HER LIFE

We Meet Again

Since the moment I opened my eyes this morning, I've been running around like a wild animal, barely able to catch my breath. Anxiety sat in my chest, heavy and suffocating. The preparations for the ball were in full swing, with Marcella and Massimo by my side, helping to manage every tiny detail. Antonio arrived a little later to take us back home to finish getting ready, and yet, as much as I tried to focus on the event, a cloud of unease hung over me.

It wasn't just the pressure of hosting the ball for the first time. It was the phone call from Klaus the night before. His voice still echoed in my mind, cold and taunting, promising that he'd come for me. I hadn't slept much since then—how could I? Knowing that someone like him was always watching, always waiting, was enough to drive anyone mad.

I could already feel the weight of the day pressing down on my shoulders as we arrived back at the house. My muscles were tight, and my stomach churned. This ball wasn't just an ordinary event—it would change everything. I just had to get through it.

When I walked into my room, there was a dress waiting for me. I recognized it immediately, but it wasn't the one I had picked out.

"You'll wear this dress for the ball," said Ace as he stood in the doorway, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I sighed, knowing the dress I had chosen for the announcement would have to wait. I didn't have the energy to argue. Today was not the day for fights, especially not with him.

As I stood there, contemplating the day ahead, I heard a knock on the door. A team of makeup artists walked in, their eyes scanning me before they motioned for me to sit down.

"Please, don't make me look like a clown," I muttered, only half-joking. If they dared to mess up my face, I was one wrong shade of foundation away from losing my patience completely. I was too tense, too on edge. My hands itched to hold something sharp, something that could defend me.

The makeup artists worked quickly, their hands moving with skill, and when they were done, I glanced in the mirror. Not bad. I could work with this. I stood and made my way to change into my dress.

The fabric of the gown felt cool against my skin as I slipped into it. The dress clung to me perfectly, the deep crimson color highlighting the darkness in my eyes. The gown wasn't just beautiful—it was a statement. I needed to look powerful tonight, unshakable.

Marcella entered a few minutes later, her own dress hugging her in all the right places. She looked incredible. We smiled at each other, the moment of shared excitement a brief respite from the stress we both carried. We snapped a few pictures together, capturing the calm before the storm.

We walked downstairs, the weight of what was about to happen growing heavier with each step. Antonio and Massimo were already there, waiting for us. They looked every bit the part—calm, composed, ready. I wished I felt as steady.

We all piled into the cars and headed to the venue. As we pulled up, the enormity of it all hit me like a tidal wave. The place was packed, filled with every major mafia family you could think of. No paparazzi, of course, which was a relief. This was a closed-door event, and for good reason. Eyes followed us as we walked inside, every gaze burning into me like a laser.

"Stay together," Antonio ordered quietly, his voice low but firm. "Don't go anywhere without each other. It'll raise too many suspicions if you're seen alone."

I nodded, glancing at Marcella and Massimo, who both mirrored my unease. We made our way to the drinks counter and grabbed ourselves a drink. I needed it. Something to take the edge off. As we sipped our drinks, I could feel time slowing down. The ball had been in full swing for a while, but the moment I dreaded had come.