The Mafia Don's Woman.

"As the darkness passes to a glorious morning, dear God goes with me everywhere and let your blessings be upon me. Amen." I tell a quick prayer and did the cross sign.

I picked up my phone from the nightstand and unlocked it. As always, there is a message waiting to be read.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE. It reads. From a hidden number.

This always happens on my birthday every year, for a couple of years now. I have stopped letting it disturb my peace of mind.

I pick myself up from my bed and head to the restroom to get ready for work. It's still early I might as well take my time while getting ready.

"Good morning, mom." I greet my mother as I entered the kitchen, I kissed her on both cheeks.

"Good morning my dear." I bend down a little for her to place a kiss on my head. "Do you have to go to the office today?" Mom whines, childishly pouting her lips.

"Of course, mom. If it was up to me, I would stay home and spend the day with you. But I'm helpless." I shrugged and picked up the mug of hot chocolate I always drink in the morning. To say I have the best mom in the world, would be an understatement. She is the best of the best.

She is both my protector, my confidant, and my best friend. Always making sure I have everything I need to start my day.

"But it's your birthday today, can't those bosses of yours grant you a day off." She pressed, I rolled my eyes and made my way to the tiny dining table at the side of the kitchen.

My food is already on the table waiting for me to come and devour it.

"You haven't asked for leave once since you started this job, and it has been a year now. Why can't your boss be reasonable." Mom grumbled, she grumpily drops onto the seat opposite mine.

"Mom, it's not their fault either. A direct order was made from the top that everyone, irrespective of your position must be present today as the owner of the company is coming." I cut a big piece of pancake in my mouth, eyeing my mom as she is still not satisfied with the reason.

"So what? You can skip and nobody will notice with over a hundred employees." I gave my mom a are you serious look, which she dismissed.

"This is the first time the big boss is coming to our company since he bought this company. That should be a year ago as well when I was still an intern. Today's event will determine if many of us will stay or not."

"Okay, fine I understand. You can stop defending them." She reluctantly agree, I was about to jump for joy when she cuts me off.

"But..." My smile dimmed.

She stare at my face for a moment before she continued.

"You must be back before six." She said with a smile.

"Okay, mom." I went around the table and hugged her.

"I should get going, don't want to be late today of all days," I said while I packed up my bag.

"But you didn't even eat enough to last you for the day." She complained.

"Knowing you mom, my lunch flask is in my bag." I grinned at the look on her face, skipped my way to the front door, and out of the house.

I quickly made my way to the office, escaping the morning sun. Though the sun is not yet harsh it still left my skin dried. Luckily, I don't have to hail a cab to work every day, the company building is a ten minutes walk from my home.

Soon, I found myself in front of the building, I stare up at the twenty-story building. It still manages to steal my breath away, every time I stare at it. I'm always amazed.

"Good morning Brett." I greet the security man at the door.

"Good morning miss Zoey." He replied with his signature boyish grin. I have repeatedly told him to call me Zoey, instead of miss Zoey but he just won't stop.

Putting a miss on my name, makes me feel old. Especially when someone my age or a few years older calls me that. I stopped correcting him.

"Hi, Zoey." Sophia, the receptionist waved at me.

"Hi." I slumped against the marble counter, catching my breath.

"You should try using a cab, maybe you won't be panting like a winter Chicken," Sophia smirked, offering me a glass of cold water.

"Thanks," I muttered before I gulped the entire content in one go.

"But seriously Zoey you should hail a cab at times." Sophia frowned in concern. We've grown close over the year, with me always going limp on her station and her offering me water.

"Are you kidding? It's a ten minutes walk. I can't be wasteful." I remark.

"Really? Wasteful? If there is anyone that loves fashion more than me is you, Zoey. You save up all the monthly money you could use in hailing a cab to buy fancy bags, shoes, clothes, and giving yourself baby treats at the spa every week." Sophia gawk at me.

"If that is not wasteful, then I don't know what is." She shook her head.

"I need to look nice and beautiful, if I don't compromise you won't be eyeing the heels you've stolen from me." I scoffed. "And have you seen yourself? You dress like you own this whole building, not just you though. Everyone here dresses like the boss of this place, so it is only natural that I try to fit in." With these words I turn around and walked away leaving a speechless Sophia, who I'm sure is sending death glares my way.

I entered the elevator, the door opened and I walked into the sales department. Surprisingly, everyone is already at their desk busy.

I checked the time to see if I'm late, but damn I'm not. The time reads 7:30 and work was supposed to start by 8.

I'm sure this is the effect of today's event.

I greeted those that were not gazing locked on the computer and made my way to my desk.

We are an interior design decor company, we deal in decor for homes, offices, hotels, restaurants, clubs, etc. Under the sales department are three units, unit one deals with taking orders from clients, which also happens to the unit I'm in.

Unit two schedule and arranges delivery dates and packaging, while unit three are the delivery team.

I am not stationed in the department I wanted, that is the production department. But I love this part of the job, I love attending to clients and showing them new designs. And also give them my opinions on the designs.

There are sometimes when I do hate this job, that is coming across rude clients.

I sat on my seat and turn on my computer, immediately, tons of emails flooded my screen. I grinned, rubbing my hand on each other and ready to get to work.

I didn't know how much time have passed too engrossed in work until Mrs. Rose came out of her office.

Mrs. Rose is the head of the sales department, she is a strict woman but if there is one thing I like about her is that she praises someone when they deserved it.

"The boss will be here soon, everyone please find your way to the main conference room." She walked out with Jane, her assistant.

I sighed, turned off the computer, picked up my bag, and follow the crowd out to the elevator.

The conference hall is considering large and could accommodate a large number of people. But with the number of employees, the hall is packed.

I quietly stood aside, at the very end of the hall with my three friends. Away from any attention that most people seek.

Lucy, a red-haired beauty with glassy green eyes over paled skin. While Maya is a black-haired beauty with outstanding blue eyes and a tan skin.

And Sophia, is a brunette, with her honey-drop eyes over a perfect combination of pale and tan skin. And that leads to me, I'm a brunette too, with a beautiful set of grey eyes on tan skin.

We all are average in height.

"Why does it seem like they are overly dressed today," Maya commented, gesturing towards the set at the very front. Standing proudly and confidently beside the stage.

I eyed the set of people, well-groomed and ready to be noticed by our big boss. Funny enough, these people are the head of a department, technically they will be noticed.

"Who wouldn't want to have the favor of the big boss." Sophia scoffed, crossing her arms.

"I heard the mysterious boss has an announcement to make," Lucy added, I frown at that.

"Where did you get that, from your manager boyfriend?" Sophia teased. Lucy glared at Sophia but replied.

"Yeah, from my manager boyfriend." Lucy hissed at Sophia's face, which isn't intimidated. Even I wasn't intimidated, she came out like a harmless cat rather than the tigress demeanor she hoped for.

"I don't care if he has an announcement or not, I just want this whole thing to be done and over with." Maya jumps in before they could get into their usual bickering.

Just then the double door to the hall swung open, immediately catching everyone's attention. The whole place went pin-dropped silent as everyone held their breath, anticipating the arrival of our boss.

Two men walked in first, then parted to create a way for the boss.

He walked inside the hall, and the sound of his heavy footsteps echoes in the hall. My eyes traced from his expensive-looking shoes up to his trouser, from there to his muscular upper body clasped in a three-piece suit.

Merely staring at his strong body already had me swallowing the sudden lump in my throat. I didn't dwell on his body as was eager to see the face that owes such a wonderful body.

The minute my gaze found the face, I froze. A pair of dark eyes were already locked on me. I felt my breath leave my lungs, and my entire being paralyzed.

Zoey p.o.v

My entire being was paralyzed, everything and everyone faded away. Was time paused? Or is it just me?

I didn't know if I should react or not. I don't know if he even wanted to acknowledge me. Should I pretend that we are strangers? But how can I, after all those years we spent together? How can I pretend that it didn't happen?

How can I forget how he dumped me? Our beautiful and memorable time didn't happen. Only God knows how I survived the heartbreak he caused me.

My ex-boyfriend. The man of my dream, the guy I thought I would spend my forever with. The same guy that tore my dreams and killed my spirit, he broke my heart in the most brutal way. Marco Alfonso, yes, the same Marco Alfonso that runs the biggest Italian mafia.

He is the one standing before me.

"Zoey." Luckily, Sophia snapped me out of the daze. I was the first to break the stare, I'm not going to let him see me weak.

"Are you okay, you've suddenly gone paled." May asked, concern dripping from her tone.

"I'm fine, I just feel suffocated from the crowd. But I'm fine." I smiled at them reassuringly. My eyes quickly found him, he was already walking on the stage. His face remains stoic, his demeanor and aural around is completely dangerous and frightening.

His walking style has changed as well, he sure has matured into a masterpiece. He is completely different from the Marco I knew.

I came to the realization that I no longer had an effect on him, I'm no longer his sunflower. I swallowed the lump in my throat and blinked back the tears in my eyes.

I'm not going to cry for him, not anymore. I've shed enough tears for him.

He got to the stage and faced the crowd, a little microphone was attached to his suit by one of his men. He cleared his throat to get the attention he already had before he began to address the crowd.

"Good morning everyone." He began, his voice, as expected, gone deep, his once light and smooth voice was now hoarse with bass.

"I want to thank everyone of you for your relentless effort towards the company without my presence." He paused, his eyes roamed the crowd until they found mine, but didn't last longer as he looked away almost immediately.

"I won't explain my absence from the company. But I can assure you all that from now onwards, every department must report directly to my office." He waited for everyone to digest the information.

"I have an important announcement to make." This statement got everyone's attention, including mine.

"Told you so." Lucy whispered. Sophia immediately hushed her.

"Although, I bought this company. But I gave it to my wife. I will be in charge of the company until she is prepared to take control of it, and then she will be introduced."

Just like that, my world fell apart, any bit of hope left in me was instantly quenched. I didn't know where my feet were taking me until my hands pulled the door open. I ran out.

I ran, until my legs couldn't proceed anymore. And then I collapsed on a bench in a deserted area. I let it all out, all the years I told myself not to cry. It busted today. I can't hold back anymore, I am tired.

How come he could move on so easily while I couldn't live without the thought of him?

Am I just stupid, stupid to hope he will come back to me? I waited, waited on him. But that bastard got married. How can I be so foolish and naive? I was waiting for the same guy that left me when I needed him most, and for what? To hear he is married?

#flashback.

Seventeen years old, I found my way to the cottage beside the local lake, not far from my house.

Marco built this cabin for us, as our safe heaven.

Usually, he'd be the one to come pick me up from home with his motorbike. It's unlike him to just ask me to come myself, but I didn't think something was off.

The door to the cabin was open. I pushed it wider to allow access. The first thing I saw after entering the small living area, was Marco. He was standing behind the window that looked over the lake. His stare was fit on the lake.

I doubt he even noticed as I entered.

I move closer and wrap my arms around his waist, hugging him from behind.

"Hi." I whispered softly, and took in his spicy and minty perfume in and breath out, relaxing against him more.

He has been here for me, and even for my mom, since dad died. My dad's death was unexpected and totally not welcome. It was a huge blow to our family.

Especially my mom. I think she lost her mind. But thankfully Marco was here for us, he has been our rock. And I am so grateful to him.

Marco took a deep breath before turning around to face me, but what I didn't expect was for him to pull away from me. Usually, he would wrap me in his arms.

"There is something I want to tell you." He groans, brushing his palm over his face, then buried them in his pocket.

"Okay, what is it." I asked, moving forward. I wanted to be in his embrace but he took a step back. This time I frowned, real hard.

"What's wrong? You kept moving away from me." I don't understand this cat and mouse chase, I just want to be close to him.

"I will be going away to school today." He finally spoke up after a long moment of silence.

"Okay? I know, because you've told me before." I am confused. Where is this conversation heading to?

"You told me you would be back once every four months, and we must keep in touch. That we will talk on the phone." I continued when I couldn't bear the silence anymore.

"Sure, I will miss you as much as you will miss me, but like you said....."

"I won't miss you." He cut me off mid sentence.

"What?" I was ranting early. Maybe that's why I heard wrong.

"I'm sorry Zoey, but we should break up." After he said that the only thing I could hear was the sound of my chest beating loud, I thought it would burst.

"You're kidding, right?" I tried to break a smile, hoping I was right. But the blank and dead look on his face told me otherwise. But I still refuse to believe anything at this moment.

"I'm not." He deadpanned.

"I'm going home when you are done with this stupid prank of yours. Call me." I turned around to walk away.

"This isn't a prank, I'm breaking with you. We have a long life ahead of us, and I need to focus on earning a degree. I don't want anyone to distract me, and you should also focus on your own life." His words halted me.

Distract? What was that supposed to mean?

"I am a distraction to you?"

#endofflashback

I don't know how much time has passed since I have been sitting, but my legs are numb from being in one position for too long.

I tried standing up but to no avail, so I just sat back and waited for the numbness to go away. I took my phone from my bag. The checked the time.

It's already four in the evening, with only two hours left for closing. I might as well call in sick.

The second thing that shocked me was the amount of missed calls from my friends. Because I left early, they would be worried sick. I wrote a short message, saying that I was fine to them, before writing another one to Mrs. Rose.

I should go home and spend the rest of the day with mom.

Zoey p.o.v

I woke up this morning with zero interest in going to work today, after what happened yesterday. The most annoying part was that he is our boss. I just hope we won't be crossing parts which are highly impossible. With the number of floors and employees the company has, and with his disinterest in me. Of course, we won't be crossing parts.

That is if he hasn't ordered a dismissal letter.

I reluctantly got up from bed, to start up my day.

I have to move on with life.

"Zoey, I'm off. Breakfast is on the table, make sure to eat before you leave." Mom called from the living area.

"Okay mom, love you." I called back.

"Love you too darling." she said, the sound of the door slamming shut announced her departure. I sighed and went to the bathroom.

"Good morning, miss Zoey." Brett greeted me with his constant smile on. I replied with a weak smile, not in a good mood today.

He opened the door for me, giving a wary look. I ignored him and made my way through, stopping by Sophia station. Maya was there too, but was on the phone. I think attending to the person in front of her.

I waved at her and she waved back, before going back to her business.

"You look awful. A gloomy look doesn't suit you at all." Sophia said and grimaced.

I rolled my greyish orbs and didn't have the strength to give her a reply.

"But seriously, where were you yesterday? You left without a word. Do you realize how worried we were?"

"I'm sorry, I was just too suffocated and I went out for some fresh air." I sighed. A yawn escaped my lips. I am exhausted both mentally and physically.

"Anyway, here is your usual glass of refreshment." She gave me a glass of water, I sipped it and returned it.

"Thanks."

"welcome dear." She smiled sweetly at me.

"Alright, bye see you at lunch." We said our goodbyes.

Just as I turned to leave, I bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry...." The words died in my mouth at the sight of who I had run into.

I gaped like a fish out of water, shot of words to say. I couldn't even think straight, that's the effect he has on me. Knowing I looked like an idiot just standing there, I snapped out of my daze.

"I'm sorry sir." I apologize, he didn't respond neither did he seem like he notice me. He was strong and dominant, just looking forward.

"What department are you in?" His powerful husky voice spoke with a resounding bass on it that always makes the female population breathless.

"Sales department," I whispered. Everyone had stopped what they were doing and was now watching us. I fidgeted with my nails, nervous as I was the center of an awkward position.

They only looked away, pretending to be doing their business when he turned to walk away without saying anything else.

"He isn't going to fire you just for bumping into him, is he?" Sophia asked with shock on her face. I'm sure everyone has the same shock expression too.

I even have one too.

My shoulders dropped in defeat, I knew he would demand my dismissal letter. Tears well in my eyes, I bite my bottom lips to stop them from trembling. I blinked back the tears, and continued my walk to the employees' elevator.

The elevator dinged and the door opened on our floor. I relaxed on my chair and relaxed against the backrest, I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath to calm my racing heart rate.

"Zoey?" someone called my name. I opened my eyes. Mrs. Rose was standing in front of my desk, with her usual blank expression.

"Yes ma'am?" I answered and stood up.

"Come with me." She turned around, walking away. I stood still confused, but quickly composed myself and ran after her. We boarded the elevator and she pressed the button for the top floor.

That's the 50th floor, which also happens to be the CEO's floor.

"Ma'am where are we going?" I asked, risking being scolded for asking too much.

"The boss demands your presence." She stated before adding silently. "I don't know what you did for him to call you over."

I didn't respond because I didn't know how to, and because secondly, I was melting inside. He can't possibly fire me just because of our past, can he? I didn't have enough time to process the information before the elevator door opened.

There was no one in sight as the floor was reserved for the CEO, because he is a private person. So I've been told.

But I think this whole floor is too big for one person, when he bought this company. A lot of renovation was made on this floor, but no one knows what was up here.

Nobody was allowed up here. I think Mrs Rose and I are the first employees that have been here so far.

Mrs Rose knocked on the oak door with a sign on it 'CEO'. We waited for a while.

"Come in." His voice was faint but loud enough for us to hear. Mrs. Rose quietly pushed the door open, guess I wasn't the only scared here.

I smirked but quickly fixed my face back.

"Good morning sir, you called for us." Mrs Rose spoke. Marco didn't respond immediately, or acknowledge us.

We just stood there staring at him, and waiting for him to acknowledge us. While he is busy typing on his computer,

It has been a while now, my feet are starting to hurt from standing with heels. I quietly squirm around to lessen the pain but it is only making it worse.

I have been struggling with myself from making any sound to the extent of biting my lip.

"You can take them off." He spoke but it was like a breeze that I didn't get what he said.

"Huh?" I was confused. He sighed and looked up.

"I said you should take the heels off," he repeated. I thought I heard wrong.

"I'm fine sir." I forged a smile in a polite gesture. I lowered my head to the floor to avoid staring at him like a clown.

"She is from your department, I suppose?" Marco directed his question to Mrs. Rose.

"Yes." She replied immediately without skipping a bit.

"You will find a replacement for her," he instructed. If I was scared of what this meeting was about, it save to tell you. I am paralyzed.