Chapter 47

Venessa's P.O.V

After Vincent left the diner, I still haven't got a grip of myself properly when the devil came as if he owned the whole place.

I'm just too tired of all of this, I hate how Andrew harasses me and I can't even do anything about it. I can't even share it with anyone as I'm too scared just by thinking, what if they do worse? But it's enough, I already gave the signed papers to him, I think I can breathe more peacefully now, maybe I can go back to Vincent now.

Maybe we can finally live in peace.

Girl, don't you dare go back now, let him earn your forgiveness first. Stated inner self, stubbornly. But I don't think I can do it any longer. I miss him terribly, plus I'm really grateful that he signed the papers without getting suspicious, which is amazing.

My day went by quickly by serving people who don't even have manners but I let it slide anyway as I'm too tired, now I just wanna go home and sleep.

Locking the diner, I pulled my coat closer to my small body when Tina came over out of nowhere and linked her arms with me.

"Hey, I thought you went home already", I said walking through the cold night of New York with our arms linked together.

"I decided to wait for you." She answered, making me look at her questioning. What is this girl up to again?

"Why would you wait for me? Do you wanna say something?", I questioned her, which she replied by shaking her head no.

"I decided that we should have a girls night tonight" she cheered with a hopeful smile on her face and as much as I wanted to deny. I can't find myself to do it.

I looked at her hesitantly. "Ohh, come on. It's been so long since we had one. Please" she requested giving me her puppy eyes, which I can't resist.

"Fine." I huffed, making her jump excitedly. I smiled at her childish behavior and started to stroll again towards her apartment.

As we reached her apartment, I quickly went inside wanting to get some warmth as I can no longer feel my numb cheeks due to the intense coldness.

Taking my coat off, I flopped down on the sofa but then I suddenly shot up.

"What happened?." Tina questioned, raising her eyebrows.

"Mario and Lynda must be waiting for me. I forgot to inform them, they must be getting so worried" I exclaimed, looking frantically for my phone to inform them that I would be staying with Tina for tonight.

Reaching for my phone, I wasted no time dialing Mario's number. And exactly after two rings, he picked up.

"Hello, Mario?", I greeted, feeling the heavy burden on my chest being lifted up the moment he greeted back.

"Where are you, my dear. It's getting late. Are you alright?" He inquired, sounding so worried.

''Yeah, I'm fine, thank you for asking. I know it's kinda sudden but I would be spending a night here at Tina as she insisted'' I mumbled feeling so guilty for stressing him out for no reason.

'' I'm sorry for worrying you, Mario. It slipped out of my mind.'' I added while fidgeting with my sweater.

''Don't be silly, my love. It's completely fine. Just have fun there.'' he replied while chuckling.

''Ok, but did you take your meds, though?'' I inquired, knowing all too well that he forgot to take it again.

''Yeah, I did, don't worry,'' he replied, lying through his teeth, but I let it slide as I know he would take it once I hang up.

''Ok, then. Goodnight and goodbye, Venessa'' he whispered, making my heart clenched and suddenly I felt anxious for no reason as if something was going to happen.

''Why are you saying goodbye like that, Mario?'' I can't help but ask him.

''Because sometimes we say goodbye to someone even though we don't want to, but remember, my love, it's not because we stopped loving or caring for them, it's just because it's also a way of saying I love you'' he muttered, making me frown.

''What are talking about, Mario?'' I asked him desperately, feeling worried.

''Always remember, Venessa. I may not be with you all the time physically but I'm always there residing inside your heart. Thank you so much for the memories, my love'' He responded and cut the call immediately.

Why do I feel like this?, Something's off, Mario never says goodbye to me, he always says See ya but why suddenly? Maybe I'm just too tired, I'm just overreacting nothing else. I said to myself ignoring the heavy feeling in my chest as I tried to assure myself that nothing will go wrong. But little did I know...

####

Vincent's  P.O.V

After giving the papers to Venessa at the diner, I went straight to my office to bury myself to work so that I will not have to think how terrible she looks just because of me. She looks so thin and pale with dark circles around her eyes. She certainly lost some weight these days.

I have been calling Mario to keep a track on how she's doing, and he told me that she's not eating at all and as for sleeping, she barely sleeps since she spends most of the time crying silently at her room and it breaks my hearts into pieces just by thinking how she's hurting all because of me.

After the clock struck at 12 in the morning, I got a call from one of my men that I appointed in front of Mario's house to keep a watch on my queen whether she reaches safely after her duty on the diner.

"What is it?", I snapped pushing the papers away that I'm going through for hours now.

"capo, è la nostra regina.", he replied and upon hearing his words, I immediately shot up.

(boss, It's your woman.)

"cosa le è successo?", I inquired, feeling my heart starting to beat fast just at the thought of something happening to her.

(what happened to her?)

"la regina non ha ancora raggiunto. Andiamo a controllare la tavola calda?" He explained trying not stammer.

(She still hasn't reached yet. Shall we go and check the diner?)

"sì, manda degli uomini a controllare la tavola calda, mentre io chiamo prima Mario. Sono sicuro che sa qualcosa." I ordered him, while pacing around the room anxiously.

(yes, send some men to check the diner, while I call Mario first. I'm sure he knows something.)

Dialing Mario's number, I waited impatiently. Please be alright Venessa. Please. I prayed mentally.

The moment Mario picked up, I went straight to the point. "Mario, do you have any idea where Venessa is?" I asked, while he just chuckled.

"I knew you would call, Vincent I was waiting" he responded cheerfully.

"Don't worry she's alright. She just called a while ago to inform me that she would be staying with a friend for a night." He added, making my fist and jaw clenched.

"Which friend are we talking about, Mario." I questioned, feeling angry.

"It's a girl, Vincent. Chill '' he answered, laughing heartily making me able to breathe more freely.

After my phone call with Mario, I sent some men to keep a watch on Vanessa and her friend in case if someone tries to attack.

Resuming back to work, I tried to keep my eyes open, trying my best to stay awake even only for some hours as it was only twelve.

Exactly after two hours, I got a call again from my men that were guarding Mario's house.

I frowned thinking what made them call at this hour

And just after I picked up and heard what he said, my heart stopped beating for a second.

"capo, sono morti." He said out of breath.

(boss, they're dead.)

How the f*ck I am supposed to break this to my queen?. She has already been through so much and I don't think she would be able to take it this time.

Until then...

I don't speak Italian so please forgive me if you notice some mistakes.