The night of the celebration for the founding of the Locatelli organization, I couldn’t sit still. I was nervous, but at the same time, excited. Gio said he would introduce me to some family members I hadn’t met yet and also to some close supporters of their organization.
The celebration was exclusive to those who were part of their organization. If you weren’t a part of it, you couldn’t enter. Only those with an invitation could access the venue.
My hands were cold. I saw a lot of people who seemed incapable of smiling or showing emotion. It seemed like one of the requirements for being an ally or part of their organization was to control your emotions.
I met some people, including famous actors I hadn’t expected to be part of their organization, and politicians who had undoubtedly won and secured their positions with the help of the Locatelli family.
I spotted Beatrice earlier, but we were both busy with our respective duties, so I hadn’t had a chance to talk to her.
Gio and I were among those receiving the guests.
“Uncle Fred…” Gio greeted a man with utmost respect. My knees trembled when I saw who Gio was talking to. It was as if I was face to face with Gio’s father due to the man’s imposing presence. “Aunt Cynthia.”
“Hello, Gio.”
Gio kissed the cheek of the woman whom he had greeted as Uncle Fred’s wife earlier.
“By the way, this is my wife, Millie Locatelli. Millie, this is Uncle Fred and Aunt Cynthia Hudson.” He leaned in close to my ear and whispered, “Uncle Fred is Dad’s cousin.”
I greeted them with respect and shook hands with them. Aunt Cynthia engaged me in conversation, and although I felt shy, I conversed with them.
“Where are Ash and Yves? Are they coming?” Gio asked his Uncle Fred.
“Yes, they’re on their way. We just left a bit earlier,” Uncle Fred replied in a formal and chilly tone. I swallowed hard again.
They left as soon as they saw Dad. I breathed a sigh of relief when they disappeared from my sight.
Following Gio’s greetings was Grigory Sokolsky. Gio introduced him as his cousin and the head of the Sokolsky family from Russia. He was accompanied by his mother, Sarah Locatelli-Sokolsky. They were one of the alliances of the Locatelli family.
The Hudson siblings Gio was looking for earlier also appeared. While the youngest, Yves Hudson, wore a sinister smile that seemed to signal, ‘Back off or you’ll regret it’, the heir of the Hudson Family, Ashton Hudson, had a blank expression. There was no emotion on his face. It was unlike Gio’s cold demeanor. With him, you couldn’t read anything. It was frightening. Chilling.
Gio introduced me to them. I shook hands with both of them, hesitating because I felt like they could drag my soul straight to hell and offer it to Satan.
The Hudson family hails from Italy-the Sicilian Mafia. Just like the Sokolsky family, they are also allies of the Locatelli. They aren’t our enemies, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that they weren’t friends either. Perhaps I should just be thankful that they’re relatives of the Locatelli.
After the introductions, we took our designated seats. Dad called Gio, so I was left at a table with Gio’s cousins. It seemed like the two of them had something to discuss.
I remembered that in the past few days, they were always talking as if they were planning something significant. I tried to convince myself that it was a positive conversation.
Some people spoke at the front until it was Gio’s turn to give his speech since he was the current head of their organization and the leader of their family.
I clapped my hands when his name was called. I felt like a proud wife supporting her husband. Since Gio stepped onto the stage, my smile for him never faded.
Gio began his speech with a background of their family and expressed gratitude to those who remained loyal and never turned their backs on them. He also discussed their plans and alliances, which were well received by the audience. He couldn’t help but mention all of his achievements and also touched upon the upcoming succession for the next generation to lead their organization.
“The Locatelli family will continue to prosper in the future, and always remember the family’s bywords: Loyalty, Legacy, Honor,” Gio paused. I couldn’t tell if I was just seeing things, but a faint smile appeared on his lips. “Loyalty to your blood; be remembered by your legacy; and be the man of honor and discipline. As I conclude my speech, I would also like to make a very important announcement.”
As Gio uttered those words, everyone fell silent. It was as though the world came to a stop when Gio paused speaking.
Gio took a deep breath before continuing with the conclusion of his speech.
“This might be an extreme decision, but I have been contemplating it for a very long time. I’ve also consulted my father about it, and upon receiving his approval, I’ve made a decision.”
I was extremely nervous about what Gio was about to say. He hadn’t given me any hints, so I was completely clueless.
“The years I’ve spent as the head of our family were truly fulfilling. However, during that time, I discovered another purpose in life. A certain woman gave me a new dream to pursue-a new life to live.” Gio glanced in my direction. My heart raced as if it was about to leap out of my chest. “Right now, I am choosing that life with her. So, from today onwards, I, Gioseffo Locatelli, officially step down from my position as the boss of the Locatelli organization and as the head of the family.”
My eyes widened as I heard this. I stood up in shock and stared at Gio. My hand covered my mouth in astonishment at what he had just revealed.
I was not the only one taken aback by Gio’s announcement. Even Taddeo and others in Gio’s family appeared visibly surprised by what he said.
“I think my ears are playing tricks on me. Did I hear him correctly? In all the years I’ve known Gio, we’ve all known him as the thirstiest for power, and now…” Rafaele mumbled without taking his eyes off Gio
“Shut up, Raffaele,” Taddeo, his cousin, interjected.
“I know this is shocking news for everyone. Some may not be pleased with my decision, while others may respect my choice. But by now, you all know that my wife is very pregnant, and I want to focus on my family. I want to give them my attention, love, and time. I want my children to feel my presence beside them. Being the boss of the organization is a massive responsibility, and I don’t want my children to have to share me once they’re born. I want to shower them with every ounce of my love. I will still be a part of the organization and a member of the family, but I will no longer work at the forefront. I’ll still be here if you need my help, but I won’t be your leader or commander anymore. Right now, I just want to be a father and a husband.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to Gio’s words. I had never once made him choose between his position and our future children because I knew both were important to him. Seeing him do this because he wanted to be a better father and husband was incredibly emotional.
“Thank you for everything, until we all meet again,” Gio concluded as he stepped down from the stage and immediately approached me. I was still in shock from what I had heard.
The crowd began to applaud slowly. I sniffled and joined in, clapping as Gio came closer and hugged me. I couldn’t help but cry as I buried my face in his neck.
“You don’t have to do that,” I managed to say.
“I want to do that.”
I could only manage a smile while we held each other. I couldn’t help but let my eyes wander to the people clapping for Gio. I felt so proud of him. I knew this wasn’t an easy decision, but he had chosen to step down as the leader of their organization to become a father to our budding family.
My smile disappeared as I noticed three people in the crowd who didn’t seem pleased with what had just happened. Grigory Sokolsky had a blank, almost bored expression on his face, as if he had lost interest after Gio’s announcement. The other two were Ashton Hudson and his brother, Yves. While Yves had a smirk earlier, now both of them wore dark expressions on their faces. They weren’t delighted. Not even a feigned show of happiness or applause could be seen from them.