I rubbed my tired eyes and mustered up the energy to respond to my father's call. "I'm coming, Dad," I shouted back, my voice laced with reluctance.
Reluctance to face the life that was thrust upon me, where my own desires were overshadowed by the demands of my father's mafia empire.
Dragging my feet, I made my way downstairs, the weight of the impending meeting pressing down on my shoulders. The grandeur of the house, adorned with expensive furniture and ostentatious decorations, only served to emphasize the stark contrast between the world I longed for and the one I was trapped in.
I wish I could just be a pet cat of a normal family—no worries about anything but sleeping, eating, and playing.
But there was nothing to do now that I was born into a complicated family as a human.
The atmosphere at home was suffocating, filled with the scent of cigar smoke and the hushed whispers of conversations held behind closed doors.
As I entered the living room, I caught a glimpse of myself in the ornate mirror hanging on the wall. The reflection that stared back at me was a far cry from the carefree girl I once was.
There was not a remnant of me left.
Dark circles clung to my weary eyes, and the weight of the situation had etched lines of sadness on my face. The bright glistening spark that once danced in my eyes had been extinguished, replaced by a hollow emptiness.
"Dad, do we really have to go through with this?" I asked, my voice tinged with sadness. "Can't we find another way? One that doesn't involve sacrificing my happiness?"
His gaze softened momentarily, revealing the faintest hint of remorse, before his features hardened once again, a testament to the life he had chosen.
"Picco, my dear, you know the sacrifices we have to make for the family. This alliance is crucial for our survival. It's the way of our world."
I nodded, not out of agreement, but out of resignation.
I understood the code of honor and loyalty that governed the mafia, even if it meant sacrificing my own dreams and desires.
In this world, loyalty to the family always came first, above all else. I couldn't escape the shackles of my lineage, bound by blood to a life I never asked for.
Together, we made our way to the sleek black car waiting outside, the engine humming with restrained power.
The driver, a stoic man with a hardened expression, opened the door for us, saying, "Good evening."
I didn't have the energy to reply.
I slid into the backseat, my gaze fixated on the passing scenery, a blur of opulent mansions and bustling city streets. It was as if the world outside continued its relentless march forward, while I was trapped in a never-ending cycle of tradition and duty.
Arriving at the designated meeting place, a lavish Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of the city, my heart began to race.
The clatter of cutlery and the low hum of conversations filled the air, masking the tension that simmered beneath the surface. As we stepped inside, all eyes turned towards us, a mix of curiosity and reverence directed at my father.
And there he was, Bruno Antonio, the man who held the key to my future, sitting at a private table, his piercing gaze meeting mine.
He was older, his face etched with experience, and a hint of danger lurked in the depths of his eyes. I could sense the power he held, the same power that dictated my own fate.
As we approached the table, I fought to maintain a composed facade, concealing the inner turmoil that threatened to consume me.
Bruno rose to his feet, extending a hand toward my father in a gesture of respect. They exchanged pleasantries, discussing matters of business and the future of their respective territories, while I stood there, a mere pawn in their game.
A heavy silence settled over the room as my father turned towards me, a pained expression flickering across his face.
"Picco," he began, his voice heavy, and it had this tone of regret, but still he didn't hold back, determination had already edged off.
"I know this is not the life you envisioned for yourself. I never wanted this for you, but circumstances have brought us here. This alliance with Bruno Antonio is essential for the survival of our legacy."
I clenched my fists. He said it so easily and flawlessly without a hint of what was going on inside my mind.
Whose father ever did this to his only child? Why wouldn't you put me, the one who is alive, over the future to come?
I wanted to scream at him at the top of my lungs, vent out my disappointment in him.
But what came out was a soft voice, "Dad, what about my dreams? What about my own happiness? Do they hold no value in this world we live in?"
His eyes softened as he reached out to touch my trembling hand. "You have always been the light in my life, Picco. I never wanted to burden you with this darkness. But sometimes, we must make sacrifices for the greater good. I promise you, I will do everything in my power to ensure your safety and happiness within the boundaries of this life."
"You mean by handing me over to him." Bruno seemed to have heard what I just uttered as he arched an eyebrow at us, but he couldn't be sure of what he heard.
Setting him aside, I glanced at my dad's expression and I knew what he was thinking.
"Picco, please try to understand me."
My dad was a very stubborn man. He was getting annoyed at my persistent refusal, despite knowing his reasons. He was a man of his word, and he would still stick to it, no matter what happens. Even if it meant throwing me under the bus.
Even if I knew that, it was still a bitter pill to swallow.
"I'm trying. Trust me, I am," my voice cracked.
A tear trickled down my cheek as the weight of the situation sank in. I was left with no choice but to accept the fact that, unlike normal people, my fate was not entirely within my own hands.
But beneath the sadness and anger, a flicker of understanding began to grow. I had inherited my father's resilience and his unwavering loyalty to the family. Perhaps, within the confines of this life, I could find my own purpose, my own way to make a difference.
Taking a deep breath, I looked into my father's eyes, my voice steady with newfound determination. "Alright, Dad. I will stand by your side. I will honor our family and embrace the path that lies before me."
No more tears and sad expressions. I would face everything that was to come head on.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of my dad's lips as he squeezed my hand gently. "Thank you, Picco. Your strength and resilience astound me. I promise you that together we will navigate these treacherous waters and emerge stronger than ever."
With a nod, my father turned towards Bruno Antonio, signaling his acceptance of the alliance. The room erupted with a symphony of clinking glasses and murmurs of approval. At that moment, a new chapter of my life began, one intertwined with the destiny of a family steeped in shadows and secrets.
********
When I delved deeper into the world of the mafia, I discovered that it held both darkness and light. The power and influence my father commanded allowed us to protect those in need, and to wield justice where the law fell short.
My sadness transformed into a resolute determination, and a newfound strength settled in my heart.
With each passing day, I proved myself as a capable and strategic ally.
The sadness that once marked my face evolved into a stoic resolve, a mask I wore to shield my vulnerability. I navigated the treacherous paths of loyalty and betrayal, learning the delicate balance between trust and caution.
But amidst the chaos and danger, a glimmer of sweetness emerged. I found solace in unexpected places, in the camaraderie of loyal friends and allies who had become my family. And in the depths of this world, I discovered a love that transcended the boundaries of circumstance and expectation.
His name was Luca, a man with a heart as fierce as his loyalty.
He saw past the facade I wore and embraced the woman I had become. With him, I found moments of tenderness and respite, a sanctuary from the relentless demands of our reality.
His sweet gestures made a smile appear on my face, his jokes made me laugh, and his touch made me feel alive. With his existence, he made everything in my life better and worth living.
Together, we wove a tapestry of stolen moments and whispered promises, cherishing the sneaked fragments of time that belonged solely to us.
In Luca's arms, I felt thriving, free from the weight of my responsibilities. I could stare at his warm, untainted pure smile and forget all about the swallowing darkness I lived in.
Our love bloomed amidst the thorns of our existence, a fragile flower in an unforgiving world.
And so, as the years passed, I realized that while my life may have been shaped by the decisions of my father, I had made only one choice for myself—that was to love a man who lived in an entirely different world than us.
I found myself inevitably drawn into the enigmatic world of Bruno Antonio. His name reverberated through the echelons of the mafia, accompanied by whispers of fear.Every conversation seemed to orbit around him, an unspoken understanding that his power knew no bounds.Bruno Antonio, a man whose very name commanded respect, tinged with a perfect dose of fear and intimidation. It was said that his wealth knew no limits, his influence stretching far and wide, like a sprawling empire within the vast landscapes of Texas. He controlled territories that spanned from the bustling streets of Houston to the desolate plains of El Paso, a web of power that ensnared all who dared to challenge him.Drug deals, smuggling, and illicit trades danced beneath his watchful gaze. The depths of his control were immeasurable, his reach extending into every crevice of the underworld. Texas, once known for its wild spirit, has now become a playground for Bruno Antonio's manipulations.The thought of his terr
As the private jet touched down in Los Angeles, the city of angels welcomed us with its glittering skyline.Bruno, always one to make a statement, had chosen the opulent Grand Royale Hotel as the venue for the fundraising party. This five-star haven exuded luxury from every corner, its grandeur befitting the elite guests who would grace its halls tonight.Stepping out of the sleek black limousine, I wasn't sure if I still wanted to attend the party after the intense conversation with Bruno.No matter what he said, his intention was clearly to implant fear into my heart, and I couldn't say he quite failed.This event, organized by Bruno but executed by one of his trusted associates, aimed to raise funds for orphanages, an unlikely cause for a man known for his ruthlessness.Yet, deep within his hardened exterior, Bruno found a flicker of compassion, a connection to the struggles he had faced in his own upbringing.The hotel's entrance gleamed with polished marble, reflecting the warm g
The room was shrouded in an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of labored breathing and the occasional drip of water. Dimly lit by a single, swinging bulb, the space exuded an atmosphere of desperation and impending doom.Nicolas' eyes were filled with fury, anger, and determination as he stood before the captured man."Who sent you?" Nicolas bellowed, his voice laced with an unforgiving edge. The man before him was beaten and bloodied as he struggled against his restraints, defiance etched on his face. It had been a grueling week for Nicolas, a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth behind the attack that threatened Bruno's empire and our lives two weeks ago.The captive's eyes darted from Nicolas to me as I was there to watch and see firsthand what Bruno did to people who cross him. There was a flicker of hesitation and fear momentarily clouding his gaze. He knew the consequences of his silence, the pain that awaited him. Yet, the loyalty to his gang, and his unyielding d
Chapter 5: Whispers of LoveThe words from Luca echoed in my mind, "I'm going to make you mine and mine alone.” That's what he said, and each day I kept faith and hoped that I would wake up every morning to see him by my side.His unwavering devotion filled my heart with warmth, even amid the darkness that surrounded us. I yearned for a future where we could be together, free from the chains that bound us to this ruthless world. But for now, we have to keep it quieter, we didn't want Bruno to find out. Luca, a man of compassion and healing, was a beacon of light in my life. As a doctor, he dedicated himself to alleviating the suffering of others, a stark contrast to the world of darkness and violence I was immersed in. He brought a sense of peace and hope into my existence, reminding me that there was more to life than the twisted machinations of power. I liked feeling his eyes on me when I looked away. He was such a lovable person.One of Luca's passions was photography. He had
Chapter 6: Shadows of Deception"Don't hate the sinner, but the sin."My dad was not a good man, but he tried to instill in me some life lessons and how to live life. There was a verse he always read out to me, "Do unto others what you want them to do unto you," That was life's golden rule, apparently.I have tried to live by that rule. Now, I guess things have gotten out of hand.My guilt of being in a relationship with Luca while I'm betrothed to Bruno was going to come against me. That fear was eating me up.However, things had been going quite well, not until something unfolded, casting shadows over the empire that took Bruno lots of sacrifices to build. I found myself here even though I never wanted to be here. I craved a life of my own choice, but thanks to my father, I was stuck in this web of deception that threatened to unravel everything. Bruno's warehouse was attacked, and many of his workers were killed. His drugs worth over $50k were burnt—an assault orchestrated by Los
Chapter 7: Unveiling My Hidden Skills"A new day starts with darkness. We should learn to start new beginnings using our darkest side. Nothing ever goes as planned in this accursed world. Learn to make things go your way. The weak don't survive here." I think my dad should have been a psychology professor or something like that. Every morning before I started my day, I always remembered one of the quotes he always said to me. Well, life has its way of dealing with me. That was why I was so tired right now to leave my room. In the aftermath of the turmoil that had consumed our lives, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering hidden talents that would transform me into a formidable force. The deal I agreed with Nicolas still rang in my head every day. It echoed the thoughts of betrayal to me, but I refused to be a mere pawn in this dangerous game.I delved deeper into the dark underbelly of Bruno's empire, determined to unearth my own potential. I sought guidance from seas
Chapter 8: The Mole Within"Come on, Picco, don't feel sad when you fail or see yourself as weak. You just have to keep looking ahead and question yourself. Then you'll get to know your true purpose. The power in you is greater than what you think. You're born to conquer this world, not to be a pawn in it.”Now, I understand better why my dad always said that to me. The revelation of my hidden skills brought about a transformation within Bruno's empire, but it also cast a spotlight on the treacherous path we were in. The power I now wield had not gone unnoticed, and the hunt for the traitor within our ranks intensified. Nicolas and I had a deal—he doesn't kill me and I help him bring Bruno down. It was a deal I was reluctant to keep because I still needed Bruno by my side for now. As days went on, suspicion grew like a poisonous vine, intertwining with every interaction, and the once solid bonds of trust became fragile threads threatening to unravel at any moment.The unveiling of
Chapter 9: Confronting Truth "You're the only one who can sincerely question or judge yourself." Being in constant denial of the truth has always been the story of my life since I started to stay with Bruno. The thoughts of betraying him left a lingering sense of unease within me. I keep being anxious and worried that one day he will find out what I have been up to and how I always go to see Luca every day."Are you alright?" Luca asked looking at me straight in the eyes. Luca is one person that always reads me and somehow knows what I need at the moment or maybe he can sense something is wrong. Even though he doesn't know the right word to say, he always does something to make me feel a bit better."I don't know, I feel dizzy," I replied"Are you feeling low blood pressure? Do you want to get some food and water?" he asked, extremely worried.As I looked at him, I saw how adorable and lovely he was. I couldn't stress him more by saying no."Of course, please get me something. I'm s