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 was worth a smile.
Her father, Leonardo Baldini's outburst was something I had kept in mind, and that's why I decided to confess my false feelings for the maid by breaking off my engagement to Maxine at the party.
There would be many people.
The other families would be present, but also the Mayor, various associates, and well-known important figures.
They were all people standing behind the Fanuccis.
If Leonardo Baldini had a conscience, he would take his daughter and walk away.
Mom studied me for a moment, not believing a word I said. "Are you excited about the engagement party tomorrow?"
"Oh, yes. Very," I replied, putting as much false enthusiasm into my voice as I could. I bet it was the same for Mom.
I could tell she could see right through Maxine's imposter behavior, but as the wife of Domenico Fanucci, she was tempted to play her role.
Despite her resentment towards Maxine, I feared even Mom wouldn't want me to marry a maid. She would vouch for me, tell Dad to let me go my way—but only to get rid of Maxine.
"So beasts do get married after all," a young voice interrupted the moment. I looked down at my six-year-old sister, Melody, standing with her hands on her hips and a sassy smirk on her lips. Beside her was her friend, imitating her every move.
Melody was one of a kind. That kid had enough personality to fill a room and keep everyone on their toes, including me.
"Beast?" I growled like a monster, chasing after Melody and her friend just long enough for them to run away in complete horror.
Mom laughed, shaking her head. "At one point you'll need to stop bullying someone old enough to be your daughter, Ales." She took a sip from her glass, grinning at her own words.
"I'll stop bullying her when she stops bullying me."
I loved my mom. Our bond was something I cherished deeply. She had been my rock, my person, my everything. Her word was the law, and most of the time, I had no problem listening to her.
I reached into my pocket to pull out a pack of cigarettes. Before I could light it up, Mom extended her hand to stop me from doing so.
"Nuh uh, not with your sister present," Mom peeked through her sunglasses. "You can smoke that crap on the balcony," she snarled. "Be like your dad and ruin your lungs if you want to."
"Sure," I chuckled at her disapproval. "It's always good to know someone around here cares about my health," I responded with a pat on the shoulder.
Without further ado, I obeyed her words and headed toward the balcony.
~
I leaned against the railing, drawing in a lungful of smoke as I observed my view. From this height, I could see Gian, walking around the garden like he owned the place, ordering around the gardeners.
Usually, it was our men he would order around, but ever since the announcement of the engagement party, everything even slightly illegal was put on hold. Domenico Fanucci had spoken and decided that making ourselves look presentable for all the families and the important people in the city would be our priority.
The small show was interrupted by the soft buzzing of my phone.
Maxine:
Make sure you wear a white suit tomorrow. We need to match.
"You don't want me to wear white tomorrow? Noted." I spoke sarcastically as I read the text from Maxine. Then I locked my phone instantly, but not without an eye roll. I stifled a laugh. She was already planning matching outfits for the party, without knowing what would be awaiting her.
Suddenly, I sensed a presence beside me, belonging to none other than Dante. "Can you stop breathing down my neck?"
"Can't." He responded, gesturing towards the garden where the maids were working. Dante brushed his shoulder. "From this view, I can get a better look at my maid."
His maid?
Curious, I followed his eyes and ended at mine target. Jimena.
She was hard at work, scrubbing the glass doors of the greenhouse. Her long dark ponytail swayed side to side as she stood on her tippy toes, striving for perfection.
"What about her?"
"From this view," Dante began, "I can get a better look at her, I mean you've got to admit—that uniform is looking damn good on her."
I chuckled at Dante's words, watching Jimena. No lies were told, but I still didn't get the hype.
"Aren't you a bit too invested in her?"
"Of course, I am." Dante nodded. "We're all investing, paying her to do her job, no?"
I hummed, not getting into it any further. "Here," I handed him my cigarette, watching him for a second as he took a drag.
He could deny it all he want, but I knew my brother, and he seemed genuinely interested in the maid. He played it off, knowing we would all tease him for his rare taste in women—but the denial was good. As long as he was in denial, he could get over the betrayal that would take place tomorrow.
I squeezed his shoulder, earning a puzzled look from him.
"Hey, just want to apologize in advance," I mentioned, while he looked utterly confused. "Whatever is going to happen, you need to be a man, accept it, move on, and don't cry about it."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Dante carried a curious look, trying to decode my cryptic words.
"Nothing."
My gaze fell back to Jimena who was still struggling, trying to clean the high windows. I almost felt bad for her. She was clearly having a hard time.
Maybe, if she wouldn't ruin everything tomorrow, I would even give her a small tip in return.
Jimena...
When I had spoken to her one-on-one, I got a glimpse of who she really was. She was a mouse, shy and quiet, a people-pleaser, and just a weak individual overall.
The easiest target I had ever come across. When I interrogated her, she never once questioned my motives and simply answered my questions without hesitation.
I wasn't interested in getting to know her, but I was always one step ahead. I had already considered the worst-case but least likely scenario, which would be my unpredictable father accepting the situation and forcing me to marry Jimena instead.
In that case, I would move on to plan two.
I would stick it out the engagement with her until the whole family got sick of her—which would be no longer than a week, at worst, a month.
"Let's go out tonight," Dante suggested. "Celebrate your last night of freedom, what do you say?"
I furrowed my brow at his suggestion. As fas I was concerned, there was nothing to celebrate.
"I'll handle the girls and bottles. All you need to do is show up," Dante proposed, trying to persuade me.
"I'm not going."
"Are you sure?" Dante clicked his tongue. "You should rethink that. After the engagement party, you won't be a free man anymore."
I took one more look at Jimena, who did not get one step further, cleaning the windows. "I can assure you, Dante," I let out a deep breath, turning away to make my exit.
"I will never stop being a free man."
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
MenaNo, this couldn't be true.Alessio Fanucci didn't just use me as a scapegoat.My eyes were wide open as everyone's attention turned towards me. I was never a big fan of the spotlight, and somehow I got involved in this mess.The whispers, the gasps, the murmurs—the attention was suffocating, and so was Alessio's grip around my waist, pulling me closer.I was lost, caught up in Alessio's twisted game that I didn't understand, let alone wished to play. All I could do was stand there, glued to my spot as fear crashed over me.My plan for the night was to avoid the Fanuccis and the Baldinis.Obviously that didn't work out."Jimena," Alessio locked his eyes onto mine, giving me a look that was enough of a warning that I couldn't fuck this up.I gulped, wondering what kind of nonsense would be leaving his mouth next."The words you said to me last night, you were right," he continued, his eyes never leaving mine. As far as I was concerned, I hadn't said a word to him.This was a nightm
MenaThe night had passed and it was morning already. Only, I hadn't closed a single eye. The events from yesterday were still running through my head. The way Alessio played me, fooled me, threatened me.All night, I had been stuffing clothes and all necessary belongings into suitcases. One thing was certain. I wouldn't be staying here in this apartment, risking mine or my daughter's life any longer.By the time I was almost finished, too much time had already past. So much time I didn't even realize it was already 8:30. Alessio's driver would arrive soon, and I was determined to get Natalie and myself out before then.In a hurry, I picked up the last of Naty's toys while she watched with a confused frown on her face. She had been staring at me wide-eyed since she had caught me packing like a possessed woman. Yes, I would love to explain the reasoning—but how could one even try and explain to a child that the monster from her bedtime stories was real?Naty's voice broke through the s
AlessioI tapped my foot impatiently, waiting for dad to finish his phone call. In the early hours he had already called me to his office, and at the moment he sat in his big chair, fully ignoring me as he discussed some sort of business.Behind him stood my uncle, Stefano, who also happened to be his advisor. Despite him being an almost 6'5 muscly beast, I had never feared him, liked him, nor admired him—but if looks could kill at the moment, I would've been dead by now.It was probably deserved after the scene I had thrown last night, when I had cut of my engagement with Maxine Baldini in front of everyone. To add fuel to fire, I had also announced my plans to marry the maid. Jimena.It was all an act, but the aftermath was very real.Ever since, the tension was thick. Dad hadn't looked at me since last night, and Dante who had sworn he wasn't into the maid, treated me like a ghost.Dad ended his call, meaning I could finally escape Stefano's dagger eyes. Not that it meant much beca
MenaPeeking out of the window, I could see we had reached the Fanucci estate. My heart pounded against my chest, and the reality hit me. It was all too overwhelming, and I couldn't believe that I had actually stepped inside of the car.This time around there was no turning back.Naty, who was sitting next to me with eyes filled with confusion had already been given simple instructions. No matter what happens, don't say anything unless Mommy tells you to.As understanding as she could be, despite her age, she had only nodded in agreement."We're here, Miss," the driver said the obvious. It also might've been because it looked like I wasn't getting out anytime soon.With a raising heart, I stepped out of the car, clutching my daughter's hand.Instantly the doors to the mansion opened, and the security stepped aside to let us enter. The scene seemed like something straight out of the movie.Letting my luggage be for now because I feared I would've gotten yelled at otherwise, I entered t
MenaWith a firm grip, Alessio led me through the mansion, straight to the lion's den. His room.The second he shut the door, he immediately pinned me against the wall. It wasn't aggressive, if anything it was gentle. His dark eyes were intense, boring into mine with a slight smirk playing on his lips.Avoiding his gaze was of no use because he wouldn't let me lose it.What did he want to discuss?Was he going to confront me about the lie?I had expected for him to be furious, to wrap his strong hand around my neck and choke me, so the fact that he didn't made me even more anxious."I should..." Alessio began speaking, then he shook his head. "No, let's switch things up," he bumped me, almost playfully. "How about you tell me what you think should happen to you?" His tone held some kind of mockery."I-I..." I failed to manage my voice. Perhaps preparing what I wanted to say would be better for the next time. Then again, it wasn't every day one was told to make up their own punishment."
MenaAlessio's words were clear: stay out of sight. So, I did what I had to do. This morning, I had taken Naty for breakfast with my own money, dropped her off at school, and then came back to the mansion immediately.Naty had no problem with the change whatsoever. She accepted this new reality without question, while I was crumbling—still wondering whether I had made the right decision or not.Not having anything better to do, I sat on the enormous bed, recalling my first night at the mansion. Alessio was away for business, and I couldn't call it a blessing nor a curse.He scared the shit out of me, but then again, I was forced to depend on him. The person who brought me here in the first place.He ordered me to follow the rules, so I did. I kept my mouth shut, didn't show myself—and just like he said, no one seemed to care. Whether it was because he told them not to talk to me or because they saw me as his fiancee that wouldn't last, they just didn't. Not even Liza.There was one rul