LOGINShare
THE INVITATION
Last Updated:
2024-09-24 22:58:13
Related chapters
The Mafia's Pawn A DEAL IN THE DARK
The day after Russo’s confrontation with Marco, things between us seemed to settle into a strange rhythm. We’d been dancing around our feelings, and though there were sparks between us, the looming threat of Marco and the unanswered questions about Russo’s parents kept us from moving forward too quickly. But the tension didn’t end there. There was something else simmering beneath the surface, something that Russo had been keeping from me. I didn’t push him. I knew better than to pry when he wasn’t ready to share, but the silence between us was heavy, and I could sense that he was holding back. It wasn’t until I decided to attend Ella’s wedding that everything finally came to light. I was sitting in the kitchen, sipping on a cup of coffee and trying to mentally prepare myself for what the wedding would mean. Seeing Aunt Lydia, knowing she had been behind so much of the pain I had endured, would be difficult enough. But the thought of seeing Ella, standing there in her white dress,
Last Updated : 2024-09-24The Mafia's Pawn THE RECKONING
Cleo's POV As I stepped into the grand hall, the opulence of Ella and Miley’s wedding hit me like a wall of perfume and satin. Laughter and chatter filled the air, but I felt like an outsider, more like a ghost haunting my own past. The guests, dressed in their finest attire, cast glances my way, their expressions a mixture of surprise and confusion. The sleek black dress I wore was not just a fashion choice; it was a declaration. In a sea of white and pastels, I was the dark storm cloud that threatened to rain on their parade. I smoothed the fabric against my thighs, grounding myself in the purpose that had brought me here. With every step, memories of betrayal surged, heavy and unrelenting. I spotted Miley in the distance, whispering to his group of groomsmen, their laughter carrying across the room like some twisted incantation. Once upon a time, that laughter would have shattered me, but not today. “Cleo, are you sure about this?” Russo’s voice broke through my thoughts, his
Last Updated : 2024-10-21The Mafia's Pawn THE REUNION
Cleo's POV The tension in the room hung heavy, thickening with each passing second. Ella shifted uncomfortably, her once smug confidence cracking as she stared at me, her eyes pleading now. “Cleo, please,” she murmured, her voice softer than before. “Let’s not do this here. We can talk about this later, I swear.” Her voice grated against my ears, insincere. I shook my head, my resolve as firm as iron. “No,” I said sharply, my voice cutting through the silence. “We talk now. I need you both to understand what you’ve done, the pain you’ve caused me. You turned my life into a nightmare, and I’m done waiting for karma to catch up to you.” Aunt Lydia’s mouth opened, her lips forming the words of another excuse, another lie, but I didn’t let her speak. “And I won’t listen to any more of your excuses.” Her face tightened, the mask she always wore cracking at the edges. For once, she looked almost… desperate. “Cleo, stop this madness. You don’t know what you’re risking,” Aunt Lydia wa
Last Updated : 2024-10-22The Mafia's Pawn BENEATH THE VEIL
Cleo's POV I sat in the chair, my hands trembling slightly as I gazed at the mirror, the reflection of Ella’s delicate veil draping over my face. Behind me, Ella lay unconscious, her body hidden behind the curtains, bound and out of sight. The silk of the wedding dress clung to me like a second skin, but it didn’t feel like mine. Every fiber of it belonged to the woman who had taken everything from me. I was wearing her life, her future, her happiness, and soon, she would know how it felt to lose everything. The announcement for the bride's entrance echoed through the hall, and my heart skipped a beat. I took a deep breath, rising from the chair, feeling the weight of the moment settle into my bones. This wasn’t just a wedding; it was the culmination of every ounce of pain, betrayal, and loss I’d endured. As I stepped into the hallway, Aunt Lydia appeared, her face glowing with pride, completely unaware of the deception unfolding before her. She looped her arm through mine wi
Last Updated : 2024-10-23The Mafia's Pawn UNVEILING THE TRUTH
Cleo's POV Miley glanced at me, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as the priest continued with the final words of the ceremony. The laughter from the congregation still echoed softly in the background, the atmosphere warm, oblivious to the storm brewing beneath the surface. "You don’t have to lift it,” I murmured, my voice teasing yet firm, trying to maintain control over my trembling emotions. Miley grinned in response, clearly enjoying the playful resistance. He leaned in slowly, and despite my efforts to hold back, his fingers gently grasped the edge of the veil. My breath caught as he lifted it just enough to reveal my lips. And then he kissed me. The touch of his lips against mine ignited a cascade of emotions I wasn’t prepared for. I stiffened, fighting the surge of memories of every kiss we’d shared when things were good, when love was real. I tried to pull away, but something inside me snapped. Too bad, kissing him once more wouldn’t hurt. Before I knew it, I w
Last Updated : 2024-10-24The Mafia's Pawn THE WEDDING THAT NEVER WAS
Miley's POV The ceremony was perfect. Well, almost. The laughter of the guests, the soft buzz of excitement, and the playful comments as I kissed what I thought was Ella on the lips, all of it felt right, like the world was finally aligning in my favor. The veil, she didn’t want me to lift it at first. She was playful, almost teasing me as if this was some kind of game. I had to admit, it was cute. I liked that side of her, the side that didn’t take everything too seriously. Ella had always been a little too uptight about appearances, about being perfect in front of people. But today, she was light, fun, and carefree. That kiss though... something about it had been off. There was resistance at first, but then, she pulled me closer, kissing me like we were back in the early days. And for a second, I almost believed she still felt the same way about me as I did about her. The crowd was laughing and cheering us on, telling us to take it easy. It felt good, it felt right, even if a
Last Updated : 2024-10-26The Mafia's Pawn THE GOODBYE
Cleo's POV I stood there, staring down at Miley as he lay on the bed, breathing heavily, his face red and swollen from my slaps. His eyes were wide with disbelief, shock, and a hint of fear. He still couldn’t believe it was me under that wedding gown. He never thought I’d be capable of something like this. But he didn’t know me, not anymore. “You’re going to stay quiet about this,” I said, my voice low and calm, though every word was laced with menace. “You’re not going to say a word to anyone about what happened here, or about your bride not being Ella. Not one word.” Miley blinked, still trying to process everything, his mouth opening to protest, but I stepped closer, towering over him. “You owe me that much,” I said, my voice hardening. “I’ve already lost enough because of you.” He swallowed hard, his hands trembling slightly as he tried to sit up. “Cleo… please… I never wanted this…” I cut him off with a bitter laugh. “Don’t even try it, Miley. You had your chance to
Last Updated : 2024-10-27The Mafia's Pawn THE REVEAL
Cleo's POV The leather seat in Russo's car was cool against my back, a stark contrast to the fiery adrenaline that still surged through my veins. I leaned back, trying to gather my thoughts, but my mind was still replaying the scene in that hotel room with Miley. The look on his face, his shock, his fear was something I’d savor for a long time. Russo glanced over at me from the driver’s seat, his sharp eyes assessing me before a smirk curved his lips. “You know, you looked stunning in that wedding gown,” he teased, the hint of laughter in his voice. I scoffed, rolling my eyes but unable to suppress the small smile tugging at my lips. “If you’re that invested in how I looked, you could’ve at least given me a proper wedding,” I shot back, raising an eyebrow at him. “Even if our marriage is just on paper.” Russo chuckled, his deep laugh filling the car. “So be it,” he said, his voice taking on a playful edge. “Let’s have that grand wedding, Cleo. White doves, a choir, the works.
Last Updated : 2024-10-28
Latest chapter
The Mafia's Pawn YOU'RE SUCH A SHOW-OFF
Cleo's POV He smirked slightly. “Wouldn’t be the first time neither will it be the last.”That caught me off guard. A laugh bubbled up before I could stop it, and Russo’s expression softened, like he had been waiting for that exact moment.He reached for my hand again, and this time, I let him. “Forgive me?” he murmured.I exhaled, shaking my head at him. “I hate you, Russo.”He grinned. “Is that a yes?”I rolled my eyes. “…Yes, you idiot.”He let out a relieved chuckle before getting up and pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “Thank you, princess.”I sighed dramatically. “You owe me dessert for this.”He smirked. “Done.”And just like that, the tension eased again.Halfway through our meal, a notification dropped on his phone and he excused himself, and I watched him disappear inside the restaurant. I frowned slightly but didn’t overthink it, instead focusing on the city lights twinkling below.A few minutes later, I heard footsteps approaching.I turned—and my breath caught.Russo
The Mafia's Pawn AT THE RESTAURANT
Cleo's POV The tension that had hung between us for weeks had eased.I wasn’t over everything that had happened, but I couldn’t deny how good it felt to just be here, to have his full attention, to feel like I mattered to him again.Soon, the waiter returned with our meals, placing our plates down with a flourish. The food smelled divine, the steam curling into the night air.Russo glanced at my plate, his lips twitching. “You and pasta.”I shot him a look. “Pasta is elite. You wouldn’t understand.”He chuckled. “You do know there’s a whole steakhouse on the other side of this rooftop, right?”“And yet,” I said, twirling my fork into the creamy truffle pasta, “I have exactly what I want.”Russo shook his head fondly before slicing into his steak.For a while, we ate in comfortable silence, the only sounds between us being the clinking of silverware and the faint music playing in the background. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I took my first bite, the rich, buttery flavors m
The Mafia's Pawn PRINCESD
Cleo's POV After leaving the Rage House, Russo drove us to an arcade—one of those massive, neon-lit places filled with flashing lights, loud laughter, and the sounds of games being played.I wasn’t expecting it, but the moment we stepped inside, nostalgia hit me.“You remembered,” I said, glancing at him.His lips quirked up. “How could I forget? You used to drag me here all the time.”A small smile tugged at my lips. I did, back when I couldn't seem to be at peace with myself after locking Aunt Lydia and Ella up. This was before Russo travelled here, before he became so entangled with Isabelle that he was ready to fight for her at anytime. How did everything get so messy?Russo grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the basketball hoops, jerking me out of my lost state. “Alright, let’s see if you’ve still got your magic.”I scoffed. “Please. I always beat you at this, you know that.”“That was long ago,” he challenged, grabbing a ball. “Show me what you’ve got, princess.”That was al
The Mafia's Pawn AT THE RAGE HOUSE
Cleo's POV I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “That’s all you have to say?”He stepped closer, reaching out to twirl a strand of my hair around his finger. “You look stunning, Cleo. But then again… when do you not?”I scoffed, pushing past him. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”He chuckled, following me down the stairs. “Oh, I think it’s working just fine.”I shook my head, grabbing my purse. But before I could reach the door, Russo grabbed my hand, spinning me towards him.His fingers brushed against my jaw. “You really are beautiful, you know that right?”My cheeks warmed, but I masked it with a scoff. “Are we leaving or what?”He grinned, stepping aside. “After you, Princess.”I rolled my eyes but couldn’t fight the smile tugging at my lips as I playfully ran out to the car.The drive was quiet, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that lingered between two people who had been through too much in too little time.Russo’s hand rested on my thigh as he drove, his
The Mafia's Pawn DAMN!
The suitcase felt heavier than it should have. Or maybe it was just me, feeling the weight of everything I was about to leave behind.Russo’s grip on my wrist tightened slightly—not enough to hurt, but enough to stop me in my tracks.I squeezed my eyes shut. “Russo—““I know I messed up,” he said quickly, his hold tightening. “I was blind, selfish, an idiot. I should have stood up for you. I should have never—” His voice broke slightly, and I felt his head drop against my shoulder. “I don’t want to lose you, Cleo. I can’t afford to.”I swallowed hard, hating how much my heart ached at his words. “Let me go, Russo.” I managed to say, avoiding his gaze.But he didn’t. Instead, he stepped in front of me, his expression unreadable. “I messed up,” he admitted, his voice strained. “I shouldn’t have hit you. I shouldn’t have let Isabelle treat you that way. I know I don’t deserve to ask you for anything right now, but… please. Don’t leave like this.”I closed my eyes for a brief second
The Mafia's Pawn DON'T GO
Cleo's POV The room was quiet, save for the soft rustling of fabric as I packed. Each fold, each carefully placed item, felt like a silent goodbye—a farewell to the girl who had spent far too long trying to be enough for someone who never saw her worth. I zipped up my suitcase and grabbed my bag, stuffing it with everything else I owned. I didn’t care about the things I was leaving behind, none of it mattered anymore. All that mattered was getting away from here, from them, from the toxic mess that my life had become. With my suitcase in hand, I walked out of the bedroom without a second glance. I wasn’t crying, at least thought I would be. I could feel the tears burning in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not here. All I felt was exhaustion, a bone-deep fatigue that settled into my muscles as I dragged my bag behind me out of the room. I heard the front door open. A part of me expected it to be Russo, but when I didn’t hear his voice calling out for me, I knew it
The Mafia's Pawn IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO ISABELLE
Cleo's POV For a moment, everything stood still. The store, once filled with distant chatter and the faint hum of background music, had gone eerily silent. All eyes were on us—on me—as Isabelle lay on the floor, clutching her reddened neck like she had just been gravely wounded. Russo’s face was unreadable, but the tension in his shoulders was undeniable. His gaze flickered between me and Isabelle, taking in the broken chain dangling from my fingers, the pendant lying at our feet, and the shallow mark on her skin. “What the hell, Cleo?” His voice was sharp, laced with disbelief. I let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of every emotion—anger, betrayal and exhaustion pressing down on my chest. “She took my necklace, Russo.” Russo ran a hand through his hair, exhaling like he was the one suffering. “God, Cleo, you didn’t have to kill her for it. It’s just a necklace!” His words hit like a slap. Just a necklace? Just like it was just a seat in the car earlier? Just
The Mafia's Pawn DO YOU LIKE IT?
Cleo's POV I pushed the cart forward, heading towards the clerk. “I’d like to see this one, please,” I told the sales clerk, pointing to the necklace in the glass. She nodded lightly, pulled it out and handed it to me. A bright smile played on my lips and I could already picture it around my neck, something small and beautiful that might remind me of who I used to be before everything became so complicated. I held the necklace between my fingers, tracing the delicate pendant as the soft store lights reflected off its polished surface. It was simple—nothing extravagant—but something about it made me feel… seen. As if, for the first time in a long while, I was looking at something meant for me, not dictated by anyone else’s needs or expectations. The sales clerk smiled. “It’s a beautiful choice. Would you like to try it on?” I turned back to the clerk and nodded. “Yes, please.” She unfastened the clasp and handed it to me. I lifted my hair and secured it around my neck, then
The Mafia's Pawn IT'S NOT WORTH THE ARGUEMENT
Cleo's POV I took my time getting ready, still weighing my decision to go shopping with Russo. My emotions were a mess, equal parts anger, hurt, and reluctant hope. I glanced at myself in the mirror, smoothing down my dress. Whatever this day brought, I’d be ready for it. When I walked downstairs, Russo was by the door, his keys in hand. I could see Isabelle standing outside by the car, leaning against it as though she didn’t have a care in the world. My stomach churned at the sight of her. Russo turned when he heard me, his expression softening. “You ready?” “Let’s just get this over with,” I said, brushing past him and heading to the car. As I approached, Isabelle straightened, her gaze locking with mine. She gave me a tight, fake smile before opening the front passenger door and sliding in. I froze, my hand tightening on the strap of my purse. Russo reached the car a moment later, looking between me and Isabelle as if he sensed the storm brewing. “Isabelle,” I said, m
