I slowly woke up, my eyes fluttering open. The fragrance of pancakes filled my nose and my lips cracked into a small smile.

Ahh.....foooood......

Removing the blankets off me, I sat up but instantly regretted it when I felt the hangover start to kick in. I suddenly felt nauseous and a throbbing headache.

I'm never getting drunk ever again !

Just then, I heard a knock at the door. A few seconds later, I saw Estella with a tray in her hands, at the door.

"How are you feeling ?" Estella asks, coming closer to the bed.

"My head is throbbing.....and I feel nauseous." I say, weakly.

"Here, have this. You'll feel better." She said, giving me a glass of orange juice and a pill.

Taking the pill with the orange juice, I thanked her.

"No problem, dear. Breakfast is ready." Estella said, walking out of the room with the empty glass.

I nodded and walked towards the bathroom. Since I hadn't showered yesterday, I decided to have a shower now.

While washing my hair, I thought about last night. I faintly remember being in Dante's arms.

Then I had lazily changed into the nightsuit he picked out for me.

But....I don't remember taking my makeup off.

Hmm......maybe I just can't remember...

Wrapping a towel around me, I walked out of the show and put on a comfortable outfit.

It consisted of a matching top and shorts. The fabric was pastel-colored and soft.

I tied my hair into a high ponytail and didn't care about putting on any makeup.

The bruise wasn't fully healed and looked bluish purple. Since Dante already knew about it, I had no reason to cover it.

Once I walked downstairs, I went straight to the kitchen. I was met with the sight of Estella at the stove, making pancakes.

Dante was buttoning up his suit jacket while sitting on one of the stools at the island.

Sensing my presence, he looked up at me and smiled warmly.

"Buongiorno, Stellina. How are you feeling ?" Dante says, taking a bite of food from his plate.

I didn't know much of Italian but I knew enough to know that he had just said 'Good Morning' to me.

"Buenos Días, Dante. I feel less like shit now, thanks to Estella. I'll be fine in a while." I replied, walking towards the island.

He smirked and continued eating.

"Aren't you like....very late for work ?" I asked, taking a sip of the coffee Estella made for me.

"I'm not going to the office today." Dante said, and then side glanced at Estella cleaning the table top. "I'm going on a field trip..." His voice trailed off.

I understood what he meant by the words 'field trip'. It meant he was doing mafia business.

"You don't have to say that. I know that it is your job, Topolino." She sighed. "I just get worried about you. When you go for mafia business, you come back wounded."

"Oh...I'll be fine." Dante said, walking towards her. He hugged her and softly said, "Don't worry about me."

Estella nodded and hugged him back. Moments later, they pulled away. "Matteo's condition is not getting better. I am going to go see him. The flight is in the afternoon." She tells him.

"Alright. Take your time." Dante told her.

They weren't exactly whispering, so I could hear them. I didn't want to ask who Matteo was nor did I want to intrude into their conversation, so I decided to go to my room. After I finished eating, I washed my plate and cup.

When I started walking up to the stairs, Dante's voice stopped me.

"Bye, Azalea ! I'm leaving now. I'll be back by 8:00 pm."

I turned back and saw him near the main door. "Okayy, doofus. See ya !"

He chuckled and left. I walked to my room and started what I've wanted to do for a very long time.

I started developing a game......

I've always wanted to do this but I never had the time to start. Now that I have a week off, I thought that now would be the best time to do so.

I didn't know much about the algorithm or coding used for games, but I did know a thing or two.

A few hours later, Estella came to my room and explained that her son, Matteo, was in a coma for the last year. She explained that Matteo has a traumatic brain injury which was caused by a car accident.

I helped her pack the suitcases and cook lunch as well as dinner. I told that I would cook for dinner later, but she insisted.

It was now 2:00 pm, Estella and I had just finished packing.

"Okay...well...I should leave now. I don't wanna be late." She said, unsure.

"Alright. Take care of yourself, don't worry too much. I've given you my number so you can call me anytime." I said, giving her a hug.

"Also.....please make sure Dante doesn't do anything stupid. That boy will be the death of me ?" Estella pleaded, hugging me back.

"Yeah. He seems to have that effect on people...." I jokingly replied, while pulling away.

"Bye, Azalea." She said dragging her suitcase to the driveway, where the driver was waiting in the car.

"Bye, Safe journey." I waved to her.

She got into the car and we waved to each other until I couldn't see the car anymore.

In the short time that I was with Estella, we grew closer and the house seemed a little quiter now.

I was laying on my bed now, staring at the ceiling. It was 9:30 pm now and Dante said that he would be home by 8:00 pm.

To be honest, I was a little worried about him. I wanted to call him to know where he was, and ask him he was alright.

But, I didn't want to disturb him by calling. What if he was busy, fighting someone now ?

Just then, I heard the screeching of tyres near the driveway. I jumped out of the bed and looked outside the window.

He's finally here ! That's his car...

I walked downstairs and went to the living room.....

I saw Dante limping into the room while clutching his arm, blood seeping through his fingers.

Oh...my......

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