Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
We start with the penguin exhibit, the playful antics of the birds breaking the ice in a way that conversation never could. Lila laughs, her eyes bright with joy, and I squeeze Lorenzo’s hand in silent appreciation.
“They’re adorable,” Lila says. Her earlier skepticism of Lorenzo has been steadily melting away, and I can see she’s actually starting to understand what I see in him. “I always forget how much I love the zoo.”
Lorenzo nods, looking genuinely pleased. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
As we move through the various exhibits, I catch glimpses of the behind-the-scenes efforts Lorenzo has made. From private tours to up-close animal encounters, he’s gone to great lengths to make this day special. It’s hard not to be touched by the effort, and I can see Lila softening more and more with each passing hour.
One of the highlights is the butterfly garden. We walk through the lush space, the air filled with the fluttering of delicate wings. A vivid orange butterfly lands on Lila’s shoulder, and she gasps in delight.
“Mira, look!” she says, her face lit up with pure happiness.
“I see it,” I reply, grinning. “You’re a butterfly magnet.”
Lorenzo steps closer, brushing a stray hair from my face. “Thank you for coming today, Lila. It means a lot to both of us.”
Lila looks at him, her expression thoughtful. “You’ve gone out of your way to make this special. I appreciate it, Lorenzo. Really.”
The day continues with more laughter, shared stories, and moments of connection. At the big cat exhibit, we watch in awe as a lioness prowls gracefully, her powerful presence a reminder of the beauty and danger that coexist in nature. I lean into Lorenzo, feeling a profound sense of contentment.
A few times during the day, I notice my sister’s eyes meeting Antonio’s, and I suddenly realize there’s a tension in the air surrounding us that has nothing to do with Lorenzo and me.
By the time we finish our zoo visit, the sun is beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the city, and we head to a nearby café.
After we settle at a table outside to enjoy the cool evening air, Lila smiles at me. “This was… unexpected, but in a good way.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Lorenzo replies, his tone genuine. “I want you to know that Mira is safe with me. She will always be my priority.”
Lila looks at me, her expression softening, “I can see that. It’s still a lot to process, but I can see how happy you are.”
“I am,” I say, reaching across the table to take her hand. “And having you here means everything to me.”
We share a few more moments of conversation, the atmosphere relaxed and easy. Antonio and Renaldo stand nearby, their vigilant presence blending into the background.
As we finish our drinks and prepare to head back to the penthouse, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. Lorenzo’s efforts have not only won over Lila but have also cemented the bond between us.
The drive back is filled with quiet conversation while the city lights create a mesmerizing backdrop around us. When we arrive at the penthouse, Antonio and Renaldo blend into the background to stand watch.
I wrap my arms around Lorenzo after Lila makes her way to her room. “Thank you for today,” I whisper, my heart full.
He brushes a kiss on my forehead. “Anything for you, Mira.”
THIRTEEN
LORENZO
The air in the dimly lit conference room is filled with the scents of rich leather and aged whiskey. Around the large, polished table sit some of the most powerful men in our world. Today, mafia bosses from across the city are strategizing how we’re going to handle the implosion of the Grimaldi family.
My gaze sweeps over the room, assessing each face, reading the silent exchanges and unspoken agreements. Luca stands by my side, a vigilant presence as always, his eyes never wavering from the room’s entrances and exits. I lean back in my chair, fingers steepled thoughtfully, as the discussion unfolds.
Vincent Leon, a boss whose territory borders the Grimaldi’s, leans forward, his voice gravelly and intense. “After Arturo’s passing, the internal disputes got out of hand, and now, their entire family is nothing but fractured pieces.”
Paulo Alario, another heavy hitter with interests on the East side, nods. “They were ready to tear each other apart. We just sped up the process.”
I allow myself a small, satisfied smile. The Grimaldis’ downfall was a long time coming, but the final blow was more dramatic than any of us had anticipated. “Information is key,” I say, my voice calm but commanding. “We took advantage of their weakest moment. Now, we have to ensure there’s no resurgence.”
The room murmurs in agreement, each boss weighing the consequences of the Grimaldi void. It’s a power vacuum that needs careful handling to prevent chaos.
“Our territories?” Tommaso Giordano speaks up, his expression calculating. “How do we divide what’s left?”