CHAPTER FOUR: THE WEB OF LIES

Rodrigo's POV

It had been two days since Father called me, claiming he wanted to see me. At first, I tried to ignore his wish and devise an excuse, but I believed it was the best to do all I could till the older man gave me my right.

It was a long drive back to his mansion, which held many bittersweet memories. My car tires crushed the stones beneath them as I stopped before the house.

The second I stepped out of the car, a chilling gust of wind gave me a welcome. I let out a sigh.

Today was the D-day. The day I had awaited for so long. The day that Father would make me the capo, the head of the Mafia world—a position I have had to work my way up to.

With a sigh, I made my way in. Lucas, one of my father's trusted men, crossed paths with me by the landing of the stairs. Our eyes met. “Back home, I see,” his voice dragged as he looked at me with a glint of amusement in his eyes.

“Father wanted to see me,” I responded and watched him nod softly.

“Makes sense that Augusto would want to see you. He's really sick,” he said, darting his eyes towards the door.

Gradually, his palm landed on my shoulder, and he proceeded to give me a slight squeeze before walking away in a bid to reassure me, I guess.

Making my way up the stairs one step after another while my shoes let out a clicking sound, thoughts of what he could want to engulf my mind.

Were we in another trouble? Or did one of the cabin members mess up again that he wanted me to get rid of?

My eyes moved to my palms. Many destinies have been rewritten with them, and I have had to make many bad decisions. After all, that was what being a Capo’s son demanded—an heir to his legacy.

Reaching out for the doorknob, I gave it a little twist before pushing it forward and stepping into the room.

There he was, lying on his bed, carefully tucked into a gray blanket. I watched as he slowly turned his head to look my way. He had a frown on. One could never tell the difference between his happy and angry moments.

He tried to sit up, coughing as he did. The wrinkles on his face were becoming more evident. His grey hair was no different.

It's funny how the once ruthless Capo, feared by all, could now do nothing except await death.

“It's okay, you can lie down,” I said in a hushed tone, not attempting to comfort him as I strode slowly towards him.

As a Capo, you must never let your emotions show. That was one of the lessons he had taught me.

“It's okay, I'm fine,” he croaked, his voice rough.

His palm wrapped around mine before giving me a slight squeeze, causing me to lift my head and stare at his face. A little smile parted his dry, thin lips.

This was the first time in years since he felt more…Fatherly.

“I don't think I have much time left, Rodrigo,” He started, then coughed a little.

“Don't say that, and the doctor said you're recovering,” I informed, even though I could tell that it would only be a miracle to revive him.

My heart squeezed slightly. I was nervous at the thought that I might not be fully ready yet. Drec Gonzalo, my Father, did an excellent job while he was a Capo, and so did my grandfather.

He smiled slightly, “Age isn't on my side anymore, Son.” Pausing, he coughed again. “ Anytime from now, nature shall demand back its gift of life, and I would have no choice but to give it up.” He added.

The room fell silent, unsaid words hanging in the air while we both awaited where the conversation was stirring.

He coughed again, grunting aggressively, and I immediately turned around to grab the glass of water on his nightstand and then passed it to him.

He took it from me, his hands shaking as he brought it closer to his lips. After taking a small sip, he brought it down, holding it between his laps.

“Somebody has to take my place, Rodrigo.” He continued. “Someone capable has to continue Gonzalo’s legacy. It would have been you, but…” He paused and coughed slightly.

I could feel my heart thudding fast.

“I can't make you Capo, Son. The Empire needs a man with a sense of responsibility. The clan…” Another cough break. “I need you to get married, Rodrigo. That's the only way to show them that you are more than capable of it.” He announced while taking his words slowly.

There was a brief pause. The world seemed to be on hold as the words softly engraved on my mind.

“I don't understand. Why is that an issue?” I asked with a frown.

“Because The Capo can't be just any single man…”

“I’m not just any single man. I am Rodrigo Gonzalo, and I have decided much of my life to the Empire. I deserve to be Capo. It’s my right!” I informed, my voice stern and cold.

He said nothing as he avoided my eyes.

My fingers explore my hair, and I let out a frustrated sigh. “Have I not proven myself to you all these years, Father?” I questioned and heard him sigh in response.

“This is my final request, son. Do this for me.” He stated, plea evident in his voice.

I paused for a while.

“But what if I'm not ready to get married just yet?” I questioned.

His expression softened, “Then I'll just have to make your brother capo.” He announced, and I felt something in my stomach tighten, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

Fabio!

I hated him. I knew damn well that this was all his doings.

But how?

That part was what I was going to find out.

I felt all the color drain from my face, my jaw tightening as I clenched my fists. I wouldn't let this happen, not after everything I've given for this family, for the Mafia.

I stood there frozen on the spot, unsure of what to do. Then suddenly, I remembered Tanya. She'd been in my mansion for a while, locked up. I didn't know what to do with her. Quite frankly, I planned on turning her into a mistress, which was much more merciful than killing her.

I locked eyes with Augusto, “Fine, I'll get married within the next three days. There's a woman… a woman I love. I'll speed things up with her.” I lied and caught something flicker in his eyes.

Or was this his personal decision?

He stared at me for a long while, then nodded, “Okay, my son, I'll be waiting.”

I nodded and immediately made my way out of the room. By the time I got out, Lucas was standing there.

“Don't worry, I wasn't eavesdropping.” He assured me, and I could tell that he wasn't lying. After all, he had been with us for a long while.

Ignoring him, I returned to my car because now I had just one goal.

To get married to Tanya, regardless of what it would take. After all, she owed me her life.

She was mine now.