
The Ruthless Mafia Boss Got Down on His Knees to Save Our Failing Marriage
Chapter 1
Red Water Heights is a bustling and prosperous city, but it has a shadowy underworld that holds many dark secrets.
It is notorious for rampant illegal dealings conducted by undercover operatives, a place where murders happen daily, and the dens and homes of the most powerful mafia lords reign supreme.
For over a decade, this has been its reputation—so entrenched that even the authorities seem powerless to stop the crimes. It has also earned the grim nickname, "Mafia Ville."
In the heart of this dangerous city stands Casa Nostra Mansion, where I've lived in luxury for the past five years…
As I stand before the gilded vanity mirror, I stare at my reflection—a beautiful woman in a sleek, designer gown that hugs my figure perfectly. My six-inch stilettos add to the look, and my makeup is bold, especially the striking red glitter lipstick. My brunette hair is elegantly styled, and gold and diamond jewelry drapes around my neck, wrists, and fingers.
I should be happy with this life of extravagance, right?
But I'm not.
Without warning, the door to my bedroom flew open, and my enraged husband stormed inside.
"What the hell is taking so long, Clara? Are you testing my patience? Are you intentionally making my guests wait?" He shouted, his voice sharp. Then, his rough hand struck my face with a force that left me momentarily stunned. The sting spread across my cheek as it reddened.
A single tear slipped down my face as I managed to speak. "I…I was just about to come out…"
He let out an annoyed sigh. "Use your damn makeup and cover that slap mark before you go out. I don't want anyone thinking I'm abusing you. You've got three minutes." With that, he turned and slammed the door behind him.
That's the very reason why, despite all the luxury, my life is a miserable and sad facade.
Donovan Mancini is the ruthless owner of Casa Nostra—the second most powerful mafia organization in the world. He is the mastermind behind every drug trafficking ring, money laundering scheme, casino, and illegal gambling operation Casa Nostra runs. A successful businessman by day, an untouchable mafia lord by night, Donovan is dominant, egotistical, possessive, and he is my husband of eight years.
After covering the redness on my cheek, I forced a deep breath and put on my most charming smile.
Donovan recently secured a major deal with 'Flo Ake', the leader of Silver Serpent—the top, largest and most feared mafia organization in the world.
No one dares to challenge Silver Serpent, given its immense power, and every mafia organization dreams of having a connection with it. So, securing this alliance is a monumental achievement for Casa Nostra, and Donovan is celebrating it with a lavish party at the mansion tonight.
With all the powerful figures attending, including Flo Ake himself, I knew Donovan would expect nothing less than my perfect smile, pretending I was happy and content. He wanted everyone to believe we were a power couple—a prestigious pair to be admired.
As I stepped outside, countless mafia associates approached me, and Donovan stood beside me, proudly displaying me as the perfect wife. Every so often, he would lean in to whisper instructions or pinch my arm to remind me of maintaining my posture and smile.
The longer the night dragged on, the more uncomfortable I became, but I had no choice but to endure until the party ended.
Then, without a warning, one of the guests—clearly drunk—stumbled over to me. His leering smile sent a chill down my spine as his eyes fixated on my cleavage. I tried to step away, but he suddenly grabbed my arm, his hand sliding down to my thigh.
Instinctively, I slapped him twice across the face, hard enough to draw attention. Then, I bolted toward my bedroom, locking the door behind me. I had seen Donovan watching the scene unfold, and I knew there would be consequences for my actions.
And I was right.
At around four in the morning, when the party's over, loud, relentless knocks pounded on my door, jolting me awake. Fear surged through me as I heard Donovan's furious shouts. Trembling, I rose from the bed and cautiously opened the door.
The moment he saw me, he grabbed me by the neck, his grip so tight I could barely breathe.
"Let me go…" I gasped, struggling to speak.
He released me only to hit my face with a vicious slap. "What the hell was that stunt you pulled earlier? Are you trying to humiliate me, Clara? You're shameless!"
My brow furrowed in disbelief. "Donovan, are you seriously defending that man? Did you not see the way he touched my thigh, how he leered at my chest like a maniac?"
His response was another sharp slap. "You lying bitch! He told me he only wanted to shake your hand."
Even in a moment where a husband should protect his wife, Donovan chose to oppose me.
"And don't think I didn't notice the way you kept making that smug, bored face all night! You looked completely uninterested! Maybe next time, I'll just lock you in your room during my gatherings. You're nothing but an embarrassment to me!" He spat.
With my head bowed, I quietly replied, "I agree, Donovan. I'd rather be locked in my room than forced to smile at your parties, pretending to be happy, only to be beaten later. I'm sick of it—"
Before I could finish, another slap landed on my cheek, harder this time, splitting my lip and drawing blood.
"I'm leaving to see a special friend who just returned from abroad. I'll be gone for a week, and as punishment, you're not allowed to leave this mansion until I return. Try, and you'll get more than just a split lip," Donovan sneered before grabbing an open bottle of wine and pouring it over my head. "Fuck you, Clara. You're such a pain in the ass."
He smashed the glass at my feet and stormed out, leaving me, as always—broken and bruised.
I collapsed in sobs, watching as the maids silently cleaned up the aftermath of the party. One of them cautiously approached, offering to help me, but I shook my head, refusing. A while later, as I stood trembling, that same maid came closer again.
"Madame Mancini," she began hesitantly, "with all the abuse you suffer from Don Mancini, why… why haven't you left him?"
I smiled through the pain, gently placing my hand over hers. "Because my foolish heart," I whispered, "despite everything, still loves him."