Hating The Mafia King

19: I Can Never Trust Her

~ RICHIE'S POV

As we made our way into the living room, the lights suddenly went out, leaving us in darkness, only to be replaced by a bright directional light that seemed to focus solely on Rachel and me. Flashlights pierced through the darkness, momentarily blinding us as we descended the stairs side by side. With my hand gently resting on Rachel's waist, my gaze is fixed solely on her, captivated by her presence.

I couldn't help but be struck by her exquisite beauty. She looked absolutely stunning in that moment, radiating a certain glow that seemed to illuminate the room.

The host greeted us with enthusiasm, exclaiming that we were the most gorgeous couple in town. Rachel's smile grew even wider, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. But amidst all the excitement, I couldn't shake this nagging feeling of uncertainty. It's like my emotions have been on a rollercoaster ride since the day we met, and I'm still trying to make sense of it all.

We reached the bottom of the stairs, and the crowd acknowledge us right away. Flashlights were flashing non-stop as people tried to capture the moment. I couldn't help but agree with the host - Rachel and I did look like the perfect couple. Though deep down, there is this nagging feeling of doubt that keeps creeping up whenever I look at her. I don't know why but I just can't shake the feeling of uncertainty. It's like there's a part of me that questions if this is even worth it or not but then when I recall Papa, everything fades away and all I can think of is making him proud.

I glance over at Rachel and see her smiling, and it hits me that even though my smile isn't forced, it's still there. How could it not be? I finally earned Rachel's trust, and that's a big deal for me. Papa would be thrilled if he knew about this.

To be honest, I'm not really into all these games and pretenses. But Papa enjoys them, and because of that, I feel like I have no choice but to go along with it. I'm doing this for him, to make him happy because Papa is my family and family means everything to me, so I'll do whatever it takes to make them happy.

Being stranded was a tough situation and like you guessed it, Rachel was right. Every single word she said was true. I am not injured, nothing happened to my arm and I am absolutely fine pretending not to. I am not stupid to save a girl and put myself in danger; I love my life more than anything in this world and for no reason will I put myself in harm.

Every single thing that happened between Rachel and me since the time I met her was all a setup made by Papa. He planned his whole thing out and guided me through it. He told me everything I needed to know and do to get her into the Maranzano mansion. The plan was to emotionally use her by saving her life and making her feel guilty about it. That was the only way Papa would have complete control over her; through her feelings!

Papa brought along so many procedures and that way, he talked to the workers to switch the real plank with a fake one and then he got me this bloody thing that pops out blood and most importantly, this amazing doctor who could easily do exactly as I say with just a pale of cash.

Every part of that incident was a total lie. My family never went to Miami, the whole conversation about the maids that Rachel overheard was completely made up, and even those medicines I had turned out to be just coded gummy bears.

Everything was going according to plan, but then Rachel had to start doubting me. It caught me off guard, to be honest. But luckily, I noticed her car passing by, and that was my cue to take action. I knew I had to do something about it. So, I rushed back home earlier than expected and hired these incredibly talented special effects makeup artists. They worked their magic and made my arm look injured. They did such an amazing job, just like they do in the movies. Even the fake blood they used looked so real. I had to pay them double the price for the last-minute job, but it was totally worth it.

Rachel totally bought it.

Papa would have been so mad if Rachel found out the truth. He would have hated me and perhaps wouldn't even want to do anything to do with me. That would have been devastating considering he is the only one I look up to. And has been the mastermind of everything.

Every single thing that happened since the day I met Rachel was all Papa's idea, starting from the first time I saw her at the club, I still don't understand how he predicted that she'd come to the club. Then the interview, and, then the proposal, and everything else. He did everything and I don't think anyone knows why he's doing it; I personally don't even have an idea. He never told me why and I never questioned him not because I didn't want to know but because he's Papa, I have never questioned him before and I'm not starting now.

I know things are going really strange and fast but I believe that it will all work out in the end. I believe that whatever Papa is planning is the best thing - he always does the best things.

Lost in my thoughts my gaze lands on Rachel, she is talking to some guests and she seems really happy. I sometimes wish the smile on her face last forever, it makes her look even more beautiful but I'm afraid it won't because she's never gonna expect what's coming for her.

I'm so sorry Rachel, but Papa's gotta do what he gotta do. I don't know what his intentions are but I trust it will all work out either for you or himself.