My Mafia Marriage

8

Author's note: Hello, beautiful reader! I hope you are having a wonderful day. I was very tired while editing this, so please feel free to point out any grammar mistakes, and I'll be sure to fix them. Thank you so much for reading my book! Please comment on or vote for my story if you can! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

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Jess broke me out of my mental distress when she skipped into the room, beaming at me while exclaiming, "Hey girl, my brother told me that you are staying in the mansion with us!"

I giggled at her enthusiasm for me staying with her and her family. Being accepted and cared for by others is such a foreign feeling. The only person who ever cared about me is Lillian, so it's strange to have so many new people who want to spend time with me. I'm not complaining about it because I never want our friendship and this feeling to end. I finally have the friends and family I've always dreamed of having, and I'm never going to let them go, no matter how awful their hobbies are.

"I guess I am."

Jess squealed at my confirmation and did a happy dance with her hands, emphasizing her excitement. Laughing at her goofiness made me momentarily forget about the problems and the reasons why I'm staying in the mansion, but not for long. My smile fell when I remembered the dreaded deal and Mike's disappearance, which will both end badly for me in vastly different ways; one being heartbreak while the other is physical pain.

"What's wrong, Nat?" Jess concernedly asked, noticing my abrupt mood change.

"Nothing," I dismissed.

Jess rolled her big blue eyes at my response, not buying my lie. I've discovered throughout the years that I'm an awful liar, which is a major disadvantage at times like these. 

"I'm not stupid, Natalia. I know something happened."

"I know, Jess, I just-" I exhaustedly tried to clarify, but Jess cut me off before I could finish.

"How about we invite Lil to go shopping and have lunch with us, so you can tell both of us what's wrong while we shop?" Jess suggested. "Shopping therapy and food always help destress me."

I grin at the idea, wanting nothing more than to have a girl's day, especially after the eventful day I've had. I might not have enough money to shop, but I'll make the most of it by spending the day with my friends. Plus, she mentioned food, so I'm in; I'll never turn down food.

"Sure! That sounds like fun!"

"Let's go then!" Jess exclaimed.

When Jess shifted towards the door, preparing to leave, my subconscious reminded me about Enzo's demand before he left. He ordered me to stay inside, and he won't be pleased if I don't listen to him. My steps halt as I nervously chewed my bottom lip, pondering on if I should listen to him or not.

"Wait!" I called out to Jess.

She spun around and raised her eyebrow at me in bewilderment, replicating her brother's actions.

"Enzo told me to stay inside the mansion today," I mumbled, wringing my hands together.

"When have you ever listened to him before?" Jess scoffed.

She does have a fair point. I have never listened to what he has told me to do before. I refuse to be controlled by a man again, so I'm not going to start now.

"True, let's go."

Jess smiled with mischief swarming in her eyes, enjoying my rebellious side. I feel like a misbehaving teen about to sneak out to meet up with her friends, and it's thrilling.