Mafia's African Rose

Unworthy

"Angel," Nora called from across the table, snapping me out of my thoughts. She must've noticed I'd completely zoned out of the conversation.

Alexa, my sister, and I were the only ones seated at the table. Alexio was nowhere to be seen. After what happened yesterday, I wasn't surprised. I should've known better than to tell him I love you. Foolish me, thinking I could mean more to him than just a convenience. His silence had said it all, and I hated myself for even remembering it.

Later, the three of us sat in the living room, a cheesy romantic comedy playing on the TV. Alexa kept making snide comments about the overly dramatic love scenes, while Nora occasionally burst out laughing at her jokes.

"Seriously, who kisses in the rain like that?" Alexa muttered, tossing a piece of popcorn at the screen.

"Right? And why is her makeup still perfect after all that crying?" Nora added, rolling her eyes.

I couldn't help but chuckle, momentarily distracted from my own heartbreak. It was comforting, sitting with them, letting their humor pull me out of my head for a while.

But as the hours ticked by, my thoughts wandered back to Alexio. It was almost noon, and he still hadn't returned.

"Alexa," I asked cautiously, trying to sound casual, "why isn't Alexio back yet?"

She shrugged, smirking. "Probably off doing his mafia-ing."

I couldn't stop myself from laughing at her choice of words. "Mafia-ing? Is that even a word?"

"It is now," she said, popping another piece of popcorn into her mouth.

Nora opened her mouth to add something, but before she could speak, the door swung open. Alexio walked in, and my laughter died instantly.

Beside him was a stunning blonde woman, dressed elegantly, her presence demanding attention. She looked so effortlessly perfect, like she belonged in his world in a way I never could.

Alexio's eyes met mine briefly before he quickly looked away. "

Hi, I'm Ciara," the woman said, waving politely. Her voice was soft, but there was an air of confidence about her.

"Alexa, show her to the guest room," Alexio said, placing his hand on Ciara's back to guide her forward.

Alexa hesitated for a moment, her eyes flicking to me. I could tell she wanted to say something but decided against it. Instead, she nodded and motioned for Ciara to follow her. Nora trailed behind, clearly sensing that Alexio and I needed privacy.

When the room fell silent, I finally spoke. "Who is she?"

"She's my betrothed, Angel," he said, his tone firm yet apologetic.

A sharp pain shot through my chest, but I refused to let him see my tears. How could I have forgotten my place? I was just a maid—a passing distraction in his life.

"Angel, I'm sorry... I have to marry her. It's for the sake of my empire," he said, his voice softer now.

"You don't have to explain," I replied quickly, cutting him off. "I'm your maid. I'm nothing to you."

I turned to walk past him, heading for the maid quarters, but his hand shot out, gripping my arm gently but firmly. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"To the maid quarters," I said flatly.

"You can stay here," he said, almost hesitantly.

"No, that's where I belong," I replied, my voice trembling.

His expression darkened slightly. "Seems like you've forgotten who's the boss," he said sternly.

I was on the verge of tears, but I held them back. Lowering my head, I whispered, "I'm sorry, Don."