Chapter 2

Luca POV

I explored the art gallery, appreciating the artworks on display. Bohemian galleries have their hands in almost everything, ranging from abstract art and various kinds of sculptures to pop art and The Renaissance.

It's artworks increase in value every year, and it's not a bad investment. Some of the organization's money is laundered via the establishment.

An impressionist artwork caught my attention; it depicts the sea in all its glory with the sun sinking at the horizon. A similar but different painting, not far from it, depicts the sea as well as the moon rising. It's definitely the same artist's work. I looked at the nameplate. "Yasmine Fernandez." The name rolls softly on my tongue. I have most of her collections at home. Looks like there is more to add.

Despite being the head of the Cosa Nostra Italian Mafia, the Rossi Family, he had an appreciation for art and invested a lot of money in artworks. He was one of the major investors in Bohemian galleries and a curating company.

The CEO, Matthew Smith, is one of our associates and helps launder money from their drug and arms trafficking operations in the company. Particularly, my late father's slush fund amounts to over twenty billion dollars.

To avoid suspicion, I have been laundering the money in various ways: art galleries, high-end restaurants, casinos, strip clubs, real estate, and cryptocurrency trading. I have my hand in everything.

Doing all of this under the Guardia di Finanza's radar takes a lot of planning and years, which is why I moved my family to the U.S. and only visit Italy once in a while during the holidays. 'Boss,' one of my bodyguards approached.

There must be an emergency; they know not to disturb me during my visits to these private exhibitions. 'What's it?' I asked impatiently.

"The bouncers at the Casino caught a reporter snopping around."

"A reporter! Where is he?" I asked

"At the warehouse, what should we do?"he asked.

"Killing him will only bring unnessary attentions I don't need,just teach him a lesson then let him go. And increase the security at the Casino." I ordered.

"Yes sir" he nods and quickly exit.

Yasmine POV

I called Matt while in the taxi on the way to his apartment.

"Hey Yas, What's up" He said cheerfully.

"Matt pls can I crash in with you tonight. Things jus went South with Nathan. He's having an affair."

"What the fuck! Oh common on babe you are welcome. Are you on your way?."

"Yes thank you" I sighs

"You are welcome! I will be waiting for you, okay and jus so you know Mark is here hope you don't mind?" He asked.

"Of course not. Se ya"

As the taxi weaved through the city streets, I leaned back against the seat, trying to shake off the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. Nathan's betrayal felt like a punch to the gut, and I was grateful to have Matt's place to escape to, even if just for a night.

The taxi pulled up outside Matt's apartment building, and I took a deep breath before stepping out. The familiar sight of his place brought a small sense of comfort. I hurried inside, the warmth of the lobby wrapping around me like a hug.

As I climbed the stairs to his floor, I could hear laughter echoing from his apartment. I knocked lightly on the door, and it swung open almost immediately. Matt stood there, his face lighting up with a smile that made my heart flutter, even in the midst of my turmoil.

"Yas! Come in!" he said, stepping aside to let me in. The living room was cozy, filled with the scent of something delicious cooking in the kitchen. Mark was sprawled on the couch, a beer in hand, and he looked up with a grin.

"Hey, Yasmine! Sorry to hear about Nathan. You can crash here as long as you need," he said, his tone genuine.

"Thanks, Mark," I replied, forcing a smile. I appreciated their support, but the weight of my situation still hung heavily on my shoulders.

Matt gestured toward the kitchen. "I was just making some pasta. Want to help? It’ll take your mind off things."

I nodded, grateful for the distraction. As we moved into the kitchen, I could feel the warmth of Matt's presence beside me. We chopped vegetables and stirred the sauce, the rhythm of our movements easing the tension in my chest.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Matt asked, his voice soft as he handed me a wooden spoon.

I hesitated, stirring the sauce slowly. "I don’t know. It just hurts, you know? I thought we were happy."

Matt leaned against the counter, his expression serious. "You deserve someone who treats you right, Yas. Nathan clearly doesn’t appreciate you."

I looked up at him, his blue eyes filled with concern. "I know, but it’s just hard to let go. We had plans, dreams…"

"Plans can change," he said gently. "And sometimes, it’s for the best. You’ll find someone who truly values you."

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within me. His words were comforting, yet the ache of disappointment lingered. I had invested so much hope into the future I had envisioned, and now it felt like a fragile dream slipping through my fingers.

"But what if I never find that person?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The uncertainty loomed large, casting a shadow over my heart.

He reached out, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You will. It just takes time. Sometimes, the right person comes along when you least expect it. Focus on yourself for now. Discover what makes you happy."

I took a deep breath, trying to absorb his advice. It was true; I had lost sight of my own passions in the whirlwind of my previous relationship. Maybe this was an opportunity to rediscover who I was outside of that connection.

"Thank you," I said, managing a small smile. "I guess I needed to hear that."

He smiled back, his eyes warm with understanding. "Just remember, every ending is a new beginning. Embrace the change, and trust that something better is on the horizon."