Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Cara
“How is my princess doing?”
“I know what you’re trying to imply, zio. Hopefully, I’m wrong.”
I know why he asked me to walk with him outside their garden. It wasn’t because the night was beautiful and the moon was wonderfully at its peak.
“Oh, Cara mia. I just worry for the only princess in the family. You are like a daughter to me. And I’m sure you leading the family isn’t really Domenico’s wish- despite you being the real heiress. However… we’re not out here to reprimand you and perhaps Angelo’s decision. Know that no matter what, whether you’re the best of the best, I still worry for you.”
I chuckle as I playfully roll my eyes. “Of course, uncle. How can I not know that? How can I forget that? So…” He raises his brow inquisitively. “About that rule, am I exempted because of course you favor me?” I inquire with a tease.
He laughs. “No, Cara mia. It’s best if we follow what is being agreed. It would put peace in my mind knowing you have less enemies to worry about.”
Damn, if he only knew how I handled Sol’s enemies. Uncle Marco would certainly lose his mind. I wonder if he somehow knew how or why I came here all of the sudden. When one of us associates in the mafia, we try as much as possible not to interact with the Ranallos. We wanted to avoid trouble. Ranallo is such a huge name in the business world. And if the world finds out they are related to the mafia, it would be chaos. But I knew uncle has always had a soft spot for me being the only girl in the entire family. I guess I got here with ease. I remember they were pretty strict with Sol.
“So you’d rather see me less, then?”
He smiles playfully. “Yes.” He sighs. “Ah, I wish someone else could just lead the family but I know how much it means to your father and grandfather. Only a Di Angelo can lead the Di Angelo family.”
I shrug. “Well, I do love leading.” I wiggle my eyebrows playfully. “Now, let’s get inside, zio. Everyone’s waiting for the star of the night. I assure you that I’ll always be okay… for you.” I grin.
We got inside and the party immediately started. When Aunt Angela, Uncle Marco’s wife, saw me, I was devoured by her tight hug. She was so happy to see me again. We’ve been talking a lot with her constantly asking about me or how I was doing for the past three years. I kept the story PG. I really don’t want her to worry on top of her husband already doing it.
Our conversation was cut when Avery wanted to talk to me about her upcoming charity event this Saturday.
“Make sure you donate, alright?”
“Yes ma'am.” I smile. “Are you going to attend with a belly like that?” I asked in amusement.
“Of course not.” She rolled her eyes. “I can barely stand without suffering from any pain. The due date is close. Stefano’s on his toes right now. He’s really nervous the water will break anytime.” She sighs while rubbing her bulging belly.
“Fratello really can’t keep it in his pants.”
“Stai zitto!” He yells beside her. Avery and I laugh.
From the corner of my eyes, I saw a familiar mop of dark blonde hair. He was talking to Sol and Hailynn. I couldn’t help but plan to surprise him. I leave the couple for a moment and saunter towards Leo stopping just behind him.
“Leonardo.” I teased.
“It’s just Leo- wait.” He slowly turns around, his eyes widen when he recognizes me. “Cara!” He exclaimed almost in disbelief. He opens his arms for a hug. “Haven’t seen you in years. I must say I miss your annoying self.” He said while hugging me.
Leo used to be Sol’s right hand. He was more than just a right hand actually. He was his best friend and a brother he never had just as Vassily. That’s why when Sol quit the mafia, he unquestionably followed him. No second thoughts at all. I trusted him so much with Sol and his family because I knew he would do anything for them. I could say Leo was more loyal to Sol than the mafia.
“I miss your annoying self too.”
---
Dylan
I watched Cara from afar laughing with her relatives, hugging and kissing almost everyone who came to her to greet her. It turns out she hasn’t been attending family events ever since she became the leader of the mafia.
For the record, I’ve never seen her this happy or have a consistent genuine smile on her face. As much as I want to deny, it made my heart skip a beat.
Who can blame me anyway? With a face like that and a heart stopping smile, I couldn’t deny my attraction towards her. But then the memory of her stabbing my thigh and how she felt so elated of her actions just straight out ruined her spell on me. She was an angel with a devilish personality.
As I continue to observe them, I just feel so out of place here. And even though they kept telling me to feel at home, I just couldn’t feel it. I don’t belong here. I’m literally an outsider. I don’t know why she brought me here and introduced me as her assistant. Franco seems to be a fit escort for her considering her family knows him.
I decided to go outside for fresh air, feeling strangely alone despite all these people. I immediately came across Franco who stood guard outside. The doors lead straight to a really beautiful garden. It was huge and had pathways where you could roam around to look at the view- a huge fountain was placed in the center. The place was very clean and well maintained. I’m pretty sure rich people always have this kind of view.
I feel Franco’s gaze before he decides to open his mouth and let curiosity get the best of him. “What are you doing here?”
I shrug. “I think I’m better off here. Don’t you think you should be the one to escort her there rather than stand here?”
“I don’t just stand, I guard. Her presence here means to add extra security. You should know by now that the people here are more than just VIPs. As you can see, I am more needed here.”
“You make it sound like I'm just one of her accessories.”
“Is it not?” He chuckles at his own joke but I just roll my eyes.
My mind suddenly drifted out at what Cara’s cousin told me. I’m suddenly afraid of the day she might change her mind and pounce on me like a predator to his prey. She might be generous at present, time comes she’ll ask for payment and I wonder if it’s my life or my family’s. I hope it will be mine. They will be devastated for a while but I’d rather be the one one to disappear. They are the reason why I’m doing everything I can to support them. They’re the reason why I keep going. If they’re gone, I’ll be completely lost.
“Penny for your thoughts.” I’m surprised that he’s been entertaining me with conversation. My first impression on him was he always had that straight face. He only moves and follows her orders and most of the time, he waits for getting told what to do.
“Do you think… she’ll ever change her mind?”
Franco frowns, tilting his head to the side with an inquisitive look. “About what?”
I sigh. “Nothing.”
---
The rest of the weekdays went on like a blur. As I wake up on a Saturday morning, I remember our date tonight. Amilia came to my desk yesterday and reminded me of it. She had a huge grin on face. I could tell she was excited. Me too.
“You’re in a good mood.” Cara sits on the kitchen island waiting for her breakfast to be served. As always, she’s dressed in her usual white business suit, her long brown hair in a ponytail. She rarely wears anything casual and with different colors.
“Ah, yeah.” I slide the plate full of breakfast to her direction.
“Tonight’s going to be Avery’s charity event. Make sure to be ready at seven.” Her lips curve upwards while she peers at me through her eyelashes.
I should've known.
