Page 58 of Monster in Disguise

"My son?" she asks as if this is the first time she's hearing it.

"Yes, now please drop the knife before you hurt yourself." I take another step forward and she does the same, hitting the altar.

"No... my son is the devil..." She keeps on shaking her head, her eyes bleak as she looks at me. It's like she's a shell of a person.

I try to reach out, but she brandishes the knife in front of me, making me retreat a little.

"Let's drop the knife, okay?" I do my best to keep my voice calm. "God wouldn't want you to hurt yourself, right?" I change tactics, hoping it will somehow make her more receptive.

"No... You're the devil... You're trying to tempt me, aren't you?" She snickers, an ugly scowl transforming her features. "Yes... I knew you'd come to test my faith. But you won't win."

She gives me a smug grin before lifting the knife once more. I think she's going to attack me, so I instinctively take a step back.

She's not.

She takes the knife and positions it close to one ear. My eyes widen in understanding, but it's maybe a second too late. I starttowards her at the same time that she cuts through her own flesh and drags the knife from one ear to another, grinning like an idiot as the blood flows down her clothes.

I stop.

She's gasping for air as her life's essence leaves her body, and I just watch. The rivulets of blood flow down until there's nothing left. I watch until the last drops of blood have left her body. She's a mess on the floor, her eyes still open and glaring at me defiantly. Her lips still carved in a dark smile.

And I feel nothing but relief.

She's gone...

I turn my back and leave the room, letting the staff know to clean the room.

Death is everywhere. Why should I care about one person more than the other?

We all die eventually.

Mother just precipitated her demise. Like I do to so many others...

Death is everywhere. And I'm finally at peace with that.

Marcello

My plan has been going smoothly. For a few days now, I've been able tomostlyavoid Catalina. And I consider it a feat, seeing that she's been trying to get me alone for another conversation. After the last time, I think I'll pass. Just knowing she's in the house... I'd say that's torture enough.

Luckily, I've also been busy. Since I've gone through all the financial accounts and had compiled a dossier of all the ventures within the Famiglia, I've gotten a better understanding of how it operates, or rather, how itshouldoperate to maximize profit. I've made a few notes and have been working to implement them. I've hired a few accountants and stock market specialists to revise the portfolio and to suggest further investments.

I can't afford to be placid, especially when all eyes are on me. I know Nicolo is just biding his time. Francesco has been monitoring the other branches of the Famiglia and he is updating me daily. We've also paid a few people to keep tabs on the suspicious individuals, and I can't wait to see what they uncover.

It's a little over five in the afternoon when I reach the house. I'd spent the entire day at the hospital with my friend – former friend, that is. Adrian had recovered from his brain injury, and Iowed it to him to come clean about my reasons for betraying his confidence. I would have never sold him out if the debt I owed hadn't been that big.

Ten years ago, Valentino had saved my entire world, and in return, I'd agreed to do whatever he asked of me. Who would have thought that my choices would bite me in the ass again? I'd confessed to Adrian my darkest secrets. I didn't want his pity, nor his forgiveness, since I know I don't deserve it. But I wanted him to know that I valued his friendship.

I step inside, about to go to my room. As I'm passing by the living room, I see Venezia standing up, hands on her hips, snickering at someone. I move a little to the right, keeping myself out of sight, and I notice Catalina sitting on the couch opposite Venezia.

"I'd appreciate it if you at least respected my daughter. She is innocent in this." Catalina's voice is calm, yet determined. From my hiding place, I notice she is looking at Venezia straight in the eyes, challenging her.

"Why would I do that? She'syourresponsibility." Venezia counters.

"Yes, she is my responsibility. But it's also your responsibility to behave like a human being. I don't understand why you always have to throw a fit." Catalina continues, narrowing her eyes at Venezia. "But that's what you want, isn't it? You want to throw child-like tantrums to get attention." She point-blank confronts Venezia, and she pales at the accusation.

"Shut up!" Venezia screams at her. "You know nothing!"

"I see..." Catalina says quietly. "You want attention, don't you? From your brother?"

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