LY (DE LUCA

ht. The sprawling gardens were meticulously manicured, with perfectly trimmed hedge

ow of the candelabras. The table was filled with risotto alla Milanese, pasta alla Norma, arancini, and caponata. The De Lucas sat down to enjoy their dinner, surround

ung like a challenge. "Why isn't Papà here?" she aske

xpression calm but guarded. "Your father is busy wi

ne was playful, but the underlying tension was palpable. Anastasia's gaze turned cautionary, her voice l

face flashed with indignation. "What do you mean I don't have respect for Pap

eat peacefully?" The plea was directed at her sist

zze." The gentle rebuke was enough to steer the conversation back to safer topics,

oon, her eyes locking onto her mother's. "Mama, I'll be done with college soon, and I have plans

I cannot wait, Mama. I want to celebrate it big, you know.

your birthday? Can't you see I'm discussing my plans afte

we discuss this later? Let's just wait till Papa comes back." Her words hung in

****

Well, I don't care right now. I need to start preparing for my 20th birthday is two months

with excitement. "C

f hope, but Donatella's response was f

to her bed, surrounded by fashion magazines and birthday party ideas scattered across her comforter. She

suffocated, longing for freedom and autonomy. Why did she have to be bound by the rules and traditions of the De Luca fa

esigner clothes and luxurious accessories that filled it. She loved the finer things in life, but at wh

at a club downtown, and she was planning to dance the night away. She put on a little black dress and some heels,

th a text from her friend. "Hey, girl! We're waiting for y

oing to forget about the mafia and just be a normal 19-year