Chapter 2 The Future of the Costanzo Family.

V I V I A N A

"The announcement will happen this evening, and I need you to be ready."

My heart rate picks up as I process his words. It's all going to happen tonight. The day I've been preparing for all my life, is finally here.

I remain silent for a second, glancing down at the ground for a second, a small smile appearing on my lips briefly, right before it disappears.

"Are you sure, Dad? I mean, I always thought you'd remain the Don for a few more years." I shake my head at him. My father may be cold and ruthless, but he is good and what he does. A successful businessman who has amassed an insane amount of wealth. He knows how to remain one of the top names in the game, so without him, I'm not sure I'll be able to live up to everything his accomplished.

"Yes. I'm sure, and I've already made up my mind." He answers me, and I sigh before nodding my head at him.

"I'll be ready, Dad," I answer him, my heart rate spiking with anticipation. This could finally be my chance to change things around here, to change the way people look at me. As the Donna, they would have no choice but to respect me, and I can finally be treated with decency.

Not only that, but maybe I won't have to suffer at the hands of my stepmother either. It's a chance for freedom, and I'm more than ready to take it.

Though the news is a relief, I notice that my father hasn't even bothered to look me in the eye the entire time he's been talking to me. In fact, there is a coldness around him, colder than usual, and a dissatisfaction on his face that is too distinct to ignore. It makes me wonder what's on his mind, but I don't bother to question it... the last thing I need is upsetting him in any way.

"We begin at 6 PM. Do not be late." Is all he says to me, and finally, his eyes meet mine. He stares at me for a moment before exhaling deeply and walking right past me without another word. I am left stunned as I watch him walk away, having expected him to at least give me some sort of word of encouragement, some advice, or maybe even to let me know that he's proud of me... but I expected too much of him.

It leaves a hole in my heart, but I don't let it get to me. I remain standing in the same spot, taking a deep breath to prepare myself mentally and emotionally for what is to come. Even if he hasn't given me any words of encouragement, it doesn't take away from the fact that he is entrusting me with the future of this family. And maybe finally, he will be able to see how worthy and deserving I am to have the Costanzo name.

. . .

The rest of the day goes by quickly, and by the time I realise it, it's 5:30 PM, 30 minutes to the announcement. I am in my room, finishing up with the last of my look as my stylists buzz around me, ensuring I look perfect for the role. Once they are done and leave me to my lonesome, I step back and take a long look in the mirror, admiring how lovely I look. I am dressed in a long mermaid black dress with a slight stopping just at my knee, the dress being one that accentuates each and every curve. My wavy hair is big and bouncy, falling over my shoulders and stopping just above my lower back. My makeup is bold and sultry, a smoky eye and a red lip, while for jewellery I have on silver and diamonds, a favourite of mine.

"It all begins here," I say out loud as I let out a deep breath, continuing to mentally prepare myself to walk out that door. After tonight, all I know is that things are never going to be the same again.

After grabbing my purse and spraying on some Gucci perfume, I finally make my way downstairs, following the soft sound of jazz music that now echoes through the mansion.

I find myself in the ballroom, where multiple people are stationed, all people I'm familiar with; members of the family. As soon as I walk in, all the attention turns to me, and it's as if the room goes silent despite the music still playing. They are in awe, and they fail to hide it. It gives me a bit of a confidence boost as I stride forward, being sure to keep my head held high. Most people simply stare at me, some giving me a small nod of acknowledgement, others not bothering to say a word.

One thing I hated about living here is how

Isolated I was, my father somehow made sure of that. I had no real friends my age, no one I could count on, and I hated it. But as quickly as those thoughts come, I shake them away. I can't afford to think about how alone I've been, not now.

I glance around the room and soon take notice of Lucia and my brother Victor standing together. I find them already staring at me, nothing but distaste on their faces. And so, I decide to approach them.

"Mother, Victor." I greet them as soon as I reach them. Lucia immediately gives me a fake smile, and she steps closer to me.

"Viviana darling. You look... decent." She tells me, and I can still feel the venom slipping through her voice."

"So do you," I answer her with a smile and immediately watch as the smile disappears from her face completely, and she immediately gives me a look of pure rage.

"Hm." Is all she lets out before she turns on her heel on walks away, not bothering to give me a response. I remain with my brother and eye him from head to toe, being exactly his height as I eye him from head to toe.

"You seem excited, sister," he says smoothly, his chin tilted upward. His hands are clasped neatly behind his back, his posture the very image of a princeling rehearsed for his crown. "I wouldn't get ahead of myself if I were you." I narrow my eyes, letting silence answer him. He wants me to rise to the bait, to reveal just how desperately I've been waiting for this night. But I won't give him that. Not yet.

The air shifts then, and I know almost immediately that my father has just entered the room.

The hum of conversation falters, then dies completely. Soldiers, capos, lieutenants, they all straighten, their heads turning in unison as Ettore Costanzo strides into the hall. He is dressed in black, a silver pin gleaming on his lapel, his presence filling the cavernous room in a way no decoration ever could.

I feel my chest tighten as I watch him. For as long as I can remember, he has been untouchable, a fortress of discipline and fear. And tonight, he is more than that... tonight, he is the arbiter of destiny. My destiny.

I hold my hands together behind me to steady them, nails biting into my palms.

He makes his way to the centre of the room, and once he is there, the music in the room stops immediately; every single person now focuses their attention on him.

"Good evening, everyone. It is my honour to welcome you all tonight," my father declares, his voice resonant, echoing against the marble and chandeliers. "This shall be a momentous occasion. A night to remember."

No one breathes.

"Tonight, I shall be officially stepping down as Don of this family," he continues, "and appointing the next leader of this syndicate."

A rustle of murmurs runs through the crowd, quickly smothered. I stand taller, my pulse drumming. This is it. This is the moment.

"I cannot think of anyone more deserving," my father says, and his gaze sweeps across the room. My heart stutters. For the briefest second, it feels like his eyes catch mine, lingering and acknowledging. "Anyone more worthy. And I know the future of the Costanzo family will be safe in their hands."

My breath catches. My chest expands, air pressing hard against my ribs. It's happening. He's going to say my name. Finally.

"It is with great pleasure," he says, his tone ceremonial, heavy with finality, "that I announce the one who will usher us into a new era of power and prosperity."

I take a short step forward. My lungs burn as I drag in a deep breath, preparing myself, ready to meet the weight of the room, ready to claim what is mine-...

"My son, Victor Costanzo," my father pronounces, his voice like a thunderclap in the room, "as my successor, and new Don of the Costanzo famiglia."

The world slows down, and becomes still.

For a moment, I don't hear the cheers that erupt around me, or see Victor straighten with smug pride, his chest swelling as he accepts the crown I had been sharpening myself for my entire life. I don't even notice the satisfied gleam in Lucia's eyes.

All I hear is the sound of something tearing inside me...