After I Fall

Ch 1: Caterina

WARNING: This story contains mature content including strong language and depictions of violence that may not be suitable for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

My fingers drum against the round marble pub table as I scan the ballroom. My father really has outdone himself, no expenses spared, from the 24-karat gold utensils to the eighteen-hundred-dollar crystal champagne flutes and cups. I told Father one bar would be enough for tonight, but he has two, one on each side of the ballroom. The servers are in the traditional black and white uniform, with the Marchetti signature gold M pin attached to their vests. They move around the room with trays filled with various hors d'oeuvres and champagne, greeting the guests with a smile on their faces. Guests that I don't recognize, not a single face. These people are only here for one thing–to see who will ascend the throne of the Marchetti family. Could it be me, Caterina Marchetti, the crowned mafia princess, or Erick Marchetti, the royal fuck up? Of course, so many are rooting for Erick, assuming a man is better at leading than a woman.

Well, if only they knew.

I seek out my father sitting at the main table with the maid-turned-mafia-bunny, on his lap. I wouldn't say I hate Ronnie, but if she were set on fire, I wouldn't waste my spit.

"Caterina, sweetheart, how are you liking the party?" My father smiles, gesturing for me to take a seat.

"I think it's a bit much. I thought we talked about this?" I plaster that fake smile on my face. The smile I have mastered for ten years.

"I know, I know. However, we have a special guest coming tonight."

"Special guest?"

"Yes," he pauses. "Alessio Valentino will be arriving shortly."

My eyes widen. "Why is a Valentino coming here? Father, you know what they have done to Mother. Why would you—"

"Alessio gave me his word he never put a hit out on your mother. Wives are off-limits. That is a code all Dons' live by. So, when they arrive, be on your best behavior." His gaze goes cold, and I try to smile more convincingly.

"Of course, Father. If you would excuse me, I have to use the powder room." I stand, my fingers digging into the palms of my shaking hands as I walk swiftly away.

As I move through the crowd heading to the powder room, I spot Erick off in the corner, tonguing down yet another bunny. Now isn't the time to pick a fight, Caterina. Get it together.

Freya Valentino and Erick had been in an arranged marriage since birth, so you would think my brother would have been smart about his extracurricular activities with other mafia bunnies. No, not Erick. Word got back to Alessio about Erick playing Freya, and the worst day of my life happened shortly after. Mother was in the car with Erick running errands. He got out for just a minute, and Mother was mistaken for one of his mafia bunnies. They shot up the car, with over a hundred bullets, killing her instantly.

Alessio said he would never allow his daughter to marry a man who couldn't even protect his mother and ended all communication with the Marchettis. That made him the one and only prime target for me. Everyone acts like they don't know who did it, but we all do, and I will avenge my mother when the time is right.

From my peripheral vision, I can see the royal fuck up now heading my way, wearing his all-black three-piece suit and red tie, just like Father asked of him. But he still won't get rid of that man bun Father hates so much. Erick says it adds to the sex appeal, along with his beard.

"You look like you're having a blast, baby sis," He slurs to me. I roll my eyes. "What? You don't look so happy to see me."

"I'm never happy to see you."