Twisted Fixation

『 Chapter 24 』

After relaying their orders, the crew took the menu and even blew a kiss in Giancarlo's direction, who remained emotionless, looking at her.

The music switched to a familiar tune. Yuri cursed, believing she was being mocked by the gods.

"Hello Mr. Perfectly fine, how's your heart after breaking mine? Mr. Always at the right place at the right time, baby"

"If you want to talk about it, I am willing to listen," Giancarlo said, seeing the distress on her face as Taylor Swift's song continued to play in the background.

"Have you ever been in love, Giancarlo?" she asked the mafia boss, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of vulnerability.

Giancarlo's piercing gaze met hers; his expression was unreadable for a moment before a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Love? What a pretty word."

She narrowed her eyes on that. "On top of your good looks and power, you're thirty-four years old. It appears to be impossible if you have never had a girlfriend."

He seems amused by her question, but somehow it takes him by surprise. "Love is a complicated matter, Yuri, at least for me. In my line of business, attachments can be dangerous."

He leans back in his chair, his eyes filled with a mix of nostalgia and caution. "And I do not believe in such a thing. I've witnessed the consequences of love firsthand. It can cloud judgment, lead to vulnerability, and ultimately destruction."

Yuri studied Giancarlo's face carefully as she remembered the black-haired woman that Favio mentioned before. Does that person have anything to do with Giancarlo's stance on love?

"Emotions can be exploited, and love comes at a heavy price. It demands sacrifices. I am not willing to risk anything for a fleeting feeling."

Their order had just arrived. She was surprised that Giancarlo had ordered the same thing she had.

Her taste buds tingle with anticipation as she contemplates the explosion of flavors. The succulent patty, perfectly seasoned, was cooked to perfection. The caramelized onions, with their sweet and savory notes, added a delightful depth to each mouthful, while the melted Gruyère cheese provided a creamy richness that made every bite a heavenly experience for her.

She glanced at Giancarlo, who seems to be enjoying it too, although it's obvious that it's the kind of food he doesn't frequently eat given how he clumsily holds the burger with his hands.

Yuri couldn't help but smile. "Let me help you with that," she offered, and then she sliced his burger with the bread knife. She snipped a small piece with her fingers and positioned herself to feed it to him. Giancarlo was just looking at her, but it did not take long before he opened his mouth, ready to accept the food.

He savored the taste, relishing in the flavors that danced on his palate. He must admit that he did not expect much given the unattractive exterior of the burger joint, but the taste exceeded his expectations.

"I bumped into my ex-boyfriend last time. He is a police officer already and is working at the precinct where Miller Jones is the captain. It's not as if I still have feelings for him, but I did not expect that I am still this angry at him. I feel stupid that there is still a part of me that holds onto resentment even though it happened a long time ago."

Giancarlo's lips went into a thin line. "He took off and married someone else during the time you needed him the most, despite being together for a long time. Your anger is justified and warranted given the depth of betrayal you experienced."

"Just how could you hate someone whom you loved dearly before? It's a confusing paradox."

"I heard before that love and hate are two sides of the same coin."