Episode 6

That week, Angelina was exceedingly joyful. Bernardo had just finished his business degree at the university and was returning to settle in New York for good.

"Greco's boy (Bernardo) is coming back to town. He's finished his business course." Joseph casually mentioned during breakfast, showing little interest in the topic.

"I wasn't aware of that," Stella replied, taking a bite of her rice toast. "So, he'll probably be at Don Vito's party on Friday. All the important people will be there."

"Indeed. You and Angelina should go. Pietro Gotti will take you, along with Angelina."

"Why can't Angelina go on her own with our driver?" Stella countered, visibly upset. She didn't want Angelina near Pietro, fearing he might take an interest in her, as all men seemed to do.

"I don't mind going alone, Dad," Angelina, who had been quietly sipping her coffee, chimed in cheerily. Nothing could dampen her spirits that week. She already knew about Bernardo's return because they always kept in touch through WhatsApp, and that he would indeed be at Don Vito's party.

"Your sister isn't going to arrive at a party alone if she can go with you and her almost brother-in-law, Pietro. What's the problem, Stella?" Joseph snapped, glaring at the young woman sternly.

"None at all," she said reluctantly, shooting Angelina an angry look.

"Giovanna Rotolo will also be at that party. Her parents will soon announce her engagement to Bernardo," Joseph shared calmly with his daughters, mentioning gossip that held little importance to him. But upon hearing this, Angelina's fork dropped in surprise.

"Giovanna and Bernardo's engagement?" Angelina questioned her father with a racing heart. "You must be mistaken, Dad... Bernardo isn't engaged to anyone." She tried to keep her voice steady and calm. Angelina didn't want anyone to detect her nervousness.

"Of course, I'm not mistaken, Angelina," Joseph replied impatiently. "All these family alliances are arranged in advance, and I need to be aware of everything." By the way, I want you to look even more beautiful at Don Vito's party. All the most important mobsters from around the world will be there."

Upon hearing this, the sparkle in Angelina's eyes dimmed, and the joy she felt vanished. The food no longer appealed to her, and she was overwhelmed with angst. Bernardo had never mentioned this engagement to her. How could her father be so sure about it?

"I've already chosen my dress from Valentino. It's from the new collection. Totally exclusive to me," Stella boasted, unaware of her sister's gloom, who was far away in thought from that breakfast table.

"Angel? Angel, dear?" Olivia called, trying to get her daughter's attention. "We need to pick out your dress too."

"Sure, Mom," Angelina replied, disheartened and apathetic.

Later, alone in her room, Angelina decided to call Tiffany. Perhaps her friend would know something since she also belonged to a mobster family, and such marriage deals were not kept secret.

"Hey, Angel," Tiffany greeted cheerfully as soon as she saw Angelina's name on the caller ID.

"Ti..." Her tone was sad as she took a deep breath.

"What's with that voice, Angel?" Tiffany was surprised. Just the day before, Angelina was all happiness about Bernardo's imminent arrival. "Did something happen?"

"At breakfast, Dad mentioned that Bernardo is engaged to Giovanna Rotolo..."

"What do you mean?" Tiffany exclaimed in surprise. "Bernardo isn't engaged to any family. Your father must have gotten it wrong."

"I thought so too, but Dad was quite definitive... I don't know what to do with this information." Angelina felt desolate.

"What do you mean, 'you don't know'?" Tiffany, who had never seen Angelina so unsure, exclaimed. "Ask Bernardo directly!"

"I'm not used to discussing such matters with him. We talk a lot about what's happening in our day-to-day lives... He'd ask about my grades... if I was studying..."

"That seems quite unnecessary," Tiffany said with a twist of her lips but realizing that Angelina and Bernardo's relationship was more one of friendship. "It's not like you'd have to take a university entrance exam, being a woman and the daughter of a mobster. Has he ever professed his love to you, Angel?"

"No..." Angelina confessed truthfully. "A declaration over the phone or a WhatsApp message? I never expected that from him."

"Does he know how you feel?"

Suddenly, Tiffany's question sparked a glimmer of hope in Angelina. She had never confessed her feelings to Bernardo. He was unaware of her sentiments.

"No..." Angelina regained the cheerful tone in her voice. "No, Tiffany! Bernardo doesn't know I love him. I'm certain he wouldn't marry someone else if he knew my feelings."

"Hold on, Angel. It's not quite that simple," Tiffany, not wanting Angelina to be hurt, felt compelled to help her friend think it through. "You know that in our circles, feelings aren't given much weight."

"But who would refuse an alliance with my family? It would be extremely advantageous for Bernardo. He needs to know how I feel." Angelina spoke with conviction. "Giovanna's family is no more significant than mine, and I am far prettier than her. I'm sure that if Bernardo knew of my feelings, he wouldn't proceed with an alliance with Giovanna's family."

"You should think this through carefully, Angel. First, you need to confirm whether this agreement between Bernardo's and Giovanna's family actually exists," Tiffany was more cautious than Angelina. "Then you can decide how to act."

"I need to choose my dress for Don Vito's party." Angelina was no longer listening to Tiffany. She was already plotting to profess her love to Bernardo, her great love, at the party. "I want to look even more stunning for Bernardo. I will confess my love to him at the party."

"I think it'd be wiser for you to take it slow, Angel, to avoid disappointment later."

Tiffany sensed that this might not end well. Angelina might be beautiful and smitten with Bernardo, but that meant little against the agreements between families. Yet, it would be challenging to dissuade Angelina from her idea. How could Bernardo entertain a marriage alliance with another family knowing Angelina was in love with him?