 🧤Antonio's P.O.V🧤
The gym room was quiet except for the faint hum of the lights.
I walked past Damian, grabbing a towel and wiping my hands slowly, giving the silence time to stretch.
People always revealed more in silence.
They got uncomfortable.
They talked too much.
I turned to face him.
"Describe her."
His brows furrowed slightly.
"Your girlfriend". I replied.
He wasn't sure why I asked him to do that but he obeyed.
"She–She's um– beautiful". He said, almost smiling.
"She has pretty blonde hair, soft green eyes and—"
He stopped.
His throat moved as he swallowed.
I tilted my head slightly...
"And?"
"–and she talks a lot too", he added, forcing a small chuckle.
"She's stubborn too."
My lips twitched unintentionally...because for a second, a very brief second...
Another face crossed my mind.
"Same height as… most women," he continued, carefully.
"Slender… but not weak."
His eyes flickered...and I caught it.
"She has this way of talking like she doesn't think before she speaks," he continued.
"And when she's nervous… she fidgets."
My fingers stilled.
That was specific.
I stepped closer to him, close enough to make him tense.
"Funny," I murmured.
"You describe her like she's standing right here."
Silence was heavy.
Damian's eyes widened slightly.
Before I could push further, the door burst open.
"Capo!"
It was Camelio...breathing slightly harder than usual.
I turned slowly, irritation flashing through my eyes.
"What is it?"
"The Germans… they've made a move."
Of course they had.
I had their likes paralyzed for assaulting my maid.
I exhaled through my nose, my mood shifting instantly.
From curiosity…
To violence.
"Where?"
"At the docks."
I grabbed my jacket without hesitation.
"Get the men ready."
"Yes, Capo."
He turned to leave but paused.
"Should we bring the messenger?"
I glanced at Damian and he straightened immediately.
Eager...obedient..unaware.
"Not yet," I said.
Then I walked out...
I didn't go to the docks immediately.
Instead…
My steps took me somewhere else.
Her room.
I didn't knock, I opened the door.
She was there, holding the baby.
Her head snapped up the moment she saw me.
And for a split second, I saw real fear in her eyes.
Not the fake one she showed earlier.
Interesting.
"Antonio?" she called.
I shut the door behind me.
Slowly...locking it.
Her eyes flickered to it.
Good.
Let her feel it.
Let her understand.
"You lied to me," I said calmly.
She blinked...feigning confusion again.
"I don't know what you—"
I moved before she could finish, closing the distance between us in seconds.
She stepped back instinctively until her back hit the wall.
Trapped.
My hand came up, resting beside her head, caging her in.
Her breathing changed...faster and shallow.
"You're hiding something," I continued, my voice low.
"And I don't like being lied to."
"I'm not lying," she said quickly.
Her fingers tightened around the baby, protectively...
My eyes dropped briefly to the child…then back to her face.
"You panic when he's around," I said.
Her lips parted slightly.
Got you.
"W-what are you talking about?"
I leaned closer...close enough to feel her breath.
"My messenger."
There it was again...
That flicker.
That tiny, betraying reaction. I didn't miss it.
I never missed anything.
My thumb brushed lightly against her jaw...
enough to make her freeze.
"If I find out you're deceiving me…" I murmured.
Her breath hitched.
"I won't be as merciful as I've been."
There was silence as her muted green eyes searched mine.
Fear. Defiance. Something else.
Something I couldn't quite name and it irritated me.
Because I didn't understand it.
And I didn't like not understanding things. I pulled back abruptly, straightening my cuffs like nothing had happened.
"I'll deal with you later."
Her shoulders dropped slightly in relief.
She thought she escaped.
She didn't.
No one escaped me.
I walked to the door, unlocking it, then paused...without turning back..
"Stay out of trouble, fiancée."
"And stay away from my business."
Because the more I watched her…
The more I realized...
She wasn't just trouble.
She was becoming a distraction. And I had no intention of letting anything…
Or anyone…
Distract me.
🌹Regina's P.O.V🌹
 The door clicked shut behind him.
And for a moment…I didn't move, breathe...nor blink.
Then, my knees gave out.
"Jesus Christ…" I whispered, pressing my back fully against the wall as I slid down slowly.
My chest rose and fell rapidly, my heart pounding like it was trying to escape my body.
"I'm going to die."
Not metaphorically. Not dramatically.
Literally.
"I am going to die in Italy…"
I pressed my right palm against my forehead.
What was that?!
The way he looked at me…
The way he spoke…
The way he cornered me like I was already guilty of something I hadn't even been caught doing yet...
"I should just tell him right? I mean I should probably open up and tell him the truth before he actually finds out by himself and misunderstand the situation..."
"I can't do this," I muttered, shaking my head. "I actually cannot do this. This is above my energy level. I didn't sign up for mafia, fake fiancée, double life, and near-death experiences every five business minutes."
A soft whimper came from the baby
I looked down at her in my left arm..
"Oh my God, I'm sorry little one…"
I rushed over, gently placing her properly on the bed.
"There, there… at least one of us should have peace in this house of madness."
She blinked up at me innocently.
Lucky her.
No mafia boss threatening her existence.
No boyfriend unknowingly working for said mafia boss.
No....
Meooowwww.
I froze. Slowly…I turned my head toward the wardrobe.
"No."
"Don't even start."
Another soft movement.
Then, out he came.
Lucifer.
The devil himself.
Black fur. Sharp emerald eyes. Zero remorse.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me."
He strolled out like he owned the place.
Like he paid rent.
Like he didn't scratch my face before...
I narrowed my eyes at him.
"You again."
He sat down calmly and licked his paw...then looked at me.
Mocking. Judging. Disrespectful.
"Don't look at me like that," I pointed at him. "You're the criminal here."
He blinked slowly....unbothered.
"Oh, you think this is funny?" I scoffed. "You think this is a joke?"
He continued licking his paw.
I gasped.
"Oh wow. Wow. So this is how it is? You assault people, then act innocent? Very on brand."
I folded my arms.
"Just like your owner."
He paused.
Then looked at me again suspiciously.
"Yeah, I said it," I continued, pacing. "You and Antonio are literally the same person in different forms."
I began counting on my fingers.
"Number one... both of you attack without warning."
He tilted his head.
"Number two...both of you stare like you're about to commit murder."
He blinked.
"Number three...both of you act like you own the entire world."
He stood up slowly.
"Oh, so now you're offended?" I laughed dryly. "Good. Be offended. Feel something."
He took a step forward.
I took a step back.
"Don't come close to me."
Another step.
"Lucifer… don't test me."
Another step.
"Oh, you want war?"
I looked at the bed. The baby was still calm.
Good.
Witness protection activated.
I rolled up my sleeves.
"You chose violence today. I will give you violence."
He blinked again...then turned and ran.
"Oh no you don't!"
I lunged forward.
Missed.
Slipped.
"Ahh—!"
I hit the floor hard..on my back
I laid there for two seconds staring at the ceiling.
"Nice."
Very nice.
Dignity...gone. Spine...broken. Life..finished.
Meooow.
I turned my head.
He was sitting a few feet away...licking his paw again.
Watching me and mocking me.
I narrowed my eyes.
"I swear on everything good in this world… I will end you."
I pushed myself up and charged again.
He darted to the other side.
I tripped over the rug at the door step.
"AH—!"
Down again.
Face first.
"This is attempted murder!" I groaned into the floor.
Meoow.
I looked up and he was on the bed now, sitting beside the baby.
Like a guardian angel.
A very evil guardian angel.
"You think hiding beside her will save you?" I pointed at him. "Don't use her as a shield!"
He curled his tail around himself unbothered.
I stood up slowly, breathing heavily.
"You know what?"
I nodded.
"Fine."
I pointed at him.
"You win today."
He blinked...I'm guessing satisfied.
"But just know—" I narrowed my eyes, walking closer carefully this time.
"One day… I will catch you."
I leaned in slightly.
"And when I do…"
I whispered dramatically....
"I will bury you where nobody will ever find you."
Silence fell as he stared at me then...licked his paw again.
I gasped.
"Did you just—?!"
I clutched my chest.
"This cat has no fear of God."
I dropped onto the bed beside the baby, exhausted.
"This house will be the death of me."
The baby let out a soft sound, almost like a laugh.
I turned to her.
"You too, Princess? You're laughing too?"
She blinked innocently.
Traitor.
I sighed, laying back.
"One mafia boss… one secret boyfriend… one mysterious baby… and one demonic cat."
I covered my face.
"What kind of life is this?"
Meooow.
I peeked through my fingers.
Lucifer was now curled comfortably at the edge of the bed sleeping.
Like he didn't just ruin my existence.
I shook my head slowly.
"Unbelievable."
"…You really are his cat."
Because honestly?
Same attitude.
Same audacity.
Same ability to stress me out without even trying.
I closed my eyes briefly.
Just for a second.
"I'm finished."
*
I walked into the kitchen, half expecting peace…
Half expecting another live episode of 'Things I Shouldn't Be Seeing in This Mansion.'
Thankfully—no moaning.
No Rosselia climbing countertops or Antonio doing… gymnastics.
Just… normal kitchen sounds....Pots clanking. Soft footsteps.
And...
"Louisa!" I called out, my face lighting up immediately, when I saw her.
She turned, and smiled.
"Miss… good morning."
"Oh my God, you're okay!" I rushed to her side, genuinely relieved. "I was worried about you…"
Her smile softened.
"I'm fine… grazie."
Liar.
Her eyes were still a little swollen.
She definitely cried herself to sleep.
My chest tightened a bit.
"I'm really sorry that happened to you," I said quietly.
Before she could respond, a loud scoff cut through the air.
Of course.
Rosselia.
She didn't even look at me.
Just kept chopping whatever poor vegetable offended her this morning like it personally ruined her life.
"Alcune persone si preoccupano troppo per cose che non le riguardano."
(Some people worry too much about things that don't concern them.)
Oh.
OH?
I blinked slowly.
Me?
We're doing this?
This early in the morning??
I folded my arms, watching her like an innocent bystander.
Act natural, Regina.
You don't understand a word.
You're just a confused American lady in a mafia kitchen.
Louisa sighed tiredly.
"Rosselia, basta…"
(Rosselia, stop…)
"Non ha fatto niente a te."
(She hasn't done anything to you.)
I almost smiled...
Thank you, Louisa. Someone with sense.
But Rosselia?
Ha.
She dropped the knife with a sharp clack and finally turned....
Not to me.
To Louisa.
"Stai attenta a come mi parli."
(Watch how you speak to me.)
Her tone?
Ice.
"Potrei farti licenziare con una sola parola."
(I could have you fired with a single word.)
Oh?
Ohhh?
My eyebrows lifted slightly.
So that's the dynamic here.
Louisa stiffened but didn't back down.
"I'm just saying the truth," she replied, quieter this time.
Rosselia leaned closer to her, voice dropping...
"E io sto dicendo… di stare al tuo posto."
(And I'm telling you… to stay in your place.)
Okay.
Yeah.
This kitchen is toxic.
I cleared my throat softly and both of them turned to look at me.
Time to act dumb.
"Uh… is everything okay?" I asked, tilting my head slightly.
Rosselia's expression switched so fast it was almost funny.
Fake smile.
Fake calm.
Fake everything.
"Of course.." she said sweetly. "Just… kitchen talk."
Kitchen talk my foot.
You were two seconds away from turning this place into a WWE ring.
Louisa forced a small smile.
"Would you like something to eat?"
"Yes please," I nodded quickly, then glanced between them.
The tension was thick enough to slice with Rosselia's murder knife.
I leaned casually against the counter.
"So…" I started.
Rosselia's eyes flicked to me.
Sharp. Suspicious. Annoyed.
Perfect.
"I didn't know the kitchen came with… morning drama," I added lightly.
Louisa almost choked on air.
Rosselia didn't laugh.
She just stared at me like she was mentally calculating my expiration date.
"Drama?" she repeated.
I smiled innocently.
"Yeah… sounded intense."
Her lips twitched.
Not a smile though.. More like:
If I stab you, will anyone notice?
Oh she hates me.
She really hates me.
And the funny part is how she has no idea I understood every single word she said.
I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from smiling.
This…
This is going to be fun.
🫠THIRD PERSON'S P.O.VðŸ«
The dining hall was quiet as Regina stepped in...
The long table stretched across the room like always...
Regina sat down on the same seat reserved for her last time...
Opposite Antonio's.
Antonio's seat was empty..which, honestly, made everything feel…lighter.
Safer.
"Your meal..."
Rosselia approached, placing the dish in front of her personally.
That alone was suspicious.
But Regina?
She didn't think too much about it..Instead, she smiled politely.
"Thank you."
The aroma made her stomach tighten in anticipation.
Italy really had the best chefs.
And as much as she hated to admit it...
Rosselia could cook really well. She picked up her cutlery and took her first bite.
Then another.
And another.
Barely ten seconds in…
Her brows furrowed slightly as her skin felt…warm.
Weirdly warm.
She paused, touching her neck lightly.
Probably nothing...or maybe stress.
Yeah…definitely stress.
She shrugged it off and continued eating.
Then, her throat tightened. Slightly at first.
Then more.
Her hand froze mid-air... A cough escaped her lips.
Then another.
Her breathing hitched.
"What…?" she whispered, her voice strained.
Her fingers flew to her face.
It was itching badly.
Her eyes widened.
No.
No…no…no.
She pushed the plate away instantly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor as she stood up abruptly.
Her chest tightened....
Her lungs—
She couldn't breathe properly.
"What is in the food?!" she shrieked, her voice breaking as she stared at Rosselia.
Rosselia stood there, arms folded..watching calmly.
"What do you mean?" she asked coolly.
Regina's breathing grew erratic.
"The—The food… what recipe is it?" she choked out, scratching her arm, her neck...everywhere.
Her skin felt like it was on fire.
Just then...
"Miss?!"
Louisa rushed in, her eyes widening in horror at the sight before her.
She didn't need a second look.
She knew.
"Oh my God…"
Her head snapped toward Rosselia.
"What have you done, Rosselia?!" she demanded, in English.
Rosselia didn't answer nor flinch.
Louisa continued, her voice rising...
"Tu hai preparato il Risotto ai Frutti di Mare per il Capo—perché lo hai dato a lei?! Ha detto chiaramente che è allergica ai frutti di mare!"
(You prepared the seafood risotto for Capo—why did you serve it to her?! She clearly said she's allergic to seafood!)
A pause..then Rosselia shrugged slightly.
"È così? L'ho dimenticato."
(Is that so? I forgot.)
Forgot?
Forgot?!
Regina thought as she staggered slightly, gripping the table for support as another wave of coughing hit her.
Her throat was closing.
"Miss, I'm so sorry, let me call the doctor!" Louisa rushed to the nearby telephone, dialing frantically.
Regina's vision blurred, but her eyes… Locked onto Rosselia, burning.
"You bitch…" she growled weakly.
Rosselia's brows lifted, slightly amused.
Regina clenched her fists, her voice shaking but filled with fury...
"Sei una pazza… giuro che mi occuperò di te."
(You're crazy… I swear I'll deal with you.)
Silence followed..
Rosselia's expression froze and Louisa turned sharply.
Both ladies stared at Regina, shock written clearly across their faces.
She understood.
She understood everything.
But there was no time to dwell on that.
"I'll get one of the men!" Louisa said quickly, rushing out of the room.
Now, it was just the two of them.
Regina, struggling to breathe.
Rosselia, staring at her like she had just discovered something dangerous.
"You…" Rosselia stepped forward slightly.
"Tu parli italiano?"
(You speak Italian?)
Regina let out a shaky breath, her lips trembled.
"Fuck you…" she muttered, raising her middle finger weakly.
Footsteps echoed from outside. Hurried steps.
The door burst open... And Rosselia immediately stepped aside, masking her expression before walking out like nothing had happened.
"Ma'am, I just saw Louisa rushing out, are you—"
The words died in his throat.
Damian Wayne froze.
His eyes locked onto her. Recognition hit instantly.
"Reggie…?" he breathed out, shock and disbelief colliding in his voice.
Regina looked up at him through teary, blurred eyes.
Her body trembled...defenses—gone.
Nothing else mattered.
Not the lies or danger.
Just survival.
"Babe…" she whispered, her voice breaking as tears slipped down her cheeks.
"I ingested seafood…"