La Vida Loca

Chapter Five: The Long-Lost Illegitimate Son

Mr. Romano and Carlo are now inside the grand and spacious library inside the Giovanni Mansion. Everything looks antique and expensive...

The two men are seated at a mahogany table.

Mr. Romano is sitting across from Carlo, while the young man was sitting nervously on the other chair...

On the table, a bottle of strong scotch sat next to two glasses, which was delivered by Henry, a long-time loyal butler of the Giovanni Family.

Mr. Romano poured the scotch with a steady hand, and after pouring a drink at the two glasses, he gazed at Carlo, while he is trying to think of the things that he will need to say to him.

"Carlo, our meeting at the convenience store was not a coincidence. It was planned." he finally started talking.

Carlo's eyes widened slightly, surprise flashing across his face.

"Planned? What do you mean by that?" he questioned Mr. Romano, as his fingers tightened around his own glass of scotch.

"Yes, planned. And as the Giovanni family's Consigliere, it's my duty to tell you the truth." Mr. Romano continues to talk.

Carlo swallowed, his throat dry. The scotch in his glass suddenly seemed too strong, too bitter. He looked at Mr. Romano, his mind filled with questions and apprehension.

Mr. Romano took another deep breath, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass. He looked at Carlo, his gaze steady and serious.

"The truth is, you're not just an ordinary young man, Carlo. You're a Giovanni."

Carlo's eyes widened, his grip on his scotch glass tightening.

"A Giovanni?" he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes. You are the illegitimate son of the late Don Marco Giovanni. He had a secret relationship with your mother. When he passed away, he left a letter with me, instructing me to tell you the truth when the time was right." Mr. Romano started to reveal the truth one by one.

"W-What? Wait, who is this Don Marco Giovanni?" Carlo's confusion gets deeper and deeper

Mr. Romano leaned back in his chair, his hands clasped together as he looked at Carlo.

"Being a Giovanni means that you are part of one of the oldest and most respected families in our city. The Giovannis have been influential figures in business, politics, and society for generations. They have built a legacy that commands respect and, at times, fear. But they have a deep dark secret, and not everyone in the country knows about it... Don Marco Giovanni is the Godfather of the underground Mafia syndicate which has businesses connected with illegal firearms trading." Mr. Romano started revealing the secrets one by one.

"No way..." Carlo said, almost in a whisper.

"I'm afraid I have to tell you a devastating news. Your father and your brother... they were both massacred in Italy. It was a vicious attack, orchestrated by a rival family." informed Mr. Romano.

Carlo listened, his mind racing with thoughts and questions. He was a Giovanni, a part of a legacy that was much bigger than he had ever imagined. It was a lot to take in, but he knew that this was a truth he could not ignore. And his remaining family was killed and he even got a chance to meet them!

"Being a Giovanni also means that you are now a target. There are those who will want to use you, to manipulate you for their own gain. You need to be careful, Carlo. The world you knew has just become much more complicated." Mr. Romano seriously gave him a warning.

"This is too much for me to handle!" Carlo is starting to panic.

"I know this is difficult to comprehend, Carlo. The Giovanni family has faced its fair share of enemies over the years, but this... this was a brutal blow. You are now the only member of the Giovanni family left. With the loss of your father and brother, you are now the heir to the Giovanni legacy. You must assume the title of the Godfather of the underground Mafia and continue the family business." Mr. Romano finally relayed his intentions.

"Godfather? Mafia? I never signed up for this, Mr. Romano. I never wanted any part of this world!" Carlo spat out, while still in shock.

"I understand, Carlo. It's a heavy burden to bear, but it's a responsibility that has been thrust upon you. The Giovanni family has enemies, and they won't rest until they see the family's downfall. You must protect our name, our honor." Mr. Romano patiently insisted.

"But... what if I don't want this life? What if I want something different?" Carlo responded, while looking clearly hesitant.

"Well, I can't make this decision for you. But I want you to understand the significance of the Giovanni family. Our history, our influence, it's all at stake. If you choose to walk away, the family could crumble. The choice is yours, but remember, there are still some families in the mafia underground world that are out to kill you at anytime of the day." Mr. Romano gave Carlo another warning.

"I... I need time to think, Mr. Romano. This is a lot to process." Carlo feels like his head is going to explode because of too much information.

"Take all the time you need, Carlo. Just remember, the Giovanni family honor and power is at stake here. We have faced countless challenges, and we want you to continue leading the family." Mr. Romano nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, Mr. Romano. I appreciate your honesty and support. I'll... I'll let you know my decision soon."

The room falls into silence as Carlo walks out, his mind filled with conflicting emotions...