INSEPARABLE | 18+

N I N E

Present time.
Rome, Italy.

-

Valentina glanced at the bouquet of red roses on her desk, and instantly a smile appeared on her lips. She took the note in her hands and read the words,

"I love you, mio cuore.
Forever yours, Valerius."

His handwriting was beautiful, and the words even more. He never missed any moment to express his love for her. Valentina often wondered how she got so lucky. She sat down on her seat and pulled the phone out of her pocket, dialing his number.

"Buon pomeriggio, love."

(Good afternoon)

Valentina neared the phone to her ear, grinning widely, "Thank you for the flowers. I love them."

"You never have to thank me for anything, sweetheart." His gruff voice softened, as it always did with her.

"But I love you more."

"Even more than red roses?"

Valentina grazed the bud with her finger, "Definitely."

Valerius chuckled, "I am ecstatic to hear that."

Valentina eyed the woman standing outside her office door, and shifted the topic to her, "Zara is here."

"She is one of my finest associates. I trust her with your safety."

"I need to talk to her," Valentina shifted in her seat, "It would be better if both of us became friends."

She heard someone call out for Valerius in the background, "You can attend to your work. I'll see you later."

Valerius let out a grunt, clearly not satisfied that she was about to end the call.

"Go and work." Valentina ordered and then giggled.

"As you wish, Donna." Valerius said, "Arrivederci."

(Goodbye)

"Arrivederci, amore." Valentina ended the call and then addressed Zara.

"Zara," Valentina called out loudly to her. She heard through the glass door and immediately turned around. She made her way inside and stood right beside the desk of Valentina, "Yes, Signora?"

Valentina pointed towards a chair, "Please take a seat."

Her eyes widened. She knew the Don wouldn't appreciate her sitting with Valentina. It was a clear sign of disrespect. Yet, Zara couldn't dismiss her order. Valentina would be her Donna in the future, and she did not want to get on her bad side.

Reluctantly, she sat down on the chair.

"Don't be afraid," Valentina smiled at her. "Valerius will not say a word to you."

This woman meant a lot to the Don. She addressed him with such casualness that no one even dared to. Everyone knew of her status. But, no one ever got close to her. She was always in the shadows, and unlike their Don, she was forgiving and calm. Valentina Bianchi kept him grounded.