CHAPTER 48

Vittorio's firm hands gripped the leather-covered steering wheel of his sleek black sports car as he glanced furtively at Ellis, who was admiring the sun bathing the picturesque, winding streets in a golden, warm glow. Her brown hair danced with the touch of the gentle breeze that entered the car. She closed her eyes, savoring the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the open windows, mingling with the delicate fragrance of blooming flowers. Not a single gesture from Ellis went unnoticed by the mafioso.

"She's stunning," Vittorio thought, filled with adoration.

With a soft laugh, Vittorio turned his attention back to the road, his focus alternating between the scenic landscapes and the woman who seemed to have captured his heart. They passed charming cafes and shops, with locals going about their daily routines, their warm greetings adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

As the car climbed higher into the hills, the view expanded before them, revealing breathtaking sights of rolling vineyards and olive groves. The winding road led to a secluded spot overlooking Pedesina—a panoramic viewpoint offering a stunning view of the city and the surrounding landscape.

Spotting the secluded parking area, Vittorio skillfully maneuvered the car into position. He turned off the engine, and the silence of the countryside replaced the purr of the car. The couple stepped out of the car and made their way to the lookout point in silence.

Ellis sighed as she beheld the breathtaking view before her. The sun cast a warm glow on their faces as they took in the stunning scenery. The city below shimmered like a set of jewels, with the old buildings bathed in the soft light of the afternoon.

"It... it's like something out of a dream," Ellis whispered, filled with admiration.

"Pedesina holds many hidden treasures, Ellis, but this view is by far my favorite. I wanted to share it with you, to show you a glimpse of my world and the beauty it contains. It holds a special meaning for me," Vittorio thought, full of adoration.

A gentle breeze rustled their hair as they stood there, taking in the scene before them.

"It's absolutely stunning, Don Vittorio," Ellis said, looking around in wonder. "What's the story behind this place?"

Vittorio smiled at Ellis and then walked over to a wooden bench, where he sat down. He looked around with a nostalgic expression, lost in his memories.

"This place... my father brought me here when I was younger," Vittorio said, locking eyes with Ellis, his expression serious. "He brought me here when I told him I didn't want this life in the mafia."

"Wait... are you saying you didn't want to be a mafioso?" Ellis asked, surprised.

Vittorio sighed, sadness settling on the bench, and Ellis sat down next to him, curious.

"Actually, I didn't want any of it. I wanted a different life, far away from the dark world my family was involved in."

"And what did you want to be?" Ellis asked.

"That's the thing. When you grow up in a family like mine, you don't really think about a second option. But I was certain I didn't want to be a Capo. I just didn't dare to say that to my father. After all, I knew it would disappoint him greatly."

Vittorio's gaze softened as he recalled the story with his father.

"The problem is that my father was a very attentive man and noticed that I had been a little sad for many days. We were on vacation here, and he invited me to come to the Overlook. I was looking at the landscape, and my father, he... He was sitting right where we are now."

"And what happened?" asked Ellis, looking around, interested.

"He approached, touched my shoulder, and started talking as if he could read my thoughts. Or maybe because he had gone through the same conflict as me. Either way, he told me things I had never considered before. He showed me positive aspects that the mafia can have."

"Positive aspects? In the mafia?" Ellis questioned, not believing Vittorio's words.

Vittorio looked down at the city below, lost in thought, and continued, "He told me how the mafia helped protect Pedesina from disappearing, how it ensured the safety of the people who live here and maintained order when no one else could. He showed me that, although there was darkness, there was also a sense of duty and loyalty that couldn't be found elsewhere."

As Vittorio spoke, Ellis listened attentively, trying to better understand his perspective.

"So... did you end up accepting to be part of the mafia because of these positive aspects?" Ellis asked.

Vittorio smiled sadly and gently placed a hand on Ellis's face.

"No, Ellis. There was never an option not to be part of the mafia. But my father's words made me understand my purpose in the world. It was the only way to protect them and my family."

"I'm saddened to hear you say that," Ellis spoke, moved while admiring the view. "Because I see that there is a choice, there will always be a choice."

"Not for me, Ellis," Vittorio affirmed. "It's my destiny."

"Okay, but if you could choose..."

"But I can't, Ellis."

"But if you could choose, what would you want to be?" Ellis asked, curious.

"That's the problem, I can't choose, Ellis," Vittorio emphasized, serious. "Not everyone is free like that, and it's okay."

"It's not okay, Don Vittorio," Ellis disagreed, slightly irritated. "Your choice ends up affecting the lives of everyone in this city."

"Believe me, they are undoubtedly grateful for us, and they are fine."

"No, they are not!" Ellis refused, getting nervous. She raised her arms and began pointing to the city as she spoke. "People go through terrible things in this city. In every store I entered, people looked at me with fear. They were terrified of my presence. Fear is not a sign of gratitude."

"And you deduced that just because people looked at you? Not because you're an American who married the Don?"

"No... I asked..."

"Whom did you ask, Ellis?" Vittorio questioned, looking deeply into Ellis's eyes.

"I talked to a shopkeeper, and she told me about what it's like to live in Pedesina," Ellis began, hesitantly. "She said she's not even sure if she'll wake up the next day given the regime they live under."

"That's strange..." Vittorio commented, furrowing his brow. "Pedesina is a city where we have a dual criminal operation. It means that, although we are involved in criminal activities, we also protect and help the community in secret. It's a way to maintain balance around here."

"How so?" Ellis asked, curious. "I've never heard of that..."

"It's a term we use to describe our way of operating," Vittorio replied

. "We protect our city, our community, but we also use it as a shield for our illegal activities. You know, extortion, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, arms trafficking... It's complicated, but that's how things work in my family and how I've been taught to operate... always with duality. With every decision, there's always something more."

"I see," Ellis uttered, still deep in thought. "Your method is quite obvious, isn't it? I mean, you married me as part of a contract, but it's because of Jason's debt..."

Vittorio looked deeply into Ellis's eyes, a mixture of emotions passing through his own. The mafioso's lips parted, about to reveal the truth. However, even with Ellis's sweet gaze, Vittorio knew she wouldn't take it well that everything he had done, including Jason's debt, was precisely to marry her. Still, he felt the urge to tell her everything.

"You're very clever, Ellis," Vittorio replied with a weak smile.

"So, while we pretend to be a passionately in love couple traveling on our honeymoon, you're dealing with the family's dark business?" Ellis pondered, thoughtfully.

"Along those lines. However, I want you to enjoy these days as if we were a couple on our honeymoon, free from all worries, and make the most of it."

"It's kind of hard when I have to pretend to be madly in love with you every moment," Ellis commented, not noticing Vittorio's sad gaze. "Especially in a house full of Amorielles."

"I'm sorry, Ellis," Vittorio apologized. "But know that I will reward you... I'm thinking of taking you somewhere after we leave here."

"Where?" Ellis asked, excited.

"Milan," Vittorio replied, observing the expression of tranquility on Ellis's face turn into surprise.

"Milan? Are you kidding me, Vitinho?" Ellis exclaimed, thrilled.

"Oh, mio Dio, Ellis! Stop using that nickname, it's not going to happen," Vittorio said, shaking his head.

"But it's inevitable! You said we're going to my favorite city in the whole world, and how do you want me to address you? Mr. Amorielle, Don Vittorio?" Ellis gestured with her arms, ecstatic. "I mean, if this is true, is it true?"

"I'll only confirm it if you promise not to call me Vitinho anymore," Vittorio suggested.

"That's a very difficult promise to make and even harder to keep, Vitinho."

"Ellis..."

"Oh, come on, it's a cute nickname," Ellis argued. "Your mafia friends will be jealous of you for having such a nickname."

"Look, I'm pretty sure jealousy is not something they'll feel when they hear that nickname," Vittorio countered, staring at Ellis. "If you keep saying it, there will be consequences."

Ellis bit her lips as she narrowed her eyes at Vittorio. Her lips parted, and she said, "But are we going to Milan?"

"Yes, we are," Vittorio confirmed, receiving a big smile from Ellis. "It's the perfect city to continue our 'honeymoon.' It's two hours from here, and there we can stop pretending to be a passionately in love couple and just be two people enjoying a vacation together."

"Yes!" Ellis shouted, jumping up from the bench, excited. "Finally, I'll get to see Milan!"

As soon as Ellis finished her sentence, she stumbled over a loose stone, losing her balance. Vittorio acted quickly, catching her in his arms and preventing her from falling.

"I'm here," Vittorio said, concerned. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine," Ellis replied, looking at Vittorio, breathlessly. She looked at the ground where her feet should be and then smiled at the mafioso. "Thank you for catching me."

Vittorio smiled, relieved, and then looked into Ellis's eyes as he said, "I will always be here to catch you, Ellis. I will never let anything bad happen to you. I may not have started in the best way, but I'm determined to change your opinion of me."

Ellis smiled sweetly, and Vittorio slowly approached her. They leaned in, and their lips met in a passionate kiss. At that moment, all doubts and uncertainties seemed to fade away.