𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭

Chapter 23

It's always in my personal best interest to aim for more.

Why settle for less when one can achieve more?

Work and competition dominated my entire life. There was something more that I longed for in life. I wanted it to be worth living. Despite having money, fame, and power, I don't value them. The sole purpose of achieving all these great things is for me to have something to look forward to.

"Breakfast sir?"

I suddenly snap back into reality and look at Casandra, worry written all over her face.

As I walked to the table, I gave her a simple nod.

It was remarkably quiet. I usually hear Casandra and Valentina converse all morning. Her laugh is what spurs me to wake up early in the morning and sit here. I don't normally sit down and eat a proper breakfast every day like I use to know.

I never had the time for that shit but recently that has changed.

Ever since Valentina.

Casandra came towards me with a plate of soup and a cup of coffee in her hand. She placed them in front of me and quickly turns to leave and I stop her.

"Where's Valentina?" I couldn't resist asking.

The empty atmosphere bothered me because she was always here early in the morning.

Did I scare her away yesterday?

Casandra stared blankly for several seconds before smiling. "I checked on her an hour ago, she has a fever. I thought maybe it was better I let her rest,"

Oh.

"I'll contact a doctor," I say and Casandra shook her head.

"She'll be fine, she just needs some rest. I'll go check on her again," she gave me one last glance before leaving.

I couldn't help but feel worried? She's stuck here and it's all my fault. I knew her father was sick, and she wanted nothing more than to see him. I was tempted to take her to the hospital to visit her father, but I did not want her to think I had grown soft for her.

She needs to know I don't care. And I don't.

In fact, she is associated with Giavanni's family and I absolutely want nothing to do with them. Except to ruin their lives of course.

I let out a long sigh and focused on the food in front of me. Today is going to be a busy day for me, so I'd better hurry up.

I was about to start eating when I was interrupted.

"Aye sup big guy,"

I looked behind me and groan at the sight of Ivan. He's not supposed to be here until lunch.

"What are you doing here?" I ask annoyed.

Yeah, he was my best friend but damn was this guy irritating.

"Can't I see my bestfriend?" A smile came across his face as he approached me.

"No, leave,"

"Now now, get rid of your mood swings. We got business to discuss," he says, sitting next to me.

"Is that soup?!" Suddenly his face lit up as he slid my bowl to his side and started digging in.

"That was my breakfast," I scowled.

"You know I love Casandra's soup," he grinned at me before completely devouring the soup. With my coffee mug in hand, I rolled my eyes and stood up.

"Whatever, meet me in my office once your done," I told him and walked away.

I don't know what came over me but I slowly headed to Valentina's room. As I stood in front of her door, I heard soft voices and faint crying.

Valentina and Casandra.

"Yeah and I miss him so much," I hear Valentina say, sniffling.

I felt guilt rising within me when I realized she was crying about her father. I was not someone who felt guilt. One of the things you learn when running a mafia is not to feel remorse.

I kill people every day and it never affected me in any way.

Then why had I suddenly felt so conflicted because Valentina couldn't see her father?

As I cursed myself, I decided to walk away. I don't need to hear more.

I entere  my office and saw Ivan on the couch in front of my table. A girl was sprawled on his lap and they were making out shamelessly.

Is he fucking serious? In my damn office?!

He hand reaches up girl's thigh and I couldn't take it anymore.

"Get the fuck out," I roared.

The girl instantly flinches at my voice. Ivan's eyes grew wide and he pushed the girl off his lap, causing her to fall to the ground.

"Oh heyyy there Adrian," Ivan smiled widely.

Prick.

I gave him a look to shut up and turn my attention to the whore. "Who the fuck said you were allowed in my office?" I ask her coldly.

"I u-um," she stumbled trying to make a full sentence, but my patience ran out.

"I asked her to come with me Adrian, calm down. Why don't you leave us alone hm?" Ivan looked down to the girl who was now silently crying on the floor.

I rolled my eyes.

"I don't care, leave before I shoot you," I say sternly to the girl and she shakily stood up and left.

"Damn bro, what's gotten you so pissed?"

Fuck I don't know anymore.

"Shut up and let's get this shit over with," I clearly indicated my annoyance.