All Chapters of The Don’s Captive Saint : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Hours had passed since the midday chaos, and the air had settled into something gentler by evening time. Roberta was by the sink, rinsing out pans, while Araceli and Paula sat across from each other, finishing up their dinner. Their laughter rose and fell in rhythm with the clinking of cutlery. “I’ve made a grand discovery,” Araceli announced suddenly, sitting up straighter and pointing her spoon in the air like it was a sword. Roberta and Paula turned to her with curious looks. Araceli lowered her voice, eyes darting around theatrically. “I’ve just tasted porridge that is just as good—no, in fact, I hope Mrs Maggie never finds out—but better than Mrs Maggie’s porridge.” Roberta let out a full, hearty laugh, her shoulders shaking. Paula rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. “No, I’m serious!” Araceli insisted. “The porridge is amazing!” she filled her spoon with more and ate it before she continued “The way you mixed the flavors together? A masterpi

Without missing a beat, Roberta shot up. “Welcome back sir”.Roberta turned to Gianna “Gianna, that's enough TV,” she said briskly, turning off the screen. “Araceli come help me help me with lunch”Everyone scrambled to their feet. They all greeted their boss in unison.Only Gianna hesitated until Araceli nudged her gently. Gianna had spoken to Araceli about her strained relationship with her uncle. She had never even called him ‘Uncle Luciano’ since she moved in with him and Araceli had encouraged her to try it when he got back from his trip.She swallowed and looked up. “Welcome back… Uncle Luciano.”He paused for a fraction of a second. Then ignored them all completely and began to walk away.“Benjamin,” he called as he walked out, causing the man’s entire body to freeze. Luciano reached into his pockets and tossed a set of keys. “Warm up the Escalade.”Benny caught the keys clumsily and disappeared without another word.Gianna’s small face crumpled with hurt. Araceli ruffled her

Araceli woke up on the bathroom floor.Well, not exactly woke up. After she gained consciousness, her eyes fluttered open slowly, her limbs heavy, her body trembling as memories from last night slithered back into her mind like shadows slipping through cracks. She hadn’t left the floor since she collapsed. Just lay there, curled up, arms wrapped tightly around her knees, locked away in the bathroom as if the thick wooden door could keep the devil out.The worst part was she didn’t even know what parts were real.Had the devil really come to her room? Had it been a nightmare that manifested physically? Had someone snuck into her room? Her throat closed up every time she tried to piece the night together. Her prayers had turned to sobs hours ago. Over and over again she cried out to God until her voice was hoarse and her soul felt scraped bare.And worse of all was the mark. The evidence of her encounter with the devil.Every time she felt the area of her neck where the purplish bruise

As soon as Araceli stepped into the room, the familiar scent of water lilies and dish soap followed her in, wrapping around Luciano like a memory he hadn’t asked for but couldn’t stop craving. He used to think it was such an odd contrast. But now? He inhaled it like a drug. It lingered in the air, subtle yet commanding, clinging to her like a second skin.She smiled nervously. “Good evening, sir.”Luciano looked up slowly from his work. “Araceli.” He said her name like a thought that had wandered into his mouth. Then his voice sharpened. “The next time you have a request, you come ask me yourself. Don’t send people to do it for you.”Because I want you close every chance I can get, he added internally.Her fingers toyed with the end of her scarf. “Yes, sir. I’m sorry. I just… I thought maybe Roberta would have more luck.”The truth was she was still wary of being alone with him after what happened last time. But she told herself she didn’t have to be nervous. It was all a misunderstan

The day at the park was going better than anyone had hoped. The sun was bright but gentle, the air fresh, and laughter filled the space. The park was also empty that day so they had the entire space all to themselves. Gianna had eaten more junk food than she probably should have—cotton candy, popcorn, hotdogs—and Araceli had been right there with her for every bite, every giggle, every game.They had made up ways to play that Gianna could enjoy. Catch became their favorite, tossing a ball between them while Gianna stayed in her wheelchair and Araceli crouched, always ready to reach out and catch anything she missed. They played on every park ride that accommodated her. Araceli never once made her feel like she was missing out. Gianna didn’t even notice that Araceli was doing most of the playing—she was just happy.As the afternoon wore on, Paula and Benjamin found a bench and sat, completely worn out. But Araceli and Gianna still had energy to spare. Araceli had pushed Gianna toward t