Jasmine's P.o.v
I stood nervously in front of Madam Silvia's desk, fidgeting with my hands as I tried to gather my thought. Mateo had sent his goons to harass me at work, causing a scene and an extreme form of damage in the store.
"I don't know what they want, I promise Madam Silvia," I tried to convince her keeping my voice as steady as I can. "They just showed up out of nowhere, threatening me for no reason."
Madam Silvia raised an eyebrow. "Really Jasmine? I don't think so. They talked about your father being involved in Mateo's father assassination. I'm very sure you don't know who Mateo truly is, because if you do, you'd know that crossing path with people like him would be the greatest mistake anyone could ever make. We've never had any issues with any Mafia in the past and I do not intend to."
"Madam Silvia, I swear I don't know this people. I don't have any connections to the Mafia. I'm just trying to do my job and live my life," I tried to convince my boss.
"Well, your dad does. According to them, your dad was a betrayal to their boss. Wasn't he, Jasmine?"
No, that's not true. I defended my father, but Madam Silvia's expression only grew serious.
"I'm afraid I have no choice, but to suspend you."
My eyes widened in shock. "What? Why?"
Madam Silvia sighed. "I'm sorry, but having those Mafia show up at our store is a liability. I need to protect the rest of the staff and the store interests. Until we can guarantee our safety, I'm afraid you can't come to work."
I felt a surge of frustration and fear. "But this isn't fair! I didn't do anything wrong. I'm the victim here."
Madam Silvia's expression softened slightly. "Maybe you are, but I'm sorry there's nothing I can do. I can't afford to lose my store and everything I've built by Mateo's goons' constant visit. They are most likely to return if you don't leave and I won't be having any of that. Here is your salary, just please leave."
I felt agitated after returning to the counter to clean up the mess done by Mateo's minions. The store was in a complete shambles, with broken glasses and shattered candy scattered everywhere. The sweet aroma of the sugar and chocolate now mingled with the acrid smell of destruction filled the air.
"What did she say, Jasmine?" Rachel approached me, suspending her cleaning activity.
"I've been suspended and I've been told to leave, Rachel. What do I tell my mum?" my voice broke and I could feel tears flow down my cheek. "She shouldn't know, Rachel. I have to do something."
"She won't, Jasmine," Rachel hands wiped away my tears. "Let's just clean this mess and we'll figure something out."
My dad didn't do it. He is innocent, Rachel. I don't know what this is all about, but my dad will never hurt a fly.
"I believe you, Jasmine. I mean, why wouldn't I believe the man who went as far as donating his kidney for my father to be a good person? Mr. Salvatore was a good man but whatever it was he had with the Morales is what we need to know and be sure of."
I don't know Rachel. Although I was just eleven when he died, but I don't remember him being surrounded by bodyguards or escorts. But, I could remember my mum telling me one time about his relationship with some kingpins in the past prior to his death. However, after a while, he chose to leave his life as a kingpin behind to start a new and better life for us.
We finished cleaning the mess and I began to head home leaving Rachel to continue with her job. I got home and was welcomed by my mother who was just about to take her medications.
"Hey, sweetie, you're here already," my mother said with a smile that made me forget my pain for a second. I rush down to the couch she's sitting on to greet her. We talked for a while before I finally head for my room.
I sat on my bed, staring blankly at the old photograph in my hands. It was a picture of my dad, taken years ago when he was still involved in his clothing business before my mum took over. I had always known him as a kind and loving father, but I had also heard stories about his past as a kingpin.
"In all he was a good man," my mum would always tell me. She had always been opened about who he was to me.
I gazed at the photo and couldn't help but think about the contradictions of my dad's life. He had been a powerful figure in the underworld, feared and respected by many. Yet, to me and his family, he was always a gentle caring person, His gentleness was what attracted him to my mum and according to her, he was the kindest man she had ever met. His kindness was so addicting that she had to overlook the fact that he was a kingpin.
I remembered the way he would read me bedtime stories, his deep voice soothing me into a peaceful sleep and he would usually sing me lullabies as well.
My encounter with Mateo's men today has created a form of struggle within me about the two sides of my dad. How could someone so kind and loving be capable of such harm? There's no way he killed Mateo's father and I will do whatever it takes to prove him wrong that my father is innocent.
But how?
As I looked at the photograph, I felt a surge of love and admiration for my dad. He may have been a complex and flawed individual, but he was my dad, and I was grateful for the sacrifices he had made for me.
I placed the photograph back to my nightstand, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. I knew that I would always carry the contradictions of my dad's life with me, especially after knowing the kind of life he had lived, but I also knew that I would always cherish the memories of the good man he had been to me.
I don't know what Mateo's mission is with me but as long as my father is concerned, I'd prove his innocence till the end even if it means confirming it with only my mouth.
I held my phone, and dialed Rachel's number. "Rachel, I think I know what to do. I'm thinking of returning the money he had given me that auction night."