𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝

16 | Them

VALENTINA

The faint murmur of voices pulled me from sleep, a soft chorus that grew louder as I became more aware of my surroundings. 

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across my room. I could tell from the sounds drifting up from downstairs that the house was already awake and full of energy. It was going to be one of those chaotic mornings, after spending a few weeks with them, I knew I'd have to be ready for anything.

I stretched, feeling the tension ease from my body before swinging my legs over the side of the bed. I rubbed my eyes from exhaustion from reading the long, very long diary entries from my mamma's diary.

I guess not sleeping was a good idea, but even if I did sleep early I would just stay awake with the anxiety, the insomnia and the fact that someone was stalking me.

The polished wooden floor was cool under my feet as I walked over to the window. Below, the driveway was filled with black cars, their engines running and ready to go.  My father, Zio Fansesco, Zio stefano, Nonno, and My three oldest brothers were preparing for another day of "work."

There was something lingering in the air, something that had my heart racing with anxiety as I stood by the window. The stalker. The threat. It was a dark cloud that hung over me, one that I couldn't shake, no matter how hard I tried. 

I still remember, Last night  was reading my mamma's diary. I can still feel the lingering gaze of someone was watching. Then around 2 am, a note fell through my window. 

Tick, tock, tick, tock. Little doll did you really think you could destroy us. your time is running out  

After reading this note, let's say I was fucking scared and furious at who the fuck was doing this. But that nickname, 'little doll' was something that I was called when I was getting tortured for three years.

I was the only one who knew about it, I guess. Two days ago, When Enzo clutching a beige paper in his hands his eyes full of rage and his teeth gritting; I knew whoever was doing this, wanted something from me. But now the messages and all this shit that's going on made me realize how much the situation escalated.

I knew that I would have to tell them about me being the donna of the american mafia, Otherwise, It would just be in a matter of minutes some fucked up moment would inform them.

With a sigh, I turned away from the window and headed to my closet. I chose a simple red and beige suit and a pair of high heels because I have to go to work. As I dressed, I mentally prepared myself for the day. 

Mornings like this were always a whirlwind, and it took all my energy to keep up with the pace.

Once I was ready, I paused in front of the mirror, taking a moment to collect my thoughts. 

My reflection stared back at me, calm and composed, but I could see the undercurrent of anxiety in my eyes. The knowledge that someone was out there, watching, waiting to strike, made my skin prickle with unease.

I had to be careful today. Every move I made, every word I spoke, had to be calculated. In this family, nothing went unnoticed, and I didn't want to slip up and reveal my secret.

When I reached the main floor, the voices were louder, a mix of deep tones and hurried conversations. The kitchen was the place where most of the chaos was, as it usually was on mornings like this. I stepped into the doorway and looked at  the scene before me.

Papa, stood near the island, his arms crossed as he listened to Enzo and Ren. Both of my brothers spoke in low, urgent tones, their expressions serious as they discussed About something and instantly knew it had something do with the note Enzo had found.