Danté's POV
I stood there, completely shocked by what I had just heard. "Eliane, please let me explain everything," I pleaded, meeting her gaze.
Her voice softened as she replied, "Explain what? That you're the leader of the Italian Mafia? Danté, how could you do this to me?"
My heart froze at that moment. She had discovered the truth I had been hiding from her.
"I only did it to protect you, Elle. That side of me is dangerous," I explained, hoping she would understand.
She let out a dry laugh. "Did you date me because you killed my father and didn't want me to know? Or was it just pity?"
Her expression turned serious, and I knew I had to be honest.
"Elle, that man deserved it," I admitted, realizing how poorly I had chosen my words.
In an instant, she took closer steps towards me and slapped me across the face.
The sting of her palm against my cheek was a painful reminder of the hurt I had caused.
"What did you just say? You know what? Seeing you again is just stupid, Danté... I'll make you pay for this, for everything, for the lies... EVERYTHING," she declared, her voice filled with anger and determination.
With that, she stormed out of the office, leaving me to contemplate the consequences of my actions.
Oh my God. What just happened? I was on the edge. I couldn't think straight.
Heaven and earth were colliding in my head and I didn't realize I'd just broken a glass of wine.
Enzo came in rushing to me with a napkin.
"Why would you hurt yourself? " He cleans the mess I'd make.
"I've fucked up, Enzo."
"Is it Eliane, you guys broke up three years ago and you didn't tell me? I'm really disappointed in you.Do you know the fool she'd made out of me today?"
I groaned. " There's a lot to explain, but I want you to do something for me before things get out of hand. She knows everything…How? I don't know." I sighed.
" What do you want me to do?-
"Find her… gather some of the men, I want her now before she causes shits."
" Is she going to expose you?"
" I think so."
___
(Office door slams shut)
I look up and see Alessandra standing in front of me, her eyes full of malice.
"What do you want from me?" I ask, annoyed.
She walks around my desk slowly, as if inspecting every inch of my office. She stops when she reaches me and leans down to whisper in my ear.
"Can't I visit my future husband anytime I want, anywhere I want?" She smiles wickedly.
"Your future husband?" I repeat, incredulous. I push her away from me and stand up.
"Alessandra, what are you talking about?"
She nods and moves closer to me again. "Oh, your father didn't tell you yet."
I grab her wrist to prevent her from touching me. "Tell me what?"
She sighs and rolls her eyes. "We're getting married, Danté. It's already arranged. Our families will benefit from this union."
I feel a surge of anger and disbelief. "I'm not marrying you, Alessandra. And there's nothing you or anyone can do to make me."
She interrupts me with a sneer. "And why is that?"
"Get out of here, now. Don't make me do something we'll both regret." I warned her.
She laughs mockingly. "Danté, what is this? Why are you acting like this? Don't you remember what we did last night?"
I feel a pang of guilt and disgust. I had been drunk and lonely, and she had taken advantage of me. It was a mistake, a terrible mistake.
"What happened last night was a mistake, Alessandra. We both know I don't want to marry you. I don't love you. I don't even like you."
She gasps and looks at me with shock and hurt. "Tell me this is a joke, Danté. A mistake? That's what you call it?"
"Alessandra, please leave." I say firmly.
She shakes her head and glares at me. "Don't tell me you're doing this because of Eliane. Can't you see she doesn't care about you? She's moved on, Danté."
She looks away and mutters something under her breath. "She doesn't know you better than I do. She doesn't know the real you. The dark you. The monster you."
" She figured it out." I simply said.
She looks back at me and smirks. "Does she know the part where you killed her father?"
That's it. She crossed the line and I snapped.
I move quickly and grab her by the throat. I lift her off the ground and squeeze hard. "I don't want to see you again, Alessandra. Or else-"
"Or else what? Fuck off, Danté." She chokes out and pushes me back.
She falls to the floor and coughs as she picks up her purse and walks towards the door. She turns and gives me a final look.
"Whatever you're trying to do, it's over. We're getting married, Danté. Whether you like it or not. Nothing is going to stop us."
She leaves and slams the door behind her.
I'm not going to marry her. I don't care what my father says. I don't care what anyone says.
I picked up my phone and dialed Enzo.
"Enzo, I'm leaving now. Make sure everything is under control. And if anything happens, call me."
I ended the call and got into my Lamborghini, driving as fast as I could to my father's mansion.
I storm into his office and find him sitting at his desk, smoking a cigar.
I took a deep breath because I didn't want to speak harshly to him, he is still my father.
"I'm not going to marry Alessandra, and there's nothing you can do about it." I say bluntly.
He looks at me calmly and exhales smoke. "Since when did you start opposing my views, Danté?" He asks slowly, with a hint of menace.
"Do you even know what kind of person she is, Danté? Do you know what benefits we can gain from this marriage?" He pauses and raises his voice. "I never taught you to be this way, Danté Luciano!"
He throws a dart at me, aiming for my heart. I dodge it, but it grazes my jawline. I feel blood dripping down my chin.
I stand up and glare at him, hiding the fear and pain I felt.
"Whatever you do, father, it won't change my mind. You may be my father, but I'm the leader of the Italian Mafia. Keep that in mind."
With that I stormed out of his office while he still yelled 'Danté' until his breath ceased, then coughing and wheezing followed.
He probably had an attack, but I didn't care. He deserves it. He should die, for all the things he's done to me in the past.
I went down the stairs and saw my mother in the kitchen. She sees me and gasps.
"Danté, you're bleeding." She tried to touch me, but I stopped her.
"Don't even think of touching me with those hands of yours." I pushed her hand away and walked out of the mansion.
I hate my parents. I hate them with every fiber of my being. I never wanted to see them again in my life.
Evil people.
I try to push the thoughts of my past away, but seeing them again makes them feel vivid.
All the tears, the abuse, the torture. I hated it. I've grown out of it, and I never want to experience those things again.
I got back in my car and drove away from that hellhole.