Destinied Hearts

Part 1

LEONARDO'S POV

Life isn't always like a smooth sailing boat in a calm sea for those born into wealth, sometimes it can cause tsunamis that might as well kill you and facing criticism from our own family can be noxious. I was once labelled as unintelligent, or the more apt word would be inadequate, struggling even to say my own name without stuttering. This persisted until my fifth birthday when my dad's friends pushed me into the pool in our backyard. The cruel reality was that I couldn't swim, a shameful revelation then to the whole family given my status as the son of the don of the Italian Mafia.

Alex Dario Albano, renowned as the most feared man in Italy, was pressured to step down from his position as Don of the Mafia due to concerns about his son's inadequacy to inherit such responsibilities of a Don and carry out business and run the family when it would be passed down. But people often forget a few things: for a man who could tame a lion, making his son confident and bringing him out of his fears would be the easiest thing.

Three years after my fifth birthday, I made a request to my dad as a birthday gift: to mould me into a son who would be strong and brave, just like him. That wasn't wasn't me, he was a 8 year old boy who didn't want to be bullied for who he is, he was a boy who was scared of everyone around him, he was a boy who would hide in the bathroom when he would be scared. But that was 17 years ago. Now things have changed for the better. The little boy who found safety in his fathers commanding presence that compelled respect and equal amounts of fear from all who encountered him is now 25 years old and people fear him not even knowing it's him.

For these past 17 years, my father stood by my side, transforming my fears into assets and my weaknesses into strengths. Throughout this time, only the ten most trusted confidants appointed by my father were part of my life, which was confined within the walls of the Albano mansion.

To make sure that people wouldn't talk about him stepping down, my dad adopted a boy who is 3 years older to me and ensured he was trained alongside me to be my consigliere, Luca Arosio. While the world thought that Luca would be their don, both of us grew up knowing the truth. He is the only one I would trust with my life with my eyes closed. I know it with my heart that even if he held a gun to my head he wouldn't think twice before shooting himself with the same gun for even having that thought.

Those ten trusted individuals and those seventeen years were instrumental not only in helping me conquer my fears but also in honing my skills in every conceivable aspect. Whether wielding a firearm, a blade, or sheer physical prowess, I was meticulously trained to be impervious to defeat.

Luca was trained in most of the skills I acquired, but also to listen to me and be my right-hand man. My dad's underboss, Rocco, saved Luca's life, and this was how he was meant to repay the family for giving him food, clothes, and shelter. But there is this unsaid rule I made in my head, 'Luca is my brother and even if the thought of hurting him crosses someone's mind, they will be buried in my backyard without anything above their shoulders.'

My education, too, was meticulously curated. Luca and I got homeschooled until high school, my father took it upon himself to impart comprehensive knowledge, particularly in the realm of technology and running the mafia family. Rocco, Dante, Duran and Elio were responsible for making sure both of us master the art of mobile device hacking to orchestrate the downfall of multinational corporations through intricate manipulation of records. They equipped me with the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Rocco is like a god father to me even if he is 10 years younger than dad he did everything he should to get that privilege from me.

To the world, I am simply Leonardo Dario Albano, a familiar face etched into the collective consciousness. Yet, what remains concealed behind this façade is the lurking presence of the Dark Shadow that haunts their dreams—a mysterious aspect of my identity known only to a select few.

Luca attended every business meeting and Mafia discussion to be the face of the future for the past 5 years, but he was playing the role of finding ins and outs of the underworld and understanding people who were no less than monsters. He joined our family for revenge, a drive that is not just in his heart or head but runs through his blood every second of every day.

As I mark my 25th year today, my father once again does the same celebration as the one held seventeen years ago. However, while the previous event unveiled a timid boy riddled with fear, today's gathering reveals a man who commands fear from all who behold him.

Gazing out from my office window onto the backyard garden below, I observe the meticulous preparations underway. High tables are arranged around the pool, each detail carefully attended to under my father's watchful eye. I can't help but shake my head at his insistence on micromanaging every aspect.

Turning away, my gaze shifts to the portrait of my mother adorning the wall. She departed this world shortly after bringing me into it. Despite being aware of the risks associated with her pregnancy, she made the ultimate sacrifice, choosing me over her own life. My father, ever protective, shielded me from ever feeling responsible for her passing.

I just love how she turned the beast, Alex, into the stuffed bear he is for me. "Thank you, Mom, for everything. I wouldn't be here without you, and I am not the man I am today without Dad. And I swear that Dad wouldn't have been dad without you. I love you, Mom."

At that moment, a gentle knock interrupts the stillness of my office. "Leo, everything's set," announces Nana Blair, the 75 year old woman who not only raised me or runs this house smoothly but she partly was responsible for also raising my dad and standing as a guiding presence for him. She shares anecdotes of my mother with me daily, preserving her memory in my heart and her presence in this house. Fun Fact: Even the now Don and future God Father of the family is scared of her.

I walk out of the room to see Luca stepping out of his room, giving me a chin raise. I nod at him as I walk down the stairs, I see Rocco briefing Dante and Rocky about today and Dino walking in carrying groceries. "Put them in the pantry Dino, I will have someone arrange them later and Don't you dare touch anything." Nana warns him which makes Rocky laugh and Dante chuckle. Luca followed behind. I stop and ask Luca to walk out into the garden. When everyone has a smile on their face, thinking that today my dad will announce that Luca will be taking over the business officially, they are in for a surprise.

I step into the backyard, and at the door watching everyone and as if they sensed my presence they turn around to look at me, standing with my hands in my pockets, and survey the scene. I notice the palpable tension in the air. This is precisely what I desired; the assembled guests seem frozen in awe at my mere presence. Congratulations, Dad. You've succeeded in shaping your son into a figure who instils fear with a mere glance.

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Hello people,

This is Aurora and thank you for coming here and reading this story.I hope you all like this story and I would love to know if you have any suggestions or inputs.

Alex Dario Albano - Father of Leonardo, now Don of Italian Mafia, future God Father of Family

Nana Blair - Nana for everybody in the house

Luca Arosio - Consigliere of Leo, Adopted son of Alex

Rocco - Underboss of Alex

Dante - Head Security 

Rocky - Head Soldiers

Dino - Driver

Please do tell me your first impressions on 

Leonardo