The Mafia’s Forbidden Desire

ROSALINDA

“Tell me this isn’t true.” I said again, my voice barely a whisper as I began to slowly approach him.

He opened his mouth to respond but closed it again, frustration evident in his features.

“So you were the one that night?” I asked, more like a statement.

How did I not know? That explained why he liked Carlo so much and why he risked his own life to save him, because only someone’s blood could do that for anyone. I should have suspected, but no, I was too dumb to think that far.

“Rosa, I wanted to tell you, but-”

“For how long have you known?!” I cut him off, rage burning within me as I glared at him. “Why didn’t you fucking tell me?!” I yelled.

“I have known for a while now. A few months. I don’t know precisely. But I got to find out the day you told me about the all-masked party. I had suspicions that it was the same party I attended, and I also fucked someone the same way you said you were fucked. So…” He blew out a sharp breath and raked his fingers through his hair. “I had the paternity test done.”

I was torn and didn’t know how to feel or react at the moment. To be extremely mad at him or be happy that Carlo wasn’t robbed of the chance of knowing his real father after all. I didn’t know. But what I was sure of was that I needed Antonio out of my sight before I unleashed the rage within me in full force and said or did things I would regret afterwards.

“Fuck you!” I spat as I walked past him and dashed out of the office.

I went straight to the bedroom, locked the door, and leaned against it. My chest tightened, and I couldn’t control the tears that burst out afterwards.

I wanted to run away-to somewhere? so far away-to process my thoughts. But I couldn’t, and that was killing me. I was helpless and stuck in the mansion with Antonio. The man I trusted so much, only to realise he had been keeping secrets from me all along. He hid something I deserved to know for so long, and I didn’t even know if I could ever forgive him.

Antonio suddenly started banging on the door, urging me to open it so we could talk, but I didn’t budge. He was the reason I was in so much pain, and facing him was the last thing I wanted.

He continued banging on the door, but after a while, the series of knocks on the door suddenly stopped, indicating that he had left.

I remained in that position, my eyes and face not devoid of tears, as I was lost in deep thoughts. I didn’t know how long it took before I was finally able to get myself to stand up and get in bed in a futile attempt to sleep.

I kept tossing and turning on the bed, with my stomach tightening as I thought about the painful reality. I was restless. I needed to get my mind off it and think of something else before I exploded.

So, picking up my phone, I dialled Ruby’s number.

“Rosa!” She exclaimed from the other end of the phone when she picked up.

“How are you?” I asked with a dry voice.

“What’s wrong?” She immediately asked when she heard how dull I sounded.

“Nothing.” I lied. “How are you?”

“Are you sure?” She asked, concerned.

“Yes.” I lied again. “Gist me about something. Anything.”

I definitely had a lot of things to tell her, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t tell her about Carlo’s kidnapping because I didn’t want her to be worried, even though he was now fine. She’d blame herself because she was the one who asked to see him that day, which resulted in him being kidnapped. I also couldn’t tell her about my recent finding because I already knew how she would feel about it. I knew how much she hated Antonio, and it was totally understandable.

She sighed, still not satisfied with my response. But she went ahead to give me the gist I wanted anyway. She told me about the handsome doctor who was hitting on her. The feelings were mutual. She also told me that she would be discharged soon, and that news elevated my mood-only for a moment.

When the call ended, the temporary distraction ended with it. I was driven back to the painful truth, my emotions oscillating between anger, sadness, and a profound sense of helplessness.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

It was already bright outside, so I decided to go and check in on my son. Forcing myself out of bed, I made my way to his room.

As I pushed the door open, I saw Antonio playing with him on his bed. A fresh wave of rage was ignited in me at the sight of that man, and I banged the door closed.

“Fuck it!” I groaned, walking away in long, frustrated strides. I couldn’t catch a break from him, and there was nothing I could do about it. That feeling was infuriatingly frustrating.

“Rosa.” He called after me, and I could hear his footsteps behind me.

I didn’t stop to listen to him; I only increased my pace, hoping I could get to the room fast enough to lock the door and keep to myself.

“Can I talk to you?” I suddenly heard Camilla’s voice from behind. I had no idea where she popped out from, but I didn’t bother to look.

“I don’t have time for that now.” He groaned, dismissing her.

I continued my journey to the room, and when I got there, I attempted to shut the door and lock it, but unfortunately, Antonio had already caught up with me. He effortlessly pushed the door with one hand and barged in, even though I tried shutting him out with all my strength.

“Stop it, already!” He groaned.

“Stop what?!” I retorted firmly, my eyes blazing with rage. “Antonio, I trusted you. I fucking trusted you. But what did you do? You hid my son’s paternity from me.”

“I was waiting for the right time to tell you.” He said, and his feeble excuse infuriated me further.

“The only right time was the moment you found out!” I snapped.

“I-” he started, but I cut him off.

“And do you know what I hate the most at this moment? I want to be away from you to process things without having to see you to jeopardise the process. But I fucking can’t, and that’s killing me.” I yelled.

“If you want to be away from me, fine. You can.” His response surprised me.

My eyes narrowed as he continued. “I’ve had a safe house prepared. I was going to take you there anyway to keep you safe. You could go there and have all the time you want for yourself. You, Carlo, and Camilla.”

What? Camilla? How could I live alone with someone who literally hated me? I didn’t want to be away from Antonio only to end up with another of my nemesis.

“Pack your bags. You’re leaving in three hours.” He stated before turning around and storming out of the room.

Fuck shit!