My Flower

𝐅 𝐎 𝐔 𝐑 𝐓 𝐘 𝐅 𝐈 𝐕𝐄

• 𝐂 𝐀 𝐓 𝐇 𝐄 𝐑 𝐈 𝐍 𝐄 •

TWO HOURS PRIOR

"What the fuck was that?" Emy shouted, watching me closely as I packed my bag.

"That was me securing our escape."

"No!...that was you being a psychopath!" She retorted.

"Framing the chef, kissing Sergei! You were a different person back there."

I huffed and turned to face her, "I wouldn't have to do this if you weren't so useless!" I yelled. A hurt expression instantly overtook her features. Normally, I'd rush to soothe her but this time I didn't, shes a grown woman with kids — just like me. She needs to grow up, it's past due.

I returned my attention to the clothes on the bed, placing them into my brown bag, "I'm working hard to get us out of here."

"I didn't want to do what I did but if I didn't we'd...," I paused for a moment, allowing the gravity of the situation overtake me, "We'd be screwed."

"Sergei would've suspected him regardless...and with Vivian being on our tail I needed-" I stopped myself mid sentence. Why am I explaining myself to her?

"Do you know anything about Sergei's brothers?" I asked, changing the subject.

"They're older and take after their father...so if you think Sergeis bad, don't do anything to upset them."

"One of them supposedly blinded a man...for simply looking at his wife." She muttered the last part, presumably as a way to downplay his actions.

"...Dont go, Catherine," she said, grabbing my hand and pulling me so I was facing her.

"I know that I messed up and I'm sorry...but please don't go, its..." she paused for a moment a tear rolling down her cheek.

I gently wiped away the tear, "I'll be back before noon tomorrow, I need to do this."

She sobbed softly and nodded with acceptance before pulling me into a hug, "I wont leave you here, I promise."

── ⋆⋅♡⋅⋆ ──
PRESENT

"Oh I see why you chose her. To think Lorenzo was with such a charmer!" One of the attendees exclaimed, laughing cheerfully at a joke I told.

We've been here for fifteen minutes and I'm already exhausted. Since the moment we stepped through the door Sergei has been showing me around like I'm his most prized possession. Solely because of Enzo and I's relationship.

I scanned the room actively searching for something to help me. So it was a complete shocker when what I was looking for was a person. Sitting at the bar was a woman with blonde hair who looked to be in her early 40s, at first glance I recognized her. She's Sergeis ex wife, the manor is filled with pictures of her so her face is practically engraved in my brain.

How is she here? Sergei would kill her!

When her eyes met mine she quickly stood up from her stool and started to run. No!

"I need to be excused", I said, smiling at the small group around me. When everyone noted my statement I raced through the crowd. Surprisingly, she didn't travel far so it was easy for me to follow her. The farther I chased her the dimmer the halls got, this continued until we entered a small closet.

"You're-" I started but was quickly silenced by her pushing me onto the wall. Though the closet was almost pitch black I could tell that she was thoroughly observing my face by her movements.

After what felt like an hour she removed her hands from my mouth and took a step back.

"You're his ex-wife," I stated, turning the light in the closet on.

"And you're Catherine," she smiled taking a step closer to me, "Everyone was talking about you...you're quite popular. It's good to match the name to a face."

"If you knew who I was then why'd you run?"

"Because I knew you'd follow me. I needed for us to be alone," she dug into her purse and pulled out a dagger, "So I could give you this."

I held out my hands watching as she placed the dagger on my palms, "Why are you giving this to me. Are you helping?"

"I couldn't do it...I tried to but I couldn't."

"So I left but I can't keep running. I miss my life, I miss not flinching at the sound of my own name!...and mostly I miss my kids," she said, saddened. It was like the atmosphere of the room became heavier with each second that went by.

"...When," she started but hesitated for a moment, "When I heard rumors about him kidnapping Lorenzo's woman, I knew I'd have a chance...so I took a risk and came here to meet you."

"I don't get it. What made you think he'd take me? Up until earlier he was taking Vivian."

She softly chuckled, "He was never going to take Vivian, not with you there. You're far too important to Lorenzo for him to keep you locked away."

I harshly gulped my saliva, "You're asking me to kill him."

"I am."

"It's the only way to end this."

I hate being used, especially when I have to feign ignorance and act like I haven't acknowledged it. If I decline, I'll be with Sergei for god knows how much longer but if I do what she's asking, I'll have even more blood on my hands. She's put me in a situation.

"I cant do what you're asking."

She gasped and pushed me onto the wall behind me, clinging onto me desperately, "Please! You're the only one who can!" She begged, falling onto her knees.

"I can't. Enzo has to do it," I uttered.

"Sergei killed his brother. I can't rob Enzo the chance to get revenge."

Oh what am I saying, if Enzo kills Sergei he wouldn't want to leave the cartel.

And if that happens then...we'll never be a family.

── ⋆⋅♡⋅⋆ ──

I left the closet quickly and quietly, praying the no one noticed how long I'd been gone. I walked towards the edge of the stairs noticing that Sergei was still conversing with his brother, his hand lying on the waist of brother's wife's — who looked unbearably uncomfortable.

"He's so repulsive," A voice spoke from behind me, causing me to gasp. Is that...

I quickly whipped around and was met with the sight of Aless, He was wearing the standard server uniform and holding a tray of wine.

"How are you- Why are you here?" I asked breathlessly.

He grabbed my hand and started talking me towards a dark hallway, "I'm here bring you back," he said. While we walked I could see a van parked outside the building, one of Enzos vans.

He came for me.

Aless opened a door and stepped through but stopped in his tracks noticing my hesitation, "Are you okay?"

I nodded my head, "You go ahead, tell Enzo and the kids that I'll be home soon...There's something I need to do."

He stepped closer to me, "What?"

"I'm going to kill Sergei."