𝐒𝐓𝐘𝐗

38

ATLANTA AXEL

"Holy world."I say, reaching for the seat belt and adjusting the chair before Styx shuts the door for the car gently. I touch the black leather chair looking at the car controls and squealing in excitement.

"Styx, I can't drive, I don't have my license.''I say but the last part comes out as a whisper, styx shuts the passenger's door and his gaze meets mine. "I've got you, tesoro." He lets out his Italian accent.

Styx moves his hand to my thigh and squeezes reassuringly. I thank him for the hundredth time and he tells me I don't have to but I can't help the feeling. I love him and he loves me.

After checking everything and Styx showing me some of the car controls and explaining to me how the settings work. I let the car accelerate slowly when my leg is still on the break squealing in excitement when I ease out of the spot and head towards the gate.

The car is smooth to drive and very comfortable. "Tesoro, are you okay driving on the highway?" Styx asks his hand drawing small circles on my thighs. "Yes."I let out sure because with him I know I'm safe.

The sun has set and the night breeze brushes past my cheeks and onto my hair. Styx reaches for the radio and soon after 'West Coast.' by Lana del ray starts playing.

...

It's been a few days since my graduation. Mama is obsessed with my car and says that Styx is a keeper. Antonio and Aage borrowed my car to go around the street. Papa says we should exchange but I just chuckle cause I know he is playing around.

I throw on back sweat pants and a white crop top and put on Stige's hoodie and head downstairs, my heart thudding in my chest at what I'm about to do, I told Ma and Pa I would like to have a serious conversation with just the two of them after breakfast.

"Guten morgen.''Papa says when I enter the dining room, I kiss his cheek replying with a short good morning. I hug Mama when I enter the kitchen and kiss her cheek. "So what is it you wanted to talk about?"She asks carrying two mugs of coffee to the dining room.

I pour myself a mug of coffee and add some milk and a cube of sugar, I stir the coffee and make my way to the dining room. I place my coffee on the table and rush to the living room to get out the papers that I stored there a few days ago.

"Open."I say giving the folder to Mama and she takes it, her hands shaking slightly, she thinks it's a college acceptance letter. A look of confusement flashes through Papa's eyes the very same coloured eyes we share.

Mama passes the folder to Papa and he opens it as I take a sip of my coffee. A look of defeat takes over Papa's features as he goes through the paper and Passes it to Mama. Papa looks down at his coffee mug unable to meet my eyes.

"Atley." Papa starts and simultaneously a tear falls from Mama's eyes and I feel terrible but the truth is I'm not mad at them I just want an explanation.

"We are not going to lie and say we were going to tell you about your real name or ask where you got a hold of this information."Papa starts his face paling and my heart swells at his honesty.

Mama grabs my hand softly and I rub her hand reassuringly letting her know I'm not upset at her or Papa. "There's no going back after this Atley." Mama whispers and I nod my head in anticipation because I need to know.

Papa says we should talk in his office so we make our way there as Mama holds my hand reassuringly. I give a cheeky smile a tear falling from my eye but I quickly wipe it away.

"When you were born Joseph worked for the mob well he still does." Papa starts his gaze pinned on his desk almost as if it pains him to say what he is about to say.

My hands tremble slightly and I shake my head no. What does this have to do with him? I look at Papa and the dots start to slowly connect and I open my mouth but shut it just to open it again.

"You work with him don't you?"I ask gesturing to his office, I look at Mama and she holds my gaze anticipating my next move. I take his silence as an answer, that's why he always stayed in his office and still managed to provide for us.

"Joseph made a deal and you were to be married to one of the men so an alliance could be formed." I look at Papa waiting for him to go on and feel so betrayed by Joseph but I still need to know what went on.

"He knew he had Aria but he used me, my family."Papa says, his voice cracking. "We did what was best, changed your name, and moved to the States." Papa whispers and it sounds pained.

"Joseph apologized to your father, and said everything was off the table with the deal." Mama starts and gives Papa a reassuring gaze to continue.

"I was offered a job by Joseph and since you had gotten accustomed to Atlas we let it be." Papa says and I attempt a smile but it comes out as a sob. Papa approaches Mama and me and we all hug.

"Antonio?" I ask and Mama is quick to answer me after we break from the hug. "Should we tell him?"Mama asks me and I smile but it's not fully genuine. "Let's do it." I say and Papa pulls me into another hug.

"No Atlas."I say and it comes out more like a question than an answer. Mama chuckles softly and repeats "No more Atlas, Atlanta."

"I'm so sorry Attley for all the trauma you had to endure growing up." She whispers, her voice breaking. "It's all in the past."I tell her and Papa, wiping the tears strolling down my face with the back of my palm.

"You hack?"I ask and the room erupts in small laughter. I know Papa didn't tell me everything but he told me what is important and that's all that matters for now. 

𝕋ℍ𝔸ℕ𝕂 𝕐𝕆𝕌 𝔽𝕆ℝ ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻𝕀ℕ𝔾 𝕊𝕋𝕐𝕏

𖣘 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒗𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔<3

NEXT UPDATE: Not sure school issues guys.

Anyways next chapter will be out soon (by the end of jan) if not this week.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 38th 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏.

𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂; 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒆

Tiktok: booksbyelis