Hope Part 2

Hope Part 2
It’s easy for me to get used to social gatherings. Even though I was raised in seclusion, my mother always made sure I would be a perfect lady. That’s why I smile easily at the ladies, listen to their compliments and complaints, take note of their wishes for the year on the tablet.

"Mrs. Bianchi," Clarisse Griffin speaks up, "I believe you know the importance of having an assistant or secretary, as they call them nowadays, helping and advising you. If you’re interested, my Daisha could help you with everything."

Daisha Griffin is almost a copy of Daniel. Tall, with eyes as blue as the sea and hair as dark as the night, her porcelain skin makes her look like a decorated doll. Her lips are rosy and full, her body developed like an adult’s at 19 years old. I don’t know yet if she has already been promised in marriage, but from what I heard from Mrs. Lucian, Daisha was promised to Kai since childhood.

From what I understood of today’s official introductions, only Emily doesn’t have a betrothed— even Josephine’s father has started to show interest in forming a bond with Black. All the ladies expect Daniel to be Emily’s partner in an old alliance between the Boss and his Consigliere.

Because of the changes Michael made, they fear that the shift in power will bring negativity to their daughters, and now all of them are an option to marry the consigliere.

Choosing Daisha would be a safe option, one where I wouldn’t take a stand by pointing out who I prefer as Daniel’s bride. However, I have already raised the flag of which woman I want to see happy marrying the man she loves. Just as Daniel will be Michael’s consigliere, Emily will be mine—the one who will stand by my side, assisting me in decisions and with the power to command.

"Thank you for the suggestion," I say to her, turning to all the ladies and their daughters. "This afternoon has been of immeasurable pleasure. I look forward to starting the activities as your leader, and for the one who will stand by my side as my right hand, I choose Emily Bianchi, and Josephine Lucian as her assistant. I’m sure I’ll be able to count on all of you, besides the ones I’ve chosen."

And with that, a round of applause begins. I notice Mrs. Belarc wrinkling her nose. She has two daughters—Alexandra, 19, and Ruby, 16. The eldest will marry a member of the Italian mafia, strengthening the old ties between our famiglias, and the youngest has just debuted. Her father is still analyzing marriage proposals. But by the way Luciana carries herself, I’m sure she wants to marry her daughter off to someone more powerful, like Daniel, Kai, or my brother Black.

There’s also the possibility of Matthew and the other sons who won’t become Capos. Before the meeting ends, I uncover all the possible combinations and agreements made by the current Capos. I realize how lucky I truly was to marry Michael, and to discover in him a loyal and respectable companion, whose company pleases me and makes me long to return to his arms when we’re alone. Many of the ladies try to prolong the gathering as much as possible, not wanting to return to their husbands.

"Thank you for choosing me," Josephine says, sitting by my side. I bite into a sweet, hungry, but decide to wait for dinner to eat with Michael. "I know many think I’m extremely detestable and that I can be a bit annoying."

"I thought so too," I say gently, and she smiles shyly. "What’s your problem with your sister Rebeca? I noticed how you barely speak to each other."

"Yes." She squeezes her purse in her hand. "Rebeca and I never got along. But she’s better at pretending her disdain and cruelty. Unfortunately, I sometimes end up exposing myself too much in our fights, and my father and Kai hate me because they think I’m the villain," she rolls her eyes, "because of that bitch, since we were little, they were never very affectionate with me. Whenever I tried to get close, they pushed me away. But they protect Rebeca as if she were a porcelain doll."

"Are you jealous of her?"

"I hate her." The rage emanates from her body like a volcano about to erupt. "If I could, I would kill that girl with my own hands and make Kai watch. He doesn’t see who she really is, but I see everything."

"If you ever want to talk," I squeeze her hand, "my house is always open."

Josephine’s pain touches me. There is disappointment and abandonment in her gaze. Unlike me, who had my family fighting to give me the chance to live, Josephine doesn’t seem to have had that. She wipes the corner of her eye and smiles when Emily sits beside me.

"I’m starving," she murmurs. "But I promised to have dinner with Daniel."

"Did you two make up?" Josephine asks.

"After he held my hair back while I spent two hours vomiting, I think it’s worth forgiving him." She sighs. "I just hope I don’t find out about any more of his affairs."

"Don’t stay near my brother, he takes pleasure in making others suffer, throwing raw truths in their faces," Josephine warns.

"Why do you like Black?" I ask, changing the subject.

I like Kai, and I know every family has its secrets and disagreements. But I don’t want to have a negative image of him before I truly get to know him. Just as I changed my thoughts about Josephine after we spent more time talking than listening to what others said about her. And just as I’ve gotten to know Daniel and noticed the small nuances of a wounded soul he hides.

All these people have become important to me and essential in my new life in New York. Creating tension among the group I’ll spend the most time with is not wise. Maybe later I’ll manage to make Kai and Josephine get along, but first I must find out the reason for their hatred.

"He saved me." She sighs. "When I was fifteen, Black was my prince charming, and since that day I haven’t been able to forget him."

"Will you share it with us?" Emily asks curiously.

"No." She lifts her chin, embarrassed. "I don’t think he even remembers what he did, but for me it meant everything."

I leave her with her secrets. The clock strikes, showing it’s already 7 p.m. The hall doors open and my husband walks in, imposing as a king. Everyone stands to greet their Boss while he strides decisively in my direction. I rise, take his hand, and smile at the women as I bid them farewell, returning to the arms of the man who has captivated me every second of our days together.