Father smiles as though accepting the challenge. "What the fuck did you just say to me, young lady?"

Leah side steps Mariano, exposing herself to the danger coming after her. This girl-her oblivion will be the death of her. "I said," she gulps, "with all due respect, sir, I'd like to point out that you're the most uncultured human being I've ever come across."

It's silent for a second, filled with heavy, angry, and fearful breaths. But the look in my father's eyes is familiar. I know him well enough to know that instead of being angry, he's impressed by her boldness.

But she doesn't need to know this, so that it doesn't become a constant habit of hers to talk back to the Godfather of Italy, especially with his subjects around.

Father chuckles.

That stupid man scoffs, excitement dancing in his eyes.

Mariano swallows hard, desperation filling his orbs as he whispers a few things into Leah's ear but she's not having it.

And my mother's lips are turned up the slightest bit.

Leah continues after heaving out a scanty breath. "You've only met me for the first time in your life and you've addressed me as a whore more times than I can count. First, I'm not close to being a whore. I'm a high ranking neurologist at the most prestigious hospital here in Sicily. I have a life of my own and I'm a responsible young woman."

Oh Leah, that hospital belongs to my father and it was built in memory of my grandfather-Ernesto Denaro-but we'll leave that information out for now.

Father's eyes darken and Leah must've seen it because she takes a few steps back her throat bobbing when she swallows hard.

"I'm sorry for coming into your home, but the fact that I spent a night with your son doesn't make me a whore. And please refrain from calling Mariana a whore. She's everything but. I'll be leaving now. Thank you Aunty Mirabella for being such a wonderful host."

Mother smiles at her and she walks out with Mariano following behind her.

Father throws his head back in laughter, except, his laughter is hysterical and the darkness that leaks out of the disturbing sound causes me to gulp down harshly.

"How the fuck did you get your hands on drugs, Maria?!" He snaps.

"I stole it. I broke into your private vault and stole it," I answer on a shaky voice, my gaze still fixated on the floor.

Father chuckles dryly and mother sighs tiredly. "You've got to be kidding me," he laughs, "You have such talent, yet, you've been nothing but a fuck up!"

Tears stream down my face and I sniffle. "Papá, you're not allowed to say such things to me."

"Then why are you taking drugs, Maria? Why do you keep disappointing your father? Mr. Vastlav confirmed that he saw you sniffing drugs last night and that he in fact ended the party because you were so high out of your mind that you began making out with a man in public. When did you become this person, Maria?"

That bastard! He said all those things to my father? Fucking snitch!

I lift my gaze and my eyes lock with his. A smirky smile is etched at his lips as he holds eye contact with me, his brows raised with challenge. "I'll kill you," I mouth and his lips instantly widen into a grin, his chest vibrating in silent laughter.

"I don't sniff drugs, papá. Why would you believe a stranger's words over mine? Did I steal the drugs? Yes. Did I give them to my friends? Yes. Did I make out with a guy in public? Yes. But I didn't sniff no fucking drugs."

"Watch your language young lady!" Father yells, "I've had enough of your troubles, Mariana. I sent you to school and you dropped out, sent you to the army for combat training and you failed, allocated a portion of the business to you and it crumbled under your watch-the list goes on and on."

"Don't insult me," I whisper underneath my breath.

His lips pull apart, releasing harsh pants. "What was that?"

"I said, do not insult me." I stern, "enough of this, don't demean anymore, especially in front of a stranger."

"Then earn my respect!"

I stare at my mother, pleading with her with my eyes to stand up for me for once since she roped me into this endless road of shame, but she shakes her head in disagreement, gesturing to me with her hand to be patient.

Patience? My father hates me because of you, mother! Why don't you just tell him the truth!

I want to scream but I suck in a breath, biting down on my lips as more tears stream down my face.

"Wow! She must be a wild one then?" Mr. Vastlav whistles, "I could tame her if given the opportunity."

"Don't fucking speak about my daughter like she's some animal, you bloody bastard!" Father growls in warning. But the man only releases a dry chuckle.

"I'm sorry for seeming disrespectful, Don Matteo. All I'm saying is that I'd love to take your daughter as a wife. We could become more powerful and our alliance would be built upon a stronger foundation."

"Over my dead body," I snarl.

"You heard her. I'm not going to force her into something she doesn't want and until she decides otherwise, the answer is no." Father breathes before turning to me. "Go to your room and sober up. Keep this in mind, Maria, I might tolerate whatever you do but I'll never tolerate a drug addicted whore. Go to your room now!"

"I'm not a whore! And I'm certainly not a drug addict!" I retort.

"Then stop acting like one!" Father yells and a sob breaks through me as I run upstairs-as fast as my legs can move.

Mother's voice resonates through the halls as she scolds father for addressing me with the use of foul words but I'm unable to bring myself to a point where I give a toss about whatever comes out of her mouth. I'm done. This thing between my mother and I is over. I'll no longer take the insults because of her.

Heaving out a shuddered breath, I throw myself into the bed, sobbing until I drift into the realm of unconsciousness.