73

MIRELLA :

"You shouldn't listen to her, Mirella." Shadow says after minutes of silence.

I immediately turn my face to him. He looks at me for a moment before turning away again and concentrating on the road.

What does he mean ?

"I don't know what you mean." I murmur with a sigh and look out the window again.

"I overheard your conversation. Catarina doesn't know shit. Noah loves you and he can and will protect you... you don't have to know how to fight. That's why you have the mafia. I don't know what her problem is, but you shouldn't even listen to her. She's probably jealous..."

Jealous ?

"Damn what? She has a husband who is horny looking and has money. Then what does she want from my husband." I say annoyed and cross my arms.

What's your problem anyway? If she really wants Noah, why didn't she take him five years ago?

"I don't think that has anything to do with it. I think it's more that she's afraid that Noah won't pay attention to her now that they're in contact again. They were a family years ago, then everything fell apart and now everything is fine again. I think she just doesn't want her to be number two."

But she is.

"Shadow, how is she supposed to be his number one? We're engaged, and I'm the reason they're reconnecting in the first place. She should be happy about it." I hiss angrily.

"Come down, Mirella."

come down ? Is he serious?

"How can I calm down if Catarina doesn't like me? Noah was so excited for Fernando and her and now I can't even get along with her and I'll bet you Fernando doesn't like me either."

“Now you're exaggerating. Don't worry too much about it. Everything will look completely different tomorrow. Maybe you should talk to Noah. He'll talk to her."

Sure, like he would believe me. Catarina and he have known each other for a long time. He'll believe her sooner than me.

"Don't get involved in things that don't concern you, please. You'll end up in trouble for interfering."

Shadow laughs quietly and shakes his head slightly.

"And ? Do you really think I'm scared of anyone? I'm not even afraid of Noah. The only person I'm afraid of is my wife." he says with a laugh and takes a turn.

His wife ?

"Since when do you have a wife?" I look back at him in surprise and look at him intently.

I didn't even know he was married.

"I've been married since I was 17. So for four years, if you want to be precise. We knew from a young age that we wanted to be together, so we got married and had a son. He's two now. But Noah doesn't know that because I don't want to involve my family in all this. I keep it a secret..."

And I can't even blame him for that. It must be hard to have a family when you work for the mafia.

"Don; t worry so much. It gets better. Besides, you should prove yourself. This is your mafia that your future leads. She doesn't have shit to say here. You should show her what you've got. Don't let them push you around. You've proven yourself to me too. I just shitted at you to see who you really are and you're really alright, Mirella. You're going to be a great wife... Noah will need your support, I know that."

When I hear that, I immediately start smiling. So he never hated me... That's good. Because I like Shadow. He may have looked scary at first and he treated me really badly, but he always takes such good care of Noah... It made me very happy.

"Thanks... you're right. I shouldn't let that get me down."

And yet I'm unsure about the marriage now. I don't want either of us to end up unhappy in the marriage. Noah loves me, I know that, but who says it won't be short-lived? He has so much power, so many women around him... and Catarina will probably persuade him to break up with me...

NOAH :

"It's a shame she's already gone. I would have liked to have spoken to her further. She's really great." Catarina says with a smile and puts her hand on my arm.

Yes that is her.

"I'll be right back." Fernando murmurs and runs towards a few men from the Sanchezmafia.

“How has it been with him over the past few years? He's gotten old." I joke around and look over at Catarina.

"Quite well. He makes me very happy. What about you ? Are you happy?" Cat asks me, smiling, scooting closer to me.

Of course I'm happy. i have mirella

"Cat, I'm engaged and I own the mafia. I'm happier than ever." I reply cheerfully and sip on my glass.

"Yeah, but... don't you think it's all going too fast?"

Too fast ?

I look over at her in confusion and notice her reaching for my hand, which is on the table next to my glass.

What is she doing there?

"What do you mean?" I ask quietly, looking down at our hands.

"Do you really think she can make you happy and run this mafia at all? She's still a child." she replies and sighs annoyed.

A child ?

Mirella is 22. Catarina was even younger when Fernando and she started dating and got engaged.

"What are you talking about ?"

"I think she just wants your money."

My money ? I immediately look away and shake my head slightly.

Certainly not. Mirella isn't that kind of woman. She loves me... right?

"Mirella is different. She doesn't just want..."

“Keep telling yourself that, Noah. She's cute... Cute women only ever want your money. I saw her glancing at other people all the time. A woman would never do that if she has a fiancé. You can believe me."

Mirella loves me. Certainly....

"Just be careful. Do not worry. If she breaks your heart, I'll be there for you. Don't forget that." she whispers with a smile and lets go of my hand. Then she looks towards Fernando, who is coming towards us.

***

I've been lying awake in bed for hours, thinking about the conversation with Catarina, but Shadow's words keep getting mixed up. He's right. I was supposed to show her whose man and mafia this is. It's my husband and my mafia, but I'm scared. What if Noah interferes and says no? I would be ashamed of myself.

I sigh and look at my phone for a moment.

4:35...

Where is he staying for so long? He didn't even write to me.

"The evening was really nice." I suddenly hear Catarina's voice saying from outside.

Swallowing, I look at the ceiling and notice how my heart is beating. Ouch. Why does it hurt? It wasn't a bad thing.

"Yes, I thought so too. You should see Fernando now. It seems to be pretty full." Noah replies with a laugh.

"It's a shame that Mirella is here. Otherwise we could go to your room and talk a bit."

Ouch.

"You can do that for me next time. Good night."

Talk... She would probably try to seduce him. That's what it sounds like, anyway, and I'm really not happy with Noah's answers.

"I'll see you then." I hear Catarina say. It's quiet for a moment, then I hear Noah chuckle and open the door. I immediately close my eyes and turn my back away from his seat.

I wish I could just cry. He's so nice to her... that's okay, but I want her to like me so I don't have to worry.

With a sigh, he closes the door and undresses. I hear him putting gun after gun on the table and then taking off his shoes. Then I hear him take off his jacket and then it's quiet for a moment.

I hear him sigh again. He leaves the room and leaves me alone.

Where did he go ?

I get up immediately and follow him quietly. Why did he go again?

Tears are really starting to come to my eyes. He didn't lie down with me. Maybe I'm worrying too much, but I wasn't there tonight. How do I know Catarina didn't tell him any lies.

A few corridors later we arrived at his office. He unlocks it and goes in. Does he have anything else to do?

Maybe I'll just wait a few minutes and then take a look.

About fifteen minutes later, I quietly open the door and look inside. Noah is lying on the couch and seems to be sound asleep.

What did she tell him?

Swallowing, I stare at him for a few minutes before closing the door and walking back into the room.

With every step I take away from his office, I find it harder and harder to swallow until I get to my room and start to cry.

He sleeps in another room. Why is he doing this?

I cry and run to the bed and lie down. That's not fair. How can Catarina influence him like that?

I don't want to go to sleep without Noah.

I won't put up with that. It may be 1-0 to Catarina, but I'm still catching up with this bitch. She won't ruin my relationship..

THE NEXT DAY... MIRELLA :

"Catarina is here alone because Fernando has something to do. She's on him like a burr" writes Shadow.

That's great. Why does Fernando have to have something to do now of all times?

"I don't care, I'm getting my tattoo today and I want you to come with me. So get ready, I'm going to call you to my side right now." I text back, looking in the mirror again.

i want this tattoo He should know that I love him and that should be a proof of love for him.

That should be provocative enough. He'll be really annoyed with me and later when he sees the tattoo he'll be super happy. I'm sure. But until then I have to piss him off somehow and this outfit is perfect.

He should suffer for today, he deserves it.

And he'll have to put up with me leaving Shadow without telling him where. I'll ignore him for today to see how he reacts.

"Show her and remember who the hell you are. You're not just a Siciliano. You're future Mrs. Lee, so pull yourself together badgirl." I look down at my phone with a smile and walk towards the common room.

I can do this. I'm stronger than Catarina thinks.

With a neutral expression I walk through the room and discover Shadow standing next to Demon. I whistle at him and get the attention of the others, including Noah and Catarina.

"What the...?" I hear him say quietly.

I don't even look at him, just nod at Shadow and then walk towards the exit. He follows me and whispers a soft "I'm proud of you."

I'm so glad he's helping me. I never would have thought that Shadow of all people would one day be my partner who would help me in everything.

NOAH :

"What the...?" I hiss under my breath as I see Mirella's outfit.

What is she wearing there? Is she crazy? She can't walk around like that.

"Leave her." Catarina murmurs and grabs my arm.

you let ? Has she looked at them? I don't want her walking around like that.

When I see her nod to someone, I immediately look at the person.

Shadow...

It was clear that he was close to her again. He's been trying to win her over the whole time.

Frustrated, I look after the two and swallow hard. I feel a stabbing pain in my chest when I can no longer see them both and take a deep breath in and out.

Why is she doing this? She didn't even look at me.

"I told you so. The way she dresses... she has cheated on you many times in this relationship. She must be involved with Shadow. Don't you think so?" Catarina asks and puts her hand on my thigh. She looks at me sadly and runs her hand over it.

she is not cheating on me She doesn't, for sure.

What is Mirella's problem? Why doesn't she just give me a kiss and tell me where she's going?

"I still have work to do. So you should go now." I mumble and get up. I really need to talk to her. I want to know what's going on.

Catarina stands up with a sigh and nods.

"Can't I keep you company? Fernando isn't here...I'm so bored with Noah." She murmurs pouting and grabs my arm.

Alright...

"Okay, then come with me to the office. But gotta work so don't distract me."

"I promise." She says with a grin and pulls me with her.