Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask novel Chapter 442

442 Chapter 38 Confession Vault

442 Chapter 38 Confession Vault

Lila’s POV

My birthday weekend with Daniel had been absolute perfection. Every moment felt like a dream-he had meticulously planned each detail to create unforgettable memories. I found myself constantly drifting into daydreams, wishing that magical time together could stretch into eternity. More than anything, I longed for him to crave me with the same inexplicable intensity that I felt for him.

After he accompanied me to secure my jewelry in a private vault at the bank- a necessity in our world where valuable assets needed protection from both law enforcement seizures and rival family raids-he admitted he’d had the best weekend of his life too. Those words played on repeat in my mind as I sat at my desk at Thorne Group’s legal department, absently chewing on my pen cap and replaying our time together.

“Lila, Lila!” Jude’s amused voice broke through my reverie. “Are you still with us, or have you drifted off to some distant realm?”

I blinked back to reality. Jude was Thorne Group’s financial advisor, a sharp-minded man who handled the legitimate investment portfolios that served as our family’s public face. His father had been a trusted ally to the Thorne organization for decades.

“Not a distant realm-just Daniel’s wonderful world,” I confessed with a dreamy smile.

“Has the inspector completely captured you then?” Jude teased, his eyes twinkling with knowing amusement.

“Completely arrested and convicted with no chance of parole,” I admitted.

“I can see that.” He chuckled. “Have lunch with me today, little cipher? It’s been too long anyway. Ready to go?”

09:57

510

ctri

442 Chapter 38 Confession Vault

Jude and I strolled out of the Thorne building together as I enthusiastically described my weekend getaway and the breathtaking private estate Daniel had chosen for our celebration. But I couldn’t help noticing something seemed off with Jude. Once seated at our usual restaurant-a discreet establishment where family associates could speak freely-I went straight to the point.

“What’s bothering you, Jude?”

“What do you mean?” he replied, feigning innocence while scanning the room with practiced caution.

“Something’s weighing on your mind. I can tell.”

“Yeah, you’re right, Lila,” he finally admitted, signaling the waiter. After ordering our meals, he continued, “It’s Nora. She’s been acting… different lately. More distant. When I mention it, she insists nothing’s changed, but I can feel her pulling away.”

“You two have been together quite a while, right?”

“Many years now. Since college, before I fully understood what it meant to be part of this life.”

“Have you talked about taking the next step? A proper family union, perhaps?”

In our world, marriages weren’t just romantic partnerships-they were strategic alliances that strengthened organizational bonds and secured bloodlines. The pressure to formalize relationships carried extra weight when family reputations and business interests were at stake.

“It’s complicated,” Jude sighed. “I’ve always wanted children, but Nora keeps saying she wants to wait. She’s in her thirties now, and I’m concerned about timing. The biological reality for women isn’t forgiving, and I’m beginning to wonder if she truly wants to bring children into this life at all.”

I understood his dilemma. Growing up in a mafia family meant accepting that your children would inherit not just wealth and privilege, but also dangers and obligations that most people couldn’t imagine.

09:57

L

ctri

442 Chapter 38 Confession Vault

“Have you asked her directly about it?”

“Countless times. She always says ‘yes, but not yet. Can I ask you something personal?” When I nodded, he continued, “If Daniel wanted a child with you- I know you’re young-but what would you say?”

I considered this carefully. In our families, children weren’t just personal choices-they were the next generation of the organization, future heirs to both legitimate businesses and underground operations.

“Honestly, I do want to be a mother someday, but not yet. I’ve always envisioned it happening after I finish law school but before I reach my thirties, especially since I’d like to have multiple children-enough to ensure succession but not so many that inheritance becomes complicated.”

“Look at you with your dynasty all mapped out!” Jude laughed, though I detected a hint of sadness beneath his joke.

“I think most women in our position contemplate these milestones- education, establishing yourself within the family structure, marriage alliances, securing the next generation. I’ve always pictured them in that sequence.” I smiled softly. “But for Daniel? I might reconsider the order.”

Jude studied me thoughtfully before asking, “Is this thing with Daniel truly serious, Lila?”

“I’m completely in love with him, Jude,” I confessed.

“And he’s obviously in love with you too.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know about that. He tells me he’s enchanted by me and similar sweet things, but he’s never actually said he loves me.”

“But the way he looks at you, how he protects you-it’s obvious,”

“It’s not that simple,” I sighed. “He might be infatuated, he might care deeply, he might even be somewhat in love. But true love, the forever kind that transcends family politics and organizational pressures? I just don’t know.”

“But that’s what you want.”

ctri

442 Chapter 38 Confession Vault

“More than anything. I just turned nineteen, and he’s my first real relationship, but I have absolutely no doubt that I love my inspector.”

“How can you be so certain?” Jude asked curiously.

“Because I feel it with every fiber of my being. Because nothing and no one else matters more to me than him-not family expectations, not

organ

fut

SC

ional politics, not even my own safety. Because I can’t envision any thout him in it. And because I witnessed my brother Beckett find who made him willing to risk everything, so I recognize what real ks like.”

s beautiful. I’m certain the inspector loves you too, Lila.”

ase don’t tell anyone, especially Daniel,” I pleaded. “I’m afraid if he knows w deep my feelings run, he might think I’m trying to trap him into mething more than he wants. You know how careful men in our world have be about emotional entanglements.”

You think knowing you love him would make him pull back?”

“Yes. He’s always been crystal clear about maintaining control over his life choices, balancing his duty as Martinez family blood with his role as a law enforcement officer. I don’t want him thinking my feelings will complicate his already difficult position.”

“Your secret’s safe with me, and I’ll keep mine with you. We’re officially each other’s confession vault” Inde declared, extending his pinky finger with

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify