A love like ours ✔️

♛24. Galas and exes

Soraya

Usually every single self respecting mafioso obeys the unspoken golden rule: 'No mafia business in public' . But that would defeat the whole purpose of the Apshodel Gala. Today we're criminals who mingle and bargain right under the nose of America's social elite, that I've been greetinng by the main door for over an hour now. Some of my guests, like the man standing in front of me, are not all that unaware of what's going on.

"Welcome! Having you here tonight is such a pleasure." I say as I extend a hand to greet John McKenzie, NY's governor, and his wife, Samantha.

Sam takes my hand between hers after her husband shakes it, and smiles warmly, crow feet making their appearence in the corners of her green eyes. " The pleasure is ours, Soraya." While her husband knows the Morellis don't really come from old but blood money, she's clueless. I guess he belives the less she knows, the safer she'll be. That's a stupid assumption really, he's letting her walk into the lion's den totally unaware of the danger. "Amy's been asking about you, she hopes she'll be able to make it. How are you?"

Six years my junior, Amelia is their lovely daughter. She's a sweetheart, but she's definitely got some fire inside her. We sometimes meet for brunch to work on common charity projects. I usually dread spending my time around stuck up high society members just to mantain the innocent rich heiress facade. However, with Amy, that's not the case.

"I'm actually preparing to take over my father's business so I'm a little bit stressed over that, but otherwise good. How about her, does she like it at Harvard?"

"Yes, very much so. I hope you come visit us soon, I'd love to catch up more."

"She's a very busy young woman. I'm sure her schedule is already full." John interferes, clearly trying to keep me away. Tough luck though. He's only the governor because of the NYC crime families funded for his campaign. So if I decide to pay them a visit he doesn't have a say in it.

"I'll see about that. I hope you'll enjoy your evening."

"Of course. Come Sam, let us go inside ." he says, then they make their way down the enterance hall.

As I wait for the next guests to arrive, I feel a warm familiar hand on my bare shoulder. The smell of my father's cologne reaches my nose.

"I'll greet the rest of them, Ana. You can go in."

"Are you sure, papa?" I request, turning around to look at him. Dressed in his all black suit, that shows how fit he still is, you'd never tell he's actually in his early 60s. What gives him away is his salt and pepper hair and the deep lines on his forehead. There are also smile wrinkles around his mouth caused by the time spent with my mother, no doubt. He rarely laughs anymore.

A sharp stab of pain fists my heart and I touch the ruby hairpiece that holds my waves in place. I chose it because it compliments my sleeveless risque dress whose reds oranges and golds imitate the colors of fire. The sequin gown is backless and has a high slit on the right side. The upper part of it is intricately cut, complimenting my chest and leaving the left part of my waist bare. Everytime the light shifts, it seems like living flames are slithering over my skin.

"She used to love that." He recalls as he follows my movement.

Indeed, mama favored this piece of jewelry.

"I miss her so damn much every single day."

"Me too, figlia, but remeber she's alway with us, right here." He places a hand right over heart. I give him a tight hug, trying to both seek and offer comfort. "Go." He urges after we pull back.