My Childhood Bully is a Mafia Boss-Chapter 99

Ellie

My heart skipped a beat as I saw the imposing figure of a large man standing in my bedroom doorway. It wasn’t unusual to be surrounded by Giovanni’s henchmen, but it still put me on edge. "What do you want?" I asked, trying to hide my nerves.

The man cleared his throat and spoke in a gruff voice. "Signora Leones requests your presence, Miss Ivy."

I furrowed my brows in confusion. The first thought that came to mind was that he must be talking about Giovanni’s wife. Who else would have the same last name as him?

But then I realized that couldn’t be possible. After all, why would Giovanni make me live with him if he had a wife?

Unless...unless he was planning on making me his mistress and keeping me under the same roof as his unsuspecting wife. It sounded like something out of a soap opera, but knowing Giovanni, it could very well be true.

My head spun with these thoughts as I followed the henchman down the hallway. This was the crazy life I chose.

We stopped in front of an ornate door, and the henchman knocked softly before opening it. "Signora, I have brought Miss Ivy."

I stepped inside hesitantly, my eyes widening as I took in the room. It was elegantly decorated with rich fabrics and antique furniture. Sitting in an armchair near the window was an elderly woman with a kind yet sharp expression. Her eyes were dark like Giovanni’s, filled with both wisdom and an undeniable strength.

"Come in, dear," she said, her voice warm but authoritative. "I’ve been wanting to meet you."

I swallowed hard and stepped further into the room. "Hello," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

The woman smiled slightly. "I am Giovanni’s Nonna, Isabella Leones. And I wanted to meet the woman who has stirred such emotions in my grandson."

I blinked in surprise. This sweet old lady was Giovanni’s grandmother? "It’s an honor to meet you, Signora Leones," I said politely.

She waved a hand dismissively. "Call me Nonna like Gio does. Now, sit with me. Let’s talk."

I sat down in a chair opposite her, feeling both curious and apprehensive. "What would you like to talk about?" I asked. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Isabella leaned forward slightly, her eyes studying me intently. "I know my grandson can be difficult. He has his...ways. But I want you to understand something, Ellie. He is not heartless. And I do believe he cares for you."

I took a deep breath, considering my words carefully. "He doesn’t know me enough to care for me."

Isabella nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps you are right. And how do you feel about Giovanni? Be honest with me, child."

Her directness caught me off guard, but I appreciated it. "I don’t know," I admitted. "I don’t trust him completely, but I’m trying to find a way to coexist."

Isabella smiled softly. "I know you are afraid, but I can feel the strength in you, my child. If anyone can handle my grandson, it’s you."

My cheeks warmed at that. "Th...thank you."

The woman smiled again, her dark eyes twinkling. "And I see the appeal. You, my dear, are gorgeous. And my Gio always had a weakness for true beauty."

I blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "I don’t know about that," I murmured.

"Believe it," Isabella said firmly. "And you needn’t worry about my Gio. He can be overwhelming, but he means well. He is fiercely protective of those he cares about."

I thought about her words, trying to reconcile the ruthless man I had come to know with the one she was describing. "I hope you’re right," I said softly. "For the children’s sake, if nothing else."

Isabella’s eyes lit up. "Ah, the children. Where are they? I must see them. Oh, this house had been missing the warmth and laughter of a child."

A small smile tugged at my lips. "Lucas and Elora are still sleeping, but I can bring them to you when they are awake."

Isabella’s smile widened. "Could you? Oh, please do."

"Of course," I replied warmly.

Isabella’s face suddenly turned serious again. "This may be hard for you now but try to take it easy on my grandson. He may seem like a tough man, but I know better. The things he had been through as a boy..." She stopped and shook her head as if to shake away a bad thought.

"What is it?" I asked quietly.

She looked at me and smiled. "Not my story to tell, dear."

I stared at her curiously. What did she almost tell me?

The sound of footsteps made us both turn to the door.

Giovanni was standing there, looking at us sheepishly."Nonna," he rumbled, his eyes darting between us uneasily.

"Gio," Isabella greeted with a soft smile. "Come in. Ellie and I were just discussing the children."

He walked inside, shooting me a sidelong glance before turning to his grandmother. "I hope you haven’t been giving her the third degree, Nonna."

She waved him off dismissively. "Nonsense, she is a strong woman. She can handle a chat with an old lady."

Giovanni sauntered over to us. "And old lady? But you, Nonna, are no ordinary old lady."

Isabella waved her hand dismissively again. "No matter. We are just about finished so that you may steal your woman back."

Heat spread through my neck and ears as I heard the term ’his woman.’ Oh god, was his grandma also scheming to make me be with Giovanni too? I thought she was a sweet old lady!

"I am glad to hear that, Nonna," Giovanni said, giving me another sly smile as he held out his hand.

I took his hand without thinking and let him pull me out of the room.

"Where are you taking me?" I breathed as he took me down the hallway.

"Don’t worry, mia cara. I am not kidnapping you. You have visitors," he said, chuckling.

"Oh? Who..." I stopped as we stepped inside the living room. My mood brightened. "Aidan! Ivy!"

Ivy flashed me a smile and walked over to hug me. "Oh, Ellie. I am so glad you are okay."

"Of course she is okay," Aidan barked. "I would cut his heart out if she wasn’t."

"Ah, Blackwood. Always so pleasant," Giovanni commented.

I ignored them both and hugged Ivy back. "Thank you for visiting me," I said through tears.