THE MAFI’S ALLURE

Amilia's POV “This world is full of selfish and cruel people and I promised myself that I would never turn into that." It's 5:30 in the morning, ‘’ can't believe I was able to wake up before my alarm”. I dragged myself out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up and get ready for my interview at 8:00am. By 7:30 am I was already standing in front of one of the biggest companies in Milan, I hope I get hired,“ gosh I'm so nervous’’ I hope they buy my designs. I walked into the building trying to remain calm as I walked straight to the front desk. “Hello, my name is Amilia, and I'm here for the interview scheduled for 8:00am”, I said to the lady whom I assumed to be the secretary, ‘she looks beautiful”, I thought to myself. But she gave me this disgusting look like she was disgusted with me or something. “I didn't ask for your name, and you can sit over there and wait for Mr Anthonio, he will soon be in the office.” she said to me. I walked over to where she pointed to me and sat down while I secretly rolled my eyes at her. I sat down there for almost an hour before Mr Anthonio— the manager of the design department, was finally in the office and ready to interview me. The secretary took me to his office where I was interviewed and it was a success. Mr Anthonio was impressed with my design. “Have you designed for any major company before?” he asked. “ No sir,” I answered. Very good then. That means we don't have to be scared of you selling another company's designs to us. In that case, I think we are done here. My secretary will email you. That email is going to contain a copy of your employment letter and your job description. You are to resume work on Monday and every other information you need will also be included in that email. “ Alright, thank you very much sir” “You are welcome, enjoy the rest of your day.” He said as I stood up and walked out of his office. I dialed my boyfriend's number to give him the good news because he did a great job in helping me prepare for the interview. Beep Beep “ Hey damsel”. He said through the call, and I blushed. I always find myself blushing whenever he calls me that. “Hey babe, guess what?” “You got the job,” he answered. “You could have at least acted like you didn't know.” “Common babe, you put so much effort in preparing for that interview. The only thing that would surprise me is if you didn't get the job and besides, you are the best jewelry designer in the whole of Milan”. “Thank you so much babe— for everything” “It's nothing baby. You know I love you and I will always be here for you.” “I love you too, Rocco.” We talked for a few more minutes before I ended the call and took a cab home. I intended to head straight to my room and take a short nap once I got home, but I never thought I would meet my dad sitting in the living room. “I wonder what he is doing at home by this time of the day” “Can't I be in my own house again, Amilia?” My dad asked with an odd expression on his face. My god, did I say that out loud? When did I start thinking aloud?’ Of course, you can, it's your house. Good afternoon dad. I greeted him. “Be ready by 6pm, we are going to have dinner at Salvatore's.” For what dad? And by “we” you mean? By “we” I mean you, me and your mother. Stepmother— I corrected Whatever Amilia. We are going there to finalise your marriage arrangement with Marcello Salvatore. This dinner is an avenue for you both to meet each other so you can know who you are getting married to. I don't want you to go blabbing about getting married to someone you have never met. What? Did I just hear him correctly? I have always known that my dad is capable of so many things, but I never thought that an arranged marriage was part of those things. “Dad, you are joking, right?” “Do I look like I am joking, Amilia?” You should be happy that I'm getting you married to the richest and most feared man in the city. My dad stated blandly like he was reading some news. “Common Amilia, Marcello is a great man” My stepmother, who had been quiet all along, chipped in, and I shot her a hard glare. Wait.. Marcello? I may not be familiar with my dad's underground business, but that name rings a bell. Marcello, the Don of the Italian Mafia, rumor has it that he killed his own mother, and he can't go a day without killing at least a soul. I can't believe that my father is trying to get me married to that monster. Never!! Dad, I don't know what sort of business deal you have with the Salvatores, but please keep me out of it. I'm never getting married to that Monster. And if you both think he's such a great man, why don't you get your favorite daughter married to him in my place then? “We are not negotiating terms here, Amilia. I'm your father, and you will do as I say or else— “Or else what dad?” Consider that simp of a boy you call your boyfriend dead. You know me Amelia, I don't make empty threats. “ Yes, I know you to be a monster dad, because only a monster can marry his daughter off to another monster”. I turned to go upstairs to my room before I remembered that I hadn't asked the most important question— Why are you doing this, dad? I asked my father. I thought you would never ask. He sneered Your mission there is to get all the information you can lay your hands on, all their strengths and weaknesses. “But you are already working for them and I believe that should give you access to enough information. Throwing me to the wolves is not the way. Why do I have to be married just so you can get what you want?” “Stop being stupid Amilia, it's not enough that I work for them. I want to be a consigliere and I hope to be a don someday.” He deadpans. So you are sending me there as a spy– I said more to myself than him. “It is important that we become part of this family, and you will play your part of it. You can no longer run away from your duty to your family.” “Family?” I snorted a laugh, making sure the sarcasm in my voice didn't go unnoticed before storming into my room.