Marked by the Mafia King

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“As we're coming to the end of this class, do well to prepare yourself for the project”, Mr. Rufus our college professor said, quietly arranging his books.

I brought out my phone as he continued, “You've been paired in threes—”.

A hand tapped my shoulder, I turned to a slim, tan-colored student who was sitting beside me.

“I'm Luca. Have been in this class with you for almost 2 months now,” he smiled warmly at me showing his set of 32 which were as white as snow.

“—see you on Monday,” Mr. Rufus ended his lecture and exited the lecture hall.

I started shuffling through my bag looking for my pair of air pods. I had already forgotten he was there till I received yet another tap.

“And you're?” Luca looked expectantly at me for his question.

“I'm Bee, short for Belle,” I replied with a warm glow spreading across my face.

He started chattering, but his voice was a distant echo in my head, drowned out by the turmoil of my thoughts.

“— Bee, are you okay? You've zoned out,” he held my shoulder, concerned.

“Yeah, I'm fine,” I smiled, but I was not fine. Tomorrow is my mom's death anniversary. Tomorrow was the day I killed my mother, if only I was not too selfish in— I was caught off by a voice.

“Anyway, it was nice meeting you Belle,” He cast a smile and swung his bag over his shoulder.

I offered a reassuring smile and he quietly left.

As I glanced around, the buzz of activity enveloped me. Students sprang up, excitedly chatting in pairs about the latest news – some discussing the country's current events, others gossiping about the Di Rossi family. Suddenly, I felt transported back in time. Ten years of torment and painful memories came flooding back, reminding me of that fateful day.

I recalled waking up in the hospital, groggy and disoriented, to the devastating news: my mom was gone. I had been Twelve years of age when my mom had been taken from me, brutally murdered by the cold hands of the mafians. I desperately wished it was all just a nightmare, closing my eyes tight, hoping to awaken in my childhood bedroom with Mom's soothing lullaby filling the air.

But it was real, everything I felt was real. My mother’s death was real, I remember asking for my father and was told he wouldn't be back for a while but he sent my uncle to cater for us. My sister lost part of her hair in the fire, her front hair was damaged forcing her to wear a wig. I was lucky enough to come out of it unscathed.

I took my books hung the strand of my bag on my shoulder and left the hall.

After the incident, we relocated to 6 different states. I was angry but I understood. Father didn't want anything bad to happen to us. The news of my mother's death broke him, his once bright eyes became cold.

Now, we live in the mountains where my father built a very well-furnished house. Sometimes or most times after the sky has shed its tears the sounds of crickets and birds would echo through the whole forest. That was the only good thing about the place. I loved animals, I was happy or at least I pretended to be.

“Belle!” Aurora called out to me from inside of her car.

I unlocked the door and slumped into the seat. After the incident, my relationship with my sister changed drastically. We hardly talk or greet each other.

It was silent as my sister drove through the rocky path and stopped in front of our house.

“Belle, you know you can tell me anything right?” she turned to me as she finished unbuckling her seat belt.

I remained silent.

I c****d my head towards her, casting her a smile, I thanked her for the drive and opened the car door.

She stayed in the car for a while punching the steering before opening the car door.

I shook my head and went inside my room. My queen-sized bed, nestling across the room, wore a white sheet. The closet was filled with clothes, shoes and accessories. Sitting on a desk were my tablet, laptop, pens and highlighter.

I took my clothes off and dunked into the bathtub. Bathing away the sweat and physical fatigue. The water cascaded down carrying my tears with it. I came out of the shower, my eyes puffy and threw on a shirt and my palazzo pants. Standing in front of the mirror, an emotionally guarded girl was looking back at me, her long flowy hair falling down her back like a waterfall.

I took a deep breath, grabbed my keys from the counter and pulled open the door. Making my way down to the living room, Aurora was busy on her phone.

“I have a dinner reservation tonight, and will be back late,” I said, trying to sound as casual as ever.

She curiously turned her head, “Do you need me to drive you?”.

I shook my head and headed towards the door.

I started the car and drove towards ‘La Dolce Vita’ which is a sophisticated and glamorous restaurant, owned by an Italian. As I entered the restaurant, I was led to the table by the hostess.

Sitting prim and proper, I waited for Mr. Michael. We met at a coffee shop. Since then, he has been disturbing me about going on a date with him.

As my gaze stretched across the whole room, the server came bearing a drink.

“Should I get you something?” He asked with a smile.

“No, thanks,” I forced a smile back, sipping the drink.

Suddenly, I felt a gentle pat on my back. I looked up and smiled. It was Michael, he was looking a bit disheveled but that I brushed aside.

“How's my princess doing tonight? Sorry I came rushing, had to take care of something,” he said, taking a seat in front of me.

I cringed, nothing beats hearing a few romantic words from a guy you think absolutely nothing about.

I gave him a smile and brought my drink to my lips, “Are you okay?” I asked, scanning him.

“Yes, my princess,” he denied.

I winced. My eyes darted away.

Just as he was about to speak up, the door swung wide open and groups of hulky men entered the room. The men scanned the whole room and finally, their gaze landed on our table. I took in a heavy breath.

The room fell silent immediately as all eyes darted towards the huge figures.

Shit! They're coming towards our table, I look down hoping they won't notice and continue on their way. They stopped a few meters near us, their faces expressionless.

I glanced up at Michael and he was shifting uncomfortably in his seat, biting his fin

gers. Did he get in trouble? My mind wandered.

Suddenly the door opened, then he appeared.