The Mafia's Forgotten Vows

Chapter 4: Annoyance

Giuliana

I remained silent and closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep while Lorenzo continued to speed through the highway to a destination I am unaware of. I wanted to ask him once more what happened but I know it would be futile. As a member of a Mafia family myself, I know that shoout outs are normal especially now that the Vitale and Greco families seemed to merge into one. I sighed and then belatedly realized my mistake.

"Gia, are you hungry? We can stop by a Drive Thru if you want," Lorenzo asked with his deep unbothered baritone voice that usually melted me to my knees.

Since he heard me sigh, pretending to be asleep is no longer an option. I straightened in my seat and shook my head, then remembered that he cannot see my response.

"I'm not hungry," I replied just as my stomach started growling. My last meal was last night. I had difficulty sleeping so I had some midnight snacks and that was my fuel for the whole gruelling day.

"In and Out burger works for you?"

"Whatever! You'll be doing what you want anyways," I replied with my I don't give a damn tone. I wanted him to know how much I hated his presence and how much I detested this marriage, to him of all people.

Lorenzo didn't reply to my sarcastic remark. He continued driving and instead of the fast food he mentioned, he drove thru McDonalds. That Golden M that he knew I hated.

"What can we get you, Sir?" the Drive Thru receiver crackled and Lorenzo replied, "Two Big Macs without onions and two large Milkshake."

I sighed and he looked at me with a smirk. He knew I hated Big Macs, doesn't want milkshake and I love onions and fries. All of his orders were to spite me and yes, he succeeded with flying colors. I wanted to kick him until his shins bleed. He might have felt the anger emanating from me and yet I heard him chuckle. This man is really trying to get into my nerves!

"Oh, Miss, an additional, McChicken with onion rings and fries and instead of the second Milkshake, just a Coke for my wife," he said with a cheerful voice that was so out of character that made me look at him. He even emphasized the word wife. Annoying me might be thrilling for him but it's absolutely hell for me.

"Let me repeat your orders, Sir, one McChicken Sandwich with onion rings and fries, 1 soda, 2 Big Mac burgers, 1 milkshake. Is that all, Sir?"

"Yeah."

I rolled my eyes and tuned out the rest of their conversation. When we moved to the next window to pay get our orders, I saw the Drive Thru attendant trying to peek inside our car. Perhaps she's trying to see the handsome man's wife. With the amount of times I rolled my eyes this day, I think I'm feeling kind of dizzy. I massaged my temples and leaned my head on the window. I closed my eyes and tried to regain my composure and ease the tension I am feeling.

"Are you okay?" The teasing voice from earlier was gone and replaced with worry. I wonder if that is all for show.

"Gia? Gia, I asked if you're alright? Giuliana?" He sighed when even after calling my name several times, I ignored him.

"Sir, orders complete. Here you go," the drive thru attendant said.

I heard the rustling of the paper bags as the lady handed him our orders. He placed the two disposable cups in the car's cup holders and closed the window without answering. He sped up then after a few minutes, he swerved then parked the car. I opened my eyes to check what could be the cause of another stop over.

"Let's eat first. Here," He handed me the paper bag and my stomach grumbled once more. Now, I don't have an excuse to reject the food and pretend that I'm not hunger. I took the bag. I pressed the sandwich before opening the wrapper. I could feel him looking at me while I ate but I chose to remain silent. After e few seconds, he started eating himself. He gulped down two burgers as if they weren't humongous. It seemed he was hungry from all the drama of our wedding and the car chase.

When we were both done eating, we resumed our journey wherever we were heading. I remained silent and felt myself getting dizzy with sleep. I closed my eyes but before I could doze off, my phone started ringing.

Lorenzo

The tension between Giuliana and I seemed to mount up higher despite my efforts to lighten up her mood. I already knew things wouldn't be easy, but I didn't expect it to be this difficult. She ate the food I bought, which is a good thing considering that she ignored me the whole time. I felt invisible, and I knew I deserved to be. I ghosted her and had the guts to plan a wedding with her family without her knowing. She was about to sleep when a phone call broke the silence inside the car.

"Hello, Nonna?"

I heard her loud gasp as she dropped her phone.

"What is it? Gia, what happened?"

"L-let's go back, Lorenzo. My grandmother. . . she. . . " I could hear the trembling of her voice. The sobs that followed made me stop the car and look at her. I wanted to pull her into my arms, but she placed her arms on her chest as if protecting herself from me.

"What happened to your grandma?" I asked calmly.

"She. . . she got shot. Our car wasn't the only target. My Nonna was on her way home from the venue but. . . "

I stopped myself from cursing as I knew it would make Giuliana panic more. I tried to retain the calm and cold voice so as not to alleviate her stress.

"Where is she? We'll go there."

"At St. Ignatius Hospital. Hurry, Enzo, I want to see my Nonna. . .Please . . ."

Even if she didn't call me Enzo, I would still bring her to her grandmother.

I nodded my head and turned the car back towards the direction of the hospital. I pressed the speed dial for my right-hand man and issued instructions.

"Find out who attacked Nonna Rosita. We're going to St. Ignatius Hospital. Send some men there and wait for us. Coordinate with Dr. Jeron. Make sure she will be given the best treatment."

I hang up before even hearing his reply. I sighed as she continued to cry. I could hear her sobs. I wondered if she cried as much as this when I left her and then cursed at myself for even thinking about that.

"The nurse who answered the phone said that my Nonna lost a lot of blood."

"Don't worry, Gia. That hospital is owned by my friend. They will take good care of your grandmother."

I wanted to assure her that everything would be alright but then, a car zoomed past us and the next thing I heard was the deafening sound of riffles as the car in front of us started firing towards us.

"Gia!" I could only call her name as I swerved and tried to avoid the bullets flying towards our car.