My Lover is the Son of a Mafia Leader

.65

The rain fell softly as we gathered under umbrellas by Kev's grave. I clutched a single rose, its petals sprinkled with raindrops like tears. The weather outwardly reflected the sadness weighing down my soul.

Kev's casket was polished mahogany, adorned by lush flower wreaths in vibrant red. I traced my fingers over the sleek wood, remembering how he loved finely crafted things.

The minister spoke of duty and sacrifice. But I barely heard the words, lost in memories of tender moments we shared—whispered affections, playful laughter, stolen kisses. Regret pierced my heart for all the new memories death had now stolen from us.

As the casket was lowered, I tossed my rose atop it. The pure white petals stood out brightly against the wood. "I promise I will live well," I whispered.

The loneliness of losing Kev threatened to overwhelm me then. But Ivo's strong hand grasped mine, anchoring me. I remembered that I did not have to walk this painful road alone. Kev had ensured it.

The others drifted away as the dirt was shoveled atop the grave. I stayed until the last bit had been patted down and the earth lay smooth again.

I can feel Tessa's gaze on me, and I know she has a lot of questions regarding Kev's death. I think a part of her blames me for it. And I do too. I wonder if I had known about their plans and stopped him, would things have changed? Perhaps he would still be here with me.

I knew I wouldn't last long in the Mafia, and I had plans of leaving it all behind and starting fresh somewhere far from here. Although those plans were a secret of mine until everything was finalized, I didn't know Kev was making his own plans for me.

"I'm sorry about hitting you," Polina whispered beside me.

I gave her a small smile. "I knew you had to do it."

When Kev took his final breath, I was consumed by so much sadness, and then anger followed. I almost stormed to my grandfather's house and killed him myself, even without any plans, even if it meant following Kev to the other side.

Polina grasped my shoulder solemnly. "What will you do now?"

My voice hardened with resolve. "I have some scores to settle first."

Polina raised an eyebrow. Behind her, Ivo, Nikolai, and Severin exchanged knowing glances.

"We're coming with you,' said Ivo, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I started to protest but Severin cut me off. "It's what Kev would've wanted. Let us help. I don't he would like the idea of you going alone."

Seeing the determination in their eyes, I conceded with a nod. If we worked together, my grandfather would finally pay for his sins. 

※

That evening, we arrived at the lavish Grand Pavillion ballroom, decorated in ostentatious grandeur for my grandfather's charity event. Myriad crystal chandeliers cast a glittering glow over elegantly dressed patrons laughing and mingling with champagne flutes in their hands.

I remembered the night I first met Ivo and our first dance together, a lifetime ago. I watched as Severin, Nikolai, Polina, and Ivo disappeared among the crowd.

I moved through the opulent ballroom, arrayed tonight in all its lavish grandeur, exchanging cordial smiles with familiar faces. The elite of the city mingled and laughed beneath the warm glow of crystal chandeliers.

I spotted Mrs. Astrid waving enthusiastically and reciprocating her bright smile. We had met at a charity polo match some years ago, and she had been unfailingly gracious, if a bit overeager. Nearby, I nodded politely to Mr. Gordon, a business associate of my grandfather's known for his boorish wit. He raised his glass in greeting as I passed.