Falling in love with the mafia

11

Daniel's POV:
I was working on a few files when I heard a knock at the door.

"Come in," Daniel said.

Lucas entered and reported, "Sir, we did a background check on Bella Hart."

"Hmm... go ahead," Daniel replied.

Lucas opened the file and took a deep breath, "Bella's had a tough life. Her mother died when she was just 15. After that, things went downhill fast. Her father became a drug addict and blamed her for her mother's death. The abuse was pretty severe, and as a result, she suffers from panic attacks."

Daniel frowned, concern etching lines on his face. "Why would he blame Bella for her mother's death?"

"According to the report, on a dark night Bella's mother died in a house fire," Lucas explained, his voice somber. "Her mother went back into the house to get Bella, who was stuck upstairs. They both got out, but her mother succumbed to smoke inhalation shortly after. Her father never forgave Bella, irrationally blaming her for her mother's decision to go back into the burning house."
"Being trapped in that fire and then losing her mother must have been traumatic enough. Add to that her father's abuse and neglect... It's no surprise she has panic attacks and a fear of the dark."

Daniel leaned back in his chair, processing the information. "What did she do after all that? How did she cope?"

"She started working at a coffee shop," Lucas said. "Her father didn't contribute anything, so she had to support herself. It seems like she's been trying to build a life for herself despite everything." Lucas finished. Daniel sat in silence for a moment, processing the troubling information he had just learned. He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration and sadness. He couldn't believe Bella went through such pain.
"And sir..." Lucas said, Daniel looked up and Lucas continued, "we found out who was behind the firing on your wedding." Daniel's expression darkened as Lucas dropped the bombshell. "Who dares to disrupt the most important day of my life?" he growled, his voice like gravel.

Lucas straightened, meeting Daniel's intense gaze. "It's Marco Moretti, boss," he revealed, his tone grave. "He's been trying to muscle in on our territory for months."

Daniel's fists clenched at his sides, his mind already calculating the repercussions. "Moretti," he muttered, the name dripping with disdain. "He's playing a dangerous game."

A dangerous glint entered Daniel's eyes as he leaned in closer to Lucas." send a clear message to Moretti: no one messes with the parkers and gets away with it." With a nod, he strode purposefully out of the room, leaving Lucas to carry out his orders with ruthless efficiency.

Bella's POV: 

Bella made her way to the grand dining room of the mansion, where the table was already set with an array of breakfast dishes. Maids bustled about, ensuring everything was in order for their mistress.

Taking her seat at the head of the table, Bella was greeted by the sight of fresh fruit, pastries, and a steaming pot of coffee. One of the maids approached her with a smile, offering her a plate piled high with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and buttered toast.

"Good morning, Mrs. Parker," the maid said politely, placing the plate in front of Bella. "Would you like anything else?"

Bella shook her head, offering the maid a grateful smile. "No, thank you. This is perfect."

As the maid retreated to the kitchen, Bella dug into her breakfast. 

Hours passed, and Bella found herself alone in the vast expanse of the mansion. With nothing to occupy her time, boredom settled in like a heavy weight on her shoulders. Daniel hadn't even provided her with a phone, and the strict rule against leaving the mansion left her feeling frustrated and trapped.