Twisted Fixation

『 Chapter 42 』

"So, are we going out now?" he asked Giancarlo when she saw him buttoning up his shirt. She raised her brow, seeing that the mafia boss actually dressed up casually compared to his usual sharp suits.

Giancarlo chuckled as if he had read her mind: "Well, it's not every day I get to take a break from my responsibilities and enjoy some downtime. And I was told too that the place you want to go is scorching, so I thought it would be better to dress comfortably."

Yuri nodded at that and walked over to the mirror to fix her hair as she thought of the clothes she brought. Giancarlo is wearing a white polo shirt and khaki shorts, paired with white sneakers. He looked effortlessly stylish and ready for a day of relaxation. Meanwhile, she opted for a flowy sundress and sandals, wanting to embrace the warm weather of Manila.

"I saw you last time wearing a similar outfit, but this looks better on you. You look like a fairy who ascended from the pages of a storybook," Giancarlo remarked with a smile.

She blushed at the compliment, and she had to pretend that she was busy with her phone so he couldn't see her blushing.

"Well, you sure know how to flatter your woman, Mr. Mafia Boss. I guess that's one of the perks of being a powerful man like you, but don't let it get to your head; I won't be easily swayed by compliments alone."

Giancarlo walked towards her and kneeled in front of her. "I will take note of that, Signorina."

Yuri just made a sound with her throat and stood up from the bed, avoiding eye contact with Giancarlo.

"Let's not keep Favio and the others waiting," she said, walking towards the door.

***

Despite living in Manila for some years during her childhood, this would be the first time that Yuri was going to visit Intramuros. She had always heard stories about the historical significance and charm of the place, but she had never had the chance to explore it herself.

It's around 3:00 in the afternoon, and when they arrived, she noticed that there were many tourists walking around, snapping photos, and admiring the old Spanish architecture. The sound of horse-drawn carriages filled the air, as if she had stepped back in time.

"Wow, this should be good," Giancarlo said with a smile as he looked around, admiring the cobblestone streets and well-preserved buildings. To not gather any unnecessary attention, Favio and some of his men decided to scatter around the area to keep distance from them.

"The Philippines was colonized by Spain for over 300 years. That explains why the Spanish influence is so prominent in the architecture here," Yuri remarked, pointing at the intricately designed balconies and colorful tiles. Giancarlo nodded in agreement; his curiosity piqued by the rich history that surrounded them.

The first place they visited was Casa Manila, where they were greeted by a knowledgeable tour guide who shared fascinating stories about the Spanish colonial era, and they explored the rooms filled with antique furniture and elegant decor.

They were told that they could also rent a Filipiniana and a barong, which are traditional Filipino attire, to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Intrigued by the idea, they decided to try on the traditional clothing, eager to embrace the local culture and capture some memorable photos together.

"Ha, I am enjoying this!"  Giancarlo exclaimed as he curled an arm around her waist as they posed for the photo. Other times, she could've swatted him already, but seeing that the people around them seemed to enjoy looking at them, she couldn't help but play along and smile for the camera.

A spot called Cafe Intramuros was recommended to them if they wanted to go and grab something to eat, but they were still full from the food they had earlier at the hotel, so they decided to just enjoy the ambiance and take a leisurely stroll until they reached the Museo de Intramuros, where they both interestedly peered at the well-preserved relics and informative exhibits.

"Want to see something more interesting?" Yuri asked, and Giancarlo nodded curiously. They walked again until they reached Baluarte de San Diego.

"This was designed by a Jesuit priest and architect during the 1500s to defend Manila from British Invasions. From what I know, the British successfully invaded this with cannon fire, but the Spanish restored it when they returned. And then, almost one hundred years later, the structure was destroyed by an earthquake."

"Just how many countries invaded the Philippines?" Giancarlo asked as they walked the perimeter of the fort.

Yuri chuckled and replied, "Well, aside from the Spanish and British, the Philippines has also been colonized by the Americans and Japanese at different points in history. It's definitely been through a lot."

After staying for a few more minutes, they decided to move to Fort Santiago, where Yuri explained that it's the place where the Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution and also served as a prison during World War 2.

"I just realized that you could be compared to this country," Giancarlo said with a smile.

"Just like this place, you've also endured many challenges and hardships in your life, but you've remained strong and resilient," he continued.

Yuri shook her head at that. "I guess that my Filipino blood is in there, although being resilient is both a blessing and a curse sometimes."

Giancarlo clutched her hand and brought it to his lips. "But still, I believe that you will be able to stand whatever comes your way."

The tiredness finally caught up with them, so they went to a cafe called Papakape, where both of them ordered refreshments to recharge. As they sat in the cozy corner of the cafe, sipping their drinks, Yuri couldn't help but feel glad that Giancarlo genuinely enjoyed the tour. For someone of his caliber and stature, she didn't expect him to appreciate the simple pleasures of exploring a new city.

"This just reminds me that there is something I would like to ask you," Giancarlo suddenly said, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

"What do you think about me falling in love?" he asked.

Yuri almost spat her drink out in surprise, as she had not anticipated such a personal question from him.

"Didn't you tell me before that love is a complicated emotion? Why are you bringing this up now?" she questioned, as she couldn't help but wonder what had prompted Giancarlo to broach the subject, especially considering his previous stance on love.

"I just realized that I am getting old, and if I am to become the don in the near future, I should consider finding someone who would continue my bloodline," Giancarlo confessed, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

Yuri let a few moments pass before responding, her expression softening. "You do realize how dangerous your line of work is, correct? Well, if you are going to ask me for an honest opinion, I truly believe that you should take someone whom you could trust enough not to kill you while you sleep," she said with a small smile.

"Love is great, but that's something you do not really need. What you need is a partner who understands the risks of being with you and can provide support and stability in your life."

Giancarlo just nodded at that. "You're right. Finding someone who understands the dangers and can be there for me is crucial, and love is not necessarily needed for that."

"Well, if you have already found one while I am still here, then just let me know so I can step aside. I heard from the others that Sicilian women are beautiful," Yuri said teasingly, but the mafia boss only looked at her.