Chapter 6 Chapter 5

I let out a long sigh, my eyes still fixed on the window as I watch the raindrops sliding down the glass. The soft sound of water hitting the car contrasted with the chaos of what had just happened.

“You know…” I begin, my voice low, almost a confession, but loud enough for her to hear. “I had a long day. I just wanted to go home and not worry about anything else.”

I turn my head slowly. My eyes narrow as they focus on the woman sitting beside me. Messy blonde hair, a terrified expression… I recognize her instantly.

“You?” I let out, voice colder.

She stares at me with wide eyes. Her body tense, curled up on the seat like she wants to disappear.

“Sir, please… if this is about the coffee, I’ll wash it! I can take it to the dry cleaner! Or… or I have this amazing stain remover, seriously! I spilled wine on my carpet once, used it and it came right off! It’s miraculous! Did that man spill coffee on you too? Oh my God sir…”

I roll my eyes, annoyed by her rambling. I drag my hand down my face, exhausted.

“Shut up. Forget the damn coffee. You’re here because you saw something you shouldn’t have.”

She swallows hard. Her shoulders tremble, and her fingers tighten around her jeans.

“I… I swear I didn’t see anything. I just wanted to go home. I won’t tell anyone, I swear! I don’t even remember anyone’s face, it all happened so fast…”

“It’s always like that,” I cut her off, voice dry. “‘I won’t say anything,’ ‘I barely saw anything’… and in the end, they always talk. Always.”

I calmly pull my gun from the holster at my waist. The click of the safety unlocking echoes loudly inside the car. She shrinks even further into the seat.

“I don’t like loose ends.”

Her eyes widen, her lower lip trembling. She raises her shaking hands slowly.

“Please… sir… wait… don’t…”

I aim the gun at her head. She holds her breath, eyes filling with tears, chest rising and falling rapidly.

“Talk.”

“I… I’ll do anything. Anything! Just… please don’t kill me…”

“Anything?”

“Anything. Just tell me what to do.”

I keep the gun pointed at her a few seconds longer before answering, expression cold, calculating every move she makes.

“Be my wife.”

She turns her head slowly, stunned. She stares at me as though she’s sure she misheard. Her mouth opens, but no sound comes right away.

“Your wife?” she repeats, practically in shock.

“That’s right. But… feel free to refuse,” I shrug, like I’m offering two options on a menu. “The only other alternative is that I blow your brains out right here and now. I’d just be a bit frustrated because the car literally came back from detailing. But take your time. No pressure.”

Her eyes widen again. Her breathing becomes uneven. Her gaze moves from my gun to my face, trying to figure out if I’m joking.

Spoiler: I’m not.

“S-sir… be your wife? I-I…” she stammers, eyes wide, mouth opening and closing like the words are getting tangled.

I roll my eyes impatiently and let out a heavy sigh. I tilt my head slightly, not lowering the weapon.

“Yes or no. Be direct. I don’t have patience for beating around the bush.”

She swallows, shoulders shaking. Her hand goes to her chest as if she’s trying to keep her heart from escaping.

“Okay… I… I’ll be your wife.”

I lower the gun with calm, placing it on my lap as if it’s just another object.

“Great,” I reply, voice still cold. “See how everything flows when you cooperate? Much easier. And I won’t have to clean my car again.”

She only nods, staring at me in shock. Her fingers grip the hem of her shirt so tightly her knuckles turn white.

“I want you to meet me tomorrow at Crew Collective & Café, at 9:00. We’ll finalize our agreement in a proper place. And one more thing: don’t be late. I hate delays.”

“O-okay…”

“Now go,” I say, motioning toward the door with my chin.

She hesitates for half a second before opening the car door with trembling hands. She gets out fast, nearly tripping on her own feet, and disappears onto the sidewalk without looking back.

I sit there for a few seconds, staring out the window. I let out a short breath, grab my phone, and start typing calmly as if nothing happened.

Minutes pass before the car door opens again. Enzo and Salvatori get in, both looking tense. I keep typing without looking away from the screen.

“Now my plan is complete,” I say, voice almost bored.

“Plan? About… having a wife?” Enzo asks, frowning.

His tone is a mix of worry and disbelief.

“Yes. Of course it will only be for show. Something temporary, just until I gain the necessary respect in this circle.”

Salvatori sits up straighter, leaning forward slightly. “The girl? The witness is going to be your wife?” he asks, surprised, still trying to process.

“Yes. I think she fits perfectly,” I respond, finally putting my phone into my suit pocket and crossing my arms, relaxed.

“Sir… do you really think that woman is trustworthy?” Enzo insists, voice tight. “I mean… she’s a nobody who stumbled into our world by accident. She saw too much. This could become a huge headache later on. Shouldn’t you reconsider? We can come up with another plan. One that doesn’t risk your reputation.”

I lean slightly toward him, eyes locking on his for a second.

“Enzo, Enzo, Enzo…” I repeat slowly, with a faint smirk. “Always so worried.”

He lowers his gaze, fingers tightening nervously.

“I appreciate your loyalty, but my decision is made. And I’m sure… she’ll be perfect for the role.”

Silence fills the car.

The engine hums quietly, and only the sound of rain hitting the glass fills the space between us.

“Tomorrow, I’ll make the contract official with her at Crew Collective & Café,” I say, eyes turning back to the window.

“Right… just out of curiosity,” Enzo clears his throat and adjusts his suit jacket, “What’s the name of the future Mrs. Moretti?”

I turn my head slowly.

“I didn’t ask her name.”

“You didn’t ask?” Enzo blinks, confused.

“It’s not relevant.”

“Sir, with all due respect… you’re going to make this contract with her. Knowing her name is the bare minimum.”

I roll my eyes and let out a long sigh.

“The bare minimum for me is that she signs the contract without asking unnecessary questions.” I lean slightly forward, eyes on him. “And once again: I don’t care about her name.”

Silence. Salvatori raises an eyebrow but says nothing. Enzo only nods, uncomfortable.