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Chapter 26
Last Updated:
2024-08-13 18:10:43
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The Mafia's Contract Chapter 27
JOAN'S POVThe sun was already setting when Sarah, Emily, and I made our way to the back garden with baskets of freshly washed laundry. We wanted to dry the blankets and other thick clothes outside for a while due to how heavy they were. Emily spoke "Hey guys, I have an idea. When we're done, we should sneak into the kitchen and grab slices of cake" I chuckled "You pastry thief" Emily shrugged "What can I say? The cake is for Lady Irene and it looks delicious. I bet she'd let me have a slice if I asked but stealing is so much more fun" Sarah and I laughed. "She’s right, though. That cake did look delicious." Sarah said. When we got to the line, we began to dry the clothes. I pulled out one of Sir Derrick’s white shirts, and pinned it to the line. My mind drifted to the moment we had in his office. The feeling of his lips close to mine made my breath hitch. What would have happened if Santi hadn't come in? I wondered how Sir Derrick’s lips would taste against mine. I bet his li
Last Updated : 2024-08-20The Mafia's Contract Chapter 28
JOAN'S POVDarkness. It felt like I was hanging in a void. The darkness stretched out before me. I felt something cold on my forehead, something like a cloth. I could also feel the tender touch of someone's hand in my head. I blinked my eyes open, my vision blurry and unfocused. Slowly, Emily's face came into view. "Joan!" Emily squealed in excitement “Thank goodness you’re awake! You scared me half to death.”I tried to speak, but my throat was dry, and all that came out was a raspy noise. The effort of talking made my head spin, and I winced, squeezing my eyes shut against the pain.“Don’t try to talk just yet,” Emily said gently, placing a hand on my shoulder to keep me lying down. “You fainted, Joan. You’ve been out for hours. And you had a fever—such a high fever. I was so worried…”Emily’s words blurred into the background as I struggled to focus on my surroundings. My vision was still a bit blurry. At first, I forgot what happened but as time went on, my mind started to piec
Last Updated : 2024-08-21The Mafia's Contract Chapter 29
JOAN'S POVThe day had started like a lovely flashback to simpler times. Bea and I spent the morning playing games just like we used to when we were much younger. We laughed so hard that our breathing got heavy. Bea did her best to get my mind off things. We went through board games and card games. We got a little competitive just like we always did. For a few hours, I could almost forget everything that had happened—my tangled feelings about Sir Derrick, the tension back at the estate, and the incident with the strange man. I had nightmares last night. While I slept, I heard the sounds of gunshots echoing in my mind over and over. I couldn't get over the fact that if sir Derrick had gotten his shot at just a wrong angle or if things went sideways, I would be the one dead and not that man. The thought of it made me shudder. If I died, what would my mom do? She would probably have a heart attack all over again. There would be nobody to take care of her and she was in no position to
Last Updated : 2024-08-22The Mafia's Contract Chapter 30
JOAN'S POV I looked at Sir Derrick in shock. How did he find me? I was sure I had more time. My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at him. I could hardly believe he was here. I purposely stayed in Bea's house because I knew they had my own address. I thought I was safe, that he wouldn’t find me in such an unassuming place. But here he was, tall and commanding. He looked at me with those intense brown eyes of his and I couldn't help but feel drawn to him. I fought the urge to face palm myself. What the hell was wrong with me? How could I be drawn to him when every fiber of my being told me to run away?There was no use holding the door. He was way stronger than I was. He opened the door and stepped into the house. His presence filled the room immediately. Suddenly, Bea's apartment seemed a little too small. “How… how did you find me?” I managed to ask. “That doesn’t matter, Joan. What matters is why you ran.” I swallowed hard, trying to keep my fear in check. “I… I can’t do
Last Updated : 2024-08-25The Mafia's Contract Chapter 31
JOAN'S POVI sat on the couch in the living room with my heart beating so fast that it felt like it was going to burst out of my rib cage any time soon. The memory of Sir Derrick’s lips on mine played on a loop in my head. Each time I thought about it, my heart would flutter and my breath would be caught in my throat. I should be angry at myself—no, I should be terrified. But all I could feel was confusion and a magnetic pull I couldn't get rid off. I pressed my fingers to my lips, trying to make sense of what just happened. How could I let myself get so close to him? How could I let myself fall for him? He was dangerous, for God’s sake—a mafia boss. I'd seen with my own eyes what he was capable of. I witnessed him kill a man right in front of me. And yes, it was to save me, but does that make it any better? My mind screamed no, but my heart… my heart told a different story.Why was I so drawn to him? It wasn't just the danger that surrounded him, although that was a part of it, I
Last Updated : 2024-08-30The Mafia's Contract Chapter 32
As soon as I heard the voice on the phone, I had a feeling something was wrong. Immediately, we got into Bea's car and she drove me all the way to the hospital. There was an feeling of dread in my chest as I rushed into the hospital and made my way towards the door to my mother’s room. My heart pounded loudly in my chest and my legs felt like they were moving through water. I pushed the door open and rushed in. There she was, my mother, looking so fragile, so small, plugged to machines and wires. Her chest rose and fell in a shallow manner, but it was the machines doing most of the work. I tried to catch and steady my breath, but it caught in my throat, leaving me on the edge of breaking down.The doctor stood by her bed with a serious expression. I hurried to my mother’s side, grabbing her hand, which felt cold and weak in mine.“Ms. Joan,” the doctor began "I’m afraid your mother’s condition has worsened. We’ve managed to stabilize her for now, but she needs surgery as soon as pos
Last Updated : 2024-09-04The Mafia's Contract Chapter 33
JOAN'S POVThe next morning, as soon as I arrived inside the mansion, Ms Sullivan approached me. Before I could greet her, she spoke. "You've been summoned by the family" she said "Report to the grand study immediately" A chill ran down my spine as soon as she said that. The grand study. I’d heard enough whispered stories from Emily and Sarah to know what happens in that room. People have been fired, blacklisted, and worse after meetings in that room, especially when the whole family was involved. Oh no. Were they going to fire me? My mind raced with all the possible reasons they could have for summoning me. With everything going on with my mother, the last thing I could afford was to lose my job. My stomach twisted at the thought.I made my way to the study with my heart beating loudly in my chest. When I got there, I knocked on the door. "Come in" I heard Madame Helen say. I took a deep breath before opening the door and stepping inside. I had never been here before but it wa
Last Updated : 2024-09-09The Mafia's Contract Chapter 34
As soon as the meeting was over, Irene took me to the new room where I would be staying. I stood in the doorway of my new room, hesitant to take a step inside. The room was enormous—larger than the room I was in before. It was also completely furnished with lavish decorations. The luxury around me felt like a different world, one I had no idea how to blend in. It had lovely red carpets, draped curtains, and expensive looking furniture. I did not belong here.I took a step forward, feeling the soft carpet beneath my feet. The room was so quiet that I could hear my own breath. The bed, a massive king sized bed with velvet hangings, seemed more like a throne than a place to sleep. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to walk further into the space. Everything here was new—too new. I was afraid to touch anything. The door opened softly behind me, and I flinched in fear. Irene stepped inside with a small smile.“Joan,” she said gently “How are you settling in?”I forced a smile. “It’s... it’
Last Updated : 2024-09-09
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The Mafia's Contract Chapter 57
JOAN’S POVThe evening was busy but I didn’t mind. I wanted everything to be perfect. After everything Derrick did for me, I wanted to do something for him too.I stood in the kitchen as I supervised the activities around me. Pans sizzled, knives chopped and I ticked all the boxes of everything we need.“It’s going well, isn’t it?” Ms Sullivan asked with a smile as she walked out of the kitchen.“Sure is” I called after her. Tonight’s dinner had to be perfect, and I was determined to make it so.“Careful with the sauce, Emily,” I said, pointing at the simmering pot on the stove. “It needs to thicken just a little more.”Emily nodded as she stirred. The chef gave me a quick thumbs-up as he continued cooking. I laughed. When everything was finally prepared, I helped Emily and Sarah set the long dining table in the dining room. I made sure everything looked alluring to the eye. I even decorated the table with flowers.“Thank you, everyone,” I said with a grateful smile once the table w
The Mafia's Contract Chapter 56
JOAN’S POVI had spent the last few days sewing in my sewing room. My mind was focused only on the fabrics and my designs. I had never felt happier.I was sewing again! I was actually sewing again. And this time, I had everything I ever needed and even more. Designing again was a breath of fresh air for me. It was the one place where I felt in control.But that morning, as I adjusted a piece of fabric, Emily entered the room with a smile."Joan," she said "Sir Derrick has called for you."I froze, the needle halting mid-stitch. Derrick? It had been days since I last saw him. I hadn’t seen him since the engagement. Irene told me he had gone on a business trip."Really?" I blinked, trying to hide the excitement I felt. "I—of course. I’ll go right away."Emily smiled at me, and I could see the curiosity in her eyes. "He’s in his study. And, Joan... I’ve been meaning to tell you—your pieces, they’re incredible. You have such a talent."I looked at the mannequins that were now clothed in t
The Mafia's Contract Chapter 55
JOAN’S POVThe next day, I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my phone. Notifications flooded the screen. My phone buzzed so much I thought it might actually explode. My name was plastered across every news article, headline, and gossip column: The mysterious Joan Hathaway—The Cinderella Bride of Derrick Stonewood.It felt surreal. A part of me wanted to smile, to feel special, but the amount of hate pouring into my inbox shattered any feeling of happiness I wanted to have. I got a lot of hate messages in my I*******m message box. Don’t even get me started on the comments.“You don’t deserve him.” “Gold digger.” “He could do so much better.”And the worst—death threats.I sighed and opened I*******m, immediately setting my page to private again. The comments there were worse. I received a lot of rage from strangers who thought they knew me.A knock on the door startled me.“Come in,” I called, quickly putting my phone down.The door opened and Emily popped her head in. Her face li
The Mafia's Contract Chapter 54
JOAN’S POVThe kiss lingered on my mind, stealing every ounce of focus I had. Derrick’s lips against mine, so unexpected, so electric—it was all I could think about as he led me by the hand into the hall. His grip was firm yet gentle, like he didn’t want to let go. My heart raced, not just from the memory of the kiss but from the interioe of the hall we stepped into.The room was breathtaking. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their crystals scattering light like tiny stars. The elites were all here—politicians, business associates, and socialites. Women wore shimmering dresses adorned with jewels, and men were well dressed in tailored suits that screamed wealth and power. It looked like a scene straight out of a movie.Derrick stopped to speak with the governor, a man I had only ever seen on television. My awe must have been obvious because Derrick leaned in and whispered, “Breathe, Joan.”The governor turned his attention to me, and brought out his hand for me to shake.“It’s a ple
The Mafia's Contract Chapter 53
JOAN’S POVThe room was filled with activity as my glam team moved around me with their palettes and brushes in hand. My makeup artist, Sophie, leaned in to add the final touch of shimmer to my cheekbones, and I tried to hold still, but my hands were trembling in my lap. It wasn’t nerves from being in the spotlight—I should have been used to that by now. I’d walked countless red carpets, smiled for cameras, and played my part in the perfect image Derrick and I had been carefully crafting.But tonight was different. Tonight, Derrick was going to propose.The audience wouldn’t know it was fake, of course. This wasn’t just any event; it was the beginning of our contract marriage. I tried to focus on the strokes of the makeup brush, but my mind kept drifting to what tonight meant.I always dreamed of getting married—falling in love with someone who looked at me like I was their entire world. The kind of love that made my mom’s eyes light up when she talked about my dad. But that wasn’t wh
The Mafia's Contract Chapter 52
JOAN’S POVI hummed as I stitched the hem of a simple dress. Sewing always brought me a sense of peace. It was a way to center myself when the world outside felt overwhelming.A sudden knock on the door broke my concentration, and I set the dress aside.“Come in,” I called, pushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear.The door opened to reveal Emily. When she saw me, her face lit up with excitement.“Joan!” she exclaimed, stepping inside.“Emily!” I got to my feet, crossing the room to hug her. “What are you doing here?”She pulled back with a huge smile “I have the most amazing news. You’ll never believe it.”I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What is it?”Emily glanced over her shoulder, as if checking for eavesdroppers, before turning back to me. “There’s someone here to see you. A fashion designer.”I blinked in surprise. “A designer? What kind of designer?”Emily grinned, practically bouncing on her heels. “Not just any designer. Hart Couture.”I froze. The name sent a jolt through
The Mafia's Contract Chapter 51
DERRICK’S POVI sat at my desk, staring at the stack of papers I wasn’t reading. Santi and Ace were talking from across me but I barely heard them. My mind was elsewhere—on her.Joan.It had been days since I’d seen her. She hadn’t crossed my path in the mansion, and as much as I hated to admit it, I missed her. The way she glanced at me when she thought I wasn’t looking, her quietness, and, dammit, even the way she seemed to avoid me sometimes.Why the hell was I thinking about her?I’d never let a woman occupy my thoughts like this before. Women came and went. They were mere distractions in my world of deals and power. But Joan wasn’t like the others. She was innocent, beautiful and …different. I couldn’t put my finger on it. And the way she’d stormed out of the dining room that night when the stripper danced on me…A feeling of guilt tightened my chest. I hadn’t cared then, but now? Now, it irritated me to know I might’ve been the cause of that flicker of hurt in her eyes. What the
The Mafia's Contract Chapter 50
JOAN’S POVFor days, I hid myself in my room, avoiding everyone and everything. I didn’t want to see anyone and neither was I in the mood to do anything.I focused on the fabric in my hand as I sewed. My fingers worked mechanically, weaving the thread into the fabric, but my mind was far from focused.Derrick.His name alone sent an ache through my chest. I hated how much space he took up in my thoughts. I shouldn’t have felt anything for him. He was cold, detached, and utterly infuriating. And yet, every time I closed my eyes, I saw him.I saw him with her. The way his hand lingered on her waist. A stripper. He acted like I wasn’t even there, like I didn’t exist. Well, to him I didn’t. I was just a pawn in the grand scheme of things.Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them away. I couldn’t do this to myself anymore. Derrick didn’t care about me. Our marriage, if it could even be called that, was a contract, plain and simple.So, why did it hurt so much?I stabbed the needle through t
The Mafia's Contract Chapter 49
JOAN'S POVIt was well past midnight when I slipped downstairs to the kitchen. I couldn't sleep so I decided to get a glass of milk to calm myself down. Just as I got the milk I needed, the muffled sound of voices caught my attention. I could hear a low argument coming from down the hallway. Curiosity got the better of me as it always did and I found myself walking closer. I stayed behind a pillar, straining my ears to catch every word.It was Derrick and Henry. They were both arguing about something. "You're hiding something, Derrick." Henry said "How long do you think you can keep it a secret?"Derrick’s response was calm "You have no idea what you're talking about, Henry. Stay out of my affairs, or you’ll regret it."I held my breath as I pieced together what little I could from their exchange. It was clear there was a rift between them. Just then, the sound of footsteps approaching shocked me. I ran back to the staircase, making my way up as silently as possible. Once I was in
