Thy Will, Not Mine

Chapter {9} Antonio

Proverbs 13:4

The appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing, but the desire of the diligent will be abundantly satisfied.
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As I stood before the mirror in my spacious bedroom, I couldn't help but admire the way my large frame looked in the sleek and stylish Armani suit that I had chosen for the day. The teal blue fabric hugged my broad shoulders and tapered down to my waist, accentuating my muscular physique and exuding an air of sophistication and confidence.

Beneath the jacket, I wore a simple black sweater that provided a subtle yet effective contrast to the boldness of the suit. And on my feet, I had opted for a pair of classic white sneakers.

As I studied my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my appearance. I knew that I looked good, and I knew that I had put in the effort to make sure that every detail was just right. But my moment of self-admiration was interrupted by the arrival of my friend and brother, Giovanni.

"What?" I sharply asked.

Despite his innocent and carefree appearance, there was a darkness lurking beneath the surface of his playboy facade. As a member of this mafioso, he was known for his brutality and ruthless tactics in getting what he wanted, no matter the cost.

He had noticed me staring at Destiny in the cafeteria, and it was clear that he knew more than he was letting on.

"Why are you playing with the poor girl again?" he asked, his tone laced with a hint of amusement.

I knew that I couldn't lie to him - he was the only person in the organization, other than Avelina, who could command me to do something without fear of retribution. So I told him the truth, explaining how Destiny had caught my eye and how I had been trying to get closer to her, for the sake of avenging myself and family from my step-mom.

To my surprise, he seemed entertained by the whole plan, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and curiosity. It was clear that he saw something in Destiny that I hadn't yet noticed.

But for now, I knew that I had to play along, keep up appearances and do whatever it took to stay in her good graces. It was a dangerous game that I was playing, but it was one that I had no choice but to play if I wanted to survive in this world of shadows and deceit, and of course, get my long-awaited revenge.

I did not reward him with an answer, but rather rounded the room, took my Gucci watch, strapped it on and took my phone.

"Make sure that Ramrod, that traitor gives you all the information about the Russian Mafia before you do the inevitable to him."

"Can I play with him a bit?" he smirked. I knew what he meant by play and I can assure you it would not be fun, at all.

"I don't care what you do, just get me the information."

I didn't wait for his response before leaving my room, feeling agitated. As I walked down the hallway, lost in thought, I suddenly bumped into my adorable four-year-old sister, Avelina. She looked like a miniature version of our mother at her age, with big, sparkling brown eyes that reminded me of someone special, a straight nose, milky-white skin, and soft, mouse-brown hair.

"Hello, cara," I greeted her warmly, scooping her up into my arms. Her tiny frame fit perfectly against my much larger one. She looked absolutely precious in her frilly princess dress and pigtails tied up with two bright bows.

"Fratello!" she exclaimed happily, wrapping her arms around my neck. It was clear that she had missed me, and I suddenly realized how much I had been neglecting my family in my pursuit of other things.