I made sure to keep my footsteps light and quick as I leaned my body against the sage green wall that was adorned with gilded pieces of artwork that ranged from abstract landscapes to candid snapshots of my family throughout the years. A portrait of my mother sits in the center of the wall as the other snapshots of my brothers, dad, and I float around her as if our very lives centered around her very existence.

The portrait of my mother showcases her wearing an asymmetrical draped lavender dress while in a black, neutral background, sitting on a golden throne chair with her smooth, toned caramel legs crossed against each other showing off her stiletto heels as her elbows rest on each side of the armchair.

The elegance and grace my mother held in her posture showcased to anyone who stopped and marveled at the portrait that she represented the essence of being the queen or empress of our mafia family.

While my back is against the wall, aligned perfectly under my mother's portrait, I watch and Verena and Zolani, trying to figure out a way to open the black steel door. I wanted to laugh at their struggle because there was no way they were going to find a way to open it on their own. The door was the gateway into an entity that my wife was not aware existed within the property and I was going to keep that way.

A few minutes had passed and both women still had not made any progress, growing quite bored with their struggle, I announced to them, "What are you doing". Verena abruptly gets up from off of the floor as Zolani's eyes widen in fear. My eyes shift from Zolani and then over to Verena, her mouth opens as if she is about to speak, but somehow no words escape and I do not get the pleasure of hearing her soft, sultry voice, that tends to ricochet my soul-blinding me with her overall being.

I am getting aroused just by looking at her, my eyebrows are drawn together, and my gaze becomes intense and heated as I stare back at the woman who has the power to vanquish my very existence if she solely desires to be rid of me.

She is the only person that I have allowed to continue to live within the physical realm after she stabbed me with a sharp pointed knife. Zolani answers instead, "We were trying to look for the kitchen".

I knew that was a bald-faced lie, but rather than confront the women about it, I decided to let it go..for now. I motion for them to follow me in the direction where the kitchen can be found. As we walk toward the kitchen, I can hear the girls whispering back and forth, but I cannot make out entirely what they are conversing with each other.

My hand shifts the light switch on revealing a modernized kitchen space where a granite central island with quartz countertop lays in the middle of the room. There is a built-in stovetop against the white brick wall that holds state-of-the-art high-end stainless steel appliances. A massive refrigerator and a professional-grade oven sit against the wall adjacent to the stovetop.

"Are you girls hungry by chance", I walk towards the central island before leaning down and watching as they continue to stand near the entryway. Both speak at the same time.

"No", Verena says, while Zolani says, "Yes". They both look at each other in surprise. Verena rolls her eyes and looks at Zolani as if she is encouraging her to change her mind.

Zolani ignores Verena and takes a seat at the central island where gray upholstered high chairs are vacant. Verena notices that she is losing the battle and finds a seat next to Zolani. She leans back in her seat and folds her arms like a child who is unhappy with a parent.

"I can whip up something right quick", offering to fix a meal for them to eat and enjoy. Verena is taken aback by my response, "Since when do you cook". I lean down opening up the cabinets below the island and reaching for a glass bowl.

"I've always known how to cook Rena. I just never got the chance to do so". Verena is speechless as she stares at me for a moment unsure of what to say back. Zolani decides to break the tension in the room.

"Surprise us Mr. Vallea. I am sure whatever you choose to cook will be delicious".

I give her a genuine smile before I walk over to the closed food cabinet and look inside, pondering what I should make. I search through each aisle until I find what I am looking for. I will make one of Verena's favorite dishes: pepperoni and pineapple pizza with fresh romaine lettuce and Caesar salad.

Once I have all the spices in my hand, I walk back out where the girls have now moved to the table near the kitchen. Verena makes eye contact with me but quickly breaks it as she whispers something to Zolani as they both speak in a tone I cannot hear.

30 minutes go by and I place the warm pepperoni pizza and a bowl of fresh-tossed Caesar salad on the table. Zolani squeals in excitement at the food I have made.

"This looks amazing Eryx". I glance down at Verena, rather than thanking me she chooses to pile her plate with food before she begins to eat. I walk to the opposite side of the table before I move to sit down but Verena gives me a look to say do not even bother.

I grit my teeth, trying to hold back my anger. Verena was trying to find a way to push me over the edge.

I do not give in to the darkness and excuse myself from the room.

Was this to become my norm: a wife who resents me and will fight any chance she gets? If this continues I am not sure if I keep the darkness at at bay before it explodes.