Chapter 102: Mafia Leadership Discussion

"He's a great husband and a good Dom," Bruce observes in a low, confessional tone.

"Yes, he really is..."

"He loves her. You can see it from a distance."

"The feeling is mutual, Dad."

A sad smile appears on his face.

"At least one good thing came out of the plan."

I smile back.

"True."

"If it's too much for you, I understand. However, I'd like to mourn your sister today and provide a proper funeral according to our traditions."

"We'll go for cremation?"

"Of course, may the wind carry her ashes and scatter them, carrying her entire story from her last smile to her last pain and love."

"Do you really believe in that?"

"I need to believe, otherwise, I wouldn't bear another loss. My smile is weak."

"For the sister we once had and for the child we lost, let's honor her good memories."

"Thank you, for everything, daughter."

He stands up, but I hold his hand before he can leave.

"How much time did the doctors give you?"

"Three months, maybe two with better quality."

"Father, what about the French mafia? Who will take your place?" - I asked anxiously.

"Let them fight amongst themselves for the capo position!"

"They'll come after us, to eliminate us out of fear of a potential successor. You know this, don't you?" - I reminded him, analyzing the laws.

He took a deep breath.

"Davina, I can't get us out of the mafia... We grew up in this environment. I talked to Dom about the possibility because he shares the same concern I do. He assured the safety of you, your mother, and Yara. I believe they'll be fine!" - Bruce revealed.

"He'll be at war with France to ensure our safety..." I spoke aloud, lost in thought.

"He loves her and he'll do whatever it takes to protect them."

I fell into contemplation.

"And what if I take on the Capo's role? I'll know what's happening inside, prevent the war, and lead the mafia more effectively... They like me, they see me as strong! And being married to Dom, they'll know we're fortified enough to prevent any other mafia from trying to take us over."

"NO, I can't ask that of you... Daughter, no more wars and deaths... Live your life as you wish, be happy, have many children, I want at least 5 grandchildren. Smile, love intensely, live authentically! Your request is coming from a father I used to know, and that makes me smile to see him back."

"How can I live knowing that there'll be wars between the mafias, that many lives will be lost because of us? Many there didn't have a choice, just like me and Dom."

He lowered his head.

"I'm sorry for this, I can't ask you to take on the role."

"You're not asking, I am!" - I stated firmly.

"You'll be the first female capo in history, are you prepared for that?"

"I'm prepared for changes, I need something to hold on to, I can use our technology to help some people... I can end the French monopoly!"

"Dom ordered an end to all the monopolies of all the mafias." - He announced.

"Really?"

He nodded.

"I think he won't agree with your decision. Think about it more, and if you still want to be the capo in a month, then we'll make the appointment!"

"You know I won't change my mind!"

"I hope Dom makes you reconsider."

I smiled and left the room. Adam returned and kissed me. A passionate kiss full of love and complicity.

"Wow, what was that?" - I joked.

"Missed the taste of you. If I could, I'd never leave your side." - Seduction gleamed in his eyes.

I pulled him into another long kiss.

"What was that?" - He playfully asked.

I smiled.

"A thank you for everything you've done, for taking care of me and my family. And for ending the monopolies!" - I revealed, my eyes ablaze with desire and gratitude.

"Ah, so you found out."

"Yes, thank you. I also heard that you're willing to wage a war with France to protect us!"

"I'd wage war with the world if necessary, if it means keeping you safe!"

"Adam, that's not what I want... I don't want more senseless deaths. I don't want to live in fear anymore, worried that at any moment someone will come after us or maybe... our future children!"

"Future children?" - His smile was intense.

He rejoices at the mention of the future and children.

"Nothing will ever replace our daughter; a piece of our heart was taken. But I know that the best way to honor our baby is by continuing to live. We have the chance to choose to live for ourselves and for her!"

He looks at me with a smile. "You speak with such certainty that it was a girl."

"Actually, I am sure."

He gently pushes me a bit to the side of the bed, snuggling up beside me and embracing me.

"Really? How can you be so sure?"

"On the day I lost her, I dreamt about her..."

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

Despite the tears welling up in my eyes, I smile.

"No, I want to tell you what our daughter was like and how much she resembled you!"

"Really? What was she like?"

As I smile, I describe the details of her features, especially her striking eyes, so much like his. Adam is all smiles, and his eyes are brimming with tears, just like mine. We talk about our dreams of future children who would be a perfect blend of both of us. He speaks with conviction that he hoped they would inherit his eyes and my beautiful smile! This was the lightness of our day, before I get ready for my sister's funeral.

Before leaving the room, he murmurs:

"You're going to take over the French mafia, aren't you?"

His tone carries a weight of concern.