Hearts Divided: A Mafia Love Triangle Volume 1

Chapter 1 - Scarlett

A year ago

The papers spread out on the desk in front of me might as well have been written in a different language; I couldn't focus on them. The clock ticked steadily in the background, reminding me that the work week was coming to a close. My body felt heavy with exhaustion, and all I wanted was to be home already. I didn't feel happy at all, but I made sure to keep my emotions hidden from my coworkers, as I always did.

I kept my troubles to myself, afraid of being rejected if I opened up to someone. Although I yearned to confide in someone about my worries and struggles, I couldn't find anyone I felt truly comfortable trusting. While I got along with some coworkers at my job, our relationship never seemed to go beyond the workplace, leaving me feeling alone and disconnected.

There was only one person I could truly trust these days, and that was my sister. However, our relationship had been strained by recent misunderstandings, and we were no longer as close as we used to be. A few years ago, an incident had damaged our friendship, and despite my repeated apologies, it was never fully repaired. To make amends for the harm I caused, I took on extra work and tried my best to alleviate the tension between us. But my efforts were in vain; our bond remained fractured.

Inhaling deeply, I calmed my nerves and focused on my duties. Despite the occasional stress, I adored the job I held. On good days, my responsibilities consisted of responding to emails and ensuring that everything met my boss's standards.

Working for a superhero was no easy feat. Inferno Knight was one of the most remarkable in the field. I'd admired him since childhood; his strength and determination were unmatched. But what truly captivated me was his ability to show that fire powers could be used for good, a concept my Mother often dismissed due to her own fear of my abilities.

My Mother's voice echoed through the walls, calling my name. I hesitated, not wanting to face her yet. I knew she would only criticize me and point out my mistakes. It didn't matter if the end result was achieved; if it wasn't done in her exact way, it was wrong.

Earlier, my Mother had made me fold both of our clothes. I didn't like doing it, but I knew it was my responsibility to put my things back where they belonged.

That's what good daughters do, right?

But I couldn't help but wonder why she couldn't take care of her own belongings. It was always easier for her to make one of her daughters do all the work while she went off and spent time with her lovers. And when she returned, she expected a hot meal and a clean house, as if I were her servant.

Despite my frustrations, I never voiced them to her. My sister and I were always last on my Mother's list of priorities. So I learned to keep my thoughts to myself and act as if I didn't care. But beneath the surface, I was boiling with anger, like a witch's cauldron in a cartoon.

Every time she called me in that high-pitched, annoying voice, I could feel the urge to strangle her. My only solace was my ability to control fire with my hands. Watching the flames flicker always brought me a sense of peace, but I had to keep it hidden from her. If she found out, it would likely result in another heated argument between us.

Along the way, I couldn't help but marvel at Inferno Knight's extraordinary abilities - his command over flames and heat was unmatched, and I caught myself daydreaming about my own potential if I had honed my powers to the same level as him.

When I was a child, I took great pride in my ability to control fire. I yearned to use it for good, to make a positive impact and save lives. However, my Mother never supported this dream of mine and I had no choice but to respect her wishes. It was a painful realization that not only could I not help others, but I struggled to even help myself. As a wave of sadness washed over me, I couldn't help but feel defeated by my own limitations.