Chapter 29: The O'Sullivan twins are back

***.

"What the fuck..."

Alessandro was flabbergasted at the condition of his room. It appeared as though a rainbow hurricane had swept up the walls along with the expensive tiled floor. His bed and furnitures were shrouded with a humongous plastic sheets.

Paints and paints and paints all over.

A disasturous color combination of dark yellow and blue on one side of the wall while the other side was masked in neon pink.

Alessandro seemed to have lost his appetite and perhaps his patience already.

"Serenity." He sounded furious.

The girl in question, shocked and startled, squealed as she lost her footing and slipped off the platform ladder.

The paint bucket in her hand flung over and smashed its contents on the floor, bathing it in heavy red dye.

"Alessandro! You scared me. Gosh! I spilled the paint now-" she stilled when she saw the expression on his face.

His jaws were clenched and his eyes glaring directly into hers. This time, with raw and unadulterated rage.

Serenity had sheepish look on her face.

"Hi Alessandro...H-How are you? You know a-anger lessened ten years of our life time. So it's bad to be angry and-and-Eh!"

Alessandro threw his brief case on a nearby table and charged towards her. Serenity screeched as she ran towards the other side of the bed.

"No! I CAN EXPLAIN!" She cried, trying to escape from his wrathful approach.

He rounded the bed but she jumped to the other side again.

Now, it was a chase of Cat and mouse.

Alessandro pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"Get you little ass here, love." He warned.

Serenity frantically shook her head and moved farther away.

"Fine, Game on." He stormed towards her and like the same pole of magnets, Serenity sprinted around the room, out of his reach.

"Eh! Alessandro! Calm down!"

"What are you? Five? Don't chase me!"

"Stop fucking running then." Alessandro gritted.

"I am not the Jerry to your Tom or the cockroaches to your Oggy." She squealed.

"Oh my God! The ground is so slippery, Alessandro. Be carefu-"

Before she could complete her sentence, Serenity jinxed herself and tripped over a bucket of paint, slamming herself on the platform ladder and before anyone could react, another tub of paint toppled off the platform, pouring the remains of the sticky substance on her head.

Alessandro halted right behind her and sighed.

His little red head was mustard headed now that she was drowned in an ugly yellow tint.

He stood there silently, taking in what happened, when a small sob made out of her mouth.

His eyes softened infinitesimally. Crouching down by her side, he brought his finger under her chin and lifted her face.

Her eyes were shut close tightly as the thick unpleasant liquid ran down her forehead to her eyes.

Alessandro slowly pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her, around her eyes so she could present him, her rare amethyst orbs, brimming with tears.

She looked at him regretfully.

"I...I am so sorry Alessandro...I didn't-I didn't meant to destroy your room like this. Please don't get mad at me.

That channel 'five minutes craft' promised that it would be beautiful! And they lied, it took me more than five hours, you know? And it doesn't even look decent enough to look at!" She whined.

Alessandro sighed and stood up. He pointed his finger towards the bathroom.

"Go." Was all he said.

Serenity stood up shakily and peeked at him.

"Are you mad?"

His jaws tickled with slight annoyance.

"Go and wash yourself. It's hard to take you seriously when you're covered in shit. We will talk over dinner."

Serenity pouted more as she stared at herself in the mirror, she had to scrubbed and rubbed her entire body twice or was it thrice? To get the paint off her skin.

He trusted her and she messed up.

It wasn't her fault!...maybe a tiny bit but that stupid channel showed a very beautiful finish. They just splash everything on the wall and connected dots and BAAM!

She realized it actually sucked in real life.

She sighed at her pathetic self. Embarrassment, if there was a greater word for it, she would be an epitome of it.

Quickly picking up the first lose green nightie that was on the shelf, she pulled it over herself. Without bothering to check herself again in the mirror,she walked out.

Alessandro pinched the bridge of his nose. He was exhausted from the day's work-

Five continuous board meetings and then, dealing with the underground clubs and the shipments which hasn't arrived yet when the deadline was knocking. He was stressed for sure and when the one thing he wanted was to take a proper rest on his bed. He was denied that luxury too.

For almost a second, he wouldn't lie but he regretted trusting her with the paints.

But then, again he fucked up last night and he deserved it, he told himself.

He couldn't get mad at her for more than a minute. She was just too adorable for her own good.

"Alessandro...Am I in trouble?" Her soft mousy voice came from behind.

He breathe out and relaxed his shoulders. Turning away from the French window, Alessandro looked at her.

The first sight blown his senses away.

She looked ethereal.

Like a nymph, an angel.

He had never witness such flimsy and short outfit on her. Her wet auburn locks layer on her shoulder and he could see the little dampness it spread on her delicate shoulders and even the rivulets that flowed down her elbows in glossy trails.

She was as oblivious as a new born deer.

And then another thought hit him.

The weather was getting worse. Stupid girl never takes her health seriously. His idiot though.

Alessandro approached her slowly and shook his head.

"Come." He gently took her hand and brought her back to the gigantic closet.

He made her sit on the fluffy carpet and grabbed the hair dryer. Settling down behind her, he began blowing her damp hair.

Serenity grinned secretly. The butterflies were working again in her tummy.

She liked Alessandro...but she wasn't too sure if she was falling for him more than just a normal crush.

***

"Get pregnant."

Athena clenched her fist under the table.

Mrs Springton gently coated the sour dough bread in butter before placing it on her daughter's plate.

"You know I care about you a lot, Athena. Alessandro Vitali must be yours, sweetheart. Now that the conniving Yohontov is out of the way, there is nothing to fear about her Russian Associates."

"I am not afraid of a petty wench like Svetlana, mom." She grounded her words painfully.

Mrs. Springton waved it away with no regard.

" The Vitali's are well-known for their loyalty code. They remain faithful to their spouses no matter what even after death. And infidelity is non existent. If you get pregnant with Alessandro's child, then he will have no other choice than to marry you. Do you understand how beneficial it would be for the family?"

Athena didn't look up.

"Athena! Are you listening to me?"

The blonde girl threw her spoon on the plate rather harshly, making the china clatter.

"I can't do that to him, mother. Its not fair. Alessandro deserves to be happy and I am not the one meant for him. Rest assured, he will never take away the protection we had over our family. And Serenity O'Sullivan is not that kind of girl as you put."

Mrs. Springton narrowed her eyes at her daughter, "You can't or you won't?"

"I won't." Athena declared without a hint of hesitation.

She knew the precadiment of her words. She knew her mother wasn't someone to be taken lightly. Only a fool would dare to mess with Mrs. Springton. The lady was as venomous as snake under her dainty smiles and sweet words.

Mrs. Springton sighed in disappointment before picking up the butter knife. She scrutinized the blunt edges of the metal and said, "Athena, my darling, Do you know what type of weapon bring pain the most?"

"The sharp ones? No?" She slowly hold Athena's hand and brought it towards the knife.

She then, pressed the edge of the knife against her Daughter's wrist and proceeded to run it up and down like as though she was cutting a steak.

"It's always the blunt ones but-"

Athena flinched when the the knife drove deeper, a burning sensation welling up in the area.

"- but with a long and sweet exposure to its ignorant tips."

She played violin with the metal on her daughter's wrist.

Athena yelped and immediately tried retracting her hand but Mrs. Springton had a vice grip. Her eyes were crazed, malicious and a hint of sadistic glint. She enjoyed watching her rebellious daughter squirmed and cry tears of pain. Athena bite down on her lips to silence the sobs threatening to come out of her mouth. She furiously slammed her other hand on the table repeatedly to bail out of the agony fostered on her.

"Oh see, deary, it's already bleeding. I told you, didn't I?...That it will hurt the most."

"M-Mother please!" She screamed.

As soon as the hold on her hand loosened, Athena rushed across the table and dipped her hand straight into the cold water jug. Her tears decorated her face, draining and smudging her expensive mascara. The burning pain didn't subside for a quite a long time.

She could see the water marrying the blood and turning it into a crimson liquid.

Mrs. Springton gently reached for her injured hand. Scared and Shocked, Athena jumped away from her with a horrified expression. She smiled softly ignoring the look on her face.

With a tender caress, she brought the first aid kit and started dressing her wound.

"I love you, Athena. Mother knows best, dear."

***

"Antonio, Hand me over the baby pink banner!" Alicia yelled.

Antonio sighed and pried his eyes away from his MacBook and looked around for the said banner. Alicia was hell bent on perfecting everything for the upcoming birthday of the special someone. She had started even preparing Serenity's room for it and unfortunately he was dragged along.

He caught the piece of cloth and flung it towards her.

She looked down at it with displeasure.

"I said baby pink not 'light pink'" She demanded.

Antonio frowned and dipped his hand into the basket, pulling out different banners of different colors. When he was sure that it is the one. He threw it at her again.

Alicia was only irritated in return.

" Antonio! Fucking Baby pink not hot pink!"

"Where the fuck is the difference!" He yelled, throwing his hands, exasperated.

His little sister, that he so badly wanted to disown at the moment, sneered and looked down in him like he was the dumbest creature on the planet.

"Babypink is cuter and more adorable than the other pinks."

"How the fuck am I supposed to know that! They don't have a fucking face!"

"Oh you're an idiot!"

"What are you then? Nincompoop."

"Imbecile!"

"Bone head."

"Plonker!"

"Birdbrain!"

"How the fuck are you my brother when you're this stupid!"

"Well, that's because you're adopted. Mom accidentally found you in a roadside tramp and she decided to take pity on your dirty ass."

"Shut up! You're the one who is adopted! Atleast I have mom's hair and eyes. You don't even look like a Vitali."

"Why? Were you a witness then? I should have mailed you to Antarctic the moment you were born."

"Okay children. Stop!" Simone entered the room with the right 'baby pink' banner and handed it to Alicia.

"Thank you Simone. Atleast someone understands me well." Alicia huffed and went back to her detailing.

"I have some important news."

Antonio nodded, "Yes."

"I heard this evening that Athena Springton will be coming over day after tomorrow and she is planning to stay here till Serenity's birthday ball."

Alicia froze and snapped her neck towards Simone, horrified.

"What the actual fuck!"

Antonio was even surprised to say at least.

"And Alessandro agreed? Just like that?"

The Vitali princess clenched her jaws angrily and glared at the walls. "I am going to Sicily tonight. Antonio, do me a favor. Ask them to prepare my jet right away. I need to do some packing."

Alicia was about to storm out of the room when Simone caught her arm.

"Are you out of your mind? Why the fuck would you be moving out? She is an outsider, you are family. Are you a little scaredy cat? She would be winning if that is to happen, wouldn't she?"

"What winning, Simone? I don't remember being in some sort of contest. I had given up on that a long time ago. It is clear that Alessandro prioritized her more than me, his own little sister. I don't even want to breathe the same air as her. I can't stand that bitch for a second. Do not stop me, Simone. I have made up my mind."

"Ali-"

Before he could finish, Alicia had walked out of the room.

Simone pursed his lips and looked at Antonio, who had the same expression.

"What is it about?"

He shrugged.

"I am not aware of much details but short to say at least, even Alessandro was taken aback when Springton informed such a request. But as always he didn't deny her. The guest room in Alessandro's wing is prepared.

Now the drama begins, Alessandro, Serenity and Athena. We just stand back and watch."

Simone patted Antonio's back as he strolled out.

***

On the other side of the globe, back in Dublin, Ireland. There was a vexation, hustle and anger all over the Crystal mansion.

Unexpectedly, the news have reached the infamous O'Sullivan twins about their dearest sister being forced out of her own home and was made the sacrificial lamb for their own greedy needs.

Anushka O'Sullivan paced up and down in the foyer nervously. She made sure the news didn't reach them. How in the world of luxurious crystal pendants did it happen? The news of their arrival should've been her biggest joy but now she was wishing an alien invasion would happen before they reach the mansion.

Bruno and Boris were her sons but more than that they are brothers to their youngest sister.

Victoria and Albina were useless, Don O'Sullivan is already wrecked with intoxication and locked up in his penthouse somewhere in the middle of the city.

Papy Fostello was the one managing the empire and with his recent break up, they all could die for all he care.

The screeching sound of the cars rolling in the driveway made her flinch.

She forced a bright smile on her face and rushed to welcome them with close arms.

"Oh my darlings- Eh!"

Bruno and Boris ignored and stormed past her.

Anushka remained smiling at the breezy air, shocked and startled.

Red flags were everywhere, as the twins strutted towards their Athair's office. The guards step back and often crossed eyes with one another, contemplating what to do.

Bruno kicked the door open. And as anticipated, the room was empty.

"How dare that old bastard! We couldn't do anything back then, we were fucking helpless but this crossed all the limits. She is a fucking child and he sent her away with whom. That monster! " Boris knocked over the table.

"We will get her back, That Fucking Vitali shouldn't have laid his eyes on her in first place."

Anushka ran after her boys immediately and gasped at the condition of the room.

"Bruno, Boris! Stop! Oh my God! Don't touch that vase! It's an antique!" She screeched as she rushed inside to save a flower vase on the side table, clutching its in the safety of her arms tenderly. She stroke at the piece and glared at the boys.

"Where the fuck is that old bastard?" Bruno growled.

"Who? Papy Fostello? Victoria? Uncle Roger?"

"For fuck's sake mother, YOUR GODDAMN HUSBAND!"

"Oh!" Anushka blinked in realization, "How am I suppose to know? It's not like I am keeping tabs on him." She shrugged her shoulders innocently while looking away from their narrowed eyes.

"Mom..." Boris snarled with a warning etched in his voice.

"Fine! He is in his penthouse, drunk and wasted. He isn't the same ever since that mini Ceres went away. Papy Fostello along with your distant uncles are managing the mob on his behalf. If we don't act fast, I swear they are planning to change the position of the head soon. Now the you two are back, it's high time you snatch back what is rightfully yours."

"No." The two replied at the same time.

Anushka pursed her lips and stomped on her feet, "What do you mean No? You little sons of a bitch!"

Boris shake his head in disbelief while Bruno pinched the bridge of his nose.

Anushka gasped rather loudly again once she realised what she had said.

"I mean, you ignorant foolish sons of a beautiful lady." She cleared her throat.

Just before they could reply, the door was thrown open again by the younger O'Sullivan who had run across the yards of Crystal mansion to meet the twins.

"You BASTARD. " Bruno sneered before throwing a punch on Igor's face.

Caught off guard, Igor stumbled back, holding his now bleeding nose.

"You were supposed to take care of her in our absence! You fucker!"

Bruno didn't hold back. He had been controlling himself from punching anyone from the past few days but now the perfect bait was before his eyes. He continued raining punches after punches on Igor.

Igor hunched over before spitting out blood from the merciless jabs on his side. He only came to greet them not to get beaten up for charity.

Anushka shrieked and jumped in between them.

"Stop it! You idiots! Don't ruin my carpet. For God's sake this is the seventh one!" She successfully managed to pull her son away from the battered half son.

Bruno retreated, his shoulders shaking from fury and breathing harshly from all the adrenaline. Igor was down on the floor by then.

"Oh Gosh! Igor! Are you still alive? Are you dead? Hello! Raise a finger if you're dead and two if you aren't!"

Anushka frantically checked up on the unmoving body of his.

"Bru! You are in big trouble if he is dead. The clan will disown you! Resurrect him you big baboon!"

"Resurrect-? The fuck! What is he? Jesus? Mom! He is literally breathing. Can't you see?" Boris whisper-yelled.

Anushka looked down bamboozled before nodding to herself seriously.

"Yes...I think so."

Two guards quickly rushed in to assist Igor O'Sullivan back to his chamber.

Anushka sighed heavily amd rolled her eyes heavenwards. She felt like she had aged a decade already. She turned to her not so beloved sons, who were drowning vodka like some stupid camels in the desert.

She slumped down on the single couch available and rubbed her temples.

Bruno was glaring at the wall while Boris had his eyes struck maniacally on the floor.

She cleared her throat loudly, "So...How did you get the news?"

Boris pulled out a crumbled piece of paper from his breast pocket and throw it on the table.

Anushka frowned and swiftly pick up the familiar paper and her jaw dropped.

It was the invitation card to Serenity's Birthday Ball and surprisingly it was addressed to Bruno and Boris O'Sullivan signed by Alessandro Vitali himself.

Why the fuck is that godly handsome son of a bloody woman wagging war all of a sudden?

***

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Adios,

Stella Cadante.