Bound By Circumstance: The Mafia's Innocent Bride
Let him Go
Welcome back lovely readers
The days were passing like a whirlwind, each one bringing its own set of challenges and moments of reflection for both Emma and Luca.
For Emma, mornings began with the soothing routine of tending to her patients at the pediatric clinic. Her days were filled with the sounds of children's laughter and occasional tears, her gentle hands and kind words a source of comfort
In stark contrast, Luca's life was a complex dance between legitimacy and the underworld. His mornings were occupied with meetings in high-rise offices, discussing investments and property deals that kept his legitimate business thriving. By afternoon, he was making calls to coordinate shipments and collections, ensuring his illegal operations ran smoothly. His nights were often spent in smoky backrooms of clubs, where deals were struck over whiskey and cigar smoke, his presence commanding respect and fear in equal measure.
Emma often thought about her grandparents, eagerly anticipating their return from their trip, longing for their warm presence and stories.
Luca's nights were anything but peaceful. He navigated a world where trust was scarce, and loyalty was bought with fear and power
One evening, after a particularly grueling day at the clinic, Emma decided to treat herself to dinner at a favorite bistro, La Belle Vie. It was a charming little place, with warm lighting and a cozy atmosphere that made her feel instantly at ease.
Emma Smith (FL)
(smiling and entering the hotel)
She entered the bistro, greeted by the familiar aroma of fresh herbs and baked bread. The maître d'hôtel, a middle-aged man with a welcoming smile, approached her.
Jean (hotel staff)
Good evening, Miss Emma. It's lovely to see you again. A table for one?
Emma Smith (FL)
Yes, please, Jean. A table by the window, if you have one available (smile back)
Jean (hotel staff)
Of course, right this way (leading her to a small, intimate table by the window that overlooked the bustling street outside.)
Emma settled into her seat, taking in the cozy ambiance. A young waiter, perhaps in his early twenties, approached her with a menu in hand.
Alex (hotel staff)
Good evening, ma'am. My name is Alex, and I'll be your server tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink? (his voice is polite and cheerful)
Emma Smith (FL)
I'd love a glass of your house red wine, please," (glancing over the menu)
Alex (hotel staff)
Excellent choice ( jotting it down on his notepad.)
Alex (hotel staff)
Do you need a few minutes to decide on your order, or are you ready?
Emma Smith (FL)
(Emma scanned the menu quickly, already familiar with most of the offerings) I think I'll start with the tomato basil soup and for the main course, I'll have the roasted vegetable risotto.
Alex (hotel staff)
Perfect. Our tomato basil soup is a favorite, and the risotto is especially good tonight (his smile is genuine)
Alex (hotel staff)
Would you like to add any sides or perhaps a dessert to follow?
Emma Smith (FL)
(pout while thinking) No sides, but I might have a look at the dessert menu later.
Alex (hotel staff)
(*Cute*) Ahem! Of course. I'll get your wine and soup started right away. (giving a small nod before heading back to the kitchen)
As she waited, Emma looked out the window, watching the city come alive with the evening rush. The juxtaposition of her peaceful dinner and the busy streets reminded her of how different her life was from the chaos outside. She took a deep breath, grateful for this moment of tranquility.
Alex (hotel staff)
(Alex set the soup and wine before her with a flourish) Here you go, Miss Emma. Enjoy your meal. If you need anything, just let me know.
Emma Smith (FL)
Thank you, (giving him a warm smile)
As she savored her soup, Emma's thoughts drifted. She thought about her grandparents, their laughter and wisdom filling her heart with warmth. She wondered when they would return from their trip, missing their presence more than ever
Emma was lost in thought, reflecting on the day's events and the tranquility of the moment. The warmth of the bistro, the delicious meal, and the comforting glass of wine all combined to create a cocoon of peaceful contemplation
When she snapped out of her reverie, she realized that a significant amount of time had passed. The once busy and bustling road outside the window was now eerily quiet and empty.
Emma Smith (FL)
(glanced at the watch) (eye widen) Oh Shit!
She looked around the bistro, noticing that most of the patrons had left, and only a few tables were still occupied. The staff were beginning to clean up and close down for the night.
Alex (hotel staff)
Lost track of time, did we? ( noticing her surprised expression)
Emma Smith (FL)
(Emma chuckled softly, a little embarrassed) Yes, it seems I did. I guess I was enjoying the peace and quiet a bit too much.
Alex (hotel staff)
No worries (gathering her empty plates). It happens to the best of us. Can I get you anything else before we close up?
Emma Smith (FL)
(Emma shook her head) No, thank you. Just the check, please.
Emma Smith (FL)
(Noticed Alex eyes were red like he cried)
Emma Smith (FL)
*What happened? He was fine a few minutes ago. Did anyone bully him?*
Alex (hotel staff)
Alex nodded and left to fetch her bill.
Emma Smith (FL)
(looking outside) *It's past midnight, What was I thinking?* (sigh)
After paying the bill, Emma left for her home
As Emma walked out of the bistro, she noticed Alex also stepping out, likely done for the night. She smiled and nodded at him.
As Emma is walking, she reached a quiet alley. Her attention was drawn to a figure sitting in the middle of the road, hunched over and crying. Her heart went out to the person, and she instinctively moved closer to see if she could help.
When she got nearer, she was surprised to recognize Alex. He had hurried ahead and was now sitting in the middle of the road, his earlier calm demeanor replaced by visible distress.
Emma Smith (FL)
Alex? (kneeling beside him) What's wrong? Why are you sitting here like this?
Alex (hotel staff)
(Alex looked up, his eyes were red from crying) I just... I needed a moment. Everything just hit me at once.
Emma Smith (FL)
(Emma glanced at him curiously) You don't like being at home?
Alex (hotel staff)
(Alex sighed, a hint of sadness in his eyes.) It's not that. It's just... there's someone I like, and he's in love with someone else
Emma Smith (FL)
(Emma nodded, her voice gentle) I understand. Sometimes it helps to talk about it. If you want, we can go somewhere quieter and you can tell me everything
Alex (hotel staff)
(Alex nodded, wiping his eyes) I'd like that. Thank you, Emma.
They stood up together, and Emma led him to a nearby bench, away from the empty street. They sat down, and Alex began to open up about his feelings for Ben, his fears of losing their friendship, and the pain of unrequited love. Emma listened patiently
Alex (hotel staff)
We've been friends for a while, and I really like him. But he's in love with this girl, and he doesn't even notice how I feel (sigh and wipe his tears)
Emma Smith (FL)
(Emma nodded, understanding his pain.) That must be really hard, especially since you're friends. Have you told him how you feel?
Alex (hotel staff)
(Alex shook his head) No, I haven't. I'm too scared it will ruin our friendship. I guess I'll just have to accept it and move on.
Emma Smith (FL)
(smile) I appreciate that you want to move on, but it's not fair to you. You have to confess your love to him. That way, you won't hurt as much when you let go
Alex (hotel staff)
I know, but what if he doesn't feel the same? I don't want to lose him as a friend.(nervous and scared)
Emma Smith (FL)
(hold his hand) True, but holding it in is only causing you more pain. At least this way, you'll have closure, no matter what happens. (assuring him)
Alex (hotel staff)
(nodded) You're right. It's scary, but I think I need to tell him
Emma Smith (FL)
Before that you must make sure that you love him and not like him
Alex (hotel staff)
(confused) Like and love are the same right?
Emma Smith (FL)
(chuckle) Nooo
Your Author
Thank you for reading this! If you enjoyed the story, please like 👍 and subscribe ❤️ to receive notifications for future updates. Also, don't forget to follow me for more exciting content and stories.
Your Author
See you tomorrow 😁
Comments