i-Spy | A Stalker Romance

Chapter 4: Confrontations and Confessions

Stella found herself standing before the grand double doors of the penthouse suite at Florence's most expensive plaza. The weight of the confrontation ahead bore down on her, a mix of dread and determination twisting in her gut. She took a deep breath and pushed the doors open.

Inside, her father, Michael Vasezzac, stood by the window, his silhouette framed by the setting sun. Her mother, Amora Vasezzac, sat elegantly on a plush sofa, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the tension in the room.

"Stella," her father greeted, his voice cool and authoritative. "It's time we talked."

Stella walked in, her resolve hardening with each step. "Yes, it is. I don't want the life of the Mafia, Father. I came to Florence to escape that world, to build something of my own."

Michael's eyes narrowed. "You don't have a choice, Stella. It's your destiny. You're the eldest daughter. It's your responsibility to uphold the family legacy."

"Destiny?" Stella scoffed. "Is that what you call it? A life of crime, violence, and constant fear? I want no part of it."

Michael's voice rose, his temper flaring. "If the others find out you're trying to abandon your position, they'll seize the opportunity to undermine our family. They won't just take your place—they'll destroy everything we've built. And if any of our enemies found you were here, unprotected-" his voice faltered. He ground his jaw as he spoke the next words. 

"I wouldn't wanna imagine what they would do to you, or how they will hold you against the family. Blackmailing us," he spat.

Stella clenched her fists, anger, and frustration boiling inside her. "So, I'm just a pawn in your game, then? What about what I want? What about my life?"

Before Michael could respond, Amora stood up, her presence commanding the room. "Enough," she said softly, but with a firmness that brooked no argument. 

"The contract is ready. Let's discuss this with clarity."

They moved to the dining table where a neatly typed contract awaited. Stella read through the terms, her father's stipulations were clear but reluctantly fair. She would be allowed to complete her studies at the University of Florence without interference, but her family would maintain a watchful eye from a distance. She would get her privacy and independence. But she couldn't leave the city without informing. The contract listed many terms, some of which Stella negotiated with her parents to strike, and add some of her own. 

Michael examined Stella's every move, every word with excruciating concentration. Trying to figure out her psyche and weak points to use against her in the negotiations. Something that he was used to doing with his clients, but never thought he would do with his daughter. 

He was silently impressed by Stella's skilled words, leaving no place for loopholes. And her ability to maintain the poker face that gave nothing of her weaknesses away. 

After an eternity of negotiations, they finally printed the contract.

With a deep breath, Stella signed it, feeling a mix of relief and unease wash over her. She had bought herself some time, but the shadow of her family's expectations loomed over her.

~~~

After the tense negotiation, Amora beckoned Stella to her private suite. Stella followed her mother, the opulence of the room doing little to soothe her frayed nerves.

Amora closed the door behind them and turned to face her daughter. 

"I knew you never wanted to be a part of the family business," She spoke with guarded anger.