A HEART IN THE MAFIA GRIP

fall apart. Life continued, yet for Kaia, it seemed as though time had pause

which bread to prepare that day, what desserts to showcase in the window-until the jarring reminder of reality wo

n the nightstand. It was captured during the bakery's beginnings, her mother's hands sprinkled with flour, a gentle smile

ars on the verge of falling. "Forgive me, Mom," she

r reflections. It was Lila, prep

nearly all her possessions, leaving just a few minor items behind. This was more than a journe

er fingers on the steering wheel, looking at Kaia from time to

n seemed tinier than before, as if it was diminishing behind her. She had dedicated her entire

rupting the quiet, "I still find it

subtle grin on her fa

sorrow. "It was my concept, and now I loathe i

s arm. "It won't last forever, Lila." I merely.

l up in her eyes. "Yes, I'm aware." "I only hope

ou're not getting left out." You are a piece

the back of her hand. "Ugh, please d

"You will manage just fine without me." Additionally, you'll have

which consists of only two letters. Please provide a longer text,

y be calling you every couple o

with a chuckle. "I'll lo

n struck both of them. Kaia removed her suitcase, the noise

her tears any longer. She embraced Kaia, wrapping her arms around her securely. "I'm proud of you,

down her own cheeks. "I'm not sure what I'm

You are powerful, Kaia." More powerful than you realize. And I'll remain here, re

tricted with feeling. "Thank

fter you land, alright?" And please send me photos. "

uitcase, her hand shaking a bit as she h

, her voice breaking once more. "Lea

ce, she faced away and made her way to the airport entrance. She averted

smaller until it vanished completely. She considered her mother, the bakery, and all tha

g with possibilities and unpredictability. Kaia was unsure of what awaited her there, yet s

d an unusual blend of sorrow and optimism. It

voice in the depths of her mind murmured uncertainties. Did she

to set it aside. She would confront anything

emed like a haze of strange roads and high buildings. Upon entering, she discovered a s

onal decor. It didn't feel at all like home. Drawing in a deep breath, Kai

one vibrated. She looked at the display, and her

il, but something compelled her to swipe and answer. "Liam,"

efore his voice came through, low an