STOLE MAFIA'S HEART

ELLA MIA

My name is Ella Mai. I would describe my family as neither affluent nor destitute; we were simply an average family. My parents owned a newspaper business, which they diligently managed, allowing us to reside in a magnificent mansion in New York City.

My father, Jacob Mai, and my younger brother, Kenny Mai, both contributed their efforts to the family business, working side by side.

Tragically, our mother passed away when Kenny and I were just fifteen. Concerned about our need for a maternal figure, my father made the decision to marry Elizabeth, a woman who had been divorced long before. Elizabeth embraced us with open arms, treating us as her own children despite her own struggles with infertility. She never showed favoritism, showering both Kenny and me with the same level of affection she had for my father.

As the adage goes. "Nothing lasts forever."

One fateful day, a trusted partner in my father's company embezzled funds, leaving our family devastated as he disappeared without a trace. The news spread rapidly, causing some employees to leave and investors to demand their shares. In a desperate attempt to salvage the situation, my father took out a loan from the notorious mafia figure, Chase Banker, as banks were unwilling to lend him the amount he needed.

Chase banker was infamous for his ruthless demeanor; few dared to cross him or provoke his ire. With the loan secured, my father managed to pay his employees and investors, but soon after, our family found itself facing severe financial difficulties, with only my savings left in my account.

The mafia sent his young brother and trusted man to harass us repeatedly, reminding us of the debt we owed. They would come to our home, leaving chaos in their wake and threatening us, forcing us to clean up after their visit.

One day, while sitting in my room and scrolling through my bank app, a plan began to take shape in my mind. I realized I needed to confront the mafia and negotiate a settlement using my dwindling savings. To do this, I would have to deceive my family, telling them I was visiting my friend Aria for a few days.

I rushed downstairs to find my father, Kenny, and Elizabeth engrossed in a movie.

"Hey, Dad, Mom, Kenny! What are you watching?" I asked, my voice slightly trembling.

"Hello, my daughter." my father greeted warmly. "Just a movie that Kenny insisted we watch." he said.

"Hey, you said it was fun!" Kenny shot back, pretending to sulk.

Laughter erupted in the room as Elizabeth playfully nudged my father. "Come on, love, I heard you say you enjoyed it."

"Alright, alright." my father conceded. "I can't lie; the movie is dull. I'd rather read a newspaper." he said, nudging Kenny back.

"Before you make Kenny cry, I have something to tell you." I said, feeling the sweat on my palms.

"Of course, you can share anything with us." Elizabeth encouraged, patting the seat next to her.

As I sat down, she looked at me with concern. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine. I just want to visit Aria for a week to clear my head." I replied, glancing at my father.

"Why now? Given our financial situation..." he began, worry etched on his face.

"Don't worry about the money, Dad. I have my savings." I reassured him.

He felt guilty about not being able to cover my taxi fare. "Ella, I'll manage." he insisted.

"Dad, I'll take care of myself." I said, trying to alleviate his concerns.

He nodded, but Elizabeth interjected. "You can't go alone."

I chuckled lightly. "Come on, Mom, it's just a girls' trip. It's not like we need Kenny along, and Aria's parents will be there too." I explained, fabricating my reasoning.

"Hey, who says boys can't join?" Kenny piped up, eliciting laughter from us all.

"No, Kenny, Ella is right. She's grown up, and she'll be with Aria the entire time. After everything we've faced, she deserves this break." my father defended me.

Kenny and Elizabeth exchanged glances, both appearing resigned to the idea.

Two days later, I boarded my flight to Chase Banker's city, my stomach churning with anxiety.

Would he accept my proposal? Would he retaliate because of our debt? Would I return safely to my family?

These thoughts raced through my mind. This would be my first encounter with him, and I had no idea what to expect. Was he an old, grumpy man? I knew he was well-known in his city, but only a few understood how to approach him-never to joke, they said.

Upon my arrival, I was struck by the city's beauty. The fresh air revitalized me, and the opulent mansions of the wealthy were awe-inspiring.

After wandering for an hour, I approached an elderly man to ask for directions to Mr. Banker. He regarded me as though I had sprouted horns, but eventually pointed me toward a lavish mansion at the corner.

After another brief walk, I arrived at a gate marked "Mr. Banker."

Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, only to be stopped by the guards.

"Hello, young lady, how can we assist you?" one of them inquired.

"I'm here to speak with Mr. Banker." I replied simply.

"Do you have an appointment?" the other guard asked.

"No, I don't." I admitted.

"Please hold on; let us check with him." one guard said, making a call.

After a few tense minutes, he gestured for me to enter.

Inside, an elderly woman, presumably a servant, greeted me at the door.

"Good day, ma'am! Please come in. Can I offer you something to drink while you wait for Mr. Banker?" she asked, her warm smile putting me at ease.

"Oh, thank you. Water would be perfect." I replied, feeling a touch shy.

She nodded and left the room, returning shortly with a glass of water. I eagerly gulped it down, feeling the refreshing liquid quench my thirst as I waited.

Moments later, I noticed a figure descending the stairs. A tall, Hot man stood at six feet two, approaching me.

mafia leader.

Dressed in an expensive suit, with piercing blue eyes, a chiseled jawline, and light brown hair, he exuded an air of confidence that was almost mesmerizing.

This man was not old; he was breat