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Chapter 13 - Meetings and Notes

Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.

-Unknown

3rd POV

The room buzzed with the muted hum of preparation as Anna, meticulously adjusting the collar of her tailored suit, gathered her thoughts for the impending discussion. Meanwhile, Madison lingered by the door, an air of eagerness hanging about her.

"Mind if I join you, Anna? I'd love to be part of the meeting." asked Madison in a playful tone

Anna glanced at Madison, a knowing smile playing on their lips, "you know the rules, Madison. Until you're officially sworn into the mafia, these meetings are off-limits."

Madison's eyes flickered with a hint of frustration as she nodded in reluctant understanding, "right, right. I just wish I could contribute more. It's frustrating."

Anna, recognizing Madison's desire to prove herself, offered a reassuring nod, "your time will come. Patience is a virtue in our world."

Just then, Estella, who had been quietly observing the exchange, sauntered into the room, her presence commanding attention.

Estella: "Good morning, Anna. Ready for the meeting? It starts in about an hour."

Anna nodded, exchanging pleasantries with Estella, but Madison couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as she watched Estella effortlessly slide into the conversation.

"Must be nice to be part of everything already.", muttered Madison under her breath

Anna overheard Madison's muttering, sensing the underlying tension. "Maddie, your initiation is just around the corner. Focus on preparing for that, and soon, you'll be in these meetings contributing alongside the rest of us." reassured Anna.

Madison forced a smile, attempting to conceal her envy as Anna patted her on the shoulder, then turned back to Estella to resume the discussion. The door closed, leaving Madison alone with her thoughts and an undeniable longing to be part of the inner circle.

As the others delved into the meeting, Madison couldn't shake the feeling of being left out. Her jealousy simmered as she imagined Estella effortlessly fitting into the dynamics of the mafia, contributing to discussions she could only dream of joining. In the quiet hallway, she braced herself for the initiation that would bridge the gap, vowing to prove her worth and erase the sense of exclusion that had begun to gnaw at her. She needed to talk to her brother.

- Meanwhile - 

In the dimly lit expanse of Xavier's room, an air of secrecy hung thick as Xavier and Will strategically arranged themselves in an intimate embrace. The soft glow of ambient lighting cast a sensual atmosphere, their faces inches apart, eyes locked in a conspiratorial understanding. The stage was set for a calculated charade to fuel a fabricated romance and set the gossip mill ablaze.

As Xavier and Will reveled in the warmth of their feigned affection, the door swung open, revealing the housekeeping staff. They froze, caught in the act of their staged cuddling, their expressions a blend of surprise and feigned embarrassment.

Housekeeper 1: (gasping) "Oh my, I... I didn't mean to interrupt!"

Xavier and Will, entwined in a mockingly compromising position, exchanged smirks as they slowly disentangled themselves.