Omniscient and Fina's Pov kinda mixed:

Omniscient

Months Later.



The Romano mansion was a hive of activity, buzzing with last-minute preparations for the grand mafia ball. The ballroom shimmered under the glow of golden chandeliers, every detail meticulously planned to showcase the Romano's family's power and elegance. The event was as much about alliances as it was about appearances, and Alessandro ensured nothing was left to chance.

Upstairs, however, Serafina's room was a stark contrast to the glamour below. The girl stood frozen in front of her mirror, her reflection staring back with eyes full of doubt. Her dress—a soft lavender gown with delicate lace and flowing fabric—was stunning. The sleeveless design left her arms exposed, scars visible against her pale skin.

She traced her fingers over one of the scars, her chest tightening with every second. Her insecurities grew louder, drowning out the reassurances she'd received from her mother earlier that day.

The door creaked open, and Aiden stepped in, dressed in a sharp black suit that somehow still managed to seem effortlessly casual on him. His gaze softened the moment he saw her, but Fina quickly turned away, wrapping her arms around herself.

Fina's Pov

"Hey Fina we-" Aiden stopped talking when he saw the state I am in. I only felt the brick in my throat growing while I tried to cover as much scars as I could with my hands.

I turn back around and walk further into my closet while I started talking, "I know I look terrible, I'm going to change really quick then we can go." I say barely auditable while I heard my voice break a couple of times.

Saying that seemed to snap Aiden out of his thoughts. He shook his head a little before he walked too me. "No, you're not going to change" he stated.

I look at him questionable for a few seconds before I start talking, "yes, I am. I look horrible" I tell him, then I turn towards my dresses and start searching for another one. Aiden turned me back towards him, "you don't look horrible"

"I do" I speak with tears in my eyes.

"You don't, why would you even think that?" He asks clearly shocked and disagreeing with what I'm saying.

"Because-.." I sighted and look back down at my scars. I start to trace my self harm scars and a few scars that others have given me. I take a deep breath, not wanting to burst out in tears. Then I look back up at Aiden, "I just can't wear this, okay".

"Why?-" he asks and when I don't reply he continues "-why can't you wear this?" I still don't answer and look anywhere but at him. "Fina?" He asks concerned, trying to get my attention. Eventually he grabbed my chin and made me look into his eyes, "why can't you wear that dress?"

He's begging me with his eyes to tell him the truth so eventually I give him it, "my scars" I say right above a whisper while I felt more tears filling my eyes. It was like I could see his heart break as I look into his eyes. As if what I was saying broke him deeply. He didn't say anything, he just pulled me into a tight hug. "Oh Fina" he said softly while a little sob escaped my mouth as he rubbed my back. After a couple of minutes of standing in each other's embrace, he let go and pulled me back towards the mirror. Not wanting to see what I saw moments before, I look down at the ground. "Fina, look up" he commands. "I don't want to" I tell him. "Look up love" he says.

Hearing the nickname 'love' my eyes immediately shot up in shock. "Good" he muttered as he hugged me from behind. "Look in the mirror and tell me what you see" he says softly his breath almost hitting my ear. Hesitatingly I look at myself. "I see you and me" I answer back. "No Fina, I mean what do you see when you look at yourself?" "Ugly scars littering my body" I whisper hoping he doesn't hear me. He hummed, not in agreement but in an acknowledgment kind of way; to say, okay. "Want to know what I see?" He asks I shrug my shoulders still wanting to change out of this dress.

"I see a beautiful, strong girl. A girl that has survived unimaginable things. Who has survived all kinds of cruelties that this world brings. A girl that, yes has battle scars. But those battle scars aren't ugly, they are there to show you and everyone around you that you survived. That you made it and are still here and alive. You're beautiful Fina, your smile can light up anyone's day. You are amazing, you are so much stronger than you think. More beautiful than you think, worthier than you believe. You are more loved than you can even start to imagine. You surviving had left some scars but that doesn't make them ugly.

And if other people outside can't see that then that is not your problem, it's theirs. They don't know what you've been through, they don't know anything about you Fina. They can't judge you for survival." He tells me before giving me a small kiss on one of my scars on my collarbone. I say nothing, I just stare at him through the mirror.

"If I could give you one thing in life, I would give you the ability to see yourself through my eyes. Only then would you realize how special you really are to me...and all the others around you." He finishes talking before turning me back around and hugging me tight to him. I snap out of my daze and hug him back tighter then I've ever done before.

He cupped her face gently, wiping away a tear with his thumb. "You're strong, Fina. You've been through so much, and you're still standing. These scars don't define you—they show how much you've overcome."

Her lips quivered, and she let out a shaky breath. "What if people judge me?"

"Then they're not worth your time," he said. "And if anyone tries, they'll have to deal with me."

A soft laugh escaped her, breaking through the tears. "You can't fight the whole room, Aiden."

"Watch me," he said with a grin, earning a full laugh from her this time.

She nodded, her resolve strengthening. "Thank you."

"Always"

Omniscient Pov:

The ballroom was dazzling, filled with the who's who of the mafia world. Alessandro and Isabella stood at the entrance, greeting guests with warm yet calculated smiles. Enzo, Antonio, Luca, Matteo, and Dante were scattered throughout the crowd, keeping a watchful eye on proceedings.

When Fina descended the grand staircase, all eyes turned to her. The lavender gown flowed elegantly with each step, and though she felt a pang of anxiety, Aiden's earlier words echoed in her mind.

"You've got this," Aiden whispered, walking beside her.

Mia and Ethan met them at the bottom, both beaming. "Fina, you look amazing!" Mia exclaimed, pulling her into a hug.

"Stunning," Ethan agreed.

Fina smiled, feeling a little more at ease—until she spotted Sophia near the refreshment table. The girl's icy gaze was locked on her, a smirk playing on her lips.

Hours into the evening, Fina was starting to relax. She'd danced with her brothers, chatted with allies of the family, and even managed to enjoy a few laughs with the Fab Four. But her peace was short-lived.

Sophia approached with a drink in hand, her silver gown shimmering under the light. "Serafina," she greeted, her tone overly sweet. "I must say, you've outdone yourself. It's brave, really, to wear something so... revealing."

Fina stiffened, her heart sinking. She glanced at Aiden, who was glaring at Sophia with barely concealed anger.

"Leave her alone, Sophia," Mia snapped, stepping protectively in front of Fina.

Sophia ignored her, her smile widening. "I mean, I'm sure it takes a lot of confidence to show... everything." Her gaze lingered pointedly on Fina's arms.

Fina's chest tightened, the room starting to spin. "Excuse me," she whispered, turning to leave.

"Fina—" Aiden started, but she was already gone, fleeing to the safety of her room.

Upstairs, Fina sat on her bed, tears streaming down her face. She hugged her knees to her chest, the events of the night replaying in her mind.

A knock at the door broke through her thoughts. "Fina, it's me," Isabella called softly.

She hesitated before opening the door. Her mother stepped in, her face full of concern. Without a word, Isabella pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly.

"I'm sorry, mamma" Fina sobbed.

"You have nothing to be sorry for," Isabella said firmly. "You've done nothing wrong, mia cara. Some people are cruel, and that reflects on them, not you."

Downstairs, Alessandro had reached his breaking point. He stood before Marco and Lucia DeLuca, his voice cold as ice. "Your daughter owes mine an apology."

Marco stiffened. "Alessandro, let's not make a scene—"

"The fucking scene was made the moment your daughter decided to humiliate mine," Alessandro interrupted.

Sophia, clearly rattled, muttered, "I'm sorry."

Alessandro's gaze didn't waver. "You're sorry? You've been tormenting my daughter for months. If it happens again, you'll regret it."

Marco nodded curtly, leading his family away. But Alessandro wasn't done. He turned to his sons, his voice low. "Keep an eye on them. We're not finished with the DeLucas."

"By the end of the night, Fina felt exhausted but reassured by the unwavering love and support of her family. As she sat on Aiden's lap on the balcony, snuggling into him for warmth, the two of them quietly exchanged smiles while chatting in their group chat with Mia and Ethan. Unbeknownst to them, her parents and brothers stood just inside, watching silently. Alessandro's stern expression softened as he saw his daughter laugh quietly, her head resting on Aiden's shoulder. Isabella wiped a tear from her cheek, grateful to see Fina finding comfort and happiness despite everything she had endured.

A few moments later, Fina's breathing slowed, her small body relaxing completely in Aiden's arms as she drifted off to sleep. Aiden gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, careful not to wake her, before glancing back toward the doorway where Alessandro gave him a silent nod of approval.

Standing carefully, Aiden cradled Fina in his arms and carried her upstairs to her room. The soft glow of her bedside lamp illuminated her peaceful face as he laid her down on the bed and started to pull the blanket over her. But as he moved to leave, her hand instinctively caught his.

'Stay,' she murmured sleepily, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aiden hesitated, glancing at the door before sitting down on the edge of the bed. 'I'm here,' he said softly, brushing his thumb over the back of her hand.

Fina's grip didn't loosen as she curled up closer to him, her eyes fluttering closed again. Aiden stayed until he was sure she was deeply asleep, her breathing steady and calm, before gently kissing her forehead. With one last glance, he whispered, 'Goodnight, Fina,' and got behind her as quietly as he could, and falls asleep.

a/n

ending this story soon..