94 - I FUCKING KNEW IT!

The second rose weighed heavily on my mind while I sat numbly in the cab home. As soon as I stepped inside my apartment, I placed it next to the bouquet from the previous morning. The fresh bloom stood out starkly against the older flowers, both beautiful and unsettling. Why did I bring it home with me? I wasn’t sure but somehow it felt like a puzzle itching to be solved, it felt like someone was baiting me, setting an obvious trap and hoping that I was stupid enough to fall.

I sat at my kitchen table with both notes laid out in front of me. The first note, with its chilling message—"Don't think I've forgotten about you, Miss Aria Thorne"—and the second, more elegant but equally cryptic—"See you at the fundraiser."

The handwriting on the first note was more refined, with graceful loops and flourishes, while the second note was plain, almost hurried. Despite their differences, both notes carried a similar weight, a sense of being watched, of someone out there knowing more about my life than they should. It was the same person messing with me, using different handwritings with the idea that I was either too clueless or non chalant enough not to notice, but there was one thing certain, whoever it was would definitely be at thid so cold fundraiser tomorrow knowing fully well I was going to be there. Either I was being meticulously followed and watched or it was a gamble but either way I was going to play their fucked up game with them and I was going to win. I was tired of being messed with.

The next evening I was getting ready for the fundraiser after already receiving a package earlier that day from Matteo. A stunning dress with a note tucked inside the box ‘For tonight. See you at 7’
My heart soared when I pulled the large box in, the last thing I expected was Matteo sending me a dress. How was he so dark and tortured yet so romantic and thoughtful? Did he like me or was this just a sick Mafia game to him? Getting the girl to fall in love with him and destroying her fragile heart when she eventually falls for him. Could I be with him? How could I even allow myself to fall for him when the thoughts of Kyle plagued my mind every now and then? I missed Kyle and no I wasn’t ashamed to admit it? I thought of him every passing second and a little part of me hoped that he’d be at the fundraiser, so I could catch a simpe glimpse of his face and wallow in the thoughts of what could have been.

I stepped into the dress after putting my make up on and tying my hair up with cute tendrils framing my face. The dress was breathtaking—a floor-length, midnight blue gown with a plunging neckline and delicate beadwork that caught the light beautifully. It hugged my curves in all the right places, making me feel both elegant and powerful. As I slipped into the dress, I couldn't help but smile. I admired the beauty of it in the my full length mirror, I twirled, striking different poses that amused me all the same and damn – Matteo had impeccable taste.

I heard his car’s engine roar in the driveway and I cast one last glance at the bouquet of roses sitting on my counter. A resolute framing my face because I knew one thing, this night was more than just a fundraiser, there was something more sinister going on.

Matteo was a text book definition of a Mafia boss - all, with broad shoulders, his tailored black suit fitting him perfectly. His dark hair was slicked back, and his piercing eyes held a hint of danger that made my heart skip a beat. The crisp white shirt and black tie completed his look, giving him an air of sophistication and authority.

I noticed his eyes light up when they saw up, his lips curving in a smirk “You clean up nicely” he said, taking my hand in his and pulling me to him so his hands circled around my waist and pressing me into his hard body.

“Same as you” I whispered to him, my breath fanning his neck and I heard a low rumble in his throat and feeling a slight bulge in his trousers that I pulled away from him and subtly so.

As Matteo and I stepped into the grand ballroom, a chill ran down my spine. There were glistening chandeliers dropping from the ceiling casting a calculated glow on the ambience. But still, despite he hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses, there was an unsettling feeling, like invisible eyes were watching my every move. There was this haunting feeling that enveloped and I stuck close to Matteo like an anchor.

As we moved through the crowd, I couldn't shake the sense that I was being observed, though everyone seemed engrossed in their own conversations. It was haunting, the way the room seemed to close in on me, the walls pressing with an invisible force.

Moments after we arrived, my heart nearly stopped when I saw him—Kyle, walking in alone with a tortured expression. His tall frame and familiar face brought a rush of memories, and for a split second, I wanted nothing more than to run into his arms. But I steeled myself, forcing my feet to stay rooted to the spot. I forced myself to remember how badly he had hurt him, how much of a disservice I would be doing to myself if I forgave him so quickly.

As if reading my mind, Matteo follows my gaze and pulls me even closer to him by my waist, taunting the already jealous expression that Kyle was sporting on his face the moment his eyes met mine.

“Shall we?” Matteo whispered to me and I nodded with a smile

“Of course”

He led me further into the ceremony. We made our rounds, greeting guests and making polite conversation, collecting donations for the cause. Matteo which was very unlikely seemed charming and charismatic, easily slipping into the role of host, while I did my best to follow his lead. How could this guy actually work for the Mafia when he seemed so – sweet?

As the night wore on, the oppressive feeling in the ballroom became too much. There were thoughts of Kyle roaming my mind as my eyes seemed to follow him throughout the night but for some reason he had disappeared from my vision and there was also the silent dread brooding in my chest that something terrible was about to happen.

Sensing my unease, Matteo leaned in and whispered, "Let’s get some fresh air."

I nodded gratefully, and he led me through a side door into a secluded garden. The night air was cool and refreshing, the garden beautifully lit with fairy lights and the soft glow of lanterns.
Matteo guided me to a bench beneath a flowering tree, its blossoms perfuming the air. He turned to face me, his expression serious but gentle. "Aria, there's something I need to tell you." his voice was low and held a mystery within me

My heart raced, anticipation and fear mingling, what was he going to say? Was I willing to hear it? If he was going to tell me he liked me, was I ready to forget Kyle and accept his heart? Just as Matteo opened his mouth to speak, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. I turned, and my blood ran cold. We were surrounded.

Men in dark suits, their faces obscured by shadows, emerged from the garden's periphery. My breath caught in my throat and I was almost mocking myself

*I fucking knew it