20. Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

Daniella

The morning is still and quiet. It’s the kind of silence that usually brings peace, but today it feels heavy with impending change.

I look around the small living room that Jeremy and I made our own, taking in the familiar sight of the cozy couch, the carefully chosen artwork, and the soft, inviting colors.

This house, as small as it is, has been my sanctuary. Every piece of furniture, every decoration, holds a memory, a moment in time that I thought would last forever.

But forever isn’t always what you expect.

A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts. I open it to find a woman standing there, her kind eyes and warm smile immediately putting me at ease.

“ Ciao! ” I immediately smile back at the familiar face.

“Maria, what are you doing here?”

She gives me a brief hug as I step aside for her to enter. Maria works at the club and she was the only one who was nice to me on the first day. While others have warmed up to the idea of my presence, Maria was the first person to be kind to me.

“Capo sent me.”

It is jarring, hearing a woman refer to him as that. Capo. Until now, I’ve only ever heard men call him that.

“Lorenzo said you would need some help and he sent me to help you pack,” she says gently.

“Thank you,” I reply, I don’t know if he knows that Maria and I have a budding friendship and if that’s why he sent her here, or maybe I’m just reading too much into it.

“I appreciate the help.”

Maria enters the living room and takes a look around. “This is a lovely home,” she says, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

It is the first time anyone apart from Jeremy, Renee, and I have been inside it, and of course Lorenzo, but I’m taking great pride in the fact that she finds it lovely.

“Thank you! I lived here with my fiancé before…” I cut myself short before I say too much, but instead of looking at me with curiosity, she just smiles and gives my shoulder a squeeze.

Maria nods, understanding. “I’ve been there. Sometimes the places we live in hold more than just our belongings; they hold pieces of our hearts.”

She gives me a moment and then forces a cheery smile onto her face.

“Where do we start?”

We start in the living room, carefully wrapping each item in bubble wrap and placing it in a box. As I pack the cushions from the couch, I remember the countless nights Jeremy and I spent here, watching movies and laughing.

My fingers linger on the fabric, and I have to blink back tears.

As we move to the bedroom, the weight of the memories becomes almost unbearable. I open the closet and start packing Jeremy’s clothes.

Each shirt, each pair of pants, brings back a flood of memories. The shirt he wore on our first date, the suit he wore to a friend’s wedding.

I hold them close, letting the memories wash over me.

Maria continues packing quietly, giving me the space to grieve. After a while, she breaks the silence with a soft confession.

“Lorenzo told me to take good care of you,” she says. “He’s a complicated man, but he has a good heart. He saved my life, you know.”

I look at her, surprised. “He did?”

“Yes,” Maria says, her eyes distant as she recalls the past. “My husband was involved in some...questionable things. He betrayed Lorenzo, and when the truth came out, he knew it was only a matter of time before everything unraveled. Lorenzo could have punished me and my daughter for my husband’s actions, but instead, he saved us. He set us up with a new life, away from all the danger.”

Her words leave me even more confused about what kind of person Lorenzo really is.

On one hand, he’s a powerful, intimidating man with connections to dangerous people. On the other hand, he’s shown compassion and kindness, not just to me, but to others as well.

"Tell me more," I find myself saying, needing to understand the man who now holds so much power over my life.

Maria smiles softly. "I was married to one of his men. But you should know that before that marriage, I was born into this, the Visa Nostra life is the only family I've known. My husband was one of Lorenzo's dockmen. He was in charge of monitoring the loading and unloading of goods as they arrived, and it was a job he took great pride in. Lorenzo also paid him very well. But my husband was a greedy man.”

She pauses and folds some clothing to put them into a box.

I nod, urging her to continue.

"We weren’t yet married when he started working for Lorenzo, but I had very little say in the matter. Now, don’t look at me with such pity, I’ve had a good life.”

She smiles, and I smile back at her.

“When I found out about his involvement with the Duretti family, I was terrified. He assured me that we were safe, that Lorenzo valued loyalty above all else and would protect us as long as we remained faithful. But then he started skimming money, thinking he could outsmart Lorenzo. I know that he owed Lorenzo millions, but they would never tell me exactly what he did with the money."

Her voice falters and I can see the pain in her eyes.

"When Lorenzo found out, he was furious. My husband knew he was a dead man walking. I begged him to go beg Lorenzo for mercy, but we both knew the code every member of the Cosa Nostra lives by. It’s injected into their blood from birth. He tried to run, but he couldn't escape. I thought we were doomed, my daughter and I."

She pauses, taking a deep breath. "But instead of punishing us, Lorenzo offered me a way out. He gave us money, arranged for a safe place to live, and made sure we were taken care of. He told me that he didn't blame me or my daughter for my husband’s mistakes. You need to understand that if it had been anyone else, my daughter and I both would have been sold, or kept on as playthings to entertain the sick fantasies of men."

She shudders at that, and I fight back a shiver too.

“I’m sorry you went through that. It must’ve been horrible.”

This is just more proof of how horrible this entire system is. No one person should have the power to bestow punishment on another human.

A tear slips down her cheek, and she quickly wipes it away. "I owe him everything. That's why I'm here.”

As the morning wears on, Maria and I talk more, sharing stories and experiences. Her presence is comforting, a reminder that I'm not alone in this.

Hours later, Maria stands up, stretching slightly.

“I’ll let you get some rest, Daniella. It’s been a long and stressful morning, and in your condition, you probably shouldn’t be doing so much.”

I lift my eyebrows at her.

“My condition?”

She instantly flushes.

“Oh, I'm sorry, I just assumed but…aren't you pregnant?”

I lose my smile. What? Do I look pregnant? Am I already fat and puffy?

“I'm so sorry Daniella if I spoke out of turn.”

“No, no, it’s okay. I am pregnant.”

“Oh, goodness, I thought I'd made a terrible mistake. I just could tell, you know?’

“Thank you, Maria. For everything,” I say sincerely.

She gives me a warm smile. “Anytime. Get some rest. Tomorrow is a new day.”

She leaves, closing the door softly behind her. I’m left alone with my thoughts, staring out at the waning afternoon light. My mind is a whirlwind of emotions—grief, confusion, fear, and a flicker of hope.

I make my way to the bedroom, exhaustion weighing down on me. As I lie in bed, my hand instinctively goes to my stomach. The reality of my situation settles over me once more. I’m pregnant. With Lorenzo’s child.

The memory of our many nights together floods my mind. The intensity, the passion. Those nights have changed everything.

I close my eyes, trying to push away the conflicting feelings of guilt and attraction. Jeremy’s face flashes before me, a reminder of the love I lost. But Lorenzo…he stirs something deep within me, something I can't ignore.

Sleep eventually claims me, but it’s restless and filled with dreams of the past and uncertainties of the future.

***

The next day, I wake up to the soft chirping of birds outside my window. The room is bathed in the gentle morning light, and for a moment, I forget where I am. Then reality comes crashing back.

I get up and go through my morning routine, trying to find some semblance of normalcy. As I’m brushing my teeth, my phone buzzes. It’s a message from Mark.

Can we talk? Found something important.

I hesitate for a moment before replying.

Sure. Call me.

A few minutes later, my phone rings. I answer it, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Hey, Mark.”

“Daniella, how are you holding up?” His voice is filled with concern.

“I’m managing. What did you find?”

“I’ve been digging into the Duretti family’s financial records, and I found something interesting. There are several transactions linked to offshore accounts. They’re highly suspicious and could be connected to money laundering activities. I think Jeremy might have been involved in these transactions.”

My heart sinks. Jeremy…involved in something so dangerous? It’s hard to believe, but I know I can’t ignore the evidence.

“I see. What do you suggest we do next?”

“We need more concrete evidence. I think you should continue looking through the club’s records. There might be something there that can help us piece this together.”

“I will. I’ll keep you updated on anything I find.”

“Be careful, Daniella. The Durettis are dangerous. If they suspect you’re investigating them, it could put you in serious danger.”

“I know. I’ll be careful.”

We end the call and I sit on the edge of the bed, processing the information. Jeremy’s secrets continue to unravel and each discovery feels like a stab to the heart.

I make my way to the kitchen, where Maria must have brought breakfast supplies with her because there's an array of biscuits, pancakes, and bacon on the counter.

“Holy shit. I could really get used to this,” I say to her. She smiles at me and goes back to cooking.

My phone rings and it is Renee calling.

“Hello, gorgeous. How are you?”

“Good morning,” I say with a wide smile, even though I know she can’t see me.

“She knows all about me moving in with Lorenzo later today and she was on board, surprisingly.

“How did you sleep?”

“Restlessly,” I admit, sitting at the table. “I got a call from a friend this morning. He’s been helping me investigate the Durettis.”

Renee’s voice drops by an octave and becomes serious. “What did he find?”

“More connections between the family and offshore accounts. He thinks Jeremy might have been involved.”

“That’s heavy. But it’s important to find out the truth.”

“I know. I’m just worried about what I might uncover.”

“You’re strong, Daniella. Whatever you find, you’ll face it head-on. Whatever it is. And you’re not alone in this.”

Her words bolster my resolve. “Thank you, Ren. Your support means a lot to me.”

“Anytime. Now eat up. You need your strength.”

***

The next morning dawns with a sense of finality. As I sit in the living room, surrounded by packed boxes, my heart races with anticipation and anxiety. It pains me that I’m still going to have to leave a lot of things behind.

It’s not like I can uproot the entire house and take it with me. It also feels like leaving this house is leaving the ghost of Jeremy and the life we built together, behind.

Tears sting in my eyes and I try not to let them fall. Yes, he lied to me, he kept secrets from me, and maybe he wasn’t the person I thought he was. But he still loved me and he was the only one who ever loved me with no strings attached.

The weight of the past few days is heavy and I’m not sure if I’m ready for what comes next.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. I open it to find Lorenzo standing there, looking every bit the enigma he always is.

He’s dressed in a crisp white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the tattoos that snake up his forearms. His dark trousers are perfectly tailored and the leather shoes he wears shine as if they’ve just been polished.

His hair is slicked back and his intense eyes meet mine, unreadable as always.

“Ready?” he asks, his voice low and controlled.

I nod, trying to steady my breathing. “Yes.”

Lorenzo steps inside, his presence filling the small space. He looks around, his gaze sweeping over the boxes and the now-empty house. He says nothing, but there’s a flicker of something in his eyes—concern, maybe?—before he turns back to me.

“Let’s go,” he says simply.

I watch as some men come into the house and start picking up my things. They carry the boxes out to the car, a sleek black SUV with tinted windows.

It’s understated, yet imposing, much like Lorenzo himself. As the men load the last of the boxes into a truck, Maria appears at the door, giving me a supportive smile. It’s a nice surprise to see her here again.

“I thought her presence here would make the transition easier,” Lorenzo says when I look at him with that questioning look.

Again, he’s done something thoughtful, it really puts more weight into what Maria said about him the other day.

She takes my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze.

“He asked me to be here for you so that you’re not just surrounded by men.”

I laugh a little and she smiles.

“You’ll be fine,” she says softly.

“Thank you, Maria. For everything.”

She nods and I can see the worry in her eyes. But she trusts Lorenzo, and for now, that will have to be enough.

I climb into the passenger seat and Lorenzo starts the engine. The ride is quiet, the hum of the road and the occasional rustle of leaves the only sounds breaking the silence.

I steal glances at Lorenzo, trying to decipher his thoughts, but his expression remains inscrutable.

“Thank you for sending Maria to help,” I say eventually, breaking the silence.

“She’s reliable and fond of you,” he replies, his eyes fixed on the road. Maybe she’s not the only one who’s fond of me. It’s wishful thinking at its finest.

“I’m grateful. It made things easier.”

He nods, but says nothing more. The tension in the car is palpable and I can’t help but feel a pang of frustration. Lorenzo is an enigma, and his silence only adds to my confusion.

We drive through winding roads, the scenery changing from urban sprawl to lush greenery. The car finally turns into a long driveway flanked by towering trees, leading to large, white gates. The gates swing open smoothly as we approach, revealing a sprawling estate beyond.

The Duretti compound is magnificent. The mansion is a blend of modern architecture and classic elegance, with white stone walls and large windows that reflect the sunlight.

The gardens are meticulously kept, with vibrant flowers and neatly trimmed hedges. A large fountain stands in the center of the driveway, its water sparkling in the morning light.

Lorenzo parks the car and steps out, coming around to open my door. His gentlemanly gesture is unexpected, and I find myself momentarily flustered.

“Come on,” he says, leading me to the front door, a hand on my lower back.

We step inside, and I’m immediately struck by the grandeur of the interior. The foyer is expansive, with marble floors and a sweeping staircase that curves up to the second floor.

Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the space. The walls are adorned with tasteful artwork, and the furniture is a blend of luxury and comfort.

“This way,” Lorenzo says, his voice echoing slightly in the vast space.

He leads me through the house, showing me the various rooms. The living room is spacious, with plush sofas and a grand piano in the corner.

The dining room has a long table that could easily seat twenty people and the kitchen is state-of-the-art, with gleaming appliances and granite countertops.

We continue to the second floor, where Lorenzo shows me to my room. It’s large and beautifully decorated, with a king-sized bed, a cozy reading nook by the window, and an en-suite bathroom. The windows overlook the gardens, offering a breathtaking view.

“This will be your room,” he says, his tone neutral. “You can make any changes you need to feel comfortable.”

“Thank you,” I reply, feeling overwhelmed by the luxury and the sudden change in my circumstances.

He nods, then hesitates for a moment. “If you need anything, I’ll be in my office. It’s down the hall, third door on the left.”

“Okay,” I say, trying to process everything.

Lorenzo leaves, closing the door softly behind him. I stand in the middle of the room, taking it all in. The opulence is almost surreal, a stark contrast to the modest home I shared with Jeremy.

I walk to the window and look out at the garden below, feeling a strange mix of sadness and hope.

As I start unpacking, I think about the man who has brought me here. Lorenzo Duretti is a puzzle I’m not sure I can solve.

He’s shown me kindness, but he’s also a powerful figure with a dangerous reputation. The duality of his nature leaves me feeling conflicted, unsure of what to expect.

Hours pass as I arrange my belongings, trying to make the space feel more like mine. Each item I place carries a memory, a piece of my past that I’m trying to hold on to.

By evening, I’ve made some progress, but there’s still so much left to do. Exhausted, I sit on the edge of the bed, my thoughts a tangled mess. The reality of my new life is sinking in, it’s both daunting and strangely comforting.

A soft knock at the door pulls me from my reverie.

“Come in,” I call, expecting Maria.

Instead, Lorenzo steps into the room, his presence filling the space. He’s changed into a black sweater and jeans, looking more relaxed but no less imposing.

“How are you settling in?” he asks, his voice calm.

“It’s...a lot to take in,” I admit. “But I’m getting there.”

He nods, his eyes scanning the room. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you,” I reply, feeling a flicker of something—gratitude, curiosity, maybe even something more.

He stands there for a moment longer, his gaze meeting mine. There’s something in his eyes, a depth of emotion that he keeps carefully guarded. And then, just as quickly, it’s gone.

“You’re safe here. You know that, right?”

I exhale and nod.

“Good night, Daniella,” he says, turning to leave.

“Good night, Lorenzo,” I reply, watching him go.

I lie back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The house is quiet. The only sound is the distant chirping of crickets outside. In the silence, I think about the future, about the challenges and the possibilities.

And for the first time in a long while, I feel a glimmer of hope.

Maybe, just maybe, everything will be okay.

***

I’m bored. The house is so large that the sound of each footstep I take echoes. There’s no one around to talk to. The staff don’t say a word to me. They see me, nod at me, and walk away.

“It’s a boy,” someone says. I look up and see an elderly woman in a severe-looking grey uniform. She has raven black hair with silver streaks in it.

“What?”

I didn't think Lorenzo had told anyone about us, but she seemed to know who I was and what I was doing in the house.

“I’m Greta. I’ve been in this house since Lorenzo was a child. I know who you are.”

“Oh…I…”

“You should eat. Boys have a way of sucking the life from their mamas.”

After sharing that delightful piece of information, she disappears.

After eating a small breakfast, I decide to go for a walk in the garden.

The fresh air and the beauty of the flowers help to clear my mind. I need to focus, to prepare myself for whatever comes next.

I decide to find out what Renee is up to.

“Hey, Renee.”

“Hey, sugar. What’s up?”

“I’ve moved now. I’m in Lorenzo’s house. God, it’s all so big and intimidating.”

“Aw, there’s no need for you to feel intimidated. He invited you, didn't he? And he promised to keep you safe. I say, just enjoy it. I’m happy you aren’t doing this on your own.”

“Me too. Do you want to come over later? He said I could invite you over.”

“Did he?” she asks.

“Yeah. I know you’re at work now, but maybe after? We could have drinks, well, you can have drinks, and I’ll watch you and bemoan my existence.”

She laughs and clears her throat.

“I would love to, but Daniella, I have something I need to tell you.”

“Yeah, what is it?”

“I…”

There’s a crashing sound in the background and some angry voices.

“Shit. Let me call you back, okay?”

I frown.

“What’s happening? Hello? Renee?”

But the call has already been disconnected. Worry weaves its way through my body and I am instantly restless. I try to call her back, but she doesn’t respond.

Maybe it’s just a ruckus at work, maybe it’s an emergency situation that she has to handle. I’m not going to think the worst, but it’s hard not to with everything that has been happening.

I decide to occupy my mind with something, but there is literally nothing to do. I have never really been a fan of TV, so watching it isn’t going to help me at all. So, I decide to go to the club. Lorenzo did say that I could keep working there.

The club is quiet when my driver drops me off. It’s almost too quiet. It is too early for anything to be going on, but usually by this time, there would be armed men everywhere and people getting the club ready for the night. Today, there’s almost nobody around, but I do see Carla walking around.

“Daniella, what are you doing here? You’re not supposed to be here.”

“Hey Carla, I know I still have a few days left in my leave of absence, but I wanted to come in and apologize for taking so much time off without any prior warning.”

She grabs hold of my hand and shakes me a little.

“You’re not listening to me. You should not be here. Ay Dio Mío , Lorenzo is gonna freak out.” A Spanish accent I didn’t even know she had suddenly shows up in her voice. I’m confused.

“What’s happening, why shouldn’t I be here?”

She takes my hand and starts leading me to the back of the club, towards my office.

“Carla, stop.”

She stops walking and turns to look at me.

“What’s going on? Where’s everyone? Where’s Lorenzo?”

“He’s dealing with a mess. Massimo is on a rampage. You don’t need to hear all of this. Somebody should’ve been watching you at home.”

Watching me?

“I’m not a child.”

“In this world, you are. You are a little clueless child, and you’re here now, and I have to protect you. Your man will have my head on a fucking platter if anything happens to you. Now, come with me.”

She takes hold of my hand again and we keep walking. We pass my office and she doesn’t stop, not until we get to the inventory room. She opens the door with a flourish and I see Maria bent over a table. She frowns when she sees me.

“What are you doing here?”

Why does everyone keep asking me that?

“She needs to stay here with you. She can’t leave because we don’t know how many men that bastard actually has here. Please do not let her leave the room until you get the okay from me.”

Maria nods with a serious expression, and it feels like I’m losing my mind.

“Can someone please explain to me what the hell is going on?”

Maria nods at Carla, and she leaves.

“Listen to me, Daniella. There’s a war going on right now between two families, the Raineris and the Duretti’s. It’s been brewing for years, and it has finally boiled over. Massimo Raineri is the son of Bruno Raineri, and the next in line to be their leader, but he is also a hot-tempered fucker.”

It’s so jarring to hear her swear, but at this point, I think everyone here has a foul mouth. Plus, what she’s saying is too important.

Massimo was the one who gave me the information about Jeremy and Lorenzo. He’s the whole reason I’m here.

“I-is he here?” I ask, trying not to let my trembling show. If he is here, he is going to recognize me, and he is going to out me to Lorenzo.

I don’t even want to find out what happens after that.

“Let’s hope not. He is a cruel bastard. My husband was working for him, and that’s what got him killed. It seems like he has more men planted on our side, and after what Lorenzo did to him, Massimo is out for blood. He wants carnage. And he’s already getting it.”

“I don’t understand, explain everything to me.”

She shakes her head.

“I can’t because I don’t know the full story. Lorenzo is the one who does, maybe he can answer your questions. Or his sister, I heard the three of them have been connected for a very long time.”

I frown.

“His sister?”

“Yes. I hear she’s back.”

“Does that have anything to do with Massimo’s anger?”

“I don’t know.”

We settle into a silence and I try to process everything I’ve just heard. But it is a lot. I’m not sure who the bad person in this story is.

Mark is expecting me to call him back with updates, and I’m stuck in here with Maria while a war wages outside. But there’s one feeling that supersedes all the others. Worry. And not even for myself.

What is he doing? Where is he? Is he safe? Is he hurt?

“Maria, can I ask you something?” I say, breaking the comfortable silence.

“Of course,” she replies.

“Why did you stay loyal to Lorenzo after everything that happened with your husband?”

She takes a moment to gather her thoughts.

“Lorenzo is a complicated man. He’s done things I don’t agree with, but he’s also shown incredible kindness and loyalty. Remember when Julio betrayed him, Lorenzo could have destroyed my life. But he didn’t. He gave me and my daughter a chance at a new beginning. I owe him my loyalty for that.”

Her words resonate with me. Lorenzo is a man of contradictions, capable of both cruelty and compassion. It’s a difficult thing to reconcile, but it helps me understand him a bit better.

“Thank you for sharing that,” I say, appreciating her honesty.

“You’re welcome. Just remember, Daniella, people are rarely just one thing. Lorenzo is no exception.”

I open my mouth to talk, but I’m interrupted by a scream and then a gunshot.