𝔇𝔦𝔞𝔪𝔬𝔫𝔡𝔰

𝔏𝔢𝔪𝔦𝔫𝔞

Inside the largest suite in the entire hotel, Gabriella stroked Leonardo's head as he laid in her lap, crying.

"I-i just want her. I want her so bad! I've never wanted anything more Gabriella! Papa forced me into this stupid marriage with Aurora, and I can't get out of it! I never thought I'd find love after Angelina, but I was wrong! I wish I wasn't the don of the mafia. I wish papa could just care for once. I-i wish I can finally be happy." Leonardo said shakily.

Gabriella pouted as Leonardo spoke, but continued to stroke his hair, hoping to comfort him.

As Gabriella listened to Leonardo's true feelings, her heart sank, since she was once in the same situation years before.

"I know baby. But good things happen in due time! You can't expect happiness to just show up at your door! It takes time honey! Yeah, being engaged to Aurora is like the shittiest thing after being murdered, but still! It's just another obstacle you have to face in your life! I promise you'll get your happily ever after Leo! If not in this life, then possibly in the next!" Gabriella happily replied.

Leonardo groaned as he soaked in Gabriella's words.

He wanted to be happy now!

"But what do I do, sorella? Papa watches my every move! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I have to l-let go of Amina. It's too r-risky. I don't want to put her in danger Gabriella!" Leonardo said, before sobbing.

Gabriella smiled as she saw Leonardo sob, making him stare at her in confusion.

"What is wrong with you sorella? Why are you smiling?" Leonardo said tearfully.

Gabriella sighed, before grabbing Leonardo's forehead and kissing it gently.

She loved her little brother so much.

"Because you're in love Leo! I felt the same way when I met Richie! I thought the two of us could never be together, because I was worried about the danger he'd go through! But now look at us. We made it!" Gabriella said happily.

Leonardo cocked a brow at Gabriella's statement, and smiled as he took in her words.

He didn't know much about Gabriella and Richie's love story, but knew it changed Gabriella for the better.

"How did you feel the same way as I do? How does your story compare to mine?" Leonardo asked curiously.

Gabriella smiled, before taking Leonardo's hands in hers and speaking.

"Because, I was in an arranged marriage as well! Remember Atlas?"

*********

Sicily, New Years 1990

The De Luca Manor was boisterous and loud, due to the sheer amount of people happily enjoying their time.

Today was New Years and every single year after Carolina's death, Alessandro insisted the De Luca's to throw a new years ball, in order to insure luck for the future.

Sicilian and Italian new years traditions were a lot different compared to the west and Gabriella finally adjusted to the change, despite living in Sicily for almost ten years.

"Leo! Emiliano! Do you have your red underwear on? If you don't, then don't come crying to me if your year goes bad!" Gabriella said smugly.

In Italian tradition, wearing red underwear at the start of the new year insured luck and good fortune
something Gabriella hoped would happen.

"Of course we are Gabi! But why are you wearing it? You always say it's a ridiculous idea!" Emiliano said confused.

Gabriella sighed and fiddled with her thumbs as Emiliano waited for her answer.