Arielle
I pulled my anorak tighter, hands tucked deep into the warmth of the fabric, a futile attempt to ward off the chill. The rain felt relentless, each drop a cold kiss against my skin. Darkness clung to the streets, swallowing any semblance of comfort as I hurried home. The leather felt icy against my skin, sending shivers rippling through me. I ignored the sting of water trickling down my nose, focusing only on reaching the shelter of my home.
A wave of relief washed over me as I reached the patio. The familiar rhythm of my heartbeat began to slow. I stood for a moment, breathing deeply, letting the feeling of safety seep into my bones before reaching for the doorknob, twisting it, and pushing the door open.
Slipping off the soaked anorak, I hung it on a rack before walking toward the living room. My gaze swept across the room, landing on my mother, father, and Luca. Where was Angelo? I needed him, needed his presence more than I could admit.
I pressed my lips into a tight line, forcing a smile to my face, trying to appear composed. My father’s eyes were immediately suspicious, and Luca’s gaze held its usual arrogant edge. Mother looked worried, but held her tongue in front of my father and brother.
I offered them a small, practiced smile. Deep down, I knew they sensed something was wrong. Father and Luca would never show concern, but surely Mother could have reached out.
“Good evening,” I offered, hoping to break the silence.
“You should have been home by seven. It’s nine, and you didn’t take any of the bodyguards with you,” Father snapped, his voice rough with fury.
“My car broke down on the way home,” I blurted, the lie catching in my throat. “I had to walk the rest of the way.”
“She’s soaked to the bone,” Mother finally spoke, her voice laced with concern. “Go change, Arielle.”
Father shot her a cruel look, and she averted her gaze. A wave of gratitude washed over me. Smiling weakly, I murmured a thank you before rushing upstairs and locking the bedroom door behind me. The moment the latch clicked, tears sprang to my eyes, a suffocating wave of emotion threatening to overwhelm me. I choked back a sob, desperate to keep my voice silent, and let the tears fall freely.
Whatever had happened today…it was a disaster. The worst day of my life. I squeezed my eyes shut, but the horrific scene played out behind my eyelids. I snapped them open, heart hammering against my ribs. Each pulse felt like a drumbeat of dread. This was a bad sign. A very bad sign. I had no idea what would happen when my parents discovered the truth.
I had to keep it hidden. Father would kill me, if he knew. He didn's love me. This anxiety was a vise around my chest, threatening to crush me. What had I gotten myself into?
Taking a life…it could cost me everything. Being a part of this mafia world…it felt like a slow death. I wished I wasn’t the daughter of New York’s Capo. I never asked for this life. I never expected such a thing to happen.
This secret had to remain sealed, locked away forever. I couldn’t let it out.
Where was Angelo? Why wasn’t he home? I needed to talk to him. I needed my brother, needed his strength.
“My phone,” I whispered, beginning a frantic search. “Damn!” I must have left it in the car.
I sank onto the bed, reaching for the soft blankets, pulling them around me like a cocoon. Tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision. My mind felt numb, a hollow ache in my chest. I wished I could rewind the hours, undo everything, but it was beyond possibility. What’s done is done.
Just as despair threatened to consume me, I felt a hand on my shoulder, gently tugging me into a secure embrace. Angelo. A wave of calm washed over me. My brother was back.
He took my hand, his palm warm against mine. I could barely see him in the darkness, but I felt the concern radiating from him.
“It’s all clear. No one will doubt you, Ary,” he murmured, brushing his lips against my knuckles. “No one will cross your path now. I vow it.”
The last of my tears fell, finally releasing their hold. I took a deep breath, trying to convince myself that everything that had happened today could be forgiven, forgotten.
Someone lost their loved one today. And I…I had lost the peace of survival. Deep down, I knew my actions could never be forgiven. But perhaps I could get a second chance to pay for my deeds.
“Do you know who the girl was?”
The question barely registered. I must have drifted off.