Chapter 4: A Heartbeat Away

Sylvania couldn’t stop smiling at how open Russell was, her heart was beating faster. Before she could respond, he stepped closer with his hands in his pockets. "Can I drop you home tonight?" he asked, sounding relaxed.

"I have a friend waiting outside," she said, trying to hide her excitement.

Russell smiled. "I see. Would you like to meet again sometime?"

Sylvania’s heart raced as she looked into his eyes. "I’d love to," she said softly.

"Great. Let’s exchange numbers," he said, handing her his phone.

Sylvania took out her phone, and they quickly swapped numbers. The excitement of the evening was all around them as Sylvania looked toward the exit. She saw her friend, Vivian, waving at her from across the garden.

"I should go. My friend’s leaving," Sylvania said softly.

"Okay," Russell nodded, smiling. "I’ll call you tonight."

Sylvania smiled. "I’ll be waiting." She gave him one last look before heading toward Vivian, who stood near her car.

As she walked through the crowd, a few people stopped to congratulate her. "Congratulations, Sylvania!" one woman said. "You deserve it!"

"Your designs were amazing," another added.

"Thank you," Sylvania said, smiling as she continued walking, though her mind was still on Russell.

When she reached Vivian, her friend hugged her tightly. "You were amazing tonight!" Vivian said proudly. "That medal looks perfect on you."

"Thanks, Viv," Sylvania said, smiling. "I’m so glad you were here."

They chatted for a minute before Vivian waved goodbye and drove off. Sylvania stood for a moment, looking back toward the garden. Russell was still watching her. When he saw her looking, he waved. She waved back with a smile and then walked to her car.

As she drove home, Sylvania felt herself at peace. Winning Best Fashion Designer of the Year for the second time in a row felt unreal. She couldn’t stop smiling.

When she got home, she honked softly at the gate, and the guard waved as he opened it. Sylvania parked in the garage and got out. Coco, her fluffy dog, greeted her right away.

"Hey, Coco! Did you miss me?" she laughed, kneeling to pet him. Coco wagged his tail and barked happily.

After changing into something more comfortable, she fed Coco and took a quick shower. The warm water felt so good after her long day. Once she dried off, she put on her pajamas and made a simple dinner. As she ate, her phone rang; it was her mom.

"Hie, Mom!" Sylvania said cheerfully.

"Sylvania! I heard you won the award again! I’m so proud of you," her mother, Catherine, said, her voice filled with joy.

"Thanks, Mom. It still feels like a dream."

There was a pause before her mom spoke again, sounding a bit sad. "I’m sorry we couldn’t be there today. Your dad and I really wanted to come."

Sylvania smiled softly. "It’s okay, Mom. I know you wanted to be there."

"Your dad wants to talk to you," Catherine said, passing the phone.

"Sylvania!" her father, Morgan, said happily. "How’s my girl?"

"I’m good, Dad. How are you?"

"I’m fine, but I wanted to be there. With all the news about mobsters and that fire at the Abibba building, I’ve been worried. The city doesn’t feel safe anymore."

Sylvania sighed. "Dad, it’s fine. Everything was safe today."

"Just be careful, Sylvania," Morgan said, sounding concerned. "The city isn’t as safe as it used to be."

"I will, Dad. Don’t worry."

"Alright," he said after a pause. "I’ll let you talk to your mom again."

"Okay, Dad. Love you."

Her mother came back on the phone. "Take care of yourself, sweetheart. You’re our only child, and we love you so much."

Sylvania smiled, feeling touched. "I will, Mom. Don’t worry."

"Goodnight, darling."

"Goodnight, Mom."

After the call, Sylvania walked to her room and sat on the edge of her bed, the soft light from her lamp made the room feel warm. Her eyes rested on the shiny gold medal hanging on the wall. The words Best Fashion Designer sparkled under the light.

She reached out and touched it gently, her fingers running over the smooth edges. The cool metal felt real, yet unbelievable. A small, shaky laugh left her lips.

"Twice in a row… I really did it," she thought, shaking her head.

She caught her reflection in the glass of a photo nearby. She looked tired, but also proud. A smile formed on her lips, but her eyes were wet with unshed tears.

"All those late nights… all the hard work… it was worth it."

She held the medal tighter for a moment, remembering the long hours, the stress, and the times she almost gave up. But she didn’t.

Letting out a deep breath, she closed her eyes, allowing herself to feel the joy, the pride, the relief.

Then, opening her eyes again, she whispered, "This is just the beginning."

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Just then, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Russell: “Goodnight... looking forward to seeing you soon”.

Sylvania smiled as she typed back: “Goodnight, Russell. I can’t wait to see you too”.

Feeling content, she checked on Coco, who was asleep in his basket. Smiling, she turned off the lights and threw herself on the bed. As she lay down, she thought about Russell; his smile, his laugh, and soon, she fell into a peaceful sleep.

The morning sun shone through the large windows of Zagaff Manscent’s penthouse, lighting up the marble floor. The air smelled of cigar smoke and strong black coffee, but the coffee sat untouched on the table.

Zagaff leaned back in his leather chair, tapping his fingers slowly on the armrest. His dark eyes stared ahead, but his mind was busy.

"Victor Morano… still silent," he thought with a small smile. He had expected Victor to fight back after his men took everything from Abibba Building. But there was nothing. No calls, warnings, or any sign of revenge.

He picked up a silver knife from the table and spun it between his fingers. "Should I burn one of his casinos? Or put a bullet in one of his men?" His jaw tightened. He wanted Victor to feel weak, to see who really ruled New Haven now.

A noise pulled him from his thoughts. A newspaper on the table fluttered as the wind from the window brushed against it. Zagaff sighed and reached for it. He wasn’t interested in the news, but a bold headline caught his eye.

"SYLVANIA SCARLET WINS BEST FASHION DESIGNER AWARD AGAIN!"

He flipped the pages open, scanning the article. And then he saw her.

A large picture of Sylvania Scarlet filled the page. She stood on a stage, smiling, holding a gold medal in her hands. Her eyes were filled with happiness. The article praised her talent, her hard work, and her stunning fashion designs.

But Zagaff wasn’t reading anymore. His eyes were locked on her face.

His lips parted slightly. For the first time in a long while, he had nothing to say.

"She’s beautiful," he murmured, leaning closer. He traced a finger along the edge of her printed photo, deep in thought.

"She’s strong, successful… and untouchable." His heartbeat picked up.

The idea came before he could stop it. "I should meet her… no, I should have her."

He smiled, rubbing his chin. A woman like Sylvania deserved a man with power. Someone who could protect her, give her the world. And who had more power than The Don himself?

But just as quickly, another thought hit him. A cold, bitter truth.

Victor Morano.

The smile faded in a second. If Victor found out Zagaff liked someone, he would use it against him. Victor didn’t just attack his enemies…he destroyed what they loved. He would make Sylvania a target.

Zagaff clenched his jaw. He knew this game too well.

"No." He folded the newspaper and threw it back on the table. His fingers rested on it for a moment before he pulled away.

He wouldn’t go after her. It was too dangerous.

But even as he sat back in his chair, arms crossed, he couldn’t get her face out of his mind.

Meanwhile…at her sister’s house, Anita woke up to the smell of coffee. She stretched in bed, her thoughts on Amanda. Ever since Anita had arrived two days ago, Amanda hadn’t mentioned the Abibba building fire. Anita knew something was wrong, but her sister stayed quiet.

A knock on the door broke her thoughts. "Auntie Anita, breakfast is ready!" her nephew Danny called.

"Coming, Danny," she answered with a smile.

Anita quickly dressed, smoothing her skirt, and walked to the dining room. Amanda, her husband Tony, and Danny were already seated. A chair was left for her with a cup of coffee and a plate of bacon and eggs.

"Good morning, sis," Amanda greeted.

"Morning," Anita replied, sitting down.

Before they started eating, Amanda said softly, "Let’s say grace." They all bowed their heads as Amanda said a quick prayer.

They ate in silence, the only sound was the clink of forks. Anita watched Amanda, waiting for her to speak.

Tony spoke up first. "You can talk about it if you’re ready."

Amanda hesitated. "I don’t know if I can, but I’ll try."

Turning to her son, she said, "Danny, take your toys outside, please."

"Okay, Mom," Danny said, grabbing his things and running outside.

Once he was gone, Amanda sighed. "It happened so fast, Anita.” She took a deep breath.

Her voice was shaky, and she looked down at the table, as if she was reliving every terrifying moment.

“I was at work, just watching the surveillance cameras like I always do," Amanda began, her voice was soft but filled with fear. "Everything was normal, and … all of a sudden, the screen just went black and white. It was like someone had switched it off." She paused, and at that time Anita and Tony exchanged concerned looks, their faces filled with sadness. "I didn’t understand what was going on, but before I could even try to figure it out, I was about to call someone; and then...”

She swallowed hard, her voice breaking slightly as she continued. “These men… mobsters, wearing masks, burst inside. They were holding guns; pointing them at us. I could hear them shouting, telling everyone not to move. They said to put our hands up... I was so scared.” Her voice trembled, and she hugged her arms to her chest, as if still trying to shield herself from the memory.

Anita leaned closer, with concern in her eyes, while Tony clenched his fists under the table, angered by what Amanda had gone through. Both of them were silent, not wanting to interrupt her, but their eyes were full of emotion; love, worry, and fear for Amanda.

Amanda took a shaky breath and continued. “Two of them walked right up to me. They demanded the keys to the safes… I don’t know how they knew I had them, but they did. My hands were shaking so badly; I could barely think. But I reached into the drawer, trying not to make any sudden moves, and I gave them the keys.” She paused, and Anita’s eyes were on her sister, wondering why such a terrible thing could happen to her.