Married to Mafia Boss novel Chapter 33

Married to Mafia Boss

Chapter 33

Aria’s POV

The heavy office door creaked open as 1 entered Roberto Fini’s spacious office, clutching my portfolio against my chest like a shield.

Good morning. Miss Rossi, Roberto greeted me with his usual professional smite as he rose from behind his imposing malungary desk.

But my attention was immediately drawn to a second figure in the room–a man standing by the window with his back to me.

He wore a perfectly tailored deep crimson suit that seemed to absorb the sunlight rather than reflect it. When he turned to face me, I noticed a smatt scorpion shaped pin gleaming on his lapel.

Our eyes met, and my world collapsed.

They say time heals all wounds. That’s what everyone says, right? What cosmic joke is that–that pain fades, that scars become memories. I used in belleve it. Three years had passed, and I’d convinced myself it was over.

But I was wrong. So terribly wrong.

All the painful memories I’d buried came crashing back like a tsunami, demolishing the walls I’d carefully built around my heart.

I wanted to run–turn and flee from this office, this building, this city.

But my legs wouldn’t obey, as if nailed to the floor. My lungs contracted, each breath a deliberate struggle.

The man’s lips curved into that familiar smile I once found charming, but now it sent chills down my spine.

“Miss Rossi,” he said, his voice smooth as aged whiskey. “What a surprise, isn’t it?”

Roberto’s gaze moved between us, completely missing the tension in the air. “Mr. Gabriel, do you two know each other?”

Before I could respond, the man extended his hand. “Miss Rossi and I… have crossed paths before.”

I stared at his outstretched hand as if it were a venomous snake. My own hand trembled slightly as I clutched my portfolio tighter, using it as a barrier.

“Mr. Gabriel,” I managed to say, my voice eerily calm despite the chaos inside me. “I wasn’t aware you would be attending our meeting today.”

Roberto smiled, clearly pleased. “Mr. Gabriel specifically requested that you, Miss Rossi, lead the Phantom Game project. He’s very interested in your

findings.”

“Well then,” I said, forcing a professional smile that felt like glass cutting my cheeks, “shall we begin?”

I moved to the conference table, keeping as much distance as possible from Gabriel.

As I arranged my materials, I could feel him watching me–intense, calculating, possessive.

“The Phantom Game project shows tremendous market potential,‘ I began, focusing on the documents in front of me rather than the man who was unsettling me. “Our research indicates a 37% increase in user engagement compared to similar gaming platforms.”

I continued my presentation, detailing market segments, user demographics, and projected revenue streams.

But inside, I was screaming. Every time I looked up, Gabriel’s eyes were fixed on me, observing my every move, every expression.

Halfway through my report, Roberto’s phone rang.

He frowned at the screen. “Excuse me, I need to step out. My secretary says it’s urgent.” He stood up. ‘Please continue, Miss Rossi.”

No.

No, no, no. Panic surged through/ne, but I fought to maintain my composure. “Of course, Mr. Fini.”

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Chapter 33

The door closed softly behind Roberto with a sound like a prison cell lacking. I immediately Began gathering my papers

I think we can conclude today presentation, I said brightly. Til email the rest to Mr. Phot

Before I could escape, Gabriel moved with sumprising speed, blocking my path to the door.

“Aria…” he said sohly, reaching for me.

I stepped back, but he was faster. His arms encircled me, pulling me against his chest in an embrace that felt more like shackles then affection.

“Three years, he murmured against my hair, I’ve missed you.”

With all my strength, 1 pushed against his chest and broke free. “Mr. Gabriel, maintain your professional distance, I said enidly. I don’t know jas

He smiled gently, almost sadly. “Don’t know me? Aria, we shared something profound, and three years can’t erase what we had.‘

“We had nothing!” I repeated. “I need to get back to the office, Now.”

I turned toward the door, but Gabriel reached for me again, grabbing my wrist with a grip that hurt.

“Aria, it’s been three years. Can’t you let go of the past? Leaving you wasn’t my choice–it was my family forcing my hand.”

“Let go.” Each word was as hard as ice.

His grip tightened. ‘Aria, sit down. Let’s talk. I need you now.”

I laughed–a sound that surprised even me.

“Need me? I was just a pawn on your chessboard, Gabriel.”

“That night-” he began.

“Don’t!” I cut him off. “That night, I didn’t shed a single tear, and I won’t waste any on you now.”

Gabriel’s expression turned serious, the charming facade slipping to reveal the predator beneath. He quickly pulled me closer. “Little Aria, you ve got spirit. I like you even more.”

I struggled against his hand, but he was too strong. “Let me go, or I’ll call security.”

“Security?” He laughed. “In the Scorpione building? They answer to me.”

Fear spread down my spine, but I refused to show it. “What do you want from me, Gabriel?”

His free hand caressed my cheek, and I jerked away from his touch. ‘Your family–your parents, your sister Maria–they miss you. The Red Scorpion family has been protecting them these three years.”

The mention of my family ignited anger within me. “How dare you bring them into this! Who do you think you are? You discarded me like trash, and now you want to manipulate me using my family?”

Gabriel’s fingers gripped my chin, forcing me to look at him. ‘Do you really think it was coincidence that you, an intern from St. Luca University, were chosen from dozens of better candidates for the Phantom Game research project? I’ve been watching you, Aria. Waiting for the right moment to bring you

back to me.”

The revelation hit me hard. All my efforts, academic achievements, career progress–were they all orchestrated by him? Was I still just a pawn on ins chessboard?

I tried to break free again, but his grip was merciless. “This was all for you, Aria. For us.”

‘Don’t touch me, you disgust me!” I spat. “Your hands are stained with blood.”

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Chapter 33

He pulled me closer, his warm breath on my face. I bust wand to hold you again, feel you m my ants.

I glanced at the door, realizing with glowing horror that the electronic lock MMA engaged I was trapped in the office. Panie treatened in dearuhafal a but I wasn’t the naive girl from three years ago aythare.

When Gabriel moved to embrace me again, I grabbed a pen from the desk and held it op like a weapon Bark of Em staring

His eyes held a look somewhere between amusement and desire. You’re quite the fighter now, aren’t you? I remember when you were on Winbrent; trusting. What happened to that sweet girl I knew?

I’m not that naive girl anymore, Gabriel. Try to touch me again and see what happens, I challenged.

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