Duchess Trilogy: Book 1: Mafia

Chapter Eight: The Play

Brie's POV

A month went by, and I practically did the same routine as everyone else. Cleaned, reorganized, helped rearrange and redecorate some rooms with Janja and Froot, and mostly kept out of the way of the guys with the big items of furniture and decor. It felt a little overwhelming from time to time.

We held a big funeral for the six men who were killed in the line of duty during the first week of reorganizing. It was very gloomy with two of the widows. They were overly emotional, packed their bags, and left the family that very night. Froot tried to have them reconsider, but the two agreed that it was for the better. They cut off ties with everyone and went on their way.

Along with the drama, I learned to keep to myself as I was still having nightmares of Viktor. It would be different situations, but each time ends with his nasty green eyes staring into my soul. I wanted to talk to Alex about it, but he was busy working at the hospital. So, I kept to myself, trying not to feel lonesome.

At the start of the second week of cleaning rounds, Janja asked me if I wished to be on library duty and help clean and reorganize the books. I happily accepted and got right to work and worked hard on the room for the rest of that month.

Since I was in charge of reorganizing the library, I got to read books in my free time. It did help a lot during the lunch and dinner breaks, just getting lost in a story and not having to picture Viktor in the back of my mind. The book that I was heavenly into was Les Misérables, and I couldn't put it down during a dinner break.

Alex came to sit by me and chuckled, "If I didn't know any better, you have been a bookworm growing up, eh?" He says jokingly.

I grinned some and looked back at him, "I've always enjoyed books. You do realize I never had all this fancy extra stuff, right? The movies, the technology... Back then, we enjoyed books, chores, and musicals whenever the performers came to town."

"Ou, we have Broadway-worthy performers here in town. They perform all kinds of plays, including musicals," he says, grinning while sipping his tea.

I stare at him in a surprise shock. "You're joking? Is it possible to see one tonight?"

He slides me over what looks to be some tickets. I smile so greatly and read the fine print. It would seem the Beaufort Royal Family was performing a play titled "Les Misérables." I couldn't help but squeal in excitement. I glanced around to see that most of the guys were staring at me, chuckling. But I didn't care; I was excited to do something different and get away from the estate.

I blushed a little and then sat back down and apologized to everyone for the disturbance. I glance back to Alex, "This was one of the biggest stories growing up! How Jean Valjean changed his whole life and raised a child that he vowed to take care of. It is just a beautiful story... My sister and I would play with the children all the time. I was Colette, and my sister played Eponine."

Alex looks at his watch. "Well, we don't have much time. You have about two hours and have to dress our best for these plays. I'll wait for you out front. I got to talk to Don about something."

I give a nod and then hurry out of the dining hall to head towards my room. I entered my bedroom walked toward the bathroom to put on some makeup that Janja gifted me a week ago and then fixed up my hair with a half up and down style. I went into the closet and pulled out a beautiful emerald green, slim dress that had a small train on the back of it. I added an emerald and gold chain bracelet, along with other jewelry that matched the bracelet with a necklace and earrings. I glance into the closet mirror, admiring my look, and smile happily.

I cleaned out my purse and moved my ID, cards, and lipstick into the gold clutch. I then slipped on some heels and walked out of the bedroom door. I walk through the halls, getting compliments from the people walking by, and I just smile proudly. Soon, I approached the front patio, and there was a big group of people, along with some limos. There were some guys from the Castellano family that I saw with their dates and then a few of the family members. I saw Janja in a beautiful gold, slimming dress similar to mine, outshining everyone. She looked my way and began waving to me, still holding Don's hand. I smile and walk towards them. But to my surprise, I see Ryan talking to Don in a matching tux.