Mafia Lord's Mute Sweetheart

Chapter 77: Chapter 77

Daisy gestured. She pointed at the scarf, then at her head, then made a sleeping motion with her hands, her fingers pressing together like a pillow. She pointed at him, then at the scarf, then made the sleeping motion again, her eyes soft and earnest.

I don’t have anything else to give you. It helps with sleep. Deeper sleep. Better sleep.

She smiled. It was a small, hopeful smile like she was offering him something precious. Her eyes shining with warmth and her cheeks were slightly pink, the color of early morning roses.

Alessio looked at the scarf. He understood most of her gestures. He knew she was giving it to him.

He took the scarf.

His fingers brushed hers, a light and fleeting touch that ignited a subtle spark within him, causing his heart to perform an unexpected, delicate skip.

"Thank you," he said. His voice was low, almost rough, as if the words had to force their way out.

Daisy’s smile widened. Her whole face lit up, and for a moment, she looked like the sun had risen just for her. Her eyes crinkled at the corners, and her shoulders relaxed, as if she had been holding her breath and finally let it go.

Alessio folded the scarf and placed it carefully in his pocket.

"I have to leave now," he said, his voice low.

Daisy nodded.

She watched as he walked to the door. He paused at the threshold and looked back at her, his green eyes meeting hers one last time. The dim light from the hallway framed his silhouette, making him look like a figure from a dream.

"Good night," he said.

Daisy nodded her head, her smile still lingering on her lips like a secret she wasn’t ready to share.

She lay back on her bed, her heart still pounding, her cheeks still warm. She pulled the thin blanket over herself and stared at the ceiling. The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting pale silver patterns across the walls.

What if the guard told Jenna? What if he told Cedric? What if they found out she had been brought home by a strange man, carried in his arms like she belonged to him?

She tossed and turned and the whole night she did not sleep well. Her mind kept racing, her heart kept pounding, and every creak of the house made her jump. The shadows on the walls seemed to move, and every whisper of wind outside her window sounded like footsteps.

However, that morning, a maid informed her that the guard had resigned from his position. He had packed his belongings and departed early, offering no explanation for his sudden departure.

Daisy sighed in relief, thinking God was by her side.

❀┈┈┈┈❀

Alessio had a good night’s sleep.

For the first time in months, no, maybe years, he slept deeply. His body relaxed. His mind quieted, and he didn’t have any nightmares. He didn’t even wake up in the middle of the night, didn’t jolt awake with his heart pounding and his hands reaching for a weapon.

He placed the soft, worn, hand-knitted yellow scarf on his pillow. It carried the faint scent of lavender, mingled with a sweet, floral aroma—her distinctive fragrance. Resting his head upon it, he found peaceful sleep within minutes.

And he had woken up feeling rested, almost peaceful. He did not know how long it had been since he had felt like that. Months? Years? He couldn’t remember the last time he had woken up refreshed.

He folded the scarf carefully and placed it on his nightstand. His fingers lingered on the soft fabric for just a moment. He looked at it, then looked away, his jaw tightening.

❀┈┈┈┈❀

Morning

Breakfast Time

The dining room of the Ricci mansion was bright, the morning sun streaming through the tall windows and painting golden patterns across the dark wood floor. The table was long, made of polished mahogany. Plates of food were laid out: eggs, toast, fruit, coffee.

The room smelled of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread, a comforting aroma that usually went unnoticed by Alessio.

Alessio sat at the head of the table, his usual spot. His face was expressionless, his green eyes fixed on his plate. He ate slowly, methodically like he was fueling his body rather than enjoying his meal.

Rafael sat across from him.

His elbows were propped on the table, his chin resting on his linked fingers. His dark hair was messy, falling across his forehead in tangled waves. His green eyes were fixed on his brother’s face with a deep, infuriating smirk that seemed to grow wider with every passing second.

Alessio ignored him.

He cut a piece of toast. He buttered it. He took a bite.

Rafael’s smirk widened.

Alessio took a sip of coffee.

Rafael tilted his head, his eyes never leaving his brother’s face, like a cat watching a mouse that didn’t know it was being observed.

Alessio set down his coffee cup and picked up a piece of fruit.

Rafael leaned forward slightly, his smirk growing impossibly wider, practically splitting his face in two.

Alessio ignored him, taking his weirdness as some episode. He had behaved the same way when he first realized he had fallen in love with Eva. Rafael had been unbearable then too, grinning like a fool and making cryptic comments.

Finally, Rafael spoke, his voice sing-song and teasing.

"You look well-rested."

Alessio did not respond.

"Very well-rested. Almost... peaceful. Like a baby who just had a long, deep sleep. A very happy baby."

Alessio cut another piece of toast.

"I am just saying. You usually look like you have not slept in years. Like a zombie. A very scary, very grumpy zombie. But today? Today you look like you slept like a log. Like you had the best sleep of your life. Like something—or someone—helped you relax."

Alessio’s jaw tightened. A muscle twitched in his cheek.

Rafael leaned back in his chair, his grin widening. "What was it, bro? A new pillow? A new mattress? A new... friend?"

Alessio’s eyes flickered up to meet his brother’s. His gaze was cold, flat and unimpressed.

"Eat your breakfast," he said flatly.

Rafael laughed. Last night he had been following his brother secretly, and his eyes had almost popped out seeing him carrying Daisy. He had hidden behind a pillar, his jaw hanging open, his mind racing with possibilities.

Now he had become more determined.

Cedric had to divorce Daisy. No matter what it took. No matter how long it took. His brother needed happiness, and Rafael was going to make sure he got it. He would find a way, even if it meant playing dirty.

He took a sip of his coffee, his eyes still fixed on his brother’s face, a plan already forming in his mind.