The Devil's doll

Chapter 8

Vincenzo

Today is a special day. Not just for me, but for my doll too. She's graduating. After six long years of watching, waiting, and planning, the moment is finally here. Six years of telling myself to be patient, to wait until she turned 21-until she became mine, bearing my last name. She will always be mine.

As I press the elevator button to the parking garage, my thoughts are consumed with her my Cecilia.
The elevator dings, and the doors slide open. My men are already waiting for me in the parking lot. "Everything ready, Sir?" one of them says, straightening his posture.

I nod, smiling. "Perfect. Now it's time to see her."

I slide into the backseat of the car, unable to wipe the smile from my face. I think of her and how close she is to finally being mine. My heart pounds with anticipation. I've waited long enough, watched from the shadows, and now it's time to claim what belongs to me.

By the time we arrive, the graduation ceremony has already begun. The car slows to a stop, and one of my men opens the door for me. I step out, adjusting my suit, feeling the weight of the moment. As I scan the crowd, it doesn't take long to find her. Even from a distance, our eyes lock, and I catch her gaze. My breath hitches there she is, my perfect Cecilia. Her long gown flows gracefully, her hair cascading down her shoulders. My obsession. My future.

A wicked smile creeps onto my face as I savor the sight of her. But then, Mattheo, her brother, strides toward me, interrupting my thoughts. He stands in front of me, his expression hard, but I see the unease in his eyes.

"What are you doing here?" Mattheo asks, his voice low but firm, like he's trying to challenge me. I raise an eyebrow and smirk, looking down at him.

"Since when do I answer to you, Moretti?" I ask, my tone dripping with authority. "Aren't I your boss? Hm?" I see him falter, his tongue tied, unable to counter my words. He knows better than to push me.

"I know what you want," Mattheo says, his voice taut with tension. "I've protected her since she was born. You don't trust me, do you? That's why you have bodyguards all around, watching her every move. You think I don't know?"

I let out a soft, mocking laugh. "Congratulations, you're not as stupid as you look. Of course, I watch her. And don't think for a second that I'm not watching you aswell. Every move you make, I see it. Be careful, Mattheo, you wouldn't want to make a mistake today on your sister's special day, would you?"

"You are not taking her on my watch!" His jaw tightens, anger flashing in his eyes, but he knows better than to argue. After a moment, he turns and walks away, fists clenched. I smile to myself.

My attention shifts back to the ceremony just in time to hear her name called. Cecilia. My heart skips as I watch her gracefully walk across the stage to receive her diploma. She's radiant, her smile lighting up the entire room as she shakes hands with the professors and poses for photos. Every second feels like an eternity, but I don't look away. I can't. When she glances in my direction, confusion flickers in her eyes as if she's trying to understand why I'm here. I smile at her, my doll, my beautiful Cecilia.

I don't care about the curious looks from the crowd. My men open the car door for me, but my eyes remain glued to her as she steps off the stage. Everyone else fades into the background. All that matters is her.

As we drive away, my mind races. This isn't over. Tonight, I'll see her again. She'll know soon enough. She'll be mine.