Life of a Donna

Chapter Six

Time skip: Two days later

Dad was right—the main floor of the house always had a few people walking around. Sometimes it was security, their presence subtle but unmistakable. I came to recognize their aura quickly, noting the way they moved with purpose, their eyes scanning the room even when they seemed relaxed.

Other times, it was people who worked alongside Dad and my brothers—members of the family, in a broader sense. They moved with a familiarity that suggested they had been here for years, their conversations low and their expressions serious. I did not ask questions, not yet. I was still learning the rhythm of this place, the unspoken rules that governed it.

Yesterday, I had learned that Dad and my brothers spent Mondays and Fridays in their offices, handling whatever business the family was involved in. I did not know the details, and I was not sure if I wanted to. I had wandered the main floor, looking for someone who would tell me where Dad or my brothers might be. Finally, I spotted one of the maids—a woman named Clara, who’d been kind to me since I arrived. She was dusting a side table, her movements efficient and unhurried.

“Clara,” I said, my voice soft so as not to startle her. “Do you know where Dad or my brothers are? I can’t seem to find them.”

She turned to me, her expression warm but professional. “They’re in their offices, Miss Bernadette. Fridays are always busy for them. Is there something you need?”

I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. I just… wanted to check in. Thank you.”

She nodded, her smile reassuring. “If you need anything, just let me know.”

I thanked her again and stepped away, feeling a little more grounded. It was strange, not knowing where everyone was—stranger still to realize how much I had come to rely on their presence, even if it was just in the background.

I spent the two days in my room mainly studying for my final test. So I decided it was time to do something about my room, make it a room that I always wanted. I had been shown how to use the intercom system, so that way, if I wanted anyone, and they were on the fourth floor, I would not need to actually go up.

Being Saturday, I wanted to get everything done early. Pressing the button, I talked.

“Dad, would it be OK if I went out for a little while? I want to get a few things and look at things for my room?”

“Of course, sweetie, come up here, and we can talk face to face.”

With that, I made my way up to the fourth floor—and, no surprise, my jaw dropped again. Their office was designed as an open-plan space, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. I stepped into a vast, airy area, thoughtfully divided by cozy sofas and TVs, creating little lounging nooks where you could relax without disturbing others. A sleek bar area and a compact kitchenette were also in view, adding to the modern, inviting vibe. Completely mesmerized by the space, I wandered aimlessly toward what I assumed were the offices, too captivated to pay much attention to where I was going.

Bumping into someone, I quickly spun around. “I’m so sorry! I wasn’t paying attention—it’s my first time up here, and I’m completely in awe of this open space. Next time, I’ll make sure to finish admiring before I start walking.” As I looked up, I was hit with another shock. I could’ve sworn I was staring at Don Alejandro—only younger.

“Don Alejandro? Did you get younger, or did I hit my head at some point? I must’ve hit my head. I’m so sorry, sir.” I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him.

“Don Alejandro is my father. I’m Don Nickola. You must be the lovely Bernadette. My dad hasn’t stopped talking about you—and from what I gather, he only met you for five minutes. It’s easy to see why now. You are a beauty.”

I froze. My cheeks burned, and I could feel the heat spreading to my ears. Blushing? Me? I was not used to this—to being noticed, to being seen. My life has been a quiet one. Spent in the shadows, where I was more likely to be overlooked. And yet, here was Don Nickola, his words warm and genuine. It was overwhelming.

“I… I’m sorry, Don Nickola,” I stammered, barely above a whisper. “Yes, I’m Bernadette. Don Alejandro is such a kind man. I didn’t expect him to remember me, much less talk about me.” I paused, my mind racing. “I mean, it was just five minutes. I’m… I’m not used to people noticing me like that.”

I could not help but fidget, my hands twisting together as I tried to steady myself. This was all so unfamiliar—the attention, the compliments, the way Don Nickola’s eyes seemed to linger on me. It was as if the world had shifted, and I wasn’t sure how to stand on this new ground.

A coughing sound snapped me out of my thoughts, and I looked up to see Don Alejandro standing there, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Don Alejandro,” I said quickly, my voice a little shaky. “I was just apologizing to Don Nickola for bumping into him. You two could really pass as twins, you know.”

Don Alejandro chuckled, his deep voice warm and familiar. “My dear Bernadette, come here.” He gestured for me to step closer, and I did, feeling a strange mix of comfort and nervousness. “My son is quite the charmer,” he continued, casting a playful glance at Nickola. “You must be careful around him. Though, between you and me, I bet you could take him. He needs to be knocked on his arse occasionally.”

I couldn’t help it—I let out a snorting laugh, the kind that surprised even me. Don Alejandro’s smirk was infectious, and I found myself smiling back at him, my earlier awkwardness melting away. “Always a pleasure, Bernadette,” he said, his tone warm and genuine. “You can be sure I’ll see you around.”

With that, he turned to Nickola. “Nickola, let’s go.”

“Bye Bernadette,” Don Nickola said with his own smirk before following Don Alejandro.

As they walked away, I stood there, my mind racing. The encounter left me feeling... Seen. Valued. It was a strange sensation, but not an unwelcome one. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I belonged somewhere—even if it was just in the orbit of these two larger-than-life men.

Another coughing sound came from behind me, pulling me out of my thoughts. I turned to see the twins, Gerard and Matthew, and Michael and Anthony, standing there with curious expressions.

“Are the Dons always so… normal?” I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief. “I expected them to be cold and distant, not… well, that.”

Anthony was the first to speak, his tone light but thoughtful. “Usually, they are. We grew up with them, and Oliver is friendly with Don Nickola, but we’ve never seen them act like this.” He paused, giving me a knowing look. “It must be you, Bernadette. You bring it out of them.”

Before I could respond, Michael jumped in, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. “Yeah, it’s definitely you. They’re not exactly known for being warm and fuzzy, but around you? It’s like they’re different people.”

I blinked, unsure how to process what they were saying. Me? The reason the Dons were acting so… human? It did not make sense. I was just Bernadette—quiet, unassuming, and used to fading into the background. Yet, here they were, suggesting that I had some kind of effect on the most powerful men in the building.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” I admitted, my voice soft. “I’m just me. I didn’t do anything special.”

Gerard and Matthew exchanged a glance, their identical smirks making it clear they agreed with Anthony and Michael. “Maybe that’s the point,” Gerard said, his tone teasing but kind. “You’re just you. And apparently, that’s enough to thaw even the iciest of Dons.”

I felt my cheeks heat up again, and I quickly looked away, unsure how to respond. The idea that I could have any kind of impact on someone—let alone the Dons—was terrifying. It was as if the world I was used to was shifting, and I wasn’t sure where I fit into it anymore.

“Dad is waiting,” one of them said, and like synchronized swimmers, they turned and left, leaving me to trail behind. The walk to the office felt longer than it should have, my mind still reeling from the encounter with the Dons. And now, here I was, stepping into an enclosed space with men I still wasn’t sure I could trust. My stomach twisted as I took a seat in one of the chairs at the desk, my hands clasped tightly in my lap to keep them from trembling.

The man behind the desk—my father, though the word still felt foreign—leaned forward, his expression softening as he studied me. “I’ll let you go out, Bernadette,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “I’m glad you checked with me, and I know you understand the importance of security. However, some of your brothers want to go with you. I hope you don’t mind and see it as a chance to connect. I know there’s a gap, but I hope you’ll learn to rely on them like you should a big brother.”

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. The idea of relying on anyone—let alone these men who were still strangers to me—was terrifying. I’d spent my entire life fending for myself, staying invisible, avoiding the kind of connections that could leave me vulnerable. But something about the way he spoke, the way he looked at me, made me want to try. For the first time in my life, I felt the faintest flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, I didn’t have to do everything alone. For the first time in my life, I’d asked for something. And for the first time in my life, someone had said yes.

“I hope I can too,” I said, my voice steadier now. “It’s… different. I’ve never had siblings before. So, I’ll make my best effort—without being too pushy. I don’t want to be seen as the annoying little sister who follows you everywhere.”

The room erupted into laughter, and this time, I found myself joining them. It felt strange at first, the sound of my laughter mingling with theirs, but it also felt… good. Like a weight I had not realized I was carrying had been lifted, even if just a little.

“Alright, that’s great,” my father said, his tone warm and approving. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek black card, sliding it across the desk toward me. “Michael, Anthony, Gerard, and Matthew will be joining you. Take my card. Don’t worry about the price of anything—just go and have some fun.”

I stared at the card for a moment, my fingers hesitating before I picked it up. The weight of it in my hand felt symbolic, like a tangible reminder of the trust he was placing in me. “Thank you,” I said softly, tucking it carefully into my pocket. “I’ll try not to go overboard.”

Michael grinned, leaning against the desk with his arms crossed. “Oh, come on, Bernadette. Overboard is the best way to go. We’ll make sure you get the full experience.”

Anthony nudged him, rolling his eyes. “Don’t scare her off, Mike. She’s already nervous enough.”

“I’m not nervous,” I protested, though the slight tremor in my voice betrayed me. “I’m just… adjusting. This is all new to me.”

Gerard and Matthew exchanged a look, their identical smirks making it clear they were already plotting something. “Don’t worry, Bernadette,” Gerard said, his tone teasing. “We’ll take it easy on you. For now.”

Matthew nodded in agreement. “Yeah, we’ll start small. Maybe just a little shopping, a nice lunch, and then… we’ll see where the day takes us.”

I couldn’t help but smile, despite the flutter of nerves in my chest. For the first time, I felt like I was part of something. It was overwhelming but in the best possible way.

As we left the office, the four of them fell into step around me, their easy banter and laughter filling the air. I stayed quiet for the most part, content to listen and observe, but now and then, one of them would include me in the conversation, and I’d find myself smiling or even laughing along.

We reached the garage, and I kid you not, there must have been like twenty cars. It was like stepping into a luxury car showroom. Sleek, shiny, and way too intimidating for someone who still felt out of place in this world. The brothers decided to take two cars—both big, wagon-style SUVs that looked like they could survive a war. Michael and Anthony took the lead, and I climbed into their car, trying not to fidget too much as I buckled my seatbelt.