the heart of New York City's concrete jungle, where the echoes of power and danger reverberate through towering skyscrapers, Corinna Da Luca, a luminous presence in the world of shadows, navigates the intricate web of her Mafia lineage. Shielded by...
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Corinna 14 years old
It was just my 14th birthday, and after bidding farewell to my friends, Vinnie, always my loyal companion, prepared to drive me home. Questions swirled among my peers, puzzled by why an 8th grader had a private driver. To them, my father couldn't be that rich. I simply brushed it off, explaining that it's normal for me, and Vinnie is more than just a driver; he's my guardian, my protector. He opened the car door for me, and as we drove home, he inquired about my day.
"How was school, Corinna?" Vinnie asked, his voice filled with warmth.
"It was alright. You know, the usual," I replied, adjusting my backpack.
Curiosity tugged at me, and I decided to address a topic that had lingered for too long.
"Hey, am I finally old enough to know what my dad does?" I asked, glancing at Vinnie.
He chuckled, maintaining the mystery. "Maybe you are," he replied enigmatically.
Upon arriving home, my surprise peaked as I saw my father, not engrossed in one of his usual meetings.
"Dad, I'm home!" I called out, interrupting his phone conversation.
He smiled, setting aside his phone. "Corinna! How was school?" he asked, his hug and kiss filled with genuine warmth.
"Little dove, you're growing up so fast," he remarked, softness in his eyes.
As we sat down for dinner, the atmosphere shifted. I was 14 now, more mature, and ready for answers. With a sigh, my father, gentle and soft, began explaining our family's truth.
"Dad, what does the term 'mafia' really mean?" I inquired, having encountered the term in books and overheard Juni watching 'The Godfather.'
He sighed, knowing it was time. "Do you remember your mother, Corinna?" he asked gently, preparing to unveil our family's reality. I nodded, recalling her face from old photographs.
"Sit down, little dove. There's something important I need to tell you."
He began unfolding our family's history, revealing my role as a Mafia princess and the need for me to be homeschooled for safety reasons. It was a lot to take in, but I listened attentively.
"And your mother... she was taken from us by our rivals, the Giordanos. It's a painful chapter, and there's more you need to understand, but can you make me a promise, Corinna?"
Tears welled in my eyes as I absorbed the weight of his words. The truth about my heritage and the tragic loss of my mother unfolded before me.
"Promise me, Corinna, that you'll always prioritize family. That you'll be strong, but never let the hardness of this life erase your compassion," my father pleaded, his gaze filled with a mix of love and worry.
I nodded, determined to uphold his wishes. "I promise, Father . I'll protect our family and honor Mom's memory."
From that day forward, my life took a turn. Homeschooling became the norm, shielding me from potential dangers lurking beyond our mansion's walls. My father's protective nature intensified, his nickname "little dove" a constant reminder of his love and concern.
As the years passed, I grew into my role as a Mafia princess, learning the intricacies of our world. The journey wasn't easy, but with each challenge, I became more resilient.
Now, as I reflect on that pivotal moment at 14, I realize it was the beginning of a transformation—a metamorphosis into the woman I am today. The promise made that day echoes in my decisions, shaping the legacy of the Da Luca family.
