MIND GAMES

Lamas' POV:

Augusta sat down opposite me, taking a bite of bread and peanut butter. I wasn't surprised. She was pregnant and she had cravings. But she had been giving this kind of energy, that she wanted to know my plans. She knew I was up to something. I took another sip of my whiskey. I was certainly becoming drunk, and memories began to come back to me. Memories I'd tried so hard to keep away from people...memories I even tried to avoid. I turned the liquid by rolling my glass, my eyes seeing different things all at the same time. I smiled.

"You seem to want to know about my intentions." I finally said.

"Why not? You seem to be so engrossed about this Elena girl. And I sure as well know you don't love her. What do you want with her exactly?" She questioned and I chuckled.

"You already know too much about me," I said, placing my cup on the counter. Then raised my gaze to meet hers. Then I rose from where I was, striding towards her. I stopped in front of her, my gaze never leaving hers. I was certain my eyes were beginning to show a rare vulnerability. It was something I had hidden for so long inside me. The truth that never wanted to escape me. I tried to forget about it all...with anything, but I couldn't. They haunted me at night when I was about to sleep, and even the times when I needed to feel no form of guilt, the memories of that day came rushing. Sometimes I thought to myself that it could have been avoided. Every one of those things could have been avoided if only I had been more alert about their strategies.

"My family..." Each time I remembered, I saw a little girl running about with giggles escaping her lips. They didn't even give me the chance to see her grow. The always present smile on my mother's face when she saw her daughter running about, having fun. "They took everything," I said. "Vito...Jonathan...I always wondered what it was like to be in the mafia. But when I saw what it took, I decided not to look for trouble. It's like signing your name in blood. You can never get out of it. So instead of becoming one, I became what I am today. An undercover manipulator who knows the secret of every mafia walking. And I did those things, just to get at Vito and Jonathan for murdering my family. I've hidden this pain for so long."

Augusta's expression softens, sensing the gravity of my confession.

"All these years I kept the words hidden to myself and when I found you I knew we had the same issue. I've been plotting their downfall for years and that's why I have a majority of other mafias backing me up. Elena also is a part of it. Going after Elena will certainly alert Damon and Derek and I know that they're also searching for the people who are working against Elena. They'd kill them without a second thought. Using Elena as an abate is a good thing for all of us. If I don't, then I won't complete my revenge. " I looked down at my phone, clicked on something, and showed her the screen. It was information about both of them and how long they've been planning things. The two old men, as innocent as they looked, were devilish at heart. "Who knows, they might have been the ones to kill Damon's family when they were younger. As far as I know, these two people look quite alike." I showed her another picture of them. This time, they were decades younger. "Do you think Damon and Derek would want to listen to what I have to say, after posing a threat on Elena? No, I have to get her first before anything else. Not to kill her." I emphasized. "And have you noticed? Her power intimidates all of them. Being backed up by two of the most powerful mafias. I know I'm risking everything, but she's the only way. I know the danger, but it's part of the plan. I want them to come for me... without knowing they're pawns in the game as well." I looked down at my watch. "Today is a special day for all of them. I guess, my plans are falling into place, just as they should."

Augusta's eyes widened in realization. "So, you intend to draw them out and reveal their true nature?"

I nod solemnly. "Exactly. They think it's me they're after, but the truth will surface. They'll see it was Vito and Jonathan behind every tragedy. It's time for the world to know the real perpetrators."

Augusta nods in understanding, a silent acknowledgement of the risks involved. "I see it now. They came against my family, and while we regarded it as the mafia rule, it was not excuse enough to go after our families and kill them without a second thought. I blamed Derek all my life but knew I wouldn't kill him if I tried. I thought I was going against my own family by not avenging them the way I should. But all the while, the real predators were my husband-to-be and Jonathan." She thought to herself. "But, how are you..."

"I told you. They would do anything to kill Derek and Damon. Both mafias are the target, but they have to go for the weakness. They would come for her without a second thought." I said while the weight of my confession settled between us.

"I had no idea you carried such a burden for so long." She finally said and all I could do was shrug.

I've been meticulously laying the groundwork for their downfall. It's crucial to navigate this intricately. Their network runs deep, and any misstep could be catastrophic." I explained. "But look, I am a hundred percent sure Elena would be out of her house today. That would be a pleasant opportunity wouldn't it?" I grinned mischievously at Augusta, who agreed. She had this evil gleam in her eyes. I knew she had never liked Elena, but she had to hold her urges and not kill her if we wanted the plan to work. Our eyes lingered on each other. Of course, we both knew exactly what to do and how to do it. Her eyes piercing into mine seemed like she was reading every one of my thoughts. I smirked to myself. My mission is almost accomplished.