Twisted Fixation

『 Chapter 27 』

The sun was already up when Yuri snapped her eyes open. She hastily got up and ran towards the door to go back to her bedroom to fix herself. Even though the mafia boss was kind enough to dress her, she doesn't want to walk around the villa in such revealing clothes.

She quickly slipped into a more modest outfit, ensuring she looked presentable. As she made her way towards the main area, she did notice that the maids seemed busy, as if they had a visitor.

"Oh, Signorina, you are already awake. Father Antinori arrived last night, and he is staying for a few days." It was one of Giancarlo's men who filled her in with that information when she was found confused as she looked around.

She nodded at that, but she couldn't help but feel curious as to why there was a priest inside a mafia boss's place.

"If you want to meet him, he is currently outside and looking around."

She bid her thanks and walked towards the door, looking for traces of Father Antinori around, when she found him in front of plants and flowers, carefully tending to each one with a serene expression on his face. His gentle touch and nurturing demeanor seemed out of place in this den of crime and chaos.

Intrigued, she approached him cautiously, unsure of what to expect, but she decided to introduce herself.

"Good morning, Father," she started, and she even lifted her open hand to ask for his. Father Antinori turned towards her, his eyes filled with warmth and kindness.

"Oh, my child," he said softly, even putting his hand on her waiting hand as she brought it to her forehead as a sign of respect.

What Yuri did not expect is that Father Antinori looks extremely young compared to what she had in mind, even though his hair is all white. If she could take a good guess, he couldn't be older, or perhaps he is just around the same age as Giancarlo.

"Did you have a safe trip, Father?" she inquired. Father Antinori smiled at that.

"I have known Giancarlo and the Costas for quite some time now, and this is not the first time that the boss has had me travel all the way from Sicily, but it's always good because I get to travel through his private plane, and he makes sure I am being taken care of."

She raised a brow at that as it took her by surprise how Giancarlo seems to be respected by a priest. Of course, he knows that he is a Roman Catholic but she never thought that he could be that involved in the church to the extent that a priest is even willing to go to him.

"I like how fresh the air is here, Signorina. Would you care for a walk?"

She nodded at the offer, and they started walking at a slow pace as Father Antinori took his time to look around at the different kinds of flowers that were currently in full bloom.

"I hope you do not mind me asking Father, but I am really curious as to why a holy person like you tends to the mafia? Are you being threatened hence you are doing this?" she asked with concern as she has started to think of ways to deal with Giancarlo about this.

Father Antinori laughed at that. "Oh, my dear Signorina, you have a vivid imagination. No, I am not being threatened or coerced into tending to the mafia. It is a choice I made willingly, driven by compassion and a belief in redemption."

Yuri couldn't help but admire how Father Antinori seemed positive about this, although she couldn't see Giancarlo changing his ways anytime soon or the mafia even disbanding. Perhaps this is even just one of his caprices.

"Do you think that someone like the mafia boss is capable of changing, Father?"

"Each soul has the potential for transformation if only given the opportunity and guidance; even those involved in the darkest of deeds deserve a chance at finding light and salvation. I admit that it's not an easy task, but one should not lose hope about guiding a rogue person to the right path." Father's words resonated deeply with Yuri.

She believed in the power of redemption and second chances, but it was a difficult concept to grasp.

"I apologize for not asking your name, but what can I call you?" Father Antinori asked worriedly, but she just smiled at that.

"My name is Yuriko Rivera, but you can call me Yuri."

"This is the first time that a mafia woman has talked to me. Are you his mistress?"

Yuri's eyes widened as she profusely shook her head. "Uhm, I am not officially one of his people, but let us say that we are doing a favor to each other because I need his help."

Father Antinori softened at that. "I see. It's important to have allies in times of need. I'm glad you found someone who can assist you."

Yuri smiled at that. "It's quite surprising how you seem unbothered by the mafia, Father. I mean, I am quite sure that the church is worried that you are associating yourself with people like them. Do you get criticized for this?"

"Of course, I do. Some brothers in faith do not understand why I am doing this at all and a lot of them are even saying that this is just about money because Giancarlo Costa is a sponsor of the church but for me, the work of a priest is beyond the church walls. The church is a hospital for people with souls in need of healing and guidance. I believe that it is a place where compassion should be prioritized over judgement."

Yuri sighed at that, remembering how the church near their area did not help her and her mom during the times they needed it. If she had just met someone like Father Antinori before, is it possible that she might have chosen a different path?

"It looks like breakfast is ready. Do you care to join me, Signorina?" Father Antinori asked when a maid approached them and announced that the meal was prepared.

"It would be an honor, Father. "

As they made their way to the dining area, the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air. The table was adorned with an array of delectable treats: golden croissants, fluffy pancakes, and a colorful assortment of fruits.

Father Antinori even pulled out a chair for her, and they settled down to enjoy their breakfast together, engaging in light conversation.

"I guess I just arrived in time because I am starving."

They both looked up where the voice came from and found Giancarlo walking towards them with a bouquet of roses in his hand.