Dark Romance | Mafia

Chapter Sixteen

Stella's POV:

It was 6 AM when I jolted awake. My eyes snapped open and my heart was racing so fast I could hear it echoing in my ears.

I kicked the blanket off and jumped out of bed. I'd missed my alarm....I was already running late.

In a blur, I brushed my teeth, took a quick shower, threw on my T-shirt and trousers, and rushed out the door.

Usually, I didn't get a chance to see my so-called family....and honestly, that was for the best. For me, and for my mental health.

I used to leave early and come home late....when they were already in their deep sleep. It was easier that way.

They didn't really care whether I came home or not. As long as I gave them money on time, that was their only concern.

I grabbed my bag and stepped out of the apartment. Took a cab and went straight to Mr. Romano's mansion as usual, but this time, something felt different, it was the curiosity burning inside me. I was desperate to know what had happened. Was he okay? Was he even alive?

My heart pounding louder with every turn the driver made. When I finally reached the mansion, I opened the car door, braced myself and stepped out slowly, fear and anxiety clawing at my chest.

I took a deep breath and pushed forward as I opened the grand door, inch by inch, terrified of what I might find. Had something... happened to him?

My heart hammered against my ribs, threatening to shatter them and escape.

As I peeked inside, and to my relief.... everything seemed untouched. Almost too perfect.

Involuntarily, a gasp escaped my mouth as I took in the sight.

The floors gleamed, spotless like glass. I stepped inside carefully, eyes scanning every corner. No blood. No bullet holes. No sign of a struggle. Nothing. The furniture was all brand new.

Unbelievable!

How could he have done all this in a single night?

But then again.... he was Mr. Romano. He could do anything.... whenever he wanted.

My eyes searched every room, aching to see him. I knew he would come after 7 AM, but my mind refused to accept it. I tried to focus on my work, moving slowly, distracted. I couldn't leave..... not until I knew that he was alright.

Today's menu was again strange but classy.

A smoked tofu and quinoa bowl, topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds and drizzled with fresh lemon vinaigrette. A new challenge.... but I pulled it off. And honestly? I nailed it.

The aroma filled the kitchen.... warm, savory, with just a hint of citrus. It was mouth-watering, even to me.

I still didn't know whether he liked my cooking or not.... he never said a word, neither good nor bad.

I set the bowl gently on the counter, then hopped up beside it, legs dangling. And I waited. My eyes stayed locked on the entrance, heart thudding loudly in my chest, fingers became cold.

It was already 7 AM, and he still hadn't arrived. My tension grew. Maybe he was just late, I told myself, trying to calm myself down.

I just wanted to see him.... so desperately, each passing second felt like torture. I was growing impatient minute by minute.

My fingers twisted together in my lap, over and over again, knuckles white from the pressure. My lips were dry, and no matter how many times I licked them, they stayed that way....cracked, tight, trembling.

The clock on the far wall ticked louder with every passing second. Tick. Tick. Tick. Each sound was a tiny explosion in my skull.

The sunlight had started to creep in through the tall windows, casting golden streaks across the polished floor. But there was no warmth in it. Not today. Not with this dread curling inside me like smoke.

The house was too quiet. That kind of silence that didn’t feel peaceful....it felt wrong. Heavy. Unnatural.

I kept glancing toward the grand entrance, willing it to open, praying to see his silhouette step through. But nothing.

My legs swung nervously, heels tapping against the cabinet below with soft thuds that echoed too loudly in the empty kitchen. I wrapped my arms around myself for warmth that wouldn't come. My whole body felt cold, like I’d been sitting in ice.

Suddenly, my phone rang. The sharp sound startled me.
I grabbed it from the counter and pressed it to my ear.

"You and I need to talk."
The voice was harsh. Cold.

"At this hour?" I asked, confused.

"In ten minutes. You must be there." Then the call ended.

I jumped off the counter in a rush, fingers fumbling to untie my apron. I tossed it aside and bolted for the exit.

Mrs. Hailey caught sight of me from the hallway.

"Hey, Stella! What's up, my dear?" she called out.

"We'll talk later.... I'm in a hurry!" I shouted, waving a quick hand as I dashed past her.

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

I stepped inside. The same metallic smell of blood hit me like a wall, clogging my nostrils. I instinctively placed a hand over my nose and kept walking.

Straight to his office. I knocked.

"Come in," his voice cold and urgent.

As soon as I stepped in, he exploded.

"What's happening?" Mr. Giovanni barked.

"N.... nothing, sir. What happened?" trying to steady my voice.

"Where are the details?" he demanded.

"Sir, I didn't get them yet, but I'm trying---"

He cut me off. "Still trying?"

"Sir, yesterday there was an attack and---"

"Those were my men. I know that," he interrupted again.

My eyes widened. How did I not know this?

"But I'm asking for the details. The ones I spared your life for," he continued, his tone sharper than ever.

"Sir, I only found out that you were right. There was a connection between them----"

"How?" he snapped.

"Because... A.K. was there too."

"Hmmmm..... anything else?" As if lost in thought.

I hesitated.

"No, sir," lowering my gaze.

"You're going too slow. We don't have time. Now we move to the next step."

He reached into a drawer and tossed a small pack toward me. Pills.

"You're going to mix this in Romano's food."

Surprise punched the breath out of me. I stared, stunned and wide-eyed.

"Don't give me that look. It's slow poison. It'll kill him over time. When he's bedridden, we'll act. Otherwise, he's too smart."

I swallowed hard. "But... what exactly do we want from him?"

He shot me a cold glare.

"A key. He has the key to the locker that could destroy everything we've built."

Silence.

"Now go. Start tomorrow."

I nodded silently, took the pills, and walked out of his office.... my hands trembling.

How could I do this to him? It was breaking my heart, but I had no other choice. I wasn't afraid of death, but he'd threatened to kill my family countless times.

He would actually kill them if I didn't obey. I had no choice but to fulfill his command.

Until then....