Leah's POV
The day ahead seemed like a daunting journey through rough terrain, but I knew I had to navigate it somehow.
My emotions weighed heavily on my shoulders as I pushed myself forward.
As I stumbled into the bathroom, I looked at my reflection in the mirror.
My eyes were puffy from crying, and the exhaustion etched across my face told a story of sleepless nights.
I splashed some water on my face, hoping it would wake me up from this miserable reality.
I ran a brush through my dishevelled hair, trying to regain some semblance of my normal self.
Dressing felt like an ordeal. I settled on an outfit that was practical but lacked any sense of enthusiasm. The clothes felt heavy, just like my heart.
With every step, I was reminded of the weight of that wedding invitation. It hung at the back of my mind, an ever-present shadow.
As I moved through my room, I tried to find solace in my morning routine.
But my thoughts kept circling back to Matteo and his wedding invitation.
Should I accept it?
My whole self is voting 'no'.
But if I don't go it'll show I haven't moved on.
This is truly the cruel twist of fate, and I couldn't help but wonder why life had chosen this path for me.
Despite the thoughts of my heart, I knew I had to keep moving forward.
There was no other choice.
So, with a sigh and a sore heart, I walked out into a world that suddenly felt so much colder and lonelier than before.
As I walked out I summoned all my strength to put on a brave face for the kids.
I didn't want them to worry.
I walked down the corridor to their rooms, but with every step, it felt like a thousand-pound weight was pressing down on me.
First, I knocked on Gabriel's door.
Surprisingly he opened it with his usual cheery smile.
"Good morning Gabriel" I greeted.
He smiled "Good morning Mammy", he opened the door wider so I could walk in.
I went to his closet to take his clothes out. I took then and laid it on his bed.
"Mammy, are you okay?" he asked genuine concern in his eyes.
I knelt down to his level and ruffled his hair.
"Yeah" I sighed "I'm just a bit tired today, sweetheart. But that's it." I managed to force a smile.
"Okay," he gave a thumbs up.
"Now go get ready for school or you'll be late" I patted his back, and he nodded and went to his bathroom.
Next, I moved to Bella's room.
She was sitting on her bed, "Good morning" I said.
She jumped off her bed to hug me. I hugged back.
"Mammy, you don't look good. Are you sick?" she asked looking up at me.
I hugged her tightly. "No, I'm not sick. Just a bit tired. But I'm okay."
Finally, I went to check on the girl. She was still holding onto the stuffed bear Gabriel had given her, and her eyes, although hesitant, met mine.
I knelt beside her and gently touched her cheek. "Good morning," I whispered softly, hoping my words would somehow reach her.
At breakfast the kids exchanged glances, clearly not entirely convinced.
But they nodded, and I knew they were trying to be strong for me, just as I was trying to be strong for them.
As they got ready for school, I couldn't help but be grateful for their presence.
They were my anchor in this storm, my reason to keep going despite the heavy weight on my shoulders.
--------------
With backpacks slung over their shoulders and faces filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension, the kids filed out of the house one by one.
The driver arranged by Luca was waiting by the car, ready to take them to their school.
"Have a great day at school guys," I said, giving each of them a tight hug and a kiss on the forehead.
Gabriel, ever the protective older brother, whispered in my ear, "Don't worry, Mammy, we'll be fine."
I smiled.
Bella flashed me a bright smile. "Yeah, and I'll tell you all about my day when we get back!"
"What about our day?" Andrea asked directing at Bella.
"Your days don't matter. Mwine does because I'm the cutest" Bella crossed her arms in mock offence.
We all laughed. "Very true" I nodded.
"Exwactly even Mammy agrees" she stated.
"Fine" Andrea rolled her eyes.
"Anyway, you guys gotta go before you're late" I checked my phone. They nodded.
As the driver ushered them into the car, I watched them through the window.
They waved back at me, small hands pressed against the glass.
I managed a smile.
Once the car disappeared from view, I turned away from the window, feeling a pang of loneliness wash over me.
The mansion was quiet, and the absence of their laughter and chatter was more deafening than any silence I had ever experienced.
But I couldn't dwell on it; I had work to do, and I needed to keep moving forward.
Luca's POV
I had called a meeting and I wanted no delays.
It's 5 in the morning. Which to me is benevolent of myself. I would've called them for a meeting at 1 in the morning if I wanted to.
Unfortunately, Andrew isn't here because I told him to investigate down in the south of Italy. So I'll have to face these dumb bags myself for today.
I walked in and they stood up as usual. I sat down gesturing for them to follow.
As they sat down I started, "So, who has leads on who attacked us?"
They all looked at each other. I literally hate them in my honest point of view.
Can't they just fucking talk?!
Every time I ask a question it's as though it's a life and death situation, which it kind of is, because if I'm not happy with the answer their graves will be dug.
"Was I asking the walls?" I hissed. I'm getting impatient.
"Well, King. We need more time" Thomas stammered.
"What more time do you need? You had at least twenty-four hours" I answered coldly.
"K-king, it's not as easy as you think" Colm added.
"Well then, make it easy. Because I want an answer tomorrow morning, or else" I warned.
"We'll do our best" Pablo nodded.
"About the Gangs?" I asked.
"Well, we've been able to control them, besides..." his voice drifted off.
"Besides?" I raised my brow.
"Spain" Thomas finished.
I was confused. "Didn't we make a deal with La Martinez already?" I asked.
"King. That's where the problem starts. It's not La Martinez for now" Colm explained.
"For Now? What does that mean?" I asked leaning back on my chair.
"La Martinez is planning on marrying the younger daughter to the son of Giovanni, Antonio, his successor" Pablo explained.
This was bad. That meant La Martinez is going to break or deal to join Giovanni Les Helco.
This marriage is a business trade, not just peace between both parties but a joining which meant it would break the deal between Romanos and La Martinez.
"This is probably an indication that they probably want—" I cut him, "To start a war" I finished his sentence.
"Exactly what we think King" Colm added.
This was going to be hard. Les Helcos own the big crime gangs and little mafia, but it's enough to boost La Martinez's army against mine.
La Martinez has never been friends with Romanos. We still aren't.
We're kind of frenemies or something like that. We have a deal and that is that, we avoid contact in general.
"I'll get Andrew to get a meeting with Les Helco in 2 weeks" I said standing up from my chair.
"I'll call another meeting soon," I said before leaving.
They bowed.
I left for the elevator. I tapped my right foot in annoyance.
Mafia is so damn annoying, Can't one just sign an agreement and follow what it says?!
When I got down to my private parking I saw Linda looking straight at me.
"So you come here now?" I asked. I wasn't really in the mood, I'm already pissed.
"Because I can. Since when was I banned" she walked towards me.
"Fine, what do you want?" I asked getting to the point.
"Your signature" She took out a file from her bag with a silver pen.
I took the paper to read it, it's just the stock papers. I signed it.
"Is that it?" I asked.
"You know since I've been doing all your work in R.I. I'm starting to wonder if I'm still your assistant. Because so far I'm not 'ASSISTING' " she changed the subject. ( R.I= Romano Inc.)
"Okay, you came all the way to tell me that?" I asked.
"Not really, I came because I missed meu irmao" she rolled her eyes. (Translation: my brother)
"But I also came to ask about your beautiful heart of yours" She crossed her arms.
"What do you mean?" I opened my car using the remote and walked to put my papers in the back seat.
She followed. I closed the door and looked at her waiting for a response.
"About Leah" she explained.
"Aren't you friends or something? Why don't you ask her how she is?" I asked.
"No stupid. About you and Leah" she clarified.
"I'm still not getting it" I replied.
"Luca, one thing's for sure. You like her, why don't you tell her?" she asked.
There are many reasons I don't tell Leah.
"It's dangerous, Linda" I explained.
"Dangerous my foot. There's danger everywhere in life" she protested.
"Yes, but this one is different" I replied.
"Luca, really?" she asked. "Yes, 'really'. Linda whoever attacked that event had clear motives to shoot her not me. That's enough to know that despite my effort they still found out about her. And I don't even care about her that much" I lied in the last sentence.
"Luca, Even your enemies see that you care about her. Your ENEMIES. How can you fail to recognise that yourself? Stop lying to me" she insisted.
"It's just a bad idea Linda" I explained.
"Stop with excuses Luca. Just tell her. It's unfair if she doesn't know" she said before turning and walking to her car.
"Good afternoon, talk later," she said before entering her car and driving out.
She did have a point no matter how much I might want to deny it.
Leah has the right to know. I can't just wait until she leaves, leaving me to resent not telling her while she's here.
But can I tell her?
•-------------------------------------------•
Hey guys, I'm super super sorry. I mean it. I was going to update yesterday but then I got sick (Like, really sick).
But today I promise to post at least two as an apology.
After posting this I gotta go shower and then change into my PJs. I'll be back in 30 min and write the next chapter and post it.👌
Hope you enjoyed it.
Love you all❤️
~Xyclonia