Chapter 1
Aurora.
“Don’t tell me you don’t know who Rossi Romano is?”
“I know he’s wealthy and he’s my new boss,” I answer matter of factly.
“You don’t know what you’re getting into, girl. I advise you quit before you even start.”
“I need the money, Emilia, you know that. Besides I’m only working as his personal assistant, nothing more.”
“Have you questioned how he has so much wealth and power? The rumours are true you know, Rossi Romano is a powerful and dangerous mafia boss,” here we go again with this!
“I think he’s just a powerful and successful business owner, now enough of that.” I dismissed “What do you think of my outfit?” I angle the camera so she can see my full outfit clearly and await her verdict.
“You look gorgeous as always, love the way you styled your hair,” she compliments and I smile “Thank you, Emilia, I’ve got to go now, don’t want to be late for my first day.”
“Alright, don’t want them to have your head on a gold platter for not respecting their time, I’d hate to lose you that way,”
“That’s not going to be happening, talk to you later.”
“Alright, have a great first day, lots of luck, you’re going to need it.”
“Love you,” I chuckle as I end the call. Trust Emilia to be dramatic as always.
I stare at myself in the mirror one last time, grab my bag and keys and leave my apartment. The call with Emilia took longer than I estimated and I hope it is a smooth ride to the mansion because I'd hate to be late on my first day of working for Mr Romano. I start the long drive to the Romano estate, I’m not going to lie, I’ve heard the rumours as well and they scare me but I’ll rather not judge and believe them not unless I see it for myself and hopefully I don’t get to see anything because they will just be plain rumours.
The security at the gate is more stringent than expected, there are three able bodied men at the gate and I can see the guns in their pockets. Why do they even need those? I’m sure it’s nothing, they are just bodyguards, it’s normal I guess.
“Who are you miss and what are you looking for in the Romano’s estate?” He speaks so politely I am surprised because I thought he was going to be one of those rude bodyguards.
“Good morning, I’m Aurora Mateilli and I’m here to start my job as Mr Romano’s personal assistant,” I answer as sweetly as I can.
“Oh, Mateilli, we were informed of your arrival, ID please,”
I reach out for my wallet and present my ID, he glances at it and signals to the others to let me through.
“Thank you.”
As the estate gates spring open, a cobblestone path leads through the manicured lawns, The centrepiece of the estate is a magnificent villa, a harmonious blend of stately Renaissance and charming rustic elements. Expansive terraces wrapped around the villa, offering panoramic views of the estate's vineyards and olive orchards. The vineyards stretched like a patchwork quilt, their orderly rows bursting with clusters of grapes that would one day yield the estate's prized wines. Beyond the vineyards, the olive trees stood in dignified rows, their silver-green leaves shimmering in the breeze. The villa looks sophisticated and modern and not ancient like I had imagined.
I park my car and quickly step out straightening my outfit, I have two minutes left or else I’d be late and the thought of my head being on a gold platter is not very flattering. The problem now is I don’t know where to go or turn to so I decide to ask the bodyguards around the big door.
“Good morning, I’m here for the job as Mr Romano’s assistant.” I say confidently and he stares at me blankly.
The door opens and a strikingly beautiful young lady with honey brown hair comes out and I recognize her instantly, she is Isabella Romano, the sister to my boss, she’s the one that conducted the online interview and gave me the job.
“Aurora, it’s so good to see you, we’ve been waiting for you,” she gives me a warm hug and I am quite shocked at how friendly and jovial she is.
“Nice to finally meet you, Miss Isabella,” I say as she steps back and she laughs.
“We’re the same age. Call me Bella, everyone calls me that,”
“Okay, ma’am,” I say and she frowns but smiles immediately.
“Well, you’ll get used to it as time goes on, come in.”
I step into the mansion and the interior of the Italian estate seamlessly blended centuries-old elegance with modern luxury, creating a harmonious fusion of history and contemporary design. Upon entering, a grand foyer welcomed guests with its soaring ceilings adorned by a dazzling crystal chandelier that cast prismatic patterns across the marble floors below.
Rich mahogany panelling adorns the walls, interspersed with expansive windows that flood the space with natural light. The furniture is a symphony of classic silhouettes upholstered in sumptuous fabrics, carefully curated to exude sophistication while offering comfort. Plush velvet sofas and intricately carved chairs provided inviting seating arrangements, inviting conversations and relaxation.
“This place is magnificent,” I comment.
“Thank you, it has been passed down to generations, we recently just renovated the house after my father passed.”
“Oh, sorry about that,” I had no idea their father died recently.
“No worries, it’s been six months now, we’re getting used to it. Come along I’ll show you around.”
She takes me along the east wing of the house and I follow obediently trying not to stare too long at the beautiful artworks that adorned the house.
“This is where you are going to be spending most of your time as this is where Rossi’s office is.” She opens a door that reveals a small space with a minimal desk set up. “This is going to be your workspace and that is Rossi’s office”
She points to another big door that leads to Mr Romano’s office and I acknowledge it. “Quick tip, don’t go to his office unless he calls for you, always knock, mind your business and don’t speak unless spoken to,”
“Noted ma’am.” It will be easy for me to follow since they are things I already do.
“Great. Do that and you shouldn’t get into any form of trouble. Get comfortable, Rossi is going to be here in a few minutes. Did you have breakfast this morning?”
“No, I didn’t,” I answer curtly.
“Okay, sit tight. I’ll get the chef to make you something.” She walks away and I go to sit on the chair. There’s a laptop on the table and some writing materials and other office supplies.
My phone dings and it’s a text notification from Emilia.
'Hey, did you get there safe? How is it going so far, have you met the boss, are you still alive?'
I chuckle at her question and proceed to reply to her, that is until I feel cold metal pointed at my head. A chill runs down my spine, my senses sharpening as an unmistakable feeling of danger grips me. My heart pounds, and without fully comprehending why, I turn my head to the side.
And there it is—a gun pointed directly at my head. Time seems to slow, the world around me narrowing to a pinpoint focus on that deadly object. My breath catches in my throat as I lock eyes with the figure holding the gun.