Dark Romance: A Cruel Obsession

“Dhanna, this is truly a wonderful name.” In the glass flower house, Shelley sat on a rocking chair, sunlight streaming through the branches and falling on her pure white skirt, leaving behind beautiful beams of light. “Did you choose this name?” Shelley asked Vivian.

“This name is taken from my teenage years.” With Luzia’s help, Vivian trimmed the roses. “Alajos did not refuse it.”

The roses planted in the glass flower house were all edible varieties. Vivian neatly arranged them in a bamboo basket and took them to the kitchen for washing.

“Is Festus doing well?” Vivian brought in red tea and snacks from the kitchen, honey scones being Shelley’s favorite. “I heard that you’ve set a date for your wedding.”

“Yes, the doctor said he’s recovering nicely.” Shelley picked up a fork and knife, cutting into the scone. The amber honey slowly flowed along the cut, emitting a sweet aroma. “He has already resumed his work.”

“That’s good to hear.” Vivian sighed and said, “I hope Vilem will recover quickly like Festus.”

Shelley was the one who could best understand Vivian’s current state of mind. She held Vivian’s hand and squeezed it tightly, comforting her, “You must trust the doctor’s abilities and believe in Vilem. He will surely recover.”

Vivian nodded.

Seeing that Vivian’s mood was not uplifted, Shelley did not continue the topic of Vilem. She stuffed a small piece of scone into her mouth and chewed slowly. “Has Alajos arranged the baptism time with the priest?”

“Yes.” They had just discussed this topic before heading out in the morning, Vivian replied. “It’s scheduled for a week from now.”

“That’s soon.” Shelley said, “I guess Luzia is Dhanna’s godmother, but who is the godfather?”

“I want Vilem to be the godfather.” Vivian said. “But as you can see, Vilem is in very poor health, he won’t be able to recover in a week.”

Accidentally bringing up Vilem again, Shelley apologized and smiled at Vivian, looking a bit silly. She tried to comfort Vivian, “It’s okay, he can reserve a spot for your next child.”

Vivian looked a bit strange, and it was evident to Shelley. “What? Are you and Alajos planning to have only one child, Dhanna?”

It was impossible for Shelley not to be surprised. No Capo has only one child, and Dhanna is a girl, not a boy. Only boys can engage in the Mafia’s business. Although she was breaking this rule.

“Dhanna is still young.” Vivian did not deny it. “Alajos and I have a lot of things to handle, whether it’s in Houston or Los Angeles.”

“It doesn’t matter. The situation in Houston is improving, Dhanna will grow up, Vilem will also recover. Busyness will pass.”

“Then it’s not too late to consider when the busyness passes.” Vivian set down her cup, looking towards Luzia who was on the phone, and said, “After Joseph’s death, my father disappeared. His right-hand man, Mark, took his loyal men away. We don’t know where they fled to, maybe still lurking in a corner of Los Angeles waiting for an opportunity, maybe they have already come to Houston.”

Shelley now works at the Houston port. Compared to when she first started working, she now has a clearer understanding of the power division between cities. “Some time ago, Alajos cleared the armed elite sent from Los Angeles to Houston, except for the Kasin team, Chaquille and Lopaka’s men were all cleaned up, but there may still be some overlooked forces.” Festus was discharged early, grabbed by Simpson to help.

Shelley glanced at Luzia following Vivian’s gaze, then turned back to her, “Can I ask you a more personal question?”

“Go ahead.”

“Joseph is already dead, but does Luzia’s marital relationship with him still exist?”

Vivian was also caught off guard by Shelley’s question. “I think it should still exist.”

“They did not divorce.” According to tradition, Luzia is still Joseph’s wife. With Joseph dead, she became a widow once again.

Though the title of widow may not sound pleasant, she regained the eligibility for marriage. For Luzia, being able to escape Joseph’s violence was also a good thing in a way.

“Will you let her move back to live in Joseph’s apartment in Los Angeles?”

Shelley’s questions were all strange, and Vivian didn’t understand. “Why would you ask such a question?”

“I overheard a conversation between Luzia and her father.” Shelley was direct and wanted to help Luzia out of her current dilemma, not hiding anything from Vivian. “Luzia’s father doesn’t want her to come back home, saying that she is a daughter who has been married off twice, living at home would embarrass him unless Luzia is willing to choose marriage again.”

“I never knew about this.” Vivian felt guilty. She was not only an inadequate mother but also an inadequate friend.

“Vilem is still very weak, he cannot return to Los Angeles immediately, but I’m sure he will be the next Capo in Los Angeles. We all respect Luzia’s own thoughts.” Vivian looked towards Luzia in the distance, who was on the phone, her expression not good, filled with tiredness.

Vivian felt uncomfortable inside. “Joseph’s apartment will certainly belong to Luzia, but Luzia won’t want to return to live in Los Angeles.”

Shelley felt the same way. Every moment married to Joseph was a nightmare for Luzia.

With the conversation at an end, Mrs. Celinda had to leave.

Finally, Luzia finished her call. Shelley muttered under her breath about how busy she was, “See you in a week, I hope you can be a bit happier, Luzia.”

“Of course, I will.” Luzia hugged her, “My goddaughter is the most adorable person in the world. Taking care of her makes me happy.”

After bidding farewell to Shelley and enjoying some time with Dhanna, Vivian pulled Luzia aside to talk. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

Luzia looked at her in surprise, and when she met Vivian’s bright blue eyes, they both understood the meaning behind Vivian’s question. At that moment, the pent-up grievances in her heart couldn’t be contained any longer, turning into intermittent sobs. “Can I stay in your and Alajos’ apartment for a while? I promise not to disturb your lives.”

“Your room has always been kept for you. You can move in anytime you want.” Vivian gently wiped away Luzia’s tears and said, “Dhanna and I will be happy to have you around.”

“I…” Luzia choked up, hugging Vivian. “Thank you, Vivian.”

And so, Luzia bid Mrs. Yazmin farewell and moved into Alajos and Vivian’s penthouse apartment.

…

The day of Dhanna’s baptism was lively. Simpson secured the position of godfather, and the whole day was filled with joy as he proudly showed off his goddaughter to guests, earning several glares from Mrs. Yazmin.

Alajos and Vivian were in charge of hosting, having to personally greet the elders of the Hargrave family, keeping them both busy.

Kasin was there representing Vilem, feeling regretful for not being able to attend personally as an uncle.

Vivian was friendly towards Kasin, “I never got the chance to thank you in person. Thank you for saving Vilem, Kasin.”Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g