MY BABY DADDY IS A MAFIA BOSS

THIRTEEN

ENZO —-

"So are you going to marry his daughter?" Miguel questioned after asking how my meeting went.

"I don't have a choice Leonardo thinks that's the only way he can pay me back for the favor I want to do for him." I replied going through some files on my desk while Miguel continue to drink his coffee still surprised by Leonardo's offer.

"Why are you so determined to help him anyways, everything about him has been ruined I don't see why he has to come back, don't you know he is our competitor?" Miguel said.

"It's my decision to do this and you can't say anything to change my mind." I said calling my secretary through the Intel phone.

"So that means you won't be leaving the country soon or atleast you won't be going back alone." Miguel joked smiling as my secretary walked in and I suddenly saw Isabella in her, it was her dressing that was so similar to that of Isabella.

"You called for me sir." She said bowing at Miguel who just nods.

"Yes, I am done with this file I want you to go through it and submit it as soon as possible." I said pointing to the file on the desk.

"Okay sir." She said picking up the file and then walks out.

"Do you like this aurora girl?" Miguel asked, that was the main question I knew Miguel wanted to ask all this time.

"You know I don't fancy ladies and I don't see anything attractive about Aurora". I said still remembering Isabella, what was wrong with me and why was I suddenly remembering Isabella continuously?

AURORA---

I took a deep breath as I stood outside Enzo's office, my heart pounding in my chest. This was it, the moment I had been dreading and yet anticipating. I was about to confront Enzo about our arranged marriage, a decision that had been made without my consent or input. But I couldn't let my anger and resentment consume me. I had to face this head-on and try to find some common ground.

I walked into his office, trying to keep my composure despite the butterflies swirling in my stomach. Enzo looked up from his work, a look of surprise crossing his face as he saw me.

"Aurora? What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice filled with confusion.

"I wanted to talk to you about our arranged marriage," I said, my voice steady despite the nerves bubbling within me.

Enzo raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by my boldness. "I see. And what exactly do you want to discuss?"

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "Enzo, I know that this marriage was arranged without either of our consent. But I think it's important that we find some common ground and try to make the best of the situation."

Enzo leaned back in his chair, studying me intently. "And why do you think that's necessary, Aurora?"

I met his gaze, determined not to let my nerves get the best of me. "Because at the end of the day, we're both stuck in this arrangement. And I don't want our relationship to be built on resentment and mistrust. I think we owe it to each other to at least try to make this work."

Enzo remained silent for a moment, his eyes searching mine as if trying to understand my intentions. Finally, he let out a sigh and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

"I can respect that, Aurora. But let's get one thing straight," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. "I will not force you into this marriage. If you truly do not want to go through with it, I will find another solution."

I nodded, grateful for his willingness to listen and consider my feelings. "Thank you, Enzo. I appreciate your honesty. But I think it's important for us to at least get to know each other before making any decisions."

Enzo's expression softened, and he nodded in agreement. "I agree. We owe it to ourselves to give this a fair shot. Let's start by setting some boundaries and expectations. What do you say?"

I smiled, feeling a flicker of hope within me. Perhaps this arranged marriage wouldn't be as terrible as I had imagined. With open communication and a willingness to compromise, maybe we could find some common ground and even grow to care for each other.

"Sounds like a plan, Enzo," I replied, my voice filled with determination. "Let's start by getting to know each other, as equals. No titles or expectations. Just Enzo and Aurora."

Enzo smiled back, a genuine spark of amusement in his eyes. "I can agree to that, Aurora. Just Enzo and Aurora, figuring things out together."

"So what should I offer you?" Enzo asked pointing to the sit beside the stranger who was sipping his coffee with a smile on his face.

ENZO—--

"What should I offer you?" I asked pointing at a the sot opposite Miguel, she must think I am that easy to penetrate and command that's why she tried to pretend like someone who was standing her ground against something wrong when she knew it's clearly her father's idea.

"Thank you but I don't need anything." She said taking her seat and still pretending like she did not see Miguel sitting there.

"Ohh, I haven't introduce you to the CEO of the company which you are standing in. Mr. Miguel Galiano the founder of Galiano corporation." I said smiling as she opens her eyes widely in shock, she stands up immediately and bows at Miguel who also had a smirk on his face, for a minute there she thought I was the owner of the company and everything in it and decided to disrespect him.

"I am so sorry I did not expect you to be so ordinary and Mr Enzo was the one seating on the big chair." She said.

"You don't have to worry, I gave my own big chair." Miguel said sarcastically as they all both exchanged handshakes.

" I am just his business partner and best friend." I added.

AURORA —

As Miguel excused himself from the room, leaving Enzo and me alone, I couldn't help but feel a surge of nerves. It was just the two of us now, and I knew that this conversation would shape the course of our arranged marriage.

Enzo leaned back in his chair, studying me intently. I could see a mix of curiosity and skepticism in his eyes. "So, Aurora, tell me more about yourself. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?"

I hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "Well, I've always had a passion for photography. I love capturing moments and emotions through the lens of a camera. It's a way for me to express myself and see the beauty in the world."

Enzo raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my answer. "That's interesting. I've always found photography to be a powerful form of art. Do you have any favorite photographers?"

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I nodded. "Yes, Ansel Adams is one of my favorites. His black and white landscapes are absolutely breathtaking. I also admire Annie Leibovitz for her iconic celebrity portraits."

Enzo's eyes sparkled with a newfound interest. "I must admit, you have good taste. Perhaps we can go to an art exhibit together sometime and appreciate the works of these photographers."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. Maybe we did have some common ground after all. "That sounds wonderful, Enzo. I would love that."

For the next hour, we dove deeper into our personal interests and hobbies. I learned that Enzo had a passion for classic cars and enjoyed restoring them in his spare time. He showed me some pictures of his prized collection, and I found myself genuinely intrigued by his knowledge and expertise.

As we talked, I started to see a different side of Enzo. He wasn't just the stoic and distant businessman I had envisioned him to be. He had a warmth and a genuine passion for the things he loved. It was a side of him that I hadn't expected, and it made me hopeful for our future together.

But amidst the newfound connection, I couldn't shake the underlying tension of our arranged marriage. The fact remained that we hadn't chosen each other. It was a decision made by our fathers, and I couldn't ignore the sense of unease that lingered within me.

"Do you ever wonder what our lives would have been like if we had met under different circumstances?" I blurted out, unable to contain my thoughts any longer.

Enzo's expression softened, his eyes filled with a flicker of sadness. "Sometimes. But we can't dwell on what-ifs, Aurora. We have to make the best of the situation we're in."

I nodded, knowing that he was right. We couldn't change the past, but we could shape our future together. "You're right, Enzo. We can't change what's already happened, but we can choose how we move forward."

Enzo reached across the table, his hand gently resting on mine. "I want us to be partners in this, Aurora. I want to build a foundation of trust and respect between us."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this arranged marriage could turn into something more than just a business transaction.

"I want that too, Enzo," I replied softly, giving his hand a light squeeze. "Let's make a promise to each other. No matter what happens, we'll always be honest and open with one another."

With his words of assurance, I knew nothing can ever come between this bond, this was finally my chance to get what I want without Isabella ruining everything fir me, she has done more than enough damage to me by making dad lose everything he had but I guess everything turned for the worst so I could be with Enzo, dad was right about him. People always called ruthless and mysterious but he was nothing like that, he was just an ordinary guy like everyone else.

After staying a little longer in his office I decided to leave and maybe take a stroll around the company. I stood in front of the elevator waiting for it to open when someone familiar came out if the elevator, even though I could only see the back of the person it felt so much like Isabella, the perfume and the walking step everything was just too similar. I decided to follow this strange lady but when I got to the other side of the room she was nowhere to be found. I stood there for minutes and walked around searching for her but couldn't find her and just when I was about to leave the premises I could swear I heard Isabella's voice, why would she ever come back to my life and why would she be in this company of all places, she can't just walk into my life again I have to confirm if she is the one or not.

I opened the door to the room where I heard her voice and it was crowded with workers busy with different jobs. I couldn't make out who was who but I could still hear the voice and this time it was more like a giggle. I felt my heart beating fast, Isabella shouldn't be back she can't come back, she can't……if she comes back into my life things would just become worse than it already is.

Dad was already regretting his decision to send her away and now she wants to come back. I won't let that happen. I heard the voice one more time and was able to trace the voice to two women talking to themselves at a far end of the room, I hurriedly walked up to them and after praying and hoping she is not the one I tapped the stranger.