Mafia Boss of My Heart

P R O L O G U E

 "CANCER!, ADVANCED!.. wh-what does t-this mean for me ?" My voice trembled 

 Doctor Martins heaved a sigh "prognosis will be challenging based on the current stage Cecile. To be honest with you..." he paused for a moment unsure of how to proceed. "You just have few months--"

 My name is Cécile Garnier, and I've just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I just turned 25 two months ago and my life is supposed to be just beginning.

 Doctor Martins had said the cancer is advanced and it's likely that I will have a few months.his words the day he broke that sad news to me still echo in my mind like a death sentence.

 I remember the day at his office like it was yesterday. The look on his face, usually calm and welcoming, was lined with concern as he delivered the diagnosis and His gentle tone couldn't mask the gravity of the news.

 My mind raced with questions, but my voice was frozen with the sound of my heartbeat echoing in my ears. As Silence enveloped the room, the ticking of the clock became deafening.

 I never realized my body was trying to tell me something throughout those times I felt very tired and exhausted. But I kept brushing it off as stress from work.

If only I had listened, I would have asked for help sooner Because I have a lot to live for; my parents, my brother Leo, My job and my friend chloe.

But It's too late now. My mom's gentle tone and assuring voice echoed in my mind, I could still vividly remember her words to me " Don't be angry with life, Cecile, use that energy to live each day to the fullest. Don't let the diagnosis or nothing take that away from you."

 I sobbed in my small apartment, the place that was once my sanctuary now felt like a prison, confining me to a life I never wanted. I didn't want to keep beating myself up .so I took mom's advice. That was when I made up my mind to go to Monaco.

I've always wanted to visit the city. Besides I've been drawn to Monaco for reasons I don't even fully understand, mom told me that was where I was born.

It's only fair if I give myself a one time treat and I long to leave a mark, a memory in the place where my life began.

 C H A P T E R O N E

 the Art of Beginning Again

 C É C I L E     G A R N I E R

 "Bonjour, Madame I would like the most expensive suite, please". I said the moment I approached the reception desk.

She has been warm with her smile exchanging pleasantries with guest before me while typing away on her computer.

 The gentle murmur of staff and guests filled the atmosphere.

 The receptionist looks up at me, her eyes widened slightly in surprise before she smiles graciously before responding to my greetings in perfect French.

 Hotel Hermitage, one of Monaco's finest.The luxury and lavishness of the decoration took my breath away the moment I steeped into the grand lobby I felt like a small fish in a big pond, but in a good way.

 I couldn't have afforded a place like that if I hadn't been working tirelessly and saving every penny for all these years denying myself so much.

 "Of course madame, our most expensive suite is the imperial suite, with a stunning view of the Mediterranean. Shall I prepare the keys for you? She asked

 I nod, feeling excited. " I'll take it" She smiles back and begins typing away in her computer while I looked around to adore what is before me.

And boy! I'm glad I made this decision, where do I even begin, the ceilings were so high like they aimed for the sky, the chandelier danged effortlessly with its sparkling crystal drops.

 I couldn't tell if the sofa's were taupe or charcoal gray but they definitely looked soft and silky and the way they were arranged in cozy circles made me want to sink in and just stay there for a while.

 Very tempting but I had to make my reservations.