Alessia's pov:
It was a new dawn, the soft morning light filtering through the windows of my room as i stretched, feeling the gentle warmth on my skin. I had fallen asleep early the night before, exhausted from the events of the day. As i swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet dangling in the air, searching for my slippers.
I stood up, smoothing out my nightgown, wandering why i hadn't heard the sound of the bell summoning me to Vincenzo chambers.
"Maybe he doesn't want to see me."
I thought within myself as I headed to the shower. After which, I wore my maid uniform and began to make my way to the door. The silence of the mansion was almost deafening, broken only by the distant sound of the other staffs going about their various duties.
I hadn't seen Maria....
My stomach growled at the prospect of breakfast.
On reaching the hallway, I noticed a figure emerging from Vincenzo's room. A blonde woman, her hair mussed and her eyes puffy from sleep, slipping out of the room, her gaze scanning the hallway nervously. My eyes narrowed slightly as my mind stirred with questions.
Who was that lady? And why was she coming out of Vincenzo's room? Making sure my gaze followed her as she quickly walked away, her high heels clicking on the marble floor. The sound echoed through the hallway, breaking the silence as I wondered if Vincenzo had brought her home the night before.
"Or maybe that's his girlfriend!" I thought to myself.
I made my way downstairs to the kitchen, expecting to find Maria busy preparing breakfast, but she wasn't there. My eyes scanning the room, taking in the spotless counters and the gleaming appliances. I called out, "Maria?" but there was no response.
My brow furrowed in concern. Where could Maria be? " I asked myself."
checking the living room, but Maria was nowhere to be found.
My search, leading me to the back of the mansion, where I pushed open the French doors leading out to the garden, feeling the warm sunlight on my skin and the gentle breeze rustling through my hair.
It was the first time stepping outside since i came to the mansion, and the fresh air was a welcome change from the stifling atmosphere indoors. I took a deep breath, feeling my lungs expand and my senses come alive.
Just at that moment, i looked around, spotting Maria standing by the garden wall, her eyes fixed on something in the distance. MY eyes followed Maria's gaze as i walked towards Maria, my footsteps quiet on the gravel path. "Maria?" "I called out."
"Alessia! You are up already, I was just... admiring the view," she said, her eyes darting back to the garden wall as her face relaxed into a warm smile. "I was just about to start preparing something in the kitchen. Why don't you join me in the kitchen?"
I nodded, following Maria back into the mansion.
Just at that moment, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of a visitor or a delivery.
"I'll get the door." She said.
As she opened the door to find a courier standing on the porch, a sleek black van parked behind him.
"Good morning," Maria said, her voice warm and inviting.
"Good morning, ma'am," the courier replied, handing her a cream-colored envelope. "This is for Don Vincenzo."
Maria took the envelope, her eyes scanning the elegant handwriting. The courier nodded and turned to leave, his footsteps echoing on the porch.
"Grazie," Maria replied.
watching as he climbed into his van and drove away. The sound of the engine fading into the distance.
She closed the door and turned her attention towards me.
"I need to give this to the Don." She murmured.
"I'll be right back! Alessia."
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Vincenzo's pov:
I sat at my desk, my eyes scanning the papers in front of me.
The sound of my door opening broke my reverie,
"Who's there." I asked.
As I looked up to see Maria standing in the doorway.
Ahhh ! Maria Ma "c'monn in!"
Maria had always been like a mother figure to me ever since my parents died, leaving me in huge wealth
"Hello son!, she said, her voice soft."
I nodded, gesturing for her to come in. "What is it, Maria?"
She stepped forward, a cream-colored envelope in her hand. "This arrived for you, Vin."
My eyes narrowed slightly as I took the envelope from her.
"Grazie, Maria," I said, my voice neutral.
Wanting to ask her about Alessia but ended up changing my mind.
Maria turned to leave but then hesitated, her hand on the door handle. "VIN?" she said, her voice soft.
"Yes Maria, I answered."
Her eyes lurking into his, her expression curious. "I couldn't help but notice that you were out last night," she said, her voice neutral. "And that Alessia... seemed upset."
My expression didn't change, but Maria detected a flicker of tension from my attitude. "What are you insinuating, Maria?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.
"I'm not insinuating anything, "Vin." she said. "I'm just concerned. "You know I've always looked out for you ever since you were a boy."
"I appreciate your concern, Maria," I said. "But there's nothing to worry about. "Nothing happened between Alessia and I."
"And where did you go last night?" she asked, her voice casual.
"Just out for a drive!" I said. "I needed some fresh air."
Maria's eyes lingered on my face, searching for any sign of deception. "Very well then, son," she said. As I watched her leave my chambers.
I turned my attention back to the envelope, my fingers tracing the edges of the paper. I slid my finger under the flap, opening it.
Inside, I found a cream-colored card embossed with a gold seal. I pulled it out, my eyes scanning the invitation.
"You are cordially invited to a night of mystery and intrigue," the card read. "A masquerade ball, hosted by a fellow patron of our... particular interests."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. The card specified a date, time, and location . It also mentioned that masks would be required and that discretion was assured.
I smiled to myself a Masquerade ball, attended by fellow mafia bosses and other influential figures? This could be an opportunity to forge new alliances and strengthen existing ones.
I realized that I needed a date for the masquerade ball. It wouldn't be proper to attend such an event alone, and besides, having a beautiful woman on my arm would only add to my prestige.
I didn't have a steady girlfriend, and I wasn't interested in having one.
"Aahh!! Yes! Alessia."
After all, she's a maid, and is also bound to my every whim, and would do anything I ask of her..... she has no choice.
Oh! Well, of course , I need to get her an outfit.
I picked up the phone and dialed a number, waiting for the person on the other end to answer.
"Buon giorno, Sir Vincenzo," a smooth voice said. "How may I assist you today?"
"Good morning, Giovanni," I replied. "I need a favor. I'm attending a masquerade ball tonight, and I require a gown and mask for my... date."
"Ah, excellent," Giovanni said.
"I have just the thing. Our new collection of silver gowns is exquisite. I recommend the 'Luna notte' gown, made from the finest silk and adorned with intricate silver embroidery."
"That sounds perfect," I said. "And what about the mask?"
"I have a beautiful red mask that will complement the gown perfectly," Giovanni said. "It's handmade from the finest venetian glass."
"I'll take it," I said. "And what about shoes?"
"I recommend our new collection of silver stilettos," Giovanni said. "They're handmade from the finest Italian leather and feature delicate silver buckles."
"Excellent," I said. "I'll take the gown, mask, and shoes. What's the total?"
"Let me calculate, Sir," Giovanni said.
"I'll pay with my credit card," I said. "Please have everything delivered to my mansion within the next few hours."
"Consider it done, Sir Conti," Giovanni said. "Your date will be the belle of the ball, I assure you."
I smiled, feeling satisfied with my purchase. Alessia would look stunning in the silver gown and mask, and the shoes would compliment the perfect outfit.
I paced back and forth in my chambers, my footsteps echoing off the walls as I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time. I had specifically requested that the outfit be delivered within the hour, and time was running out. The masquerade ball was one of the most anticipated events of the season, and I wouldn't want to be late.
There would be politicians, businessmen, and other powerful figures, all gathered together in one place.
Just as I was starting to get impatient, there was a knock at the door. "Enter," I called out, my voice firm and commanding.
One of my loyal servants, Marco, entered the room carrying a large, elegantly wrapped box. "A parcel has arrived, sir," Marco announced, setting the box down on my desk.
I nodded curtly, lifting the lid to inspect the contents. The dress was as I had ordered: elegant, sophisticated, and fitting for the evening's occasion.
I nodded to myself. The dress was perfect.
"Have Alessia meet me in my chambers now." I instructed Marco. "
Marco bowed and exited the room, leaving me to my thoughts.
There were still several hours before the ball, and I had much to attend to before then. I hadn't been to the office since this week . I sat down at my desk, pulling out a stack of papers and files. As I waited for Alessia to come to my office.
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Alessia's pov:
I stood at the window, My mind was a million miles away, lost in thoughts. Just at that moment, I heard a knock at the door, and I turned to see Marco, one of the servants, standing in the doorway. "Alessia, the Don requests your presence in his chambers," he said, his voice formal and expressionless.
I felt a shiver run down my spine. What did Vincenzo want with me now?
I nodded, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'll be right there," I said, trying to sound calm.
Marco nodded and turned to leave.
I took a deep breath and followed Marco out of my room, down the long hallway to Vincenzo's chambers. My heart was racing, and my palms were sweating.
I stood outside the door to Vincenzo's chambers as I knocked softly on the door.
"Come in!" Vincenzo's deep voice called out from inside.
I hesitated for a moment, my hand still raised from knocking. Then, I slowly turned the handle and pushed the door open.
Vincenzo was seated behind his desk, his eyes fixed on me as I entered. He beckoned me to come closer, his hand gesturing imperiously.
There was something about the way he looked at me.
"Come here, Alessia," he said, his voice low and commanding.
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my nerves under control. I walked closer to the desk, my eyes fixed on Vincenzo's face.
As I approached, I noticed a large, elegantly wrapped box on the edge of the desk. It was tied with a silk ribbon, and it looked like it had been carefully wrapped.
Vincenzo's eyes flicked to the box, and then back to me. "I have something for you," he said, his voice dripping with an air of mystery.
I felt curiosity, mixed with a healthy dose of fear. What could he possibly have for me?
Vincenzo's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze piercing. "Take the package on the table," he instructed, his voice firm but controlled.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to expect.so I reached out and took the package. It was surprisingly heavy, and I could feel the rustle of fabric inside.
"Get dressed," Vincenzo said, his eyes flicking to the package in my hands. "We leave for ball party at 8 pm. A makeup artist will be arriving shortly to ensure you look your absolute best."
A makeup artist? What was he talking about? I hadn't been outside these walls in weeks, and now he was expecting me to attend some sort of social gathering or party? I thought within myself.
I must have looked like I'd lost my mind because Vincenzo's expression turned slightly amused. "You'll find everything you need in the package,"
"I want you to look stunning tonight." He said.
Yessir! "i said." As I nodded stiffly and turned to leave. But as I reached the door, Vincenzo's voice stopped me.
"Alessia?"
I turned back to him,"Yes sir?"
"Don't be late," he said, his eyes glinting with warning. "We have a big night ahead of us, and I won't have you embarrassing me."
I made my way back to my room, The package clutched tightly in my hands.