The Don's Secret Heiresses

Chapter 4: Meeting Him Again

The sleek black car rolled through the gates of the Corsini estate, sunlight bouncing off marble pillars and the polished cobblestone drive. Celeste’s eyes widened, jaw slack, as she took in the mansion’s sprawling façade, the guards stationed with quiet authority, the gardens trimmed to perfection.

“Heaven…” she breathed, “this is… insane.”

Heaven’s hands tightened on the leather strap of her bag. “Yes, it’s… impressive,” she said flatly, her gaze scanning every shadow, every corner. Too impressive. Too controlled. Beneath the pristine walls and polished floors, she knew, lay power, danger, and secrets.

She had left this world behind, left it with its secrets and baggage. She had hoped she would have no reason to come back. Jokes on her apparently.

A guard, crisp in his dark uniform, stepped forward. “Young Miss.” His bow was subtle, automatic, but precise. With a nod, the gates swung open wide. Heaven’s stomach twisted; the formal welcome, the invisible web of authority. She hadn’t missed a single thing.

Inside, the family was already seated around a long, gleaming dining table. Heaven’s half-siblings cast glances that flitted between curious and subtly scornful, while her stepmother’s smile was polite, sharp around the edges. Celeste, unaware of the silent rules, whispered, “They’re… elegant.”

Heaven’s father, aged but dignified, gave a brief nod of acknowledgment, eyes lingering on her with a faint affection that made her chest tighten.

She had often wondered how their relationship would have been if he was not a made man through and through. It was useless to imagine such things though, she thought as she spotted the gun tucked in his shirt. Clearly Santino had not understood when she had told him to make sure no guns were present at the table.

Heaven’s gaze immediately searched for Santino as they sat down. “Santino,” she asked softly, though with urgency.

“He is busy with the Enzo Romano!” One of her half sisters screeched in excitement, but Heaven frowned Enzo Romano.

“Please tell me you know him.” Her lookalike scoffed, and Heaven lifted her brow as she stared at the brunette twins with contempt.

“Oh gawd! You literally don't know anything. Have you been living under a rock or something?” One of the twins, Clara, laughed.

“I don't busy myself with gossip, unlike you two I have an actual business to run. Things to do. Not that you would know anything about that.” She hissed just as Celeste gripped her hand under the table with a proud nod. I love this girl.

“Daddy!” The twins yelled at once like the spoiled brats they were, and Celeste scoffed at her side.

“Of course. Run to Daddy when it gets difficult, what else would you do otherwise?” The table was deathly silent after Celeste’s little contribution to the conversation, and Heaven closed her eyes.

Of course, what was she thinking bringing her best friend to the lion's den without proper prepping. People had been killed for less. She needed Santino, now.

And just then, he appeared. Stepping through the double doors into the room with an air of command that made heads turn. Heir to the Mafia throne through and through. But he was not alone.

Something stopped Heaven cold.

Him.

He stood a few steps behind Santino, eyes glinting, posture immaculate. A slow, almost predatory smile curved his lips as his gaze landed on her. Elation, dark and thrilling, flickered across his wicked obsidian gaze.

“Who is she?” He asked Santino smoothly, voice calm but carrying the weight of power. He was not exactly asking, he was demanding to know who she was. Heaven swallowed. Catching the eye of a made man was never a thing to pray for, but it seemed she had.

Santino’s expression didn’t waver. “A family friend,” he smiled, concealing Heaven’s identity with flawless ease. “Heaven, meet Enzo Romano.”

Heaven froze. This was the first time she was officially introduced, and yet, she felt a current run through her, remembering their earlier encounter.

Enzo stepped forward, extending his hand, eyes locked on hers. “A pleasure,” he said, his tone jesting, his gaze betraying memory. “Finally, I get a proper introduction.”

He was too close, she could inhale him. She didn't want to! Didn't need any memory of him stuck to her. She discreetly tried to remove her hand from his, but his grip tightened with her every struggle, to the point where she had to suppress a wince.

Heaven’s mouth twitched, defiance rising immediately. “Well, congratulations. You’ve met me under the most charming circumstances imaginable,” she said, voice light but sharp, her words laced with subtle disrespect by Mafia standards.

“You are right, Miss. Although our first meeting would be hard to beat in terms of spontaneity and intensity.” He answered, his tone was almost light, but she knew better. Enzo Romano's reputation spoke for him. A beast, driven by absolute power, he was a terror.

“I do not seem to remember it being all that memorable.” Heaven pushed past her lumped throat. “It was ever so casual to me.”

She should stop talking while she still had her tongue. And her hand was still trapped in his, she knew he could feel the tremors that wracked her being from pushing herself to challenge.

He c****d his head, eyes assessing.

“Perhaps I should refresh your memory. It would be my pleasure, Bella.” Now he was no longer trying to hide his murderous aura under a veneer of civility anymore. Heaven felt her vision blur from sheer fright.

Santino’s jaw tensed imperceptibly. Every muscle in the room seemed to hold its breath.

She could see men surrounding them draw their weapons subtly. Oh dearest God, I didn't bring us here to die. Get me out of this one. You owe me.

Enzo, however, laughed. Adding to the tension instead of cutting it. Soft, dark, dangerous, a sound that promised both delight and retribution. Heaven’s stomach flipped. I should really slap my mouth, she thought.

Recovering her composure, Heaven turned and introduced Celeste. Her friend smiled gracefully, bowed elegantly. Heaven caught a flicker in Santino’s eyes: Interest, calculation. She wondered if bringing Celeste had been a mistake.

Enzo shook Santino’s hand firmly, nodded politely to the don, and left as smoothly as he had entered. His presence lingered like smoke, intoxicating and disconcerting.

Barely a few minutes later, her stepmother leaned forward, delicate fingers resting on the table. “And when will you settle down, Heaven? Surely you do not think you could dance forever, do you?” Her words trailed into the familiar territory of marriage arrangements.

Her step mother was always trying to marry her off at every meeting.

Heaven stiffened. Santino, seeing the discomfort in her expression, rose abruptly. “Lunch is over,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument. His eyes flicked to her stepmother once, before leading Heaven and Celeste out.

The drive home was quiet, tension vibrating in the small car. Heaven stole glances at Santino’s face. She had noticed the way he looked at Celeste, protective, scrutinizing, and it made her hesitant to ask for any further favors. Guess we are on our own.

Celeste sat with large headphones on her head, and bobbing her head to the beat, oblivious to the dangerous interest of the man sitting beside her. Heaven clenched her hands. No way in hell. Not happening. Just no.

Before they reached their street, Santino’s hand tapped lightly on hers. “He’s dangerous, little dancer. That man, Enzo. Do not get involved with him. Stay away.”

Heaven’s gaze narrowed as she nodded. “I promise, I want absolutely nothing to do with a made man.” she hissed, the warning felt belated, almost futile.

Because despite her words, a part of her mind kept replaying the dark laughter, the piercing gaze, and the memory of a man who seemed to see right through her.

And she knew: she might already be too late.