Dark Romance | Mafia

Chapter Ten

Stella's POV:

I stood outside Mr. Romano's mansion, my heart pounding in my chest. The early morning air was cool, but my palms were sweaty.

God, please help me. Let me succeed, I whispered under my breath, taking a moment to steady myself before stepping inside.

There’s something about this place that pulls me in, something I can’t explain. It was like the walls held secrets, I feel a strange connection to it, though I don't know why.

As I stepped into the kitchen, the first thing I noticed was a sleek black perfectly designed menu, lying on the counter. I picked it up, skimmed through it and rolled my eyes.

How boring can this man be?

Poached salmon with steamed asparagus? Quinoa salad with olive oil dressing?

Seriously?

What kind of food even is this?

The truth was, I'm not even a professional chef. I faked my entire CV just to get this job. Miss Hailey didn’t suspect a thing, thankfully.

But now, standing in a stranger’s luxury kitchen, staring at a menu full of fancy dishes I had no idea how to make... I was in trouble. How I’m supposed to pull this off.

Poached salmon? Steamed asparagus? Sounds simple, until you’re the one holding the knife.

I sighed, grabbed my phone, and started searching for cooking tutorial. Hopefully, YouTube could save me before Mr. Romano returns. Because if he finds out I can't cook, I’m dead. Or worse—unemployed.

I had to move fast. Mrs. Hailey had warned me that everything needed to be ready before Mr. Romano returned.

He goes to the gym at 4 a.m., and everything must be prepared before he returns. The house must be empty.

I have to leave before he arrives. He doesn’t like anyone in the house when he's home, not even the staff.

All I needed was to finish the food, clean up and sneak out of the kitchen. There was no one around....perfect timing.

Quietly, I stepped out of the kitchen, my footsteps light against the cold marble floor. The hallway was dimly lit and silent.

This is my chance.

I started searching the house, careful not to make a sound. Every creak in the floor made my heart race. I moved from room to room, checking drawers, cabinets, even behind paintings.

Nothing

My last hope was his bedroom.

I had to be quick and invisible. If anyone saw me, I'd be done.

I hesitated at the door, then pushed it open. The room was huge—dark walls, velvet curtains, and everything meticulously placed.

As I looked around, my hand brushed against a glass lion statue on a shelf.

Then, Disaster struck!!

It slipped.

Time slowed as it crashed to the floor and shattered into pieces.

My eyes widened in disbelief. Oh God, what have I done? I immediately dropped to the floor, trying to clean up the mess, careful not to cut myself.

I was almost done when I noticed one last piece of the lion on the floor. Then, I heard footsteps. My heart nearly stopped. I scrambled under the bed.

The broken piece still lying on the floor.

Oh God, what am I doing?

The door opened.

From under the bed, I saw his polished shoes step inside. He walked over to the broken glass. There was a long pause. Then, he pressed something....a button maybe?

A soft chime sounded, and Mrs. Hailey entered the room almost instantly.

"Did someone enter my room?" Mr. Romano asked, his voice cold.

"No, sir," Mrs. Hailey replied, her voice steady.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes... yes, sir."

"Okay, go."

That was it. He didn’t say another word. My lungs burned from holding my breath.

I was wondering why he didn’t mention the broken statue. Does he know?

He stepped closer to the bed. I shut my eyes and stayed completely still. My heartbeat roared in my ears.

Then, I heard water running....the bathroom door had closed.

Now. I had to go now.

I crawled out, careful not to make a sound, then slipped out of the room. I tiptoed down the hall, turned the doorknob slowly, and rushed toward the back.

I used the rear exit....the one I discovered earlier while snooping around. As soon as I stepped outside, the cold air hit my face like a slap. I took a deep breath, my chest finally loosening.

I made it. I actually made it out of the mansion alive.

Then, my phone buzzed.

The vibration in my pocket startled me. I pulled it out....and when I saw the caller ID, my hand started to tremble.

I didn’t want to answer.

But I had to.

I raised the phone to my ear. "Hello?" I whispered.

"What’s the update?" The voice was low, calm....too calm. It chilled me to the bone.

“I... I tried, It’s only the first day. I searched, but... nothing yet." My voice faltered.

There was silence.

Then, he spoke.

"Try harder."

The line went dead.

.............

Until then....