Chapter 17
399 Words
Chapter 17: Seeds of Doubt
The next day, Lorenzo left early for a meeting. Shanaya remained in the penthouse, flipping through a book half-heartedly, unable to shake off the way Mia had lingered around him. Just as she set the book down, the doorbell rang.
It was Mia.
“Lorenzo isn’t home,” Shanaya said, keeping her tone polite but distant.
“Oh, I know,” Mia replied breezily, stepping inside without being invited. “I actually came to see you.”
Shanaya frowned slightly. “Me?”
Mia sauntered into the living room, heels clicking on the marble floor. “Yes. I figured we should talk. Woman to woman.”
Shanaya remained quiet, unsure what to say.
Mia circled the room slowly, as though inspecting it. “You know, Lorenzo has always been… complicated. He doesn’t open up easily. And trust? That takes years to earn with him.”
“I’m aware,” Shanaya replied softly.
“Really?” Mia turned, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Because from what I’ve seen, you two barely know each other. It’s like you’re… strangers playing house.”
Shanaya’s stomach tightened, but she said nothing.
Mia took a seat across from her. “I’ve known him for over a decade. We’ve traveled the world, seen each other through hell. I’ve seen him at his worst. Have you?”
“I don’t think this conversation is necessary,” Shanaya replied gently, trying to stand.
Mia’s voice darkened, her smile twisting. “I’m just saying—marrying into this world doesn’t mean you belong in it. Especially when it wasn’t your choice, was it?”
Shanaya froze.
That struck too close.
Mia leaned forward, her tone laced with fake concern. “Just… be careful. Lorenzo may be sweet to look at, but underneath? He’s still a mafia prince. And in this world, people like you get broken.”
With that, she stood and casually walked toward the door.
“Oh, and one more thing,” she added, turning her head slightly. “If you ever feel like you don’t belong… just remember, there are women who do.”
She left.
Shanaya stood frozen in place, her heart thudding in her chest.
For the first time since arriving, doubt crept in—not about Lorenzo, but about herself.
Did she truly belong in his world?
And if not… how long before it swallowed her whole?
- Writer
