Grace's povLater that evening, the house slowly started filling up again.Harper was the first to return, kicking off her shoes dramatically by the door. “I am starving!” she shouted as she entered.Valentina followed behind her, holding a bag of groceries. “You should have eaten before we left,” she said, rolling her eyes.Silvano and Antonio walked in next, already in mid-conversation. The moment Silvano’s eyes met mine from across the room, he smiled softly and everything in me calmed.It felt like home.When did I start feeling like this?When did my definition of home change?Then I remember what Harper and Valentina told me. Was it really through?What if it wasn't true and the things Valentina and Harper said that day were just getting my head?I saw Valentina’s eyes briefly land on Luca, who had just returned to the living room.He looked at her and didn’t look away.I held a smile on my face, and Harper raised an eyebrow at me. “Okay, what did I miss?” She asked beside me I
Grace's Pov I was bored and alone. Silvano, Valentina, Harper, and Antonio had work to do, so they left. Giovanni went to get something from the store so it was just me and Luca in the house. I don't know where he was in the house or what he was doing. I went to the living room and noticed the rug had been replaced with a brown one. I switched on the television, putting on my show and getting comfortable watching my show. To stand up again to make my popcorn was looking too stressful so I stayed like that and was watching my show. From the corner of my eye, I saw Luca come into the living room and take his seat on the couch which was far from me. I didn't say anything, nor did he say anything. We both just sat there, the sound of the TV filling the silence between us. It wasn’t uncomfortable, it was just quiet. After a few minutes, I stole a glance at him. He looked relaxed and he was scrolling on his phone, occasionally glancing at the screen like he was half-watching with
Grace's Pov “Grace,” the voice repeated, this time more certain. It was Mum.Tears stung my eyes the moment I heard her. “Mum…” I choked out, my voice trembling.“Oh, baby,” she breathed. “Where have you been? Are you okay? We were so worried when we didn't hear from you.”“I am okay now. I promise. I am safe.”I could hear her trying not to cry. “We missed you so much. Every single day. Sophie… She has been quiet. She doesn’t talk much anymore.”That broke me a little more.“Can I talk to her?” I asked softly.There was a pause. Then some rustling, muffled voices. And then—“Hello?”“Soph?” My heart clenched.She didn’t respond for a few seconds. Then she responded, “Grace.”“How are you doing?” I asked her. “I am okay,” she replied back. “I miss you,” I said to her. She was quiet for a while before she replied. “I miss you too.” I let out a sigh I was holding. “I know,” I whispered, “and I am sorry. I never wanted to hurt you and leave just like that.”“It is okay, Silvano expla
Grace's povFallen for me? Nonsense. Vano hasn't fallen for me. He would never.Harper leaned on the counter, her arms folded before her and a knowing smile playing on her face. “Grace, a man like Silvano doesn’t go around pretending to be someone’s boyfriend except for her mum just to drop them off at home. That is a bold move.”“He didn't drop me. He made sure he brought me back and that is why I am back here.“Believe it or not, but he had fallen for you, and that is the truth,” Harper said. Valentina nodded in agreement. “He is different around you,” Valentina added. “We have known him for years, Grace and he doesn’t smile like that for just anyone nor allow anyone touch him like you do,”I adjusted the chair I was sitting on, trying to process their words. “You guys are just reading too much meaning into things.”“Are we?” Harper tilted her head. “He touches you like you matter. Don't act like he doesn't because I have seen him do it a few times. He watches like you are the o
Grace's povAfter breakfast, the guys went to the living room to talk while Harper and Valentina helped me with the dishes. “How did you manage to do all these yourself? I would get tired doing all these myself,” Harper said, packing the remaining plates and bringing them to me in the sink where I was washing them. I would have used the dishwasher, but the time it would take to wash those plates, I would have washed them five times before the dishwasher did. And another reason was that Valentina and Harper were helping me. I chuckled, rinsing off the soap from a plate. “Honestly? I don’t even know. I think I just needed to do something to keep my mind busy.”“You didn’t have to,” Valentina said, drying a plate quietly beside me. “But thank you for doing it anyway. It has been a long time I have been with people like that,”I glanced at her and gave a small smile. “It was nothing, really. I learnt it from home,”“How?” Harper asked, coming to stand beside Valentina, collecting the
Grace's Pov I decided to make breakfast for everyone to eat to ease the tension in the house. Since I didn't know everyone's favourite food, I was going to make something simple for everyone that they would love. I kept it simple, scrambled eggs with toast. I brought out everything I needed and tied an apron.I cracked the eggs, about seventeen eggs into a bowl and whisked them with a pinch of salt and pepper. I poured them into the hot pan with a little oil. The smell of cooking eggs and toasted bread soon filled the kitchen.As I flipped the toast and stirred the eggs gently, I felt a hand hold my waist.Immediately, I smelt the cologne and knew it was Vano and I smiled.“How did you know it was me?” He asked. “I can smell you,” I replied. “You were so concentrated on cooking,” he said. “Need some help?” he asked quietly. I nodded, grateful for his company. Together, we finished breakfast with him teasing me and making funny jokes. Who knows the almighty Mafia Don could