Chapter 6: My Own Detective
Seraphina's POV
I ate another spoon of food watching Luca leave. Once the door closed, I stood up quickly, pushing the plate away as if it burned. My feet were already moving before I could think.
My mind was filled with questions about Luca. Now was the best time to find out whatever he was hiding.
I looked around, making sure no one saw me. I was careful, making sure there were no cameras. I gulped, pulling the doorknob of Luca study.
I stepped into the room, turning on the light. The heavy curtains made the room feel ominous.
I hurried to the desk, my heart racing as I started searching the files on the table.
Nothing stood out. I knelt down, looking for anything. The drawers remained shut no matter how hard I pulled them.
What are you hiding, Luca?
I kept pulling the drawer until I was exhausted.
If only I had a key.
My fingers brushed against a cold metal object in the corner. A small key. I didn't hesitate and slotted it into the keyhole.
"Not so smart after all," I mocked.
The lock clicked open with a soft sound that made my heart skip. I slowly pulled open the drawer. The wood creaked in protest.
Inside, there was a thick stack of papers, untouched and waiting to be discovered. I grabbed the first file I could find, my hands trembling as I opened it.
The first few pages were full of business deals and numbers. There was nothing unusual at first. But as I turned the pages, my breath caught in my throat. The names, the companies, they were all familiar. But there was something darker hidden between the lines. Something I didn't expect.
Drugs, blood banks. Oh no.
I dropped the file back into the drawer, my heart racing. The mafia world I had once seen as power and wealth suddenly felt terrifying. More sinister. The businesses, the deals...everything was built on the backs of people crushed beneath it.
I pushed the drawer closed with shaking hands, but my curiosity couldn't be stopped. I had to keep going.
I pulled out another file. My own name was written on the front.
Seraphina Calabrese.
My breath caught. My hands froze.
Why was this here? Has Luca been watching me?
I opened it without thinking, turning the pages hastily.
Inside, I found more details about my life than I ever wanted to know. Family connections, debts. Why would I have debts? My blood turned cold as I stared at the figures. I owed Luca, five million dollars. But how? I had never had business with him before. Did my own family sell me off?
"Mom," I growled. "Thanks for selling me off."
My father's name was there. Along with a list of other businesses.
Seraphina Calabrese sold in exchange for the Calabrese theft.
Theft? Did Dad steal from the Vitale family?
Alfaro signed the peace treaty. Seraphina is to be betrothed to Luca Vitale, my son. If the Calabrese were to ever deflect this agreement. They will pay with their lives.
I read in horror. I had been a bargaining chip for my family's madness. I had never known my family was connected to the mafia until the wedding which I didn't remember.
"Dad, how could you do this to me?" I cried.
I cried, feeling my whole world crumble.
Everything started to make sense. Mom stopping my escape, the message warning me about Dad's unnatural death.
Was Luca involved?
I needed answers. I reached for another file, hoping to get the answers, but the sound of Luca's car stopped me.
I raised my head, my heart jumping in my chest. I shoved the papers into the drawer arranging everything the way he had kept it. Locking the drawers with the key, I returned it to its original spot.
I ran to the window, taking a peek. The car stopped in front of the house, and Luca got out.
"Oh crap," I hissed.
I turned quickly, running to the door with panic. I noticed a file on the floor. I quickly picked the file. It had my name on it.
I heard the sound of a door opening downstairs. Luca was home. Without thinking, I turned off the lights and ran out of the study, my heart racing wildly.
I rushed back to the bedroom, my steps quick. I opened my box and shoved the file inside, hoping he wouldn't notice.
My breath was ragged as I closed the box, my heart pounding in my chest. Just as I turned to straighten up, I heard Luca's footsteps on the stairs. He was close. Too close.
I ran my hand quickly on my forehead, wiping off the sweat.
"Seraphina?" he called from outside the room and walked in.
I froze, my body stiff.
I quickly turned, trying to act normal. My heart was still racing. My breath felt too loud in my ears.
"Luca," I said, forcing my voice to stay steady. I smiled nervously, but I knew it wasn't convincing.
He stopped in the doorway, his eyes narrowing. "You look...tense."
"I... I was just surprised by you," I said, my voice shaky. "I wasn't expecting you back so soon."
Luca studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Are you sure that's all?"
"Y...yes," I replied. My brain racked for quick lies to bail me out. Come on, think, Seraphina.
He came closer, watching me as I shivered.
"Seraphina," he called.
"I'm fine," I said quickly. "Actually... my period came... I was looking for a pad." I hated the excuse as soon as it left my mouth, but it was all I could think of.
His eyes softened. "Alright," he said, taking a step back. "I'll give you some space."
I nodded quickly, trying to act casual as he turned to leave. "Thank you," I muttered.
He paused by the door, his eyes lingering on me longer than usual. "Do you need anything? I'll send the maids to help you if you want. And, if you need anything..."
"I'll let you know," I replied, gulping.
He looked at me once more and finally left, closing the door.
I sighed, slumping against the wall. "Oh, God. That was close!"