19. Sweet Old Lady

Valerie’s heart skipped a beat as she saw the imposing figure of a large man standing in her bedroom doorway. It wasn’t unusual to be surrounded by Antonio’s henchmen, but it still put her on edge. “Can I help you with something?” she asked, trying to hide her nerves. The man cleared his throat and spoke in a gruff voice. “Signora Costello requests your presence, Miss Valerie.” Valerie furrowed her brows in confusion. The first thought that came to mind was that he must be talking about Antonio’s wife. Who else would have the same last name as him? But then she realized that couldn’t be possible. After all, why would Antonio make her live with him if he had a wife? And he also threatened to make her his!? Unless… Unless he was planning on making her his mistress and keeping her under the same roof as his unsuspecting wife. No, that’s ludicrous. It sounded like something out of a soap opera, but knowing Antonio, it could very well be true. Valerie’s head spun with these thoughts as she