The Mafia’s Forbidden Desire

ROSALINDA.

Giovanni and I almost lost our lives. He kidnapped Ruby and threatened her with her life as well as that of her parents. But even after everything, my feelings towards him remained the same. When I saw him at Papà’s office, my body still reacted to him in ways that it shouldn’t. What was wrong with me?

I used to hate mafia bosses and their stupid ruthlessness, hurting innocents just to get their way. Why was everything different when I was directly involved? Why couldn’t I hate him?

“I fucking hate you!” I groaned as I pushed my room’s door open and marched in.

“Rosa?” The sound of Sofia’s voice jerked me back to reality, and I turned to see her sitting by the dresser.

I was so consumed in rage that I didn’t even realise that she was in the room. I was angry at Antonio for all that he did to all of us. And most especially, angry at myself for being just angry with him and not actually hating him as I should.

“Your face’s so red,” she observed. “What are you upset about?”

“Him, Sofia. Him! That bastard. He’s here.” I groaned.

“What?!” She exclaimed, narrowing her eyes. “I didn’t expect him to come so fast.”

I inched closer to my bed, tumbling on it. “Same. I expected him to have some fear in him and not show up at the lion’s den. Well, it’s not even a lion’s den.”

Confusion spread across Sofia’s face as she leapt to her feet and started trudging towards me. “What do you mean by it’s not a lion’s den? You didn’t tell Papà?”

I nodded regrettably.

“Why?!” She exclaimed.

“We all know how much Papà wants this alliance. He would have swept it under the rug and gone on with the wedding like nothing had happened. So why waste my time?” My face scrunched up as I thought of how pathetic Papà would look, making excuses and justifying Antonio’s actions. I’d rather not witness that. “You could tell him if you want to.” I continued.

“No, you’re right.” She slightly shook her head, reasoning with me. “Papà wouldn’t cancel the wedding for anything.”

A thought suddenly crossed my mind, and I decided to ask Sofia about it.

“You said you were at Antonio’s house that night. What were you doing there?”

“I-Uhm-I-”

“You can trust me, Sofia. Talk to me.” I assured her when I realised she was hesitating.

“Okay.” She pressed her lips together, blowing out a sharp breath before continuing. “I know it was stupid, but I went there to convince Antonio into changing the pawn in their alliance scheme.”

“Elaborate please.” My eyes squinted, knowing and hating what she was about to say.

“I wanted him to substitute me with you.” She blurted out.

“Sofia. What were you thinking?” I asked, gawking at her like she was crazy.

“Don’t stare at me like that.” She rolled her eyes. “It only makes sense since you two are attracted to each other. And my stupid plan didn’t work anyway.”

My brow rose. “Is that why he warned you the other day by the swing?”

“Yes. He was really upset when I suggested that. It’s not like he cares about me.” She rolled her eyes, huffing.

Just because I was attracted to Antonio didn’t mean I’d like to spend the rest of my life with him. Being married to a selfish, cruel narcissist who only cared about what he wanted would be torture, and that was the last thing I wanted for myself. But I didn’t admit that to Sofia, though. I didn’t want to remind her of the hellish life she was about to get trapped in.

“Why don’t you persuade him instead?” She suddenly suggested, causing me to scrunch up my face at her stupid idea. “I mean, he wouldn’t be as mad at you as he was at me when I tried to convince him.”

“No.” I didn’t even hesitate.

“But Rosa-”

“I’m not interested in being his wife. And you know that these things don’t work that way. It’s impossible.” I cut her off, strongly stating the last words.

“Fine! See you later.” She turned and started trudging to the exit.

“Sofia.” I called. I wasn’t done conversing with her.

She turned to look at me. “Yes?”

I jumped out of bed and inched closer to her. “I don’t know. I can’t quite place why, but you look troubled. Are you okay?”

“How won’t I be troubled when I’m getting married to a scumbag?”

“You’ve been aware of the marriage for a while now, and you didn’t look this troubled even on the day of the supposed marriage, which got messed up. I think it’s something else.” I gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, assuring her that it was okay to talk to me.

She stood there, gazing at the floor as if she were deliberating whether to tell me or not. After a few seconds, she just turned around and walked out of the room without uttering a word in response.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

There was definitely something bothering her, and I was genuinely worried about her. I started brainstorming, thinking of endless possibilities as to what she could be bothered by.

I hadn’t moved an inch from the spot where she left me when my bedroom door suddenly dinged open.

I had expected Sofia to appear before me, but my expectation was wrong. The person standing before me was someone I despised so much.

My chest started heaving at his presence. “Piero. What are you doing here?”

“I mean no harm. Just visiting.” A cocky smile touched his lips as he raised his arms, his palms facing outward.

I had no interest in whatever he wanted to say. All I wanted was for him to leave my sight before anger consumed me.

“Why-”

“Get out.” I cut him off.

“It’s been years, Rosalinda. Just get over it already.” His nonchalance heightened the rage swirling within me.

My breathing quickened as I slowly inched closer to him. “Easy for you to say. Do you-”

“I know, I know. I made you do something you should’ve never done. something you hate yourself for every day. You were so stupid for allowing me to manipulate you, right? Is that not what you wanted to say?”

I hated him. I hated him with everything within me, and I needed him to get out of my sight before I lost control and had his blood in my hands.

“Get out!” I growled as I rushed to the door, yanking it wide open.

Shrugging, he walked towards the door.

“Okay, then. Since you insist, I’ll be around for a while, and we’ll talk when you are less… fiery.”

The second he stepped out, I banged the door closed, locking it immediately.

As memories of that night began to flood back, I dropped to the floor, tears streaming uncontrollably down my cheeks.