Chapter 172
Elena was taken aback. She never expected Massimo to ask her to do something like this! She stumbled to work through her shock and give him a response.
“Massimo, this isn’t something you can just ask-”
“Why not?” Massimo said neutrally, completely calm like he hadn’t just made a ridiculous request.
Elena paused as she switched tactics. “It’s not professional at all,” she argued. “And beyond that, it’s such a… strange request.”
“Elena,” Massimo said seriously as he met her gaze. “The mafia world cannot know I’m divorced. Unless I’m about to throw a lavish marriage for myself and my second wife, that information would make me look like a failure–and a Mafia King needs to be perfect in all matters.”
Massimo picked up a plate of sponge cakes and placed one of the desserts on a tiny plate. He slid the single cake over to Elena.
Already distracted by the conversation topic, Elena barely reacted to the elegant selection of fancy desserts— she caught the sponge cake from going too far and falling off the table, but she wasn’t in the mood to try any of it.
Massimo let out a long breath.
“I’m sure you’re aware,” Massimo continued, “that my lack of an heir presents some issues. While I could appoint just anyone, the more traditional and conservative members of the mafia would prefer to have someone with a direct blood tie–my own biological son, in other words. If I don’t look like I’m making moves on that matter soon, those groups will start to get nervous.”
Elena was aware of this issue. Though she didn’t care for many of the old–fashioned traditions of the mafia, there were many high ranking dons and capos who did–easily the majority of the mafia in power cared very deeply about keeping and honoring all old traditions.
“And I’m aware Tyler hasn’t been causing any direct trouble lately,” Massimo said, “but that incident with your brother feels unresolved. Someone was clearly trying to just create problems within the mafia, and whether it was Tyler or not, they’ll likely strike again. With my enemies already feeling bold enough to act against me, I need to show now that my reign and legacy will be strong.”
“So you can’t let anyone know about what happened with Aria,” Elena finished. “While I agree with you, Massimo, this can’t be the best way to go about it. You need to find someone who can and will fulfill the role of Mafia Queen.”
If her boss were anyone else, Elena would suggest he try dating again. But Massimo likely wasn’t ready for that -he’s slow to trust, extremely paranoid, and difficult to understand. Elena was still surprised Massimo had ever ended up married in the first place–and to someone his complete opposite, too!
Massimo simply stared at Elena. After a minute or two of silence, he finally spoke again.
“It’s not like I have dozens of women who could pretend to be my wife and do it well–the mafia world is full of traditions outsiders never learn of as well as constant danger,” Massimo explained. “And the other women who can do all that would backstab me in a heartbeat.”
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Chapter 122
+25 Bonus
Massimo reached across the table and gently laid his hand across Elena’s. “You’re the only one I trust to do this,
Elena.
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