Hating The Mafia King

Everyone has an unforgettable experience, and mine was no exception. I remember that moment vividly, even after all these years. As a 16-year-old, it's like a memory that's been etched into my mind, never fading away. It's still as clear and impactful as it was back then, still a part of me. The heavy rain poured down, washing away the dust from the windows. Dark clouds loomed overhead, and thunder echoed through the air, creating a somber atmosphere. I was filled with immense joy, basking in the happiness that seemed endless.

However, life took an unexpected turn, and that happiness shattered into countless pieces, leaving me in a state of profound sadness and confusion. Being the only daughter of the most powerful Mafia king, I was always kept hidden from the world. My name was heard, but my face was never seen. But today, everything was about to change. It was my sixteenth birthday and as they say, the sixteenth birthday is the most important birthday of a girl's life. It was a day filled with excitement and anticipation. I wanted to make mine the best birthday ever, filled with unforgettable memories.

Indeed I had an unforgettable memory although it wasn't a good one. "Delilah," I hear my mom's sweet voice from the hallway. A smile stretches across my face, and I turn away from the window, where raindrops are falling. Just as I pivot to face the door, it swings open, revealing my mom standing there. Her face beams with a bright smile, and her brown hair, which I inherited, adds to her radiance.

I love that I have my mom's hair color and not my dad's. Being blonde just wouldn't have suited me. "What are you doing?" She asks.

"Nothing, just watching the rain," I respond, turning to look at the raindrops cascading down. "You know, it's really peculiar how the water washes away all the dirt, but it leaves a subtle hint of it on the leaves. They never quite get fully clean," I say, my voice filled with curiosity. I glance back at her, hoping she finds it as fascinating as I do.

Her smile broadens as she approaches me, taking a seat next to me. She glances at the rain, then looks at me with warmth in her eyes.

"I absolutely love the way you think, how you're always so curious about life and everything in it," She says. I can't help but smile back at her, feeling a sense of validation. My mom is right, I've always had a fondness for wonder and questions. But as I think about it, I realize that my curiosity and everything about me ended that night.

Although I still feel like the night never actually ended. It's still stuck with me even after ten years. "Although I may not have an answer to your question but I do know that dirt never fully wash away, maybe sometimes it does but it always depends on what or who is being cleaned." She stated.

My mom is as brilliant as her words. She is just like me, too naive and smart for the world. Mom takes a moment to look at me, her eyes, as blue as the ocean, she carefully scans every inch of my face.

I can see the admiration and awe in her gaze as she takes in my stunning makeover. "Wow!" she exclaims, her voice filled with genuine amazement. "You look gorgeous."

"Really?" I ask, my voice filled with surprise and curiosity.

"Yes... I can't believe my little girl is now a young woman," Her eyes shimmer with a mix of pride and nostalgia. She leans in, planting a soft kiss on my forehead and gently caressing my face with her hands. "You are growing up so fast." With a warm smile, I respond, "I'm only sixteen, Mom."

She looks at me, her eyes filled with disbelief. "I know but It's still hard for me to believe." I pause for a moment to reflect on her words before I reply, "But you know what? No matter how old I get, I'll always be your little girl, right?" "Of course," She says, her grin widening as she wraps her arms around me, enveloping me in a warm embrace.

At that moment, I feel a sense of comfort and security, knowing that her love will always be there for me. My mom and I have this special bond that can't be broken. I wasn't like other kids, never ashamed of my parents. My mom was my role model, my best friend, my sister-she was my everything.

I looked up to her and wanted to be just like her. She breaks away from the embrace, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I've got something special for you," she exclaims, rising from the couch and retrieving a small box.

It looks like she had brought it along when she walked in. Eagerly, she opens the box, revealing a dazzling tiara. She takes my hand and leads me towards the mirror. With utmost care, she places the tiara on my head. At that moment, I felt like a true Mafia princess. "Mom," I say, my voice filled with recognition as I lay my eyes on the tiara.

She smiles knowingly, her hand resting gently on my shoulder as she turns me around to face her. "It belongs to you now," She says, her words carrying a sense of pride and love.

"Really?" I gasped, my face instantly lighting up with pure joy.

"Yes," She confirms, her eyes sparkling with delight. I can't help but beam from ear to ear. Finally, I have the tiara I've been dreaming of. I thought it would take me forever to get and it seems like it did.... I did wear the Tiara that night but it didn't last, I had to give it up and I never got to wear it again.

"Thank you, Mom." I say, wrapping my arms around her in a warm embrace. Pulling away, she looks at me with a knowing smile. "You are welcome, my dear. Now, let's not keep your father waiting.

He's eagerly waiting downstairs to see you wearing that tiara. It was his idea to gift it to you." Dad was my special person. He gave me all I ever wanted and this tiara was one of them. I wanted him to see me wearing his family's tiara. He had been looking forward to me being the next queen but sadly I never got to be the queen nor did he get to see me wearing the Tiara.

As we made our way out of the room and started descending the stairs, a peculiar scent tickled my nose. It smelled really strange but I did bother to look into it as I was very excited about my party. I made my way to the last floor of the three-tier mansion and directly to the living room where I stepped in and was completely mesmerized.

It felt like stepping into a glamorous wonderland.

The elegant drapes cascading from the ceiling, twinkling fairy lights, and the warm glow of crystal chandeliers created a breathtaking ambiance. The tables, dressed in luxurious linens and adorned with exquisite floral arrangements, added an extra touch of beauty. It was absolutely stunning. The room was filled with the enchanting melodies of classical music, creating a magical atmosphere. However, to my astonishment, there was no one in sight, not even my dad.

I looked at my mom, a sense of confusion washing over me, and asked, "Where is everyone?" She looked back at me with a concerned expression and replied, "I'm not sure, but I'll go check. Just wait here." With that, she swiftly made her way towards the door.

It's so peculiar how no one is in the room not even the bodyguards. My house is normally packed with lots of guards making sure that everyone and everything is put in order. While waiting for Mom to come back I decided to look around which I wish I didn't because the moment I took a few steps ahead my gaze met up with an eye - watching me eye-wide as if blinking wasn't a thing. My heart clenches in my chest as I gaze into the eyes of a head without a body. How is that even possible? There was no sign of the head's body.. nothing at all just a head and a pool of blood.

As much as my heart was throbbing, I was grateful that I couldn't recognize the face because if I did, it would have been the second traumatizing thing that night. Fear grips my chest as I stare at the head, and I gulp nervously. Just as I'm about to call Mom, she bursts into the room, panting and on the verge of collapsing.

"Leave!" She says urgently.

Confused, I ask, "Mom, what's going on?" "The Maranzano's are here. You have to leave," she explains, her voice filled with fear. "What? Who are they?" I ask, my voice trembling with fear and confusion.

The room fills with an eerie silence as Mom prepares to speak, but before she can utter a word, a deafening gunshot shatters the stillness. In that instant, the truth dawns upon me like a lightning bolt - we're under attack. "You have to run," she urgently tells me, her voice laced with desperation.

"What?" I stammer in disbelief, my mind struggling to process the gravity of the situation. "No, I can't do that." "You can and you will," She insists, her eyes filled with determination. "This is not a choice Delilah, so just go." With a firm push, she turns me towards the exit door, urging me to escape the impending danger.

I turn back to look at her, our eyes mirroring the pain and sorrow we both feel. Tears well up in our eyes, silently conveying the depth of our emotions. "I am not leaving you and Dad... what about him?" I manage to say, my voice choked with tears. "Everyone is gone, Delilah. If you don't leave, you'll be in danger too. You have to go," She urges, a single tear rolling down her cheek, tracing a path of sadness.

"But... I can't leave you," I sniffle, my voice trembling with heartbreak.

The mere thought of abandoning my mom in this dire situation is unbearable. "I have to stay here. It's the only way to keep you safe. They're after me, not you. So please, go. NOW!" She commands, her voice filled with a mix of urgency and love.

I can see the weight of her decision in her eyes, and I know deep down that she's doing what she believes is best for us but I just can't see myself leaving her. "No, Mom, I can't. I just can't leave you," I cry, tears streaming down my face as I desperately try to wipe them away.

"You have to, for me, for Dad, and yourself," Her voice filled with a mix of determination and love. I continue to shake my head, unable to accept her words.

With a gentle but firm push, she urges me forward, waving her hands dismissively. "Go," she instructs, her voice tinged with urgency as the sound of fast-approaching footsteps grows louder, sending shivers down my spine. "I-" I try to protest, but she cuts me off, quickly wiping away my tears and planting a tender kiss on my forehead. "I love you, my little girl. Always remember that." "Now go, Delilah. Go!" Her voice filled with a combination of strength and vulnerability, her eyes pleading with me to save myself.

With a heavy heart, I take a deep breath and reluctantly turn away. Tears flowed down my face as I knew I had to do this for Mom. Leaving her was never my choice, but I had no other option. I took off my tiara and handed it to her, a symbol of how much I would miss her. "I love you, Mom," I whispered, those words lingering in the air as I walked away, knowing it was the last sentence I would say to her before leaving.

As the footsteps grew nearer, Mom pushed me away, urging me to run. Tears streamed down my face as I sprinted towards the back door. Just as I reached it, ready to close it behind me, a gunshot pierced the air. "Mom!" I gasped, my heart pounding in my chest. I turned around my throat tightened as fear gripped my stomach, causing it to churn.

Mom's scream echoes in my ears and I feel my heart hammering in my chest as every pump accentuates and speeds up. My heart breaks into pieces as I witness the most painful and horrific moment any child could ever experience.

My mom's body shatters in the ground and just like that, my soul left my body and my heart started to burn for closure. I felt like I was hunted, it was a one-time thing but I experienced it every single time I closed my eyes. The memory is etched in my mind, replaying the scene of that teenager, gripping a gun probably for the first time, callously shooting my mom without a hint of remorse on his face. I then heard Mom's piercing scream, and my heart raced faster with a strong urge to rush out and save her. But at that moment I slightly opened the door and our eyes connected, I knew deep inside that attempting to help would only compound a mistake. I can't afford to be seen by the Maranzano's.

It will hurt Mom especially since she believes that a child's pain is the biggest heartbreak of a parent. She always says that she would rather die than watch anything happen to me. I close the door, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.

Leaning against it, I let my emotions pour out, tears streaming down my face. I cry and cry until my tears are exhausted, leaving me emotionally drained. At moment I realized that I didn't just lose my family or my house but I lost everything. I was never going to Delilah again, I was never going to be Mafia princess again. I knew I had to find my path, to give my heart that closure it needs and there is no best closure than revenge which is why I took an oath to find out about the Maranzano family and ruin that bitch that shot my mom.

~ Ten years later

My life is completely transformed. I am no longer Delilah. I'm Rachel Green, the nonchalant, jobless girl everyone thinks is obsessed with Richard Maranzano because I have been living my life with curiosities about his life. It is nerve-wracking how close yet far away I am from him. I know every single detail about his life - what he does, what he eats, what he wears, who he's with. Every single detail is stored is kept in my brain. I live to seek revenge on Richard Maranzano; the teenage boy that cared less about my mother. He is the same person that pierced my heart ten years ago and that is exactly what I am hoping I'd do to his heart. Although I will make sure that he burns more than I did.

I spend my day doing nothing but searching and looking at paparazzi's everyday, everywhere photos of the Maranzano family. It's really great how famous the Maranzino family are, I get to know and learn a lot about them without stepping out of my control zone. As a matter of fact, that is exactly what I am doing right now. I am sitting with my laptop on my thighs, sipping on a steaming cup of black coffee. My browser is filled with tabs about Richard Maranzano, and I can't help but dive deeper into his so-called pathetic fake life. It's become a regular routine for me, scrolling through articles and soaking up every detail while burning my tongue with the hottest black coffee ever.

I hate Richard Maranzano with a passion. I wish I could just strangle him to death but I know that it won't be enough. He deserves worse than that.... He deserves to suffer and rot in hell. It's been a whole ten years since that incident, and I've been painstakingly strategizing every step. I'm determined to create a flawless plan, making sure not to make a single mistake. The Maranzano family is known for their intelligence, so I have to be twice as clever to outsmart them and bring their life crashing down. I don't care how long this takes, all I know is that I will make sure that I take my revenge and give my mom the closure she deserves.

As I stumbled upon a photo of Richard Maranzano, I couldn't help but roll my eyes in frustration. Why is this guy more famous for his looks? I personally don't find him handsome at all. To me, he's just like a cucumber that needs to be peeled, so everyone can see how rotten and disgusting he is on the inside. Richard Maranzano is nothing more than a fake, he's definitely not as nice as he pretends to be. And certainly he is not an ordinary billionaire everyone thinks he is.

He is a part of a Mafia gang and I know that because I was once there too. Trust me, he is hiding under so many skin and I am the only one that sees right through him! I know what he does; he ruins families and burns down houses. That's exactly what he did to me, he burned my house making sure that I couldn't come back even if I wanted. Richard Maranzano is a devil... a devil in disguise.

As I scroll past his photos, I take a sip of coffee, relishing the way it burns down my throat. "Ugh," I can't help but groan at the sound of Rebecca arguing with her boyfriend again.

It feels like she's constantly in this cycle of arguments and breakups with him. Honestly, even I'm exhausted by their relationship. It's high time they take a real break from each other.

Sighing, I grab my earpiece and pop it in my ears, ready to block out any distractions. Right now, I'm laser-focused on Richard Maranzano and his family. Sometimes, I find myself wishing I had the means to hire a private investigator to gather more information about Richard Maranzano and his illegal activities. I am most interested in that because I know that it's one of the things that can get him at a loss easily. I am brought back to reality when the door swings open and Rebecca peeks her head into the room.

I take a glance at her and then shift my attention back to my laptop. "Why do you look like that, what happened?" I ask

"We broke up," She admits, her voice sinking into sadness. I can't help but roll my eyes. It's like a broken record with them, breaking up every two weeks.

"I can't believe we broke up," Her voice, barely above a whisper, carried a hint of sadness as she spoke.

I could see the weight of her emotions as she sat on the edge of the bed, seeking solace in the quiet of the room. It's difficult to fathom, but their relationship seems to go through a cycle of breaking up and getting back together every two weeks. "Really?" I try to match my tone with hers

"Tell me what happened." I'm seriously not interested in what happened, I know for sure that it has to do with something very stupid. "Okay, so get this. Ashley wanted me to meet his mother and.."

"Wait, hold up!" I trail her off midway "Ashley wanted you to meet his mom. That's a big step! What's making you hesitant about it?"

"I don't want to meet his mother or anyone from his family. I feel like after meeting his mother he will want to take the relationship to the next level and-" I cranked up the volume on my earpiece and played a high-tone song to drown out any mention of Mother, Ashley, or anyone else.

I just needed some peace and quiet. Relationship things aren't my kind of thing that's why I keep myself far away from it. I don't plan on settling down with anyone until I get my revenge because I believe that nothing should come between me and Richard. While I was busy with my task, I made sure to sneak quick glances and give subtle nods to Rebecca every now and then making sure that she suspects nothing.

Rebecca and I have been inseparable for five incredible years. We first crossed paths at the Western County's orphanage, and from that moment, a deep bond formed between us. We share a profound understanding, although there are times when deciphering her can be quite a challenge. But that's what makes our friendship so special.

"Oh my god... Oh my god..." I can't believe it! I take off my earpiece and turn to Rebecca with a wide smile on my face. "Guess what!" I exclaim. "Richard Maranzano is finally back in NewYork city."

"Wasn't he in New York City like six days ago?"

"He was but then he traveled to Italy for business and he spent three days there." "Wow!"

She exclaimed "You are really obsessed with this man."

I roll my eyes "That's not the point, the point is Richard Maranzano is in NewYork and will be at the Downtown black club tonight!"

Rebecca's eyes widen with excitement as she jumps up from the bed. "No way!" she grins. "Are you for real?"

"Yes, I read that Richard Maranzano is buying not just the Downtown Black club but the entire team of the club."

"Oh my god! He's going to buy our club and will be there." She exclaims.

The Downtown Black club is Rebecca and I number one place, we love to go there - well she loves to go there and I just love to hang out with her.

"This idea so amazing. I can't believe I might get a chance to meet Richard. The Richard Maranzano," She says excitedly. Girls go absolutely crazy for Richard Maranzano. I never can understand why.

"Yes but don't get your hopes too high, because it could just be a rumor. I've seen similar things before, and sometimes it turns out to be fake news."

"Rumor or not, who cares? This is Richard we're talking about! Any chance we get, we have to take it," She says with full excitement. Seems like she's really moved on from her broken relationship. I can't help but roll my eyes at her. I wish I could tell her that Richard is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He's not the genuine person she believes him to be.

"But wait a minute, why are you so excited? I thought you hated him," She says. "I'm not really excited, I'm just happy that I might have a chance to find out more about him. You know, my internet research isn't taking me anywhere,"

I explain. "I sometimes wonder why you're always so committed to searching about him. I mean, if you don't like him, you shouldn't be concerned with anything he's doing."

"You won't understand, Rebecca. It's not easy to just not be concerned. It's like a never-ending curiosity that keeps pulling me in," I say, trying to make her understand my perspective.

She gave me a puzzled look, raising an eyebrow, and asked, "Huh?"

"Never mind. What are you planning on wearing? Any ideas" I ask changing the subject I have never told Rebecca why I hate the Maranzano family and I don't have the intention of telling her because of her big mouth.

She can't seem to keep quiet especially when she gets drunk. "I have a few outfits in mind, but will we even have tickets to get in? I mean if Richard Maranzano the tickets will be twice expensive or worst, sold out!"

"Don't worry, I've got that covered. I know someone that can get us two tickets," I say with a mischievous smirk I can't wait for this. It's about time I meet you, Richard Maranzano.

I glance at my watch, feeling a mix of anticipation and frustration. It's been nearly thirty minutes since I arrived at the club, eagerly awaiting Richard Maranzano's arrival. Yet, as I look around the room, my hopes begin to fade. The pulsating music and energetic dance floor only amplify my growing disappointment. It seems like this night might turn out to be just like the other times - a complete waste of time.

I let out a frustrated sigh, resting my hand on the counter as I watched Rebecca ordering shots from the bartender. I can't help but turn my gaze towards the door once again, hoping to catch a glimpse of Richard Maranzano.

Why isn't he here already? I thought his number one rule was to always be on time.

Rebecca notices my impatience and asks, "Still waiting for him?" She's referring to Richard Maranzano, of course.

I look at her and give a nod, responding with a simple "Yeah."

"Maybe it's just a rumor," she suggests, trying to ease my worries.

I shake my head, feeling a mix of frustration and concern. "Oh no... I really hope it's not just a rumor. I spent $500 on each ticket, and I can't afford to lose that kind of money on a stupid rumor."

"You what!" Rebecca's eyebrows shoot up in surprise as she exclaims, "How could you spend that much on a ticket? Girl, you don't even have a job!"

"Not until tomorrow," I reply, reaching out to grab a shot from the tray the bartender just served Rebecca.

"It's an interview, you can't be certain about getting the job," she cautions.

"I will, I just have this strong feeling," I say confidently.

"But still, spending $500 on each ticket is quite a sum of money."

"I thought we agreed to seize any opportunity we have to meet Richard Maranzano," I remind her.

"I did but $500? No way, I didn't even spend that much money on Justin Bieber's concert."

"Yeah, I get it but this is totally different. We're talking about Richard Maranzano here, not just some regular musician." I say, quickly downing the shot.

"I don't even know what to tell you at this point but you know what just chill, if Richard Maranzano doesn't come, just relax and have some shot, enjoy your night." She suggests

"The only way I will be enjoying my night is when I see Richard Maranzano."

"You are so obsessed with this man."

I roll my eyes ignoring her comment. I don't know what's with her and everyone else telling me that I am obsessed with Richard Maranzano, I mean isn't it clear? I hate that man and would forever will. Richard Maranzano is the worst person on earth and the only thing I feel about him is hatred.

I give my hair a sassy flip over my shoulder and quickly check my phone for any updates on Richard Maranzano's arrival. But just as I'm scrolling, Rebecca snatches my phone away in an instant.

"No phones tonight, girl. Just enjoy the moment," she says with a mischievous grin.

"Come on, Rebecca, give me my phone back," I demand, feeling a bit annoyed.

She playfully shakes her head. "No, not happening."

"Rebecca!" I exclaim, trying to sound a little more persuasive.

She finally relents and hands me back my phone. "Fine, but only if you promise not to go all crazy about Richard Maranzano," she says, raising an eyebrow.

I let out a sigh, realizing she might have a point. "Alright, fine. But what else do you want me to do?"

She smirks and leans in, whispering, "It's a club, Rachel. Time to let loose, have some fun, and down some shots!"

"I didn't come here for shots, I came here for-" I start to say, but Rebecca cuts me off, snapping, "Oh, will you stop with this man already? I get it, you want information about him, but you seriously need a break. You had a life before you knew him, Rachel, so just relax."

I let out a sigh, giving her words a slight thought. "I guess you're right," I finally give in.

She smirks, putting my phone back inside my purse. "Yeah, I'm always right. Now, why don't we treat you to some shots?" she suggests, turning to the bartender. "Ten shots, please."

But just as the bartender starts pouring, a deep voice from behind me interrupts, "Make it twenty."

I turn to look at him, and just as I expected, it's some random leather jacket dude with a star tattoo on his wrist. The scent coming from him screams "badass." Definitely not my type of person.

"Sorry about that, ladies. I hope you don't mind me changing your orders," he says.

"No worries, we're cool with it," Rebecca says, flashing a flirty smile and twirling her hair.

"I'm Blake, and this is my cousin Brook," he introduces.

I give them a friendly smile while Rebecca chimes in, "I'm Rebecca, and this is Rachel," she says, pointing to me.

"You mind if we join you guys Rebecca?" Blake asks

"Not a problem, take a seat," Rebecca gestures towards the empty barstool next to her. Blake settles in next to Rebecca, while Brook takes the seat next to me.

"So, Rachel, tell me something interesting about yourself," Brook says.

"Well, I grew up in New York City, but I'm actually half Russian. My dad is Russian, and my mom is American," I share.

"That's pretty cool," he responds.

I roll my eyes internally. It seems like every guy says that when a girl shares something about herself.

"Thanks," I reply, quickly scanning my surroundings to make sure I don't miss Richard Maranzano passing by.

"You're welcome," Brook says, bringing my attention back to him.

With a smile, I playfully say, "Brook, that's a strange name for a guy, isn't it?" I blurt out. I honestly didn't mean it that way but again, I couldn't help it, I'm socially awkward when it comes to men.

He chuckles and replies, "Actually, it's not that strange."

"If you say so," I respond, quickly realizing my slip-up. I turn my attention away from him and squint my eyes, scanning the area in hopes of spotting Richard Maranzano.

"Are you waiting for someone?" Brook asks, noticing my searching gaze.

"No, not really. Why do you ask?" I inquire.

He shrugs and says, "Just curious. You seem to be looking around as if you're expecting someone."

I smile and reply, "Oh, no, just being observant. You never know who you might run into."

Brook starts to speak but my attention quickly diverts from him when the atmosphere suddenly changes, the air goes still and the room abruptly goes quiet. My gaze then shifted to the door when it opened and a bunch of muscular men starts to walk into the club.

I couldn't help but catch my breath as I take in the looks of each one of them. They all had a straight face but regardless, they looked no less than handsome. My gaze moves as their legs do the same, shifting my gaze to the man in the middle; Richard Maranzano. I find myself taking every inch of him, from his hair to his eyes, to his muscles, and back to his entire face. Richard Maranzano is all that the internet describes him as; a miracle from the heavens.

As I found my eyes locked in his, I felt an instant eerie sensation in the pit of my stomach. It felt like dark butterflies were fluttering around, making me uneasy. I couldn't shake the feeling that Richard Maranzano is not the miracle of goodness everyone says he is but rather a force of destruction.

Watching him stroll past me and head into what I assume is a VIP lounge, a wave of anger washed over me. It was like my veins were pulsing with frustration. But then, I heard Blake's voice in the background, repeatedly calling my name.

I turned to him and snapped, "What?!" What's going on, Blake?"

"Nothing, I just noticed that you are one of those girls, who dwelled in Richard Maranzano." He says

"Actually, no. You are wrong, I am not one of those girls, as a matter of fact, I am not even a fan." I say

"Really, I saw how you were looking at him and I get it, girls love him, he is famous, rich and is the youngest billionaire in town." he say

"I know but I'm not into him. And besides, there is more than just him being a billionaire."

Curious, he asks, "What do you mean by that?"

I wave it off and say, "Never mind." One thing about being a part of a Mafia is that it should always remain a secret from the world. That's why I never told anyone about my past life as a mafia princess.

"Ohh, well anyways, you wanna dance?" he ask

"No, I have better things to take care of," I say standing up from the stool. I grabbed my bag and walked away from him, I could feel his gaze on me but I refused to turn back and acknowledge him.

As I exited the club, I made the decision to walk to the back of the building. I plan to never meet Richard Maranzano face to face; I can't stand him but I can spy on him. I am damn sure that since he is planning on buying this club he would do it his way; illegally. Which is why I will have to spy on him and hear what he is up to.

I made my way to the back of the club and I meticulously analyzed each window until I found the right one. Standing by the window, I positioned my phone to record, fully aware that I might not be able to capture every word, but at least I would have some evidence.

While I strained to listen intently to their conversation, a robust figure approached me, his voice resonating with depth and authority. "What are you doing there?" he demanded.

Although his presence initially startled me, I maintained my composure and responded with a calm demeanor. "I could ask you the same question," I replied, subtly implying that his inquiry was unwarranted.

He gives a dismissive scoff and steps in front of me, his eyes fixed on my phone. "What do you have on your phone?" he asks, sounding curious.

I stand my ground and reply firmly, "That's none of your business."

But he doesn't back down. "Give it to me!" he demands, his tone becoming more forceful.

I challenge him, asking, "And what if I refuse?"

He warns me, "Don't test my patience, young lady."

"The only patience being tested here is mine," I state. I would be lying if I said he doesn't freak me out, but I would rather stand my ground than let him think that I'm scared of him

In a fit of anger, he shakes his head and snatches my phone from my hand without saying a word. He looks at the screen and then looks at me "Were you fucking spying on them?"

My heart races as I quickly snatch it back, "That's none of your business." I remark.

My heart feels like it's about to explode and my mind is repeatedly telling me the obvious. This is it, I'm gonna be dead, I know exactly what happens when someone is caught spying on a mafia king; especially if that mafia king is Richard Maranzano.

"Who are you and what the fuck did you hear!" He growls

"I... umm... I," I stammer, feeling flustered and unsure of what to say.

He glares at me, his voice filled with menace. "Do you have any idea who you're messing with?"

My words were held onto my chest but the moment I opened my mouth to speak, I clasped it shut when I noticed a man standing nearby. I quickly recognized the man, it was Brad. Richard Maranzano's personal bodyguard, he goes nowhere without him.

Brad's towering presence sends chills down my spine and my body freezes momentarily. My heart begins to ache in my chest when I realize that Richard Maranzano's bodyguard is going to kill me.

The muscular man standing in front of me notices Brad and takes a step backward, his eyes widening in surprise. I quickly assess the situation, realizing that they are not allies. He must be an enemy of Richard Maranzano.

Without wasting a second, Brad takes a step towards us, his expression determined. The man in front of me panics and hastily retreats, making a run for it. I felt like I was caught up between two life-threatening men and I felt my heart racing as I watched Brad sprint after him but suddenly halt in the process and look at my face, with no further action, he disappears into the pursuit.

Feeling the rush of adrenaline, I quickly trail the path Brad took, making sure to leave before anyone else arrives.

But just as I'm about to make a turn, I glance back and find Richard Maranzano. He's standing a few feet away, flanked by his imposing bodyguards. Our eyes meet, and I feel a lump form in my throat.

Why do I feel like I had just entered his bad list?