MAFIA CONTRACT MARRIAGE

Chapter 17

Eleonora Gates

I dialed the phone number, my heart feeling a mix of emotions. It had been a while since I last spoke to my parents, and I was worried about them. Lorenzo had been keeping me isolated, and I had no idea how they were doing.

The phone rang a few times before my mother answered. "Hello?"

"Mom, it's me, Eleonora. How are you and Dad doing?" I asked, trying to sound cheerful.

"Eleonora! Oh, sweetie, we're doing okay. We've been worried about you, though. How are you doing?" my mother replied, her voice filled with concern.

"I'm...I'm managing, Mom. Just trying to stay safe," I said, choosing my words carefully.

"Safe? What do you mean? Is everything okay?" my father asked, his voice firm and protective.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Everything's fine, Dad. Just...just be careful, okay? Renzo has eyes and ears everywhere."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before my mother spoke up. "We will, sweetie. We love you. Be strong."

"Eleonora, sweetie, we love you so much. We want you to know that you're safe, and Lorenzo won't hurt you," my mother said, her voice soothing and calm.

"I know, Mom. I just feel so trapped and alone. I don't know how much longer I can do this," I admitted, tears welling up in my eyes.

"Hey, kiddo, we're here for you. We're always here for you. And we're working on getting you out of this arranged marriage , okay?" my father added, his voice firm and reassuring.

"I know, Dad. I just feel so helpless. Lorenzo has all the power, and I have none," I said, feeling a sense of despair wash over me.

"Eleonora, listen to me. You are strong and capable, and you will get through this. And we will be right here beside you, every step of the way," my mother said, her voice filled with conviction.

*****************************

I was pacing back and forth in the living room, feeling restless and trapped, when I heard the doorbell ring. My heart skipped a beat as I wondered who it could be. Lorenzo wasn't expecting any visitors, and I hadn't spoken to anyone else in weeks.

The door opened, and I heard Lorenzo's voice, cold and detached. "Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Gates. What a surprise. Come on in."

My parents! Oh my god, my parents were here! I rushed to the entrance hall, my heart racing with excitement and fear.

"Mom! Dad!" I exclaimed, tears streaming down my face as I threw myself into their arms.

"Lorenzo, can we have a word?" my father, Mr. Gates, asked, his voice firm but calm.

Lorenzo nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "Of course, Mr. Gates. Let's talk in the study."

As they walked away, my mother, turned to me with a warm smile. "Hey, sweetie, come on, let's catch up. How are you doing?"

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I'm...I'm okay, Mom. Just really glad you're here."

My mother and I chatted for a while, catching up on old times and sharing stories. She told me about my my friends, and everything that had been happening back home. I listened intently, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me.

As we talked, I started to feel more at ease. My mother's presence was comforting, and her warm smile made me feel like everything was going to be okay. I started to relax, letting my guard down for the first time in weeks.

Lorenzo and my father eventually emerged from the study, their faces still stern but their voices calm. "We've had a good talk, Eleonora," my father said. "And we're glad to see you're doing well."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards my parents. "Thanks, Mom and Dad. It means a lot to me that you're here."

My mother hugged me tight. "We'll always be here for you, sweetie. No matter what."

As we sat down to dinner together, I felt a sense of normalcy wash over me. For the first time in weeks, I felt like I was part of a family again, like I belonged. And even though I knew my situation hadn't changed, I felt a sense of hope that I hadn't felt in a long time.

After dinner, my mother turned to me with a smile. "Hey, Eleonora, how about we get out of here for a bit? Just the two of us?"

I nodded eagerly, grateful for the chance to escape the penthouse and Lorenzo's watchful eye. "Yes, please! That sounds amazing."

We slipped out of the penthouse and into the cool evening air, walking arm in arm through the bustling streets. My mother chatted about everything and nothing, filling me in on all the latest news and gossip from back home. I listened intently, feeling like a normal person again.

As we strolled through the shops, my mother encouraged me to try on dresses and pick out a few new outfits. I hesitated at first, feeling guilty for indulging in such frivolous things, but she reassured me. "Eleonora, you deserve to feel beautiful and happy. Don't let anyone take that away from you."

I smiled, feeling a sense of freedom wash over me. For the first time in weeks, I felt like myself again – like the Eleonora who loved shopping and trying on new clothes, who laughed and joked with her mother.

As we left the last store, my mother turned to me with a sly grin. "You know, I have one more surprise up my sleeve..."

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "What is it?"

She smiled mischievously. "You'll just have to wait and see..."

My mother led me to a small, intimate cafe tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. The sign above the door read "Moonbeam's" in elegant script.

"Mom, what's this place?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"Just a little spot I discovered on my last visit," she said, her eyes sparkling. "I think you'll like it."

Inside, the cafe was cozy and warm, with soft music and the scent of freshly baked pastries filling the air. My mother guided me to a small table by the window, where a familiar figure was already seated.

"Franco!" I exclaimed, surprised and delighted to see my old friend from back home.

Franco stood up, grinning, and enveloped me in a warm hug. "Eleonora, it's so great to see you! Your mom told me you were...ah...indisposed, so I had to come see you for myself."

I laughed, feeling a sense of joy and connection wash over me. "Indisposed" was one way to put it, I supposed!

As we chatted and caught up, I realized that my mother had orchestrated this little reunion to lift my spirits and remind me of my life before Lorenzo. It was just the thing I needed – a reminder that there was still a world beyond the penthouse walls, and that I had people who cared about me deeply.

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