The Return of My First Love novel Chapter 15

Emily

As the day turned into evening, the party was in full swing. The ballroom of the Fanucci mansion was filled with people of high status. Politicians, entrepreneurs, and I had overheard even the mayor was present.

All these 'important' people couldn't fool me though, because just like everyone else, I knew what this family stood for.

Among the attendees were also families from the underworld, who would just like the Fanuccis—hide behind their businesses, which were merely a shield to hide their criminal roots. A prime example was the Baldinis, the family of the future bride.

Despite the glamorous outfits, the true nature of these mafia families was clear to those who could see beyond the surface.

I knew all too well that men like Domenico Fanucci, who greeted the guests with a big smile, lacked the decency and Emilypathy that made us human.

I was exhausted from serving the guests their drinks and snacks. There was no time to rest as everything was performed under the watchful eyes of Madam Catherina.

The only time I got to rest was when Liza handed me a tray with a single bottle of expensive champagne, which came straight out of the Fanucci winery.

"This way you get to stand still for a second," she whispered, giving me a hand.

"Thanks, Liza," I said, gratefully.

We both moved our gazes toward Maxine, whose dramatic laughter could be heard from across the room.

She stood beside Alessio, who looked out of place and was glued to his arm like a pot of honey. Around thEmily were various people, who I presumed were her friends.

"Once she moves into this mansion, it's going to be a nightmare," Liza sang.

"Tell me about it," I replied, thinking back to the day I served her, her lunch. Maxine had an alarming level of arrogance, one no one could compete with. She treated the staff as if they were invisible, she had no respect, had shown no appreciation.

"Do you see those people over there?" Liza's words brought me back to reality. She pointed at a man and woman, looking down from the balcony. Both well-dressed.

I nodded, "Yes, I see thEmily."

"They're Leonardo and Pamela Baldini." she shared the information. "Leonardo owns the West Coast. They call him the Leone, and some folks say he's even worse than Domenico."

I chuckled at Liza's words, not entirely whether she was joking or not. Was that even possible?

"When you think about it, the union of these two families is quite frightening."

I took in Liza's words, quickly deciding it would be wise to avoid thEmily as well. It would be great if I could stay clear of both families tonight.

"Oh, by the way, I ran into little Melody today," I told Liza. "She's quite something for a six-year-old, isn't she?"

Liza huffed, "That child is a spoiled brat, but don't tell anyone I said that."

Although I felt guilty about badmouthing a child, I couldn't help but agree. Comparing was never great, but if I would compare her to Naty—my daughter was an angel. By now she was probably curled up against Mrs. Rodriquez, who had agreed to let her stay the night.

To my dismay, I locked eyes with Alessio, who was staring at me with a smug smirk displaying on his lips, and a glass in his hand.

Alessio was wearing a black tuxedo that seEmilyed to match his attitude perfectly.

His dark hair was neatly styled, Emilyphasizing the annoyingly handsome features of his face.