After Dante dragged Gabriel out, Salvatore asked Davide and Enzo to leave the kitchen too. He wanted to talk in private with Valentina, who was serving herself a glass of wine, instead of coffee.

Salvatore: Valentina, what was that? (His tone was cold.)

Valentina Rossi: You are asking that to me? Your sons are disrespectful to me! And you... you hid that you have that...

Salvatore: That, what? Be careful with your words. You have already crossed the line more than enough today!

Valentina Rossi: Can't you understand that it's difficult for me?

Salvatore: What is difficult? You are not concerned by that!

Valentina Rossi: Not concerned? (She spoke louder.) I am your fiancée! Your wife to be!

Salvatore: I repeat, my daughter is not of your concern. You had very disgusting words toward her, and it is not acceptable. And your behavior is also not appropriate in this house! You're an adult, act like one or do not come here!

Valentina was angry at her fiancé's reaction. She didn't expect him to be so cold with her. Salvatore was not really affectionate with her, but at list, cordial most of the time. They sometimes spent the night together, but for the Mafia's Boss, it was only to satisfy his needs. She was expecting feelings behind those moments but there wasn't. She was part of the business deal Salvatore had with her father, nothing more, nothing less.

Valentina Rossi: Salvatore... (She took a softer voice and came closer.) I'm sorry... don't be mad at me... I missed you so much and I was so happy to come here...

Salvatore: You should go home... (He detached her arm from his.)

Valentina Rossi: Don't reject me... it's been weeks since we...

Salvatore: Go home.

Salvatore left the kitchen, letting behind a fuming Valentina. She grabbed her bag and left with anger, banging the entry door, humiliated by the man she loved.

Upstairs, Suki had found refuge in her bedroom. She was so shaken that she didn't take the time to lock the door, she entered the bathroom and sat behind the door, crying. Here no one could see her. But her moment alone to calm down didn't last long. Gabriel's voice resonated through the door.

Gabriel: Suki... it's... Gabriel... I know that you are hurt by that woman's words... but you know that it's not true. That bi... woman is stupid, don't mind words of stupid people... you are a smart kid... Suki?

Suki: I... I prefer... to be alone... please... Mr Gabriel...

Gabriel: (He sighed and laid his forehead against the door.) Alright, I will let you rest, but don't stay lock inside of this.

Enzo: (He just entered.) Gab... (Gabriel shook his head.) Give her some time. (He went out, followed by his brother.)

Gabriel: Fu**! I don't get why Father keeps that bit** with him!

Enzo: She must be good in bed! (Gabriel glared at him.) Don't know... just guessing... because she is not the smartest nor the kindest!

Salvatore saw his two sons coming downstairs, Gabriel was annoyed.

Salvatore: Gabriel... did you talk with Suki? How is she doing?

Gabriel: She wants to be alone. Where is that woman?

Salvatore: I asked her to leave. (He rubbed his forehead.) I didn't expect that she would barge here like that.

Gabriel: You should reconsider your alliance with her. Our family doesn't need them to do business.

Enzo: I agree! Your dear fiancée just ruined the little evolution that you've got in your relationship with your daughter...

One step ahead, three steps back, that was the feeling that the three men had right now. Enzo let his body fall in the couch and took his phone. Gabriel went to his office, he needed to calm down, so focus on work was a good option.

When dinner time arrived, they all gathered at the dining table except Suki. She was exhausted and fell asleep. Enzo checked on her and informed his father.

*************************************************

The next morning, Suki woke up with tiredness. She came downstairs on time for breakfast, and she had to force herself to eat something. She was hopping to be alone, but Gabriel and Dante were already there. Her eldest brother insisted that she needed to eat more, finding her thinner since she came to live with them.

The young man skipped the usual questions about how she was feeling because it was clear that she was not the happiest little girl on earth this morning. Salvatore arrived, his eyes on his phone.

Salvatore: Gabriel, Dante, we need to travel to Mexico today... ah Suki, you are here. (She looked at him with not expression.)

Dante: How long?

Salvatore: I am not sure yet, 2/3 days max. Suki, with your brothers, we have a work abroad. We will be absent, but Gianni and the boys will be there with you. (She nodded and looked at her plate.)

Gabriel: We may be less reachable but if you need it, you can still contact us. Days will flight quickly.

Salvatore: Dante is going to drop you at school, I need to make a call.

Suki didn't protest but it was not in her habits anyway. She stood up when Dante stood up, grabbed her school bag and followed him to the garage, all of this without a word. Dante didn't try to make a conversation and only observed her.

She thanked him when he parked in front of the school and quickly disappeared before he could say anything. He saw her avoiding everyone and sneaking in the school. He was leaving when he saw Vito's car coming. His little brother had, once again, skipped his breakfast, waking up too late.

Dante didn't waste more time, he needed to go back home before their departure for Mexico. They quickly left to the airport after, where their private jet was ready to take off.

The day passed without issue, Suki following her classes with serious, and she avoided to interact with other schoolmates. She once again skipped lunch time and when school was over, she patiently waited outside for the driver sent by her father.

When she reached home, she thanked the driver and went to her room. She quickly perceived the twins in the living-room, but she didn't want to receive nasty comments from Davide. The end of the afternoon passed and around 7.00pm, Maria went upstairs to call the little girl for dinner. Salvatore asked the maid to be sure his daughter had a correct meal, not sure that his sons would pay attention to this.

When Suki asked Maria where were the boys, she told her that the three youngest went to see a basketball match. Gianni was still at work and would not come back home before late at night.

Suki: Mrs Maria, you are not going home?

Maria: Mr Smith asked me to stay a bit later while he is abroad... so, why not have dinner together? Miss Suki, I was wondering if the food at school was at your tastes? You seem a bit thinner than before.

Suki: Yes... it's good, you don't have to worry.

Maria: I guess it's not easy to accommodate to your new life and living with boys only is not easy. Feel free to talk to me if needed.

Suki: Thank you... it's true... it's not easy to live in this house...

Maria: Mr Smith is just like you. He needs time to adjust of having a daughter. But I can assure you that he is glad to have found you.

Suki: I don't know... (She looked at Maria who smiled.) Mr Salvatore is kind but... what if one day, he regrets... to have taking me in his family... because his sons hate me.

Maria was glad that the little girl open up to her, but she felt sorry too, that Suki was thinking like that.

Maria: It's not going to happen. Be confident, you are part of this family now and I hope to see you becoming a beautiful young lady.

Suki: Mrs Maria... you are a very kind person... you make me think to my mother a lot... (She had a sad smile.)

Maria: Your mother raised a cute and smart little girl...

Maria had a warm smile and Suki was grateful to share her dinner with her. They talked about Maria's family, then after the meal was done, Maria left, and Suki went to her bedroom to sleep.

***********************************************

The next morning, Suki prepared herself to go to school. She hadn't seen her brothers last night and they were not there this morning too, but she would never complain to be alone. She thanked Chef Aldo for the excellent food he cooked and left with the same driver who took her back home the previous day. Salvatore had texted her to get some news and she replied very simply that everything was going fine.

The highlight of the school day was that Suki had her first sports' class. She was not really the sporty girl type and she ended with a red bump on her forehead when she couldn't avoid the ball during the volleyball game. All the students laughed at her misadventure... except a boy in the same year but from another class. They had that course in common. He was a discreet boy, just like her, and only helped her to go to the infirmary because the teacher asked him to.

Suki: Thank you...

Haru: You're welcome... You are new, right? (She nodded.) Asian students are rare here, so... it's easy to spot you. My name is Haru Campbell.

Suki: Haru? Are you Japanese too? (She asked with a little voice.)

Haru: No, half Korean, half Afro-American... as you can see. I know that Haru is also a Japanese name. So, you are Japanese?

Suki: Hum... Suki Tanaka...

Haru: Did you make friends already? (She shook her head.) It's not easy, right? People here are not very welcoming with those who are different of them.

Suki: You... too... you don't have friends here?

Haru: Not really... I am black with Asian eyes... (He looked at her.)... I guess you know what it feels to be different and treat differently.

Suki: My... father... is Italian-American...

Haru: That explains your eyes color... The infirmary is here.

They entered the infirmary and the nurse asked what happened. She reassured the little girl; it was nothing serious. She put ointment on it and let them go back to their class. After that quick introduction, they didn't talk that much. When the class ended, Haru proposed to her to go to the cafeteria with him and she accepted.

Suki felt that it was easier to speak with Haru, probably because they had similar background. They found a table in a quiet corner and the few first minutes were a bit awkward. Then, they started to talk about their origins.

Haru explained that his father was an American soldier of high level and that his parents met when is father was deployed in South Korea. It was his second year in that school, after living in South Korea and in Europe.

Suki told him the truth, that she just discovered her father's identity and that she lost her mother. After that revelation, silence took place for few minutes. The young boy felt sorry for her.

When she calmed a little, they started again their conversation. Suki didn't tell Haru that one of her brother was in that school, afraid that this information would affect that possible friendship. What if her brother had bullied Haru by the past with his group of friends.

The duo separated after lunch break and the rest of the day continued. When school ended, the driver was there, waiting for her.

When she entered the house, Enzo was there with Maria. He was waiting for a sandwich that the maid was preparing for him.

Maria: Miss Suki, you're back from school. Do you want a snack? (She frowned.) Miss... what happened with your forehead? (She put everything on the counter and came closer.) How did you hurt yourself?

Enzo: Suki?

Suki: It's nothing... the ball in sports class... I missed it and it hit me.

Maria: Did you go to the infirmary? (Suki nodded.)

Enzo: You have to be more careful!

Suki: Sorry...

Maria: It's nothing to apologize for. Go get changed, I will prepare a cup of warm tea for you and cookies. (Suki bowed and left.) Miss Suki is a bit clumsy... the other day it was juice on her uniform, now she hurt herself.

Enzo: The other day? (Maria explained what happened the first day of school.) She didn't say anything particular?

Maria: No, she is a very discreet child you know.

Enzo: Mrs Maria, if you notice something strange, please tell us.

Maria: Sure. I'm glad that you care for her... she is such a sweet girl.

Enzo: Hum...

Later, Vito came back from school and Enzo asked him how things were going for Suki over there. The youngest boy coldly responded that he didn't care and that for him, she didn't exist. Then Vito left to join Gianni for a training session with new recruits for their clan.

When Davide came back from university, he went to his bedroom, took a shower and changed for a nice outfit. He didn't have classes the next day and he had planned to go to a party in a fraternity house. He convinced his twin to go with him and like that, Suki was, once again, alone at home for dinner.

When Maria left, the little girl made a quick stop by the library to play a little of piano. She had downloaded a partition earlier on her phone and she wanted to practice while no one was at home.

Later that night, Gianni made a quick stop by Suki's room. He briefly opened the door, checked that she was sleeping and left.

His father put him in charge until his return, even if he didn't interact with her during those past few days. He texted back Salvatore, confirming that his daughter was sleeping well in her bedroom.

***********************************************************

The next morning, Suki stood up a bit earlier than usual. She came downstairs, greet Chef Aldo and Maria and took her breakfast in the kitchen, it was less weird like that than in that huge dinning room, all alone.

It was 7.15am when voices came from the corridor. It was the twins; they were only coming back from their party and not alone. A blonde was clinging at Davide's arm. It was clear that they all had drunk a lot. Enzo was walking like a zombie and went straight to his bedroom. Davide stopped by the kitchen to grab snacks and more drinks. He glared at Suki who looked down immediately.

Davide: Mrs Maria, don't come to my room today!

Maria nodded and Davide left with the girl, who immediately asked who was that little girl. Davide told her to forget about her, that they had more interesting things to do. Suki didn't move until she was sure Davide was far from the kitchen. Seeing Davide in a daily basis was already not easy for her but a drunk Davide, it was scary.

She preferred to leave for school even if it was still early, so she asked the driver if he could drop her now and of course, he agreed with pleasure. She was the boss' daughter.

At this early hour, there wasn't a lot students at school, but she spotted a familiar face, Haru. The young boy had the habit to arrive early, his father dropping him in his way to his work. Being a military's son, he was used to certain rules of life and frankly speaking, avoiding the morning crowd, was better for him.

Haru: Suki... you also come early at school?

Suki: Hello Haru, Yes... I was ready earlier today. It's quiet at this hour... (She looked around.)

Haru: Hum... I usually hang at the Arts' room; do you know it? (She shook her head.) If... if you want... I can show you.

Suki followed Haru to a room where you could find everything to do art and also graphic tablets and big screens. Haru explained that he liked to draw and that he often came here to pass time. The young boy showed her the materials at disposition and asked her if she liked to do manual arts. She told him that she didn't know how to draw but that it was something that was interesting to her.

Time passed quickly and they had to leave that little bubble of freedom to go to their respective class. The two new friends couldn't meet at lunch because they had different break time, so Suki went to the library once again. Before her afternoon classes, she received a text from Gianni; it was a first.

Gianni informed her that he would pick her up after her classes and that their father will be back later tonight. Suki didn't know why his brother with whom she had the less interaction was coming to take her home.

Anyway, she didn't really have a word to say about that, so when school ended, she waited outside, trying to spot Gianni's car. And it was not difficult because the young man made his arrival pretty outstanding. Loud music, fancy car and abrupt braking. Everyone was staring in Gianni's car direction now.

Amanda: Babe, isn't your brother? What is he doing here?

Vito: (He glared at Suki.) Don't know and don't care! I'm leaving!

Amanda: Wait... why that poor girl is going into your brother's car?

Vito: Go fu** ask him by yourself!

He left, annoyed. Amanda followed him. Suki got in the car and timidly said hello to the young man. He nodded while texting on his phone. She put her bag at her feet.

Gianni: Shit! (Suki looked at him.) Something urgent came up. I need to make a stop somewhere before taking you home!

Suki: I... I can take a bus if you...

Gianni: And having my Dad on my back because of you? No way!

Gianni started his car and left as loudly as he arrived. Suki discreetly observed him. He had a bulk body with a lot of tattoos, clearly not the type of guy you want to be in troubles with. They drove for 20 minutes before Gianni parked his car near what looked like an old factory.

Gianni: Get down! (He got off and she did the same.) Follow me, don't touch anything, don't talk. (She nodded.) The site is going under renovation, be careful where you put your feet!

Suki obediently followed Gianni. No need to have one more brother hating her. The young man didn't really care about her, but he didn't show too much hostility either.

Inside the building, there was some workers that were rearranging the main room. Gianni bought that old factory to create an MMA arena and to organize matches. It was trendy and bringing a lot of money with illegal bets.

He walked to the upper area with Suki following him closely. It was the floor for the future VIP customers with private boxes with a direct view to the octagon. At the end of the corridor, there was his future office with, there too, big windows to see the entire place. The only difference was that the windows were tinted so no one could see what was going on inside.

Gianni: Go inside and sit on the couch. I need to talk with the workers, so don't move from here.

Suki: Okay...

The room was, just like the entire place, in renovation. Some furniture were still in their boxes. Suki sat on the couch and waited. She didn't have her phone, left in her school bag, in the car.

The little girl had nothing to do. After 15 minutes, she stood up and came closer of the windows. She observed the main room few minutes. It was distracting to see the workers in action. She spotted Gianni. He was talking with a man and together, they were checking at the lights and speakers all around the room.

She didn't know that no one could see her from outside, so she didn't stare at them for too long and went back to sit on the couch.

As a good kid, she didn't touch anything. She waited, just like Gianni asked her. But time was passing, she could feel it. The office seemed soundproof because it was super quiet, despite the agitation outside.

She felt bored and naturally, the tiredness was gaining her. She laid down and closed her eyes. She was sleepy. She didn't know when she had felt asleep nor how long she did have slept.

But when she woke up, the light coming from the windows was telling her that the night was coming. Where was Gianni? She stood up and tried to find him in the main room... but there was no one.