Donna Forte Novels & Stories

Sophia's point of view: The governor’s birthday ended at midnight, and the drive home was unbearably quiet. While I sat in silence, trying to enjoy my first big win, I felt uneasy. Something about William didn’t feel right. He had too many secrets, and I suddenly felt stupid for letting myself trust him. I didn’t say a word. Instead, I picked up my phone and typed in the name Marie had called him—“Victor Falcone.” I combed through the internet, social media, anything I could find. But there was nothing—no pictures, no real information.

Without it, even these seven years wouldn't officially be over. As I walked out of the law firm, I ran into Aido at the end of the corridor. He wore a black suit today, the collar pressed perfectly straight, silver-gray cufflinks fastening his sleeves. Standing beside him was Isabella Bellucci, the Principessa of the Bellucci family, the woman everyone now assumed would be the future Madre. She held his arm, her high heels clicking against the marble with a light, steady rhythm. She was beautiful. When she raised her hand, the diamond bracelet at her wrist caught the light with an expensive gleam. She belonged to this estate, these banquets, these social scenes in a way that seemed natural,

The grievance on Sienna's face vanished instantly. "You saw it that day, didn't you?" She lowered her head and smiled at me viciously. "You saw Matteo holding the baby." As she spoke, she took out her phone. "Look. Don't the two of them look exactly like him? Anyone can tell they're father and son. "Giana, don't you think you're pathetic? A hen that can't lay eggs, and you still think you deserve to be Donna? You should hurry and leave on your own. Otherwise, when you're thrown out of the family, it'll be far more humiliating."

He was reminding me of my place: here on the estate, we were nothing more than employer and employee. And the woman beside him was his one and only Donna, recognized by all Five Families. I understood the warning in his eyes and swallowed the words I couldn't say. "Don Gallo." Enzo's Adam's apple bobbed. He gave a low "Mm" and kept walking, shielding Camilla and their child, as if the person he'd just passed was a complete stranger. I gave a self-deprecating smile and swallowed the news of my immediate resignation. It's not like he would care anyway.

“I’m sorry for what happened. I’m sorry for putting your life in danger. I never meant for any of this to touch you.” My stomach twisted. “Oh my god, you do know her.” He nodded once, it was slow and miserable. “Who is she?” “Her name is Donna Sofia.” He spoke the name like it tasted bitter. “She’s married to one of the old bosses, Don Moretti. Back when Don Antonio adopted me, Don Moretti and Antonio were partners, they were thick as thieves.” He paused, rubbed his thumb across his knuckles like the motion could erase what came next.

All over one photo with my own brother after years apart. I stared at her, cold. "You're mistaken. I'm Lucas's sister. Not some side piece. Do your homework next time." Betty looked me up and down like I was dirt. "Sister? Don't make me laugh. Lucas's sister is a Donna. She's powerful, connected, and untouchable. You think you can compare? Trash like you survives on its back." I decided to take that as a compliment on my looks. Otherwise, I'd have already ended her.

"Consigliere, I want a divorce from Cassius. I’m handing back all the businesses under my name. Draft up the papers." The old Consigliere frowned. "Camilla, this marriage keeps the peace between our two families. Can you think this over?" I was the frontwoman for Cassius Marino’s dirty empire for three years. In the shadows, I was this cold-blooded Don's legal wife. A month ago, a Mexican cartel kidnapped me. That night, the cartels blew up my husband's secure line, demanding a thirty-million-dollar ransom. He let it ring. They ended up throwing me into an abandoned meat locker in freezing temperatures. I almost froze to death. Luckily, a butcher stumbled in and dragged me out just in time.

I walked into the bridal studio with my wedding gown draped over my arms. Four years as Bianca Marchello—fiancée of Enzo Marchello, heir to the most powerful mafia family in the city—and here I was, asking a seamstress to alter my wedding dress to another woman’s measurements. “Are you sure about the size change?” the seamstress asked gently as she pinned the new bust line—smaller, narrower, perfect for Lucia Ricci. “Yes.” My voice didn’t tremble.

He rushed forward, about to announce Lia's disappearance. The doors suddenly swung open. The hall fell silent. "Lia…" my father's face went pale. "What nonsense is this?" Riccardo froze, staring at her. "Lia…" Lia scanned the room, ignoring the sudden intensity in Riccardo's eyes. She spoke loudly, clearly, and deliberately. "Sorry to interrupt your little comedy. I announce that today's Donna ceremony is void." The crowd froze. Lina screamed first. "Bah! Our father is the Don! Who gave you the right to oppose him?"

Now we were the centre of attention and there was no way to get away from their gaze, my arms cirlced around the sides of Lucas arm and he turned to stare at me with a warm smile. “Donna, you don’t have to make such an announcement.” Lucas said and the lady walked up to us, she wore soft femininie perfume that matched her soft girls features. The rosy pink summer dress she wore stopped at her ankles and her white stilletoes added to her small frame. Donna, from my deduction was a girl who was always cherry and optimistic about life and everything it brings. She was probably a daddy’s girl and an only child too. “Its great to see my brother in-law after what- three months?” Donna laughed and