis to Allie when she told him she wanted a home—*not a monument*—for their child to grow up in. It was here that their son, Matteo, was raised in peace.Matteo Fowl was turning thirteen soon. Though still technically a child, his questions lately had carried the weight of someone beginning to see the world not just as a playground, but as a web of complicated truths. And he was beginning to ask about *them*—the cousins.That mor
The Heart of the Mafia Twin Where the Garden Grows
The sun was warm on the stone terrace, and the faint scent of lavender and rosemary drifted through the breeze. The villa—*their* villa—sat on the edge of a hill, wrapped in golden light and surrounded by low stone walls, winding paths, and rows of olive trees. The laughter of children rang out in the garden, light and carefree, accompanied by the sound of footsteps rushing over grass.Lucas and Liana raced past the windows, their matching dark hair bouncing in the wind as they chased butterflies with paper nets and the kind of gleeful determination only young hearts could muster.Alexander Robinson stood by the large arched window, a cup of black coffee in hand, watching the twins with a quiet smile. Behind him, Klarisse Fowl-Robinson stepped into the room, barefoot and wrapped in a soft linen robe, her hair still damp from the morning shower. She approached without a word and slipped her arm around his waist, resting her head against his shoulder.Home.It was the first time in year
The Heart of the Mafia Twin Shadows of Succession
The Council of Five convened in the grand chamber of the Robinson estate, its walls adorned with ancestral portraits and symbols of legacy. The air was thick with anticipation, as the members prepared to discuss a matter that could redefine the power dynamics within their intertwined families.At the head of the table sat Bronson Robinson, his demeanor as composed as ever. To his right was Alan Fowl, whose sharp eyes missed nothing. Opposite them were Angela Robinson and Kareen Fowl, both matriarchs with a deep understanding of the intricacies of their lineage. The fifth seat was occupied by Valentin Marconi, whose presence was both a reminder of past alliances and a testament to the enduring bonds between their families.Bronson began, "We are gathered here to discuss the implications of Artemis and Allie's forthcoming child. Given Artemis's position and the legacy he carries, this event cannot be viewed merely as a familial milestone."Alan nodded, "Indeed. Artemis, being the elder
The Heart of the Mafia Twin Several Years Later
The sun poured gently through the tall windows of the Robinson estate, casting warm gold hues on the white and blush-colored decorations that adorned the main hall. Delicate streamers, soft florals, and pastel balloons floated like clouds against the walls, and the scent of fresh peonies and vanilla drifted through the air. It was a peaceful day, filled with laughter and quiet joy—a stark contrast to the chaos that once defined their lives.The estate had been transformed into a soft, serene venue for a very special occasion: Allie’s baby shower.Guests bustled about with small gifts, trays of hors d'oeuvres, and glasses of sparkling juice. The entire Council of Five had sent their blessings, and the Fowl and Robinson families had gone all out. The garden outside was blooming, a symbolic touch Artemis had insisted on—flowers for new life, growth, and everything ahead.Inside, Allie sat in the drawing room, glowing in a pale blue dress that hugged her baby bump just right. Her hair was
The Heart of the Mafia Twin Heir to Two Worlds
The Robinson mansion’s private study had always been a place of power and quiet conversations—decisions that shaped alliances, safeguarded legacies, and at times, determined fates. Today, that room held such weight once again. The polished surface of the table between them reflected the two small velvet boxes—one black, one dark crimson—placed with deliberate care.Alexander sat quietly beside Klarisse, their hands resting just slightly apart. Both of them had seen and endured more than most in their lifetime, but this—this moment was something else. This was about their son. Their future.Across from them, Bronson Robinson and Alan Fowl wore unreadable expressions. Behind their eyes, legacies stirred—ones they had fought to preserve, often at great cost.“We agreed to meet privately,” Bronson began, his voice level but low, “because this is more than tradition. More than ceremony. This is about foresight.”Alan gave a solemn nod. “It’s time we talk about Lucas.”Klarisse instinctivel
