Salvatore Dalla Part 2
"She had asked to celebrate with you about her admission to the university, but since you went out to lunch with Carlota, we celebrated with her. By the way, she’s an incredible and intelligent woman, and I’m sure she’ll be an excellent secretary," Rico says sarcastically.
"Salvatore."
"Speak, Fabrizio," I order, irritated.
"What do you have going on with the girl?"
"What? What the hell does that have to do with you?" I growl at him.
"You know Carlota’s visit was a move by the Carbone family to push you closer to her. You know the capos expect you to settle down with one of the famiglia's daughters as soon as possible, right? And as we’ve discussed before, it was practically clear that Carlota would be your choice. So, whatever you have with the girl, make sure you don’t break her too much. She’s already been through enough, she doesn’t deserve to deal with more crap."
"I’ve already told you to mind your own business. What the hell is up with everyone today, messing with my head about this marriage thing?"
"Did she talk to you about it?"
"Yes, Fabrizio, she did."
"And what did you say to her?"
"It doesn’t matter what I said," I practically shout in frustration, "I don’t owe anyone an explanation, not even you two. I’ll get married when and to whoever I want."
"Alright, boss, don’t worry. We won’t interfere."
"As for Amapola, forget she exists. She’s my problem and doesn’t concern either of you. Whatever I decide to do with her is none of your business."
"Yes, sir," they both say, but I know their tone of respect is fake and reflects only their disapproval of my actions.
"Now, can we focus on work?"
"Of course," Fabrizio responds, and Rico nods, but neither of them even looks me in the eye. I know they’re just as irritated as I was when I saw them grinning with her, but I didn’t have any other choice.
How could I explain to them that I was charmed by Amapola like I’ve never been with any other woman? How could I admit to them that I might be in love? I hadn’t even admitted to myself what I was feeling yet.
In reality, I didn’t know exactly how to label what I was feeling—it was possession, affection, desire, and so many other emotions that left me confused. Seeing them with her made me jealous, and I needed time to figure out what was happening to me. Maybe it would all pass with time.
But one thing was certain: I wanted to be even closer to her to understand what all this was, and only then would I decide what to do, especially regarding the marriage.
I was the head of Dalla Costa, and no one would force me into anything. But I also couldn’t ignore the fact that the famiglia should be my priority, and that included the ties established through marriage. Still, Amapola stirred something in me that no one else ever had.
I couldn’t clearly tell them what I felt or thought. That was one of my father’s main teachings: 'Never let people know or sense what you’re thinking or feeling.' He used to say that when I took over as Don, all eyes would be on me. If I were too transparent, people would predict my actions and, consequently, know my next moves. People would never root for my success; they would always be waiting for my downfall to take my place, and I would never allow that.
My coldness always had a purpose, and many times it was to safeguard my power. I would never give that up."
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