The Mafia's Heir

Chapter 48

I roamed through the halls of the mansion feeling the heavy emptiness of Nonno's absence. It hasn't been long since the funeral, but it feels like forever. The maids seem to be avoiding me. Maybe they think I'll snap if they say anything. I won't. Sometimes it feels like I might, but I won't. Today is just a really crappy day.

Tyler had already gone to finish some business and I hoped he was going back to the warehouse my father had loaned him. I was doubting it considering he wasn't intent on checking in with his partner. Or whatever this Devon is to him.

Zachary saddled up to me with the biggest smile on his face. I couldn't resist smiling back at him and taking his hand. The servants walking our way scattered nearly knocking into each other. Zach laughed and we reached the balcony where I'd officially met Nonno. I'd learned that the man he'd killed was Josiah's son who had been a spy. Serves the bastard right.

The early evening sun blasted us as we stood there. I was blinded for a couple of seconds before Zachary started talking. The words rolled off his lips like butter as he began to describe the day he'd had. I wish I could be this excited about living sometimes.

"I just finished talking with Alex and Josiah is...D-E-A-D." He laughed like it was the funniest thing on earth. "Like I saw him and I'm going to assume it's from starvation."

"It's that funny?" I asked.

"Of course. I mean, it's not everyday your rapist dies from starvation. Besides that, my wonderful fiancée, guess what?"

I feigned interest and put a finger to my chin in thought. I didn't care about anything at this point. Life was meaningless. I wasn't going to get a chance to start over with the life I had planned.

"...What?" I looked at him.

"Once all of this is over, we can get married. Do you know that the mafia's judge can help you and Youngmin get a divorce today?" Zach exclaimed.

I perked up at the news and gave him a genuine smile. That was great news! I could finally be free of Youngmin. No more annoyed looks from the staff when I walk with him.

"Really? Do you really want to get married after that's all over?" I took his hands excitedly.

"Of course. I've been waiting for this moment my entire life. How could I pass up the opportunity? Alexandre is happy for us. He told me himself."

"What about his brother?"

That's what made us both stop. Where was Alessandre? After Afan interrupted the reading, he sort of went his own way after hearing Nonno had given him free reign whenever he came to Italy. I haven't seen him since. Aless, Mariano, and Elias went along with him. I don't know where they have gone or where they've been. I can't fathom Alessandre being with them. I know about them not trusting the Italians even though their capos.

I sort of gave up on knowing of my brothers' whereabouts when they refused to show up on my command. I would never doubt their alliance with the Italians. But given the current circumstances, it wouldn't be such a farfetched assumption. Silly of them to switch sides so suddenly. Especially Alexandre. He's always been so intent on proving his allegiance to the Italian mafia.

"...Eh, how would I know? Aless has been very...secretive lately," Zachary said. "I asked him after the reading what his problem was and he sort of looked at me like I was the last person he wanted to hear that question from. I thought it was because his grandfather had just died. Or because he and his brother didn't get much from him. But...I'm starting to think otherwise."

"Otherwise?" I scratched my head.

"Like he's working against the Italian mafia or something. I know you won't believe it, but he's been kind of protective of the twins if you haven't noticed."