It was Monday morning and the first day of Suki in her new private and very prestigious school. She woke up early and was ready as planned with her father for 7.00am. Her school started at 8.00am and was only 15 minutes away from home.

When she came downstairs, Salvatore was waiting for her with Gabriel. She had to stop by the dining room for breakfast even if she didn't really want to eat. Vito was present too and he didn't look at her at all, as if she didn't exist.

Salvatore: Suki, are you ready for school? (She nodded, not really sure to be ready.) This morning, I'm going to drive you to school, I don't think Vito is ready to take you with him in his car...

Vito: You're right! It's never going to happen. (He looked at Suki with menacing eyes.) And over there, never say that you know me.

Salvatore: Vito, please, don't begin. Suki, I will do my best to pick you up too but if I can't, one of your brother will do.

Gabriel: I'm sure that everything is going to be okay but in case you don't feel good, just call one of us, okay?

Suki: Okay...

Salvatore: Did you read the brochure I gave you last night? Do you have question about the school functioning?

Suki: No, it was clear, thank you. I can take the bus to go or come back from school, you don't have to bother yourself.

Salvatore: There is no bus for that school, but you don't have to worry about transportation. If necessary, one of my man can drive you too. Anyway, take a good breakfast and we will leave at 7.30, so you can have time to find your way in school before your first class. I have received your timetable already, and one of the school attendant will show you all you need to know. When you're done, join me in the living room.

Salvatore left to the living room and at the same time, Dante and Davide entered the dining room. The second son looked at Suki but didn't say anything while Davide couldn't resist to bump onto the little girl's chair, almost making her fall. Gabriel kept his calm but just by a look, he made him understand to stop his stupid behavior.

Suki didn't spend more time at the breakfast table, and she joined her father. After giving her the timetable, he tried to give her pocket money, but she strongly refused. Salvatore didn't insist. The fees food were already taking in charge with the registration, so she didn't really need money to go to school. Salvatore was only sad that his daughter didn't let him a tiny space to be closer to him.

At the chosen time, they left the house, and the ride was silence, almost awkward. Salvatore stopped the car in front of the school entry gate. Some students were already arriving.

Suki: Thank you... (She was about to open the door.)

Salvatore: Suki..., hold on. I'm sure everything is going to be fine. You are a smart and good kid, so try to make friends.

Suki: Have a good day. (She got out of the car.)

Salvatore: Fumiko... If only you had come to me earlier... (He left after seeing his daughter entering the school.)

Suki was walking with apprehension. She was a small girl, and she would love to even be transparent right now. There wasn't a lot of students presents, mostly kids of her age, but their stares were already on her. She was new, clearly not the Caucasian type, and at view of those around her, there shouldn't have a lot of Asian people frequenting that school. She stopped near the administration office and immediately a woman welcomed her.

School staff: Hello, you must be Suki Tanaka-Smith?

Suki: Hello Madam, it's just Suki Tanaka.

School staff: Really? But your father registered you as Suki Tanaka-Smith. Anyway, let me show you quickly where to find what in our school then I will take you to your first class. I saw your record, I'm sure that our school will suit you. And you are not left alone, one of your brother is still student here.

Suki didn't comment, only shyly smiled to the woman and followed her. While doing the tour of the school, the place became full of students and with that, of more stares toward the newcomer.

When the school woman staff brought her to her class, Suki was welcomed by whispers. The little girl quickly introduced herself, hiding the Smith name detail and took the seat assigned by her teacher, at the back of the class, with no classmates next to her. At least, one good thing for her.

The first hours of class went pretty well. Suki focused on the lessons, and no one really tried to talk with her. When it was lunch time, Suki stayed in her classroom a bit longer than her classmates because she didn't feel to go to the cafeteria and sit alone at the view of everyone. Skipping a meal was not a problem for her and having a quiet time far from the real world was more beneficial to her for now. When everyone had left, she took out a book and mentally escaped for almost one hour.

10 minutes before her afternoon first class, she made a quick stop by the restroom and as if the universe was against her, she bumped into a girl.

Unfortunately for Suki, it was not a banal girl, but a last year high schooler student, part of the most popular girls' group of the school. Just like in a teenage TV series, the girl was very sophisticate, even with the school uniform, she found a way to show her family richness with very expensive accessories. She was with one of her friend, coming out of the restroom, holding an opened bottle of juice and when Suki bumped in her, the juice splashed on the both of them.

Girl-Amanda: What the fu**!! Don't you know where to look while you walk!? Who are you fu** idiot?! (She pushed Suki who fell down.) You ruined my jacket!

Suki: (She flinched when she touched the ground.) I'm sorry...

Amanda: I don't give a fu** about your sorry!

Suki: (She stood up.) I... I can.. clean your jacket...

Amanda and her friend laughed then Amanda took off her jacket and threw it into Suki's face.

Amanda: Who let that idiot coming in our school?!

Girl 2-Jen: Who knows? (She stared at Suki from head to toe.) Maybe one of those poor kids that receive scholarships to... you know... have foreign people in our school... just to please the opinion...

Amanda: I guess you're right... let's go... and you, don't cross my way once again! Useless trash!

Amanda pushed once again Suki who stepped back. The little girl had been humiliated in front of a lot of people. She looked down and quickly entered the restroom. She locked herself in one of the cabin and waited until everyone left. She did her best to not cry but it was impossible in her state of mind. She missed her mom.

But she couldn't stay hidden there for too long. Being late for her class was not an option for her and would attract even more attention on her. So, after few minutes, she quickly went back to her classroom. She was so in a rush that she didn't take the time to clean up her own jacket. She was relieved when the bell announced the end of the classes. She left the school and looked for the car of her father, but he was not there.

Suki took out her phone to check if she received a text message and there was effectively one from her father.

He told her to wait for Dante to pick-up her. She let escape a long sigh at the read of the message. She looked around once again and decided to wait a bit farther near the road. She sat on a bench and waited. She kept her eyes on her phone but looked up from time to time when a car approached.

Her attention was attracted by a group laughing not far from her and with no surprised, that was the group of the two girls from earlier. Suki looked down, hoping that they would not come near her, and they didn't. They left to the opposite direction, to join a group of boys. And in that group, there was a known and scary person, Vito, her dear brother, the one who almost killed her few days ago.

Few seconds later, she heard the group laughing once again and she felt their gazes on her. She didn't dare to look up until she heard a klaxon. It was Dante, he stopped his car in front of her.

Dante: Get in, quick! Being your driver really starts to piss me off!

Suki didn't lose time and entered Dante's car. The young man saw his younger brother outside with his friends and the way they were staring at Suki. He looked at her few seconds and noticed the stains on the top of her white shirt. Her jacket was not the only thing that was splashed by the juice.

Dante: I see that you already made good friends on your first day... goods friends just like in your previous school...

Suki looked at Dante and when he saw her beautiful innocent eyes shinning by the tears that she was holding, his expression darkened.

Dante: If you continue to be a stupid weak little thing, you will never survive in that fuc** world!

Suki didn't say anything. She didn't need to. It was not a discussion; it was only a grown man pointing at a little girl's weakness with a judgmental tone. Dante looked through the mirror to his brother, wondering if he had something to do with the little girl's state.

Dante didn't want another dispute between his brothers and his father, or with Gabriel, but he had no time nor will, to dig up what was clearly, a bullying issue. He was only there to drive her home before going back to work. It was her problem, not his to deal with... well, that was what he was trying to convince himself. He drove her home and left without a word.

Suki was welcomed by Maria who frowned at the view of her stain uniform. She asked the little Miss to go change herself and that she will take care of cleaning it for her. Suki had planned to clean it in her bathroom and to take her second uniform the next day.

Suki: Thank you Mrs Maria... sorry...

Maria: It's nothing, but what happened? Did you have issue to open your bottle of juice during lunch?

Suki: Yes,it slipped from my hands...

Suki went upstairs, took a shower and focused on her homework.

Later in the evening, Salvatore came back to have dinner with his younger children. Gabriel, Dante and Gianni were busy with their mafia business. The head of the family questioned his daughter about her first day and Suki stayed vague, saying that everything went fine.

Vito chuckled, knowing thanks to his friends, what happened. In fact, Amanda was his current girlfriend and as the typical villain of school, she felt proud to expose what happened with whom she thought was a poor kid.

Salvatore: Vito, do you have something to add?

Vito: No... I was just thinking to a good joke that was told to me.

Salvatore: I thought that you had something interesting to share with us. Suki, if you're done, please follow me.

Salvatore had a surprise for his daughter. He wanted to show her by any mean that she was important for him. Suki followed his father to the library and Salvatore pushed the door with a big smile.

The surprise was effectively a big surprise for Suki. Her father literally rearranged the library, by taking out the desk to put at the place a piano, a real and beautiful piano.

The little girl looked at her father with big eyes, those beautiful eyes that linked the two of them. And probably for the first time since he knew her, he saw her smile. A true smile, mixed with astonishment and question. Was it for real? Did he buy this piano just because they had talked about that?

Salvatore: Do you like it?

Suki: You... you bought this... for me?

Salvatore: Of course, it's for you. None of your brothers are sensitive enough to play that kind of instruments. (She still had her innocent eyes on him, and he liked that.) I thought that it could be good for you to have a hobby, something that can help you express yourself. (He put his hand in her back.) Go ahead, it's yours. If you want a tutor to teach you more, I will find one for you.

Suki: It's... very expensive...

Salvatore: It's nothing for our family. You deserve to have everything that you want. You are my daughter... even if you don't see me as your father for now, let me spoil you a little.

Suki: I don't need gifts...

Salvatore: You think that I'm trying to bribe you to gain your recognition or affection? (He smiled.) Kid, I'm sure that your mother was doing her best with what she had to give you all that you needed. I'm doing the same... but now, I will do it as your father and on your mother behalf too.

Suki's emotions changed at the mention of her mother, like every time since she passed away. Salvatore didn't want to overstep, so, he delicately patted Suki's head, in attempt to comfort her. The little girl quickly wiped the tears that were about to come out.

Salvatore: It's okay to be sad. I hope that one day, you will only remember the good moments with your mom.

Suki: Thank you...

Salvatore: You should go and rest now. You have school tomorrow and you will have plenty of time to practice after school or on weekend. And if you need anything, please, tell me.

Suki: Okay... thank you again and good night.

She bowed politely and went upstairs. Salvatore directly left the house after. He had a meeting with his fiancée's father in a hotel bar of the city. The old man probably wanted to put on the table the marriage topic once again, but Salvatore was not incline to tie the knot, even more now than Suki entered his life. That relationship was a business agreement, and it was enough for him.

Speaking of Suki, he didn't inform anyone about her existence; the only one aware, because of the circumstances, was Zhang and he trusted him. The Mafia Boss didn't want to expose his daughter to his world. His elder sons were still trying to find Fumiko's murderers and he was not sure if his daughter was not targeted too.

The only clues that the Smith had found until now, was that the assassins were professionals and Japanese. They tracked them but couldn't find more information. They were using their networks with the different clans, but no one knew who ordered the assassination of a simple waitress.

Salvatore's meeting went well, and the businessman avoided the marriage question with ability. He had few drinks then one of his men drove him home. The house was quiet, maybe because it was almost 2.00am.

He took a quick shower and went to sleep. He wanted to drive Suki to school in the morning, feeling that all those little moments would help him to become closer with her.

And after few hours of rest, a new day started. It was mostly the same one for the children with their school's obligations.

At school, Suki tried to be even more discreet than the previous day and it apparently worked. She once again skipped lunch time and this time, she went to visit the library.

And it seemed that her strategy worked because the day passed without issue. At the end of the day, she received a message of her father once again and this time, one of his men would be in charge of taking her home. To be sure that his daughter was in security, he sent a photo of the man, and he asked her to text him when she got in the car, then at home.

After taking a shower and wearing simple and comfortable clothes, Suki came back downstairs and went to the library. She was alone in that room, no one to judge her. She put a finger on one key of the piano and the sound coming out was very nice to hear. She sat and tried a simple combination that she learned with her mother. She was glad to remember it.

After one hour, she was interrupted by Enzo. He heard the few notes of music and was curious of who was responsible.

Enzo: Suki... it was you who were playing?

Suki: Oh...M.. Enzo. Was it too loud?

Enzo: It was close... I almost heard a Mister... you play well.

Suki: Not really. (She stood up and put in place the piano keys' protection.)

Enzo: So, Dad bought you a piano... it's a huge gift.

Suki: Yes... it is. (She was embarrassed.)

Enzo: I guess, he decided by his own to buy this, I can't image you making such request... anyway, don't feel pressured, you were doing well and it's not like one of us could compete with you in that domain. We are not really into cultural things, you see.

Suki: I only know few basic songs that my mom taught me.

Enzo: You can practice and try new ones.

Suki: Hum...I need to find partitions to practice.

Suki was talking more easily with Enzo, and he noticed it. When he left the library to the kitchen, she naturally followed him, and it didn't bother him. He took two bottles of water and gave one to his little sister. She shyly smiled and thanked him. Enzo was usually not the talker type but with her, he made some efforts.

The quiet moment didn't last long. Davide arrived, talking on his phone, probably to a girl at the kind of conversation he was having. And he was not the only one to make his arrival.

A woman followed his steps few seconds later. She was beautiful and wearing elegant clothes, probably a bit older than Gabriel, around Suki's mother age. She put her luxurious bag on the kitchen counter and stared at Suki with a frown.

Valentina Rossi: Hi boys, it's been a while. Your father is not home yet? I tried to contact him, but he is not reachable.

Enzo: Probably busy with work. (His tone was unemotional.)

Valentina Rossi: Who is that kid? I didn't know that you were now hiring minors to do the housework... Maria is on holidays?

Davide: (He cut his call and laughed.) Yeah, she is an orphan that works here... but be careful, I suspect her to be a thief...

Enzo: Bro', stop your bullshit!

Suki stayed silent. She didn't know who that woman was and didn't want to do a mistake in front of her.

Valentina Rossi: Eh, you, make a coffee for me, with milk and no sugar. Bring it to me in the living room.

Suki stood up from the stool to prepare that woman's coffee, but Enzo grabbed her forearm and made her sit back.

Enzo: You don't have to do that. Valentina, Suki is not a maid.

Valentina Rossi: (She approached and grabbed Suki's chin.) Wait, those eyes... Gabriel has a kid? Did that bastard's mother throw her into Gabriel's arms for money?

Enzo: (He grabbed Valentina's wrist.) Don't grab her like that you are hurting her! And she is not Gabriel's daughter... she is our little sister...

Valentina Rossi: (She stared at him with an annoyed expression.) What do you mean your sister? Salvatore's daughter? (She looked at Suki with anger.) Who are you? Who and where is that bit** that you call mother?

Enzo: (He stood up and put himself between them.) The fu**! Who do you think you are to talk to her like that?!

Davide: (He chuckled.) Ohhh...Look... Enzo is playing the protective big brother... you must be happy... right, Little Mistake?

There was a lot of tension in the kitchen. Valentina was surprised by Enzo's reaction. Salvatore's children were usually polite with her, without having too much interaction and it was something that was enough for her.

Suki didn't want to be the reason of a new argument in the house, even more with an unknown woman for her but apparently linked to her family. It was the best timing for Salvatore and his elder sons to arrive.

Salvatore: Valentina, you are here? Why didn't you call me before?

Valentina Rossi: (She changed her attitude.) Honey... I missed you...

Valentina approached Salvatore and kissed him, not caring that they were not alone. Salvatore was embarrassed by that sudden move in front of his daughter, and he was not the only one. Suki immediately looked down. It was not at all in her education, and she never saw her mother with a man before. She was red of embarrassment. Gabriel was annoyed. He was not a big fan of Valentina and once again, she was crossing the line with her behavior.

Dante: Valentina, you are not a teenager to act like that. You should be respectful to us!

Valentina Rossi: Dante, you are a grown man, you know that your father and I are not a platonic couple...

Gabriel: Father.

Salvatore: Valentina, that's enough. Enzo, what's going on here?

Enzo: Your fiancée was insulting your daughter!

Gabriel's gaze darkened. He looked at every one then at Suki. She was nervously playing with her hands. It was difficult for him to keep his calm when his brothers were messing with her but a stranger? No way he would let that pass.

Gabriel: Valentina Rossi, I don't care who you or your family are. If you disrespect a member of our family, be ready to pay the price!

His tone, his words, his attitude, everything was menacing.

Valentina Rossi: Salvatore, you are letting your children talk to me like that? First Enzo, now Gabriel? And that kid, she is really yours?

Salvatore: Yes, Suki is my daughter. She is living with us now.

Valentina Rossi: Are you kidding me? Just like that you have a daughter? At her face, she is not the child of your late wife. You accept in your family a bastard kid that you had with a bit** that you probably paid to have sex with?! They are for sure after your money!

Valentina's words were coming to Suki's ears like poison. That woman, that she just found out was her father's fiancée, was insulting her and her mother, as if it was nothing. The little girl didn't want to hear more. She ran away and no one tried to prevent it.

Salvatore looked down and closed his eyes few seconds to keep his calm. He couldn't let his anger take the upside. Gabriel didn't care. He had warned Valentina and now he was going to make her understand. Even Dante had a closed face, just like Enzo. Davide stayed silent, observing everything.

Gabriel: Fu** Bit**! (He lifted his arm, ready to slap Valentina but Dante stopped him.)

Dante: Gab, let Dad deal with his own shit! (He dragged him out.)