The Mafia Boss' Heart

CHAPTER 3

NICOLO was eating together with his parents and he was silently eating his breakfast. His parents were talking about business and the Mafia. He thought his parents would not talk to him, but his father said, “I heard that you had dinner with the Mafia Don.”

Nag-angat siya ng tingin. “It was just a coincidence, Dad. The Mafia Don was also on a blind date at that time.”

Nicolo’s father chuckled. “Many people saw the two of you. You are both the heir of a well-known company in Italy. They know you and many were discussing if you two are in a relationship,” his father laughed as if he was having the best moment of his life.

Nicolo looked at his father flatly. “Dad, your son was now on controversy. You may lose some of your investors,” paalala niya sa kaniyang ama. Yes, he knew about that. He and the Mafia Don coincidentally meet at that romantic restaurant. Note the sarcasm. He never cared about what other people thought of him. Moreover, he casually invited the Mafia Don to eat with him. He never thought that it would stir trouble. But of course, wala pa rin siyang pakialam.

His father snickered. “I don’t care if I will lose those judgmental people.” His father laughed again and pointed at him, “I know you, son. You’re not gay.”

Nicolo snorted. “I’m not gay.” Aniya.

“Then why did you refuse Sienna?” His mother asked, raising her eyebrows.

Umiling si Nicolo. “Mom, you know me. If I wanted to bed a woman, I would be the one to ask first, but she took the initiative. I don’t like it.”

Nikola, Nicolo’s mother, shook her head. The weird mind of her son was acting up again. “It’s because you’re handsome,” she said and smiled at her son. Then she looked at her husband. “Did the Mafia Don call about this controversy? Our son was the only heir of our company, Honey. Do something to clean his name.”

Rafael smiled. “Don’t worry, everything was under control. The Mafia Don has controlled the media, and he has already clarified that he and our son are not gays. And they don’t have a thing.”

Nikola shook her head and looked at her son who was just eating, uncaring about what was happening around him. “That’s good,” she said.

Rafael nodded his head. Tumingin siya kay Nicolo. “By the way, son. Mr. Greco was inviting me to come to the conference — well it’s not about a meeting, but it’s a presentation of a newly invented product from Germany. Go on my behalf. Many people around the globe were invited.”

Nicolo munched his food. “I’ll see it to my schedule. I am busy at the company.” Aniya.

“Don’t worry, I already asked Alessio to arrange your schedule so you will have time to go to the conference tomorrow,” said Nicolo’s father.

Tumango si Nicolo. “Thanks, Dad. But why does Alessio listens to you?” tanong niya.

Rafael smiled. “Because his father was my underboss and Alessio is the next underboss of the family. And I am still the Boss of Parisi Family so, of course, our subordinates will listen to me.”

“That moron.” Patukoy ni Nicolo kay Alessio. Napailing na lamang siya saka tumingin sa kaniyang ama. “I’ll go tomorrow on your behalf, Dad.”

“Thank you, son.”

“Uh, just have time with Mom. You’ve been busy the past few days and mom was complaining to me.”

Nikola glared at her son. How dare her son blow up her cover? “I didn’t.” She lied.

Nicolo just shrugged and looked at his father. “Dad, we have a lot of CCTVs in the house. You can take your time to look at it.”

Rafael chuckled. “No need, son. I believed your words.”

Nicolo chuckled. Tinignan niya ang kaniyang ina. “Mom, can you please stop setting me up on a blind date?” He begged.

“Why? I want you to find a good woman,” Nikola said. She wants her son to marry a good woman. Her background doesn’t matter as long as she loves her son wholeheartedly. That’s what matters to her. She knew that some women are practical, they marry only for money. And that is what worries her. What if her son finds a woman who only wants his money? In this world and time, it is hard to find a woman who will love you wholeheartedly.

“Mom, marriage can’t be rushed. But… you’re right,” ngumiti si Nicolo, “If someday, I will marry someone. Don’t worry, I will marry a good woman who will respect you and Dad.”

Nicolo’s parents looked at each other. They smiled and nodded their heads. Though Nicolo was a bit weird sometimes, their son grew up with so much respect for them. And as a parent, they also respect their son’s wishes on what he wants to do and whoever he wants to be with. It’s just Nikola was worried that her son might not get married.

THE NEXT DAY.

Nicolo and his assistant, Alessio, arrived at the venue. Arriving at the venue, he saw that most of the guests had already arrived.

“Young Master Parisi, you have arrived.”

Nicolo faced Mr. Greco. Tinanggap niya ang pakikipagkamay ni Mr. Greco. “Mr. Greco, my father, extended his apologies because he couldn’t come for an important matter. So, I came on his behalf.”

Mr. Greco chuckled. “It’s okay, Young Master Parisi. Have a seat.”

Tumango si Nicolo. “Thank you, Mr. Greco.”

Mr. Greco excused himself to meet the other guest.

Nicolo looked at Alessio. “Let’s go.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

They sat in the third row. Tumingin si Nicolo sa paligid. Looks like this conference was for everyone willing to gain knowledge about the new product from Germany. Many people across the globe came to the conference.

Nicolo doesn’t like crowds, but he came here on his father’s behalf. It doesn't matter because the conference won't take the whole day. As he roams his eyes around, a woman caught his attention. The woman was smiling brightly as if she was like a fairy in beauty. She’s a petite woman with long black hair and brown eyes, pinkish lips, and a slightly pointed nose. She’s wearing eyeglasses and she looks sexy on it. Hindi namalayan ni Nicolo na nakangiti na pala siya na parang baliw habang nakatingin sa babae

Alessio noticed that the Young Master he served set his eyes on a beautiful woman. But seeing the woman’s appearance, she’s not an Italian. “Young Master, if you like that woman, I can bring her to you.”

Nicolo frowned and glared at Alessio. “Watch your words,” he said coldly.

Alessio bowed his head. “Sorry, Young Master.”

Nicolo looked and shifted his attention to the woman he saw. A small smile appeared on his lips. “Bella come una dea.” Beautiful like a goddess. He said and the smile on his lips didn’t disappear.

Meanwhile, Haze touched to fix her eyeglasses. As the conference started, she was listening attentively and taking notes. She didn’t notice that, amidst the large crowd, someone had noticed her and was looking at her.

For the whole conference, Nicolo set his eyes on the beautiful woman he saw. And he no longer listened to those who spoke in front.

Alessio could only sigh and listen to the whole conference and take down notes for his Young Master. Hinayaan na lamang niya ang Young Master niya na gawin ang gusto nito. After all, this is the first time he has seen him being attracted to a woman, and not to mention, the Young Master doesn’t know the woman he is looking at. Even if he didn’t ask, he knew that his Young Master was attracted to the woman. Even the blind could see it.

Knowing that the heir of the Parisi family is smart, Alessio lets the Young Master do what he wants.

“Young Master, I suggest you stop staring at her,” sabi ni Alessio. “Have mercy on her.”

Nicolo clicked his tongue. “What do you know? She’s beautiful. Can’t I stare at her? She won’t know it.”

Alessio could only shake his head and sigh. “Young Master, the conference has already finished. We had better leave now before those businessmen come here and talk with you. After all, you hate socializing.”

Tumingin si Nicolo sa paligid. “Then let’s go. You know that I hate socializing. I’m just here on my father’s behalf.” But before he could leave, his father's acquaintances approached him and introduced themselves to him. And he tried every means to get away from the crowd.

And when, at last, he was given the chance to leave, the beautiful woman was nowhere to be seen. “Damn!”

“You looked pissed, Young Master.”

Nicolo glared at Alessio. “Don’t talk to me.”

“Are you looking for her?” Alessio asked. “She went there.” He pointed to the other side of the massive hall.

Mabilis na tinignan ni Nicolo ang direksiyon na itinuro ni Alessio. Agad siyang pumunta roon at napabuntong hininga na lamang si Alessio. He was really attracted to that woman. He thought as he followed the Young Master.

Kusang gumuhit ang ngiti sa labi ni Nicolo nang makita niya ang babae. He wanted to get to know her, but he didn’t why he was feeling shy. As if he was not worth knowing the beautiful woman’s name.

“Haze, let’s go!”

“Haze?” Nicolo muttered. He smiled. Her name fits her. It’s beautiful.

Nicolo looked at Haze as she walked away with her friends. One thing that came into his mind. I must get to know her.