Semua Bab Beyond the Omerta : Bab 31 - Bab 38

CHAPTER 31Antonio pushed the plates away from him, as he wiped his mouth with a paper tissue. The rest of the table sensed a storm brewing."Ladies," Antonio began, addressing Sophia and Ms. Grace. "If you'd excuse us, we have some personal matters to discuss."Sophia let out a derisive raspberry in annoyance. "Of course, there's always something better than having a normal family lunch," she said as she pushed her chair back and stormed out, the sound of her heels echoing through the hall.Ms. Grace rose up and gave a gracious bow. "I apologize, sirs." She walked away, the door closing behind her with a soft click, leaving the men to their tense discussion."why did you shoot Donald?" Donatello asked. He sipped the last of his wine, his eyes locked on Domenico."Brother, the debt was getting out of hand," Domenico defended. "Something had to be done."Donatello shook his head. "And shooting him was the only resourceful thing you could think of? That’s the only family I can trust to

CHAPTER 33“what?” Luciana sat upright on the bed. “you really think my father killed her?”“I didn’t say he did. I meant, if what I heard about the event was true, then it means he did. But I wasn’t present on that day, so I don’t want to make assumptions.” Mia replied.Luciana's face crumpled, and she covered her face with her palms. The sound of her sobs filled the room, heart-wrenching and raw. Mia quickly wrapped her arms around Luciana, trying to comfort her, but Luciana's grief was overwhelming. She didn't stop crying, her body shaking with each anguished sob.Luciana pulled her face from her hands, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy from crying. "I don't understand," she sniffed. “why would he do that? Why did he kill her?”Mia's hands moved gently, continuing to rub Luciana's shoulders in a soothing motion. Her face was filled with sympathy, and her eyes, with compassion. She didn’t know how to respond to Luciana’s anguish, and instead offered a gentle, comforting silence.Luciana

CHAPTER 35Mia curled the last strands of Luciana's hair, setting the style in place. She stepped back to admire her handiwork, then began to work on Luciana's makeup, expertly highlighting her features. With a final dusting of powder, Mia gave Luciana a satisfied smile. "You look stunning, and this dress will seal the deal." she said, dangling a skimpy dress in her hand."There's no way I expect you to make me wear that," she said, her voice laced with disbelief.Mia raised an eyebrow. "Why not? You've been wearing the same style for a while. It's time for a change."Luciana shook her head. "I agree with changing my look, but not to this."Mia folded the dress and sat beside Luciana, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I've seen pictures of you, Luciana. You always style your hair and clothes in a similar way. I thought it was time for a refresh."Luciana's expression turned curious. "Where did you see pictures of me?"Mia flashed an enigmatic smile. "Antonio has every

CHAPTER 37Luciana cupped Antonio’s face in her trembling hands, her thumbs brushing away the lone tear that escaped his eyes. “Your father will be okay,” she whispered, voice thick with emotion. Then, with a weak smile, she added, “He hasn’t murdered my father yet, so nothing will happen to him.”Antonio was in his raw, vulnerable state, yet in that moment, he felt more human than ever. He saw the sincerity in Luciana’s eyes, and for the first time in his life, he didn’t feel the weight of expectation pressing down on him. He didn’t have to be the hero.He wrapped his arms around her waist, his grip tightening as he pulled her closer. Resting his head against her stomach, he let out a quiet, shuddering sob.Luciana’s heart pounded. Every instinct screamed at her to run, to create distance before this unspoken emotion took hold of her. But as his warmth seeped into her, she lost her composure.She knew this moment wouldn’t last forever, so she did the only thing she could. She let it