Mafia Lord's Mute Sweetheart

Chapter 59: Chapter 59 You want my number?

Daisy’s eyes widened, her hands flying to her stomach as she looked at Alessio, mortified, her face turning the color of the strawberries on her plate. Her cheeks burned, and she wanted to sink into the floor and disappear. The sound had been so loud, so embarrassing, so completely humiliating.

Alessio’s expression did not change, but a hint of amusement flickered in his deep green eyes. It was subtle, barely there, but Daisy caught it. The corner of his mouth twitched, just slightly, before returning to its usual straight line.

"Eat," he said, his voice calm and smooth.

Daisy nodded, picking up her fork and taking a bite of the scrambled eggs. They were warm and soft and buttery, melting on her tongue like a forgotten memory. The taste flooded her senses, familiar and comforting, like a hug she had not known she needed. She had forgotten what real food tasted like, forgotten how good it felt to eat something that was not grass or scraps or nothing.

She took another bite, then another, then a piece of toast, crunchy and warm, the butter soaking into the bread. Then a slice of mango, sweet and juicy, the juice bursting on her tongue like sunshine.

Alessio studied her.

She ate like she was starving, like she had not seen food in days, like every bite was a gift, something precious and rare. Her eyes were closed, her face relaxed, a small smile playing on her lips as she savored each mouthful. The tension in her shoulders melted away, the worry lines on her forehead smoothed out. She looked peaceful, almost happy, like a different person entirely.

His jaw tightened, but he did not say anything. He just watched her eat while he ate some food too, slowly, his eyes never leaving her face. He noticed the way her lashes fluttered against her cheeks, the way her lips curved around the fork, the way a small crumb clung to the corner of her mouth.

He wanted to reach out and wipe it away. He did not.

Daisy finished everything. She ate every last bite of the eggs, every crumb of the toast, every piece of fruit. She drank the mango juice in long, slow sips, her eyes closed, her face peaceful. When she set the glass down, she looked happier and lighter, like a heavy stone had been lifted from her shoulders.

She looked at Alessio, her eyes bright and her cheeks flushed with color. She typed on her phone, her fingers moving quickly.

Thank you. That was the best meal I have had in a long time.

She showed him the screen, her eyes shining brightly.

Alessio read the words and looked at her. "Hmm," he said.

Daisy smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners, her whole face lighting up like the sun breaking through clouds after a storm.

Alessio tore his gaze away. That smile, her smile, did something to him. Something unfamiliar. Something he could not control.

He did not like it.

He picked up his phone and held it out to her, his expression unreadable. "Give me your number," he said.

Daisy looked shocked, pointing at herself with wide eyes, her mouth falling open.

You want my number?

Alessio did not answer. He just waited, his phone still extended, his green eyes boring into hers.

Daisy stared at him, her heart pounding against her ribs. She reached out and took his phone, her fingers brushing against his. The contact sent a jolt through her, warm and electric, like a spark jumping between them. She typed her number into his contacts with trembling hands, her fingers almost slipping. She added a small flower emoji next to her name, then hesitated, then left it.

She handed it back.

Alessio looked at the screen, seeing her name, Daisy, with a small flower emoji next to it. An unknown expression flickered in his eyes.

"I will text you," he said.

Daisy nodded, her cheeks flushed, her heart racing. She could not find the words to type. She just sat there, staring at him, feeling like the world had tilted on its axis.

Across the cafeteria, Rafael’s jaw dropped.

"He asked for her number," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "He asked for a girl’s number. Alessio Ricci asked for a girl’s number."

Ava stared, her eyes equally wide, her hand pressed against her mouth. "I saw it. I can’t believe it."

"This is unbelievable—"

Alessio’s head turned.

His green eyes, sharp as blades, found them instantly. His expression did not change, but the coldness in his gaze could have frozen the ocean. His jaw tightened, and he looked at them with clear anger, silently asking what they were doing by stalking him.

Rafael’s face went pale. "Okay. We’re leaving. Right now. Come on."

He grabbed Ava’s hand and pulled her away, dragging her behind the large potted plant and out of sight. They disappeared through the cafeteria doors, their footsteps hurried, their laughter barely suppressed.

Alessio watched them go, his eyes still cold. Then he turned back to Daisy.

Daisy was looking at her phone. A message had arrived.

She opened it.

It was from Alessio. His profile picture showed golden swords crossed against a dark background, sharp and elegant and dangerous. It suited him perfectly.

She smiled.

Alessio stood up. "I have some work to do," he said. His voice was neutral, but his eyes looked at her with deep, intent focus.

Daisy nodded, typing quickly.

Thank you again. For everything.

He read the words, looked at her, then turned and walked away.

Daisy watched him go. His back was broad, his stride confident. She watched until he disappeared through the doors.

She looked back at her phone.

The message from Alessio was still there.

She opened it.

It was a simple message. Just one word.

Daisy.

She stared at it. Her name. Just her name. But it felt like so much more.

She smiled again, her cheeks warm, her heart full. She typed back.

Yes?

She waited.

The reply came a moment later.

Daisy.

She laughed out loud, a soft, breathless sound that filled the empty space around her.