“Lorenzo, before you sign out, I want you to make one last delivery for the day.” I was walking to the staff room to sign out on the logbook when Ben's words, the manager's, prompted me to turn in frustration.I had been making deliveries since the company opened and even had to work overtime because one of the two other people that was meant to be on shift with me called in sick.The same Ben told me to cover the person's tasks, which I unhesitatingly did, but it seemed I could never satisfy him or the owner of the company, Michael Anderson, no matter what I did. I had been working for the fast food delivery company for two years, but I had never been rewarded for my diligence. Many people who were employed after me had been promoted, but I had never even been rewarded once.But I never cared about it. Even though I was nobody and had nothing, I had never sought validation from people and would never.Regardless of how Michael considered me and treated me like I was worthless and s

“You are under arrest for physically assaulting Mr. Michael and for causing disturbance in his peaceful house.” The other cop replied.“What?” I was surprised that they did not interrogate any of us before coming to a conclusion. That is exactly what they were expected to do.“Just get him out of here.” That was when it dawned on me that that was the reason Michael said that I would regret my actions. He had obviously called them before he showed up behind the door.I could not believe the cops meant their words until one of them started approaching me.My eyes locked with Sarah’s as I expected her to plead with Michael on my behalf, even though everything that happened before me moments ago broke my heart, but she did not.She seemed not to take what was happening anymore and left, her eyes tinged with pity, leaving me with Michael and the two cops.“What the hell are you doing? This is a violation of my rights.” I wanted to call their senses into them as if they had been spellboun

"Hey!" I shouted, my voice ragged from the exertion. "Stop!"He did not react; he did not even flinch at my cry. With a few more strides, my legs pumping furiously, I reached him.Throwing myself at him, I managed to get a grip around his middle just as he was about to fall. With a grunt of effort, I heaved backwards, using every ounce of strength to divert his trajectory.The two of us went tumbling as we hit the ground hard with a bone-jarring thud. Gasping for air, I disentangled myself and pushed up on my hands to get a look at my would-be rescuee. He was already trying to clamber back to his feet, eyes wild and teeth bared in a feral snarl."What's wrong with you, man?" I wheezed, frantically scanning for anything that could subdue him without serious harm. "Snap out of it! Are you under some kind of spell?"He did not respond.Though his face was obscured in the shadows, I could sense the anger radiating off of him in waves. His body was tensed, fists clenched at his sides a

Two years had passed since I, now known as Vicario, had shed my old identity and embraced a new life in the heart of Italy. The bustling streets of New York were a distant memory, replaced by the rustic charm of Italian villas and the sprawling estates that I now call my domain. Though my title was consigliere to Chris, earned through years of rigorous legal study, my reputation as Vicario struck fear into the hearts of many across the country. The man who was once looked down on in New York had evolved into a powerful force, amassing immense wealth and influence. My transformation was complete—not only in spirit but in body as well. My once slender frame, reminiscent of a man perpetually on the edge of starvation, was now powerfully built, thanks to years of intense training, and had been sculpted into a figure of power and intimidation. And my face, once soft and youthful, had hardened into a rugged visage with a thick moustache that masked any remnants of my former self.Contra

As I descended the grand staircase, the gang members and mansion workers who had assembled in the spacious living room fixed their eyes on my every move. The gang members dominated the centre, their tailored suits a contrast to the cowering workers huddling in the corner. The workers' nervous glances darted between me and their superiors.The air crackled with tension, thick enough to cut with a knife. Hostile glares bore into me, questioning my right to be there and the reason for the assembly.Reaching the far end of the room, I turned to face the expectant assembly, my back to the fireplace.My hand moved to my pocket, retrieving a cigarette and lighter with deliberate slowness. The click of the lighter cut through the silence, and the smell of tobacco filled the air as I took a long, measured drag.I exhaled slowly, the smoke curling around me like a shroud as my eyes swept over the assembled faces.Their gazes were hungry, impatient to know why I had summoned them.The cigarett