The Mafia’s Wanted Desires

ASHLEY

This was a getaway I didn’t know I needed. I didn’t know how much I needed to step out of my comfort zone until this getaway trip. It was that breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed. If there was any word I could use other than beautiful, I would. Breathtaking doesn’t cut it, even. The Maldives are beyond beautiful. It was irresistible with its white beaches, turquoise sea, blue lagoons, colorful marine life, and many palm trees. Emphasis on the palm trees.

The cool breeze right outside the resort I was currently sprawled on the sun-lounger, blew my hair in different directions and I giggled at how it tickled my skin. I was wrapped lazily in a white robe that exposed my unclad thighs, being kissed by the gentle breeze. The sight of the clear golden sand surrounded by beautiful palm trees and a turquoise-blue sea, moving with soft waves, was appealing. I have been here for the past hour, relishing the view our resort had to offer.

The girls made sure we got a suite with the best view in the resort. I would be the world’s biggest liar if I said I wasn’t going to be obsessed with the view. I have grown attached to it since yesterday that we have been here.

“Hey, you!” Ivana’s voice came up behind me and my lips stretched in a warm smile. I took a sip from my glass of red wine, looking straight ahead and basking in the wave of utter calmness the sight of the soft waves had plunged me in.

“Ivie,” I called softly, and she squatted on my level, dropping a kiss on my cheek before taking her seat on the sun lounger beside me.

“Where’s Dawn?” I turned to her, furrowing my brows.

“Oh, you know Dawn. She’s at the reception, flirting with the golden-haired guy from yesterday. I knew she had her sights on him from how she couldn’t stop talking about him all night.” She chuckled, brushing a strand of her blonde hair off her face. She was clad in a thin red-strapped blouse and a pair of black beach shorts, her amber eyes glowing with utter softness.

She was happy, so happy.

Her hand dropped on my shoulder and she squeezed it gently. My eyes settled on her 18-karat oval-shaped diamond engagement ring that sat pretty on her ring finger. I felt my heart sink at the sight of it, tossing me into a hole of momentary sadness. She must have noticed how quiet I had gotten and a soft exhale emitted from her lips.

“What’s wrong?” Her amber orbs had gotten dull, glittering with worry that tugged at my heart painfully.

“How did you do it?” I inquired, dropping my wine glass.

“Do what?” She quizzed, utterly puzzled.

“You know…” I trailed off.

“How did you get a guy as perfect as Vince?” I couldn’t help but ask. The nagging feeling gnawing at my gut made me feel like the breakup was all my fault. I just wanted to know what I did wrong.

Vincent Morgan was the highest-paid actor in the US. Vince and Ivana have been in a relationship since her freshman year in college. Back then, she had been a little unsure about the whole thing, but Vince had proven his worth to her over and over again, over the years, and he finally sealed the deal last Christmas, when he asked Ivana to marry him. The duo were head over heels in love. I have never seen a man love a woman the way Vince loved Ivana. They were perfect.

How did she get a guy like him?

“Vince is not perfect, Ash. He’s far from perfect and our relationship isn’t perfect either. Heaven knows the storm we have had to weather through over the years, but knowing our flaws and making certain compromises and sacrifices has been a go-to thing.” She explained to me calmly, a twinge of sadness flashing across her eyes.

“I don’t know how else to say this, Ash.” She sat up, grabbing hold of my hands, and I let her. I needed all the comfort I could get because I knew I was about to break down again.

“You are not the problem, Evaline. You never were. Adam was a sick bastard who didn’t deserve you. He didn’t deserve a strong, beautiful, amazing, and goal-driven woman. You deserve better, Ashley. I want you to know that and never forget it. You shouldn’t have to lower your standards and settle for less.” Her tone was soft, warm, and encouraging. It brought a smile to my teary eyes.

“And I am so sure that the right man for you is just around the corner. Believe me, Ash.” She said subtly, smiling at me. I burst into tears. I couldn’t hold it anymore.

“I don’t want anyone anymore. I don’t want anyone. I hate love! I hate it!” I cried, burying my face in my hands.

“Take your time, love. Take your time to heal.” Ivana told me, wrapping her arm around me to pull me to herself. I leaned into her, sniffing.

“Whose bitches are those? Mine! Hey, girls!” Dawn hollered, and I looked over my shoulder to see her skipping over to us like a kid, sporting a bright smile on her face, her ginger-red hair flying in different directions with her blue eyes at their warmest.

It felt good. So good, to be surrounded by people I loved and people who love me. The positivity was exhilarating. I don’t think I could ever thank the girls enough for being in my life. “Babe, we’ll be back soon. I promise.” Ivana told him.

“Do you need me to come over?” Vince’s deep voice flowed through the speakers and she giggled.

“You are cute but no. We’ll be back soon. Babe, I have to go now. I love you.” She blew kisses at him and I heard him mutter ‘I love you’ before she got off the call with him. The resort we occupied was hosting a cute dinner party for its residents tonight, and we were trying to get ready for it. Dawn and Ivana were already dressed, but in Dawn’s words ‘I’m adding finishing touches to your makeup.

“Dawn!” I snapped and she exhaled.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

“Fine, you can open your eyes now.” She snorted, spraying a setting spray over my face. Contrary to what I actually thought, it was the most subtle makeup I have ever had on my face. It was as though it was barely there, safe for the strawberry gloss on my lips. My hair was tied in a messy bun with some strands falling off.

The yellow crop top fitted like a glove. It had puffy sleeves and looked like a milkmaid top, with ropes at the front. I didn’t have to wear a bra. It did a perfect job cupping my boobs. I paired the top with a ruched white skirt that had red polka dots. It was a tight skirt with a slant design and frills. I used a necklace and a pair of gold studs. Then, I wore white sneakers.

Dawn was clad in a blood-red flower print dress that stopped right on her mid-thigh, while Ivana’s was pure white. The girls slayed their dresses, with their flawless makeovers.

“I love it, Dawn!” I squealed and pulled her into a hug.

“You are so beautiful,” Ivana cooed.

“Come on, come on. We are going to be late.” Ivana urged us. We grabbed our phones and bags and then left the room. The party was in full swing by the time we arrived at the dining hall in the resort. The sound of several clinking glasses, the clanking of cutleries on plates, and loud chattering filled the air. I was in awe at the beauty of the place illuminated by golden lights.

“Let’s go find ourselves a seat,” Ivana’s voice brought me out of my thoughts as she pulled at my arm.

“Ouuuuu, that waiter is here!” Dawn squealed like a little girl and I shook my head at how boy-crazy she was. We found a suitable spot where we could see all that was going on and took our seats. Dawn was quick to wave the waiter guy over, grinning from ear to ear. She flipped her hair and adjusted her dress to show more cleavage, sporting a flirty smile on her face.

“Good evening, ladies.” The waiter greeted us, his voice thick with liveliness. He had beautiful ivory skin and sandy blonde hair. His brown eyes gleamed with softness. He was tall and muscular. His muscles were almost bulging out of his shirt.

“My name is Abdul, and I’m your waiter for tonight. Whatever you’ll be having is on the house. So, may I take your order?

“Hey, you,” Dawn smiled flirtatiously at him and he threw a wink that left her red in the face. I saw Ivana chuckle.

“I’ll be having the steamed rice and chicken curry along with a bottle of your most expensive red wine,” Ivana told him, smiling.

“What about you ladies?” The guy asked, his lingering gaze fixed on Dawn.

“I’ll be having what she’s having,” I spoke up and he nodded, jotting into his notepad.

“And, how about the beautiful lady?” He asked Dawn, peering at her.

“Same as my friends.” Dawn smiled shyly. As much as I wasn’t a fan of people flirting with each other. I couldn’t help but smile at the ones going on because they were so cute.

“Steamed rice and chicken curry coming right up.” He declared and spared Dawn a glance before leaving.

“Oh, my God! Did you see him?” Dawn shrieked, and I groaned. The waiter soon returned with our food, not without sharing subtle glances with Dawn, and boy was the food good. I had so much fun at the dinner, but halfway through my food, I became pressed and needed to use the bathroom.

“I’ll be right back. I need to use the bathroom.” I told the girls and they nodded. I left my seat and asked one of the servers for the way to the bathroom and they gave me the description.

The hallway that led to the bathroom was so quiet. It kinda had fear creeping into me, my eyes wandering around the hallway. I soon found the bathroom and went in to do my business. I was out in no time and was about to start leaving when I heard the clicking of a camera. I halted in my tracks, an unsettling feeling overwhelming me, causing the hair on my nape to be erect.

I waited for a while, my eyes surveying my surroundings for any slight shift, but just like the other day in my house, I couldn’t find anything. I let out a small breath, my palms suddenly grew sweaty. I increased my pace and heard the camera click again, but this time I didn’t wait to check before taking to my heels.

I was only able to breathe properly when I was back in the hall and the fact that I was surrounded by people didn’t even make me feel safe. It made me so restless. My steps wobbled as I made my way back to the girls, color completely drained out of my face. I took my seat, releasing a breath, my eyes moving around the room.

“Ash, are you okay?” Dawn asked me, her eyes fixated on me. I stared at her for a moment, unable to find my voice, so I nodded.

“You look pale,” Ivana spoke up.

I shook my head, plastering a faux smile on my face. They didn’t look convinced but they didn’t press further and I was grateful for that. I stared down at my food, my appetite was suddenly gone. I clasped my hands together, trying to steady them despite how shaky they had gotten. I blocked out the girl’s chirpy voice and picked up my wine glass, bringing it to my lips.

I think…I think someone’s following me.