Life hasn't been perfect, but it's far better than my past.And with Sean in the picture, it's been absolutely perfect.
Sean is exactly the kind of man I imagined growing up—until I was sixteen and finally gave up on that dream and accepted my life as it was.
The only problem? Distance. But honestly, I'm totally cool with that.
He's amazing. Someone I can rely on.He always checks up on me.
It's been three months since we started dating, and I'd describe it as... normal.I'm just a multi-trillionaire with a sexy-ass boyfriend and a badass bestie by my side.
You might be wondering: what about Adrino?
Last I heard, Adrino was doing fine.He's grown his advertising company well, and in the mafia world, his name is on everyone's lips—despite me and my dad being first. Adrino's probably popular because of his handsome face and that effortless charisma.
As for his relationship with Natalie? I have no idea. Not like I've been checking.But I heard they're both attending the same gala I'm going to next month.
This event, happening in Italy, is compulsory for almost everyone in the mafia. It's basically a charity gala—a show-off of rich men flaunting their money.
I don't know why, but I'm kind of looking forward to attending.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed. It was Ken.
Ken! I haven't introduced him yet—he's my next in command, but also my personal assistant/manager for both the mafia and my modeling company.
Just trying to build something with my own money, not just papa's—even if it's technically mine.
"Aria, you have a meeting in an hour. Be on time!"
"Okay, Ken. And yes, sir, you're one in a million."
"Just be on time and stop sugar-coating it," he said.
"Shit face," I muttered.
"Pussy face," he shot back, ending the call.
"How could he?!" I laughed.
I went upstairs, changed into my blue suit with matching heels, let my hair down, and grabbed my favorite glasses.
When you're rich, you finally understand why sunglasses are the ultimate power move in movies.
"Just to suit your chairwoman attitude. Now, let me go sign that contract."
Blackout
What the heck? Can't any of the gods—or whoever's watching over me—stop wreaking havoc in my life?!
What the hell is Adrino Lucifer Diavolo doing here? In my company, no less!
"Mi Amor," he grinned, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. He knew I'd be surprised.
"Adrino," I said, changing my shocked expression into a smile.
I hugged him, surprising him.
"Two can play the surprise game," I said and walked away feeling eyes on us.
I walked to my seat as everyone remained standing.
Finally, I sat, and my assistant introduced everyone:
"I introduce Adrino Diavolo, owner of AA Companies and Shares—one of the most eligible and hottest bachelors of 2024."
"Okay Ken, no need to get too precise—everyone knows their place here."
Everyone nodded in agreement, and the meeting began.
After an hour of boring business, it was agreed I'd model for their new product—and bring more of my girls along.
It was just a two-month contract, which I agreed to—not for the money but to show everyone I'm hardworking, not just a rich daddy's girl.
Besides, no good company would hire me if they knew my net worth eclipses theirs.
I guess Adrino figures he can afford to have me work for him again.
I'm impressed.
By the way, in the public eye, he's called Adrien. No wonder searching "Adrino" on social media doesn't bring him up.
And no—I wasn't missing him. I just wanted to know what he's up to.
After the meeting, back in my office, I heard a knock.
"Come in."
"Adrino. Again."
"Mr. Adrino, nice to see you. What do I owe this visit?"
"Aria Delaney, may I sit?"
"Sure, why not."
"What shall I offer you—coffee, vodka, whiskey?"
"Whiskey will do."
I pressed the intercom, "A cup of latte and a glass of whiskey, please."
"Right away, ma'am," said the new intern.
We waited in silence.
Finally, the drinks arrived.
"Thanks, Jake."
After a sip, I looked at Adrino.
"So, what do I owe this visit, Mr. Diavolo?"
"Can't I check up on an old friend?"
"Friend? We are now friends?"
"Aren't we? Or maybe more than that," he grinned.
"Then friends it is."
"So, you came here to see how well I'm doing."
"And I have to say, I'm impressed!"
"You've grown from exceptionally beautiful to breathtakingly gorgeous."
"Thanks, Mr. Diavolo."
"As I said, Adrino sounds better. I love how it rolls off your tongue."
"Okay, I can't argue with that."
"So, what have you been up to, Aria?"
"Well, nothing much. Graduated with a first class in programming. Business is doing well, and so is my makeup line. So, all good."
"And I must compliment your sense of interior design," he said, standing by my office window.
"I love your office. The concept and design—I might have to steal it soon."
"Feel free," I said.
"What about you? How's business?"
"Fantastic. Stressful, but improving."
"Nice," I said awkwardly, staring at the man whose face haunts my nights—the man who makes me feel more of a woman than anyone else. The one whose voice and gaze give me goosebumps.
"Aria, you haven't answered my real question."
"Which is?"
"How have you been without me? Because I've been totally incomplete."
Silence in my mind.
Terrible. Horrible. Miserable. Incomplete. Abandoned. Hurt. Angry. Depressed. Emotionally broken. Life without you has been meaningless.
But could I say that? Would I? Should I? No, I won't. But maybe I should. No, I won't.
POV out.
"Perfectly okay," I said.
"Okay, just like I expected."
"Adrino, whatever we had is in the past. I thought we agreed—no strings attached."
"Yes, we did."
"Then let's leave it at that. If you have nothing else, goodbye until next time."
"No, Aria. I came to make a... compromise."
"A compromise?"
"Yeah. About our mafia."
Blackout