Mafia's Obsession: Tainted Legacy

Lyra's POV

"What the hell is going on here?!" I asked. My voice was firm, my brows were furrowed in anger.

All eyes in the room snapped towards me where I stood at the entrance of the door, my backpack clinging tightly on my shoulders.

I walked to where my Dad and Brent were bowing in front of a man dressed in a Black suit, seated regally, his posture confident and authoritative with two other men who stood, keeping bitter faces like people who were fed sh!t.

"I just asked a question, why's no one answering. And Dad? Why are you bowing in front of someone you can give birth to twice his age?" I said, pointing at the man.

"Your daughter-" the man whom my Dad and Brent were bowing to wanted to say, but I instantly cut him off,

"Oh shut the fuck up you cunt!"

My Dad and Brent gasped, and his companions glared at me like they were going to end me the moment they were ordered to.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I referred to the man, "This man is old enough to be your father. Did your mom not teach you how to respect your elders?"

I nagged, my voice raising each time I spoke.

"No she didn't" the man said in an a very thick accent I recognized was Italian, "How about you teach me, princess"

He rose from his seat, his broad and tall figure standing like a pillar.

"Oh, I gladly will" I walked to where his giant figure was standing, "bend your head" I ordered.

His brows furrowed in confusion, but he still obeyed. I balled my knuckles into a fist, raised my arm higher as I could, then landed a knock right at the middle of his head.

He grunted, rubbing his head gently.

Dad and Brent gasped once again. The man's companion lunged at me angrily, but he signalled them to stop.

I raised my hand to knock him for the second time, but my dad grabbed my wrist.

"What do you think you're doing Lyra?" He scolded me then turned to the stranger. "I apologize on her behalf. Please overlook her mistakes, she's just immature"

"Immature?" I scoffed, my anger burning wild like flames, "Dad I'm 20!"

"I can overlook her mistakes," he said in a cold voice, his gaze not leaving me," And clear your debt too, if you will let me take her as my bride"

I scoffed. Then let out a menacing laugh, "you've finally lost it mister!"

He smirked, then sat back on the chair, crossing his legs.

But he said debt? Well, that aside for now.

"Look-"

"Enough Lyra. Enough!" Dad cut me off,"Excuse us, please" he said to the man, dragging me out the living room with Brent following us behind.

"What's wrong with you?" Dad questioned almost a whisper as soon as we got out of their sights.

"I should be the one asking that." I whispered back, glaring at them," What is wrong with the both of you? Why were you both bowing to that low-budget King, or whoever he is?"

"Low-budget King you say?" Brent let out a small, bitter laugh, "The man standing out there, the one you just referred to as a "low-budget King" is the Sicilian mafia underboss"

I staggered back, blinking while I tried to process what my brother just said.

That man? A mafia Underboss?!

No damning way!

Yes, he looked dangerous. He had a few tatts on his knuckles but then..... Never ever did I expect a Mafia Underboss to be in our home!

"Tell me you're joking, Brent"

"Why the devil will I joke with something so serious?!" Brent gritted his teeth.

"You were supposed to be at school, why the hell did you have to come home? Just why?" Dad said as he paced back and forth.

I just came back home because I missed my family and I badly wanted to see them. How the heck was I supposed to know my family would have a silly, mysterious connection with a Mafia organization- the Sicilian mafia at that!

Screw me! I shouldn't have overreacted the way I fucking did!

"It might look like the underboss had given us two options to choose one but in reality, the options are three. It's either you agree to marry or we pay the money this instant or....." Brent hesitated.

"Or what, Brent? Tell me already" I urged, eager to hear what the last option was.

"Or our heads will be served to you on a golden platter, and you'll still end up getting married to him. That's how ruthless the Sicilian mafia is" Dad explained.

I shifted back, tears rolling down my face. My hands trembled, my throat became dry.

How did my Dad and Brother cross paths with these kinds of men? To the extent of lending money?

"How much is the money and what was it used for?"

They hesitated.

"C'mon both of you, there's no point hiding anything from me anymore. Just spill the beans"

"50 million dollars. It was used for your operation" Dad's calm voice said.

"What?!" My eyes bulged out in shock.

"Five years ago, when Mom had left us, you fell ill and the doctor had diagnosed valvular Heart disease and said your heart valve was severely damaged. You needed to be operated on urgently, but the doctors had requested for a deposit before the operation commenced. We had no penny, but we were so desperate for you to stay alive and that was how it resulted in this- lending money from the Sicilian organization." Brent explained.

So, it was me.

I was the Genesis of the whole thing.

My Dad and brother had to risk their lives for me. But I ended up adding fuel to the fire.

I wiped the tears that had rolled down my face, my mind made up. If marrying the Sicilian mafia underboss would guarantee the safety of my family and also clear the debt, then, so be it. I was a thousand and one ready to do it.

"I will do it, Dad," I announced. "I'll marry him"

They both raised their brows, stunned.

"Have you gone nuts? The Sicilian mafia Don is so strict and traditional. You won't last half an hour with him" Brent said, his voice laced with concern.

"It does matter"

"It does, sweetheart." dad mumbled

"Well, my mind is made up"

I stormed off to the living room where the mafia underboss was, smoking a cigar with his accomplices still standing behind him like guards.

A sly smirk played on the side of his lip as soon as he saw me.

"Hai presso in considerazione la mia alleanze, principessa? (You've taken my alliance into consideration, princess?) "

If only I knew what he meant. The word I understood in Italian was "Sí(yes).

"You won't threaten or torture my family or ask them for the money we owe after I agree to the alliance, right?" I went straight to the point.

"Sí, principessa" he nodded.

I sucked in my breath, clenching the hem of my cardigan,

"Then I agree"

He sighed, his smirk didn't waver as he rose, straightening his black well tailored Tux.

"Alright then, the engagement is next week. On Tuesday. We're getting married immediately after the engagement" he said.

All I could do was nod. It felt like there was a massive lump in my throat preventing me from talking.

"See you on Tuesday, princess"

Salvatore's POV.

"You were strangely calm with that little missy in there, Salvatore," my youngest brother, Russo, said as we walked to the car from the Klein's.

"Don't tell me it's love at first sight because what the hell has gotten into you? You're very much aware dad's going to be against it" Bianchi, my immediate brother pointed out.

I inhaled deeply, tucking my hands into my pocket. Bianchi was right. My dad would never agree to this goddamned alliance. We had one sole motive before coming to New York - getting the money from the Klein's.

Dad was home, probably waiting for us to return the money before he returned to Sicily, and he hated it when there were holes in his plans.

And that little missy? What was her name again....? Lyra! Yes, Lyra. That little, fearless, feisty missy. I liked her.... Her personality. But she'd swiftly turned into a complete red flag for me.

She had the audacity to call me a 'cunt' and as if that weren't enough, she'd hit me on my damn head. She clearly wasn't aware of what she had co-signed for. I would sure show her what a real 'cunt' is like.

A devilish, sly smirk played on my lips.

"You're busy smirking like it's nothing serious? What the hell are you plotting, huh?" Bianchi asked, a big frown settled on his forehead.

"I'm honestly not happy with your decision. You know what it's impact it's going to be on us, but you still did it, and I'm sure you did it to get back at her. Petty!" Russo hissed.

"Didn't you fucking see how she called me a cunt? Why are you getting so worked up about the decision I made for myself?!" I snapped at him, though I didn't intend to. Maybe that was me just transferring my aggression to him.

"Magari perché stiamo per perdere la capacità di camminare per un paio di giorni in poche ore (maybe 'cause we're going to lose our ability to walk for a couple of days in just few hours)" he retorted going into the car.

Bianchi followed suit.

Well.... He was right.

_____

"Stronzo! (You cunt!)" My dad flared, throwing the glass of whiskey he held right at the face. The glass hit me on my forehead, leaving a cut.

I'd explained in details the whole that happened at the Klein's and of course omitting the part where a little missy I was 6 fucking years older than had called me a cunt and gave me a hard knock on my head.

Blood oozed freely from the cut, soaking my white T-shirt, but I cared less. Not like it was the first. And the real torture was yet to come.

"Mi dispiace( I'm sorry) I said clenching my fist tightly, my fingers digging into my palm.

"Dispiace?(Sorry?)." He landed a hard punch on my face, bursting my lower lip. "Who's going to pay the money? You? Or those imbeciles of you call your brothers?"

"I told you Bianchi and Russo weren't part of it. The decision was solely made by me and I'll take full responsibility. I'll pay the money".

"And Octavia? What about her?"

Oh well, the rude, arrogant and manipulative bitch who'd always hung around me like my gun!

"Our engagement will get cancelled. I never even loved her to start with".

Another heavy blow landed on my face, its weight throwing me on the floor. One thing I was grateful for was Russo and Bianchi wasn't part of this. I wouldn't have been able to bear it- seeing my siblings getting hurt for what I did.

"The Russian and the Sicilian mafia will turn into enemies until eternity, do you know what that means?" he thundered.

Of course, I knew. It meant nothing but WAR.

"I'll protect La Famiglia" I said, my voice calm. My breath heavy.

"You said that so easily. Is that how easy it seems?"

"Lo farò. Con l'ultima goccia del mio sangue(I will. With the last drop of my blood)" I raised my gaze to meet his, "Lo giuro(I swear)"

"It took me 30 fucking years to bring this organization to where it is today, and you want to destroy everything for me because of your incompetence? Over my dead body will I let that happen," he spat.

"Better keep to your words, or I can promise you a really painful death. Don't joke with me, son" he warned-more like a threat.

It was so pathetic despite being feared in the outside world. Despite being known to the world for being ruthless, I still cave in when it comes to that one person. My dad.

After three fucking hours of torture, I staggered towards my room, my bruised body dripping blood.

The pain?

The torture?

It made me more lethal. More dangerous.

I flung my bedroom door open and found three pairs of eyes staring at me. And of course, it was that of my brothers and cousin.

I rolled my eyes, annoyed while I shot the door behind.

"Oh my dearest, sweetest cousin brother" My cousin, Miley said teasingly, "look what you've gotten yourself into"

"I warned you, didn't I?" Russo said.

I was so sure he was the one who told Miley about it.

"If I were the three of you, I wouldn't even stay in this room for another second" I limped towards my bed.

"Get your asses out of my room before I transfer all my aggression on you and do something stupid!"

I snapped, and like bees, they buzzed off.

I collapsed onto my bed as I stared at my ceiling. Tuesday, What a big day it would be.

.....

The days flew by so quickly and it was Tuesday, my wedding day and guess what! My bride was standing in front of me looking as feisty as ever with a massive frown settled on her forehead.

Only a few of her relatives, Russo, Bianchi, and Miley were invited along with the Sicilian bodyguards. Dad had returned to Sicily last night. He wasn't happy about the wedding so there was obviously no reason to attend.

I leaned forward, consuming the space between us then whispered, "Smile a little, princess. The guests will think I'm forcing you into the marriage when it isn't so".

She stared dagger at me for a while, then her lips stretched into a smile. One that was from the teeth and not from the heart.

"Do you, Salvatore Leone Morano, take Lyra Helga Klein to be your wife, to love and cherish her, through all the joys and challenges of life, forsaking all others and holding only to her, so long as you both shall live?" the priest asked.

Love and Cherish her? No! Nahhh! Nauuur! Never!

"Yes, I do," I replied, and the priest turned to her.

"Do you, Lyra Helga Klein, take Salvatore Leone Morano to be your husband, to love and cherish him, through all the joys and challenges of life, forsaking all others, and holding only to her, so long as you both shall live?"

Her gaze was locked into mine, anger, resentment was clearly visible in her eyes.

She was mad at me when I was just doing them a favor? So ungrateful!

"I do" she responded and we exchanged rings.

I smirked.

Oh, welcome to hell, princess.

My triumph moment was interrupted with a clap that had suddenly erupted, echoing loudly in the church. I needed no soothsayer to tell me it was that Bitch Octavia.

She cat walked towards the altar, swaying her hips seductively.

"Long time, no see, octopus" I smiled lightly at her.

She was a full-time bitch. Sly as a fox. Lethal than a volcanic eruption and more dangerous than a nuclear war.

She was here, in New York because I cancelled the engagement. I knew her so we'll, and I knew she was here to create a fuss, but I was a thousand and one ready.

I signaled my men to surround and protect Lyra's family.

Lyra's safety was under my control. I own her, after all.

"So this is the bitch you're getting married to?" She scoffed, "you've got such a bad taste"

"You think you're better than her?" I smirk walking to where she stood "touch some grass, sweetheart"

Anger blazed in her eyes, she seethed her teeth staring dagger at Lyra.

If looks could kill, my feisty bride would have drop-dead

In a swift motion, she brought out her gun and aimed it directly at Lyra.

"This bitch can't have you if I can't, Salvatore" she cocked the gun, "You're Mine alone!"

She spat and pulled the trigger.

Lyra's POV

I stood at the altar, cluelessly watching the drama unfolding before me-well, not until a gun was pointed straight at me.

I raised my hands in the air, my eyes shot tightly as my heart raised and fell fast in my chest.

I seemed cluelessly about shits happening around me-in my life lately.

First, was the debt which led to this godforsaken marriage.

Then this. My husband-sounded cringe but, yeah - my husband had a fiancé and from the look of things, their engagement was cancelled because of this so-called 'wedding'.

I waited for the sharp pain of a bullet piercing through my skin as soon as a gunshot erupted in the church, but then, nothing had happened. No pain. I didn't feel any liquid substance-blood, dripping from any part of my body.

Do you think one of my family members had taken the bullet for me, just like they do in movies?

No!

The thought of it made my heart skip and I instantly fluttered my eyes open in horror only to meet an entirely different scenario.

Everyone in the church had guns aimed at themselves, including Salvatore whose hand gripped the girl's neck tightly and the other holding her wrist which held the gun up in the air.

My mind snapped to my family. My eyes scanned the church and I found them, they were being guarded by Salvatore's men.

Relief hit me like a bullet.

My attention went back to Salvatore and the lady who he was strangling with all his strength. I could see tears rolling down her cheek, her red eyeballs, bulged out.

With the type of man Salvatore was, he wouldn't mind committing a murder in the lord's sacred hall. But I wished someone would stop him.

But what else could they possibly do? He had a gun aimed right at his forehead, but he seemed to care less.

Why would he propose such an alliance when he had a fiancé and she seemed powerful as well. Dragging the powerless me into something that seems like a clash between two organizations.

"Let go of her right now, or I'll pull the trigger, Salvatore" the man who'd pointed a gun at Salvatore's head ordered.

Someone was finally doing something!

Salvatore's gaze flew to me like he was checking if I was okay then back to the dying lady, then to the man

"Order me one more time, chicken,I swear it'll cost you your life and hers" he said, his voice cold with no single emotion.

Shivers washed through my spine on behalf of the man.

He gulped down his saliva, his grip on his gun tightening. He didn't shoot, but he didn't dare utter another word.

"You see that fine shit standing on the altar?" Salvatore finally spoke, pointing at me.

"There's a whole lot of difference between you and her, Octavia Spencer, and trust me when I say you're nothing compared to her,"

He smirked.

"Do you want to know the differences between the two of you? The most important of them?"

He threw her to the floor, making her collide with the ground harshly.

"She won't have to beg me for a kiss. She won't have to beg me to sleep with her and hell, I chose her over you because she's a million better than you!"

Okay, I would be lying if I said I didn't blush at that. Yes, I knew he was trying to get to her and make her mad but.....

I was one hell of a big fool, innit!

"I can promise you a really slow and painful death, Octavia, and I'll make sure to eliminate the whole Russian clan if you dare try to hurt my wife. Trust me"

Octavia could say nothing. She soothed her neck gently for a while, then staggered up with the help of her men.

"You'll pay for this, Salvatore Leone Morano. I'll make sure the entire Morano pays for this humiliation!" She spat and without waiting for a response, she stormed out of the church.

Everywhere became calm, the tension slowly dying down. Just the sounds of guns being uncocked filled the church.

"Christ!"

Breathed out a figure who struggled out from under the church bench.

The priest.

How the fuck did he get there?

And wasn't he supposed to, like...pray?

He didn't even spare us a glance as he walked past us, murmuring silent prayers to himself until he was out of sight.

I hurried down from the altar and rushed to my family.

"Dad, Brent, aunt, are you okay?" I asked, concern laced in my voice as I checked their body round. Thank goodness, no injury.

"We're fine darling" my aunt replied, staring at Salvatore.

I already knew what she was thinking.

"No, no aunt, forget about what just happened. Salvatore is a really nice man" I tried to convince her, "Trust me, auntie" I said and she nodded slowly.

Of course, aside from my dad, Brent and I, nobody knew about the deal between Salvatore and my family, and I wasn't planning to disclose it to anyone else.

Not my dad getting all emotional when it was time to leave. His little princess was now married, and he was sending her off to a hell on earth.

Well, he didn't actually say that, but I knew that was why he was so emotional.

.....

The morano's estate was like a heaven on earth standing almost in the middle of nowhere.It was a lone sprawling mansion painted all white with a black painted steel gate.

My jaw dropped in awe the moment I stepped foot into the building. The marble floors gleamed beneath crystal chandeliers. Every piece of furniture looked like it belonged in a museum.

Everything about the mansion screamed nothing but WEALTH!

A few hours later, I was shown my room-a spacious, luxurious room with a well-dressed queen-sized bed. I unpacked my bag and changed into a tight black jean and a t-shirt I stole from my brother.

My room door burst opened and Salvatore walked in looking like a SIN.

He was dressed in All Black. Black ripped jeans that showcased his fresh and flawless thigh, black tank top that revealed the few tattoos he had on his chest and then a black leather jacket.

I hate to admit it, but he was dangerously and breathtakingly handsome.

"Are you done staring?" He smirked.

"I wasn't staring" I mumbled, lowering my gaze.

He stretched out an envelope that I almost didn't know he was with.

"The rules that guide living here with me" he said in his hoarse voice.

Rules?

Did I expect any less? Definitely Not!

I took the envelope from him and he walked out.

My eyes widened in awe or should I say in surprise as I read the content of what was in the envelope. Were these rules or punishment?

I stormed out of the room, each step echoing on the marble floor, heavy and purposeful. I just wanted to confront him. To ask him if I was his wife or a prisoner.

I walked around the whole mansion, its beautiful interior blurring into the background.

The house was empty!

There was no fucking soul in the house aside me?!

Where the heck did they all disappear to?

I was still descending the stairs when the lights suddenly went off.

Huh? Blackout? But why now!

Panic crept into me. I tapped my pockets in search of my phone, but it wasn't in any of my pockets. I probably left it in the room.

My shoulders stiffened, my palm getting all sweaty. I held on to the railing tightly with my legs glued to the marble floor.

"Is... Is anyone there?" I stuttered, scared. My heart thumbed in my chest, my breathing becoming ragged.

"Is anyone there?" My knee buckled beneath me as my vision blurred. It felt as if the world spun for a second and then everything went black