Goodbye
1101 Words
Raven's Pov
I barely registered the drive back to my apartment. My hands shook as I stuffed my clothes into a suitcase, my thoughts racing.
One moment, I was running my bakery, serving coffee and cinnamon rolls. Next, I am signing a contract to move in with a mafia boss and also carry his child.
My stomach twisted.
I hated him.
Hated the way he spoke like he owned me. Hated that I had no control over my own damn life.
Lisa sat on my bed, watching me pack with wide, worried eyes.
“This is insane, Raven.”
I zipped up the suitcase. “You think I don’t know that?”
She grabbed my hand. “You don’t have to do this.”
My throat tightened. “I do.”
Tears filled her eyes. “What if he hurts you?”
I forced a small smile. “Then you will know where to find my body.”
“Not funny.”
I sighed, squeezing her hand. “I will be okay.”
She wiped her eyes, shaking her head. “I swear to God, if you disappear, I’m burning his house down.”
I laughed, but it was hollow. Because deep down, I wasn’t sure I would make it out of this at all.
I stared at my suitcase.
This is it. I am really doing this.
I am moving in with him.
The weight of my decision pressed down on my chest, but I couldn’t take it back. I had signed the contract, agreed to his terms. There was no way out now.
A sharp knock at the door snapped me from my thoughts.
Lisa peeked in, her face tight with worry. “Matteo is waiting outside.”
I had texted her on my way here. Though she doesn't know the whole details, she only knows I have to stay with Luca for the meantime. I didn't want her getting into any trouble
I nodded, gripping the handle of my suitcase so tightly my fingers ached.
Lisa hesitated, then rushed forward, wrapping her arms around me. “You don’t have to do this.”
I squeezed my eyes shut. “Yes, I do.”
She pulled back, her eyes shining. “I don’t trust him.”
I let out a humorless laugh. “Neither do I.”
She wiped at her face and exhaled sharply. “If anything happens…”
“I know.”
Lisa wasn’t just my employee, she is more like family. If anyone would come looking for me, it would be her.
“Be careful, Raven,” she whispered.
I nodded, then turned and walked out before I lost my nerve.
****
My father’s hospital room was dimly lit, the steady beeping of machines filling the silence.
He looked smaller somehow, his body lost in the mess of blankets. Seeing him like this never gets easier.
“Dad,” I said softly.
His eyes fluttered open, and when he saw me, a tired smile tugged at his lips. “Hey, sweetheart.”
I sat beside him, taking his frail hand in mine.
“You are here late.” His voice was weak, but the warmth in it never faded. “Busy day at the bakery?”
I swallowed. “Something like that.”
He sighed, his gaze searching my face. “You look tired.”
I forced a small smile. “So do you.”
He chuckled, then coughed. The sound rattled in his chest, making my stomach twist.
I tightened my grip on his hand. “Dad, I…I need to tell you something.”
He lifted a shaky hand and tucked my hair behind my ear, just like he used to when I was little. “Whatever it is, it’s okay.”
No, it wasn’t.
But I couldn’t tell him the truth.
I couldn’t tell him that his daughter had sold her body to a mafia boss in exchange for his life.
So I lied.
“I’m going away for a little while,” I said carefully. “But I will still come visit, and I will make sure your bills are covered.”
Concern flickered across his face. “Where are you going?”
I hesitated. “It’s… a business opportunity. Something that could change our lives.”
He frowned. “Raven, you don’t have to do anything crazy for me.”
I forced another smile, ignoring the sting behind my eyes. “It’s not crazy. It’s just necessary.”
He studied me for a long moment, then sighed. “You have always taken on too much. Ever since your mom died, you have tried to carry the world on your shoulders.”
I blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears.
He squeezed my hand weakly. “Just promise me you will take care of yourself, okay?”
I nodded, my throat too tight to speak.
He smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I love you, kiddo.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
I stayed a little longer, memorizing the lines of his face, the warmth of his hand in mine. Soon, he fell asleep. With a deep breath, I kissed his forehead and walked away.
Matteo was waiting outside, leaning against the black SUV. Snowflakes clung to his dark jacket, his breath visible in the cold air.
“You ready?” he asked.
No.
But I nodded anyway.
He opened the door, and I climbed in.
As we pulled away, I kept my eyes on the hospital until it disappeared in the distance.
I had no idea when I would see my father again.
And that terrified me.
Luca stood near the floor-to-ceiling windows, hands in his pockets. His black shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled up, revealing strong, tattooed forearms.
He looked relaxed, but I wasn’t stupid.
Everything about him was calculated.
He turned when I walked in, his piercing eyes sweeping over me. “You are late.”
I bit back the urge to roll my eyes. “I had to see my father.”
His jaw tightened slightly, but he didn’t comment.
Instead, he gestured toward the hallway. “Your room is the last door on the right.”
I gripped my suitcase. “You expect me to just move in like this?”
He smirked. “You already have.”
Anger burned in my chest, but I swallowed it down.
Fighting him was pointless.
For now.
“You may have my body. You don’t have my soul.”
I turned on my heel and walked to my room, slamming the door behind me.
- Writer
