In my room, all dressed for the day in my dark gray pantsuit, I take a deep breath, ready to face whatever comes next. The weight of yesterday's revelations still hangs heavy in the air, but I can't afford to dwell on it now. I need to look in the future and not the past.
I smooth out the wrinkles in my jacket and check my reflection in the mirror.
Composed.
Determined.
It's what I have to be. Any misstep and everything I have worked for comes crashing down, the mafia and the family I have built.
As I step into the hallway, the familiar sounds of my family's house greet me—murmured conversations, footsteps on the polished floors, and the distant clatter of breakfast being prepared in the kitchen.
As I step into the hallway, the familiar sounds of my family's house greet me—murmured conversations, footsteps on the polished floors, and the distant clatter of breakfast being prepared in the kitchen. The air is thick with the scent of fresh coffee and a good morning.
"Good morning!" Lotario's voice rings out first, cheerful and energetic, filling the kitchen with a bright energy.
"Morning," I reply back in Italian, my voice grumbling as I pour myself a cup of black, bitter coffee, the rich aroma momentarily lifting my spirits.
Massimo follows suit with a simple, "Morning," as he grabs his own mug, mirroring my actions.
Renato, standing nearby with a smirk, asks with a hint of amusement, "Are they twins?"
Silvio, never one to miss a beat, chimes in, "It sure looks like it—same bitter black coffee, and both are dressed in professional business attire."
Lotario grins and adds with a teasing tone, "Oh, and don't forget—these two, they both love their cold demeanor."
"Yes!" Renato laughs softly. "It's like they're synchronized."
Massimo and I exchange a look before turning identical glares towards Lotario, our expressions mirroring each other's disapproval.
"Ok, that's enough, children!" Papà's authoritative voice cuts through the banter, instantly restoring order.
"Yes, Papa!" We all reply in unison, our voices blending together like a chorus of well-rehearsed children, even though we aren't actually technically kids anymore.
I glance around, suddenly noticing that two familiar faces are missing. "Where are Tobias and Emiliano?" I ask, a touch of concern creeping into my voice.
Papà's tone softens as he replies in Italian, always gentle when speaking to me, "They left earlier this morning for business, Princess." Of course they are off doing mafia stuff, why did I even expect another answer.
"Oh." I pause, letting the information sink in. "When will my brothers be back?"
"They'll be back after dinner, Princess," Papà reassures me, his voice warm and comforting.
"Okay," I say with a nod.
Shaking off the disappointment of not seeing them this morning, I remind myself that today still holds excitement. I'm about to dive into the heart of it all—the brains, the operation center, the headquarters to find out what sets Monti Incorporation apart from Mikhailov Enterprise. I am excited to spend the day with my brother. It feels like a special treat, almost like our own 'Take your kid to work day.'
"Aliona?!" Massimo calls into the hallway. "Are you ready to go?!" He questions, clearly ready to leave.
"I am, Mas!" I say, picking up my work backpack, running out of my room.
YOU ARE READING
The Volki
Misterio / SuspensoAliona Lucia Vasilisa Monti Mikhailov, once an innocent five-year-old princess of the Monti family, is now the Donna of the Russian mafia and wife to Amir and Axton Mikhailov. Kidnapped as a child and shaped into a ruthless assassin, she has grown i...
