“My God, I’m a terrible bride! I could have asked anyone; I should have found out; we’re getting married soon, and I didn’t even know your birthday.”
“Birthdays aren’t that important, at least for me.”
I get out of bed and head for the safe in my closet, opening it and taking out a 1942 Rolex Chronograph, only twelve of which were ever made, and when I saw it at an auction, I decided to buy it for Luca, without really knowing when I was going to give it to him.
“I have a present for you!”
“You just said you didn’t know when my birthday was.”
“Yes, I actually bought it a few months ago; I didn’t know when I’d get the chance to give it to you.”
“My parents are having dinner in the house; your father has already been informed.”
“We’ll see you soon.”
“See you soon, Principessa.”
I look at the small wrapped box on my lap, trying to imagine his reaction, whether he’ll like it. My father looks relaxed as he checks some contracts on his iPad. My brothers are chatting amongst themselves, and I’m just looking forward to seeing him. The car stops, and Paolo opens the door, offering me his hand to get out. I follow my dad inside the mansion, and we are greeted by Luca’s parents. I look at Don Henrico in the wheelchair andfeel guilty; he smiles in my direction and holds out his hand for me to put mine down; he kisses it lightly and smiles.
“You look very beautiful, Chiara.”
I look at him and can’t help but notice a certain discomfort with his current situation. “Don Henrico, I’m so sorry…”
I can’t finish speaking; he squeezes my hand lightly and smiles. “It’s not your fault; in this type of business, anything can happen, and it’s been long since I’ve made peace with death or disability; it’s okay!”
“Still, I…” He looks at me with a scolding look, and I realize why they fear him as Capo; I smile at him, seeing his expression lighten a little. “I’m glad you’re all right!”
I hear footsteps coming toward me, and before I can identify them, I feel my body being embraced by a slightly smaller body. I smile as Bella’s dark hair takes over my vision, and I squeeze her tighter against my body, planting a kiss on her head. I see Lady Milena and Don Henrico laughing, with my father and brothers pointing at us and commenting on something I can’t hear.
“Did you miss me that much?”
Bella turns away from me and smiles, looking a little shy. “I think so; I just like your company, your presence, I can’t explain it, it’s like having a sister…”
“That’s good because I already consider you a little sister!” She smiles at me, looking really happy, and at that moment, I know I’d go against any mafia rule to keep her that way.
I feel watched; I look out of the office and see Luca leaning against the door with a glass of whiskey in his hand, watching what’s going on in the room. I smile at him with his sister still hugging me from the side, andhe gives me a small smile. I kiss Bella on the head and move away from her; seeing her smile and wink at me, I walk toward Luca, feeling his eyes on me as I walk the short way to him. He holds out his arm to me, and I smile, letting him take my hand, bringing it to his lips, and then pullingmy body closer to his.
“Happy birthday, amore!” I leave a kiss on your cheek, knowing full well that my brothers are watching me. “Your gift; I hope you like it.” I squeeze the small box, making him put down his glass to open it, smiling at me as he discovers the present.
“Thank you Principessa!” Unlike me, Luca isn’t bothered by the fact that they might be watching us. He holds my face lightly and affectionately, then places a kiss on my lips. He replaces the watch on his wrist with the one I gave him before taking my hand and going to meet our families. “Good night!” His voice is louder and colder as he greets my father and brothers, shaking each of their hands.
“Happy birthday, Luca!” My father takes the box that Vincenzo is holding and hands it to Luca. “A little souvenir.”
Luca nods before opening it, looking pleased with the DSR-Precision DSR 50 sniper rifle.
“Thank you. It really is something I’ll be using a lot!” The men in the room laugh at his words, but I’m left with nothing but worry.
“As I said before, it is just a souvenir; after all, as a member of the family, you will have access to all the weapons built, including prototypes. If you need anything and for some reason can’t get hold of me, Chiara has all the access.”
“A generous gift, I must admit Salvatore!” Don Henrico’s voice makes everyone look in his direction. “Speaking of family, we should talk about the wedding after dinner.”
His words make me tense. I look at Luca, and he seems as confused as I am; I feel my hands shaking, and I look at them, trying to control the tremors under the table. I feel Luca’s hand on mine, and I look at him without knowing what to think; he keeps his eyes on me.
“Your father, you think he might want to break up…” I can’t finish my thought; I feel Luca squeeze my hand a little tighter. Ilook into his eyes, and he looks confused and upset.
“He won’t break off the engagement; I won’t let him!”
“But what if he…”
