The Mafia Queen's Obsession gxg

It's Lonely Isn't It

Ayla's breath catches as she steps inside. 

The room is filled with towering shelves of meticulously organised files, maps with red strings connecting key points, and digital screens displaying data, photos, and surveillance feeds. It's like stepping into the epicentre of every conspiracy theory Ayla had ever chased—and more.

"This," Selene says, gesturing around her, "is where the truth hides. Every secret, every deal, every lie that people in power don't want the world to know—it's all here."

Ayla walks slowly, her fingers brushing against the edge of one of the desks. "This is... incredible," she whispers, her journalist instincts kicking into overdrive. "You've been keeping tabs on everything. Governments, corporations, criminal empires..."

Selene leans against a nearby desk, crossing her arms. "It's not just about knowing," she says. "It's about having leverage. In my world, knowledge isn't just power—it's survival."

Ayla turns to face her, curiosity etched across her face. "Why did you build all this? Was it just about revenge for your parents?"

Selene's expression softens, a shadow passing over her features. "Partly," she admits. "But it became more than that. I started realizing how deep the rot goes. How the people who are supposed to protect the world are often the ones pulling the strings behind the worst atrocities. I couldn't just sit back and watch."

Ayla nods, understanding the weight of Selene's words. "And this is why you're so careful. Why you keep people at arm's length."

Selene's gaze flickers, her defenses momentarily down. "It's safer that way. For me, and for them."

Ayla steps closer, her voice gentle. "But it's lonely, isn't it?"

Selene exhales, her posture relaxing slightly. "Lonely doesn't even begin to cover it. But I've made peace with it. Or at least, I thought I had." Her eyes meet Ayla's, and for a moment, there's a vulnerability there that Ayla hadn't seen before. "Then you came along, asking all the wrong questions and refusing to back down. And now, here we are."

Ayla smiles softly. "Guess I have a knack for causing trouble."

Selene chuckles, the sound warm and genuine. "You have no idea."

They stand in silence for a moment, the hum of the screens filling the space between them. 

Finally, Ayla speaks, her tone thoughtful. "Do you ever think about what life could've been like if things were different? If you weren't... this?"

Selene tilts her head, considering the question. "Sometimes," she admits. "But then I remember that this is who I am now. I can't change the past, Ayla. All I can do is use what I have to shape the future."

Ayla steps even closer, her hand lightly brushing Selene's arm. "You're shaping my future, you know. For better or worse."

Selene smirks, the familiar spark returning to her eyes. "Let's hope it's for the better. But just so you know—once you're in, there's no turning back."

Ayla looks around the room, taking in the weight of the secrets surrounding them. 

Then she looks back at Selene, her resolve firm. "I think I'm okay with that."

Selene's lips curve into a small, genuine smile. "Good. Because I don't plan on letting you go."

Ayla and Selene sift through the labyrinth of files and data in the secret room. Suddenly, a red notification suddenly flashes on one of the large digital screens. Selene strides over, her sharp eyes narrowing as she reads the incoming intel.