Mafia’s Queen Comeback, He Yearns For Me

005

ROSA

A week later, the invitation to Rocco and Irina’s engagement banquet arrived. The golden letters on the card mocked me, each word a reminder of how far things had fallen. My father had wanted me to recover at his house, away from all of this, but Rocco refused to let me leave his family estate. I was trapped, forced to watch their happiness unfold around me.

That evening, the air was cool, and I stepped outside, hoping the fresh breeze might calm the storm inside me. But instead, I stumbled upon a scene that tore away the last fragile pieces of my emotions.

In the courtyard, Rocco stood close to Irina, his hand guiding hers as she held a pistol. My pistol. The very gun that had once been mine.

“Keep your arms steady," Rocco said, his voice calm, patient. He adjusted her grip, his fingers brushing against hers. “Don’t fight the recoil. Let it move with you."

Irina laughed softly, tilting her head toward him. “Like this?" she asked, squeezing the trigger. The shot rang out, echoing against the stone walls.

“Better," Rocco replied, smiling faintly. He handed her another round, his gaze fixed on her as though she were the only person in the world.

I stood there, watching. Every movement, every word, was a replacement. The ring, the tattoo, and now the gun. Piece by piece, he was erasing me, giving her everything that had once been ours.

Irina glanced in my direction, her eyes gleaming with triumph. “I think I’m getting good at this," she said, loud enough for me to hear. “Rocco’s such a patient teacher. He makes me feel safe."

My chest burned. I turned away sharply, rushing back to my room before the fury inside me consumed me.

The invitation lay on the table, its golden letters shining under the lamp. I snatched it up, my hands trembling, and without hesitation, I set it aflame. The paper curled, blackened, and fell into ashes.

I stared at the remains, my breathing steady now, as I made a decision.

I picked up the phone and dialed my father. When he answered, his voice was calm as if he was expecting me.

“Father," I said evenly, my tone controlled despite the fire raging inside me. “I want revenge… it will be moved ahead of schedule. I refuse to be a push over any longer."

There was silence on the other end, then a slow, deliberate reply.

“Good!” my father said. “I was waiting for you to say that." He added and I hung up, my eyes fixed on the ashes of the invitation. The banquet would go on, but so would my vengeance.

After I was done, I made to leave the room, when the door barged opened, Rocco stormed in, his face twisted with rage. He shoved the door wide and stepped inside, blocking my path.

“What were you doing?" he demanded, his voice sharp, his chest rising and falling with anger. “Were you planning to burn down the whole house? Do you even realize what you’re doing?

He moved closer, his stance heavy and possessive. His arm pressed against the doorframe, caging me in

I stared at him, my lips curling into a bitter smile. The sarcasm came easily, sharper than any blade.

“Let me go, Rocco," I said coldly. “I’m not yours. I was never yours to begin with. Move on. Be with Irina. Isn’t that what you want? Isn’t that what you’ve already chosen? It’s shameful, really, hovering over me like this, when you’re about to marry her."

His jaw tightened, his fists clenched. Then his voice dropped, dangerously.

“You don’t understand," he said. “You are mine. My property. No matter what you say, no matter what you do, you belong to me."

I forced myself to meet his gaze.

“No! You’re crazy!” I said firmly. “I don’t belong to you. I never did. And from this moment on, I sever all ties with you!” I snapped, and the silence that followed was suffocating.

His face twisted, his rage boiling over. And then, in a sudden burst, Rocco struck me.

The shot through me, and I loud scream tore from my mouth, but I refused to fall. My eyes burned with hatred as I straightened slowly, refusing to break in front of him.

“You hit me?” I asked in disbelief, holding my cheek.

“And I’ll hit you over and over again if you dare speak against me!” He threatened breathing heavily, and his eyes wild.

Then, slowly, he reached into his coat and pulled out a small, ancient token. Its surface was etched with symbols, darkened by age and blood.

“Do you see this?" he said, holding it up. “This is the blood oath token. A pact formed by our fathers, by the generation before us. Your life, your loyalty, they have belonged to my family since the day you were born!” He yelled and

his words struck like chains, binding me tighter than any blow could.

“You cannot sever what was sealed in blood," Rocco continued, breathing heavily. “You will attend the engagement banquet. You will kneel before me and Irina, and you will present the diamond dagger. It will symbolize peace and submission. Every family present will see your loyalty. You will be my demonstration!” He said with finality, and before I could respond, he turned and left, the door slamming shut behind him.

I stood alone in my room, my dignity lay shattered, my freedom bound by an oath I had never chosen. I had been a pawn all along in his games.

But deep inside of me, something hardened.

“Blood for blood," I whispered coldly to myself. If humiliation is what he gives me, then vengeance is what I will return. He will pay for everything!”

The oath might have chained me, but my resolve was unbreakable. I will make him pay ten thousand times for each pain he caused me. Heads would roll, and it sure as hell won’t be mine.