The Mafia's Obsession

Chapter 14 The Familiar Stranger

A week has passed since Leonardo shamelessly disgraced me in front of the guests at his party. I still couldn't believe he had the temerity to say that to someone who didn't even want to show up at his goddamn function in the first place.

I never wanted to be in this house to begin with. I was forced in here. I lived my life in this solitary confinement. I had every means of communication with the outside world ripped away from me.

I was more or less a prisoner, and he had the guts to call me a maid.

I am fully convinced Leonardo escaped from an asylum.

I hate that man so much. To actually think he would have the decency to apologize to me after the vulgar things he spat at me at the party. I guess I expected too much from him.

He is nothing but a beast that's incapable of having human emotions. I hate him so much, and I just wish I could end my misery by killing him.

I hadn't even set my eyes on him after that incident. I can still remember the taunting smiles that everyone wore on their faces after Leonardo insulted him.

His guests were just like him. They probably derived pleasure in seeing others get hurt, in belittling others, and trampling over the poor masses.

I felt a huge wave of freedom when Maya told me the next day that Leonardo was on a business trip once again. He seemed to travel a lot and it was a good thing. I don't think I could have stood to see his face after what he did to me at the party.

Time seemed to move really fast whenever Leonardo wasn't around, and it went by like a snail when he was.

Nevertheless, I was still very grateful for the fact that I had a breathing space.

As expected, the beast made sure to restrict my movements by assigning his guards to track my every move. He was such a dominating freak.

"Selene, my child," I heard the soft, familiar voice of Maya walk into my thoughts and jolting me out of my reverie.

I glanced at her. She stood looming by the doorways of the library.

I offered her a pleasant smile. "Maya good..." my voice trailed off as I had to glance at the wall clock to ascertain the time.

"Good evening," I immediately replied.

Wow, it was evening already.

I was so engrossed in exploring the vast knowledge of ideas oozing out of the library that I hadn't realized how fast I had lost track of the time.

Once again, time went in a flash whenever Leonardo wasn't moving around the corners of his mansion.

"You have been here for such a long time. I decided to check on you. Don't you feel lonely?" she asked, stepping inside.

I sighed.

"No, Maya. But I'd love to spend time with you," I replied with the utmost sincerity.

I truly wasn't feeling lonely. These days, I find solace in just enjoying my own company.

Whenever Leonardo was around, I had my pulse racing at 140 beats per minute. I was usually so astonished at how one man could evoke so much fear in me.

Leonardo was a nightmare in my life. His sudden appearance in my life was like foggy clouds that would not vanish away.

They said there's always a rainbow after a storm, but the storm in my life had become my life, and there was no way to escape from it.

I just had to let it rain on me.

"Come child. Dinner is almost ready. Come, let's set up. One is coming over, Maya sweetly said to me.

My breathing got hitched at once and I almost choked on the air.

Who was coming?

Leonardo?

I had no clue when he would be back from his business voyage, but I didn't want him to come back, at least not now.

He just left about two days ago. W-who? Who is coming? I stuttered, suddenly unable to process my words.

Maya hiked a brow at me. "You look tense, Selene. It isn't Leonardo, OK?"

I found myself breathing a sigh of relief.

Maya was no stranger to noticing how agitated I would always feel whenever Leonardo was around.

"Who is it then?"I questioned, my nerves slowly relaxing.

A broad smile walked its way to her lips. "It's my grandson. He is coming to pay me a visit for some days," she chirped excitedly.

Wow. She had a grandson.

"That's amazing, Maya. I'd really love to meet him.

It would be nice to have another human in the house apart from Maya and the multiple workers that roamed the mansion and its guarded vicinity.

"Come child. Let's go set up dinner together. I'm very sure you both will enjoy each other's company," Maya said confidently.

She spoke so highly of her grandson.

I stood up and returned the book I was reading before going over to her.

"I have a feeling already," I cheekily replied with a smugly smile.

Whoever he was, I was really anxious to meet him.

"So tell me, child. What book were you reading?" Maya asked as we walked through the hallways.

I laughed. One of William Shakespeare's books. King Lear is the title

"You know, I wish I could read English books. I can only speak, but I don't know how to read," Maya confessed. I was so thrown aback by her statement.

She speaks English so fluently, so how can she not read it?

"Why can't you read English, Maya?"I asked, my face contorted.

"My child back in my day...."

I listened to Maya as she took me on a walk down memory lane.

Although I hated every nanosecond I spent in this mansion, Maya had won my heart over.

I just hoped her grandson would be as cheerful and loving as her.

* * * * * * * *

I took bites out of the chicken that was pierced with my fork.

I sat in the dining room, eating with Maya as we awaited the arrival of her son.

I noticed Maya would occasionally glance at the clock in between our various discussions. She was getting tense. I could feel it. Worried lines were drawn on her forehead while we both waited for her grandson.

"Maya," I called out to her.

She gave me a faint smile. "I don't know what's holding him. He should have been here an hour ago." I stretched out my hand to touch hers, gently caressing her fingers.

He will be OK here. If you keep on thinking about it, you will end up being so worried, I reassured her.

She exhaled and softly gave me a nod.

"Now why don't we enjoy this...." My voice trailed off as a maid approached both of us.

"Maya, he's here," she meekly announced with a courtesy bow.

I watched Maya's eyes shimmer like those of a child being given candy.

"Tell him to come in, please," she said happily.

I was very eager to meet him.

The maid left us only to come back a few seconds later with a familiar face that I knew too well, walking in with her.

Mike.

I bolted up from my seat immediately our gaze locked.

"Mike!"I practically screamed, my feet running over to hug him.

Selene, Oh my God. What the hell!" Mike exclaimed the minute we pulled away from each other's embrace.

I was at a loss for words. I hugged him again, even more tightly, not minding the various stares I was getting from Maya and the workers that patrolled the area.

I've missed him. Seeing him brought back memories of Hailey and memories of my sister, Brian.

"Look at you, Selene. How have you been?" he asked excitedly.

"I've been OK. What about you? You are Maya's grandson?"

He laughed and hoisted his two hands at me. "Guilty as claimed."

"You two know each other?" Maya asked, confusion written across her face.

I nodded and faced her. "Of course we do, Maya. Mike is my very good friend.

And also my childhood crush.

I giggled at my thoughts and glanced back at Mike.

He looked as handsome as ever.

Well, dinner won't eat itself. Let's all eat, Mike smugly said with a smirk.

I went over to my seat, Mike coming to sit by my side as we began chattering and discussing.

My life suddenly felt renewed with Mike's arrival. Now my only prayer was for Leonardo not to show up any moment from now.