Chapter 3

• Aria’s POV
• We moved into a two-bedroom apartment in a poor neighborhood—that was all I could afford. The next Monday, I left early in search of a job. I had already sent in applications to several companies, but there had been no positive feedback so far.
• As I walked down the roadside, I saw a shiny convoy of cars speeding past. My heart sank.
• Five years ago, I used to ride around in cars like those, with my personal bodyguards escorting me wherever I went.
• My father wasn’t just the Consigliere of the Hollow Syndicate—he was a wealthy, recognized businessman in the city and beyond. Now, our family name was forgotten, and everyone believed me to be dead.
• Maybe it was best to keep it that way. No good would come out of my return to the city being noticed by my family’s enemies.
• I decided to meet one of my family’s old friends for help. I arrived at the Omega Restaurant in the middle of town. It was owned by Lucas Salvatore.
• “Oh my God, Aria, it has been so many years. How are you doing?” Lucas looked genuinely surprised to see me.
• “I’m alright, Lucas. It’s nice to see you again,” I replied with a small smile.
• “Welcome… I hope you’re doing fine? You don’t look too good,” he said, concern slipping into his tone.
• I sighed, staring down at my own lean frame. I was losing weight from working too hard and barely getting any sleep. “That’s actually why I’m here. I need a temporary job, Lucas. I already applied at big companies, but until I can get a positive review, I need to be earning money to take care of my needs,” I confessed.
• “Oh dear. I understand that things have been difficult for you. Instead of a job, I can offer you accommodation at my place. Your family were good friends of mine. It’s sad what happened.”
• “Thank you for your generosity, Lucas, but I would really prefer if you could give me that job instead. I’ll take any position—cleaner, waiter—just name it,” I pleaded.
• I didn’t want him to know that I needed the money for my kids. No one from my old life aside from Maria knew that I had children, and I needed it to remain that way. Besides, I couldn’t trust Lucas’ intentions for offering me a roof over my head.
• Lucas seemed a little disappointed by my persistence. “When you say you want to work here, do you mean out here at the restaurant or… behind?” he asked in a low whisper.
• I knew exactly what he meant.
• The Omega Restaurant was just a front for drug smuggling by the Mafia. Behind the restaurant was a drug booth and an underground nightclub meant only for Cartel members. It was a neutral zone between all Mafia groups.
• Lucas continued immediately. “There’s an opening for bar girls and strippers if you fancy it. I know it sounds disgusting, especially given your former status, but the pay is huge,” he whispered, his eyes wide, clearly thrilled by the idea of me working in the nightclub.
• I felt my stomach twist at his suggestion. While I was in desperate need of money, I would never agree to such a job. Mostly because I was trying my best to stay as far away as possible from that lifestyle of crime and immorality.
• “Thank you for the offer, Lucas. But I think I would prefer to work here in the restaurant,” I answered calmly.
• He gave me another disappointed look and sighed. “Fine then, you can start tomorrow. Your pay is a hundred daily—is that okay?”
• I knew that wasn’t enough to buy food for my children, let alone pay their school fees. But I feared I might lose the offer if I tried to argue the payment.
• “Yes,” I said with a nod. “I’ll take it. Thank you, Lucas.”
• “It’s alright. I have to leave now, I’ve got work to do at the back,” he announced with a smirk as he stood up and walked away.
• I released a breath I didn’t even know I was holding as I got up from the chair, both happy and sad. While I was glad I had found a temporary means of income, it saddened me that this was the best I could do.
• Just as I was about to walk out of the restaurant, a tall, handsome man stepped out from the VIP section. He wore dark shades, black pants, and a black tucked-in button shirt.
• But what immediately caught my eyes was the tattoo of a snake curled around a dagger on his arm. I had seen that tattoo somewhere before.
• I watched him leave, racking my brain to remember where I had seen it… and then it struck me.
• The Widowmaker.
• He was the man who had spent the night with me five years ago—the mercenary that Elena had invited to help me get revenge on Dominic Russo for betraying me.
• This man right here… was the father of my triplets.