The Mafia Boss's Secret Lover (by Z·Nyra) novel Chapter 14

**TITLE: Broken Skies Heal by George Orwell**
**Chapter 14**

As dawn broke, the Volkovs made their entrance, a deliberate display meant to unsettle. Dominic stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the gravel driveway where three sleek black cars rolled in with an ominous grace. Mikhail was the first to step out, his presence commanding, but it was Natalia who truly caught his attention. She walked beside him, her expression a chilling tableau of fury and hurt, dressed in white as if clinging to the remnants of her wedding day.

“Twelve men,” Aria remarked, appearing silently at his side. Her hair was pulled back tightly, a testament to her readiness, and though her blade was hidden, it was never far from reach. “That doesn’t include the drivers.”

Dominic felt the weight of the numbers. “We have four.”

“Quality over quantity,” she replied, her eyes locking onto his with a fierce determination. “You taught me that lesson well.”

They stepped out onto the small porch of the cottage, a neutral ground where tension hung thick in the air. Mikhail’s men fanned out, their hands poised near their weapons, a silent threat. In contrast, Dominic’s men stood resolute, unwavering. It was a standoff that felt like a painting, poised and waiting for the inevitable violence that seemed just a heartbeat away.

“You’ve embarrassed my family,” Mikhail began, his voice low and menacing.

“Your family embarrassed itself,” Dominic shot back, a fire igniting in his chest. “You attempted to force a marriage for profit. That’s not honor; that’s commerce.”

Natalia stepped forward, her voice trembling with emotion. “I loved you.”

Dominic’s response was gentle yet cutting, a blade wrapped in silk. “You loved the idea of me. That’s a very different thing.”

Her gaze shifted to Aria, filled with venom. “And you? Do you truly believe he’ll remain with you? You’re his weakness. He’ll grow weary of you, just as he tired of solitude.”

Aria met her stare with a calm smile. “He was never alone with me. He was simply himself. Can you say the same?”

The words struck Natalia like a physical blow, and for a moment, her composure faltered. “Father—” she began, but Mikhail raised a hand to silence her.

“Enough,” he commanded, turning his attention back to Dominic. “The alliance can endure without marriage. But it cannot withstand disrespect. You will issue a public statement. You will compensate for the broken engagement. And you will ensure this woman,” he gestured dismissively at Aria, “causes no further trouble.”

“Aria causes exactly as much trouble as she desires,” Dominic declared firmly, intertwining his fingers with hers. “That’s not up for negotiation.”

Mikhail scrutinized them, his expression unreadable. “You would choose her over everything?”

“I already have,” Dominic replied, his voice steady and unwavering.

With a heavy sigh, the older man conceded. “Then we have nothing further to discuss.” He turned to leave but paused, casting a final warning. “Natalia will have her vengeance. Not today, but soon.”

“Let her try,” Aria said defiantly. “I’ve faced worse challenges.”

As they watched the cars retreat down the gravel drive, dust swirling in their wake, a sense of uneasy relief settled over them.

“That went well,” Gabriel muttered from the doorway, a hint of sarcasm lacing his words.

“Define ‘well,’” Dominic replied, arching an eyebrow.

“Hey, nobody died. That’s a good day in our world,” Gabriel shrugged, though his tone was light. Aria leaned against Dominic, the exhaustion of the confrontation washing over her. “So, what now?”

“Now we go home,” Dominic said, his voice firm yet gentle. “The real one.”

That afternoon, they departed Sussex, boarding a private flight that would take them back to New Orleans. But they weren’t heading to the estate; instead, Dominic had acquired a quaint house in the Garden District. It was modest, with only three bedrooms, a charming garden out back, and a studio space that Aria could mold to her heart’s desire.

“No penthouse?” she inquired as they pulled up to the house, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

“No more cages,” he replied, helping her with her bags—just two, containing everything she owned. “If you want to leave, you can. But I’m hoping you’ll decide to stay.”

As they entered, the house greeted them with the scent of fresh paint and endless possibilities. Gabriel had thoughtfully arranged the furniture, stocked the kitchen with essentials, and even hung a few of her cherished sketches on the walls—the ones Dominic had salvaged from the estate before Natalia could destroy them in a fit of rage.

“You planned this,” she said, her voice a mix of surprise and gratitude.

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