The Don and His Mafia Princess: Book Two of The Costanzo Series - Standalone

CHAPTER 37

I close the door behind Emily, her words echoing in my mind. My head is spinning with the conversation we just had as I trudge up the stairs to my room. As I enter my bedroom, I can't shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Emily's plan for revenge against my brother seems misguided and potentially dangerous. I know Santiago can be intense, but the idea of him using money as leverage over Emily doesn't sit right with me. There has to be more to this story.

I collapse onto my bed, my body still pleasantly sore from my night with Stefano, but my mind racing with worry for both Emily and Santiago. Should I warn my brother about Emily's intentions? Or would that be betraying my friend's trust? I'm still angry with him about the reason he got with her. The complexity of the situation overwhelms me, and I close my eyes, hoping for a moment of peace.

Just as I'm about to drift off, a soft knock on my door jolts me back to alertness.

"Andrea, sweetheart, is that you?" My mother's voice filters through the door, a mixture of concern and relief coloring her tone.

I sit up, running a hand through my tangled hair. "Yes, Mom. Come in."

The door opens with a quiet creak, and my mother steps inside. Her face is etched with worry, the lines around her eyes more pronounced than usual. "Are you alright? They told me what happened."

I give her a small smile, touched by her concern. "I'm good, Mom. Really."

She studies me intently, her gaze searching. "Are you sure? No need to call Dr. James?" she asks, referring to my therapist.

I shake my head, feeling a sense of calm I haven't experienced in a long time. "I'm good, I promise."

A knowing look crosses her face, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Hmm, did a night with Stefano really do this?"

I can't help but chuckle at her perceptiveness. "Do what?"

My mom's smile is warm and understanding. "Make you not feel the need to hide away from the world after an episode like the one you just had."

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks, but I nod. "I guess so. I mean, I've been healing for a while, but... last night, something just clicked. Stefano's words, his support... it gave me that final push I needed."

Her eyes soften with genuine happiness. "I'm so glad to hear that, dear. We should have him over for dinner soon. What do you think?"

A warmth spreads through my chest at the thought. Stefano isn't a stranger to my family, but this invitation is different. She was inviting him over as my boyfriend. "Really? That would be great, Mom. I'm sure he'd love to come."

"Wonderful," she says, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Why don't you invite him next weekend? I'll make my special lasagna."

I nod enthusiastically, already imagining Stefano at our family dinner table. "That sounds perfect. I'll tell him later tonight."

My mom looks pleased, a soft smile playing at her lips. "Excellent. Let me know what he says." She pauses, her expression growing more serious. "And Andrea... I'm glad to see you happy. Stefano seems like a good influence on you."

As she turns to leave, I feel a sudden rush of emotion. "Mom?" I call out. She pauses at the door, looking back at me expectantly. "Thanks," I say softly, my voice thick with gratitude. "For everything."

She gives me a warm, maternal smile that wraps around me like a comforting blanket. With a final nod, she closes the door behind her, leaving me alone with my thoughts and a heart full of hope for the future.

***

I wake up later in the day, a bright smile spreading across my face. Excitement bubbles in my chest as I think about my upcoming date night with Stefano. I gently climb out of bed and head to the bathroom to get ready.