Taking a deep breath, I entered the restaurant. It was one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. Looking around, I could see everyone dressed richly, men in suits while the ladies were clad in gorgeous dresses. It was a place my grandmother would choose, a place that shows our power to everyone, the hold that we have over the city. The Rossetti's were a name no one dared to mess with.

I glanced at the white off-shoulder lace dress that was paired with some gold jewelry and white stiletto pumps. For makeup, I went for a basic no makeup looks with a bold red lip and left my hair in its natural wavy state. To complete my look, I added my signature scent. I looked good to say the least.



(Okay I forgot to add this and literally added it after hours, and might I say that the description doesn't match, does it?)

Scanning the room, I let my guard slip for no one, assessing every corner for anything suspicious. Years of training taught me to trust my instincts, and right now, they whispered caution. Tightening my grip on my bag, I made my way to the V.I.P. area reserved for the Rossetti family tonight.

When I reached the door, a flicker of unease grew sharper. Something felt...off. Taking another steadying breath, I pushed the door open without a sound. Inside, the great Vincenzo Rossetti and Silvanna Rossetti, my grandparents, sat in all their retired glory. Around them, the rest of the family laughed, ate, and chatted, utterly unaware of my arrival.

I stood there for five minutes, waiting to be noticed. I was surprised, even though I didn't show it on my face, I've been standing here for the past five minutes but nobody apart from Alexa has notice me. She noticed me as soon as I entered the room as she was already waiting for me. But the others I'm surprised as this room is full of mafia men and trained women and it is shocking that nobody has noticed my presence yet. Seriously, how are these people even alive at this point, cause in the mafia world you have to be alert and aware of your surroundings even in your sleep. And here they are, my family, having dinner without a care in the world.

After standing there for about ten minutes, unnoticed, I decided to make my presence known. Clearing my throat, I spoke in a low but clear voice,

"Well, aren't you all a bunch of mafia men? How are you so oblivious to your surroundings?"

I saw them all stiffen up at my voice for a moment before the hands of all the men went to their guns, to eliminate the threat, me. Before they could take their guns out, I spoke again,

"Anyone could have attacked you guys and you would have died while having a family get-together. Tch tch, the most feared mafia men in the world, died in oblivion relishing some pasta and wine. Pathetic."

The room fell into an uneasy silence, except for the faint clinking of silverware as someone froze mid-bite. Slowly, my grandparents turned around in their seats and I could see the surprise, shock and happiness glimmering in their eyes, before it went back into the usual stoic and cold face. Seems like they already knew about my arrival. I glanced at Alexa to see her smiling widely. I could feel the twitch of my lips at her antics.

"Cara Mia, you are back!" My grandmother, Silvanna Rossetti spoke with her usual cold voice but I could hear the slight waver in her voice. "I am back, Nonna." I voiced with equal coldness in my voice. Her eyes shone with unshed tears and it looked like she was trying best not to cry. She was an epitome of coldness, perhaps, the coldest woman you might have met in your life but if it was about her family, she was the most emotional person to ever exist. I gave her a small almost unnoticeable smile and a small nod to my grandfather, who returned the gesture.

These people were my real parents. They had given me the childhood that I would have missed if I were to seek it from my own parents. I walked to the only empty seat next to Alexa. Without a word, I slid into the chair, placing my bag carefully on the floor beside me. Dinner resumed, though the atmosphere remained tense. Conversations picked up in low murmurs, but the occasional glances in my direction told me I was still the unwanted center of attention. Plates of food were passed around, the rich aroma of truffle pasta and grilled lamb filling the air.

No one other than Alexa and my grandparents acknowledged me. I can tell that it was because of the last conversation we had. But then again, I didn't come back to make these family relations work. They broke me and now they were going to pay for that, family or not.

Conversations continued around me with the atmosphere being still as tense as ever. I know they knew I was not here for conversation and dinner. My presence meant something but no one dared to address it. With the increasing tension, I knew that any moment now anyone would break. But before anyone could say anything, a loud bang outside the restaurant caught everyone's attention.

Before anyone could even move, a bullet flew through the door to the private booth. Luckily it didn't harm anyone. But the sound of multiple footsteps proved that my unease was not without any reason. Before the assailants could reach the door, I quickly got to my feet pulling Alexa along with me. Grandpa saw me and quickly understood what I was going to do.

"I am taking her to the mansion with me. Don't die on me yet. We have a lot to do." Giving a firm nod in my grandparents' direction I pulled Alexa towards the glass window I saw earlier. Opening it I ushered Alexa out and exited the room after her. Just then I heard a loud bang indicating that the assailants were now in the room. Immediately after I heard bullet shots being fired. Running to my car the only thought going through my head was to make sure no harm came in my family's way.

**********

Tenth chapter done!!!!

What do you think about this? Share your thoughts in the comments and let me know how'd you find this? And I know this might not be the best work but it is here for time being. After completing the story I will definitely edit this for more smooth reading.

With love, Abeer