𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐞 || A Mafia Love Story

xxiii

A month had passed since Marlee last saw Viktor. The memory of their time at Mr. Clark's farm lingered in her mind, but it was the kiss they shared the night before that stirred the deepest confusion and longing. She couldn't help but wonder if that brief, electrifying moment was all Viktor wanted from her, or if he had simply lost interest. Roman had mentioned that Viktor was busy with work, but Marlee couldn't shake the nagging feeling that there might be more to the story.

As summer break approached, Marlee found herself spending more time at home. Her mother's boyfriend, Soren, was around a lot these days. Initially, Marlee had been wary of him, but as the days turned into weeks, she started to see a different side of him. Soren was attentive and kind, always going out of his way to make her mother happy. It was hard not to like him when he brought laughter and warmth into their home.

One evening, Marlee found herself looking forward to their weekly game night. It had become a tradition ever since Soren suggested it as a way for them to bond. The living room was cozy and inviting, with a mix of board games and snacks laid out on the coffee table. Marlee's mother, who usually seemed stressed and preoccupied, looked genuinely relaxed and happy.

"Ready to lose again, Marlee?" Soren teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Marlee rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. "We'll see about that. I've been practicing."

Her mother laughed, shaking her head. "You two are too competitive. It's just a game."

The evening kicked off with a round of Pictionary. Soren's artistic skills were hilariously lacking, making everyone burst into laughter as he attempted to draw a bicycle that looked more like a misshapen potato. Marlee's mother, however, guessed it right, causing Marlee to throw her hands up in disbelief.

"How did you even get that?" Marlee asked, laughing.

"I guess I just know how his mind works," her mother replied, giving Soren a playful nudge.

Next, they played a game of charades. Marlee was up first and did her best impression of a chicken, flapping her arms and clucking around the room. Soren guessed it almost immediately, and they high-fived as her mother groaned in mock despair.

"I don't stand a chance with you two teaming up," she said, shaking her head.

As they moved on to a trivia game, Soren's phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at it, and his expression shifted slightly.

"Excuse me for a moment," he said, standing up. "I need to take this call."

He stepped outside, leaving Marlee and her mother to continue the game. Marlee noticed the slight tension in her mother's shoulders and the way she watched the door as Soren left.

"Is everything okay?" Marlee asked softly.

Her mother sighed, giving her a reassuring smile. "It's fine. He just has some work stuff to handle sometimes. Nothing to worry about."

They continued playing, but Marlee couldn't help but feel a bit of curiosity about the call. Soren had always been so present and engaged during their game nights. What could be so important that it pulled him away?

When Soren returned, his demeanor was as cheerful as ever. "Sorry about that," he said, taking his seat. "Now, where were we? Ah, right, Marlee was about to lose another round."

Marlee smirked, grabbing the trivia card. "Don't get too cocky, Soren. I've got this."

The night went on with more laughter, teasing, and moments of genuine connection. By the time they wrapped up the games and started cleaning up, Marlee felt a warm sense of contentment. Despite the odd interruption, Soren's presence had brought a new kind of joy to their lives.

As they packed away the game pieces, her mother nudged her gently. "So, what do you think of Soren now?"

Marlee hesitated, glancing over at him. He was busy putting the games back in the closet, humming a tune softly under his breath. "He's... okay," she admitted. "I mean, he makes you happy, and that's what matters, right?"

Her mother smiled, a look of relief washing over her face. "That's all I ever wanted, Marlee. For us to be happy."

As Marlee headed to bed that night, she couldn't help but think about how much had changed in such a short time. Soren was slowly becoming a part of their family, and it didn't seem as strange as it once had. Yet, amidst the growing bond with Soren, thoughts of Viktor still lingered in the back of her mind.

What if Viktor had moved on? What if his brief time with her, and that unforgettable kiss, was all he needed? The uncertainty gnawed at her, but for now, she decided to focus on the present. Summer break was just around the corner, and maybe, just maybe, it would bring some clarity and new beginnings.

Thank you for reading!<3
Going to be double update for lame chapters 🤞