The Mafia heiress

News That Silenced Them

Diana and Riana kept walking.

“Riana, you really need to learn something. Seriously, you need to be smart and stop acting like a dummy. And most of all, quit talking so much – it doesn’t suit you,” Diana said, her face serious.

“What’s wrong, Diana? I was just answering her questions. Besides,” Riana added playfully, “this temper of yours is a bit off today.”

“This is what I’m talking about! You turn everything into a playful act. I’m just trying to reset that brain of yours. If Sage was here, she would’ve punished you to reset that little brain of yours,” Diana said, walking faster and leaving Riana behind.

Riana ran to catch up. “Okay, Diana, I understand. At least tell me what I did wrong because I really don’t get it. You know, put me through so I won’t make the same mistake again.”

“Since you wanna know what you did wrong, listen,” Diana sighed. “If you keep talking and talking like a blabbermouth, and she discovers we’re from a wealthy family, she might demand money from us just because we bumped into her. Worse still, telling her our location... she might plot against us.”

“What can she possibly plot? Oh… you mean k********g?” Riana’s voice shook as she asked.

“Yes, that’s what I’m talking about. She could kill two birds with one stone – collect money from us for a little push and kidnap one of us. You see, I just reset that brain of yours.” Diana paused and smirked. “But seriously, if she’s going to kidnap one of us, who do you think she’d choose?”

“What do you mean? Obviously, she’d kidnap you,” Riana said with a playful smile.

“Look who’s talking. She’d go for you, dumbhead. I think she’d probably pick you instead of me because, you know, I’m smart,” Diana replied, teasing her twin sister.

“Oh really? So you’d even allow her to kidnap me?” Riana asked, her face playful but her tone serious.

Diana tapped Riana’s shoulder playfully. “Not really, Riana. She wouldn’t be able to kidnap anyone. Wanna know why? Let’s skip the questions and answers. She won’t be able to kidnap you because you have a smart and brave sister like me.”

Suddenly, a car sped past them, the rush of air strong enough to almost knock them off balance.

Diana quickly hugged Riana.

Riana pointed at her head teasingly. “Who’s the smart and brave one now? Looks to me like just a little cutie who got scared.”

Diana straightened up, clearing her throat. “Um... it’s not like I was scared. I just wanted to — dust your back.”

“I can see you weren’t scared,” Riana teased. “Such a great pretender. That hug lie? I’ll never believe it.”

“Riana, are you mocking me? Do you realise I heard what you just said? Come here!” Diana grabbed Riana’s neck playfully, tickling her.

*****

Nova dusted off her phone. It had been slightly smashed. “I doubt this phone is going to work again, but let me just try.”

She dialled her father’s number. The call connected quickly.

“Hello, Dad.”

“Give me that!” Mrs Visenson snatched the phone in a moment of panic and placed it close to her ear. “Sweetie, are you okay?” Mr Visenson asked.

“Mum, relax, I’m fine,” Nova answered, trying to calm her mother.

“Honey, please put it on loudspeaker. Nova, you scared the hell out of us just now. What happened?” Mr Visenson asked.

“Relax, Mum and Dad. Two little cuties just bumped into me. It was nothing serious,” Nova said softly.

“Nova, you know what? I really don’t think it’s a good idea for you to stay close to a main road while on your phone. And where is that driver of yours? I think he needs to be sacked!” Mr Visenson said, his tone starting softly but ending angrily.

“Dad, relax. It’s not the driver’s fault. I came to get something from the supermarket and the car just broke down all of a sudden. He went to find someone to repair it. So I just got down to see some great views. You guys should stay calm. It’s nothing serious, okay?” Nova said, reducing the tension in her father’s voice.

“Okay, we understand now. But I don’t see any point in you calling us on the road. Bye. And don’t you dare call anyone else on the road, sweetie. Honey, please hang up,” Mrs Visenson said, still worried.

“Bye, Nova. I’m hanging up.”

The call disconnected.

“Wait, Dad... what? So quick? Already hung up...” Nova sighed. “Those two oldies... what am I gonna do with them?” she muttered, heading back to where her car was parked.

“Hey driver, is he on his way back? What took you so long?” Nova asked.

“Madam, I couldn’t reach any repairman nearby, but he’s already fixing it. It will be done soon. I didn’t want to disturb your call, that’s why I didn’t inform you that we just arrived, but he’s on it now,” the driver assured her.

“That’s good. I just hope it won’t take long because I’m starving,” Nova said, leaning on the car boot.

*****

“Driver, to the signing office or whatever it’s called. I think you know where I’m talking about, right?” Sage said, pushing some of her hair behind her ear.

“Yes, sure, madam. Inner Vet Signing Office. We’ll be there in a few minutes,” the driver replied, speeding up slightly.

“Wait a minute. I need to let my sisters know what’s going on. That car crash made me forget I was about to call them,” Sage said, dialling one of her sisters’ numbers.

The call connected.

“Hello?” Sage said, checking if the call went through.

“Hello Sage, you finally called us,” Riana said with her soft voice.

Diana snatched the phone from Riana. “Sage, so you called Riana and not me?” she asked.

“What if she called me? I’m her favourite, don’t you know?” Riana said, making a funny doll face.

“I’m gonna call you now, Sage. You better pick up!” Diana said, calling Sage immediately.

Sage picked up. For a moment, there was nonstop talking from Riana and Diana, their voices almost blocking Sage’s ears.

“Can you guys please stop? Since you’re both on your phones now, listen carefully!” Sage shouted.

“But Sage, you haven’t answered my question. Why did you call Riana and not me?” Diana asked furiously.

“Relax, Diana. It’s not like that. I just needed to call one of you...” Sage began, but Diana cut her off.

“You see, Riana? I’m her favourite,” Diana said, sticking her tongue out playfully.

“No, I am. You must be mistaken, Diana. Let me ask her so you can hear from her,” Riana replied.

“Stop it, guys!” Sage shouted loudly. “Since you don’t want to hear what I’m about to say, bye. I’m hanging up.”

“We’re sorry, Sage! Don’t hang up!” Riana and Diana said at the same time. Diana quickly ended her call and leaned closer to hear through Riana’s phone.

“Better,” Sage said calmly. “Dad got us a new mum. She’s trying to replace our mother.”

Everywhere fell silent. No one replied to what Sage said.