Dangerous Secrets: My Mafia Stepbrother

Grazia’s attachment to this estate ran even deeper than Emanuele’s.

In the past, when her father was still alive, she lived on the estate. Even after getting married, she often brought Andrew back to live on the estate.

Once Emanuele became independent and got his own apartment, he rarely returned to the estate.

But Grazia was different. She knew her father would be lonely on the estate by himself, so she often came to stay. Later, when her father found a new stepmother, Grazia would come back, and they would be a happy family.

But then danger struck. Her father and stepmother passed away, and Emanuele, worried for Grazia’s safety, forbade her from returning to the estate. Eventually, Emanuele arranged for her to marry Rocco…

And now, returning once more, Grazia had a child in tow.

In this moment, facing these familiar scenes, Grazia couldn’t help but sigh, a sense of nostalgia washing over her.

She knew that since marrying in Italy, her chances of returning here were slim. Coming back to Chicago once a year was already a rarity.

So, for this time, she had to treasure it.

Grazia settled in on the estate, with Isabella by her side. The estate had a chef to cook for them, but they could always eat out if they didn’t feel like it.

Yet Grazia felt a strong sense of homesickness, as if she hadn’t been back to Chicago in ages. These past few days, she had stayed on the estate, savoring the familiar dishes cooked by the chef, each one a favorite of hers.

These delicacies stirred up memories of the past, making Grazia feel truly happy, as if she had returned to carefree times.

Grazia felt genuinely content.

She felt she couldn’t find such authentic food in Italy.

Even though Rocco was already good to her, arranging for a Chicago chef to cook delicious local dishes, the environment in Italy was so different from Chicago that even local chefs couldn’t replicate the taste.

It was a bit disappointing that Emanuele was currently on a mission.

But with Isabella’s company, Grazia was still happy.

The two strolled the estate, and Grazia took Isabella to her secret spot, a grassy area not far from the estate that belonged to them.

Grazia searched around the grass and eventually uncovered a surprise. Isabella couldn’t believe there was something hidden here.

Beneath the grass lay what seemed like a patch of land, but Grazia managed to uncover it.

It turned out this patch of land was just a cover. Opening it revealed what Grazia had cherished in the past.

It was filled with many things – dolls, brooches, toy boxes, and more.

Seeing her previous collection, Grazia told Isabella, “Isabella, look. These were my most treasured possessions from my childhood. I was afraid of losing them, so I hid them away. Every year, I would place my favorite item here. Over the years, I’ve outgrown these toys, but seeing them brings back the joy they once brought me.”

Grazia picked up a rabbit doll and said, “This was a gift from my father. I’ll always remember him, he taught me to be brave, to face danger like a boy, and I’ll always love my father. He’ll always be in my heart.”

Finishing her story, Grazia turned to Isabella, “Isabella, what about you? I remember you mentioning living with your uncle before, and how your cousin treated you poorly. Have you moved past those shadows now?”

Isabella nodded.

“I also had a toy back then, but it was different from yours. It was a Barbie doll that I bought myself, and I loved it. But I was worried my cousin would confiscate it if she found out, so I always discreetly hid it under the bed. Despite my care, its skin wore down over the years, and the plastic casing aged. But I’ll never forget the strength it gave me.”

Listening to Isabella, Grazia was filled with compassion and immediately embraced her.

“Isabella, oh, my dear, you’ve been through so much in the past. How could such a sweet and lovely girl like you endure such hardships?”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Grazia couldn’t fathom the hell Isabella lived in during her childhood.

To hide even a single toy, a Barbie doll she bought herself.

Grazia thought back to her own childhood, where rooms full of dolls didn’t need such careful curation. She would play until tired and then give them to the children’s home or throw them away. Only her favorites were kept as a collection.

Compared to Isabella, her past life was truly blissful.

Aside from occasional dangers, there was little to worry about.

With empathy for Isabella, Grazia said, “How about, Isabella, choose one of these gifts you like. Think of it as me passing on my childhood favorites to yours.”

Looking at the array of gifts, Isabella couldn’t believe that Grazia was offering her the childhood treasures.

Isabella had casually shared her past with Grazia, being with Emanuele now, having dealt with Chloe’s death, the shadows of the past were long gone.

She could speak calmly about her experiences now, indicating she had moved on.

But Grazia’s compassion warmed her heart, soothing the scars of her past self.

Although she had grown stronger, this comfort from Grazia made Isabella truly happy.

In the end, Isabella chose a piglet toy, a pink plastic piglet. Though the color had turned slightly yellow with age, its delicate design showed how exquisite it had once been.