His fragile obsession

Chapter 1

Giovanni’s World

Giovanni Caruso leaned back in his leather chair, eyes narrowing as he surveyed the bustling activity outside his office window. From the top floor of the Caruso estate, he could see the heart of his empire—men moving in calculated synchronization, black cars rolling in and out of the gates, and the ever-present hum of business being conducted. This was his world—a world of power, control, and unyielding authority.

Giovanni was born into this life. As the eldest son of Antonio Caruso, the head of one of the most powerful mafia families in Italy, his destiny was sealed before he could even walk. Groomed to take over the family business, Giovanni was a man of few words, a silent enforcer who ruled with an iron fist. He was respected, feared, and admired—all qualities that had kept the Caruso name at the top of the criminal underworld.

But there was something else, a restlessness that had been gnawing at him for weeks. Something that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Business was booming; their rivals were crushed underfoot, and the family's influence spread across Europe like wildfire. And yet, despite it all, Giovanni felt a void. He had everything he could ever want—except peace.

A soft knock on the door pulled Giovanni from his thoughts. It was Marco, his younger brother, and right-hand man. "Gio, we need to talk about the deal with the Russians. They’re pushing for more territory in the East."

Giovanni nodded, motioning for Marco to enter. "Let them push. We have the upper hand; they’ll have to play by our rules."

Marco smirked, clearly pleased. "Of course. I’ll set up a meeting for tomorrow. But there’s something else. Valentina’s back."

At the mention of their sister, Giovanni’s expression softened slightly. Valentina was the light in their dark world, the only one spared from the harsh realities of their family’s business. Antonio had ensured that she lived a life far removed from the violence and corruption that defined the Caruso empire.

"Good. I want to see her," Giovanni replied. "Send her up when she’s ready."

Marco hesitated, his usual confident demeanor faltering. "There’s something else, Gio. I saw her today…at the market. She was talking to someone. A girl. I didn’t recognize her, but something about her…"

Giovanni’s interest was piqued. "A girl? Who?"

"I don’t know. She looked…different. Fragile, even. Not the type Val usually hangs around with. I had her followed, just in case."

Giovanni frowned. Valentina was precious to him, and anyone who got close to her was immediately under scrutiny. "Find out who she is," he ordered. "I don’t want any surprises."

Marco nodded and left the room, leaving Giovanni alone with his thoughts once more. A fragile girl. His mind drifted back to the void he’d been feeling—the emptiness that had been growing despite his success.

He shook his head, dismissing the thoughts. There was no place for weakness in his life, no place for anything that could distract him from his responsibilities. Giovanni Caruso was a man of strength, a man who controlled his world with ruthless precision.

And yet, as he turned back to the window, the restlessness gnawed at him again.