Mafia's Second Chance Love

Chapter 15: Revelations and Respite

The apartment was enveloped in a heavy silence, broken only by the distant sounds of London's bustling streets. I still held the loaded gun, my finger hovering over the trigger, ready to take a life, ready to defend my love. Ethan knelt on the floor, defeated, sweat trickling down his temple, and his eyes no longer hid the fear that had plagued him since I had found him.

"Explain," I demanded, my voice cold and unwavering, a mere whisper in the shadows of my intent. "And remember, the truth is your only lifeline now."

Ethan hesitated for a moment before continuing, his eyes filled with painful memories. "You should know, Kira and I first met at the hospital. It's where everything started."

I sat on the arm of the couch, studying him with a cold, calculating gaze. Uncertainty swirled inside me, along with a whirlwind of emotions, but I remained resolute. There was a profound need within me to unravel the tangled web that connected Kira, Ethan, and myself. Even if it meant facing a reality that might hurt more than I could imagine, even if Kira had unknowingly betrayed me. The truth, no matter how painful, was a path I needed to tread.

"Go on," I urged, my voice laced with both frustration and determination. "I need to know it all." Ethan nodded and started talking again. This time looking at me. An attempt to prove his honesty?

'My father used to beat up my mum. We avoided the hospital and only went when it was necessary. Since you have followed Kira for so long you know what she offered to my mum.'' I know that Kira offers a helping hand to struggling families. Especially domestic abuse victims and their families.

''My mum refused. She insisted we did not need any help. We returned home again.'' Ethan's voice now sounded defeated. It can't be easy reminiscing such memories.

''I wasn't 18 yet. I was helpless. The only thing I could do was be locked in my room, eat in my room, study in my room. Everything in my room. I occasionally heard my mum begging for help. I tried once but she screamed at me to go back in my room. I did not know better.''

I observed him better. Under every piercing I could see a small white line. A testament to an old scar. He had so many piercings on his face... Could it be...? My hand was no longer clenching onto the pistol.

''As you might have guessed, it wasn't long after that my dad started hitting me too.'' The smile Ethan just gave me wasn't happy at all. Rather melancholic. ''My mum was the only one working in the house. He was just going around drinking and spending my mum's money, leaving us with almost nothing. He wanted me to work too, but mum insisted that I finish school.''

A wise move. Ethan suffered at the hands of his father.

''Once he broke her leg. And she still went to work. She was cleaning hotel rooms and when she finished her shift late she still got beat up by my dad because she didn't cook on time. And then he hit me for not knowing how to cook.''

Through my years, I'd encountered countless individuals, seen them at their best and worst. I'd witnessed deaths, murders, and brutality, but there was a stark difference in the underworld. In the mafia world, most of the time, the actions had their reasons, and people faced consequences for their choices.

''Kira warned us the second time we saw her. She told my mum. The next time he lays a hand on you, you might end up dead. Think of your child.'' Ethan looked at me and his eyes lacked any depth or emotion. He looked numb. ''I wanted to leave, but Mum said we'd do it when I finished school and turned 18.''

''And did you?'' I had to clear my throat. Ethan looked at me with his smile widening every second that passed.

''On my 18th birthday, I went home, excited to hear what my mum would say. I asked her when would we leave? I was so ecstatic with the change that was about to happen, that I did not notice that dad was home. He was home.''

Ethan's hands started trembling, and his voice weakened.

''I thought he was out drinking. He heard me mentioning that we would leave. He came into the room and beat me up. My mum came to help me but he pushed her so hard that her head hit the corner of the table.''

I tried to hide my shock. I wasn't expecting such a dark turn of events. Abuse is no easy subject to talk about. I heard the boiler turning on when I turned around to see what was going on. Sebastian was preparing some tea.

''With no insurance and no money, the only thing I could do was carry my mum to the hospital. My dad ran away in fear. They only announced my mum's death. There was nothing they could do.''

I singnalled my men to take him up and sit him on the chair. He did not seem to mind. Sebastian came with two hot cups of tea and placed them on the table. He reached and gave a cup to Ethan. He looked exhausted just from recounting his life story. The only thing he mustered to do was look at his face in the reflection of his cup.

''Kira was there that day. She took me in. I stayed at the organisation for some time. I was 18 and alone. She was my only support.''

I thought Ethan was like Kira and I. Late 20s. The suffering he must endured must have aged him.

''And how did 'helping the mafia' come into your life?'' My question caught him off guard. His laugh had a hint of bitterness, finding my attempt to understand somewhat amusing.

''I helped with some IT issues in the organisation. That's when she realized I had a talent for programming. Kira helped me find some courses for it and slowly I understood that I could do more than programming.'' I nodded as he continued. ''I was curious about the dark web. I found a weird job offering that paid well. It was finding some footage of someone's dealings. It was easy. When I was done, people kept contacting me. And that's how I started. Kira helped me buy my first laptop. I repaid her, of course after I started earning money. I eventually moved out of the organization to my own place.''

I was familiar with this phase. When someone tastes freedom, they go through a period of euphoria. Unfortunately, it's usually short-lived.

''Kira warned me.'' Here it was, the turning point I had been waiting for. ''Don't brag, and don't come in contact with your family.'' Smart advice. Usually, abuse victims get overconfident with their newfound freedom and make the most mistakes. It's not their fault; they simply don't know better.

''I met with my aunt. I told her about me having a job that paid well, having an apartment on my own. Being good at life. I gave her money!'' Ethan's expression was one of surprise, as if he was still trying to grasp the events of his past. He took a sip from his tea, and I followed suit.

''She followed me home without me knowing. And after two or three days, I heard a knock on my door. I opened only for my dad to come inside running. He beat me up and left me bleeding on the floor. He trashed everything in my apartment. What I had was ruined. My monitors, my computer, my furniture. Everything.''

''It was a foolish mistake,'' I stated bluntly, and Ethan nodded with a wistful smile.

''Kira found me once again. That was the second time she saved me. I was cocky and spent my money fast. So I was back to square one. She helped me again. And again. And again. She asked for nothing back other than what I owed. She bought me another laptop with her own money.''

Kira was indeed a remarkable person. I had witnessed her kind-hearted spirit before, but my overwhelming feelings of jealousy had overshadowed my judgment.

''So, to finally answer your question.'' Ethan's smile faded, and he reverted to his serious demeanor. ''No, Kira and I are not a couple. We're just two friends trying to lift each other up. I see her as my sister.''

I couldn't help but feel a complex mixture of emotions. Relief, understanding, and even a touch of admiration for Ethan for his unwavering loyalty to Kira. His story revealed a depth of hardship and resilience that I hadn't anticipated. It also illuminated the genuine care that Kira had for people, especially those in need.

"Thank you for sharing your story," I said, breaking the silence that had settled between us. "I think I understand better now."

Ethan gave a small nod, his eyes still reflecting the painful memories he'd just recounted.

''So... Can you lower the gun now?''

I smiled and placed the gun on the coffee table. Immersed in my thoughts, unsure of what to say or do next, I found myself lost. I thought I was right by assuming this man was Kira's new boyfriend. How foolish...

''She hates physical touch.'' I mumbled, trying to make sense of what I saw that hurt me so much that day.

''Indeed. But...'' I turned to look at Ethan puzzled. ''Kira recognized you.'' My eyes widened. ''She was terrified of you. She thought her legs would quit on her so she clenched onto me in order not to fall down.''

The room remained cloaked in heavy silence. Minutes passed and my initial shock didn't seem to leave me. I can't find the words. Kira? Scared of me?!

''And why? If I may ask.'' Sebastian's voice sounded from behind me. I felt his hand on my shoulder, a silent odd of his support.

''Ace... Umm.. She knows.'' My eyes were fixed. I did not move an inch. The fury inside of me was only fueled by the words he muttered. ''She knows your family's business. She knows about you and the mafia.''