Tangled in the Mafia’s Web

Episode Thirty-seven

Ginevra quietly reentered her apartment, closing the door behind her with a soft click. The atmosphere felt heavy with unspoken tension as she moved through the living room, glancing at Chiara, who had changed into some violet sleepwear. Chiara sat on the couch, her eyes fixed on the TV screen, but Ginevra could sense the curiosity radiating from her friend.

And just as Ginevra approached, Chiara turned her head, her eyes meeting Ginevra's. It was unlike Chiara to stay still after seeing her with a man, especially not with one that looks as gorgeous as Leandro, or the complicated story she has been told.

But even without revealing who he truly was, Ginevra was certain Chiara must have figured it out–perhaps that was the reason behind her odd calmness.

Finally breaking the silence, Ginevra took a deep breath and mustered up a smile. "So, what are you watching?" she asked, her voice laced with an attempt at nonchalance.

Chiara shrugged, her gaze lingering on Ginevra for a moment before returning to the show she was watching. "Just some crime drama," she replied, her tone casual but her curiosity still evident.

“Now, don't keep me waiting. Do I need to know who he is?" Chiara brought up, not able to resist the burning question, but the words had come calmly. “It's him, isn't it?” She shot Ginevra a familiar look of 'Seriously?' as she asked, her disbelief evident.

That was defiantly what she thought.

Ginevra twitched her lips and slumped on the couch, seeming a bit hesitant and resigned in her expression. She nodded slowly, a calculated calmness settling over her. "Yes, it's him, Chiara," she revealed, clutching a pillow to herself.

“Holy s**t," Chiara muttered under her breath. "That's a big mess."

Ginevra nodded, acknowledging the truth in Chiara's words. That was very clear. "I know," she said, fully aware of the precarious situation she found herself in.

Chiara let out a hum of concern. "Gin,” Her voice came tenderly, the type that Ginevra only hears when her friend is truly not pleased with a decision. “...this is risky, everything. I understand you're doing your job, but what if these men find out? I can't even begin to imagine what could follow." She shifted in her position, her worry and concern listed in the way she watched her friend. "You need to tell your captain and call this off. This is madness. I still don't comprehend how you detectives are this crazy just to achieve a case.”

Ginevra shook her head, her resolve firm. "I can't," she replied. "I just can't. Not now."

“Why not? What's holding you?” Chiara pressed and just so, Ginevra took a deep breath, looking away for a brief moment before returning her gaze to Chiara, lightly twitching her mouth.

“Look, I know the danger, but this is my work. I need to find something that can bring him down, and get to the root of it. It's the only way I can feel safe after, it's merely a matter of time, and I promise I won't get caught, never." She emphasized her conviction, hoping to convey her confidence to Chiara.

Chiara watched her for a while, holding back her displeased. “If you get caught, I'm killing you myself,” Chiara said and Ginevra let a soft chuckle escape her. It was nice to see Chiara joke at such a moment. She was only being protective, and that was enough to soothe Ginevra.

“I promise," Ginevra said, seeking solace in Chiara's arms as she leaned in. "I will be careful mama.”

"You better be," Chiara replied, her voice seemingly serious yet affectionate.

Ginevra stayed calm in her embrace, and everything was peaceful before Chiara’s eyes wandered and caught sight of the small shopping bag resting on the counter nearby.

“Hey, what's in the bag?" she inquired softly.

Ginevra withdrew slightly from their embrace, her attention now drawn to the bag. “I... I don't know," she confessed, and that was definitely not a dress this time since the bag could barely contain something of that nature.

Why would he want her to check the bag after he had left? The thought rose to her mind.

“Let me check.” She says and swiftly put her falling hair in a loose bun as she got off the couch and walked over to the counter, picked up the bag, and returns to settle beside Chiara.

“What do you think? Perhaps the two men are thinking the same thing.” Chiara mused giving Ginevra a look.

A soft chuckle escaped Ginevra's lips as she pulled out a small box from the bag. “Perhaps in their grave,” she murmured, the twinkle in her eyes betraying a longing.

“What's in there?” The brief query rose just as Ginevra opened the box.

“Mm,” Ginevra sighed softly. “Strange I may say” she let out, her voice barely above a whisper causing Chiara to lean forward. “Seems to be chocolates. And not a cheap one. Judging by the look, I'm sure this won't be sitting in any of the stores I know.” She raised her eyes at Chiara.

“Why would he buy you that?” Chiara wondered aloud, her voice laced with curiosity.

But Ginevra shrugged like it was the usual, a carefree look in her gaze. "Who knows why Leandro does anything?" she pondered, her voice filled with a touch of amusement.

He had always followed his own whims and desires, acting on impulse and doing as he pleased.

It was not like him to give one a heads-up, though the day proved to be different.

On the morning of Chiara's departure, they both stood by the side of the waiting cab. Ginevra carefully placed Chiara's small luggage in the trunk before turning to face her.

“You owe me one,” Chiara playfully remarked, and Ginevra nodded with a light smile.

“I know, I know. Yes, I do. But let's not get too excited about it," Ginevra replied, her smile widening.

“Of course, I can't contain my excitement anymore," Chiara joked, a warmth shining through her eyes. "Come here." She gestured, pulling Ginevra into a tight embrace. "I'm going to miss your wild and crazy self."

Ginevra chuckled as they parted from the hug. "Now, off you go," she said, assisting Chiara in holding the cab door open. "Take care of yourself, Chiara. Stay safe, and always remember that you're in my heart."

"You better come back to me, you hear?" Chiara called out as the car started to move.

“Don't worry, we'll see each other again soon." Ginevra assured, waving her hand in a final farewell. The car soon took a turn, leaving Ginevra standing alone by the sidewalk outside her apartment.