Page 78 of Dark Mafia Vows

I change into a simple, casual outfit—a pair of washed jeans, a graphic tee, and my favorite sneakers—before heading down the stairs.

“I’m heading out,” I yell toward Rosa, who is still in the kitchen. I hear Piper bark as Rosa turns to say something, but I don’t wait to listen.

As I slip out of the house, the crisp morning air hits my face. Dario would probably lose his mind if he knew I was going out alone, but I’ll deal with that when he returns.

I get into Dario’s Maybach, the familiar scent of leather and his cologne filling the air. It’s comforting, making me breatheeasier. I grip the steering wheel tightly as I pull out of the gates, my thoughts still a jumbled mess.

Without realizing it, I find myself driving toward the old building I once dreamed of owning. It’s the one thing I wanted to build for myself—my escape from everything else in my life.

I park the car across the street and get out, staring at the building from the sidewalk. It still looks the same. Tall, white, empty.

I’m surprised to find it still in this state. I know Dario purchased the property, and I’d assumed he would have sold it by now since he has no use for it.

I step closer, running my fingers along the brick wall. I can almost see it—what it could have been. The smell of fresh bread wafting through the air, the display of mouthwatering pastries, the quiet hum of conversation. A place where people would come to feel at home.

I can’t resist. I push open the door and step inside. The smell of dust lingers in the cold and empty space. I feel a pang of sadness, thinking about how close I came to making this place mine. But it was snatched up by none other than my husband-to-be.

I hear footsteps behind me, and I turn to see the landlord, Mr. Jenkins, coming through the back door. His eyes widen when he sees me.

“Ginny! I wasn’t expecting you,” he says, wiping his hands on his shirt. “What brings you here?”

I force a smile on my lips.

“I just...wanted to see the place again,” I say, my voice faltering. “I didn’t know it was still available.”

He raises an eyebrow, chuckling. “Available? Didn’t Mr. De Luca tell you? This building is yours.”

Huh?

“What do you mean it’s mine?” I ask, my heart skipping a beat.

Mr. Jenkins smiles softly. “Mr. De Luca bought it for you. He transferred everything into your name the day after...” He hesitates, as if realizing he’s about to bring up something sensitive. “The day after the...uh, well, he told me you were in an accident.”

I think back to when this must have been, and then it clicks. The kidnapping. I swallow hard, memories of that day flooding back.

“He really did that?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“He did. Paid for the renovations, too. Said he wanted it ready for you whenever you decided you were ready.”

My breath hooks in my throat. He bought it? And never told me? Why would he do that?

“He didn’t mention it?” Mr. Jenkins asks, mirroring my exact thought.

I shake my head, still trying to process what he’s saying. Why did Dario do this for me? And why didn’t he tell me?

“I had no idea,” I say softly, my voice thick with emotion.

Mr. Jenkins sighs before walking over to gently pat my shoulder. “He must’ve wanted it to be a surprise. It’s all here for you when you’re ready, Ginny.”

The emotions hit me all at once—gratitude, disbelief, confusion. How could he be so thoughtful, so generous, and yet still have someone else in his life? Still see other women?

I bite my lip, fighting back tears. It’s too much. The baby, the wedding, the bakery...Dario. How am I supposed to handle all of this when I can’t even handle my own feelings?

“Ginny, are you all right?” Mr. Jenkins asks gently.

I nod, wiping at my eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just...overwhelmed, I guess.”

He gives me a sympathetic smile. “I understand. It’s a big responsibility, but you’ve got time. No rush.”

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