Fated To The Mafia King

II

The morning rays filtered into the room, illuminating it with a soft, golden light. Celia stirred as the warmth of the sun kissed her face, making her squint slightly before she yawned and stretched her arms above her head. Sitting up, she let her eyes close briefly, savoring the calm that surrounded her. The gentle glow of the sun cast a serene aura, almost divine, across her features.

After doing her morning routine and freshening up with a shower, she wrapped herself in a towel and moved to her wardrobe. Celia's wardrobe wasn't extravagant one, it wasn’t filled with luxury pieces, rather just simple, comfortable pieces that suited her. slipping into a yellow sundress, She added a touch of lip gloss and a few delicate pieces of jewelry, looking herself in the mirror once, she was all ready for the day.

Heading downstairs with a cheerful hum, Celia entered the kitchen. “Good morning, Mrs. Catherine,” she greeted warmly.

Catherine, the head maid who had come to the mansion three years ago, had become much more than staff to Celia—a friend, almost family, with whom Celia has shared her solitude.

“Mmm… something smells delicious! What’s cooking?” Celia asked, her eyes lighting up.

“Your favorite!” Catherine replied with a smile.

“Risotto?” Celia’s eyebrows arched with excitement.

“Yes! You guessed it right, my dear.” Catherine chuckled, moving to the sink to wash her hands.

“Perfect! Thank you so much, Mrs. Cathy.” Celia wrapped her arms around Catherine in a quick hug before grabbing a plate. Serving herself She settled on a stool at the kitchen island, savoring each bite as they chatted.

After a satisfying meal, Celia made her way back to her room. She picked up the book she had left on her bedside table and headed outside to the garden. Finding a cozy spot, she opened the book and continued reading from where she’d left off.

Celia closed her book, her gaze lingering on the familiar words: “You’re every man’s dream, yet somehow, you became mine. You became the dream I never thought I’d hold…” She’d read those lines so many times, but they always felt new, offering a comfort she rarely found elsewhere.

With a soft sigh, she left from there and made her way to the kitchen, where Mrs. Catherine was preparing the morning meal. Celia approached her with a gentle smile. “Mrs. Cathy, could you pick up a few things for me later? I just need some essentials.”

Mrs. Catherine turned, nodding warmly. “Of course, dear. Just let me know what you need.”

Before Celia could respond, a voice cut sharply through the kitchen. “What are you doing, Celia?”

Celia froze as her stepmother, Rosetta, entered with a raised brow, her gaze hard. “Just giving Mrs. Catherine a list of things I need,” Celia replied, her voice softening.

Rosetta’s lips curled into a thin, knowing smile. “And why exactly are you bothering her with such errands?” she drawled, her voice dripping with feigned concern. “Shouldn’t you be getting these things by yourself?” Her gaze lingered on Celia, the mocking glint in her eyes a cruel reminder of Celia’s confinement.

Celia hesitated, her eyes lowering. “Father doesn’t allow me to go outside…” she murmured, feeling the familiar weight of confinement settle around her.

Rosetta’s smile grew, though it held no warmth. “Oh, I know. But Viviana’s going out today, so you can tag along with her. You could use some fresh air, couldn’t you?” Her voice was laced with a false kindness that made Celia’s cheeks flush.

Mrs. Catherine glanced between them, an edge of concern in her eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but Rosetta’s sharp glance silenced her, and Catherine turned back to her work, lips pressed tightly together.