Chapter 173
Chapter 173
Rico.
The girls don't even flinch, they continue with their dance each one of them skipping the body. On the stage, a huge ethereal chair is brought. It's the same chair she was sitting on in that ring but instead of a queen, it has a tag King.
It only takes a moment to realize the dead body is Maxim's.
Shit.
The music suddenly stops and Mia takes the Mic.
"Thank you, ladies, for the great entertainment. I hope our guests enjoyed it, right?" She says and the crowd howls, clapping and demanding a repeat. Mia chuckles and walks down to Maxim's body. It's alarming how the crowd is composed even with a dead body among them. I guess this is why only the mafia was invited.
She motions to one of the girls who crouches down and pulls a ring from Maxim's middle finger. Mia eyes the ring with a smirk and turns towards the stage.
"Once again, you made me proud, Fabio" She smiles at the man and he returns the smile lifting his glass of wine towards her. So, this was the plan. While she entertained the guests, Fabio was taking care of Maxim. Such a clean move.
Too bad his men can't retaliate. It's the rule. When the leader dies, you bow to the new one without question.
"Today, every one of you made me happy. We have come a long way, we laughed together, cried together fought together, but unfortunately guys, today marks the last day of us being together" Her voice breaks and there are murmurs of confusion in the room.
" As all of you know, I have other businesses that require my attention and being in a tight position" She touches her tummy with a gentle smile "Today I am dropping the mafia" Mia mumbles and there are opposing voices everywhere. Especially from the girls who appear to be on the verge of crying.
"Don't worry girls, I am not dropping you just yet," She chuckles glancing at Fabio who has an unreadable expression on his face.
"My grandfather just died, and I am not sorry. We both know we have to be tough to survive and when someone shows you their true colours, if you paint them you will only be lying to yourself. People don't just change. Volkov's family is under me now, and I am going to announce my successors tonight" She announces staring at the ruby ring on her finger. She has always worn that ring from the moment I saw her in that club.
"Fabio, Please come on the stage" As the loyal man he is, he doesn't question her when he joins her." I have known you since I was old enough to recognize people. Your father loyally worked for my dad and when he retired, you successfully took his place and to this day, you haven't disappointed me, not even once. I know my father would approve if I left Vulcan's family to your care" The man stares at Mia as if this was the last thing he expected.
"Boss..?"
"Yes, Fabio. Today I announce you as the successor of the Vulcans family. I hope you will respect and serve the Vulcan lineage with blood and sweat. You are expected to protect the name and make it prosper from generation to generation. If you accept, Fabio, the coronation awaits" She points towards the seat. A table containing files is placed in front of it and three old men that I don't know stand beside the chair.
Fabio nods taking the seat. One of them swears Fabio to the Oath all the Mafia leaders take and after he is done, they all sign the papers including Mia. Mia pulls out the ruby ring and fits it on Fabio's pinky finger. I guess that is the only finger it fits. After a hug and cheers from the crowd, Mia picks up the Mic again and sighs deeply.
After this, I am taking her on a vacation. Just the two of us away from the crime world.
"Thank you people. You will get the chance to congratulate him after the next announcement, please" Mia lifts the scorpion ring up and chuckles. Her eyes find mine and she offers me a genuine smile.
"Someone has to take Maxim's place and after a lot of thinking, I made a choice." She again looks at me and I wonder what she is thinking. "Life has brought a lot of surprises to me. I found love and through that love, I found friendship" She stares at the ring again and chuckles.
"She's probably talking about me" Diego muses with a wide grin.
"I was once so down that I thought I wouldn't make it. You know, pregnant and alone" Her voice breaks and I feel it in my chest. It's over baby, I won't leave her anymore. " During that time, friends showed up and made me believe I was never alone. They tried to fill the void though they knew it was impossible. These friends have also accompanied the man I love through thick and thin. Every step of the way, they never left. I am grateful guys" She looks at the men standing beside me and they raise their glasses to her.
Isn't she a blessing? A woman who recognizes and appreciates my friends for being there for me.
"Marcus, do you think you can do a better job than Maxim?" her voice has never sounded finer to my ears until now.
"Shit" Diego and Dante turn to a shocked Marcus. I bump his shoulder and push him forward with a chuckle. After he recovers from his shock, I gratefully watch my best friend walk towards Mia. They deserve it after what they went through for my sake. These three have been a family to me than blood family ever was. They were more loyal brothers than my own twin.
Unlike them, I was born into the money and when I got out, Mum had something prepared for me. Marcus is the most reasonable one and I know he will take care of the rest. They deserve to live their happy lives too. And this is thanks to her.
I could have never found anyone better for me.
She makes me feel so emotional.
"I knew she was special" Diego squeezes my shoulder and from how clenched his jaw is, Let me know he is reigning in his emotions.
"She is brother, I hope you have that ring with you. I don't know anything about weddings but I am going to research and organize a breathtaking wedding for that girl" Dante mutters and I absentmindedly nod staring at Mia.
She is a treasure.
After the swearing-in and signing the papers, Mia informs her girls to entertain the two appointed bosses and starts talking my way.
"Get on your knee, hurry up" Diego whispers and I fumble with my jacket looking for the ring.
What if she says no in front of these people? What if she is not ready to settle down?
"Baby, I am so happy, now it's just us" My baby jumps in my arms and I quickly hold her. "Are you happy?" she pulls away and her face contorts to worry when she sees the uncertainty on my face."Baby, sorry I didn't tell you, I wanted to surprise you" Mia palms my face in her warm hands warming my heart.
Maybe I should wait a little longer. If she rejects me I will lose her. If I don't ask we will still be together. With that thought in mind, I smile and secretly sneak the ring back into my trousers pocket but Dante sees it.
With a slight push, he whispers for me to do it and I shut my eyes taking in deep breaths. Who would have thought asking a girl to marry you is the most scary thing in the world?
"Rico..? Mia whispers when I lower myself on one knee. My sweaty hands fumble to open the box that reveals a shining pink star diamond ring. Someone screams and all attention turns to us.
Okay, what should I say?
" I love you, I do. I always thought love was a myth until I saw you on the dancing floor."I awkwardly chuckle, hating all the attention. The music is long gone and only my voice is heard in the massive room. " I didn't know I was capable of loving or taking care of someone until you, baby. I can't imagine a day without you, love. Please marry me?" I plead staring into the green watering eyes.
Please say, yes. I pray biting my lip so hard and holding my breath. If she says no...
"I love you, Rico. Yes, I will marry you" Mia exclaims stretching her left hand towards me, and the crowd jeers. After putting the ring on her finger, I kiss her hand and pick her up.
"Wanna get out of here?" I mumble kissing her hair.
"Yes please" She smiles, and with her in my arms, I walk away from the crowded and noisy room,and towards the serene night.
The End.