XII. Preparation.
. . . . .
"Zephyr Caspian."
Here I am now, standing in front of my father, listening as he explained to me about the background of my soon-to-be fiancé.
I'm not really that interested but I guess getting to know minor details about the guy would be good for me and might even pique my interest.
"He's the eldest son of the Caspian family. They belong in the Italian-American mafia and is affiliated with us Viviana's."
I only nodded.
"You will meet with him tomorrow evening." He added, "Any objections about this set up, Lucrezia?"
A lot.
I opted for silence, shrugging slightly as I shook my head. "None, he sounds like a decent guy." I'm not even sure if I'm being truthful or not.
"Don't make assumptions just yet." My father cautioned, his tone firm yet measured. "You will judge for yourself once you meet him." I can only agree, he does have a point. He continued, outlining the darker aspects of the Caspian family's operations. "Aside from those little details, their family is in charge of drug trafficking, financial and contraband smuggling and others that connect to financial crimes."
"Wow. Sounds like they're broke." I sarcastically rolled my eyes. However, my attempt at humor was met with a sharp glare from my father, a scolding look that conveyed his disapproval without the need for words.
I immediately closed my mouth shut.
"Listen carefully," my father continued, his voice steady and serious. "If there's anything you find displeasing about this guy, you need to tell me immediately. I will arrange for another."
Great. Just great. Last time we met he wasn't this open about being my matchmaker but now he's proudly proclaiming that he sets up his daughter.
It made me think, 'Just how many options do I have? The way father made it sound like he can just scoop men up and present them to me is rather concerning.'
"Fine." I finally conceded.
"Great, any other questions?"
I hummed thoughtfully, "How old is the Zephyr guy?"
"Twenty-six years old." He replied, his tone matter-of-fact.
Well, not exactly my type. . .
I prefer older men.
"I see. . . I guess that works." I said, trying to mask my disappointment.
"Good to know. Do you have any specific preferences so I can look for another husband for you ahead of time?" He asked, a playful glint in his eye. "If you don't like the young lad I'll present to you, of course."
I stared blankly at my father. Expressing my disinterest about what he just said. "None."
"Really?" He pressed, clearly intrigued by my lack of enthusiasm.
"Yes. None." I reiterated, my tone firm.
He erupted into laughter, a deep, hearty cackle that echoed around the room. It was the kind of laughter that suggested he found the situation amusing, while I felt anything but entertained. I rolled my eyes, feeling a mix of irritation and disbelief. This is certainly not amusing.
"Aside from that, when are you going to tell me Lorenzo went to Russia?" I started my attempts of changing the topic, I can no longer bare him teasing me. I raised my brows in question.
"He didn't tell you anything?"
"Nope."
"Literally, nothing?" He looks like he's in disbelief.
"None. Absolutely zero."
'Why is it hard for him to believe me? Well, I do understand that it's Lorenzo, it's not that surprising to see him acting on a whim, but still. It's mandatory to believe me the first time.' I rolled my eyes.
A moment of silence, then he finally asked with a curious look in his eyes, "If it's not him who told you, then who?"
"Dakari and his ginger ass—sistant." I answered nonchalantly. I'm still pissed about that night of encounter with them. That ginger could've brought the devil along with him but he decided to scram away like a coward.
My father's eyes widened in shock at my answer, then quickly narrowed in anger. "It's best not to entertain anyone from the Russian mafia, Lucrezia."
I blinked, analyzing his contorting expression. It was now my turn to question my father. I smiled mischievously. "Why, father? Why does the mere mention of them anger you?" But truthfully, I had no desire to interact with the Dimitri's, even if it was just a formal meeting between the two heirs. 'No way. I really don't want to deal with that guy,' I thought to myself with a scoff.
"They're no good for you." He stated with a sigh.
I agree with him, truly. "I know that, but can't you tell me why? You've never been this worked up before, father."
"Nothing happened."
I arched an eyebrow, unconvinced. "You're hiding something from me, aren't you?" I accused.
"I'm not telling you this because it's not important for you to know right now."
"Not important currently?" Then when is his reason going to be important? When it's already too late?
"Yes."
"Why?" I asked as I tilted my head in genuine curiosity.
"The questions you're asking now will be answered in due time."
Is this another one of his quotes? Another one of his games? Is he teasing me again? "You always say that, but it never makes sense." I grunted in annoyance.
"Things you seek comes at the right time, Lucrezia."
I sighed heavily. Arguing with someone who enjoys playing charades is pointless. He will just keep adding my headache if this continues. "Fine. Whatever." I rolled my eyes.
Whatever he's concealing, I'm determined to uncover it. Besides, it's not as if there's been a generational feud between our family and the Dimitri's. Well. . . There was of course. But it was nothing that serious. Well. . . It was serious.
Why would the Dimitri's suspect our family, I wonder? There are many things unknown to me. And what if the Dimitris are correct in suspecting us of being double agents? I cast a glance at my father, now engrossed in a book. 'Could he really be hiding something?'
Having been away for nine years has certainly restricted my access to information about the current situation in Italy. The information I've had always received was limited and mostly trivial. 'Perhaps it's time to start unraveling the secrets my father has kept.'
The Dimitri's may appear paranoid, but I cannot dismiss their suspicions as baseless and utter nonsense. Speculations might be biased, but that doesn't mean they lack any truth.
What if my birth was not just about giving me a normal life? What if there's more to it?
The Viviana's went into seclusion, but it doesn't mean our businesses stopped as well. 'Did father do something that raised suspicions? That's the only thing I have in my mind.'
"Lucrezia, you've been silent for a while now? Everything alright?" He raised his brows in worry and looked at me with soft eyes.
"No, father." I replied.
"Is there something bugging you?"
"No, father. I'm just thinking about Zephyr." I, of course, lied.
I am acutely aware of my father's aversion to others interfering in his affairs. It's not possible for me to inquire directly, nor is it appropriate to probe his associates for information. I wish to avoid the perception of being overly inquisitive or appearing as though I lack the competence to be entrusted by my own father.
The multitude of obstacles that lie between us only serves to impede any advancement in our relationship.
Not that I mind, really. I know full well there are lines that shouldn't be crossed, boundaries carefully established to protect both of us from the potential fallout.
Curious I may be, I know better than to act on those impulses. The allure of the unknown can be tempting, but I'm not one to be tempted.
"Zephyr is a wise young man. I'm sure you'll grow to be fond of him." He replied, believing the lie I had spun the moment he asked.
"I'd rather not get attached." It's true, if ever Zephyr was to be a match for me, I'd rather have no attachments and just remain professional towards one another.
Forcing yourself to be fond of someone is not my cup of tea.
"If that's what you want."
A thought came to mind, "Father, when am I going to have an assistant?"
"An assistant? Why so sudden?" He asked, clearly taken aback.
"It just made me think, if Dakari Dimitri has an assistant despite being still an heir. . . Why can't I?" I countered, raising an eyebrow.
He sighed, "It's not that you can't, but Aiden and Dakari were a different case. They've known each other their whole life so that when Aiden inquired to become Dakari's assistant, there was no objection about it."
Oh. That actually makes sense. "Is that so? Where is Aiden even from?"
"He's American."
I raised a brow, surprised. "How come he befriended a Russian man?"
"Not sure."
I guess that's just the magic of a ginger.
Their vibrant personalities often seemed to draw people in, creating connections that defied expectations.
In a moment of silence, I activated my phone to check the time. Rising from my seat, I brushed off my dress, smoothing the fabric as I prepared to leave. "Father, it's 3:00 PM now, I need to go somewhere. Goodbye, father." With that, I took my leave.
That 'somewhere' is actually my bed.
"Safe travels." My father called after me.
A small smile formed on my lips and then I left.
Now, as I walk through the silent halls, a multitude of 'what ifs' swirl in my mind, most of which surprisingly make sense.
The only person who could possibly enlighten me on all there is to know is Lorenzo. His name escapes my lips subconsciously as I'm lost in thought.
He was the heir apparent, but now he's gone, leaving no trace or word of his condition. 'I could fly to Russia this instant, but considering it's under the Dimitri's control, venturing into the lion's den seems unwise.' The mere idea of being shadowed from the moment I set foot there sends shivers down my spine.
Being the daughter of a mafia boss, surveillance is a given, especially when there are suspicions of us being a double agent. The risk of being captured and coerced into revealing information looms over me.
I can't go there recklessly now can I?
I exhale a sigh, my thoughts shifting. 'I still have a date to consider tomorrow,' I ponder, wondering what attire to choose.
As I walk, various outfit ideas flit through my mind. 'Should I go for something classic and elegant, like a fitted black dress that accentuates my figure? Or perhaps a tailored suit? Hmm. . .'
Beep beep. My phone lit up.
Turning it on, a message was sent and it read. 'Be careful.'
"How fucking thoughtful." I sarcastically commented as I rolled my eyes.
My stalker's persistence is quite bothersome. Fortunately, moving my living space from the third to the second floor has limited their ability to watch my actions.
Additionally, I've instructed the staff to upgrade the security cameras around the estate to ensure a more secure system. Nevertheless, there are certain areas where the placement of cameras is unchangeable.
Take, for instance, the camera positioned directly above me, it's mounted so high atop the column that it's inaccessible. This placement likely accounts for the stalker's ability to observe me as I walk down the corridor.
Annoying. Truly.
I'm still unable to pinpoint who the person is behind the cameras. I'm not even sure if I know them.
Damned lunatics.
"Miss."
I turned around at the person who called out my name. "Yes, Franklin?"
"Your father wants me to give this to you." He handed me a sleek black card. "He wants you to go shopping and he said, don't worry about the expenses, he got you covered."
I reached for the card and murmured a low thank you. Franklin simply smiled in response, his expression warm and reassuring.
"Franklin."
"Yes miss?"
"The surveillance cameras in the hallway. . . Should we just shoot it down?"
He looked at me with concern in his eyes, "Ms. Lucrezia, are you planning on doing that because of your stalker?"
I can only silently nod at his question. "Everything else is already replaced except for the surveillance here in the hallway." I want to get rid of it so badly, I'm tired of suffering because of this damned stalker of mine. "That stalker still kept texting me and it's getting annoying."
My privacy has been breached multiple times and I can't take it anymore.
In an attempt to reclaim my peace of mind, I decided to take matters into my own hands. But it seems like my effort was not enough. Therefore, destroying everything is the only solution I came up now.
Enough with the fixing, I'll admit that the manor's security in its system is trash.
This won't be happening if it isn't.
"I will inquire your father about this, Ms. Lucrezia. But please refrain from damaging the cameras, we'll try our best to tend to your needs."
I held back a laugh. Just the mere thought of being seen as a gremlin who destroys everything always puts a sense of satisfaction in my immature mentality. "Glad to hear that. You may go." I finally said.
With that, he turned on his heel and strolled away.
I found myself clutching the sleek black card, its surface cool against my palm. I stared at it. Deep in thought. 'What should I even buy with this. . .' My fingers tapped on it playfully. Pleased with the sound of made every time.
Oh!
'A dress.' If it's a date, then it's necessary for me to look presentable in front of my potential husband.
Not that I actually want to look my best for a man.
I just want to look my best for myself is all. I refused to appear disheveled or unkempt in front of anyone. I can't be seen dressed like a trash. Nope, I won't allow it.
I nodded my head in agreement to my own thoughts. Grinning widely, "This card doesn't have any limit, right? Hehe. . ." I giggled as I had a different motive for it and father doesn't seem to mind if I spend his fortune.
Time to go shopping.