Camila Rodrigo;
I ran back to the room and collapsed onto the bed, my mind racing.
What secret could Aaron possibly be hiding? What flaw could be so severe that it made a girl walk away from him?
Could it be that he's just like his father? Cold, violent, ruthless?
According to mafia tradition, Aaron is expected to inherit his father's empire.
If that's true, wouldn't he have to be just as dangerous as Alessandro?
Is that really the life he's destined for?
He's not my responsibility, I know that. But still, no one should be forced into a world like that without a choice.
Even if he's the only son, it should be his decision whether or not to follow in Alessandro's footsteps.
But knowing the man, I doubt reason works with him.
Alessandro doesn't just threaten—he acts.
His words carry weight, and his enemies don't live to tell the tale.
The last thing I want is to get caught up with someone like him.
Which is why I need to save enough money and disappear—leave this country behind before I get burned.
Better to suffer in silence than be the devil's target.
Sigh.
The door creaked open behind me.
I quickly turned on my side and shut my eyes, pretending to sleep.
I didn't need to look to know who it was—it was Aaron.
The mattress dipped slightly as he climbed into bed.
I felt him shift closer, and then… he kissed me gently on the temple.
"Goodnight, angel," he murmured.
Oh. My. God.
Did he just call me his angel?
Something's definitely off.
He's hiding more than just a dark past.
---
The next morning, I woke to find the space beside me cold and empty.
He must've gotten up early.
I scanned the room until my eyes landed on a tray near the table by the bed.
Curious, I walked over and lifted the lid.
There it was—breakfast.
Pancakes drizzled with syrup, crispy chicken and chips, and a glass of juice.
A little note sat beside it: Have a pleasant day, dear.
I get it—he's trying to play the role of the perfect fake boyfriend.
But I hope he's not actually catching feelings.
That would be a disaster.
Let's be real—I'm the least impressive girl on his mother's radar.
The chances of him liking me? Practically zero.
Still, I went through my morning routine, then settled down to eat.
I picked up a random magazine from the table—something to distract me while I chewed through the too-perfect breakfast.
---
After I finished eating, I was flipping through the magazine pages when a notification pinged on my phone.
It was a message—from Mom.
But it didn't sound like her.
You need to come to the hospital. Your mother needs emergency surgery. Now.
There was no time to think about who really sent it.
All that mattered was getting to the hospital.
I threw on a sweatshirt and jeans, grabbed my phone, and ordered a ride.
There was no time to call or inform anyone. This was an emergency.
The ride was quiet.
I sat in the back, staring out the window, my mind running wild with worry.
As the hospital came into view, I paid the driver and rushed inside, praying I wasn't too late.
I checked in at the reception and got directions to her ward.
They told me she had been home alone when the cardiac arrest happened.
A neighbor found her and rushed her here—explaining why a stranger had used her phone to message me.
When I got to the room, I was told she'd already been transferred to the operating room.
Panic gripped me as I took the stairs, two at a time.
Each step pounded in my skull like a drumbeat of guilt.
I was too late.
What if she had wanted to see one of us—just one of her children—before going in for surgery?
What if I never see her again... all because I decided to take that stupid two-week vacation?
By the time I reached the ward, the hallway was deserted.
Not even Jennifer was around.
The silence hit me harder than any words could.
I sank into the nearest chair outside the operation room, my body heavy with dread and regret.
I kept trying Aaron's phone, but it wouldn't connect.
I called again.
And again.
Tears streamed down my face as the line repeated the same unreachable message.
With no options left, I did something reckless—I called Alessandro.
The second he picked up, I panicked and hung up.
I don't know what came over me. Shame? Fear? A mix of both?
But eventually, the exhaustion took over, and I leaned back into the chair.
Somewhere between thoughts and panic, I drifted into sleep.
---
I woke suddenly, like I could feel someone watching me.
I looked up—and there he was.
Leaning against the hallway wall with his arms crossed stood Alessandro.
The mafia lord. The last person I expected.
His gaze met mine, and for once, his eyes weren't cold—they were soft.
He didn't say anything at first. He just watched me.
And in that moment, I didn't have to pretend to be strong.
"I didn't know who else to call," I whispered, my voice breaking.
He stepped forward, quiet but sure.
"You didn't have to," he said softly.
He sat beside me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder.
I leaned into him without resistance.
"How did you find me?" I asked, sniffling.
"You weren't at the mansion, and I had my men track your phone," he explained.
"Luckily, you didn't end the call completely, so we were able to trace it."
Wait—what?
I could've sworn I hung up. Or... did I?
"Thank you for coming, Mr. Alessandro," I murmured.
My voice was barely a whisper.
I was trying so hard not to fall apart, but his presence—his comfort—was unraveling every wall I had left.
And then, like a dam breaking, I fell apart.
"I… I should've been there!" I sobbed, fists clenched.
"Oh God, she was all alone! Someone should have been there with her!"
He pulled me in closer, saying nothing, just holding me as I cried into his chest.
In that moment, I didn't care about appearances, about what was proper or expected.
I just needed someone—anyone—to hold me.
"S-s-she's all Jenny and I have! I'm so sorry, Mom!" I wailed, my voice louder than I intended.
I didn't know how long I stayed in his arms, crying.
But then I heard a voice—distant, hesitant.
"Who are you to the patient? I need to speak with her family."
I tried to respond, but the words didn't leave my mouth.
"I'm her son-in-law," Alessandro answered smoothly, without missing a beat.
"My wife is just resting. How's her mother?"
He lied so easily, so confidently, and I let him.
Right now, I didn't have the strength to do anything else.
Why would he lie like that?
He could've just woken me up—I would've spoken to the doctor myself.
"Well, she's out of danger now, Mr. Alessandro," the doctor said.
"But it's uncertain when she'll regain consciousness."
I stirred slightly, pretending I hadn't heard a thing.
Then slowly, I opened my eyes and wiped away the dried tears on my cheeks.
I turned toward the voice—and as I suspected, it was the doctor.
"Doctor!" I gasped, sitting upright.
"How's my mom? Is she okay? Did the surgery go well? Please, tell me something!"
Alessandro stepped up behind me, gently taking my hand in his as I rushed through my questions.
"Like I told your husband, ma'am," the doctor replied calmly,
"she's out of critical condition. Once she's stable, we'll proceed with the full surgery.
But I'll need you to sign a few consent forms. A nurse will bring them shortly."
He gave a small nod before walking away, leaving me alone with Alessandro.
I crossed my arms, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear as our eyes locked.
The silence stretched before I finally asked, "Why did you pretend to be my husband?"
He sighed, settling into the chair beside me. "You were exhausted… I wasn't going to wake you after all that crying. And honestly, he wouldn't have told me anything if I wasn't family. It was the easiest way to get answers."
I let out a small hum, unsure what to say. I didn't have the energy to argue. All I cared about now was getting through this.
An hour later, the nurse arrived with the documents. The bills had already been covered—of course. All that was left was a guardian's signature. Once that was done, they proceeded with her surgery.
Alessandro had stepped out to take a call, so I was left alone with my thoughts. That was until the smell of something delicious drifted down the hallway.
"Here," his voice rang out, "you need to eat something."
I turned, about to decline, when my stomach let out a loud growl.
Traitor…
With a sheepish smile, I took the paper bag and cup of coffee he offered. Inside was a steaming container of Chinese stir-fry noodles. I'd meant to stay alert until Mom woke up… but wasting this meal would've been a crime.
The first bite hit me with a burst of flavor—perfectly spiced, savory, and warm. It even had little sausages and tiny fish pieces. I devoured it before I could second-guess myself.
When I looked up, Alessandro was staring at me like I'd just revealed a hidden talent.
"What?" I mumbled, wiping my lips.
He offered me his own takeout. "Here… you clearly need it more than I do."
"I'm good, go ahead," I said with a shrug.
But of course, the devil doesn't give up so easily.
He scooped up another forkful and held it out toward me. "Come on, share with me. I can't finish it all."
"Nice try, but no thanks," I replied with a grin.
Still, he kept the fork extended.
With a reluctant sigh, I gave in—taking the bite he offered.
That's when it hit me: Alessandro always gets what he wants.
A few hours later, the doors to the operating room finally opened. I jumped to my feet as the doctors wheeled her bed out.
"She's doing well now, ma'am," one of the doctors informed me with a reassuring smile. "We successfully removed the tumor. She'll be taken to recovery for now. You can visit her once the anesthesia wears off."
Relief flooded through me, and for the first time all day, I could finally breathe.
"Thank you so much, Doctor. Truly, thank you."
He gave a small nod and walked away, leaving me standing there, overwhelmed with relief.
Without thinking, I threw myself into Alessandro's arms. The news was everything—I felt like I could finally breathe again. She was going to be okay. No more cardiac arrests. No more silent suffering.
But the moment my mind caught up with my body, I stepped back from him quickly, brushing away the moment of vulnerability.
When I finally walked into her room, I almost didn't recognize her. Machines were connected to her frail frame, wires everywhere. The vibrant woman who raised me now looked so fragile—like porcelain that had been cracked and glued back together.
But even so, there was a faint smile on her lips.
"Hi, Momma…" I whispered, walking closer and gently taking her hand. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there when it happened."
She opened her eyes slowly, her voice weak but warm.
"It's fine, my love. The hard times are behind us now. Thank you for taking care of everything. I love you, baby."
She opened her arms, and I leaned in for a hug, tears already spilling down my cheeks.
But behind those tears was more than just relief—it was guilt.
I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth. That her treatment was paid for because I agreed to spy on my patient. That I stood still and watched a crime unfold—and said nothing. That I was no longer the innocent, nerdy daughter she used to know.
The tiny thrill I'd felt watching Alessandro deal with those men—the cold efficiency, the brutality—it haunted me.
If she ever found out about the fake relationship with Aaron… that his father was a mafia lord… it would break her heart.
Which is why she can never know. Not in this lifetime. Not ever.
And I'll do everything in my power to keep them safe and far away from the darkness I've walked into.
Because this—
Everything I'm doing—
Is for my family.