Life of a Donna

Chapter Five

Finally, I turned to my brothers, the weight of so many eyes on me starting to feel suffocating. I was tired of the formalities, tired of the careful words and measured tones. This talking thing was annoying. But I knew I had to say this, had to get it out there.

“My brothers,” I began, my voice a little firmer now, “I understand that this could be uncomfortable for you as well. I hope we can be friendly and get along. I thank you for giving me this opportunity, and while there’s quite an age difference, I hope I won’t disrupt anything too much for you.”

I paused, taking a breath and glancing around the room. Some of them looked curious, others indifferent, and a few downright skeptical. I did not blame them. I was the outsider here, the unexpected addition to their carefully constructed family.

Dad looked relieved, his shoulders relaxing as he stepped forward. “Well, I think that’s enough introductions for now. Let’s give Bernadette some time to settle in.”

Thankful for the reprieve, I nodded. “Sounds good to me. And just so you know if I disappear for a while, I’m not avoiding anyone. I’m just exploring.”

“We’ll keep that in mind,” Dad said, his tone fond.

I felt a small sense of accomplishment. I’d made it through the first hurdle, even if it had been more exhausting than I’d anticipated. Now, all I had to do was figure out how to navigate this new world—and hope that, over time, my brothers and I could find some common ground.

Before I stepped away, I decided to lay it all out there. I’d already told Dad, Edward, and Isaiah, and it seemed only fair that the rest of them knew too. After all, transparency was better than awkward explanations later.

“Before I take my leave,” I said, my voice calm and steady, “I’ll tell you what I told Dad, Edward, and Isaiah. I have a high IQ of 180. That enabled me to complete high school and university. I have my master’s in business, my PhD in psychology, and a second PhD in medicine. Next week, I’ll be taking finals for what I hope will be a master’s in engineering—all online.”

I paused, scanning the room. Their expressions ranged from impressed to skeptical, and one of my brothers—I think it was Justin—whistled softly under his breath.

“Apart from now, while it’s needed, I don’t like to talk much,” I continued, my tone matter-of-fact. “I’ve always kept to myself and been by myself. It’s just how I am.”

The room was quiet for a moment, the weight of my words sinking in. I could feel their eyes on me, sizing me up, trying to reconcile the quiet girl in front of them with the academic powerhouse I’d just described.

Dad stepped forward, his expression a mix of pride and something softer—maybe relief. “Bernadette’s always been independent,” he said, addressing the room. “But she’s also incredibly driven. I know she’ll find her place here, just like the rest of you.”

I nodded, appreciating his support even as I felt the weight of their expectations settle on my shoulders. To finish off, I needed to address the security dad and I agreed upon.

“Dad and I have discussed the importance of security around here,” I began, my voice steady but firm. “We’ve come to a deal, and I think it’s important for you all to know what’s been decided.” I paused, letting the words sink in. The room was quiet, their attention focused on me.

“I know how to kickbox and some karate,” I continued, “so I’m not completely defenseless. But Dad and I agreed that I’ll have a driver who doubles as security, along with two others who’ll be with me daily. For events or outings, that number will increase to six, with the possibility of more if needed.”

There was a murmur of surprise around the room, and I could see the questions forming in their eyes. Raul raised a brow, looking mildly impressed.

“I know it might seem like overkill, I tried to tell dad that” I added, my tone softening just a little, trying to lighten the mood.

“I’m not here to disrupt anything,” I said, my voice quieter now. “I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page.”

The room was silent for a moment, the tension palpable. Then Oliver spoke up, his tone light but sincere. “Well, at least we know you can handle yourself if things get rough.”

“That’s the plan,” I replied, managing a small smile. With that, I stepped back, feeling a little lighter now that everything was out in the open. I did not know how they would react in the long run, but for now, I had done my part. I would adapt. I always did.

I took a deep breath, knowing this next part was important—for them, for me, for all of us. My past was not something I am ready to share, but I knew it needed to be addressed.

“I promise this is the last thing, I have my own history,” I began, my voice steady but quieter now, “my own past. I’ll eventually let Dad know about it, and if anyone else needs to know, I’ll share it when I’m ready—or if Dad considers it necessary for me to tell. But for now, it’s… mine to keep.”

I paused, letting the words settle. The room was silent, their expressions a mix of curiosity and something softer—maybe understanding, maybe caution.

“If this situation doesn’t work out,” I continued, my tone firmer now, “I’ve also offered to live elsewhere. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself. It’s not my intention to change anything here or be a disruption. I’m just… hoping to find my own family too.”

The last words came out quieter than I’d intended, and I felt a pang of vulnerability I hadn’t expected. I wasn’t used to putting myself out there like this, to admitting that I wanted something—someone—to belong to.

I glanced around the room, my heart pounding in my chest. Edward was nodding, his expression thoughtful, while Isaiah looked like he was holding back a smirk. Mrs. Locatelli’s face was unreadable, but I thought I saw a flicker of something—not good—in her eyes.

“I know this is a lot to take in,” I said, my voice steady again. “And I don’t expect anyone to welcome me with open arms right away. But I’m here, and I’m willing to try. That’s all I can do.”

Standing up, Don Alejandro seemed to surprise everyone when he came and hugged me. I was shocked, and it took a little while for me to hug him back.

Don Alejandro’s voice cut through the silence, deep and commanding, yet laced with an unexpected warmth. “I can already see you’ve been through a lot,” he said, his gaze steady and penetrating. “Even though you were born in unfavorable circumstances, you are more than welcome in my family.”

His words hit me like a wave, and for a moment, I didn’t know how to respond. I wasn’t used to kindness from someone like him—someone who carried himself with such authority and power. “The Mafia is one big family,” he continued, his tone firm but not unkind. “If you ever need to, you come to me. Do not just leave. I can only imagine why a fifteen-year-old—and younger—child needed to learn and complete so much in such a short lifespan.”

I felt a lump rise in my throat, but I swallowed it down, keeping my expression composed. His words were sharp, cutting straight to the truth of my past, but there was no judgment in them. Just understanding—and something that felt like respect.

“Worse comes to worst,” he added, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips, “someone as smart as you will always be cherished around me.” The room was silent, the weight of his words settling over everyone. I could feel the eyes of my brothers on me, their expressions unreadable but undeniably attentive. Even Mrs. Locatelli was evaluating me.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “Thank you, Don Alejandro,” I said, my voice quiet but firm. “That means more than you know.”

He nodded, his gaze still fixed on me. “You’ve got strength, Bernadette. Don’t let anyone make you doubt that.” For a moment, I felt a flicker of something I had not felt in a long time—hope. Not just for acceptance, but for the possibility of belonging.

“I won’t,” I replied, my voice stronger now. As I stepped back, I could feel the weight of the room’s attention shifting. Don Alejandro’s words had changed something—not just for me, but for how they saw me. I did not know what that meant for the future, but for now, it was enough. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I wasn’t completely alone.

Kissing me on the forehead, Don Alejandro gave a nod to dad and left. Diago, Rafeal and Raul also came over to me, gave a comforting pat on my shoulder and quickly left after Don Alejandro.

Once the shock had worn off, Mrs Locatelli stood abruptly she gave me the foulest look, her eyes burning with a mix of anger and resentment, before she turned on her heel and stomped out of the room. Dad sighed, standing as well. “I’ll see you all at dinner,” he said, his tone firm but weary. He cast a quick glance in my direction, his expression unreadable, before following Talia out. And just like that, I was left with my brothers.

Edward was the first to move. He gave me a small nod, his expression thoughtful but not unkind. “I’ll see you later, Bernadette,” he said, then turned to the others. “Behave.”

Isaiah smirked, his eyes flicking to me briefly before he followed Edward out. One by one, the others began to leave—Gerard, Matthew, Justin, and Timothy. None of them looked angry, which I took as a good sign. They seemed more… curious than anything else.

Left in the room were Corey, Michael, Anthony, and Oliver. They exchanged a brief look before Anthony stood, his tone casual but not unkind. “Follow us,” he said. “We’ll give you a tour and show you your room. It was short notice, so it’s plain, but I guess that means you can decorate it however you see fit.”

The four of them stood and walked out, clearly expecting me to follow. I hesitated for a moment, then fell into step behind them.

Time skip: Dinner

My bedroom was amazing—especially for a room they’d called “plain.” The real highlight was the ensuite bathroom. It had a jacuzzi tub and an incredible twin-head shower, the kind I’d only seen in luxury hotels. I couldn’t resist spending a good amount of time there, letting the warm water wash away the last 24 hours.

When I finally emerged, I opened the wardrobe to find it stocked with clothes—clearly purchased in a hurry after they’d learned about me. The sizes looked about right, and while some of the items were feminine, others were more practical. I avoided the dresses, my stomach tightening at the thought of wearing something so… exposed. Instead, I chose a pair of sweatpants and a soft, loose hoodie. Comfortable, but not vulnerable.

Looking in the mirror, my reflection was staring back at me with a guarded expression. This was me now—someone who had to rebuild, piece by piece, in a world that felt both foreign and overwhelming. With a deep breath, I left my room and made my way to the dining room. The house felt quieter now, the halls echoing faintly with the sound of my footsteps. As I walked, I tried to steady my nerves. Dinner would be another test, another chance to navigate the delicate dynamics of this family.

When I reached the dining room, I paused at the doorway, taking in the scene. The table was set impeccably, and my brothers were already seated, their conversations low and casual. Dad and Mrs Locatelli were there too, though Talia’s expression was as frosty as ever. I stepped inside, and the room fell silent for a moment as they turned to look at me.

“Sorry if I’m late,” I said, calm but polite.

Dad smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You’re right on time. Come, sit down.”

I nodded, seeing where everyone sat and found my place. I was pretty surprised, to be honest. Dad sat at the head of the table with Talia to his right. But my brothers were all down the other end, leaving six seats free between them. I saw the longing look in my dad’s eyes and, as much as I did not want to sit opposite Talia, I did. One time would not kill me.

The maids brought out the food, placing dishes on the table. It was an impressive spread—steaming pasta, roasted vegetables, a platter of seafood, and more. My stomach churned as I spotted the shellfish: lobster tails, shrimp, and what looked like clams.

I waited, hands folded in my lap, as everyone served themselves. The conversation flowed easily around the table, my brothers joking and Talia occasionally chiming in with a sharp comment. Dad watched it all, though his gaze occasionally flicked to me.

“Dad,” I began, calm but firm, “this is my fault, but I need to mention something important. I’m allergic to shellfish—highly reactive. I found that out the hard way after eating crab once. I spent five days in the hospital, three of them in the ICU. It was… not an experience I’d like to repeat.”

The room fell silent, all eyes on me. Dad’s expression shifted from curiosity to concern, while Talia raised an eyebrow, her lips pursed like she was trying not to say something cutting.

“So,” I continued, “I need to ensure none of the food has been contaminated after they cooked the shellfish. I’m overly cautious now, but it’s necessary.”

Dad leaned forward, his tone serious. “Bernadette, why didn’t you mention this earlier? We could’ve made sure the kitchen was informed.”

“I didn’t want to make a fuss, and I didn’t know shellfish would be on the menu. It’s not a big deal—I can just avoid those dishes.”

Edward, ever the pragmatist, gestured to the maids. “Let’s get the kitchen staff in here to confirm what’s safe. No sense taking risks.”

One of the maids nodded and hurried off, while the others began discreetly removing the shellfish dishes from the table. I felt a pang of guilt, but I pushed it aside. My health wasn’t something I could compromise on, no matter how awkward it made things.

Corey, decided to address me first “Five days in the hospital? That’s rough. Glad you’re okay now.”

“Thanks,” I said softly, offering him a small smile.

“I am sorry about this, Christian; however, my daughter needs to know if any shellfish has had contact with the other food. Turns out Bernadette is allergic to shellfish.”

“No sir, we are always careful, especially with any high-risk foods that may affect allergies.” The man, I assume to be Christian, spoke.

“I am sorry Christian; it is my fault for not letting anyone know about my allergy. Thank you for taking the time to clarify that for me.”

“No problem, misses. I understand with allergies that you must be extremely careful. Sir, will that be all?” Christian finished by addressing my dad.

“That is all, thank you.” With a head nod, Christian and the two others went back into the kitchen.

“Thank you,” I said, genuinely grateful.

Dad gave me a reassuring smile. “From now on, we’ll make sure the kitchen knows about your allergy. No need to apologize for looking out for yourself. Just shellfish?”

“Yes.” I smiled appreciatively at dad.

Talia, however, sighed loudly, her tone dripping with annoyance. “Well, this certainly complicates things. I hope you’re not going to expect the entire household to cater to your… needs.”

I met her gaze squarely, my voice calm but firm. “I don’t expect anyone to cater to me. I just need to know what’s safe to eat. That’s all.”

Dad shot Talia a warning look, and she rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything else. The look I got from Talia sent ice through my veins. I needed to stay away from her. Before I knew it, dad had placed a hand on top of mine and squeezed it. I jumped and tried to discreetly pull away. My hand was still sore from when they had held my hands down. Dad saw this and gave me an inquisitive glance, but I just adverted my eyes.

As I finally served myself, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief and unease. This was just one more reminder of how different I was from them—how much I still had to navigate in this new world. But I’d handle it. I always did.

After that excitement, dinner was a quiet affair. Once I had finished, I saw no reason to stay around. I picked up my dishes and took them to the kitchen, washed and placed them into the dishwasher before leaving for my room. Where I would stay for the next two days as I adjusted, which seemed to suit everyone fine as I was left to myself.