Dark Paradise | ✔︎

Chapter 12

IT'S BEEN THREE WEEKS and I haven't heard or found Gabriella.

Today is Annah's funeral and I don't want to attend it because half of my fucked up family will be there. "Don't stress," Esmée reassures me while she does my tie.

My parents weren't even at the hospital and they had the audacity to attend her funeral.

For the past two weeks, Esmée has been assisting me to find that woman. The Leone d'Oro gang themselves are quiet, they haven't sabotaged any of the gangs nor vandalized our properties, like they always do. I haven't spoken to Ms. Regio for a while. The last time we talked was when she filled me in on the details a month back about Gabriella attending the event I hosted at the club.

"I'm not stressed. I just don't want to go." I scoff rolling my eyes. "But, your family will be there. I know you guys aren't on the right terms but think about your mother." She softly replies.

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. It's been a while since I saw Mama. We haven't told her about Esmée and I.

"When was the last time you saw her, Giovanni?" She questions. "A month ago," I admit.

Esmée gasps with shock, acknowledging that mama and I were close. "So she doesn't know?"

"No."

"That's why I want you to attend the funeral so that we can tell her together." Esmée becomes flustered then turns her head to the side. The corner of my lips twitches up causing me to smile a bit. "Don't worry I won't tell her the actual truth, Mama adores you and I don't want her to be heartbroken," I say. She nods and we both get all the things we need. I take my gun in my drawer and place it at the back of my pants.

"Really," Esmée says, placing her hand on her right hip. "Just in case," I exclaim. She rolls her eyes and we both exit the bedroom. When we both reach downstairs one of my bodyguards opens the door for us and we find Enzo and Luca in front of the car while one of my bodyguards quickly rushes up to open the car door for us.

"Grazie." Esmée politely thanks them then steps in. "Signore." The guy greets me and I nod my head and walk-in. He shuts the car door and Luca starts the engine.

Luca pulls out of the driveway then greets Esmée and me.

Luca, Enzo, and I started to discuss business while Esmée peers out the window and observes the buildings that we pass. Two hours later and we finally reached the church.

I unbuckled my seat belt and stepped out of the car. I then walk to Esmée's side and open the door for her. She thanks me with a smile. We both walk into the church followed by Luca and Enzo. "Stiamo andando a prendere degli spuntini." Luca says. [ translation: We're going to get some snacks." ] I roll my eyes not being surprised with these two. They don't wait for me to permit them so they just wander around the building. "Ahh!" I hear a woman's voice from a distance.

Immediately I'm tackled down with a hug. "Ragazzino!" I hear a familiar voice as the woman hovers over me. [ translation: "Little boy!" ]

"Mama?"

I'm still upset that she didn't come to the hospital but I can't call her out on it.

I'll feel bad.

I'm not sure why but seeing my mother sad hurts me. Even if she did wrong.

I miss my mom. She still looks beautiful with her pure honey eyes and her long black hair with some grey strands like salt and pepper and her black long dress followed by black high heels and a Scottish scarf. She pulls me in a bear hug and whispers. "I'm sorry about Annah."

I stiffened. Clearing my throat I pull out of the hug.

she pats my right cheek and says with a soft voice that warms my heart. "Ti amo tanto." [ translation: "I love you so much." ]

"Ti voglio bene anche tu mamma." [ translation: I love you too mom." ]

Mama turns to Esmée and a huge smile is plastered across her face. She pulls Esmée in a bear hug causing Esmée to giggle. "My flower, you've grown!"

"Why did you guys cut connections with me?" She questions her voice becoming soft. Esmée frowns and replies. "I'm sorry mama we were just going through some stuff." She says, giving me a small smile.

I looked away.

"Mama, We need to tell you something," Esmée says with a serious tone, and the atmosphere shifts quickly. Mama smiles drops and she narrows her face. "What happened?"

Esmée clears her throat from the discomfort, She locks our fingers together catching me off guard,

I wanted to pull away but mama is here.

she sends me a soft smile and I nod my head with a smile in return.

Pretending to be happy is making me uncomfortable.

My mom gives us a worried look as she notices that it's bad news.

"We are no longer together." Esmée blurts out. Mama doesn't react and we both share a confused look. "That's all." She says.

"Why aren't you shocked?" Esmée questions. Mama gives us a sad smile and replies. "Annah told me."

"Oh." Is all I say. "Don't worry Giovanni, I respect your guy's decision. If both of you think it's best I'll support you, But Flower just knows that you're still family no matter what." She ensures us.

Esmée giggles and hugs mama. "Thank you."

I smile when I see Esmée and mama bonding. Both of them start to catch up. "I'll be back," I inform Esmée she nods and I start to search the church for Enzo and Luca.

My mood changes when I notice Antonio having a conversation with Papa.

Without thinking twice I tackle Antonio, colliding my fist with his jaw.

screams and gasps are heard and I feel someone trying to pull me away from this bastard.

"Giovanni!" I hear my mom outcry from a distance

"You bastard it's your fault she's dead," I scream pulling out my gun.

AUTHORS NOTE

Hey, just wanted to say thank you so much for 4k! I appreciate it, I love each one of you, and thank you for supporting me from the very beginning. Your comments always make me laugh or cry and I appreciate it. I don't know what to say cause you guys are so amazing. But just know that Gabriella and Giovanni's journey has just begun ❤