BOUND BY THE HEARTLESS DE LUCA

🧁ARIA 🧁

" Red c'mon you have to get ready for school mommy needs to go to work early " I said to my son as I tried to wake him up .

" Ten minutes mom " he groaned as he snuggled closer to his pillow .

" Red ...! I screamed and he sat up immediately .

'" mom " he whinned with a crying face as I pulled the bed sheets off his body .

" Now get up little guy ...you need to get ready for school....I refuse to go to work late because of your Stubbornness ! I said pointing at him and his mouth opened and closed like a fish as he gave me an evil look .

" You don't scare me little guy ...now get up " I said and he got up sluggishly .

" This is not fair ...why do we have to go to school ? He asked staring at me with his preety Hazel eyes , something he inherited from his father .

I stopped my trail of thoughts as I stared at him .

" Momma ! He yelled from the bathroom and I chuckled softly.

I helped Red get ready for school ...then Quickly got ready for the office .

We Walked out together as I dropped some pancakes and tea in front of me ...he Dug in immediately and I just watched him eat .

I looked around the house sadly then rubbed my face .

I needed Groceries in the kitchen ,I was two months late on my rent already and the bills I owe ..kept piling up every single day .

Thinking of it now I felt sad about everything happening in my life .

I'd done everything to save my mom , but things only got worse at the long run ...She was diagnosed with cancer During my college years .... we'd done everything we could to save her ...

My parents weren't exactly rich people but after Dad died and mom got diagnosed ...I had to start fending for myself ....

And As for how I got red , that's a story I don't wanna think about .

" Mom ... I'm done Already " I heard my son's voice and I smiled . No matter the shit I've passed through , Red has been my biggest motivation to keep going , I love my Son till death .

He's currently five and would be turning six soon .

We got out and i board a taxi to his school immediately we got there , I bent to his level .

" Listen here Red danger " I said and he chuckled .

" No fighting okay ,I've told you time in Again that fighting is a very bad habit ...I don't wanna hear any complains from your teacher " I said and he smiled .

" I'm a good boy " he said and I rolled my eyes .

" Allow me to be the judge of that " I said and heard someone call my name .

" Miss Esposito " someone called and I smiled at her , It was Red's Class teacher .

" miss Devon ..how are you ? I asked and she frowned .

" Bye mummy " Red greeted as he ran into the compound .

" I'm not fine ...Miss Esposito your son is late on his tutition fees ,this is not the agreement we had when he started classes here ! " She said and I felt ashamed of myself .

" I know .....I know and I promise to ..." I trailed .

" Please save it miss Esposito ...that's how you've been promising since this school year , what about the child's father ....? She asked with concern .

"..... He's Dead " I said and her eyes soften .

" Oh my Goodness that just so sad dear " she said sadly .

" It's okay' I said and looked away .

" I will pay up Soon I promise " I said and she gave a nod .

I left the school and my heart hurt with each step I took ...

What do I do ? I'm slowly hitting my back on the wall ....I don't know how to get out of this mess I'm in .

I bit my lower lip as I swallowed down the lump on my throat my eyes stung with Tears .

" I'm not gonna give up Red I promise you , I promise you sweetheart " I said to myself sadly .

" Paaaaaaa! I heard the horn of a car and I jumped off the road .

" Hey you idiot can't you watch where you're going ? If you want to die ...don't die in front of my car ! I heard a taxi Driver yell Angrily as he cursed under his breath .

" I'm sorry " I managed to voice out stubbornly as he drove passed me .

What was I thinking ? What if I was hit by that car ,I can't imagine what my poor baby would've gone through .

I stopped a taxi and called the company where I work.

He looked at me from head to toes Wondering if I'd called the correct address .

I wondered why and he smiled .

" Sorry ma'am I actually thought you where a model ma'am ...you look very beautiful" he said and I ignored his compliment .

Being beautiful had brought me more trouble than luck anyways .

Immediately he got to my stop I got down from his car and paid him .

I turned to the huge storey building and straightened my suit jacket .

" Hey Aria ...' my colleagues greeted immediately I walked in .

" Hey Guys' I greeted back as I walked towards the Reception table to sign my name .

" You're late Again "Madame Rosa said and I bit my lower lip .

" I had to drop Red off at school " I said and she sighed .

" The Boss was really Angry ...Aria you're supposed to be here before he arrives ,which personal assistant comes an hour late ? ...you're supposed to be here before him " she said and I sighed frustratedly.

" I know I just ..." I trailed .

" I feel bad for you Aria ... especially your son Red If only you'd not lost his father ....may his soul rest in peace " she said and made the sign of the cross .

Jeez ....I felt so bad at that moment because His Dad was very much alife ...the only thing was the man knows nothing absolutely nothing about his existence ...I never told him I was pregnant....

He didn't even know when I left him , I ran ...I ran away from him and didn't even look back for once .

I've been surviving without Frederico ..and I want things to remain this way ...I'm never Going back to Italy ....I'm never going back to that man who ruined my life !

" Miss Esposito " my Boss said the moment I walked into the office .

I swallowed down nothing as I stared from his Dark office designs to the angry look he gave me .

" I'm sorry sir I ..."

" Save it ...just pick up your salary from the receptionist ....and walk your way out of my company " He said and my jaws literally dropped .

" Sir you can't do this please ...I ...oh my God ! Sir ...my life depends on this job ....my son's life depends on this job ..." I said and I didn't know when I'd already burst out crying .

I was trying to be strong all this while but the thought of having no where to run to ...just broke me crazily .

I currently have no one ...I'd even cut ties with my best friend back in Italy because I was scared ....I was scared Frederico would link her and get me ....

It's been Five almost six years ....I can't call her for help .

" Please sir ....I'd stop the late comings ..." I said and watched him stare at me with lust .

" Beautiful Aria ....we can always solve this problem ... you're willing honey" he said and I cringed .

Did he just call me his honey ? Please don't tell me he's about to hit on me ?

He's old enough to be my father .

" Aria ....Let's make a deal , you can keep your job ...I'd increase your pay , give you a promotion with big benefits ... hehehehe your son would be under my scholarship I'd make life comfortable for the both of you .....if you'd be my mistress " he said and I looked at him with nothing but disgust and hate .

What did he take me for ? I can't believe he thinks I'd take such an offer because I'm helpless .

Of course I'm helpless but I'd never sleep with a man as old as he is for money ....

I picked the envelope from the table and turned to him .

" You can eat your job ...! I spat at his face as I left the office Angrily .

I stopped a taxi and went back to my house and the moment I got in through the gate I saw the sign ...

Vacate the house notice on the door , to make matters worse ,all my stuffs where outside .

" No ...she can't do this ,I asked for time " I said under my breath in pannick .

" Miss Aria , is everything okay ? She asked with concern .

' The landlady ...She can't do this to me ...I just don't know what to do " I said and she looked at me.

" And to think she threw my things out ... this is just unfair....this is uncalled for where does she want me to go ...." I asked and the woman looked at me in pity .

" Why is this happening to me ? I just lost my job ,I owe lots of depts ...plus now this ! ....where do I start from ...who do I run to ? I Asked myself mentally as I hugged myself close .

How do I face my innocent son ...what do I say to him ? I felt so ashamed of myself 🥺

" Miss Aria I think you should call up a family member or something , maybe a friend you can't sleep outside tonight ..." She said and I smiled sadly .

I couldn't just tell her I had no one ....

" Huh ....can I stay here tonight with Red ? I promise we would live by tommorow morning " I said and she shook her head .

" I'm really sorry Aria ...My fiancee is coming over tonight ...I don't think he'd appreciate it " she said and I gave a nod .

" I understand" I said and bit my lower lip .

" Thanks by the way " I said and got up ..I couldn't just sit there ...I pulled my things out of the compound .

Right there and then I knew I only had one option left to return to Italy ....

I knew returning would bring back old memories ....or worse

I might end up meeting him again !

Frederico Deluca !

TBC

Love lenny

🖤 FREDERICO 🖤

" Boss you have a ministers conference to attend with the ... Other Senators ... During lunch ..." My secretary Said as she tried to meet up with me .

" And your Elder brother Called ...he said you should be at the estate for dinner and that it's important ." She said and I looked away .

" Sir ...." She trailed .

" I've heard you " I said and she shut her mouth immediately .

I didn't want to stress myself thinking about nonsense .

My phone rang and when I brought it out it was non other than one of my men .

" Boss " he said immediately I picked but I'd strolled into my office to avoid disturbance .

" They've been delivered successfully " he said and I cut the call .

My family is one of the leading crime families of Italy ...we rule the Italian mafia ,my elder brother Massimo is the Don whilst I'm the second in command .

We spread ourselves in different parts of the government to make our work easy and smooth .

I currently hold a very successful political career and the youngest at that in the field .

I checked my watch as I sat down in my executive chair and tapped my fingers slowly on the table .

My Brother wanted me to attend the dinner tonight ? I couldn't help but wonder why .

He and my mom have been acting wiered lately and to top it All my sister in-law Grace has been introducing me to different ladies every weekend .

I don't wanna imagine the nonsense running through their mind .

Massimo used to be very Arrogant heartless and emotionless ,hell that was a trait in all The De LUCA's but now love has made him something else ...once he's with his wife Grace ,he's a complete potato ...

Well he's still the mafia Boss who's feared for his ruthlessness ... because he's not nice with other people other than family .

He's 30 and I'm 28 ...I have Four brothers ...Massimo , Kristov Emelio and Sergio .

Kristov is a doctor and he handles everything concerning the medical aspect of the mafia .

Emelio is a Musician ...a very popular one at that , he helps with the mafia activities but he's always away due to his tours .

Sergio ...is the last brother and although he's our step brother who we share the same Dad with ...both we've never seen him as a different person because he's our Blood.

Sergio is a computer Genuis Brilliant and cunning ...he handles everything concerning our weapons and the escorts .

After spending some time in the office I left for the lunch meeting Which took My whole afternoon .

Immediately I drove into the De LUCA estate packed my car and got out the guards bowed in respect as I walked passed them .

" Good evening Boss " They greeted and I just walked passed them .

" Rico " mom said as she walked into my arms and I bowed so she could kiss my forehead .

" How are you where's massimo ? I asked and she chuckled softly.

" He's upstairs and would probably be down soon .. maybe Grace is at it again with her crazy cravings " she said and I looked away.

" Hey Rico" Kristov said smiling mischievously .

Why do I have a feeling like they're up to so something .

Why did they even invite me for this dinner .... something is definitely fishy .

It was normal to have dinner together in the estate ,but they where acting like this was a dinner of the lifetime .

I hope I'm safe ? I thought as I ran my fingers in my hair .

" Where's Emelio ? I asked and mom waved her hands .

" Oh please that brother of yours has definitely run off on one of those music tours of his .

" I only said I wanted fried chicken and veggies with ice cream and bread ....why can't I eat what I want ? This is so unfair even the universe knows this ! I heard my sister in-laws voice yell dramatically and that's when we all turned to see a heavily pregnant Grace matching down from the stairs and Massimo behind her pretending like she wasn't even talking to him .

" Massimo she's craving something " mom said in Italy obviously dissapointed with him for not listening to his wife .

" What she's craving mama is Definitely out of this world she wants fried chicken and veggies ...added with ice cream and bread ! That's pure madness " he bursted in frustration .

" See he calls me mad " she said Angrily .

" That's all you heard from what I just said ? He asked shocked .

" See immediately he knocked me up he thinks I'm mad now ...right ! She fired at Massimo .

I sat there Quietly, I wasn't the type to talk much anyways I was the Quiet type .

" Rico ...tell your brother " she pointed at me and I looked at her .

" Grace ...I think that's not a healthy mixture" I said and the expression on her face changed immediately.

" Look that's okay ...you can eat a fried hen ..we have no problem with it " mas said and Pat her back .

" Don't touch me I'm not hungry again " she said and we all looked at them in suprise .

" Ah but you where craving that " he trailed.

" I said I'm no longer hungry ..." She fired Angrily.

" Bambi you're hungry ...you can fry a full turkey I don't mind ...even if you cook it alife " he said trying to calm her down .

" This is definitely worth watching "Sergio said as he slump next to me on the chair .

" Since when have you been here ? He whisper asked .

" Before the drama began " I said as I scrolled through my phone .

"Why am I here ? I asked frowning .

" Dad and mom wants you to meet someone " he said like it was nothing .

Oh so this time Grace and mom weren't the master planners but Dad and Mom !

I Didn't ask further Questions .

" Please come in Mr De Nero ...it's a pleasure to have you Honor our invitation ... please come in Veronica " Dad said inviting the people in .

" Ha he got you a wife ' kristov chuckled from besides me .

" You're not saying anything ? Sergio asked eyebrows raised .

" She doesn't look bad ...she's sexy " I said and They smirked .

I wasn't the type to do love ...I don't even know why people believe in love ...it makes a man stupid ...

Very stupid ..I thought with a bitter chuckle .

The last time I tried that love shit ,it didn't end well ...she dumped me at the Alter ..

A place we where supposed to exchange our wedding vows

She left without a reason ...my heart burnt I was supposed to forget the incident ,but that thought me just how stupid I most have looked standing next to the priest waiting like a Complete baboon .

No woman's worth my heart ,that day my heart died and I moved on ....

Now I no longer do love ...I only fvck ...any woman that tries to act clingy I get rid of our arrangement immediately .

I knew I would need to continue the family circle by getting married and I wanted to do that for the benefit of the mafia.

Not because I was hopelessly playing prince charming for one Cinderella ...

Only the thought of love left a rotten feeling at the pit of my stomach .

" Rico ' I heard mom's voice and when I looked up I saw the Veronica girl extending her hands for me to give a shake .

" Veronica De Nero " she introduced herself .

" Frederico Deluca" I said and she smiled at me .

She was beautiful sexy and Elegant ...the tattoos where visible on her neck which only made me remember her ...the one woman who ruined my life back then .

We all retired to the Dinner table where we had dinner ,our parents talking about just how much our marriage would benefit the mafia .

I was Quiet the whole time and I could feel massimo's on me , knowing my brother he was trying to figure out if I was really okay with the arrangement .

Up until now they all believed I still habored feelings for my Ex fiancee .

I'd be a complete fool if I still habored feelings for that woman....

" Can you show me around ? Veronica asked and Sergio chuckled .

They all knew I was far from being a gentleman and with one glare from my mom , I stood up and extended my hand.

" Sure " I said and she stood up ...get dress was black , backless and elegant with a slit in front .

She was preety woman and knew just what she was getting herself into .

" You're Quiet " she said as we strolled together .

" I'm Usually like this " i said and she laughed .

" I've heard just how dangerous you De Luca's are " she said and I chuckled .

" You're also Dangerous aren't you ? I asked and she smiled .

" Can I call you Fred ? She asked and I shook my head negatively .

" No " I snapped immediately and she looked confused .

" You can call me anything not that " I said and she smiled .....

" I understand if you don't like that I just call you Frederick...you can call me Vero ' she said and I looked away.

" I prefer Veronica " I said and she smiled .

Her smiling didn't move me one bit.

These people weren't innocent as they looked and I knew my father was up to something with this Alliance but I'd let that slide for the mean time .

Since the estate was large I just took her back to the mansion and immediately she left with her Dad mom glared at Dad .

" Don't look at me like that Giovanna " Dad said and I looked away without a word .

" Rico " Massimo called and as he walked away I knew he wanted to see me so I followed suit .

" Don " I said immediately I got Into his office .

" Sit down ' he gestured towards the chair and I sat.

" What's going on in your head Rico ...let's talk " he said and I shook my head .

" There's nothing going on in my head , i think I should settle down too " I said and he looked at me.

" You know De Nero is no nice man ...you know why Dad is doing this ...I'm willing to put off this alliance ....you don't have to be compelled to ..." He trailed .

" I'm not compelled ..." I cut him off .

" Fine but what about her ? Are you completely over her ? He asked with concern .

" I don't know what you're talking about " I said and he chuckled.

She's already Dead as long as I'm concerned .

She's nothing but a cruel woman ...

ARIA ESPOSITO ...

TBC

🧁ARIA 🧁

" Mom why are we here ? Why can't we go back home ? " Red fired Questions at me as I passed him takeout for dinner .

" We're gonna spend this night at this lodge okay , I promise I'd look for a solution " I said and he frowned .

" Did the landlady chase us out already ? He asked sadly and my eyes stung with tears .

" It's okay mummy I was tired of staying there anyways this lodge seems nice ... there's a really cute bed " he said and flashed me a grin .

I looked at his face as I smiled .

Red wasn't a spoilt kid , He's very understanding and knows what I can afford ...he's never demanded more than I can offer ...and that has helped over the years .

He sat down on The bed as ate from the takeout ...he was still on his school uniform.

I rubbed my forehead tiredly as I thought of the next step to take .

Italy was the only place I could run to at this point ...I just hope Ann would accept me in her life .

We used to be so close ,she was my best friend and a soul sister .

We knew each other from our kindergarten years ...down to college .

She knew when I began working for Frederico ,she knew when we started dating ,infact she was the biggest fan of our ship ...

I thought with a sad smile....I didn't tell her when I left on my wedding day .

I didn't want her to stop me , she never knew I was pregnant .

I don't even know if she'd be willing to look at me in the face ,but I'm willing to give it a shot no matter what .

I helped my son take a shower and change into comfortable sleeping clothes .

" Mom" he called as I tucked him in bed .

" Yes sweetie" I answered and he kissed my forehead .

" Don't cry okay ,you're my super woman , I don't care where we go ...I just want us to be together always " he said and my eyes stung badly as I tried to hold back my tears .

" I love you Mom " he said and sobs escaped my lips softly but I covered it as I hugged him close .

" I love you too my Son .... mommy loves you a lot " I thought as I wiped my tears .

I watched him and immediately he slept ,I sat there and cried for sometime .

I ended up sleeping on an empty stomach after freshening up .

The next morning I got Red ready because I plan on returning that day .

I was nervous about the fact that I still owed his school and my colleague at work .

Plus my house rent but that was far from my list of thoughts because ... going to prison for dept wasn't what I wanted at this point .

Staying here would only cause danger for me and red .

Running away has been part of my life ..but this time I was running back to a place I'd run away from in the past .

I paid for the lodge and immediately we got to Italy ..I covered my son and made sure my hoodie covered most part of my face .

The last thing I wanted was the Deluca's knowing I was back in the country .

Those people had eyes everywhere ...

They where not just called the number one crime family for nothing .

It disgust me that I was even In a relationship with a Dangerous man like Frederico .

I didn't know ...I couldn't believe it ...he ...he ..." I stopped my trail of thoughts immediately in pannick .

" Mom are you okay" Red Asked and I gave a nod immediately .

" I'm fine baby ...I'm fine okay " I said and he smiled as I walked pulling our trolley .

Each step I took was feeling ten times heavier due to the fear I had in my heart .

" Where are you going ma'am " the Driver Asked and I gave him my address nervously .

Immediately we got in the Taxi , Red began to whisper to the tune of one of his favorite nursery rhymes .

" Sir where is this place " Red asked the driver and I ruffled his head immediately .

" That's Enough my little lawyer " i said and he whinned immediately .

We got to our stop and I got down from the Taxi and paid the taxi driver.

" Have a nice day ahead ma'am " he said as he drove off .

" Mom ..." Red trailed and I caught him short .

" We are in Italy Red ...can I think properly now ? I asked and he blushed red .

" Good " I said as he looked away.

I looked at the Restaurant nervously and it red " Annabelle's foods and dishes " .

" Wow it's a restaurant mummy I can finally eat to my satisfaction right ? It's a free restaurant right ? Do they sell free foods here ! " He asked as he clapped excitedly .

" No they don't champ ...." I said and his smile vanished immediately .

" Oh " he said and I chuckled softly.

" Don't worry son, mummy's gonna get you something to eat okay " I said and he smiled .

We got into the restaurant and I walked over the counter , the place had really grown bigger than the last time I saw it six years ago .

" What do you wa....." The woman trailed as she looked at me in shock .

" Fvck ...ma'am Aria " She said shocked and I looked embarrassed at her shocked exspression .

" Oh my God ....where have you been ? It's been what ? Six years already " she said still in suprise.

" Where's Anna ? I asked and she swallowed down nothing.

" She's huh ..."

" Madam ..."She trailed and stopped talking immediately I turned and our eyes met .

The dash board on her hands fell down and she picked it up .

" Aria " she said suprised .

" Anna " I said and she looked at me with hurt in her eyes .

" I ...I can explain " I said and she looked at me then back to Red .

" He's ..." She trailed as her mouth opened and closed like a fish .

Anyone who knew Frederico wouldn't need a DNA test to know who his father was ...he was a carbon copy of his father .

" You better have a good explanation Aria " she spat Angrily as she walked in front.

" Mom ..." Red whinned and I ordered something for him to eat .

" Spaghetti and meatballs " he said immediately the waitress came to take our order ..

" Let's talk in my office " she said and I held my son's hand immediately .

I wasn't crazy to just leave him there .

" Serve the dish at my office " she said to her worker ..as I left with her .

Immediately Red saw the dish he began to dig in and Anna stared at him as she wiped the tears that threatened to leave her eyes .

" Go on ...tell me what happened because trust me I'm really loosing my mind right now Aria ! She yelled Angrily .

" I'm ...so .. sorry ...I just had to leave " I said as my voice shook with hurt .

" You had to leave ? What do you mean by you had to leave ...! Do you know what your running away caused all of us !

" I thought I was important to you ? I thought I was your sister ! She screamed and red looked at us confused .

" It's nothing honey " i said and he faced his food .

" Speak because I'm about to loose it , oh my God Aria and you even have a son ? What more are you hiding ! She asked Angrily and I felt hurt .

" You won't understand ...I wanted to tell you ,I badly wanted to tell you , but you wouldn't have let me Leave and Frederico ..." I trailed as I pannicked .

" I don't understand "she said frowning .

" You can't keep everyone in the dark ,it was so insensitive of you to have left him waiting at the Alter like that , Frederico was such a nice guy who loved you with his all ....he sacrificed a lot for you ....Aria ! She said confused and hurt .

My eyes stung as I looked away.

" Frederico is not who you think he is " I said and she scoffed .

" Why ? What are you trying to say Aria ...a man that loved you crazily? He waited for you at the Alter for hours ....that guy couldnt survive that heartbreak you fed him Aria ...he was looking for you everywhere and nearly went insane ! She spat angrily and tears rolled out of my eyes.

" I don't want to talk about it ...." I trailed .

" Don't feed me that rubbish , how can you not want to talk about him when you have his child with you ..."she bursted .

" Shhhh... please" I said and she folded her hands .

" I wonder what you told your son ? Did you tell him his dad was dead ? what's wrong with you Ari ? She asked and I ran my fingers in my hair .

" You don't get it ... you'd never understand .... Frederico is a criminal ....not just a minor criminal Anna ....he. .....he....is part of the mafia " I said and her eyes widened .

" What ? She said shocked .

" Yes ...I don't want to talk about the things that made me leave Italy ...but one thing I want is that Frederico never finds out about my son ..." I said in pannick .

" De LUCA ...I Can't believe this , Frederico is part of the mafia ? Aria you're both not safe here " she said and I rubbed my face .

" I know but I want to stay low key for the main time ... Frederico must never know I'm in the country ..."

" I'm here to help Ari ... always "

" I'm sorry about everything you had to go through ...I'm here now ... we've always been sisters ,I promise to stand by you" she said and I tears rolled outta my eyes as she pulled me into a hug .

He'd never know About Red ,I'd protect him from that monster .

TBC