Everyone has heard of the Godfathers the definitive representation of what it is to be an Italian Mafioso, from the dusty mountainside of Sicily to the posh New York avenues.
Some choose to leave the fatherland for greener pastures; some turn the du...
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I sighed as I packed the last piece of clothing into my suitcase. Zipping the bag shut, I placed it beside my other two bags and took a moment to look around my room. The familiar surroundings, now feeling foreign, filled me with an unexpected sadness.
This wasn't the first time I was leaving for London after a long vacation, but something about this departure felt different, heavier. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but the thought of leaving this time left a knot in my stomach.
I heard footsteps approaching, but I didn't turn around. I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. The door to my room swung open with a loud thud, and Emilia stomped inside, her face flushed with anger. Despite her obvious irritation, a smile crept onto my face as I saw my best friend standing there.
I rushed toward her to engulf her in a hug, but she stopped me with her hands.
"Don't," she said angrily. I was confused by her behavior.
"Don't act innocent, Aurora. Don't act like you don't know anything or what you have done," she gritted her teeth in anger. It seemed like she had found out about my breakup with Giovanni.
"I never expected this from you," she muttered. I sighed.
"You really broke up with Giovanni. Broke an innocent heart, and what rubbish reason did you give him?" she yelled.
"Emilia, try to understand," I pleaded.
"What should I try to understand? That you broke an innocent soul? What was his mistake? That he loved you unconditionally? Was that his mistake?" she said.
"Emilia, we are very young to think about all this. Love is not for us, and it's better we break up now before love breaks us," I said calmly.
"How can you be so calm after breaking his heart? Don't lie to me. I know that you love him and Giovanni loves you too. The way he looks at you like you're his world and can do anything for you. I know you, Aurora; you wouldn't break anyone's heart. Then why are you doing all this?" she asked.
"I think you don't know me that well, Emilia. And I already gave you my reason," I said. She chuckled at my words.
"You are right. Actually, I don't know you at all. I thought I did, but I don't," she said with tears in her eyes.
"I had lost hope in true love long ago, but when I saw you and Giovanni, I realized that true love exists. But you proved me wrong again..."
"Emilia..." I tried to intervene, but she stopped me.
"Let me finish, Aurora. People like Giovanni end up falling in love with selfish girls like you. They don't deserve this."
She sniffed and looked at me with remorse. It hurt to see Emilia looking at me like that.
"Today, you not only lost a man who loved you so much he could turn the world upside down for you, but you also lost a best friend. We are done," she said, turning around and leaving.
"Emilia!" I yelled her name, but she didn't stop. I fell onto the bed with tears rolling down my eyes. Emilia really left me. She forgot our years of friendship. I quickly wiped my tears. What's done is done. Now I can't change anything.
After a few minutes, Adriano walked into my room and said, "We're leaving in 10 minutes." I nodded and stood up to get ready.
I walked into my walk-in closet and absentmindedly chose a white shirt dress with a belt. I tied my hair in a messy bun, wore a black digital watch, and picked up my backpack.
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The bodyguards had already loaded my luggage into the car, so I didn't need to worry about it. I gave a last glance at my room and walked downstairs.
We reached the airport in record time. I looked at the busy airport, sighed, and stepped out of the car. My brother walked ahead, and I trailed behind him. We made our way to the private area where our private jet was waiting.
I glanced at my brother, who wore a blank expression. I couldn't see his eyes since he was wearing shades. He hadn't uttered a word since I informed him of my decision to leave for London. I didn't know whether he knew about my breakup or not, but from experience, I assumed he did. He had become quite cold toward me. It seemed like I had not only lost a best friend but also a brother because of one decision.
"Have a safe flight and take care," was the last thing I heard from his mouth before I boarded the plane.
As I step onto the luxurious private jet, a sense of awe washes over me, enveloping me in an atmosphere of opulence and extravagance. The interior is a symphony of sleek lines and elegant furnishings, a testament to wealth and sophistication.
The cabin is bathed in soft, golden light, casting a warm glow over every surface. Plush leather seats beckon invitingly, their rich caramel hue inviting me to sink into their embrace and relax in comfort.
As I sink into the plush sofa, the hum of the engines humming in the background, I can't help but feel a pang of nostalgia as I gaze out of the window at the city skyline. This place has been my home for as long as I can remember, yet now I find myself leaving it behind.
As the announcement of takeoff fills the cabin, I fasten my seatbelt with practiced ease, the familiar click signaling the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I watch as the cityscape recedes into the distance, a patchwork of memories and emotions fading into the horizon.
But as soon as the seatbelt sign switches off, I find myself releasing the buckle with a sense of restlessness, the weight of my decision bearing down on me like a heavy burden. I lean back against the seat, closing my eyes in an attempt to ward off the headache that threatens to engulf me.
I massage my temples with gentle fingers, willing the tension to dissipate as I try to calm the storm of thoughts raging within me.
As the stewardess approaches, her polite inquiry cutting through the silence of the cabin, I find myself craving a momentary distraction from the tumult of my thoughts. "A glass of champagne," I reply, the words slipping from my lips with a sense of urgency I can't quite explain.
She nods in understanding, her expression a picture of professionalism as she swiftly disappears to fulfill my request. Minutes later, she returns with a delicate flute of champagne, the effervescent liquid sparkling in the soft glow of the cabin lights.
I take a sip, allowing the sweet taste to wash over my tongue, momentarily distracting me from the chaos that rages within. The bubbles tickle my senses, their lightness a welcome respite from the weight of my worries.
As I gaze out at the endless expanse of clouds stretching out before me, I find myself losing track of time, lost in the serenity of the moment. For now, at least, the chaos in my mind is held at bay, replaced by a fleeting sense of peace and contentment.
As I sigh, a heavy sense of loneliness washes over me, enveloping me in its suffocating embrace. I can't shake the feeling of emptiness that gnaws at the edges of my soul, leaving me adrift in a sea of uncertainty.
I don't know why I am sad or upset. It's a new beginning for both of us.
