STOLE MAFIA'S HEART

ELLA MIA

My name is Ella Mai. I would describe my family as neither affluent nor destitute; we were simply an average family. My parents owned a newspaper business, which they diligently managed, allowing us to reside in a magnificent mansion in New York City.

My father, Jacob Mai, and my younger brother, Kenny Mai, both contributed their efforts to the family business, working side by side.

Tragically, our mother passed away when Kenny and I were just fifteen. Concerned about our need for a maternal figure, my father made the decision to marry Elizabeth, a woman who had been divorced long before. Elizabeth embraced us with open arms, treating us as her own children despite her own struggles with infertility. She never showed favoritism, showering both Kenny and me with the same level of affection she had for my father.

As the adage goes. "Nothing lasts forever."

One fateful day, a trusted partner in my father's company embezzled funds, leaving our family devastated as he disappeared without a trace. The news spread rapidly, causing some employees to leave and investors to demand their shares. In a desperate attempt to salvage the situation, my father took out a loan from the notorious mafia figure, Chase Banker, as banks were unwilling to lend him the amount he needed.

Chase banker was infamous for his ruthless demeanor; few dared to cross him or provoke his ire. With the loan secured, my father managed to pay his employees and investors, but soon after, our family found itself facing severe financial difficulties, with only my savings left in my account.

The mafia sent his young brother and trusted man to harass us repeatedly, reminding us of the debt we owed. They would come to our home, leaving chaos in their wake and threatening us, forcing us to clean up after their visit.

One day, while sitting in my room and scrolling through my bank app, a plan began to take shape in my mind. I realized I needed to confront the mafia and negotiate a settlement using my dwindling savings. To do this, I would have to deceive my family, telling them I was visiting my friend Aria for a few days.

I rushed downstairs to find my father, Kenny, and Elizabeth engrossed in a movie.

"Hey, Dad, Mom, Kenny! What are you watching?" I asked, my voice slightly trembling.

"Hello, my daughter." my father greeted warmly. "Just a movie that Kenny insisted we watch." he said.

"Hey, you said it was fun!" Kenny shot back, pretending to sulk.

Laughter erupted in the room as Elizabeth playfully nudged my father. "Come on, love, I heard you say you enjoyed it."

"Alright, alright." my father conceded. "I can't lie; the movie is dull. I'd rather read a newspaper." he said, nudging Kenny back.

"Before you make Kenny cry, I have something to tell you." I said, feeling the sweat on my palms.

"Of course, you can share anything with us." Elizabeth encouraged, patting the seat next to her.

As I sat down, she looked at me with concern. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine. I just want to visit Aria for a week to clear my head." I replied, glancing at my father.

"Why now? Given our financial situation..." he began, worry etched on his face.

"Don't worry about the money, Dad. I have my savings." I reassured him.

He felt guilty about not being able to cover my taxi fare. "Ella, I'll manage." he insisted.

"Dad, I'll take care of myself." I said, trying to alleviate his concerns.

He nodded, but Elizabeth interjected. "You can't go alone."

I chuckled lightly. "Come on, Mom, it's just a girls' trip. It's not like we need Kenny along, and Aria's parents will be there too." I explained, fabricating my reasoning.

"Hey, who says boys can't join?" Kenny piped up, eliciting laughter from us all.

"No, Kenny, Ella is right. She's grown up, and she'll be with Aria the entire time. After everything we've faced, she deserves this break." my father defended me.

Kenny and Elizabeth exchanged glances, both appearing resigned to the idea.

Two days later, I boarded my flight to Chase Banker's city, my stomach churning with anxiety.

Would he accept my proposal? Would he retaliate because of our debt? Would I return safely to my family?

These thoughts raced through my mind. This would be my first encounter with him, and I had no idea what to expect. Was he an old, grumpy man? I knew he was well-known in his city, but only a few understood how to approach him-never to joke, they said.

Upon my arrival, I was struck by the city's beauty. The fresh air revitalized me, and the opulent mansions of the wealthy were awe-inspiring.

After wandering for an hour, I approached an elderly man to ask for directions to Mr. Banker. He regarded me as though I had sprouted horns, but eventually pointed me toward a lavish mansion at the corner.

After another brief walk, I arrived at a gate marked "Mr. Banker."

Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, only to be stopped by the guards.

"Hello, young lady, how can we assist you?" one of them inquired.

"I'm here to speak with Mr. Banker." I replied simply.

"Do you have an appointment?" the other guard asked.

"No, I don't." I admitted.

"Please hold on; let us check with him." one guard said, making a call.

After a few tense minutes, he gestured for me to enter.

Inside, an elderly woman, presumably a servant, greeted me at the door.

"Good day, ma'am! Please come in. Can I offer you something to drink while you wait for Mr. Banker?" she asked, her warm smile putting me at ease.

"Oh, thank you. Water would be perfect." I replied, feeling a touch shy.

She nodded and left the room, returning shortly with a glass of water. I eagerly gulped it down, feeling the refreshing liquid quench my thirst as I waited.

Moments later, I noticed a figure descending the stairs. A tall, Hot man stood at six feet two, approaching me.

mafia leader.

Dressed in an expensive suit, with piercing blue eyes, a chiseled jawline, and light brown hair, he exuded an air of confidence that was almost mesmerizing.

This man was not old; he was breat

ELLA MIA

He stood before me, arms crossed over his chest, his deep, resonant voice breaking the silence. "How may I assist you?"

I quickly rose to my feet and extended my hand in greeting. "I'm Ella Mai." To my dismay, he chose to overlook my gesture, leaving me to awkwardly withdraw my hand.

"So, you're Jacob's daughter?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow while gesturing for me to take a seat. I complied only after he settled into his chair. I nodded in affirmation.

"And what brings you here, Ella?" The way he spoke my name sent a whirlwind of butterflies through my stomach.

After swallowing hard, I mustered the courage to reply. "I have a proposal concerning my father's debt." My voice quivered with trepidation.

A brief silence followed before he answered, "I'm all ears." casually crossing his legs.

"Please, grant me two years to repay my father's debt. I'll secure two jobs to cover it." I pleaded earnestly.

His chin rested on his hand, his penetrating gaze making me feel utterly exposed.

"No." he replied with unwavering firmness.

"I can work for you until the debt is cleared." I urged, hoping for a more favorable response.

"You." He pointed a long, slender finger at me, scanning me from head to toe, and replied, "No, thank you."

We held a tense gaze until I sighed heavily, breaking the silence.

"Please, sir. Our business is already defunct. The only remnant is the debt we owe you. For now, I can offer you my savings and find a job to settle the amount." I implored once again.

"Tell your father I want my money." he said, glancing at his expensive watch. "If you would excuse me, I have a business to manage. Please leave my mansion now." His tone was icy as he stood and adjusted his suit.

At that moment, an elderly woman in a wheelchair approached, appearing frail and unwell.

"Son." she called softly.

The man I had come to know as a cold-hearted mafia figure turned to the old woman, his expression softening; I finally saw a flicker of warmth.

"Yes, Grandma." he said, kneeling to kiss her forehead.

An idea sparked in my mind.

"What's wrong with her?" I asked, curiosity overtaking me.

"That's none of your business." he snapped sharply, sending a chill down my spine.

What is wrong with this man? I wondered. Perhaps the rumors about him were true.

The old woman tapped her grandson gently on the shoulder. "Chase, stop it." she warned him with a steely gaze before turning to me. "I've been in and out of the hospital, and they can't identify the problem. I feel weak and ill every minute."

If looks could kill, Chase would have struck me down right then. But I focused my attention on the old woman instead.

"My mother is knowledgeable about herbs. Since the doctors couldn't find a solution, perhaps herbal remedies could help." I offered with confidence.

"Really?" she asked, her eyes lighting up with a glimmer of hope.

I nodded, pride swelling within me.

Chase stood up abruptly, fixing his gaze on me. "I've taken her to the best doctors, and they've failed. Yet you believe in herbs?" His tone dripped with skepticism.

I nodded again and replied. "Yes, she can heal with those herbs. My mother taught me about them since I was a child, and we've helped others who felt hopeless after visiting doctors without success." I smiled widely, hoping to instill some confidence.

He stepped closer and inquired. "Do you have those herbs with you?" His demeanor had shifted to calm, catching me by surprise.

"No, but I can..." I began, but he raised his hand to interrupt.

"How about the deal?" he asked.

"Deal?" I murmured, my voice barely a whisper.

"Yes. If you can restore my grandmother's health and help her walk again, I will forget about the debt."

"Really?" I asked, fighting back tears as my voice trembled.

"Only if my grandmother returns to her former self." he concluded coldly.

"Servant." he called out.

"Yes, sir?" came the reply.

"Prepare food and a room for Miss Mai." he instructed, readying himself to leave.

"Sir." I called after him.

He halted, not even glancing my way, and responded coldly. "Yes?" with one hand tucked into his pocket.

"But I don't have the herbs with me." I admitted, lowering my gaze.

He summoned another servant, instructing her. "Pack my bag and Mrs. Banker's bag; we will be departing soon."

"We?" I echoed, confusion evident on my face.

"Yes, we. I have a mansion and a business there, so I'll work from the city until you complete healing my grandma." he stated before walking away.

I mouthed an "O" in realization.

Dinner was served, and I was escorted by the servant to a room twice the size of mine. It was lavishly furnished, with gold and red curtains, a spacious walk-in closet, and a large window overlooking the bustling streets. The king-sized bed could easily accommodate five people. Compared to my home, this room felt like a palace.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "Come in." I called, revealing the servant who held a set of luxurious clothes resembling nightwear.

"Mr. Banker instructed me to give you these." she said.

I accepted them, surprised to find they fit perfectly.

"How did he know my size?" I asked, furrowing my brow.

"Well, Mr. Banker has a woman who is the same size as you." she replied.

"But I haven't seen her." I admitted, puzzled.

The servant glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, and explained. "Mr. Banker has a girlfriend chosen by his mother, but he was furious and dismissed her."

How interesting.

"And where is Mr. Banker's mother?" I inquired.

She sat beside me on the bed and elaborated, "Mrs. Banker lives in the city where Mr. Banker is taking his grandmother. She is ruthless and makes all the decisions for her children."

"Children?" I echoed.

"Yes, miss. She has three: two sons and one daughter."

'Oh that guy that came into our home.' I thought.

"Chase is the eldest, followed by Liam, and the daughter is Stella. The two boys are unmarried, while Stella is currently married. However, Mrs banker husband divorced her due to Mrs. Banker's harsh demeanor. Mr. Banker pleaded with his mother to send the lady named Olga away, but Mrs. Banker insisted that he would learn to love her and that Olga would remain until they wed."

As we continued our conversation, a cough interrupted us.

The cold mafia figure stood at the door, his piercing gaze making me feel small.

"You two." he pointed at us. "are merely workers here, and I detest gossip about my personal affairs." His voice was laced with anger.

"I'm so sorry, sir. It won't happen again." I stammered, trembling under his scrutiny.

He cast one final glare at us before exiting.

"Miss, it's getting late. You should get some rest." the servant advised.

I nodded, resolved not to find myself in a situation like that again.

AT MR. BANKER'S FAMILY MANSION

Mrs. Grace Banker

"I have a wonderful surprise for you, my dear daughter-in-law." Mrs. Banker declared with an infectious cheer.

"Just tell me! Did Chase finally set a date for our wedding?" Olga asked, her enthusiasm evident as she took a sip of her tea.

"Oh, my poor girl. What I meant to say is that my son, Chase, will be returning home for a few months along with that unbearable woman who drives me up the wall. However, I am genuinely thrilled that he'll be spending time with us and his grandmother again. This gives you the perfect opportunity to win him over." Mrs. Banker added, nearly rolling her eyes at her own comment.

Olga recognized Chase's feelings all too well; she understood he would never regard her as a potential bride. Still, she nodded in feigned understanding.

"Alright, Mrs. Banker. I will do my utmost to flirt with him and secure that engagement ring." Olga replied, suppressing her own eye roll.

Mrs. Banker flashed her a bright smile and took a sip of her coffee.

ELLA MIA

A persistent knocking at the door jolted me from my slumber. I rolled over, hoping to drift back into sleep, but the knocking only grew louder.

Flicking on the light on my nightstand, I was startled to see that it was six in the morning-a time I typically avoided. Kicking off my blankets, I hurried to the door and flung it open. "Some of us don't wake up at this hour. Please, next time..." I began, but my words faltered when I realized it was Mr. Banker standing before me.

"Is gossiping about me not enough? Now you want to commandeer my mansion?" he said, his brows knitted in annoyance.

I steadied myself to respond, but he silenced me with a quick gesture.

"Get in the shower; the servant will bring your clothes in five minutes." he instructed, glancing at his watch. "We're leaving."

Before I could react, he gestured toward his watch, emphasizing the urgency of the moment, rolling his eyes as he did so.

I closed the door and stomped my feet in frustration while rushing to shower.

Two minutes later, I emerged feeling presentable. Mr. Banker's girlfriend-or whatever she was-had impeccable taste. I slipped into a flowing yellow summer dress that accentuated my figure perfectly, paired with white sandals. I tied my hair back in a ponytail to complete my look.

Grabbing my bag, I dashed out of my room, already feeling a twinge of nostalgia about leaving it behind, knowing I wouldn't return.

As I made my way down the stairs, I spotted Mr. Banker's grandmother in a wheelchair alongside Chase, who was dressed in a sharp black suit. I couldn't help but wish I could pull him close and steal a kiss, but his gaze made me uneasy.

"What? Is the dress not to your liking?" I challenged, curious if he was still preoccupied with thoughts of his girlfriend.

"Yes, you look like a grandmother in it. Let's go; we're ten minutes late." he replied, rolling his eyes at me.

I froze in disbelief. 'Like a grandmother?' I thought, but the old woman noticed my expression and interjected.

"Chase, mind your words! If you make this sweet child leave me with these pains, I'll disown you as my grandson." she said, winking at me, while Chase's face flushed with irritation.

I smirked, enjoying my small victory, and he retorted. "You can't say that to me, your favorite grandson, and choose a stranger over me."

"We're taking your private jet, dummy, so how can we be late?" the old woman replied, rolling her eyes at her grandson.

It appeared that rolling eyes was a family trait among the Bankers. Chase remained silent as he gently pushed his grandmother along.

The flight was filled with an awkward tension. The aloof Chase buried himself in work while the old woman dozed throughout the journey. Meanwhile, I found myself doing little more than staring out the window, visiting the restroom, and sipping coffee, water, or juice until we landed.

Upon our arrival, we took SUVs directly to my house. The only question Chase asked was for directions, after which silence enveloped us as his grandmother took a private jet back home.

Moments later, we arrived at my mansion, the lights illuminating the interior, signaling that my parents and younger brother were inside.

"Please wait here; I'll only be a minute." I said, glancing at him, but was met with silence.

Just as I was about to exit, I felt a firm grip on my hand and turned to face him. "Don't forget to pack enough clothes." he instructed coldly. I nodded, still feeling a mix of shock and anxiety, and stepped outside.

I couldn't believe he thought I'd be able to endure staying there every morning to face his mother. The thought of seeing his frosty demeanor daily felt torturous.

I glanced back, surprised to see him approaching me. "No, I need to do this alone, please." I pleaded, gently pushing him back toward the car clad in his expensive suit.

"Don't test me. Remember, you owe me, not the other way around, so I'll do as I please, or the deal is off." he retorted coldly, sending a chill down my spine.

I sighed deeply, opening the door while he stood next to me, looking so frigid that I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me.

"Daughter." my father called from the couch, nearly tumbling over when he saw who was beside me.

"You're not going to welcome me to your mansion, Mr. Mia?" Mr. Coldface asked, his hands in his pockets, staring directly at my father.

"Apologies, Mr. Banker. Please, come in." my father stammered.

Seeing my father shrink in front of Mr. Coldface ignited a spark of resentment in me toward him.

Mr. Coldface nodded and took a seat in an empty chair. He glanced at me and, with a small smirk, asked. "Care to join us?"

Now I understood; he was seeking revenge for my earlier smirk, which was why he had accompanied me home.

"Mr. Mia, your daughter approached me regarding your debt." he stated, triggering my father's fury.

"What?" my father roared, standing abruptly.

"Please, take a seat, Mr. Mia. Let's not create a scene." Mr. Banker replied, crossing his legs.

My mother and little brother remained silent, well aware of the building tension.

My father sat, and Mr. Coldface gestured for me to speak.

"Father, Mother, Kenny, I'm sorry about..." I began, but he interrupted.

"Some of us don't have all day. Mr. Mia, your daughter informed me that she would work for me to settle your debt." he declared succinctly.

"And work how, Mr. Banker? At your brothel?" my father spat, consumed with rage.

"Don't insult my generosity, Mr. Mia. I could seize this mansion and your cars, and you'd still owe me. Ella, go pack while I speak with Mr. Mia." he ordered, leaving me no room to voice my opinion as I retreated to my room.

After packing some of my belongings, I returned to the sitting room, only to find them sipping whiskey and chatting.

Kenny was holding his own while my mother savored a glass of wine.

"What's going on?" I questioned, bewildered.

My father chuckled and replied. "If you had been straightforward, I wouldn't be furious. Dear, starting Saturday, you will visit us, as Mr. Banker has agreed, and your mother has packed the herbs you'll need."

I stood there, speechless.