INSEPARABLE | 18+

O N E

Three years back.
Milan, Italy.

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"Valentina!" The old man called out to her, "Caro, can you come here?" He asked, placing the numerous boxes in the corner of his little shop. He heard the front door open as the woman came into his view, "Nonno!" She addressed him.

(Dear, Grandfather)

A small smile came on his lips - his granddaughter was his entire world. Ever since Valentina's parents passed away, he was the one who looked after her. He was accompanied by his wife but, she left this world shortly after her son did. All he had in his life was Valentina - their love for painting and art had always helped them bond.

He had a small gallery in the city - and, he had been taking care of it for years. His regular customers always stopped by to purchase his art. He had only gotten more famous among everyone when his granddaughter joined after finishing her degree.

She was an even better artist than him, and he made sure that she knew.

"I'll take care of this. You should rest!" She said, lifting the remaining boxes. Valentina opened them and took out the various painting material from it. She couldn't contain her excitement - paints, brushes, colors; they always brought a smile to her face.

Her Nonno took a seat on one of the chairs. His age didn't allow him to stand for a longer period, he grew tired easily. "What are you going to work on now, mio caro?" He asked her. Valentina was always finishing one painting and moving to the next. Her grandfather could see the passion she possessed for art.

(My dear)

"You'll have to wait for that." She smiled at him, not wanting to ruin the surprise she had been planning for months. She just prayed for him to like it.

Their conversation came to a halt when a black car pulled outside the shop. Valentina looked out of the glass door - wondering who could it possibly be. Her confusion only grew when she noticed a man, dressed in a suit, making his way inside the shop. She tilted her head to the side as he took off his sunglasses.

"Yes?" She asked, staring at him. She had a feeling that he was not an ordinary man. From the car to the suit - he screamed extravagance. She noticed as her grandfather left his seat to come to stand next to her.

"Signore Dimitri!" Her Nonno greeted him, "It has been so long since I last met you."

(Sir)

The man, Dimitri, extended his hand and shook her grandfather's. There was a soft smile on his face while doing so, "I have been busy." He replied, turning his attention towards her.

"Valentina Bianchi." She placed her hand out. "I am his granddaughter." She explained further, having noticed the confused expression on his face. He took her hand in his and brought it to his mouth, "È un piacere conoscreti." He murmured against her knuckles as he pressed a kiss to them.

(A pleasure to meet you)

She only smiled back at him in return, turning her attention towards her grandfather who began to speak. "Signore Dimitri is one of my regular customers. He often purchases from me. You just joined, and he did not visit in the last two months that is why you do not know him." He explained.

"I see," Valentina nodded in reply. She looked at the man to see that he was already staring at her. His gaze was calm and calculated as if studying her. "How can I help you?" She asked, and his expression changed to a warmer one.

_

Later that night, Valentina sat on the balcony of her home. Her mind kept drifting off to the man she met in the morning. There was something different about him that she could not put her finger on.

"Caro," She looked up startled towards her Nonno who stood beside her. He grabbed a chair and pulled it near her. "What are you thinking about?" He asked, sitting down.

He knew that Dimitri was on her mind and that she had questions.

"That man, Dimitri," She began. "I just found him a little weird. Is he a famous businessman or something?" She questioned. Valentina brought her knees to her chest and placed her chin on top of them, staring at her grandfather as she waited for him to answer.

"His name is Dimitri Marino. He is the Consigliere of the Don."

Valentina's eyes widened.

She had heard about the Don - everyone in the world had. She had even read about him in the newspaper - but, she didn't recognize his Consigliere because he wasn't mentioned, ever.

She remained quiet, as she had no idea what to say. Her Nonno noticed her expression and began to speak. "The Don isn't as bad as everyone makes him to be. He does have a... questionable choice of business, but he helped me during my bad time. He does more for his people than the government."

"When did he help you?" Valentina asked with curiosity.

"A year ago, my gallery was in danger. A few thugs wanted to take over it - they knew I could not fight them back so, they tried to throw me off the property. As you know that Signore Dimitri is my customer, and he crossed paths with those men when he came over one day. I told him everything and asked for his help. I knew that he couldn't do much without the Don's orders - but, he returned a day later and told me that those men won't bother me anymore - that Don Valerius took care of them." He finished, clasping his hands in front of him.

Valentina smiled at the story, "I am glad it worked out." She said. Her Nonno nodded in reply, "Me too. That little gallery is all I have."

"Have you ever met him?" She asked.

"Who? The Don?" He questioned as Valentina nodded.

He released a chuckle while shaking his head in denial, "I haven't. It is very unlikely to run into him. Even if you see him in the public, you cannot come close to him without his permission. He is feared by the people, and respected. They know their boundaries."

"I don't think that I ever want to meet him." Valentina shuddered at the thought of running into the infamous Don.

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The first chapter. Please let me hear about your reviews in the comments. Thank you!