Nefarious Pursuit

Serafina

The wind chimes create a soft sound when the door of the café is pushed open. I look up, and my lips curve in a little smile when I look at Enzo. His white shirt is properly tucked into his shorts, and he is holding his school bag in his right hand. He had his sixth birthday two months ago, but he still looks so small to me. One of the baristas smiles at him as he walks past her and then makes his way to the back of the counter, to me. Enzo loves to come to my café after school because it’s closest. It saves me the time to go and pick him up during the busy hours.

“Ciao, mama.” He says softly when he reaches me.

“Ciao, Enzie.” I smile before reaching for him to take his bag and kiss his head. “How was school today?”

“Boring.” He sighs before moving to sit at the chair with the table at the back of the café.

I give the charge to the senior barista at the counter before moving behind him to the back. I look at my son as he drinks some water and gets a pastry out of the refrigerator to help himself. So independent even at this age. I feel so proud to see him.

“Mama, I have a parent-teacher meeting in two days.” He speaks slowly, and I nod while clearing my schedule in my head. Parents’ teaching meetings used to trigger me in the past, but I’ve learned to live with this ache in my heart. Enzo only has me as the parent, and I wonder if he feels the emptiness of the other parent. He never said it. He is so considerate and gentle to even ask me about that.

“Serafina.” The slow voice pulls me out of my thoughts.

I turn to see Lorenzo, leaning against the door. The gun in his waist belt, the crisp black shirt, and the gray pants. His olive skin shines due to the sunlight coming in from the glass windows.

“You are late.” I exhale before handing him Enzo’s school bag.

“Just fourteen minutes late, Cognata.” He says with a smile. Cognata, that word stings. Sister-in-law. I am not your sister-in-law. Shut your mouth. Shut up. I scream internally, but nothing shows on my calm face.

“Come, Enzo, your uncle is here to take you home.” He smiles and moves toward Enzo, who nods and gets out of the chair with ease.

It’s his routine to go home with his uncle or one of the guards of the family. I don’t like it when Lorenzo or the people in his family claim Enzo as one of their own. No, he is not. He is my son. But I can’t say it with my chest. I can’t escape it. I can’t tell them not to take my son back to that home that gives me nightmares even when I am awake.

“You should come with us.” Lorenzo looks at me after carrying Enzo in his arms endearingly.

“I have some work left.” I don’t want to go back home. I will do everything to delay going back there.

“I never understand why you like to tire yourself with this café of yours when you are the lady of the Vinciguerra family. It’s not like there is a shortage of money in our billions at the mansion.” He says arrogantly.

“I do it because I like to run a business, Lorenzo, money is not everything here, but passion is,” I say calmly while fighting the urge not to crash out.

“Whatever you say, Serafina.” He gives me a stare and turns to leave.

“Bye, Enzie.” I kiss Enzo’s cheek when he turns to see me.

“See you at home, mama.” He smiles at me. I pat his head.

Lorenzo takes him out, holding the schoolbag in his hand. His broad shoulders block the sunshine, and when the light hits his features, I almost see another face of a man who haunts me in my dreams. The face of his brother.

My heart drops, and I walk out to see him putting Enzo in the car before getting into the driver’s seat. He drives off, and the SUV with the armed guards follows them behind. I exhale a deep breath.

The amount of security used to rattle me at the start, but after years, I’ve grown accustomed to it. It’s the common Mafia family protocol that has to be followed. The security is always high around the members of the Vinciguerra family. A name that is feared not only in the city but in the entire country. Enzo is the first and oldest grandchild of this family, and they protect him like a treasure. I don’t like it. I want to take Enzo and run away as far as I can, but I can’t. Their hands are always around us, and their suffocating grip on my throat reminds me that there is no escape once you are married into the most powerful mafia family of Italy.

I wasn’t always this hopeless. I was once a young girl with dreams and shy desires to be loved and cherished. My father has worked for the Vinci family for years. It wasn’t a secret that he worked for a crime family, but his role was too small to be feared. He works in one of the casinos run by the family, keeping a record as an assistant manager, a witness to all the illegal activities. I knew what he was. My mother, my brother, and two sisters knew what he was. But we don’t care when we are born into a house paid for by the black money paid by the Vinci family. My father is hardworking but invisible to the leaders of the mafia. But once he saved the life of the heir and protected him from an assassination attempt.

And it got the attention of the leader of the family. Gabriel Vinciguerro. And that led to him coming to our home for dinner with his oldest son, the heir of his mafia throne, Lucaino Vinciguerro. The man who liked me at first sight. The man who married me and brought me into the family. The man who became my husband. The man who is dead now. And the man who has been haunting me like a ghost for six years. Only if the twenty-year-old me knew this would be my married life, I would have run away and drowned myself in the ocean rather than marry a mafia man. But it’s too late now. The twenty-eight-year-old version of me is trapped in the web too deeply.

Serafina

The clinks of the silverware and the plates were the only sound on that long dining table. I kept my focus on my plate and that of Enzo’s as he ate gnocchi calmly by my side. The head of the table is occupied by Gabriel Vinciguerro, the leader of the family. He is an old man with graceful gray hair that has some black strands peeking as well. His eyes are sharp and emotionless after years of violence, crimes, and handling the mafia family. He is the type of person who knows how to mold a situation in his favor. The calm and wise leader of the pack who has led his family for decades now.

On his right side sits Antonio, his second son, with his wife, Victoria. They had two daughters and a son. Antonio is a reserved person who is diligent in his duties and quiet in personality. He exudes calm energy with commanding control. He works closely with his father and focuses more on negotiations and deals, and mental work rather than physical. His wife, Victoria, is a beautiful lady with honey skin and golden hair, a nice lady until you know her personality. She is not an ideal person to be around. Their children are beautiful, all younger than Enzo. That’s a family I stay away from as much as I can for many reasons.

On the left side sits the graceful lady, Bianca. My mother-in-law. She may look stuck-up at first, but she is very keen and thoughtful. She is not soft, but she never tolerates injustice. Always fair. She manages the household perfectly, but in front of her husband, even she is tamed. No matter how fiery and powerful you can be, in an Italian classic mafia family, women are secondary to the men, a property to manage and control. Italian mafia families are highly conservative and traditional. That’s why Victoria was depressed and on edge due to having two daughters until she gave birth to a son, and now she is relieved. She has a son she can get superiority from.

Beside Bianca sits Lorenzo. The youngest son of the Vinci family. He is quick-witted, charming, gentle, and calm in nature. He has humor, and he knows how to ease tense situations. He is hot-tempered when it comes to his duties in business. He is currently the enforcer of the family. The man who handles guards, men in the business, and unleashes violence when necessary. He is twenty-four and unmarried yet, and the talk of his marriage has been going on in the family in the past few months. Marriages in a mafia family are not tied to love and emotions. It’s mostly alliances, stability, and beneficial seeking procedures. It’s a tool to expand the legacy and the bloodline.

“Enzo, are you ready for your horse riding classes to start next week?” Gabriel asks. His voice is slow and gentle when talking to his first grandchild. Always soft with Enzo. Because he sees his oldest son in him. He sees Luciano Vinciguerro in Enzo. The oldest son who was raised as the perfect heir of the family. The one who had it all. The strategic brain, the mental capacity, the physical strength, and the ruthlessness needed for the next mafia boss, the next leader of the family. The loss of Luciano has left Gabriel and Bianca heartbroken, but in six years, they have learned to live without him.

“Sì, nonno.” Enzo smiles at his grandfather.

“I will teach you myself.” Gabriel smiles before looking down at his pasta.

“Diego also wanted to go with you, Daddy. I can’t wait to see him learning horse riding from his nonno, too.” Victoria speaks in her honey voice, trying to divert Gabriel’s attention from Enzo to her son. He was just three years old, nibbling on the garlic bread.

“Why not?” Gabriel smiles. “By the time Diego grows up to learn horse riding, Enzo will be much more experienced to teach him as well. After all, Enzo is the oldest of his cousins.” He says, glancing at Enzo softly. Victoria almost hissed, but managed to smile.

“Daddy.” I gather my strength to make some noise. “I was thinking of going to my parents’ house for the weekend with Enzo. I need your permission.” I hold my heart.

“Why not. You can go for two days. Enzo doesn’t have to go there.” He says firmly. A final answer leaving no room for argument.

“But D_” My heart drops when he puts the fork down to give me a dark glare.

“I said Enzo is not going, Serafina. You don’t want me to repeat it, right?” He says in his deep voice.

“I understand,” I say slowly.

Gabriel eases and continues his dinner. I exhale a breath before drinking some water. Of course, he won’t allow me to take Enzo. They claim him as theirs as if he is not my son but only their grandchild. He hardly allows Enzo to come with me to visit my parents because he doesn’t consider that house worthy of his grandson. After Luciano’s death, he didn’t let me go back to my parents either because I am his son’s widow, or I have to stay here in remembrance of his son. After years, whenever I tried to leave, he would threaten to take Enzo away from me. I can’t let that happen. I can’t leave this mansion. I get to meet my parents and siblings now and then, but I always had to come back.

“How is your café running? If there is any trouble, let me know.” Antonio speaks slowly with a glance at me.

“Everything is going great. Thank you.” I reply slowly.

“Why do you have to do that?” Victoria says, sipping the red wine. “I mean, you don’t have to go out every day and run a little café in the middle of the city. We have some respect in the country.” Her voice was soft but biting.

“Luciano had bought her that café, and Serafina had every right to keep it running. If it makes her happy, let it be.” Bianca replies before I can.

Yes, Luciano had bought me that café in my name. My first property. The best gift I ever received from my late husband. I remember how much I begged him, cried, and requested him for weeks to let me have my café. After my graduation, I had always wanted to have a little café, but couldn’t open it due to funds. Luciano bought me the place in one day after he agreed. I am allowed to go out and work because Luciano allowed it when he was alive. Gabriel didn’t stop me in respect of his son’s decision.

“Also, Serafina’s café is very popular in the town. She is an entrepreneur with twenty employees working under her.” Lorenzo says. “You know, Papa, it has over two thousand positive and loving reviews online. Especially her homemade pastries and cakes are top sellers.” He smiles a little. Gabriel nods a little in appreciation.

“Of course. She always loves to bake, and I am glad many people get to taste it too. Please bake some of those pastries for your daddy and me.” Bianca smiles a little, looking my way.

“Sure, mama.” I smile in response. I am always ready to bake.

The dinner went on with the casual chatter and the clinking of the cutlery.

Serafina

As I exit Enzo’s bedroom after tucking him into bed, I see Victoria in her silk nightgown, taking some water to her bedroom. Antonio softly kissed her on the lips before going ahead first. He is fond of his wife, and they genuinely love each other. She catches me standing and then smiles a little. My grip tightens on the empty milk glass. Oh, Dio Mio, I have to cross her path. I would rather jump down the stairs than talk to her right now.

“Putting Enzo to sleep?” She says slowly.

“Yes,” I respond. For years, I used to stay alert at night, fearing that Victoria or someone would try to kill Enzo just because he was the favorite grandchild of Gabriel. In mafia families, having enemies is common, and you are also on the radar of the rivals who want to hurt your family. I had been protective of Enzo until the house installed surveillance cameras everywhere for security, and I sighed in relief.

“Is this your night suit?” She looks at my sweatpants and the T-shirt.

“Why? You don’t like it?” I try to ease the tension. I don’t want to argue with her.

“Yeah. It’s nice. Suits you. Of course, you can’t wear silk nightwear or something attractive since you don’t have a husband. Keep wearing these colorless things so as not to grab much attention.” Soft and venomous voice.

“You don’t have to be insecure about me, Victoria.” I sigh tiredly. “Do you think I am prettier than you? Or am I so beautiful that I threaten you, and you have to advise me to be colorless? Oh, come on, grow up. I am tired of your shenanigans. No one is trying to snatch your husband, and neither have I wanted attention from anyone in this house. I have other things to worry about.” I breathe out and try to leave.

“I still don’t know why they kept you here even after Luciano’s death. Enzo is the child of this household, but you are no longer associated with anything or anyone. And still your shameless self keeps on sticking to the Vinciguerro’s household.” She says with a condescending shake of her head.

“Why do you care?” I arch my brow, and she narrows her eyes. “Listen to me, Victoria.” I look into her eyes. “I am the first daughter-in-law of this family, and I am living here because daddy and mama want me here. And whatever I do and however I live is none of your business. You hear me? I am not going to take crap from you because you are insecure and you need to belittle me to sleep better at night. So you better shut your mouth before I lose my patience.” I said sternly without taking my eyes off. “Good night.”

I stand there, watching her huff and stomp back to her bedroom. Once the door closes, my shoulders slump. I am so sick of living here. I can’t catch a break. I can’t be off guard.

“What a face off!” The low voice makes me turn around. Lorenzo leans against the wall, looking at me with amusement. As I turn around to go down the stairs, he pushes off the wall to follow me.

“What was it this time?” He asks.

“Why are you still awake?” I exhale a breath.

“Have a meeting with daddy in the study.” He replied casually.

As I walk into the kitchen to wash the empty glass in my hand, he walks to the cabinets to get himself a glass. He moved to the fridge to get some ice. He is making a drink for himself.

“You want some?” He asks, pointing at the whiskey in his hand.

“No thanks. I am going to bed.” I am about to put the glass in the stand, but it slips from my hand. My hands instantly go around my ears, and I hold my breath to hear it shattering on the floor.

“Relax.” His giggle reaches me. I open my eyes to see him catching that glass and putting it on the stand. “You panicked so easily.” He leans in and tucks a few strands behind my ear.

“Are you ok?” He asks softly.

“Yes, thanks.” I step back to put distance between us. I turn to leave, but he grabs my hand to pull me back in front of him. My heart drops at his touch.

“I didn’t say you can leave.” He says firmly.

“What are you doing, Lorenzo?” I said sternly in anger. “Let me go.” I jerk my hand from his grip.

“I will if you listen to me.” He squeezes my hand before releasing me. “Stop running from me. I want to talk.” He becomes serious now.

“I don’t want to talk to you.” My heart hammers inside.

“Why not? How long would you hear Victoria say those things about you? Daddy was harsh to you at dinner, and I know that hurt you. You are scared we will take Enzo from you. How long would you keep running and hiding from the people of this house? You live like a shadow here, Serafina. I can’t stand anyone disrespecting you like you’re worth nothing.” He looks into my eyes, keeping a respectful distance now.

“And what do you suggest I do then? What do I do to change my position here?” I almost laugh bitterly.

“Marry me.” He whispers the two words that grab my heart tightly. Marriage is like a phobia for me. I am scared.

“What?” My eyes widen. “Are you out of your mind?”

“Yes, you live in this house alone for six years, scared for Enzo, unable to leave. And it’s not the first time someone has taunted you. I know what others say behind your back at family gatherings. If it’s about you having a husband, I can talk to Daddy to let me marry you. You know I can protect you and Enzo.” His eyes soften with concern. There is no lust in those eyes or in his touch when he holds my hand this time.

“You are not my type, and it’s not like I am in love with you or something. But you are someone I admire as a person. I care for my brother’s son and his widow. I want to be there for you when you need someone.” He breathes out. “When you come to this house as Luciano’s wife, I was sixteen. I have seen you all these eight years, tolerating, struggling, and becoming mature. And I know you feel comfortable with me, and I am the only one who can help you right now. So why don’t we drop the formalities and choose what’s good for all of us?” He speaks so maturely, so softly.

I pull my hand out of his grip. “You think I want your pity? Your sympathetic compromise? No, I don’t. I can protect my son on my own. I don’t need your pity. And as long as it’s about Victoria’s taunts and people gossiping, I don’t care. You don’t have to indulge yourself in matters regarding me.” My chest heaves with the heavy breaths. My hands are shaking by my side.

“You are a lot younger than me. I’ve always considered you as my friend, or more like a little brother. I want you to get married to someone you want out of love, not out of pity. I would never in a hundred years consider your suggestion. You are a loving and great person, Lorenzo. You deserve to be happy and marry someone untainted by a life of struggles and trauma. I can’t drag you with me. So please, leave me be and don’t ever suggest a union in sympathy. I don’t need it. And if it’s about protecting Enzo, then you can do it as an uncle, too. You don’t have to associate yourself with me.” I look into his eyes, watching the concern.

“And it’s wrong for you to linger around me, and that too in the darkness of the night. Because if someone saw us, they won’t say anything to you, but they will tarnish my reputation, saying that maybe I was seducing you. Please, for the sake of both of our self-respect, don’t bring this up again. I wouldn’t want our relationship to be tainted with some accusations. You get it?” I ask sternly.

He huffs a breath. “Sera_”

“You get it?” I cut him off.

He looks into my eyes and exhales a breath. “Fine. I get it.”

I nod before turning around to leave the kitchen. I hold my breath before running up the stairs as fast as I can to barge into my bedroom, adjacent to Enzo. I breathe out heavily while locking myself now. I throw myself on the bed and breathe out heavily. I am still shaking like a dry leaf. The tremors in my body are increasing, and I am curling myself under the blanket to find some warmth. Whatever Lorenzo said just ignited the buried fears in me. Marriage is like a nightmare.

I choke on my breath and feel suffocated under the blanket. As if a hand is choking me continuously. Tears leak from my eyes helplessly as I struggle to breathe.

What were you trying to do back there, Fina? Huh? Laughing with the other men like that? Are you dying for their attention? Do you want to sleep with them?

The voices come back, and I throw my arms around to escape the living nightmare. I feel his hand on my throat again as he pins me down. I can’t escape his voice. My body remembers that torture.

Why did you wear this color? Who did you doll yourself up for? Tell me, you want their attention. You want them to look at you? Look at my wife? How dare you, Fina? You belong to me, only me. Your smiles and your beauty should only be mine to see.

I cough and kick the blanket away from me. I almost fell off the bed while fighting the invisible hands of Luciano. I breathe heavily while lying on the carpet. My eyes went to the portrait of Luciano on the wall, and I parted my lips to breathe. My body shivers.

He is dead, but I feel like he is still here. He is everywhere in his room. Even after six years, I can’t escape him and the fear he instilled in every limb of mine. It’s another night of nightmares, and after whatever Lorenzo said, I feel like it’s going to be worse. I push myself up from the floor and move to the bathroom. I need a bath. Long warm bath while trying not to go back in the past.

Our marriage was ideal at first. Luciano was a dream husband. He fought his father to marry the girl he liked, even though she was the daughter of his subordinate. Our marriage was like a fairy tale. Hundreds of guests. Live music. Flower arrangements. Celebrations that went on for a month. I was only twenty when I got married. So young, full of hopes and dreams regarding this marriage. Luciano took me to Fiji for our honeymoon. It was like a dream come true for the first three months of our wedding. I was like a flower blooming in a new garden due to the utmost care of the gardener.

But Luciano’s first outburst happened when he invited some friends to dinner. He happily introduced me to them. He walked out due to a call, and when he came back, he saw me laughing with his friend as they made some harmless jokes. He smiled the entire dinner until we were back in the room. His hand grabbed my throat and choked me until I saw black. He thought I was doing that for attention. He tore up my dress to never be worn again. I was scared to death that night from him, as he treated me like I was some girl from the street who thrives on attention. He yelled at me for hours. That night has broken something in me that I still can’t repair. I never cried that much in my life.

And the next morning, he held me in his arms, wiped my tears, pressed tender kisses against my lips, and patted my head for a long time.

Why do you make me do these things, Fina? I don’t ever want to hurt you, but you do these things to provoke me. Next time, don’t do such things to make me angry. I will forgive you for your mistake.

And then he took me for breakfast as if last night didn’t happen, as if he hadn’t abused me. And it wasn’t the first time that happened. It happened again and again in the next two years of our marriage. The first time he slapped me across my face was when I went out of the mansion without telling him. The more I lived with him, the more it revealed to me how strong his anger issues were. How easily he gets offended. And how easy it was to just flip the blame on me and make me the reason why he gets abusive and hurt me in the act. He was extremely controlling to the point that even if I breathed without him knowing, he would make me taste hell on earth.

That’s the price of marrying a mafia man. It’s not as flashy as it seems. Luciano was the heir, the next leader of the family. He was raised to inflict violence, so why was it a surprise when he became violent with me? Marrying a mafia man is not always about designer things, flashy cars, and unlimited money; It's about being in a relationship where you don't have any power and control over your life, and even if you are unhappy, you can't escape. It’s about being trapped in a marriage, getting abused, facing violence, and living under a strict, conservative, and narcissistic husband. You can enter this life, but there is no escape. No one can help you, and no one can hear your screams. You are trapped with no help and no hope.

Luciano was a ruthless, unapologetic mafioso. He didn’t let me have friends. He didn’t let me go and visit my parents. He didn’t like it when I wore something so good that everyone loved it. To him, it’s offensive because his wife isn’t a show-off. He took it as a hit to his ego and pride. He would take away every last ounce of your mental peace and then flip the script and make you the bad guy. He sent bodyguards with me for my protection but also to spy on me, and they report back where I go, what I do, and whom I meet. He would tape my phone calls and check my phone. I walk on eggshells around him because anything can set him off. He never acknowledged his behavior, his mistakes, or the mental and physical abuse he put me through. Instead, I was the one always apologizing, bearing punishments for the trivial things that he made an issue about.

Sometimes he used to get so loving that you doubt if he is the same man. Sometimes he gets so ruthless that you don’t recognize him. Sometimes he was so generous that you could ask him for anything and he wouldn’t think twice. And sometimes he would be so merciless that even your begging won’t melt his heart. He never cheated on me, never forgot my birthday, never ignored me, always took me out on dates, and always showered me with expensive gifts. To everyone, he was the best husband one could ask for. But no one knows how caged I felt whenever he was with me. I was scared of him all the time. I was always on guard, always alarmed, always doing everything to please him. Everything I did was out of fear or obligation, never out of love, because there was no love.

I had tried to talk to my parents about it. I had told them everything. Even the very first time when he slapped me, or when he threw an ashtray at me, or when he choked me, or when he locked me up in the room. My father tried to help, but it’s not possible. No one would dare to mess with the Vinciguerra family. My parents were banned from coming here because they tried to take me away. Luciano was furious when that happened, and he didn’t hesitate to threaten them with their lives. In mafia families, if you are not a powerful person or from a higher rank in the mafia hierarchy, you are invisible. My father was invisible. A weak man who regretted marrying his daughter off to someone extremely powerful. And I, as his daughter, had no power over Luciano. No backup. Divorce is not allowed in the Vinciguerro family; it’s blasphemy. There is no concept of choice, consent, or escape in front of Luciano, and I was trapped for life.

When Luciano went on an important mission six years ago, he hugged me warmly and kissed my lips before going. He caressed the bruises he left on me and smiled lovingly. I remember I baked his favorite cookies and sugar-dusted bambolini. I had waited for him. But it was his dead body that returned. The mission failed against the rivals. He was shot three times in his chest, and he died on the spot. I remember I didn’t cry for him; instead, I felt free. But it was only an illusion. I discovered my pregnancy three days after he died, and that has caged me further in this mansion. Gabriel Vinci refused to let me go because I had his grandchild in me. And it got worse when I gave birth to a son. Sometimes I wish I had a daughter. They might have let me go then, but not now.

Luciano is dead, but he is still keeping me captive. He is still caging me. His grip is still on my throat, keeping me under the claws of his control.

Serafina

It is a common day of the week. I am fully ready to leave for the café with the car keys in my hand. Enzo’s hand in my grip as I have to drop him off at his school. Everything was peaceful until the main door burst open and Antonio walked in with his pale face. Behind him were several armed guards. Some of them are injured, and some of them were bruised.

My heart drops. I’ve seen this scene before. Six years ago, Antonio rushed in like this with Lorenzo, and behind them were guards carrying Luciano’s dead body. My eyes shift back to the door like it’s a muscle memory. But there is no dead body. That’s when it clicks in my head, Lorenzo is not here. My throat dries with a certain feeling, and I grab Enzo’s hand tighter and pull him closer protectively.

“Daddy.” Antonio sees Gabriel at the top of the staircase. A few of the men who acted as the head of the security and the guards follow Antonio as he makes his way to the study room. They are talking in hushed voices. Gabriel led them away. The men left, and the foyer became empty.

“What happened?” I ask, looking at Bianca. My mother-in-law.

“I don’t know.” She replies, equally clueless.

Women aren’t included in the business matters anyway because it’s not our domain. Something must have happened at the headquarters, the casinos, or with the shipments. The Vinciguerro family deals with arms trade, drugs and narcotics trafficking, illegal businesses funding and loans, extortion, and money laundering. Something must have happened because Lorenzo is missing, and I’ve never seen Antonio this horrified.

“You can go on to your day, Serafina. They can handle it.” Bianca softly pats my back, and I nod.

I walk out of the house and move to my car. My heart is racing due to the anxiety, but I jerk the thoughts and doubts off. It’s not my problem. They can handle it anyway.

“Mom, is your name Serafina?” Enzo says slowly. “My teacher asked for my parents’ names to write in the book. I didn’t know your spelling properly. Can you help me?” He always remembers such homework tasks at the last minute. I get into the driving seat as he sits on the passenger seat.

“Your father’s name is Luciano Vinciguerra,” I say firmly, looking at the front. Something burns in my chest. It’s fear or hatred, I can’t differentiate. Enzo knows the name of his father, has seen pictures of him, and has heard about how brilliant he is as a mafia boss. But he doesn’t know him. And I am glad he doesn’t.

“My name is Serafina Caruso. It’s also spelled as Seraphina. It’s pronounced as See-Ra-Fee-Na.” I made it easy for him to remember. He nods with full concentration.

“I know that Grandma named you.” He asks about my mother, and I nod with a smile.

Serafina

The day passed as usual with handling my café, overseeing my staff, and baking in the bakery section. Enzo came back from school and stayed at the café for a long time. Lorenzo didn’t come to pick him up today, and it was weird because that never happened. But three bodyguards came to take me and Enzo home that evening.

The mansion’s security has become stricter. It’s a large estate with lush gardens sweeping around the dark mansion in the middle. There are many smaller buildings and annexes around the main mansion, serving as the guards’ residences, storage rooms, and weaponry. Pools, fountains, Gazebos, a long driveway, and the exotic plants occupying the garden, it’s a heaven from the appearance. But I know how much blood has soaked into this greedy soil of this empire.

As we walk in the main door, I can sense the distress. Enzo goes to his room to change, and I see Victoria and Bianca talking near the staircase.

“What is the matter?” I ask busily.

“Lorenzo has been held hostage by the Russians,” Victoria says with panic.

My eyes widen. “What?”

“Yes, I heard that two of the drug shipments have been seized by the Russian Bratva,” Bianca speaks worriedly. “Lorenzo has taken his people to go and get the ships out, but the Russians killed most of his men and held him hostage. The situation has escalated because this was done by one of the most powerful Russian mafia families. If it doesn’t resolve, it’s a call for another mafia war. Gabriel and Antonio are trying to talk.” She is shaking, and the worry is painted on her face. Of course, she is panicking. It’s about her son. Lorenzo is in the captivity of the Russians. I am getting concerned as well.

We have heard of the Russian Bratva. They had many families operating in the crime world, taking over the entirety of the country. Bratva is extremely dangerous. They are known as bloodthirsty and extremely violent. Italian mafia families are known for having a traditional hierarchy, focusing more on political corruption and strategic crime. But Bratva is brutal, something the mafia code of conduct can’t control. They don’t work by the book; they have their own world where everything is black and gray. There are no rules, and they don’t negotiate, and they don’t bend their ways for anyone. They don’t know the dangers of killing an Italian mafia boss’s son, because to them, it’s fun. They kill to spread fear and assert dominance. They don’t know any mercy when it comes to the people coming in their way. If they kill Lorenzo, Italians will retaliate, and mafia wars never end well. Luciano was killed in one of the conflicts. Would Gabriel Vinci lose another son to the rivals?

Gabriel

It’s been three days since my son has been held captive by the rivals. I haven’t slept a wink, even for a minute, and it feels like there is a loud hammering in my head. I sit back, exhaling a deep breath, looking at Antonio as he explains the risks attached to every strategy we made to retrieve Lorenzo. It’s impossible to get him back without a deadly fight, losing half of our men to those bloody Russians.

“I’ve given them a call for negotiations and offered to solve this issue with peace,” Antonio says firmly. He seems tired as well, with his dark circles and tired eyes.

“I can’t lose Lorenzo,” I said firmly. I’ve lost Luciano already, and I can’t afford to lose my sons anymore. Luciano was my right hand, and after him, I am not the same. This time, I can’t lose Lorenzo as well. My sons are my arms.

“Daddy, this was unexpected, and that’s why we have no plan on how to tackle this. The Russians have blocked the sea and our shipments. Lorenzo is on the ship. He is still alive, but I don’t know for how long.” He replies before sitting down across from me.

“This has never happened before. Don’t we pay a very good amount to the Russians to get off our ships and not create a ruckus in the ocean?” I am losing my patience with every minute.

“We are unable to contact the previous cooperators. I got the news from my sources that there has been an internal bloody war in the Bratva. Dimitri Razmovsky, the head of the most powerful family, has been killed by the rivals. His only son, the heir, has now ascended the throne to take his father’s place, and within the very first week of his rule, he has broken all old ties, breached all peace treaties, shed rivers of blood, and caused deadly massacres. The Bratva families in Russia are facing chaos right now. I think our previous cooperators are targeted by Razmovsky’s new leader, and that’s why our ships are seized. We have no previous contact with the Razmovsky family, and we have no power over them.” Antonio lays out the entire situation in front of me, and it has frayed my nerves even more. This is going to be bad. We got targeted due to a Bratva war we have nothing to do anything with.

The door knock made both Antonio and me tense. “Come in,” I said hurriedly, preparing myself to hear the worst. Did they throw Lorenzo’s body in the ocean? Do I have to prepare myself to bury another son?

“The Russians have responded to your peace offering.” A suited guard walks in and informs.

Tension eased a bit from my expression. Antonio and I exchange glances.

“Sure, what do they want?” Antonio stood up instantly to get the details.

“They made a call and asked to speak with the boss.” The guard responds and looks back at me. Of course, they want to talk to me. Antonio nods at me in understanding.

“I will talk to them.” I’ve decided.

In the matter of three hours, Antonio escorted the Russian spokesman with their ten guards to the mansion. They are willing to talk, and I can’t let this chance go. Only if Lorenzo wasn’t in their captivity, I would have killed every single one of them. But it’s time to stay calm. I sit behind the mahogany table, looking at the men who walk in by Antonio’s side. The security remained on high alert in the mansion. The enemies are inside our home, and this can go south real quick. The Russian guards were also armed, alert, and ready to retaliate. Everyone is waiting for the thin string of patience to snap.

The man who walks in with the guards carries such a power that the study room feels full. His eyes clash with mine, and I hold his sharp blue gaze. He had gray hair dusted on his temples, peeking from dark ones. He is wearing the tailored, fitted black suit, hands tucked behind him, no weapon on him. His brown hair were neat pushed back from his face. His features are razor sharp. He seems to be in his late forties. He didn’t wait for anyone’s signal as he moved to sit on the leather chair right across from me.

I lean back in my chair. “Benvenuto.” (Welcome)

The man doesn’t take his eyes off me as he exhales. “Zdravstvuyte.” His gruff and raspy voice reaches me. It’s a greeting but in their mother language. Of course, we match in the matter of pride.

“I was told you wanted to have a talk about our peace offering?” I begin as the host. English this time.

“Yes.” He says without taking his eyes off me. “I would rather have this chat alone with you.”

My brow raises, and I look at Antonio. The silent communication, and soon he was leading everyone out of the room. The Russian guards nodded at the signal from that man before me and left the room. The study is silent, and the tension is thick enough to be cut with a knife.

“I am Viktor Razmovsky.” He begins in his thick Russian accent. “I am the brother of the late Dimitri Razmovsky, the uncle of the current leader of the family, and I am in charge of this negotiation.” He introduces himself properly. He is not the leader himself. He is here to talk on his behalf.

“If you are not the leader, who is?” I ask slowly.

“Aleksander Dmitriyevich Razmovsky.” He says with authority. Even the name unsettles me in the worst way possible, and I feel tense.

“Gabriel Vinciguerra. The leader of this family.” I return the introduction. “Enough of the chitchat. Let’s talk about the real issue. My son is in your captivity along with our shipment. It is an act of war against the Italian organized crime. I am aware that the current situation in the Bratva isn’t ideal, but if that is affecting the international business, we have to accept this invitation to the battle. I am not in favor of another massacre when you are dealing with the death of the previous leader already. Hence, I am proposing this peace offering. Return my son and the shipment.” I lean forward, interlacing my fingers.

“We have fought and survived through a massacre, and we are not afraid of another, Gabriel. You better not try to use the Bratva’s current situation against us. The death of my brother doesn’t deter us from keep fighting for our stability and power.” He breathes out before nodding in understanding.

“My nephew is now the leader of the Razmovsky family, and he isn’t exactly the patient man to listen to peace offerings. It’s his orders not to allow anyone in the Russian territory, and your shipment was at the wrong place at the wrong time. But I am here to listen to your peace offering because I’ve lost my brother, and I am not in favor of any more bloodshed. I have some suggestions for you as well.” He leans ahead on the table, mirroring me and looking into my eyes.

“What suggestions?” I narrow my eyes.

“If we let your son go and return your shipments, we need something in return.” He says firmly.

“Like what?” Anger surges through my veins.

“What can you offer?” His lips twitch a little.

“You will get nothing in our territory. But if it’s about my son’s life, I will offer you a safe passage to transfer your shipments through Italy.” I hate to give up that control, but I have to do it. I can’t prepare myself to bury another son. I can’t see these Russians cutting open my son and sending me his limbs.

“No.” He says slowly before narrowing his eyes. He is concentrating on something that flickers behind his eyes. “I am offering you something much more than that. Something long-term.” His words tighten the knot of doubts in my head.

“Like what?” I frown.

“You are one of the strongest crime families in Italy. You are also stable and traditionally working with the strategic framework.” His voice becomes lower as he holds my gaze. “We are the strongest Bratva family in Russia, with the control expanding to continents. From the vision I am seeing, both of us can work better if we are together instead of fighting each other until there is no more of us. I am talking about the bigger picture here.” Viktor says calmly, narrowing his eyes as if he can literally see into the future.

“Are you proposing an alliance?” I am taken aback. But a part of me is relieved. This might work for us.

“Yes. If you are willing, we can make this work out, but if you insist we keep on fighting, I welcome that as well.” He leans back to relax after putting me into the ocean of thoughts.

“An alliance with Bratva? This is interesting.” I exhale a breath while pondering the suggestion. “But mafia alliances are usually built between families with common grounds, common enemies, and common routes. We don’t share anything common, neither the country, territory, nor culture. What do we have to build an alliance upon? Even if we do develop an alliance, what guarantees that it will last long? How could we trust each other and believe that there would be no betrayal? Which common factor will strengthen this alliance?” I ask curiously, looking into the eyes of a man who seems to have thought this through.

“Marriage.” He utters that word that makes my eyes widen a little. “Politically and historically, it’s the oldest, most powerful tool to build an alliance upon and secure the loyalty. It guarantees you security and develops trust.” He smirks a little sinisterly as he looks into my eyes.

“Aleksander is unmarried yet, and I am proposing that you give a woman of your family to our leader to seal this alliance.” He says with his icy blue, merciless eyes. “And I suppose you have a young daughter.”

“Don’t you dare speak of my daughter.” I can’t stop myself from speaking sternly. My daughter. My Luna. I’ve hidden her well in the villa far away, as she studied abroad. How did they find her? How did they know her? I could never sacrifice her in a marriage to the ruthless Russians just to save Lorenzo.

“Oh, you got emotional, Gabriel. I thought you were wise. What a disappointment.” He scoffs before standing up to leave.

“Wait.” I stand up with a wave of panic and follow him. We are standing in the middle of the room. The sunlight from the glass windows pours into the room.

If these negotiations fail, Lorenzo will die a brutal death. I can’t let that happen, but I can’t just give up my daughter. It’s nonnegotiable.

“Can’t we work it out in some other way?” I hate how vulnerable I sounded just to save Lorenzo.

“What other way do you know that can cement an alliance?” He arches his brow. “I have another suggestion: let Bratva build a headquarters in your city in exchange for your son? How about it?” He sneers.

My jaw tightens in anger. There is no way I am letting them have power in my city. It would be like giving away my control and letting them infiltrate.

“I will be leaving then. I will send you your son’s body.” He shrugs.

I run my hand on my face in frustration. I feel like I am standing at the dead end. I shake my head and then stop when I see someone outside. It’s Serafina in the garden, walking with Enzo, smiling at something. Enzo is holding his sketch book and crayons. Serafina must be taking him to the gazebo in the garden where Enzo loves to do his homework. I watch her for a pause, and an idea flickers in my mind.

“Viktor,” I said, and he turned to face me. “Any woman of my family would work for your proposal, right?”

Even one who is the widow of my oldest Son? I thought while holding my breath.

“Yes, any lady from your household.” He says nonchalantly. “But of course, she must be young enough, decent-looking, and presentable.”

I turn to face him with a smile this time. “Then I agree on your alliance proposal through a marriage of convenience.”