His Only

Chapter 68

A grand and imposing mansion set towering spires illuminated with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. The exterior of the house is a blend of modern luxury and old-world opulence, with dark stone walls and heavy, intricately carved wooden doors. A massive, elaborately decorated wreath hangs above the front entrance, surrounded by golden garlands, and the pathway is lined with white snow, softly lit by antique lanterns casting a warm glow.

Inside, the mansion exudes an air of power and wealth, but with a distinct festive twist. The main foyer features a massive chandelier, its crystal glimmering like ice. Red velvet curtains drape the windows, and the floor is polished marble, reflecting the soft golden light of the room. A grand staircase, with black iron railings adorned with gold ribbons, leads up to the second floor.

At the heart of the mansion is the massive living room. The walls are lined with dark, rich wood panelling, and the space is furnished with luxurious leather armchairs and velvet couches. On the grand fireplace, a roaring fire crackles, and above it hangs a portrait of Kaitlyn, Ricardo, Alex, Daniel, Alessio standing and Antonio proudly seated all in suits and Kaitlyn in a red high-coloured dress. None of them smiled in the portrait to give out fear for those who look upon it, the family looked fierce and feared, and their aura could be felt just by standing in front of the grand portrait.

Coming into the living room, was open-spaced, framed by floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer sweeping views of the sprawling estate, now draped in a blanket of snow. During the day, sunlight floods the room, and the carpeted floor is filled with modern furniture—deep leather sofas and armchairs arranged around a glass coffee table. The walls are adorned with elegant artwork, adding a touch of refined sophistication.

At the heart of the room stands a grand Christmas tree, towering and regal. It's adorned with silver and gold ornaments, delicate garlands, and twinkling white lights. Beneath it, a white silk tree skirt catches the glow of the firelight from the grand stone fireplace. The floor around the tree is scattered with lavishly wrapped gifts, each box an exquisite work of art with ribbons and paper in rich velvet and metallic hues. 

The glass windows open the room to the outside world, where the snow gently falls, the icy air drifting in through the slight gaps. Icicles hang from the eaves, catching the light from the mansion's exterior lamps, adding a magical touch to the wintry landscape. Inside, the warmth of the fire contrasts with the chill outside, and the soft glow of the tree lights dances across the room, creating an atmosphere of both serenity and power. It's a space of family comfort, yet it subtly reflects the strength and control the mafia king commands over his world.

The maids leave the living room after tidying up and soon after the children come running in screaming in joy because Christmas is —one of their favourite holidays. "Mama! Look" Alessio pulls Kaitlyn into the lavish room and runs behind his cousins. Ricardo joins her on her side hugging her slowly while they watch their son have the most fun he's had in a while. 

"Gosh, so many presents this year" Kaitlyn exaggerates, "Papi?" 

"We only celebrate Christmas once a year" he replies and takes his seat on his red velvet high chair next to the fireplace, he smiles watching his whole family flood into the room and seat themselves on the couches next to him. 

"Kids! Sit down next to Grandpapi if you want your gifts" The children's eyes go wide like shimmering stars in the night sky. Finally, the words they'd been dreading to hear since they arrived were spoken. All four of them rushed to sit on the carpeted floor next to their grandfather. The girls took pictures to treasure and then began the gift exchange. 

"Ali, give this to Grandpapi." Kaitlyn reached under the tree and made Alessio distribute everyone's gifts. Finally, when he got his, he was over the moon to open the large box, but Kaitlyn scolded him, saying he had to wait until all the gifts under the tree were given so everyone could open them together.