Mafia's Second Chance Love

Chapter 17: The Librarian Knows

I sat in my cluttered office, surrounded by stacks of papers, notes, and a chaotic whirlwind of tasks that needed to be completed. My computer screen displayed countless emails about the upcoming charity event, and I felt like I was drowning in a sea of details.

The event was in about three months, and even if it felt like I had time, every minute felt precious. I'd poured my heart and soul into organizing it, hoping to raise funds for the shelter and offer some relief to those who desperately needed it. It was a cause close to my heart, but the weight of the responsibility was taking its toll.

As I shuffled through a stack of invoices, Claudia's face flashed before my eyes. Her husband, a police officer, had recently decided that they should go to trial for custody of their son. It was a cruel twist of fate that the most important event of my career coincided with Claudia's most challenging battle. I knew she needed support and reassurance, but I was overwhelmed myself, torn between my duty to the event and my loyalty to her.

The looming custody trial added another layer of stress and uncertainty to my already chaotic life. I couldn't help but wonder how Claudia was holding up, knowing that the future of her family was at stake. I wanted to be there for her, to stand by her side as a friend should, but the demands of the charity event were relentless. I need to find time and visit her room.

For abusive households where the abuser has the means and power to do whatever they want, it's not strange to resort to court. However, for the victim, it's even more difficult to stand up to them. Claudia barely escaped and I fear for her mental health. Not only that, but unfortunately, she does not have the means to support herself. I found her the cleaner position in the organisation but the wage cannot cover the legal fees. The organisation is supposed to cover the fees and help her, but even that is difficult for us.

Mr. Toby was our main lawyer. He was in his mid 70s. His wife died some years ago and left him with a void he decided to fill by helping the organisation with its court cases. Most of the time, he wasn't getting paid. He was volunteering since his pension was enough for him. Mr. Toby is a good lawyer, but I'm afraid he also needs to stay home and rest. His mind is not what it used to be and sometimes he forgets or confuses facts. I just don't have the heart to tell him anything, and his help is crucial. I'm just hoping we won't have any problems with Claudia's case. The fact that her husband is actually a cop and he did that to her is making me furious, but I need to remain calm for the sake of her little boy.

And then, there was Ace. The thought of him crept into my mind at the most inconvenient times, like an unwelcome guest who refused to leave. I couldn't shake the memories of our past, the feelings I'd thought were buried. His reappearance in my life was a reminder of how fragile my carefully constructed world truly was.

As I contemplated the weight of my responsibilities and the impending charity event, I decided to take a short break. I needed some fresh air and a moment of respite. The brisk London air greeted me as I stepped out onto the bustling street. The city's chill nipped at my cheeks, but I welcomed the invigorating sensation, hoping it would clear my mind.

I began to walk aimlessly, my thoughts trailing in every direction. In my distracted state, I wandered a bit further than I'd initially intended. But that's when I spotted it – London's charming little library, nestled next to a cozy coffee shop. The sight of those familiar buildings triggered a rush of memories, transporting me back to the time I was a university student.

I entered the charming coffee shop, its wooden door creaking softly as I pushed it open. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me, a comforting embrace against the London cold. The sounds of footsteps and hushed conversations echoed around me, a symphony of urban life. I approached the counter, where a barista greeted me with a warm smile.

"Hello, what can I get you today?" the barista asked.

I glanced at the menu board, my breath forming a small cloud in the chilly interior. "I'll have a hot Americano, please," I replied.

The barista nodded and began expertly crafting my drink. I found a cozy corner seat, surrounded by walls adorned with local artwork and shelves filled with well-worn books.

The dim lighting and soft music playing in the background created a soothing ambiance, a stark contrast to the chaos of my office. As I sat, my gaze drifted toward the window. From my vantage point, I could see the library, where a few patrons chatted over steaming cups of coffee. The cold, bustling London streets were momentarily forgotten as I remembered all the times I've spent studying here. After two challenging school years in the British system, I was accepted to London's university. The little library next to this cozy coffee shop became my sanctuary, where I delved into new material for my studies and found solace among the pages of countless books.

It was during my second year of studies that an unexpected encounter unfolded. On a routine day, I strolled carelessly toward the coffee shop, my habitual refuge for a cup of steaming coffee, and then, inevitably, a visit to the library next door. It was during one of these routine visits that I unexpectedly spotted a familiar face.

"Luise?" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement. "Luise Anderson?" A broad smile stretched across my face as I recognized the familiar figure.

Luise, along with her husband Ben, had been the proprietors of the library in my hometown on the outskirts of London. She had been the one to offer me a part-time job, a lifeline when I needed it most. Unlike the others in our small community who avoided me like the plague, she had extended her kindness to me.

As she turned around, my excitement grew. It really was her!

"Oh my goodness, Kira!" Her smile warmed my heart as she enveloped me in a tight hug. It had been some time since I'd experienced physical contact, and as much as I usually shied away from it, her hug provided a surprising sense of comfort.

I vividly recalled the happiness that had radiated from her when she saw me. We had sat in this very coffee shop during our last meeting, catching up before I had to return to my classes.

Curiosity piqued, I asked, "What are you doing here? It's quite far from town." My years in that town had held mostly pleasant memories, but my last year there had revealed a darker side.

Luise explained, "The library next door requested a book that our library happened to have. Ben can't drive anymore, so I came here to deliver it." She reached into her bag, pulling out the requested book.

The title of the book, "Disarming the Narcissist: Surviving and Thriving with the Self-Absorbed," instantly brought a rush of heat to my cheeks. The coincidence was almost too uncanny. Luise quickly picked up on my awkwardness and inquired, her voice laced with the same concern she'd always shown me.

"Is something wrong?" Her words were filled with the same hint of worry she'd had during our previous interactions.

I managed to compose myself and replied, "I actually ordered this book. It's for a project. I'm studying Psychology and Sociology now." I offered her a reassuring smile, hoping to put her at ease.

We continued talking, and she filled me in on all the news I'd missed over the past two years. It was comforting to meet a familiar face in London, a city that had initially left me feeling isolated during my first year of studies. Knowing that Mr. Ben and Luise were doing well warmed my heart.

''But enough about us old people. Tell me about yourself. How have you been?'' Luise's hand reached for mine, holding it tightly. It had been a while since I'd discussed my own life. What could I possibly say? My mind was in disarray. I couldn't lie to Luise. She had always been the one person who was honest with me in England.

''I'm... Starting to be okay, I think.''

It was the most honest statement I could make. I had to fight back tears, attempting to keep my composure. Luise understood, as she always had. But I'm sure that at that moment she knew. She knew I was going through some tough times because she would never reveal anything to me. If she knew I was happy, she would leave me to my ignorance to continue my life. But she understood, and she let me in on the dark secret.

''Ben and I...'' she started. Her tone reminded me of my mum's. Sometimes she would talk to me with a blend of kindness and seriousness. ''There hasn't been a day in the library that we don't think of you. When the time you usually come to work passes, we always wonder if you are okay. I am so grateful to God you finally got out of that town.'' Her voice grew softer, and her eyes began to glisten with tears.

''I couldn't stay, Luise. Nobody treated me like a human being except you.'' I admitted with a smile spreading on her face.

''Listen. I was meaning to talk to you about it but...'' Her eyes conveyed a sense of urgency I couldn't quite comprehend. Or maybe I wasn't ready. ''Are you two done?'' she asked.

I looked at her with a confused face. she asked, her behavior growing stranger by the moment. It was as if I no longer recognized the woman sitting in front of me.

''You and Ace. Are you done? Did you... Break up?''

The mention of his name sent a pang through my heart. I had promised myself to leave everything behind, to escape that painful past. I tried and tried to forget, but my mind kept returning to that haunting scene. I felt my head pounding to the rhythm of my heart beat.

''Yes.'' I finally replied, my stomach coiling like a tight knot. ''And I'm not coming back, Luise.'' Whatever her agenda might be, I was determined not to be ensnared by it again.

''Oh, thank God you've finally come to your senses.'' her response left me speechless. The warm, kind-hearted old lady I'd known seemed to have vanished. She crossed her arms and gazed at me with an intensity that nearly drove me away. If not for her next words, I might have gathered my things and left.

"The reason everybody avoided you was because of him." I struggled to comprehend her words.

"Everyone avoided you because of Ace."

And that's when my entire world began to crumble beneath my feet. My head spun, my stomach twisted into knots, and I felt like I might throw up at any moment.