"I'm so glad you joined me, and I'm sorry I've been away. I was busy, but now I want to spend time with the one who captured my son's heart."
Kate smiled warmly. "Could you tell me your little secret about my son? I promise, I won't tell anyone."
"He hardly has one, but I think he does," I said.
"What's that?" she pressed.
"He loves himself way too much. Imagine him staring at a mirror for like 30 minutes without saying a word—just admiring himself. That guy loves himself, but he'd never admit it."
Kate laughed. "You know him well!"
"So, where did you two meet?"
"Well, funny story—we met at Lily's Coffee store."
"Coincidence or just lucky?" she teased.
"More like an accident."
"I'm lost. Explain."
"I accidentally poured latte on him."
"Seriously? How did he react?"
"He lost it, and so did I—because he was so damn rude."
"Yeah, I know that side of him well. But sometimes, you can't blame him."
"Oh, I have no problem now. I'm just glad I found Adrino. He saved me, especially from my dad."
Kate nodded. "Aww, I guess that sparked something in him about your father too?"
"Also?"
"Yes. His dad is far worse."
"He won't share. Can you tell me?"
"But it has to be a secret."
"Pinky swear."
Kate took a deep breath. "Well, Diavolo Lucas—my ex-husband, the Don of the Italian empire—is cold as stone. For his own twisted reasons, he tried to pass that coldness to his son."
"Lucifer—once called Adrien—was taught that torture brings respect. His father believed it was the best policy for raising his son and heir. So he subjected him to brutal 'training,' which left..."
"Scars. He made my little boy kill an innocent soul when he was just four. Ever since then... you can imagine."
Kate's voice cracked. "I left him eight years ago when I couldn't take it anymore."
"So you see, Adrino wasn't made a devil by choice, but by life... and I was stupid enough not to do anything."
She sobbed.
"No. It's not your fault. I know exactly how it feels to be there and not be able to help. Trust me, I've been there too."
"Thank you for understanding. You're right for him—but please be patient. It takes time before he opens up. I'm glad he has a spark for you."
"He does?"
"Yes. The way he looks at you... he cares."
"Thanks for the secret. It makes me love him even more."
Kate pointed to a necklace on the table—a crystal diamond shape. "Try this jewel on. It would look good on you."
"Isn't that expensive?"
"Baby girl, this is the least I can do for my soon-to-be daughter-in-law."
"But—"
"No buts. Try it on. This is Ms. Diavolo speaking—the mother of a multi-billionaire don."
I smiled. "Okay, ma."
After buying more jewels, we headed to pick clothes to match. I now understand why rich people love jewels—they're simply gorgeous.
By day's end, we were giggling like high school sweethearts.
Kate truly was the best.
Black out.
Adrino's POV
Anger surged through me as I glanced at Azazel—beaten, black and blue. I wanted to do more, but I knew anything else would mean death.
I'd had a long talk with him, and after my search, I found out she'd been molested since she was eleven and hurt since she was six.
No wonder she was hard and cold to people. I wondered who wouldn't be in her shoes.
Yet she was calm and obedient to me now. I finally understood what she meant from the start.
Quick flashback:
"I like you already—obedient. The rules are simple: just obey, like you're doing now," I said.
"I'm used to that already," she replied, bored.
According to my search, her mom was dead—but how? That was hidden. Azazel denied killing her, saying she left him for money.
But I sensed more beneath the surface.
So, as the soon-to-be Italian Don, I told Azazel to respect himself and leave Italy within 24 hours.
I left and went to the Mob, sleeping for a few days, until my guard called with news that Meena had asked him to print something. I warned him not to read it, knowing it was a contract.
Mama seems to love her—she's been talking about Meena since their shopping trip.
I don't know why, but I feel the urge to protect and care for her, especially her bruised heart.
But I don't want to lose myself to her.
Lights out.