Chapter 156 Off the Balcony
Emma's POV:
The room gradually emptied until only Alexander and I remained.
"Alexander?" I tested his name, watching his reaction.
"Emma, are you remembering something?" His voice held a complex mixture of hope and nervous anticipation that made my chest tighten with guilt.
I shook my head, watching his expression fall slightly.
Alexander nodded gently, pulling me into his arms. His embrace felt warm and surprisingly familiar. "It's okay. Don't force yourself to remember."
"You're my husband?" I asked, pulling back slightly to examine his face again.
"Yes, we're married," he confirmed, reaching for his phone and pulling up photos before handing it to me.
I studied the images carefully. There I was in a white dress, him in a tuxedo, both of us smiling. But something about it struck me as funny, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"What's so funny?" Alexander asked, his lips curving into a tender smile.
"We don't look like a married couple at all," I said between chuckles.
"Why not?" He seemed genuinely curious.
"You look like some business mogul," I observed. "Someone with serious power and a massive empire." I tilted my head thoughtfully. "And those people earlier—they called me 'Donna.' I'm guessing I run with the mafia or something."
I looked directly at him. "We don't seem to belong in the same circles. Why would we get married?"
Alexander laughed at my analysis. "Emma, don't overthink things. You'll recover gradually."
He released my hand and carefully lifted my legs onto his lap, massaging them with gentle precision. His touch was soothing, and I relaxed against the pillows. Despite apparently lying in bed for months, my muscles felt surprisingly firm—evidence of dedicated care.
Our quiet moment was shattered by angry shouting from outside. I jerked my head toward the sound, instantly alert.
"What's happening?" I asked, moving to the balcony and peering down at two groups of men squaring off in front of the villa.
"During your coma, rumors spread that you'd never wake up," Alexander explained, joining me. "Various families have been trying to take down Phoenix and replace you in the Sicilian underworld. This must be the fortieth group to try."
I didn't wait for him to finish. Some instinct took over, and I vaulted over the balcony railing without a second thought. The two-story drop didn't frighten me at all—my body seemed to know what to do even if my mind didn't. I landed perfectly and strode toward the confrontation, feeling an odd sense of rightness.
"Isabella, why waste your time fighting for Phoenix?" a man was saying smugly. "Your leader is just a vegetable now. What's the point? You're capable. Join our family and I'll—"
I didn't let him finish. My boot connected with his chest, sending him flying backward with a satisfying thud.
"Donna!" Several voices shouted in unison. I glanced at the group—Isabella and the others who had been in my room earlier. Their faces lit up with shocked joy at seeing me.
"The Phoenix Donna?" The man on the ground stared at me in disbelief. "Weren't you in a fucking coma?"
"Do I look like I'm in a coma?" I asked coldly, feeling a surge of anger I didn't fully understand. "The only one about to be unconscious is you." Without hesitation, I delivered a vicious kick toward his head.
The man's followers surged forward. Isabella's team rushed to meet them, and suddenly Alexander appeared at my side, intercepting anyone who approached me. I straddled the leader, raining down punches with a cold efficiency that felt like second nature.
The skirmish ended quickly. I stood before my defeated enemies, feeling blood spatter across my clothes but not caring in the slightest.
"Which family sent them? Destroy their headquarters," I ordered calmly, words flowing from me without thought. "Spread the word: anyone looking for death can come straight to me. I'll take down one, I'll take down ten, I'll send them all to hell in a goddamn group package."
With that, I turned and walked back toward the villa, feeling oddly satisfied.
---
Two days later, I had arranged for everyone to return to America. I insisted that Alexander—who had apparently spent over three months in Italy neglecting his business for my sake—go back to New York. Despite his reluctance, I convinced him and the others to leave, promising to follow once I'd handled Phoenix's affairs.
After watching their plane depart, I returned to the Phoenix estate. I poured myself a generous whiskey and settled into a leather armchair, enjoying the burn of the liquor.
"Donna, you shouldn't drink so much," James cautioned, attempting to take my glass. "Your body just recovered."
"Get me a list of all the families who've moved against Phoenix while I was out," I said, ignoring his concern and reclaiming my drink.
"We've already compiled that information," Isabella said, producing a laptop with detailed spreadsheets. "Allies, enemies, neutrals, and those we've already dealt with—it's all here."
I studied the screen. "Ricci family... Marcus is smarter than I gave him credit for."
"Indeed," James nodded. "He backed us from the beginning. Knows which side his bread is buttered on."
"Marcus?" Isabella repeated, her tone suddenly alert.
"Yeah, Marcus is the Ricci family's Don," James replied, missing the significance.
"I know that, idiot!" Isabella snapped, snatching the laptop from me and showing it to James. "Look harder."
James examined the screen, confusion evident on his face. "What's the problem? It says 'Ricci family' right here."
"Is there any mention of Marcus's name anywhere in the spreadsheet?" Isabella pressed.
"No, there isn't," James replied, still confused.
"Then how does the Donna know his name?" Isabella asked pointedly.
I took another leisurely sip of whiskey, enjoying their little detective game. James's eyes widened as realization dawned.
"Donna, how do you know his name? Didn't you lose your memory?" he asked, staring at me with newfound suspicion.
I said nothing, just continued drinking my whiskey. The truth was written all over my face.
"You were faking?!" James exploded.
"But why?" James demanded. "Why deceive even Alexander and the others?"
"Phoenix business stays with Phoenix," I replied firmly. "I've been sitting in the number two spot in Italy long enough. Time to see what the view from the top looks like."
Later, as I reviewed the family lists while drinking, I received a text from Alexander confirming his safe arrival in New York. A small smile crossed my lips. I missed him already.
"Donna, Sterling has quite the nerve," Isabella observed. "Leaving you alone in Italy knowing you've lost your memory."
"You think Alexander is some amateur?" I chuckled. "He's anything but."
"What does that mean?" James asked, leaning forward with curiosity.