What Is Life? Under Edit

Chapter 10: Decision To Be Made

What is Life?

Third Person

Cassie's mind raced with ideas, her determination to take down Alessandro and his empire growing stronger by the day. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was willing to do whatever it took to protect herself.

As a member of the mafia herself, Cassie knew the inner workings of the organisation. She understood the power struggles, the alliances, and the rivalries. And she knew that to take down Alessandro, she needed to exploit his weaknesses and turn his own people against him.

Cassie's mind was set on Cristian, the one she considered weakest link in the De Luca family. She knew that he was the easiest to manipulate. With a calculating smile, Cassie began to weave a web of deceit around Cristian, she knew using her beauty wouldn't work. She knew he had always felt like the black sheep of the family and she knew exactly how to get to him.

Edward dialled Alessandro's number, waiting for him to answer. When he did, Edward got straight to the point. "Alessandro, we need to discuss the Salvantae deal. I've got some concerns about the numbers."

Alessandro's voice was firm. "What's going on, Edward? I thought we had everything under control."

Edward sighed. "That's what I thought too, but something's not adding up. I'll send you the files, and we can discuss it further later."

Alessandro agreed, and then shifted the conversation. "Speaking of things not adding up, I've been trying to reach Heaven for the past two days, and she's not answering my calls. Have you spoken to her, Edward?"

Edward's expression turned thoughtful. "Actually, I have a tutoring session with her in a few minutes. I'll try to figure out what's going on."

Alessandro's voice was laced with concern. "I'd appreciate that, Edward."

Edward nodded, even though Alessandro couldn't see him. "I'll let you know what's going on with her, Alessandro. Don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of it."

Heaven walked into Edward's office, her eyes fixed on the floor. She looked distracted, her mind a million miles away. Edward, sitting behind his desk, noticed her expression and raised an eyebrow.

"Well, well, well. Look who's finally decided to show up," Edward said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And with such a radiant expression, too. What's wrong, Heaven? Did you lose your favourite lip gloss?"

Heaven rolled her eyes, her gaze still fixed on the floor. "Edward, please. I'm fine, I'm just...preoccupied."

Edward snorted. "Preoccupied? That's a nice way of putting it. You look like you've lost your puppy. What's going on, Heaven? You can't fool me with that 'I'm fine' nonsense."

Heaven sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It's just...I met Cassie at the café the other day."

Edward's expression turned skeptical. "Cassie, as in Alessandro's wife Cassie? The queen of drama and manipulation?"

Heaven nodded, her eyes darting up to meet Edward's. "I don't about manipulation, but Yeah Alessandro wife"

Edward's eyebrows shot up. "Oh boy, this should be good. What did she do this time?"

Heaven hesitated, her eyes dropping again. "She...she was crying, and I felt bad for her, so I went over to talk to her."

Edward's voice was laced with sarcasm. "Oh, I'm sure she was just devastated about something. Probably because her nails weren't done to her liking."

Heaven chuckled despite herself. "Edward, stop."

Edward leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "Seriously, Heaven, what did she say to you?"

Heaven took a deep breath. "She was talking about her husband...Alessandro...and how he's cheating on her again."

Edward's expression turned thoughtful. "Ah, I see. And how did that make you feel?"

Heaven's eyes flashed up, a hint of guilt in them. "It made me feel like a homewrecker, Edward. I feel guilty for being the reason for their marital problems."

Edward nodded sympathetically. "I'm so sorry you're going through this, Heaven. Cassie has a way of dragging people into her drama. But you can't let her get to you. She's a master manipulator, remember that."

Heaven's gaze lifted, her eyes locking onto Edward's. "It's not Cassie who dragged me into this, Edward. It's Alessandro. He's the one who pursued me, who wanted me to give him a second chance, after he lied to me"

Edward's voice was laced with empathy. "You're right, Heaven. I wish the circumstances were different. But life doesn't always give us a break, does it?"

Heaven's voice was barely above a whisper. "A part of me wants to hate him, Edward. Wants to hate him for what he did, for what he's putting me through. But...I can't. I can't hate him, no matter how hard I try."

Edward's expression turned thoughtful. "Alessandro really does care for you, Heaven. I think you should have a conversation with him and let him know what's going on. He deserves to know how you're feeling, and maybe together you can figure something out."

Heaven nodded slowly, her eyes dropping again. "I know, Edward."

Edward reached out, his hand squeezing her shoulder. "Hey, we'll get through this together, okay? And who knows, maybe we'll even find a way to make Alessandro suffer a little for putting you through this." He added with a dry, dark chuckle, trying to diffuse the tension.

After about 30 minutes into their session, Edward could tell that Heaven was still distracted. Her mind was elsewhere, and she was struggling to focus on the Anatomy diagrams in front of her. Edward thought back to the conversation he had with Alessandro a few days ago, where Alessandro had expressed his concern for Heaven's safety and suggested that she learn self-defence.

Edward nodded to himself, remembering the conversation. He closed the textbook in front of Heaven and leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers.

"Hey, let's take a break from Anatomy for a minute. How do you feel about self-defence, Heaven?"

Heaven shrugged. "I don't know...I've never really thought about it, I guess."

Edward leaned forward. "Well, I think it's something you should consider. It'll help you release some tension, and who knows, it might even come in handy someday."

Heaven raised an eyebrow. "You think so, huh?"

Edward nodded. "Yeah, I do. And I'm willing to teach you myself. How about we start with two days a week? Wednesday and Friday afternoon, right after your tutoring session?"

Heaven hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, sure. Why not?"

Edward smiled. "That's the spirit, Heaven. I'll meet you in the gym on Wednesday, and we'll get started."

Heaven smiled back, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. Maybe this was exactly what she needed - a way to take control and feel empowered.

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