Never Again- Breaking Free From Mafia Boss

"Is he going to propose to me today?"

Serena's heart pounded at the highest speed as her orbs were fixed on her reflection in the mirror. Her hazel brown eyes were sparkling with anticipation.

Today was her 22nd birthday, a day she had been looking forward to not just for the event but for the special plans her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, had hinted at.

"This dress is beautiful!"

An unknown smile adorned her red lips. She shook her head, thinking of the man who had swept her off her feet.

A year ago, when she had started working as a secretary to Vincent, the CEO of the renowned financial firm, she met Dominic by chance, or so she believed.

Dominic Russo wasn't just any casual man. He was the heir to the most powerful mafia family on the East Coast.

With his chiseled jawline, confident personality, powerful aura and charismatic appearance, Dominic was everything that Serena had ever wanted in her life.

Although they belonged to two different worlds, she was drawn to his world of mystery and danger whereas he was captivated by her kindness, independence and the thrill she brought to his chaotic life.

But tonight, something felt off. After every few minutes, her eyes themselves made their way towards the wall clock.

"He is late," she whispered under her breath.

It was the first time Dominic didn't keep his word. He had promised her to pick up at 7 p.m. sharp for a surprise, and now it was half past 8. Slowly, her excitement turned into a matter of concern.

Within seconds, a loud buzzing sound from her cell phone broke her trance. It was a message from Dominic.

Dominic: Stuck in an important meeting. I'll make it up to you later, I promise.

Serena kept staring at the screen, her heart sinking. Although Dominic was a man of his word, that wasn't the first time when his mysterious meeting interrupted their plans.

The next moment, she took a deep breath, trying to settle down the uneasiness rising within her mind.

From the beginning, Dominic had so many secrets. Despite so many uncertainties, she chose to trust him. She had to as she loved him.

Serena: Is everything fine?

After giving it a long thought, she chose to respond.

Dominic: Yes! Don't worry about me. Happy birthday, my love.

Serena sighed. She tossed the device on the couch, trying to shake off the feeling that something wasn't right.

Finally, she decided to not dwell on it, and with an unconscious mind, she switched on the television.

"This can't be true," she whispered, staring at the most familiar face on the screen.

Undoubtedly, she wasn't prepared for what she saw next.

The screen flashed with footage of a luxurious yacht anchored off the coast. Fireworks exploded in the gray sky, complementing the colors over the ocean.

Amidst the whole mesmerizing scene, there was Dominic. He was laughing, toasting champagne, wrapping his hands possessively around a beautiful woman with flowing blonde hair.

Serena found it difficult to breathe as the voice of the anchor echoed in the air.

"Tonight, the heir of Russo Incorporation, Dominic Russo is spotted celebrating with his ex-girlfriend Rosa Martinez, on his private yacht. If sources are to be believed, the power couple rekindle their romance again. The whole celebration is in honor of their reunion."

That time, Serena felt like her whole world turned upside down. It couldn't be happening. Dominic had boldly and shamelessly lied to her.

His laughing image with Rosa, his arms around her waist as they saw the fireworks together imprinted in Serena's mind.

At that moment, her cell phone buzzed again. It wasn't a message but a call from Dominic.

Serena hesitated. Tears poured at the edge of her eyes. Her hands trembled, reaching for the phone. Her heart ached, her body trembling with rage.

But she answered the call, her voice unexpectedly calm.

"Dominic," she said, sticking at the urge to keep her voice steady.

"Hey, babe," Dominic's smooth voice came from the other end of the line. "I'm sorry, I couldn't be there on your special day. I promise I'll make it up to you."

To Dominic's utter dismay, Serena stayed silent. Seeing that, he cleared his throat and added further, "How about dinner tomorrow night? Just the two of us?"

Serena swallowed her breath, her mind racing. Does he think that I'm that stupid?

"How's the meeting?" She asked, her tone deceptively sweet.

"It's the usual. So tiring. You already know how it works," he replied effortlessly. "I'm busy, still thinking of you!"

A wave of anger washed over Serena's mind. "Are you sure you're at work, Dominic?" She asked, her voice stern and commanding.

On the other end, there was a brief pause just long enough to hear that tantalizing Rosa's laughter in the background.

"Of course, I'm at work. Where else would I be?" Dominic's voice was calm but Serena could hear the tension beneath it.

"Interesting," she replied, her voice chilling. "You know I happened to see you on television, minutes ago. You and Rosa, celebrating on a yacht. Fireworks, champagne. Does any of this ring a bell?"

After a long pause, Dominic finally spoke, his voice was cold and calculating. "Serena, it's not what it looks like. Let me explain-"

"Explain what, Dominic?" Serena snapped. She was out of patience.

"That you've been lying to me this whole time? That you're still involved with Rosa? Or I'm just a fool with whom you're playing along?"

"Serena, listen to me–"

"No! I won't," she interrupted him, her voice dripping with rage. "You're a liar. And trust me, Dominic, I'm done with your lies, your secrets, and your games. Go back to Rosa, that's where you belong."

Without waiting for his reply, she ended the call. Her heart hurt, her eyes still fixed on the screen.

She wasn't able to comprehend what just happened. Dominic, the one whom she had given her heart, shattered it in the most brutal way possible.

But the night wasn't over yet.

One hour later, Serena moved swiftly across the room, packing her stuff. With every item she placed in the suitcase, her heart shattered.

"I have to leave. I can't see him bringing her to this room," she sobbed.

When she was done, she gave a last look around and placed a small piece of paper and wrote: Goodbye.