IsaacIt was only afternoon when Isaac carried a large bucket of grapes back into the mansion. As he walked, he was surrounded by the giggles of the children running around him.Among them were two of the many children of Amaro Ortega, a ten-year-old and an eight-year-old girl. They reminded him so much of his own daughter.The older one, Milena, looked up at him with wide curious eyes. “Can I help you carry the grapes, Mr. Isaac?” she asked.Isaac glanced down at her with a kind smile. "Maybe next time, kid. You know your brother doesn’t like you working."“So what? He doesn’t like us talking to you either, but I still do it,” Milena retorted. Isaac chuckled softly as the kids ran off.He had been brought to the house of Amaro Ortega, Julian’s brother. Amaro was a lawyer, a good and quiet man who didn’t say much. When Isaac first arrived, he had prepared himself for the worst, expecting some form of punishment or at least harsh treatment for all the damage he had caused the Fanuccis.
Mena"There should be no talking to the Fanuccis, no looking at the Fanuccis, and unless necessary—no breathing near the Fanuccis."With my hands perfectly behind my back, I paid attention to the strict head maid of the huge mansion."You are here to work!" The woman named Madam Catherina spoke clearly. My eyes wandered to the other newly recruited maids. A small group of ten. None of them looked younger than twenty-four, meaning I had to be the youngest.The mansion belonged to one of the most feared men in the city, Domenico Fanucci. Although he tried covering his tracks behind a family vineyard and brewery, everyone knew him as one of the most ruthless and notorious mafia bosses.His sons had quite the reputation in the city as well, and it was not a good one. There was the youngest brother, Dante, known for his playboy ways, the middle child, Gian, known for his lack of manners, and at last, the oldest, the heir—Alessio, known for his hideous temper, cold aura, and handsome looks.
MenaAs I approached the familiar doorstep of my next-door neighbor, Mrs. Rodriquez, I could already hear the faint hum of a television set and Natalie's cheerful giggling.I knocked on the door, which swung open, revealing the warm, and welcoming expression of Mrs. Rodriquez. "Hi, Jimena," she greeted, her smile crinkling the corners of her eyes. Mrs. Rodriquez was a kind older lady who lived alone in the apartment next to mine. She was a good person and would often offer to pick up and look after Natalie after school.I trusted her, and it was a kindness I would forever be indebted to."I came to pick up Natalie," I spoke, returning her smile."Naty!" The woman turned her head. "Your mommy is here!"As she turned back to face me, I caught her staring at my uniform, silently judging me. Knowing what was about to come, I fidgeted with the ends of my dress."Jimena, do you really have to work for that family? Isn't there any other way?" she asked, her tone heavy with concern.I shrugge
Alessio "I would like to make a toast and an announcement!" Domenico Fanucci got up from his chair, and for some reason I had hoped he wouldn't have. We were at the monthly Fanucci lunch with the family, and after a few drinks too many, in combination with cigars, dad could barely stand up straight. "Maybe you should sit down, Dom." Grandma tried saving him from embarrassment, but he wouldn't budge. Instead, he held on to his chair and raised his glass. "This old man," My younger brother Dante shook his head, disapprovingly. "He's so far gone, the only thing left for him to say are his final wishes for his funeral," My other brother, Gian spoke. "Ain't that right, Ales? I mean—look at him!" I responded with a low hum, staring at my extended family who all anticipated his words. Unfortunately this was nothing new in a family that worshipped him as if he was the lord himself, and rightfully so. Grandpa Fanucci had come to the country without a single penny, and grandma had follo
Mena Ever since that strange phone-call, nothing had been the same. How could I feel at ease without knowing whether my crazy ex had finally found me? Strangely enough, cleaning at the Fanucci mansion actually put my mind at ease. It was the one place I knew where he couldn't get to me. True, the Fanuccis were hardly saints themselves, but within these grand walls, I felt safer than in that tiny apartment. Natalie was my main concern, but it offered me some relief knowing she was either safely at school or with Mrs. Rodriquez. "Hey, you!" A rude voice snapped me from my thoughts. Quickly, I turned around and found myself locking eyes with Alessio Fanucci. Shocked, I drifted my eyes to the floor. I hadn't forgotten his intense gaze from the day before, when he himself had managed to spill his champagne on the table, and I had to apologize for it. "You," he continued, "They didn't clean my room. I need you to do it." Me? "Yes, Sir," I murmured, keeping my volume at a low. I wa
Alessio"Ales, what are you smiling about?" Mom questioned, referring to the small but evident smirk on my lips.I was in the backyard, trying to enjoy the little spare time I had, but as always, it didn't last long.Giulia Fanucci was a curious woman, always up to date with everything going on around 'her mansion' as she liked calling it.Unlike Maxine, Mom actually did hit the jackpot when she met Dad—and she was well aware.Not a day gone by she wouldn't tell at least one person the story about how she met him. Back then, her credit card declined, and Dad was there to save the day—but don't get it twisted. It was not her fault but the shops. According to Mom, the last part was a very crucial detail."It's nothing, Ma," I replied, trying to hide the clear satisfaction on my face. A smiling Alessio wasn't something that happened often, but I had my reasons.My plan was falling into place perfectly, and if everything kept moving this way, I wouldn't have to marry Maxine. That alone wa
Mena"We have to hurry Nat, or you'll be late for school!" I panted, encouraging her as we ran. We were on a tight schedule and had to sprint straight off the bus.A joyful giggle escaped Naty. We had overslept, and I was all but certain I'd be late for work too. Today was the day of the engagement party, and we had received strict instructions to show up early."Come on, Nat—this isn't going to cut it." I picked her up like a baby, walking towards the school gates. Naty who was still having fits of laughter, gripped her fingers into the denim jacket which perfectly hid my uniform."Mena, good morning!" A familiar mother from Naty's class spotted us. "I can take her inside. You look like you're in a hurry—go!" Her eyes were kind, but deep down I knew she pitied me, same as everyone else.These women saw me as a confused young girl who didn't know how to raise her fatherless daughter. That's the picture they had already painted before even trying to get to know me.At times I wondered
MenaAs the day turned into evening, the party was in full swing. The ballroom of the Fanucci mansion was filled with people of high status. Politicians, entrepreneurs, and I had overheard even the mayor was present.All these 'important' people couldn't fool me though, because just like everyone else, I knew what this family stood for.Among the attendees were also families from the underworld, who would just like the Fanuccis—hide behind their businesses, which were merely a shield to hide their criminal roots. A prime example was the Baldinis, the family of the future bride.Despite the glamorous outfits, the true nature of these mafia families was clear to those who could see beyond the surface.I knew all too well that men like Domenico Fanucci, who greeted the guests with a big smile, lacked the decency and empathy that made us human.I was exhausted from serving the guests their drinks and snacks. There was no time to rest as everything was performed under the watchful eyes of