It has been 18 years since the tragic hospital incident and the passing of Carmella Lorenzi.
---
"Father, we need to start standing up to the Cassanders and the D'Cruz family. They're doing everything in their power to tarnish our family's name. We can't just sit back and let them have their way," Leonardo declared to Javier in his office.
"They want us to retaliate so they can claim the Lorenzis are the troublemakers. We must remain calm and strategic in our approach. We cannot stoop to their level and engage in petty conflicts. Our family name is strong, and we must uphold its honor with dignity and grace," replied Javier, the patriarch of the Lorenzi family.
Meanwhile, back at the Cassander family mansion...
"Valentina! Rafael! You're both going to be late for school," Issabella called out, her voice tinged with annoyance.
"Yes, Mum, I'm on my way," Valentina replied, grabbing her school bag and heading toward the door.
"Rafael, honey, the driver is waiting for you out front," Issabella said, gently cupping Rafael's face.
"Mom, stop it...and I'm not a baby anymore, so please stop calling me that," Rafael protested, picking up his school bag and heading out.
Despite being a Cassander, Valentina's mother, Issabella, insisted she take the public bus to school, unlike her brother. Issabella's disdain for Valentina stemmed from the fact that she didn't resemble the Cassanders. However, Valentina didn't mind. Her brother Luca would secretly drive her to school, understanding the risks involved if she took public transportation.
As Valentina slipped into the car, Luca greeted her with a warm smile. "Morning, my sweet little butterfly. Ready for another day at school?"
"Mhmm," Valentina nodded, a small smile on her face. "Thanks for the ride, Luca. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You know I've always got your back, Val," Luca assured her as they drove toward Oakwood Academy, a prestigious school attended by children from wealthy and influential families. Valentina and Luca exchanged a quick goodbye as she headed to her classes.
Walking through the hallway, Valentina felt the eyes of her peers on her, some filled with admiration, others with jealousy. Being a Cassander meant constantly being in the spotlight, but she held her head high and walked with confidence.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the princess herself," a voice sneered from behind. Valentina turned to see Angelina Lorenzi, a notorious troublemaker and rival of the Cassander family.
"What do you want, Angelina?" Valentina asked, her voice steady despite the tension.
"Oh, look, the little brat is learning to speak up for herself," Angelina taunted, twisting a strand of Valentina's hair around her finger.
"Angelina, I don't have time for your nonsense right now," Valentina said, maintaining her composure.
"You and your family are nothing but troublemakers, destroying our reputation wherever you go. You think you're so high and mighty just because you have money and power. Well, so does my family, but we're more than what you Cassanders think of us," Angelina spat, her eyes filled with anger.
Valentina took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "I don't know what your problem is, Angelina, but I'm not here to argue. I have better things to do than waste my time with you."
Angelina's face flushed with rage. "You think you can just walk away? Your family has caused enough trouble for us, humiliating us at every turn. You Cassanders think you're better than us."
Valentina thought to herself, If only you knew the neglect and abuse I endure from my mother, the emotional and physical pain I face every day. Maybe you'd treat me differently.
"Oh, so now you're playing dumb? Let's see if this will make you talk," Angelina said, raising her hand to slap Valentina.
Before Angelina could strike, a hand stopped her mid-air. Angelina turned to see Rafael standing there, his expression cold and determined.
"Don't you dare lay a finger on my sister," Rafael said, staring Angelina down.
Angelina's eyes widened in surprise. She quickly withdrew her hand, realizing she had crossed a line.
"Rafael, what are you doing here?" Valentina asked, a mix of relief and concern in her voice.
"I heard you were having trouble with Angelina. I couldn't just stand by and let her hurt you," Rafael replied firmly.
"This is none of your business, Rafael. Stay out of it," Angelina snapped, trying to regain her composure.
"It is my business when it involves my sister. If you ever try to harm her again, you'll have to deal with me," Rafael warned, leaving no room for argument.
Angelina, realizing she was outnumbered, backed away, shooting a final glare at Valentina before storming off.
Rafael turned to Valentina, his expression softening. "Are you okay, Val? Did she hurt you?"
Valentina shook her head. "I'm fine, thanks to you. I don't know what I'd do without you, Rafael."
Rafael smiled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "You don't have to worry as long as I'm around. Let's get you to class."
As they walked together, the students' eyes followed them, but they carried on as if nothing had happened.
In class, Valentina tried to focus, but she could feel Angelina's presence behind her like a looming shadow. The whispers and stares from other students only added to the pressure.
After the lunch bell rang, Valentina quickly gathered her things, eager to leave the classroom. As she walked down the hallway, she overheard Angelina and her friends plotting something.
"I have a plan, but we're going to need my brother's help," Angelina said, a sinister smirk on her face.
Angelina and her friends approached her twin brother, Zuko, who was with Adrian D'Cruz, the son of a feared Mafia leader.
"Zuko, I need your help to teach that Cassander girl a lesson," Angelina said, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Zuko hesitated. "Angelina, I want to teach them a lesson too, but I don't want to make things worse for Dad."
"But Rafael hurt me," Angelina insisted, showing a bruise on her hand. "We have to get back at him by hurting his sister."
"Come on, let's teach those scumbags a lesson," Adrian urged, throwing an arm around Zuko.
"Alright, fine. What do you have in mind?" Zuko asked, leaning in to hear Angelina's plan.
As they conspired, Valentina remained unaware of the plot against her. She focused on her studies, trying to push aside the tension from earlier.
Later, Rafael approached Valentina, his expression serious. "Hey Valentina, I need to head home early. Something came up, but I'll make sure Luca picks you up after school."
"Alright, just be careful, Rafael," Valentina said.
"Of course. I'll see you later," Rafael replied with a smile, kissing her forehead before walking away.
******
YOU ARE READING
The two switched mafia princesses.
Humor*This book is undergoing editing right now.シ Valentina Cassander and Angelina Lorenzi were born into two powerful mafia families that had been rivals for generations. The Cassanders Don (Enrico) and the Lorenzis Don (Javier) always went head to head...
