Chapter 24"The Mystery of the Stolen Documents"

** Damon narrating**

A new day was beginning, and with it, a new dose of problems. I immediately came face to face with my uncle, who had shown up here uninvited. I don't deserve this, seriously.

"Well, well. What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Is that how you treat your uncle? You used to be more polite with your family, nephew," he said, standing up from the armchair with an air of superiority.

"Yeah, uncle," I replied sarcastically. "But you meddle in my life, and I won't stand for it. I don't interfere with the floozies you mess around with or whatever you do. Or do I?"

"Well, I just don't understand why you married that ragazza."

"Because I wanted to."

"Well, I can see there's no way to convince you. Anyway, what brought me here is something else. The documents you brought me that time?"

"Yes. What about them?"

"They were incomplete, Damon."

"And? " I stared at him. "I didn't touch that shit. I risked my life, you know?"

My uncle was pushing my last 1% of patience.

"I'm not talking about you, you're family. Just think, who else had access to those official documents while you were injured and unconscious. Use your head, the one on top, not the one down there."

I furrowed my brow. Only Elena had access to those documents. I don't believe she stole them. Elena's character isn't like that, but as I've said, I don't trust anyone, not even my shadow, as it abandons me in the dark. As a precaution, I would investigate this.

Deep down, something told me I shouldn't suspect Elena, that she wouldn't have done it. But the life I lead, the dark world of the mafia, taught me to always distrust everyone, even those I love. It's as if the shadow of suspicion follows me everywhere, reminding me that in our profession, any misstep can mean death.

I know she didn't do anything. I trust her, I just don't know why. Maybe it's because she looks me in the eyes with sincerity, shows concern for me, or even how she reciprocated that kiss some time ago. But still, a part of me insists on feeding this distrust.

I kept thinking until I descended the stairs. I was heading to my office; I needed to smoke a cigar and have a whiskey to relax. I had so much on my mind, you know? My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts that almost hurt. I won't lie, I hold so much resentment, so much pain within me. I just kept thinking about revenge. The scene of my parents dying, their funeral, played over and over in my mind like a horror movie on a loop. My nightmares were filled with bloody images and the face of the bastard who killed them.

Oh, when I get the chance to destroy the one who killed them, that bastard will pay dearly for everything he did. Only God knows how deep the wound he left in me is, and vengeance will be the only thing that brings me some relief in this life tormented by darkness. But before taking any action, I need to clarify this story about the stolen documents. And if that means investigating Elena, so be it. I can't ignore the possibility that she's involved, even if it breaks my heart.

With a fruit in hand, I walk towards the kitchen and there I find Dulce, the person who has been a mother figure to me since my parents left me. She was busy tidying up the kitchen, and a smile forms on my face seeing her so caring as always.

Approaching her affectionately, I give her a gentle kiss on the cheek and say, "Thank you for everything, Dulce. You've been by my side from the beginning, never abandoning me, and I'm eternally grateful for all your dedication and love."

She returns the smile and places a caring hand on my face. "You're like a son to me, my dear. Taking care of you has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Seeing the incredible man you've become fills me with pride."

Over the years, we've built a unique and special relationship. Dulce is not just my maid; she's part of the family, and I've always made it clear that she doesn't need to work for us. But her genuine love and dedication to me and our family have kept her by our side.

I remember the crucial moments in my life, and Dulce was there to support me through each one of them. She was the one who consoled me when I had my first kiss and encouraged me never to give up, even when I faced difficulties in school. Her lap was my safe haven amidst the turbulence of the world.

"What are you doing for us to have dinner, Dulce?" I asked, peering at the glass dish on the table.

"Mrs. Elena said she would cook today."

"Hmm, I didn't know she cooked."

"She's a good girl, my son. I can feel it in her aura."

"Dulce, I've told you, you don't need to work anymore; you're part of the family."

"I know, my son, but working is my distraction."

"You really are something," I laughed.

I caught myself pondering Dulce's words, and perhaps I should have thought better, thought of getting to know Elena in a different way. But what way? If Elena hadn't found me on that rainy night, our paths would never have crossed; she wouldn't have fallen in love with a man like me, dark, cruel. I don't think she would have, but I want her close to me so much that it hurts...

I wish I could express my love for her, but obviously, I'm a coward! I want to show it not only with words but also with actions, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it, to look into her eyes and say she's the woman I want forever. Since I met her, I've never thought of anyone else. My mafioso ways prevail.

I love her silently. I see her in everything. Despite the circumstances, my relationship with Elena wasn't bad. We treated each other with respect, after all, the best way to bind a woman has never been asking her to marry by contract, not asking, but threatening.

After being disappointed so many times, over time I've come to understand that what we want in life is stability, someone who won't leave after just one night. I wonder who I would be if I weren't who I am today, if I hadn't gone through everything I've been through. The way dramatic events never allow us to be the same again scares me. But I guarantee that if I could go back in time, I would change everything that made me the repressed person who is afraid to show what he feels, the person I am today. But my father always taught me that we must be strong; otherwise, fear takes us.

I wish I could love Elena and trust her completely without the shadows of the past from other things that have burdened me. Sometimes it feels like nothing is enough for me, nothing I have can fill my heart. I'm just a mafioso.

I went upstairs and stood on the balcony, lost in my thoughts. Elena entered the room, looking tired.

"Hi Damon, I'm going to take a bath, I need to relax," Elena said, letting out a tired sigh.

"Rough day at the clinic?" I asked, concerned about the exhaustion on her face.

"Really tough. Don't even get me started. I look literally horrible, Damon," she replied, running her hand through her disheveled hair.

"Seriously? Funny, I see a very beautiful woman right in front of me," I tried to cheer her up, smiling sincerely.

Elena rolled her eyes and grabbed a cushion from above the armchair. She playfully threw it in my direction, laughing. "Cut it out, Damon."

I laughed too and got up. "Alright, I'll go downstairs. Call me when we're ready for dinner, okay?"

"Okay," she shouted from the bathroom as I left the suite.

While she was taking a bath, I took the opportunity to search her bag, her luggage. I didn't want to be doing this, but I don't know. Better safe than sorry.

I found nothing. I was about to check her computer when I heard footsteps. Elena was coming out of the suite and entering the room. Now it was too late to leave and pretend. Damn!

I grabbed something in an attempt to disguise, but I accidentally ended up grabbing Elena's panties as she emerged with a towel wrapped around her head, looking at me furiously."

"What are you doing with my panties in your hands, you pervert!" Elena exclaimed.

"Hey, calm down, it's not what you think, Elena."

"Imagine, I come out of the bathroom and find my panties in your hands. And it's not what I'm thinking," she rolled her eyes.

I ran my hand through my hair, darn it, God knows what she's thinking I was doing with her panties in my hands.