Mentality of The Heart

CHAPTER 16

Alice’s POV

I’m not sure why, but I ran—away from him, locking myself in my room.

Confused. Angry. Hurt.

Confused by the situation, angry at myself for not giving him the chance to explain, and hurt because of the pleading look in his eyes just before I fled his office. He silently begged me not to leave, not to see him differently.

I just needed a moment to breathe, to process everything, and to calm down.

Was it really right for me to continue being his psychiatrist after discovering who he truly was? Logically, I should prioritize my safety, especially considering the threats I’d received back in London. What had I gotten myself into?

And then, there were the emotions. Each day, they only seemed to grow stronger. Professionally, I was violating my ethical obligation to maintain a strictly clinical relationship with a patient. Yet, as a woman, how could I ignore the feelings gnawing at me?

Alexander Dante Bianchi, what are you doing to me?

3rd Person POV

Alex stood in his office, seething with self-reproach.

If only he had been more careful. If only he had lied. If only he hadn’t given in to the persistent thought that everything would be fine if he told her the truth—that she would understand and wouldn’t leave him.

But now, he was nearly certain that this was her breaking point. She would walk away.

"You could always lock her up and keep her for yourself," a voice in his mind whispered.

“N-no, don’t do that. Ceaser likes Miss. Miss is kind, she smells nice, and Miss feels safe. I-if Alex explains to her, she’ll understand,” another voice chimed in.

Alex clenched his head in frustration, irritated as his alter egos debated in his mind over whether Alice would abandon them.

He had more urgent matters to deal with, but all he could think about was Alice.

‘I need to talk to her,’ he thought.

Without hesitation, Alex dashed out of his office, racing toward Alice’s room, his breathing heavy as dizziness started to set in.

“No, no, not now. I can’t lose control. I have to reach Alice and explain everything to her,” he muttered, struggling as one of his alters fought for dominance.

He reached her door but collapsed just before he could knock, succumbing to unconsciousness.

Alice’s POV

My mind was in a whirl when I heard a loud thud outside my bedroom door. What on earth was that?

I opened the door, and all my thoughts vanished when I saw Alex lying there, unconscious.

“Oh my God, Alex, what happened?” I rushed to his side, frantically checking for any sign of what was wrong.

I shook him gently, and he groaned. I sighed in relief, but it was short-lived. His eyes opened, and he started crying. He clung to me, sobbing into my chest.

“Miss, p-please don’t leave. Ceaser will be sad. Alex is sorry, Ceaser is sorry... Ceaser is sorry for upsetting Miss,” he wailed, and my heart shattered.

When did I become so selfish? I had promised to always be there for him, to help him. And here I was, contemplating leaving simply because I didn’t want to be involved in a certain part of his life. Yes, he may be dangerous, and at first, I was terrified of him. In some ways, I’m still afraid, now more than ever, knowing he’s part of the mafia.

Most people would run at the mere mention of being associated with someone like him, someone whose connections could end their life in an instant. They’d overlook the person behind the label.

But Alex isn’t a bad person. I don’t know what he does when he’s out there, but with me, he’s simply a man—one who craves love, who longs for a normal life.

Is that too much to ask?

I held him tightly, afraid that if I let go, I would lose him forever. “I’m so, so sorry. I’m here, and I won’t ever leave. I promise. I’ll always protect you and help you. I’m not going anywhere—not now, not ever.”

I don’t know why I felt the need to reassure him, especially knowing that, in three months, I’d be leaving his house—and most likely, his life. But deep down, I had a sinking feeling that things were going to take a different turn from here.

And I was prepared for whatever came next.

I was done running.

~One Month Later~

Alexander’s POV

It’s been a month, and to say I’m happy would be an understatement. I am beyond content. Some might attribute it to business thriving or my increasing influence in the mafia, with no one daring to challenge me. Others might say it’s because I haven’t experienced a split in over a month.

While those things are good, they pale in comparison to one thing: Alice Monroe.

The woman I’m completely, utterly in love with. She’s the light in my dark and chaotic world, and I don’t think I would have made it without her. She’s not only my light—she’s become a sisterly figure to my little sister, Amore, as well.

Amore is strong and rebellious, but relationships have always been a struggle for her—whether romantic or platonic. Although I may not always agree with her choice in boyfriends, I support whoever she chooses. Still, those relationships inevitably end in tears—and sometimes, bloodshed. Not that Amore knows about that part, but no one has the right to make my little sister cry. She’s my world.

But I’m so grateful that Amore has Alice, not only as a friend but as the sister she never had. Growing up, she lacked the affection and support from our older sister. Seeing her smile so genuinely, hearing her laughter—it confirms I made the right decision in bringing Alice into our lives.

“I’m in love with Alice,” I confessed to Amore, who wore a knowing smile.

“Oh, my dear Fratello. I’ve known from the start,” she replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“What?” I asked, startled.

She rolled her eyes. “Even aliens could tell you’re completely smitten with her.”

“How amusing. I’m planning to tell her, but just saying the words doesn’t feel like enough. I want it to be special. And for that, I’ll need your help, sorellina.”

She arched an eyebrow. “It’s about time. And because I love her, I’ll help—but we’re doing it my way.”

I suppressed a groan but gestured for her to continue.

She began outlining her “properly thought-out plan.”

I couldn’t wait to finally confess my feelings.

Alice Monroe, soon, you will be mine.

My little farfalla.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Words: 1.2k!

Hello, dear readers,

Firstly, I know, short chapter :(

But trust me, longer chapters will come as we progress.

I apologize for the very late update. Is anyone still following along? I certainly hope so!

I've been quite busy, and on top of that, I’ve been dealing with a serious case of writer’s block, along with a lack of creativity, which slowed down my writing for a while. But I’m back now, and I hope I can bring you some fresh and exciting updates.

Thank you for always supporting and reading my book. None of this would be possible without you. 🤗

Love you all—stay safe, and keep thriving, my wonderful readers. 💗

Your slightly eccentric author 🤭