Liliana
I was about to step out from the mansion when his coarse voice interrupted me, "Who are you?" Standing still by the threshold, I turned around to meet his gaze. Who is he? "I'm Liliana Hope." I could not believe how fluently I spoke to him. "Liliana Hope." He repeats my name. "Hope. Is that your surname? I don't remember anyone named Hope in the Chicago outfit."
"Actually, Hope is my middle name. I don't use my surname since I'm still in search of my family." Damn, Lily, what are you talking about? You don't even know this man. I shut my eyes before speaking again, "I'm Roger's daughter." Next time, be careful, Lily!
"Oh, so you are Roger's daughter. I thought his daughter was a toddler. Roger seems to be in his late thirties, and you are..."
"I turned twenty today!" I blurt out like a stupid toddler until I realize that I am making a fool out of myself in front of Adonis—lookalike Adonis.
"Happy birthday, Liliana." He takes a few steps forward, then puts one of his hands on my back, bending over slightly as he places a kiss on my cheek. His touch sends adrenaline through my veins; my heart picks up its pace. His touch is different—it's like an electric shock, which affects the heart. My breath becomes louder. He looks down at me and smirks. I don't know about ancient history, but for me, he is the real Adonis.
"Who are you?" I ask, looking into his eyes. Taking a few steps back, he looks to the other side, still wearing the same smirk. "The Capo would be pleased to meet you, Liliana."
"Oh, seriously? If you say so, I don't give a damn about the new Capo. I'm not here to please him. Why should I please him? After all, he is a human too."
"Why are you here then?"
"Because my mother told me to come here; otherwise, I was not about to show up here. It's my birthday, and I did not get time to celebrate it. Did they find this only date for the party?" He lets out a small laugh, then shakes his head.
"Too much attitude. Well, will you be able to say all these things to the new Capo?"
"I will if I have to," I say. Lily, where did you gain all this attitude from? He was about to speak when a man with broad shoulders, a handsome face, and a familiar look came in. He looks at me, then back at Adonis. Oh, this is Antonio Giordano, the ex-Capo. I watch as he gives Adonis a brotherly hug.
"Everyone is asking about you."
"I was busy." Adonis's eyes shift to me, and his gaze makes my cheeks burn.
"Okay." Antonio looks in my direction. "Excuse me for interrupting, but if you are done talking to my brother, can I take him with me? Everyone is asking about the new Capo. I think he needs to be there."
I completely freeze. I don't know what to do. How stupid am I? Adonis is the new Capo—Rocco Giordano. I'm dead. He is going to kill me. He is the mafia boss. Should I run? I look at Rocco with a bewildered smile. My mind is telling me to run. Just run away and never come back to Leon Mansion again. But something is stopping me from running. Instead of making a fool of myself in front of him and spewing nonsense, I still want to stand here.
"Come on, join us at the party." Antonio says, but my eyes are on Rocco, who is staring back at me. I don't know if it's appropriate for me to join the party. Rocco nods his head as if he just read my mind.
"Come on, let's go." I follow them to the next wing of the mansion. As soon as Rocco reaches inside, he is surrounded by a storm of people.
"Liliana. You're here." A female voice says. I drag my attention toward her. She's beautiful, with ocean eyes, blond hair, and a familiar face. Beside her is my mom, who has plastered a smile on her face. I know something went wrong with her. My mom gazes at me with a happy face, but through her eyes, I know she is hurt—she is hiding something from me.
"I didn't recognize you," I say firmly.
"You won't." The woman's voice becomes a little shaky. "This is Dione Pachino, one of my old friends."
"It's nice meeting you, Mrs. Pachino."
"Happy birthday, darling girl." She caresses my cheek with a lovable smile, her eyes teary.
"Why are you crying?" I find myself melting over her tears.
"You remind me of my daughter." She wipes her tears.
"Where is your daughter?"
"She's dead." My mom says while throwing a look at Mrs. Pachino, and her gaze is overloaded with anger. My mom holds my hand. "We should leave, Lily."
"Mom, wait." I look at Mrs. Pachino, who is still whimpering. "I'm sorry for your loss. But it's a pleasure to know that I've reminded you of your daughter; I can be your daughter too." I smile at her.
"You are really kind. Such a sweet girl."
"She's my daughter, after all." My mother says; she holds my hand tightly as if she'll never let it go again, then she drags me toward the door. My head is tilted toward Mrs. Pachino; she looks broken.
"Mom, why are we leaving?"
"We have to. I'm tired." She continues to walk while holding my hand.
"Who was that lady? How do you know her?" The cold breeze feels good. Walking across the statue, I lift my head to look at him, then Rocco's name comes to my mind. How will I meet him again?
"Back when I was in high school, Dione was my best friend. Now stop questioning me; I'm tired."
"But Mom, your behaviour is simply telling me that something is disturbing you. Tell me what happened. Please, Mom; I can't see you like this." I pull her into a hug; her body relaxes, then I feel her tears on my shoulder. Pulling away, I analyze her face.
"The Orlov is in danger. We need to protect it, Lily; otherwise, they'll kill us. We have to hide it safely. You should find a place where nobody would reach it." She says nervously, speaking rapidly.
"Mom, breathe." I shake her lightly with my hand on her shoulders. There is a minute of silence between us. I stare into her eyes, and there I find a comfort place where I've always been. She is the only person who has understood me during my difficult times—the only woman I adore who is alluring and enticing.
"Everything will be fine as long as you are by my side, Mom." The silence between us is suddenly cut off by the sound of a gun. My eyes widen when I see my mother collapse in front of me, and she falls into my arms. I fall back, my mother in my hold.
"Save yourself and the diamonds. They will be after you now. Don't tell anyone about it," she tries hard to speak. Everything becomes dark for a moment. My brain stops, and my breathing slows.