Married to the mafia boss Series

Liliana

"We're going to Chicago," my father says as he hangs up the phone.

"What happened?" My eldest brother, Luca asks. The lines on his forehead showing prominently.

"Lorenzo Moretti is dead," he pinches the bridge of his nose. "So are eighteen of his men."

I exchange glances with my mother. She always looks so scared and worried. I knew that they were advancing, and the war between the mafia and the Bratva was increasing, but I never thought that the Capo of the Chicago Outfit would die. I never expected to hear those words. Lorenzo was the most powerful and respectable man in the mafia. I thought he was indestructible. I guess it goes to show how naive I am. Both my older brothers are Made Men, Luca is my father's heir-he will be the next Capo of the New York mafia. I was born into this life, but my father did his best to shield me from its horrors.

I'm not saying my life is perfect, yes-I live in a mansion, we have lots of money, and we are a powerful family, but as the daughter of a Capo I have no freedom. I only have one friend, she too is a part of this lifestyle. Last year I graduated from an all-girls private catholic high school. My virtue, according to tradition, needs protecting at all cost. No boys or men are allowed near me without an escort present. Father will promise me off to receive the best political advantage-so I've heard him say once.

I'm glad at nineteen I haven't been promised to anyone yet, Father has been talking to me about possibly letting me go to college. It's all I've ever wanted, to get my degree in Art History and maybe work in museum one day. The Metropolitan would be my ultimate dream job.

"Go. Pack," my father dismisses us.

Luca, Angelo, and I head upstairs and down the corridor and to our individual rooms to pack. I grab my black dress, modest unlike my cocktail dresses I wear for social gatherings. I always loved Chicago, I've only gone a handful of times when Father brought us when he had meetings or business to attend. Although I wasn't allowed to leave the penthouse we have there, we have the most amazing view. I fantasize about roaming the streets and going to the museums where there I'll meet my one true love. We'll both be admiring a painting by-

"Pack some nice dresses," my mother says from the threshold. She looks like she's been crying, her eyes are bloodshot. Father must've yelled at her again.

"I packed my black dress. How long are we staying so I know how many clothes to actually bring."

"I don't mean your black dress, bring some of your finest dresses."

"Why? We're going to a funeral," I knit my eyebrows together.

"We will be attending some social gatherings there-"

"Don't question your mother. Bring the red dress and another one," Father looks distracted. "Be ready in twenty minutes, we're flying out tonight." He disappears into the hallway and into my brother's room across the hall.

***

On our private plane, I sit next to Angelo while Luca talks with Father about business and Mother sleeps. Angelo looks antsy, shaking his leg and fiddling with his thumbs. Angelo has always been the more handsome brother, girls in my class always used to gush over him. Even though it was a girl's only school, they had more freedom than I did. Girls in my class got to go to parties and that's where they've seen Angelo. I've unfortunately heard many cringe-worthy stories a sister shouldn't hear about her brother.