The Glossy Eyes

Chapter 43: The unfolded secrets

Nathaniel gently guided Alannah to the sofa in his apartment, his hand securely holding hers as they both settled down. They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the recent events hanging in the air. Alannah's leg continued to shake nervously, a telltale sign of her restlessness.

Nathaniel let out a sigh, his eyes fixed on her leg. "Alannah, could you please stop your leg from vibrating?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of exasperation and amusement.

Alannah looked at him, her eyebrow raised in a sassy manner. "Leg machine? Sorry, babe, it's on autopilot," she retorted, a hint of sarcasm lacing her words. "It won't stop till you tell me what's going on."

Nathaniel let out a heavy sigh, his gaze fixed on a distant point as he gathered the courage to share his story with Alannah. He knew it was time to reveal the truth, to let her in on the life he had been living.

"As you already know, Alannah, I am a mafia cartel leader," Nathaniel began, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of sadness. Alannah listened intently, ready to absorb every word.

"I was orphaned at a young age, left to navigate the harsh realities of life on my own," Nathaniel continued, his voice reflecting the weight of his past. "But then, Salvatore Moretti, the mafia leader, took me under his wing. He saw something in me, perhaps a reflection of himself, and he raised me as his own son."

There was a pause as Nathaniel's eyes glistened with the memories of a lost father figure. The pain of his untimely demise was still etched deep within him, a wound that refused to fully heal.

"But one unfortunate day, Salvatore was taken from me," Nathaniel revealed, his voice filled with a mix of sorrow and determination. "It was a violent act, possibly a result of a drug deal gone wrong or the wrath of a rival gang. Whatever the case, he was gone, leaving behind a void that could never be filled."

Nathaniel's gaze met Alannah's, seeking understanding and acceptance in her sightless eyes. He continued, his voice unwavering. "As the only person left with a connection to Salvatore, the mantle of leadership fell upon my shoulders at a remarkably young age."

Alannah's expression softened, her heart aching for the pain he had endured and the burdens he had carried. She reached out and gently clasped his hand, a silent gesture of support.

"I had to adapt quickly, learn the ways of the underworld, and lead the cartel," Nathaniel continued, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and resignation. "It's a life filled with danger, secrets, and constant struggle. But through it all, I've tried to stay true to the values Salvatore instilled in me, to protect those I care about and navigate the treacherous paths of power and survival."

Nathaniel took a deep breath, the weight of his confession momentarily lifting as he looked into Alannah's eyes. "I wanted you to know the truth, Alannah. I wanted you to see the man behind the title, the scars that lie beneath the surface. I know it's a lot to take in, but I can't keep hiding this part of my life from you anymore."

Alannah's grip on his hand tightened, her eyes filled with a mix of empathy and unwavering support. "Nathaniel, I may not fully understand the depths of your world, but I see the person you are," she said softly.

Nathaniel looked into Alannah's eyes, his gaze filled with a mixture of sadness and sincerity. "Those people who barged in earlier," he began, "they were my gang members. They wanted to talk to me about something, to remind me that I've been a little distracted lately."

Alannah's brows furrowed in confusion. "Distracted? What do you mean?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Nathaniel chuckled softly, his lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Well, you see, there has been a new change in my life," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "Something that has captured my attention and occupied my thoughts."