Chapter 7: "Why her!"

Serenity panted as she rushed inside, she stood by the corner and took deep breaths in. Her fingers ran over her hair and she tidied her appearance at the reflection on a bronze plate nearby. Her cheeks were flush and she felt a tinge of discomfort on her neck, it seemed to her that a bruise might be forming pretty soon. Why did he let her go? the uncanny thoughts resonate in her mind but whatever the reason is she was eternally grateful that she is alive. She didn't want to die this early in life, heavens! she haven't even turn 16 yet.

She looked around for Igor or any one of her family members. The night still seemed to be young even though it was over midnight. She was already exhausted with the events and wanted nothing but the comfort of her soft bed and warm duvets.

"Serenity! Serenity! Gosh Where did you disappear off to? Do you know how worried I was?" a frantic looking disheveled Igor rushed to her.

"Igor!" She squealed, running into his arms, Serenity didn't tell him how equally worried and anxious she was. She had enough ball for today and all she wanted was to sleep everything away. The Vitalis had terrified the hell out of her and she didn't wish to be in their presence any longer.

"Where did you go?" Igor whispered hugging her back.

"I-" She paused, shaking her head. She didn't want to trouble him any further "-I went for some fresh a-air. Can I go back home? I am tired." She pouted.

Igor smiled softly, ruffling her hair "Sure, let me have a quick word with Athair. You sit here for a minute. Alright?" Serenity nodded with a little grin.

Igor walked off somewhere, leaving her to deal with her thoughts. Her sluggish droopy eyes watched the couples slow dancing in the dance floor. She admired the ladies, even in their killer heels and tricky outfits, they managed to waltz flawlessly with their partners. She looked down at her silver strapped 3inch heels with a small frown, her ankle had already started to throb and slight discoloration was forming at its base. Her tender skin bruised easily if not taken care of.

Serenity let out a sigh and looked up, only to jump in fright to see the Vitali princess staring at her with a amused smile.

"Sorry, did I startle you?" Alicia chuckled at her blushing face "Gosh! You're so adorable."

Serenity turned only redder at the comment.

"What happened?" Alicia sat down on the plush seat next to hers,

"Nothing, I was just waiting for Igor to take me home." she said in a small voice.

Alicia raised an eyebrow "This early?", then she nodded to herself, " Okay, I get you. Truth to be told, its pretty boring here."

Serenity looked at her "When are you going back? I heard Igor saying that you are from the States."

"My fratello is hell bent on sending me back although Dad had told us to stay for a month to make sure there is a reliable and beneficial alliance and also to get to know the Don and his way of functioning the mob. I don't fucking get what is his problem." she replied frustrated.

"f-fratello?" Serenity enquired confused at the unheard term.

"It means brother in Italian. By the way, have you seen him anywhere? I have been looking for him for the past thirty minutes."

Serenity gulped, her eyes widening, the sudden image of Alicia punching Irina rose in her mind. Her breath hitched as sudden fear planted deep within her. Will Alicia punched her too if she get to know what happen between them a few minutes ago? Alicia did seem pretty protective of her brother. Although what Serenity did was a pure misunderstanding, she didn't do it intentionally like Irina, she just mistook him for Killian. Suddenly she didn't feel good anymore with Alicia.

"Hey Serenity! What happened? Are you okay? You seem to be paled" Alicia said, quickly passing her a glass of water. A look of concern crossed her pretty face and Serenity did felt a pinch of guilt for some unknown reason. Maybe its just her innocent heart who couldn't bear to think bad about anyone.

"N-No I am f-fine, Just exhausted." She lied although she felt terrible about it.

Alicia didn't seem to believe it either but let it go.

In the mean time, Igor approached them, all set to finally exit the ball. Serenity hugged Alicia goodbye and they parted their ways, but not before Alicia telling her that they would certainly meet again and spend a good time together.

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"Thank you, Igor." Serenity said as he tucked in her sheets. She had freshen up and changed when Igor came to bade her good night.

"You're welcome, sleep tight. It gets chilly at dawn. So I will be closing the window, alright?"

Serenity nodded and watched as he draw the window closed along with the light curtains. Igor put on her little lamp before turning off the other lights. A sad smile broke on her face, he remembers. She had trouble sleeping with the lights off. She didn't think that he would remember such tiny detail from her childhood.

"What are you smiling at?" Igor teased.

"Nothing, its just....I am glad to have you as my brother Igor."

Igor chuckled, puffing his chest in pride before patting himself jokingly "I always knew you like me better than those dumb, dumber and dumbest." he said, referring to her other three brothers.

Serenity didn't laugh instead her eyes glistened , sparkling in the dim light with so much innocence and sadness. Igor's stance faltered and his face fell on seeing her delicate broken face, he rushed to her side and cupped her face worriedly "What happened?"

"Why did you lie to me, Igor?'' she pouted as wetness trailed down her chubby cheeks.

Igor stilled, not understanding what she meant "What are you talking about? I never lied to you about anything."

"Igor! I may be naïve to a lot of things but I am not stupid. I know Killian has changed, he isn't my Killy anymore. He is not busy! He was never busy! For the last 9 years he didn't reply any of my letters, he never bother to call and check up on me. He avoided everything that was related to me. I also know that he got a girlfriend. Bru and Boris are also in the same training ground, How come they have time when Killy does not. Mama Vic never lies when it comes to Killian, we all know that. She said Killian didn't blink an eye when my arrival was announced. Why? He himself told me the day I left that he sees me more as a daughter than a sister. He brought me up- he was the one who took care of me in my babyhood days. He fathered me Igor!

Do you remember the one time he was sent to Derry for some business and I fell down and hurt my leg, he didn't listen to Athair and ran back home just to take care of the slight scrap on my knee. He even got punished for it-"

"Seri-"

"No, Igor! Also the time I went for my kindergarten school trip to Athlone just for a day, he waited for me in his car right in front of my school gate for 7 hours. He used to call me every single day for a year and write so much letters that our local postman had almost slept in front of our gate. He said that no matter what happen I will always be his Siochain. I haven't heard him call me that name for 9 years Igor. What happened to him? I even called him from Mama's phone at times, he cut it off before I could even finish a sentence. I know I sound selfish and bratty but how can he not react when we have been apart for 10 years Igor, 10 years! He didn't even call me." she sobbed in her hands.

Igor sighed, pulling her onto his chest. He was in dilemma the past few days as he didn't know how he was to tell her that Killian was not her Killy anymore but Alas! she figured it out herself. Paint and guilt tugged the strings of his heart as he held the sobbing girl, letting her cry all her pain away. He couldn't understand what went wrong, Killian's drastic change came out as a shock for everyone. He was a lot colder and nonchalant, he didn't care about anything other than power and a good fuck. Igor never expected Killian to fall this low.

So low that he was totally unbothered about that one little child who used to be the light of his life. Mama Victoria was the only one happy with this new Killian, because he turned to be a selfish bastard just like her. They both are after the power and the seat for the Irish throne. Secretly, Igor feared for the safety of the rest of his siblings and himself if Killian was to come to power, he doubt there won't be any rampage familicide.

Igor placed a kiss on the top of her head once he realized she had calmed down and was breathing evenly, he carefully lowered her on the bed and tucked her in again. Her outburst must have worn her out as she fell into a deep slumber. That was the longest he had ever heard her speak. Serenity wasn't someone to complain over things. The poor child must've been so hurt.

Igor opened the door and as he was about to step out, he look over his shoulder. Their little angel was sleeping peacefully, her porcelain soft skin glows luminated by the warm little lamp on her nightstand. A petite innocent being too pure for the world she was brought into and there and then he promised himself that he would protect her from all the evil in the world.

However Igor was mistaken, his promise wouldn't be fulfilled, after all,

The devil had already set his eyes on the angel. And their union had been harmonized long ago, in a prophecy written by the almighty himself.

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It was almost dawn when Alicia Vitali woke up from the unbearable pain in her bladder. She cursed under her breath for drinking too much (Virgin drinks) at the party and not relieving herself before going to bed. She yawned, slapping a hand over her mouth and scratching the huge nest on top of her head, she couldn't bother about her physical appearance unlike many other girls so she wasn't surprised when the bathroom mirror reflected her drained makeup face, she was so tired that she jumped onto the bed after kicking off her dress in her under wears. Despite many warnings from her beauticians about having blotched skin if one sleeps with make up on, Alicia never bothered unless it reach extreme cases.

Her mascara had smudged the curves of her eyes and lipstick smeared across her one side of her face with drool marks on the other, her brunette hair was piled up, sticking in different directions and she grimaced when she think about the pain she had to face while untying the tangled knots.

Who said being a woman was easy? She would have punched them.

She shake her head, before washing her face with all the cleanser, scrubs and everything she found on the cabinet. Taking the thick long fuzzy bathrobe she tied it around her almost bare body and walked out to find something to eat.

Chunking down some Irish soda bread with soy milk, she found in the refrigerator, Alicia let out a satisfied blurb and dragged herself back to her room. When she passed her brother's room, she frowned to see the light coming out from below the door. Why was he not asleep yet?

Alicia rolled her eyes, someone seriously need to remind that man that he isn't some AI certified robot, humans need to sleep to get rest. Her knuckles drummed onto the dark mahogany wood until she heard a grunt 'come in'

She folded her arms while leaning against the door frame and stared at him pointedly.

Alessandro's bed was neatly made indicating that he hasn't even touch it, his laptop was lying open on his small office desk, a couple of tools she hasn't even heard the names of were scattered around on the nightstand.

But one thing Alicia was surprised to see was that Alessandro was standing behind an easel where a canvas was placed and he was solely concentrated on the art he was stroking, his calloused hands were quick, the paintbrush dipping into different colors and hovering over the surface hurriedly as if he was determined to complete whatever it was in a small amount of time.

"I didn't know you paint. When did you learn it?" Alicia asked

" I saw Minerva doing it the other day, so I picked it up."

Alicia let out a loud scoff "Are you serious? Fratello! Minerva just learned how to mix water and colors and you're saying you picked it up just by watching her. And what are you even painting at this hour? When are you going to sleep? You have a meeting with the Capo of our Dublin unit at 7 in the morning. Gosh! You're such a child. How can you expect me to leave you alone here for a month? I think its better if I don't go at all and stay here. You know you need someone to look after you and shits-"

"You are leaving this afternoon, Alicia. Don't even try." Alessandro deadpanned, shutting her up.

"But-"

Alessandro looked over her with a monotonous look. Alicia sighed, giving up.

Just then his phone rang, Alessandro picked it up and walked out to the balcony.

"You have the information about the girl-" he slide the glass door behind him to have some privacy.

Alicia frowned, wondering who was he talking about, she did hear him say information and girl. Shaking her head, she strolled towards his so called talent he picked up from their 10 year old cousin.

How good can he be? She knew Alessandro had a very weird and unfathomable IQ as high as the Burj Khalifa but Art was a totally different spectrum, how good can he get just by one look. Even the most gifted painters had to practiced and toiled for a long period to reach their perfection. She was sure he must have managed to draw a tiny winy flower or some butterfly thing like all beginners. She laughed at her thought. A big bad mafiaso painting a little flower or butterfly.

When she peered down at the canvas, Alicia stood gobsmacked.

In the midst of the deep spasm of dark hues lay a face like no other, the curves of the outline was perfect, symmetrical and enhanced with a delicate touch of light tinge, it appeared to be so realistic that Alicia had no words to say. From the curvature of the small button nose to that of the little plump lips, the art was traced with fragility and innocence that sparkle onto the eyes of the onlooker. The mix of shades and dyes of light wash were of perfect combination which resulted in flawless appearance of what the artist wanted to portray, it reminded strongly of its purpose- the darkness that had succumbed to the glow of purity. It told the tale of the unholy who had held onto the dance of Chasity. It told of the devil trying to snatch its light when the innocent one, oblivious to all continued to tame the sinned unknowingly.

Alicia gasped loudly when she realized the familiar amethyst eyes staring back at her from the canvas. She couldn't believe it. She cannot believe it. Out of all the people, Alessandro had chose to ..........claim her.

She stumbled back in shock, knocking the palette and brushes out of the painting stool. She knew how Alessandro get obsessed with the things he had set his eyes on. She feared for their future. What if the beast got out of control? She was too innocent to be ruined by someone as malicious as him?

"Alicia"

Alessandro walked towards her slowly with questioning eyes, Alicia gulped, looking at her brother and then back at the picture.

"Why her?" She muttered in a small voice.

Alessandro only stared at her, his blank face not giving her anything. Alicia clenched her fist and glared back at him "I am asking you, why her?"

A slight frown marred his face as he stared at the picture, an array of some unknown emotions flashed across his eyes before he blanketed them like always. He looked back at his sisters who was still questioning him with her hazel eyes.

He would have answered her...only if he knew himself.

Why?

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The sunrise at the Crystal mansion wasn't as blissful as one would have thought. Serenity was woken up by some maids barging in and asking her to quickly get ready and come down as the Don had summoned her in the foyer. They had informed her that her Athair apparently seemed to be in a very foul mood and her delay would only angered him up. She quickly brushed her teeth, washed herself up and dressed in some basic Tees and joggers, she found first thing in her huge closet and ran downstairs.

All the O'Sullivans were gathered in the hall. Don O'Sullivan was seated on a majestic chair that was placed in middle of the foyer. His right ankle was placed over his left knee as his both hands positioned on the arm rest, his stance exhibited the domination he had over the household and his control over his men and women. The wives stood obediently on his right side in an chronological order with Victoria closest to him. Then his children and important men on the other side. Serenity quietly squeeze herself between Igor and one of the men she couldn't recognize. She offered a sheepish smile when they both look at her.

"Is everybody here?" Conall said.

"Ah! Killian is a bit late but I am sure he would be h-" Victoria started but the Don silenced her with one wave of his finger.

"Yesterday, it was not only a celebration but a very important event to raise our alliance with some new families. But someone's childish and inconsiderable behavior had shamed me and made the O'Sullivans a laughing stock in front of all our important guest. Do you even know how much it fucking affect my fucking reputation!" Conall roared

Everyone flinched at his anger.

Igor silently held Serenity's shaking hands in a way of giving her comfort. He knew how much she hated violence and the irony she was born into one of the most wanted crime family in the world.

"ALBINA! BRING THAT STUPID BRAT HERE!" he shouted.

Albina whimpered with tear filled eyes as she silently pray for mercy to be bestowed upon her daughter. The Don's rage wasn't something a mother would want her child to be showered. Irina had made a great mistake by disrespecting an important guest, that too a Vitali among everyone. She had already been humiliated last night but it won't give the Don satisfaction until and unless he punished her again with his own hands.

Albina dragged a fear stricken Irina from her room and made her kneel in front of her husband, it was something they had gotten used to. Irina cried loudly, begging her mother to save her. Her broken wrist was put in a cast after treating the small fracture, her mouth was still swollen and bruised from the punch last night.

Serenity didn't like it, she felt bad for Irina. IN her opinion, Irina had already got the punishment she deserved, so they should forgive her but forgiveness only comes through vehemence of unadulterated rage in the mafia.

She clenched her hands around Igor's tightly, uneasiness settling in her stomach as she watched their Athair taking predatory steps towards Irina. She looked at Igor for help but he only shook his head at her and told her with his eyes to not do anything as well. Nobody gets between them, it was like asking for a death certificate.

A loud cry came from Irina as Conall delivered his first blow of his whip on her back. Serenity flinched loudly as Conall didn't stop from lashing out his whip. Irina's cries and pleas filled the room. Unknowingly Serenity tried to run towards them but Igor was fast, he caught hold of her waist and dragged her back.

"Igor, please! She will die- she is-so much- pain-crying-Igor!" Tears ran down her face, watching the feral inhumane act. Her words sink at her throat as she helplessly thrashed in his hold. Igor quickly turn her around and pushed her face onto his chest to blind her from watching it anymore. He covered her ears too as she cried softly pleading him to save Irina.

After some time, Conall stopped, his breathing was harsh, his eyes were driven by craze as he glared down at the barely conscious body. Albina was crying softly, her palms covering her mouth to stop any sobs coming out, the other wives didn't even blink although Anushka had this displeased look as she stared at the Persian rug now stained with some specks of blood. It was one of her favorite antique carpet she had bought from an auction two months ago. There goes Seven hundred fifty six thousand dollar in the bin. She groaned at the thought.

"Take her away, she won't be given any medical help for two days, let her burn with the pain on her own." Conall ordered and instantly Albina rushed with two other maids to her ailing daughter.

"Slowly...be careful!" Albina scolded the maids when they picked Irina up by her arms and she cried in pain.

After they left, Conall turned to the rest "Now you see what happen when you disrespect me, let it be a lesson and if I find anyone of you ever trying to soiled the reputation of O'Sullivan. I will personally deal with you no matter who or what your are! Understand!"

Multiple of choruses of 'Yes Don' could be heard.

Suddenly Camilla spoke up when they were about to be dismissed

'' Athair, I-it wasn't only Irina that completely disregarded the importance of your guests, someone too, couldn't control their inner whore and threw herself to the Vitali heir. Imagine the shame and embarrassment of what they would have thought of us."

Everyone frowned at what she said and they started to look at one another in confusions.

"What the fuck are you talking about Camilla?" Igor asked.

"yes, I saw it with my own eyes. And she is here, standing among us." Camilla smirked.

Conall grounded his teeth and gritted out "Who?"

She turned her cat eyes on heavenwards and blinked innocently before landing on a certain someone.

"Serenity."

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Hoooooohahahaah!!! ;) I feel so evil (^_^)!!!!!

I love it when you comment and vote and add my book in your reading list. It boost me to write more and keep you all lazy people entertained.

Our government just announced that we can go back to school from the last week of January! I am on the verge of crying, no not because of happiness. I know I had had enough of lockdowns and staying in BUT the problem is once we go back to school there is this evil bitch waiting for us, of course you all know it......(drumrolls).........ITS THE FCKING EXAMS!!!!!!!!!.....

We had a lot of online test for our term this year and to be honest online test are easy, so fcking easy I mean you can literally copy all the answers. Whenever I had online tests, I kept my brother's phone, my laptop, tablet, my phone, my mother's phone prepared on the table [of course my dad will interrogate me like a cop (and he is a journalist so he had his questions already prepared all the time) if I asked for his phone]

If I had any doubt I could ask Google or ring up anyone in the contact to see if they know the answer. I once even rang up my old neighbor Mrs. Atom during my science test and she yelled the answer from her balcony. LOL!

So if we go back to the ancient holy system of writing on the paper while sitting on a table with your bench partner 5 feet apart and the teacher breathing down your neck, oh my god I will be doomed!

pray for me!

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