Doña Paloma Novels & Stories

she screamed, panic setting in as she clung to Miss Jessica. Without hesitation, Miss Jessica lifted her and dashed to the bathroom. She grabbed a towel, soaked it under the tap, and wrapped it tightly around Paloma. “What’s going on?” Paloma whimpered. “Miss Jessica… there’s fire, right?” Miss Jessica’s hands trembled. Her throat felt tight as she nodded slowly, still trying to stay calm. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispered, though her voice shook. “I want my Mama! Papa!” Paloma cried out, her small body shaking as tears ran down her face. “I want my mother!”

“What is all this?” But she didn’t answer, “Don’t they look absolutely beautiful?” She asked, skimming through the clothes. They did, I couldn’t lie, they also looked expensive. What was he trying to do with this? Only moments ago he had joked that I wasn’t used to a room like this and now what? He was sending expensive dresses? I shook my head, “Nonna Rosa, I don’t think I can accept…” “Cara Mia (my dear)…”, she looked at me affectionately.

"No need to worry, Don Valeri. I'm just a secretary." For a brief moment, his chest seemed to tighten. He stepped into the rain and gripped my hand. "Tonight was my fault, but I can't lose Sofia. Whatever you've suffered, I'll make it right. Don't be stubborn." I yanked my hand free and took a few steps back. My voice was calm and flat. "Don Valeri, you must be joking. How could I ever be cross with you or Ms. Costa? I was naive before and didn't know my place. From now on, I'll remember I'm just your secretary and won't disturb you again. Are you satisfied?"

By the fourth morning, when I saw the unfamiliar breakfast on the dining table, I could no longer hold back and swept the plates off the table in one swipe. “What is this! Where’s Arabella? Tell her to get down here and make me herbal tea!” I flew into a rage at the new cook. My butler, Marco, stood by nervously, trying to remind me. "Boss...the Donna... she's been gone for three days." My entire body stiffened, and a sharp, twisting pain shot through my stomach.

I didn't even bother checking the caller ID before I answered. "I'm going to Castenia. You'll never find me!" I snapped. There was a beat of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by an older man's voice as he said, "Ms. Selena Romano? I'm George Luccasio, the Don of the Luccasio family. I was wondering if you'd like to meet up for a chat." "Don Luccasio, hi. I didn't tell anyone about the scandal. I know that would be a death wish, so I only sent the picture to you and no one else. Frank refuses to leave me alone, so I…"

“Go in first and hang out with them for a while. I’ll have the staff bring more snacks and drinks.” As Dexie intervened, Paloma turned around and left. Before leaving, she even smiled at Dexie. This smile differed completely from her other smiles. It didn’t seem fake or sincere. No matter how Dexie looked at it, it was strange. The doors of the private room closed, and the smile on Paloma’s face gradually faded. She walked to a secluded corner and took out her phone. Then, she sent a voice message.

Julia answered in a low tone. “I have heard she is Mr. Don's childhood friend, and she uses that to force herself on him, even though he dislikes her.” “Paloma,” Julia called before she could continue, “You can't tell if he really likes her or not. Besides, they look great together.” “You are not jealous, right?” Paloma asked her. Julia glanced at her, “Is there a reason for me to be?” “You like him,” she said, “I can see it in your eyes.”

Her hands were firm yet tender, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to feel a semblance of comfort. "You know, Selena," Marta began, her voice low and soothing, "this isn't what it seems." I met her gaze in the mirror, skepticism etched into my features. "The Don is not a monster," she said, continuing to brush my hair. "He is a man of honor, and he will protect you as if you were his own blood." I remained silent, unsure if I wanted to believe her.

The woman oozed oomph as she posed for the camera in a shift that revealed her sexy body. I raised my eyes in bewilderment. ‘Who…who is this?’ I stammered. “That’s Ramona González, the famed beauty from Columbia and a former beauty queen.’ Her lips twisted in derision as she continued. “Pappa just killed her lover, Juan Jose, and he is returning home with HER.’ * All throughout the flight, Ramona had kept trying to sidle up to the Don. But the big man sat in his seat, ignoring her on purpose, she thought, her lisp twisting. He seemed intent on his tablet and phones, growling orders at people.