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⊰ 23 ⊱ Happy, Happy Birthday
As I sit in my study, nestled on the plush couch with my favorite book in hand, I can’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. It’s my birthday, and yet, the day has passed like any other. I had hoped that at least today, I would have been woken by Marcel pulling me into his arms. But instead, his side of the bed was cold and empty, the sheets rumpled from where he slipped out early.
Why did I expect anything different?
I’ve been trying to shake it off, telling myself it’s just another day. After all, for the past 6 birthdays, that’s exactly what it was. But there’s some deeper, perhaps childish part of me that’s taken this as much more: Marcel’s been absent for weeks and the day of my 25th birthday is no different.
I sigh, trying to lose myself in the well-worn pages of my copy of Laisha Gardner’s ‘I Am Mustafin’, a story I’ve read countless times before. It’s a favorite of mine, a dark romance dystopian novel of love, loss, and survival se
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The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 24 ⊱ Whispers of Doubt
I storm into the bedroom, slamming the door behind me, my heart pounding in my chest and hot tears stinging my eyes. I pace the room, trying to calm the rage and humiliation boiling inside me.It’s not true. You know it’s not true.…Then why does it bother me so much..?Deep down, I know the answer. Alessandra struck a nerve, echoing the doubts and insecurities I’ve been battling with for months. The fear that I’m not strong enough, not tough enough to survive this world. The nagging feeling that I don’t belong here, that I’m a liability to Marcel and his family.Maybe she’s right.In the next moment, the door opens, and Marcel strides in, his expression hard and unreadable. “What the hell was that, Mercy?” he asks, his voice low and controlled, but I can hear the undercurrent of anger.I scoff, turning to face him, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. “She started it,” I spit, my voice trembl
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⊰ Marcel ⊱The silence of Mercy’s study envelops me as I step inside, the soft click of the door closing behind me barely registering over the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind. My eyes sweep over the familiar surroundings, taking in every detail as if for the first time.The plush couch and chaise beckon invitingly. Towering bookshelves line one of the walls, their shelves laden with countless books, the titles a mix of familiar classics and obscure texts that only Mercy could appreciate. The soft glow of the lamp on her desk casts a warm light, the delicate glass shade casting intricate patterns on the polished wood surface.It’s a sanctuary, a place where Mercy can lose herself in her studies, in the world of knowledge and discovery she loves so much. But as I lower myself onto the sofa, I can’t shake the feeling of unease, of the distance that’s been growing between us, threatening to destroy us.Where did I go wrong?The thought echoes in my mind, a taunting refrain that re
The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 25 ⊱ A Stolen Moment
As I step into the lab, a sense of finality settles over me. This is it, the last time I’ll be working with Ben and Pablo on the drone project. A part of me feels a twinge of sadness at the thought of saying goodbye to this little haven of science and innovation, but I know it’s for the best. Marcel and I are finally in a good place, and I don’t want anything to jeopardize that.Just one more month. One more month and this will all be over…right?While I’m now more hopeful of where Marcel and I stand, there’s the lingering thought, the creeping fear of time running out. I have no idea how close they are to finding Luciano, let alone what the plan is to get rid of him.Trust him. Trust Marcel. He said he’ll get it done. It’ll get done.“Hey guys,” I greet Ben and Pablo, forcing a cheerful note into my voice as I make my way to the lab table. “I just wanted to stop by and check on the calculations for the new drone model…for old time’s sake.”Ben glances up from his computer, his green
The Mafia's Mercy ⊰ 26 ⊱ Love's Fragile Thread
As I sit in my study, I can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu. It’s Tuesday evening, and once again, I find myself across from Katherine, our usual therapy session underway.“I don’t know what to do,” I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. “Ben…” he kissed me last night. And I’m terrified that if Marcel finds out, it’ll ruin everything we’ve been working towards.”Katherine leans back in her seat, her legs crossed in front of her, her gaze steady and free of judgment. “Mercy,” she says softly, her voice filled with gentle understanding. “We’ve talked about this before. Secrets and lies, they’ve only ever harmed your mental health in the past. They create barriers, breed mistrust. If you want to build a strong, healthy relationship with Marcel, honesty is key.”I nod, swallowing past the lump in my throat. I know she’s right. I know that keeping this from Marcel will only eat away at me and create more distance between us. But the thought of telling him, of seeing the hurt and an
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I sit at the dining table, my hands flat on the polished wood, just as Luciano ordered. The surface is cool beneath my palms, but I can feel the sleek layer of cold sweat beneath them, a result from the fear that burns hot in my veins. Around me, Eboni, Alessandra, Juanita, Salma, and Maria are in the same position, their faces pale, their eyes wide and glassy with unshed tears.We’re surrounded by five of Luciano’s men, their guns trained on us, the metal glinting coldly in the light. The rest of them are still searching the house, their footsteps echoing like a drum of doom.We’re going to die…Luciano stands at the foot of the table, across from me, his dark eyes glittering with malice and triumph. He looks like a king presiding over his court, but there’s something twisted and wrong about him, something that makes my skin crawl and my stomach churn.“Marcello thinks he’s a king, bombing my merchandise, vandalizing my homes,” he scoffs, his voice dripping with venom and contempt. “
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