THE MAFIA'S RUINATION
The Mafia's Ruination - Episode 38
Subtitle; {Between Love and War}
Authoress Rejoice
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Alexander's POV
The overwhelming contentment and happiness that washes over me whenever I hold Alice in my arms is almost crÃminal, especially considering my affiliation with the MÃ fia. The sheer relaxation I experience with my head in her lap as she plays with my hair is beyond words.
Alice and I have been in bed since morning, having only briefly eaten breakfast before retreating to my room. Her fingers gently run through my hair as her eyes remain fixed on the TV, while I can't help but be captivated by her beautiful face. From my vantage point, she looks angelic.
"You know, watching TV too much isn't good," I finally say, capturing her attention.
She gives me a skeptical look. "Aw," she laughs, pinching my cheeks. "Look at you, acting like my parents."
I sit up, facing her. "Now I have your attention."
The smile that lights up her face makes my heart skip a beat. Alice has me completely wrapped around her finger, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
"Sorry, but the movie is so interesting," she says, shifting closer to me. "You now have my undivided attention. What's on your mind?"
"May I ask a question?" I ask.
She nods, her hand reaching for the remote to switch off the TV. "Go on, I'm all ears."
"Do you genuinely believe I can find someone to share the rest of my life with?" I ask, my thoughts drifting back to the painting from the previous night.
Her smile wavers, her gaze wandering aimlessly before she swallows hard, her eyes locking with mine.
"Absolutely," she responds in a cheerfully high-pitched tone. "You're flawlessly perfect. Any woman would consider herself fortunate to be with you. I've told you this numerous times."
"I understand, but I can't fathom why anyone in their right mind would want to commit to a lifetime with me, to raise a family with me when I'm so méssed up," I counter, rising from the bed. "I wouldn't wish that on anyone."
"You're not méssed up, Xander," Alice's soothing voice echoes a sentiment she often shares, but I struggle to believe.
"You are perfect just as you are. I would be fortunate to have someone like you as my life partner." She approached me, positioning herself directly in front of me. "Why are you saying this? What's going on?"
"Nothing," I lied, attempting to avert my gaze from her penetrating stare. But she gently held my face, maintaining our eye contact. "I'm serious. I'm merely asking."
"Something happened, and you're keeping it from me," she correctly surmised. "I thought we shared everything with each other."
"Darling, this isn't about you," I lied once more.
"I don't care whether this concerns me or not," she retorts, removing her hands from my face. "Did your father do or say something? Tell me, Alexander. What happened?"
I'm cornered now, aren't I? Either I'm a poór lià r, or Alice has an uncanny ability to discern my lies from the truth.
"He contacted me yesterday," I managed to utter, Alice biting her lower lip, her gaze penetrating mine, anticipating more information. "He didn't threatén me, but he said some things that deeply woundéd me."
"What were his words?" She inquired, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Forget about that. Just know it isn't true, don't bother yourself with his words, they hold no truth."
"That's not what's troubling me, Dolce Veleno," I confessed, shaking my head in denial. My hand instinctively tousled my hair as I let out a weary, drained sigh. "I'm afraid."
"Why?" She asked, her fingers gently untangling my disheveled hair. The soothing gesture significantly calmed my nerves. "You said..."
"I know what he's capable of, and I'm terrifiéd of what he might do to manÃpulate me again," I interrupted her, unable to hold back the tears welling in my eyes. I didn't bother to hide them, allowing them to flow freely. "I can't bear the thought of lósing you, Alice.
"You won't lóse me, Alex," she reassured me. "That's what scares me. You don't understand my father like I do. He wants you góne, out of my life." I could taste the saltiness of my tears, and as I reached up to wipe them away, Alice beat me to it. But they kept coming. "I can endure anything in this world, but lósing you is not an option."
The féar was overwhelming. If my father hà rmed Alice, I would never fórgive myself. The gúilt would hà unt me for the rest of my life. I wouldn't be able to move on. No other girl would want a walking ghóst like me.
Her green eyes, now glistening with unshed tears, locked onto mine. "Alexander, you won't lóse me. I'll be here with you forever."
Forever? She must be joking.
"Forever is a very strong word, Princess," I cautioned her, earning a small smile in return.
"Don't make promises you can't keep. That's the second thing I detést most in life."
The first is betrayal. I've never experienced it, but the mere thought of it fills me with dréad. The idea that someone you love, trust, know, adore, share tears and laughter with, could shatter your heart into a million pieces without a hint of remorse - I déspise that.
"Let's do something you enjoy, shall we?" She suggested, her smile gradually reclaiming its place. "How about a drive?"
"It's raining, Kitten. We can't go out," I replied, drawing her closer to me, my hands encircling her waist. "Let's find an alternative."
"Like?"
"Let's go see your painting."
"Absolutely. Let's go," she agreed, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. "You'll hang it up, right?"
"Totally," I assured her. "Now, put on your hood."
She complied, pulling the hood over her head. I mirrored her action before intertwining our hands, leading her out of the room towards the rooftop.
Perhaps my father's words hold some truth. Perhaps Alice will be my rúin, or perhaps she already is, but cúrse me if I wish for it to end.
I yearn for this to be everlasting. Alexander and Alice today, tomorrow, and... forever? I'm uncertain about that. What I do know is that lósing Alice equates to lósing myself.
TBC 📖✍️
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