Please read the author's note at the end of the chapter.
****
Ariana's POV:
I stood frozen in place while staring at the message on my phone.
The car carrying Asher and Elena had already disappeared from sight, yet nobody moved. My eyes remained fixed on the screen while those words seemed to burn themselves into my mind.
'One pawn removed.'
'Now let's see how well you play the game, Ariana Romano.'
A chill ran down my spine.
This wasn't just a threat. It was a declaration. Whoever this person was, he knew everything.
He knew about Asher. He knew about Elena. He knew about our investigation.
Most importantly... He knew me.
Papa noticed my expression immediately.
"Princess?"
I blinked and looked up. His face was filled with concern.
"What happened, princess?"
Without saying anything, I handed him my phone.
The moment he read the message, his expression darkened. The warmth that had been present during Asher's farewell disappeared instantly.
His jaw clenched. The atmosphere around him became dangerous. A few seconds later, Tony fratello noticed it.
"What happened?"
Papa handed him the phone. Tony fratello read the message and his eyes immediately turned cold. One by one, everyone gathered around.
Leo fratello.
Raf fratello.
Alf fratello.
Ben fratello.
Twinnie.
By the time everyone finished reading, the mood had completely changed.
"That bastard."
"He's mocking us."
"He was watching the entire time."
"He knew about Asher."
"He knew about the rescue."
The voices overlapped. Everyone was angry.
And honestly... So was I.
This person had been hiding in the shadows for years.
Watching. Planning. Manipulating. And now he was openly provoking us.
"Let's go inside."
Papa's voice immediately silenced everyone. Nobody argued. We all followed him into the headquarters and headed straight toward his office.
The moment the doors closed behind us, the discussion exploded.
"How dare he?"
"He thinks this is a game."
"We should start searching for every lead again."
"This is getting out of hand."
Everyone spoke at once. I rubbed my forehead. At this rate, we weren't going to accomplish anything.
"Enough."
The room immediately quieted. Everyone looked at me.
I took a deep breath before speaking.
"Getting angry won't help us."
Tony fratello nodded slowly.
"Princess is right."
He sat down beside papa and leaned back in his chair.
"We need to think rationally."
"He wants us to be emotional."
"He wants us to make mistakes."
Leo fratello crossed his arms.
"The problem is that he's always one step ahead."
Raf fratello nodded.
"He knows too much."
"Which means he's either watching us directly or he has access to information he shouldn't have."
The thought made everyone uneasy. The idea that someone could be observing us without our knowledge wasn't pleasant.
Papa remained silent for a few moments before speaking.
"We need to investigate from every possible angle."
Everyone nodded.
"Use every contact we have. Every informant. Every resource. If anyone hears anything suspicious, I want to know immediately."
Tony fratello looked toward me.
"What about you, princess?"
I thought for a moment.
"I think we have some time."
Everyone looked at me.
"The mastermind revealed himself. He exposed the fact that he's watching us. That means he won't make another move immediately."
Leo fratello frowned.
"You think so?"
I nodded.
"He's careful. Very careful. If he wasn't, we would have found him already."
I tapped my fingers against the table thoughtfully.
"He'll regroup. He'll observe. He'll prepare. And while he's doing that, we'll investigate."
Ben fratello nodded.
"That actually makes sense."
Twinnie sighed dramatically.
"I hate smart enemies."
Alf fratello laughed.
"You hate all enemies."
"I do."
That earned a few small smiles. The tension eased slightly. Not much. But enough.
Papa stood up.
"Then it's settled. We investigate. And we prepare."
His gaze moved toward each one of us.
"No matter who this person is. No matter how long he's been planning. We will find him."
The determination in his voice was unmistakable. And for the first time since receiving that message, I felt slightly better. Because he was right.
We weren't alone.
We were Romanos.
And Romanos fought together.
****
A few minutes later I returned to my office. Tony fratello had permanently assigned it to me after discovering my abilities.
At first it felt strange. But now it felt natural.
I wasn't just the mafia princess anymore. I wanted to contribute. I wanted to prove that I deserved my place within this family.
I sat down before the computer and immediately started working. The sound of typing filled the room.
Hours passed.
The headquarters remained busy around me while I searched through countless files.
Old reports. Archived information. Financial records. Police reports. Business transactions.
Anything that might reveal something about the mastermind.
Most of it led nowhere.
But eventually... I found something.
My eyes narrowed. Interesting. Very interesting.
I immediately opened several additional files and began connecting information together. The more I investigated, the more my suspicion grew.
A pattern was beginning to appear. And I didn't like it. Not one bit.
****
By the time I looked at the clock, several hours had already passed. I quickly copied everything onto a flash drive before standing up. Then I headed directly toward papa's office.
I knocked.
"Come in."
I entered and immediately sat down. Papa looked up from the documents on his desk.
"What happened, princess?"
"I found something."
His expression instantly became serious. I handed him the flash drive. He inserted it into his computer and began reading.
As the minutes passed, his face grew darker and darker.
His jaw tightened. His hands clenched. A dangerous look appeared in his eyes.
I remained silent. I knew better than to interrupt him when he was thinking.
Eventually he leaned back and closed his eyes briefly.
"It confirms what I feared."
I frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Papa was quiet for a moment. Then he looked directly at me.
"I suspected this person was connected to our past."
My heart sank.
"The evidence supports that theory."
I immediately straightened.
"You mean my kidnapping?"
"Yes." His voice was grim.
"And possibly much more."
The room fell silent. I already suspected it. But hearing papa confirm it made everything feel far more real.
He sighed heavily.
"Your kidnapping. The attack on your parents. The years we spent searching. The recent attacks. It may all be connected."
I clenched my fists.
That meant our enemy wasn't someone new. This was someone who had been targeting us for years.
Someone patient. Someone obsessed. Someone dangerous.
A strange determination filled me.
"Then we'll find him."
Papa looked at me.
"We'll expose him. We'll destroy everything he's built. We'll make him pay for everything he's done."
My voice was firm. I meant every word. Years ago, my brothers and I were children.
We couldn't protect anyone. We couldn't fight back. But things are different now.
We were stronger. Much stronger.
Papa's eyes softened. He stood up and walked around the desk. Then he placed a hand on my head.
"My brave girl."
I smiled weakly. He continued speaking.
"I made a promise to myself the day you disappeared."
My chest tightened.
"That if I ever found you again..."
His voice became rough.
"I would never lose you a second time."
Emotion flashed through his eyes. The same emotion that always appeared whenever the subject of my kidnapping came up.
Guilt. Pain. Fear.
Years had passed. Yet he still blamed himself.
I immediately stood up and hugged him. His arms wrapped around me without hesitation. For a few moments, neither of us spoke. Sometimes words weren't necessary.
Eventually papa sighed.
"We'll end this."
"We will."
"No matter what."
I nodded.
"No matter what."
****
Later that evening everyone gathered once again. Papa explained the information I had discovered. The reactions were exactly what I expected.
Anger. Determination. Concern.
The mastermind was becoming a bigger threat with every new piece of information. But nobody backed down. Not even for a second.
By the time the meeting ended, every brother already had tasks assigned. Everyone would investigate from their own side. We would attack the problem from every possible direction.
Hopefully something would eventually break.
Hopefully.
Because right now... We were still chasing a ghost.
****
Several days passed.
Asher called regularly. He informed us that he and Elena had settled safely overseas. Hearing that made everyone feel relieved.
Despite everything that happened, nobody wanted something bad to happen to them. Especially Elena. She had already suffered enough.
Meanwhile, our investigation continued.
Unfortunately... We found almost nothing.
Every lead disappeared. Every clue hit a dead end. The mastermind seemed to have vanished completely. Yet somehow that worried me even more. Because I knew he hadn't disappeared.
He was waiting. Planning. Watching. And preparing. The question wasn't if he would strike again. The question was when.
Still... Life slowly returned to normal. At least on the surface.
And surprisingly... My relationship with Valente continued to grow stronger every day.
No matter how busy we were, we always found time to call each other. Sometimes for five minutes. Sometimes for an hour. It didn't matter. We always made time.
Which was exactly why I was smiling while looking at myself in the mirror now. Because today was different. Today neither of us had work.
No meetings. No mafia business. No emergencies. No investigations. Just us.
A normal date. For once.
And honestly... I couldn't wait.
For the first time in a long time, I found myself feeling nervous over something completely normal.
Not a mission. Not an attack. Not a mafia meeting. A date.
I stared at my reflection one last time before shaking my head.
"Get yourself together, Ariana."
A knock sounded on the door. Before I could even open it, twinnie walked inside.
His eyes immediately narrowed.
"Why are you dressed up?"
I nearly rolled my eyes.
"Because I'm going out."
"With who?"
"My friends."
I have already talked with them and we have decided on the story so that if someone asks something we don't fumble. It was not the time to tell them yet.
"Where are you guys going?"
"Well, movies, gaming and then dinner."
"I also want to come with you." Twinnie said.
"Sure if you are comfortable calling yourself a girl." I said with a cheeky smile.
"What do you mean?" He asked with a horrified expression.
"Because it's a girls' night out. Even Noah is not going."
"Then go. I didn't know that."
"Then you should know before inviting yourself, twinnie."
"Yeah yeah." He rolled his eyes at me and I smirked.
I knew that something like this could occur so we have already made a story to tackle these types of situations.
I looked at myself in the mirror one last time before taking my clutch and car keys. I went to my car and drove to the designated place that we have decided to meet at. I drove for a while and met him at the place. Valente was already there, waiting for me leaning on his car.
He immediately looked up to me as I parked my car and pulled my door so that I could get out. He pulled me in for a hug.
We stayed there silently hugging each other in each other's embrace. It was comforting. It has been a few rough days and now being in his arms made me completely relaxed. I felt the tension leaving me completely.
"I am so glad that I can have you in arms again." Valente said with relief in his voice.
"Mmm. We should get going." I said with reluctance.
He pulled away and led me to his car. I parked my car securely so that I would take it back.
He pulled the car door for me and I sat in. He closed the door and came into the driver's seat.
The moment we got into the car, I felt myself relax. It felt strange. Comfortable. Natural. Like this was exactly where I was supposed to be.
Valente reached over and took my hand. Neither of us spoke for a while. And somehow the silence felt perfect.
****
The first stop was the cinema. The entire journey there was filled with teasing. Mostly him teasing me. As usual.
"You know."
He glanced at me.
"What?"
"You never told me something."
I became suspicious immediately.
"What?"
"When did you start liking me?"
I almost choked.
"Valente."
"What?"
"You ask impossible questions."
"I think it's a very reasonable question."
I shook my head.
"I'm not answering."
He looked disappointed. Fake disappointment.
"I'll tell you everything."
"That is a lie."
He looked offended.
"I am an honest man."
I laughed.
"You're a mafia boss."
"Exactly."
"That doesn't help your argument."
By the time we reached the cinema, we were both laughing. It felt nice.
****
Choosing a movie turned out to be more difficult than expected.
Valente wanted an action movie. I wanted a comedy. After ten minutes of arguing, we compromised.
Or rather... He let me win. Which I immediately pointed out.
"You did that on purpose."
"What?"
"You let me choose."
"I would never."
I stared at him. He stared back. Then he looked away. I burst out laughing.
The movie itself was surprisingly good. Halfway through, I glanced at Valente.
He wasn't watching the movie. He was watching me.
I immediately looked away. A smile appeared on his face.
"Enjoying the movie?"
"Yes."
"Good."
A few minutes later I looked again. He was still watching me.
"Valente."
"What?"
"Watch the movie."
"I am."
"You are watching me."
"Exactly."
I threw popcorn at him. He caught it then ate it. The man was impossible.
After the movie, we walked through a nearby shopping district.
The weather was perfect. Not too hot. Not too cold.
The streets were filled with people. Couples. Families. Friends. Normal people living normal lives. For a little while, we blended in perfectly.
No one knew who we were. No one looked at us differently.
And honestly... I loved it.
At one point we passed a game stall. I immediately stopped. Valente followed my gaze. Then he smiled.
"You want to play?"
"Maybe."
"That's a yes."
Five minutes later we were competing. Very seriously. Much more seriously than necessary. The owner looked amused. Valente looked confident. Which immediately made me want to beat him.
Unfortunately for him... I was extremely competitive.
Ten minutes later I won. Valente stared at the giant stuffed bear now sitting in my arms.
"I demand a rematch."
"No."
"I wasn't prepared."
"You lost."
"I was distracted."
I raised an eyebrow.
"By what?"
He looked directly at me.
"You."
I immediately regretted asking. The owner laughed. Valente looked very pleased with himself.
By the time evening arrived, we headed toward the restaurant.
The place overlooked the city. The view was beautiful. Soft lights illuminated everything around us. For a while, we simply enjoyed the atmosphere. Then Valente became unusually quiet.
I immediately noticed.
"What happened?"
He looked at me. Nothing playful remained in his expression. Nothing teasing. Only seriousness.
"Ariana."
My heart skipped.
"What?"
He reached across the table and took my hand.
"I know something is bothering you."
Of course he noticed. He always did.
"The mastermind?"
I nodded slowly. I have already told him everything about the enemy that had been tormenting us. His jaw tightened.
"I don't like it."
"Neither do I."
The atmosphere became quieter. For a few moments neither of us spoke. Then he sighed.
"If he comes after you..."
"He won't win."
"I'm serious."
"So am I."
His grip tightened slightly. His eyes locked onto mine.
"I've fought wars. I've killed people. I've destroyed anyone who threatened my family."
A dangerous look appeared in his eyes.
"If he comes after you..."
A chill ran through me. Not because I was scared of him. But because I knew he meant every word.
"He won't touch you."
I smiled softly.
"Valente."
"What?"
"You sound terrifying."
"I am terrifying."
I laughed. The tension disappeared instantly. That was one thing I loved about him. No matter how serious things became, he always found a way to make me smile.
****
Dinner lasted much longer than expected. We talked about everything. The future. University. Business. Family. Dreams. Goals.
Things we rarely had time to discuss.
At one point he suddenly asked:
"Where do you see yourself in ten years?"
I blinked.
"That's random."
"Answer the question."
I thought for a moment. Then smiled.
"Successful."
"Obviously."
"Happy."
His expression softened.
"Good answer."
"What about you?"
His smile appeared immediately.
"I already know."
"Know what?"
"My future."
I narrowed my eyes.
"Which is?"
He looked entirely too confident.
"You."
I nearly threw my glass at him. He laughed.
And somehow... I couldn't stop smiling.
****
Later that night he drove me back to the place where my car was parked. The entire day had been perfect. Peaceful. Normal.
For the first time in weeks, I felt genuinely happy.
Maybe things would be okay. Maybe we would find the mastermind. Maybe this nightmare would finally end.
Neither of us moved immediately. Neither of us wanted the night to end.
Eventually he leaned closer. My breath caught. Then he gently kissed my forehead.
"Goodnight, baby."
"Goodnight."
"I love you."
There it was again. Those three words. The words I still wasn't ready to say. Yet every day it became harder not to.
He smiled as if he already knew what I was thinking.
Then I got into my car and he also drove behind me but kept a distance. He had argued that he wouldn't leave me here in the night, alone.
When I reached home he drove away. I stood there watching until his car disappeared.
A smile remained on my face.
Until my phone vibrated.
Unknown Number.
Immediately my stomach dropped. I opened the message.
A photograph appeared.
My entire body froze. It was a picture of me. Not from today. Not from yesterday. Not even from recent years.
It was an old photograph. A very old photograph. A picture of me as a child.
My hands started shaking. This photograph shouldn't exist. Nobody should have it.
A second message appeared.
'You've grown up well, Ariana.'
My heart pounded violently. Then another one arrived.
'Your family found you once.'
My breathing became uneven. A final message appeared.
And this time... I felt genuine fear.
'They won't be so lucky next time.'
I stared at the screen. Unable to move. Unable to think. Unable to breathe.
My hands tightened around the phone.
The smile that Valente had put on my face only minutes ago disappeared completely. A strange feeling settled deep inside my chest.
The peace that we had fought so hard to achieve... The peace that my family had finally regained after years of suffering... It was over.
And somehow, I knew.
The enemy that had stolen years from our lives. The enemy who had taken me away from my family. The enemy who had been watching us from the shadows all this time. He was finally coming for us.
A storm far worse than anything we had faced before was approaching.
And this time... There would be no running from it.
I slowly locked my phone and looked toward the dark night sky.
"Who are you?" I whispered.
But only silence answered me.
The game had begun.
And I intended to win.
End of Book 1.
The story continues in Book 2...
****
FINALLY. The book has been completed now.
And as you all know this is not the ending it's just the beginning.
Now we will be getting more thrills and mysteries in the sequel. Don't worry you will also have plenty of romance that you guys will also want your Valente with you.
See you in the next book. Bye bye.
The next book will be released shortly.
Till then you guys can read an edited and polished version of this story on scrollstack.👇
I would appreciate your support there.
***
Happy reading.
Love, Stella.